Articles Posted in Personal Injury

Personal injuries, whether caused by car accidents, boating accidents, or other types of accidents, are always a tragedy. Even relatively mild injuries can cause financial loss and suffering, while more serious injuries can result in loss of life. Studies have shown that many injuries are in fact very preventable. This upcoming year, we can do our part in order to prevent injuries. Here’s how:

1) Get informed. Learn about the laws, rules, and legislation that affect your safety each day. In many cases, injuries and accidents take place simply because we do not know how to prevent accidents and injuries. Keep reading this blog for useful safety tips and read about safety through reliable online sources.

2) Get involved. Write to your congressperson or political representative about laws and issues which concern you. Learn about laws and if you see something that concerns you, ask your political representative to make changes that will keep everyone safe.

If you are having trouble setting your resolutions for 2010 we have recommendations for resolutions that could save your life this year and the life of loved ones. Consider adding these resolutions to your list, for a healthier and safer 2010:

1) Resolve to develop a fire escape plan. Many homes do not have an active and practiced fire escape plan, even though such a plan can help save lives in the event of fire. Many families do not even have properly working fire and smoke detectors. This is the year to change all that. By having a good escape plan that is practiced and known by everyone in your family, you can help prevent serious burn injuries and fatalities as a result of fire. Just developing a plan for fire and practicing it a few times can improve the chances that your family will survive a blaze.

2) Resolve to drive more safely. Car accidents still claim many thousands of lives each year. You can help prevent becoming a statistic by practicing some good driver safety throughout the year. Make sure that you always wear your seat belt, and avoid distractions in the car. Make 2010 the year you shut off all mobile phones and devices while you drive. Pulling over to talk on the phone rather than taking calls as you drive will help you focus on the road more carefully.

This is a time of year when many of us look forward to a better and brighter future. New Year’s Eve is a time when traditionally many of us set goals and resolutions for the New Year. For 2010, you may wish to enjoy better health, better finances, and a better life all around. While we certainly hope that you reach all of these goals, and much more, do keep in mind that some New Year’s resolutions can lead to personal injuries. Avoid injuries as you set out on your new life by following these tips:

1) Seek a physician’s help if you’re considering making changes for your health. Losing weight, getting fit, and stopping smoking are among the most common resolutions set every year. Unfortunately, the methods that some people use to achieve these ends are not always healthy. If you’re starting a new exercise and diet regimen, for example, make sure you speak your doctor about healthy and safe ways to do this. It can help prevent painful strains and other stress injuries.

2) If you will be visiting a gym or purchasing equipment, carefully learn as much as you can before you spend your money. You want to ensure that you do not end up in a premises liability suit or personal injury lawsuit because you have purchased or used a product that is not very safe.

Although holiday decorations are festive and beautiful, they also do create a risk of personal injury to yourself, your guests, your pets, and especially your children. Holiday decorations pose a number of risks. To small children, they can be attractive and intriguing. Each year, a few children are admitted to emergency rooms because they have eaten decorations or have cut themselves on lights or ornaments. As well, each year people are admitted to emergency rooms with spinal cord injuries or other serious injuries as a result of putting up decorations. If you want to spread some holiday cheer in your home, you can deck the halls. Juts make sure you do so safely, by considering these tips:

1) Choose your holiday decorations carefully. Where possible, avoid candles, especially if you have children or pets. Since the holiday season is so hectic, many people do not have the time to really supervise candles correctly. Leaving candles burning can easily lead to serious burn injuries. As well, if you are looking for decorations, check to make sure that bulbs and ornaments are unbreakable and are made of plastic. If you have small children or pets, choose larger decorations which cannot easily be swallowed. Ensure that decorations do not have any small pieces that can easily be detached and swallowed. If you are hanging lights, check the cords to ensure that there is no damage that could result in an electrical fire. Where possible, switch to LED lights, which burn cooler and pose a smaller risk of burn injuries.

2) Put up your lights carefully. Usually, in order to hang lights outdoors, people need to climb onto ladders and onto their roofs in order to attach the tiny bulbs. Unfortunately, during this time of year, things can be a little slippery with fallen leaves and damp weather conditions. If you’re hanging holiday lights, use a sturdy ladder, make sure that you have someone helping you and holding the ladder at the bottom, and take your time. It is often safer to have professionals hang your outdoor lights for you. Indoors, as well, use extra caution and wear sturdy shoes when climbing up ladders to hang ornaments up high.

At this time of year, many of us are so busy that we tend to easily overlook injuries, minor accidents, and health problems. Unfortunately, small problems can quickly become major issues. If you fall down in a slip and fall accident, are involved in a minor fender bender, or otherwise are injured, take the time to carefully evaluate your condition and see a physician if necessary to ensure that your injury won’t cause you problems later on. Head injuries can be especially pernicious, in that they may initially present few or no symptoms, even when a serious head injury has been sustained. Never ignore these symptoms after you’ve had an accident:

1) Dizziness or headaches after a head injury. A good rule of thumb is that if you have sustained any bump to the head, you should have it checked out by a qualified medical professional. It is difficult for anyone but a physician to accurately evaluate how serious a head injury is initially. Some people fall down and feel perfectly fine after hitting their head, only to succumb to head injuries later on. Do not let this happen to you. If you notice any vision problems, pain, dizziness, or any other worrisome symptoms after hitting your head, get your injury evaluated by a doctor.

2) Unexplained stomach upsets, fever, or other sudden symptoms. At this time of year, serious flu viruses are rampant, foodborne illnesses are quite common, and illnesses can be all too easily overlooked. If you suddenly develop any sort of severe symptoms, or worrisome symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. If you need treatment, it’s important not to delay this treatment.

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, spending time with family, and enjoying some well-deserved holiday cheer. However, many people get terribly ill each year by eating foods that have not been correctly prepared or stored, or by eating foods which are spoiled. Foodborne illness and other forms of illness common during the Thanksgiving season can make your holiday time miserable. For the elderly, young, and those who are already ill, foodborne illnesses and other illnesses at this time of year can prove very dangerous or even fatal. Everyone has a responsibility to help make Thanksgiving safe. If you’re responsible for preparing or helping to prepare your family’s Thanksgiving feast this year, here are some tips from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make your holiday safe:

1) Check food recall information. Before going Thanksgiving food shopping, and after before you prepare your food, go online quickly and check to see whether any of the products that you will be using in preparing your feast are being recalled due to contamination with viruses, parasites, bacteria, or other contaminants. If you find that an item you have purchased has been recalled, return it to store promptly or dispose of it. Product liability issues are a major concern at this time of year, but you do not want to be involved in a legal action when you can simply dispose of a potentially unsafe item.

2) Keep foods that will be cooked and those that will be eaten raw separately. Foods that need to be cooked — such as chicken, turkey, all meats, seafood, and eggs — should be kept separate from foods that will be served fresh, such as fresh vegetables. The juices from uncooked meat, not to mention raw eggs, contain bacteria that can contaminate uncooked foods and make you very ill. When transporting these items from the grocery store, keep them separately. Keep them separately in your refrigerator, and clean all surfaces carefully after handling uncooked foods, especially meats.

During the holiday season, we all want to relax and enjoy some well-deserved time with loved ones. However, injuries and accidents do not take a vacation during this time of year. In fact, some accidents and types of injuries are actually on the increase at this time of year:

1) Burn injuries. While most of us know that putting candles on holiday trees and wreaths is dangerous, there are still dangers of fire during the holiday season. Old-fashioned electric lights can overheat and can cause burn injuries and fires. Before decorating for the holidays, look over your lights and electric decorations. If you see signs of wear, replace your lights. Consider switching to LED lights, which stay cooler and therefore pose a smaller risk of fire. If you are using candles to decorate your home, remember to always supervise candles while they are lit and never leave candles burning when you leave a room.

2) Car accidents. Extra stress and rushing during the holidays can mean more mistakes behind the wheel and therefore more car accidents. Holiday parties and festive drinks can also lead to more drunk driving accidents at this time of year. To stay safe, make sure that your car is in good condition and practice defensive driving. Have a holiday plan for getting home safely if you attend a party where alcohol is served.

Holiday parades, with their crowds and bright floats, are a tradition for many families. Not only are parades festive and exciting, they are often a holiday highlight for children. However, with their crowds and distractions, parades can also mean injuries to minors and children. Here’s how to stay safe while having a wonderful time:

1) Supervise children near vendors and refreshment stands. Hot elements and hot drinks can mean burn injuries for small hands. Supervise children around vendors and refreshment stands to ensure that your children do not touch any hot surfaces. If you buy treats or hot drinks, make sure that they are slightly cooled down before giving them to your children. If you have smaller children, bring spill-proof containers and transfer hot drinks into them so that they cannot spill hot drinks on themselves. Or, bring your own beverages – at the right temperatures – in a thermos.

2) Do not let your child wander too close to the floats or entertainers. Items may accidentally drop from floats or entertainers with costumes may not notice your child and bump into them. Look for a high spot, where you can watch the parade in safety.

Accidents happen at any time, but there are especially difficult during the holiday season. In the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, few people have extra time to devote to injuries and accidents. For this reason, some people who are in an accident or who sustain a personal injury put off seeking medical help or legal help for their injuries. Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences.

Not seeking medical help immediately for an emergency can result in complications that delay your medical treatment. In extreme circumstances, delaying medical attention can result in fatalities. Even seemingly innocuous accidents, such as a sudden bump to the head during a car accident, can prove fatal within a short period of time if not treated correctly. As well, not seeking medical help deprives you of the evidence that could be important if it eventually transpires that your injury was caused by someone’s recklessness or negligence.

Not seeking legal help and advice after a holiday injury or accident can also lead to serious legal consequences. Contacting an attorney immediately ensures that your legal rights are carefully protected and that you have the legal advice you need to make the right decisions after your accident. When you delay calling an attorney, you can unfortunately harm the integrity of your case.

If your children will be trick or treating this Halloween, you will want them to have an enjoyable time. A great Halloween means an injury-free Halloween, which is why you will want to have these tips on mind when you enjoy the holiday:

1) Consider parties rather than trick or treat excursions. Many families are now having parties rather than taking their children door to door. Parties allow you to supervise your children in a very controlled environment. This can be much safer than going door to door in the dark, when poor visibility, premises liability issues, and unfamiliar terrain can lead to trip and fall accidents and other dangers. As well, parties indoors reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents.

2) If your children are going out for Halloween, arrange for supervision. If your children do decide that they want to go out for Halloween, arrange for at least two adults to accompany them door to door. Ensure that both adults and children have flashlights to light their way and remain in familiar neighbourhoods.