Monday, November 22, 2010

Examples Of Truck Accident Paralysis Victims Obtaining Multi Million Dollar Recoveries

By Joseph A Hernandez
Accidents involving commercial trucks often end in tragedies. In large part it is due to the sheer weight of commercial trucks which can come in at several tons. When traveling at a high speed the resulting impact from a collision can do extensive damage to anyone in the truck's way.One type of injury that all too often occurs is a spinal cord fracture that can lead to paralysis. Attorneys who handle such cases should be experienced in the medical and psychological aspects of these types of injuries as well as the complex liability and insurance issues that often arise in these cases. For example, consider the following two cases:

Case 1:

In this documented truck accident the victim sustained cervical fractures resulting in quadriplegia. The victim was in a stopped van on a street in a commercial area in front of a facilities driveway. He had turned on his right turn signal and was waiting for another vehicle to leave the driveway so that he could go in and make a delivery for his employer. As he was waiting a tractor-trailer hit the other vehicle. The driver of the tractor-trailer was going at least 45 mph. As such the impact threw part of the exiting vehicle into oncoming traffic and catapulted the victim's vehicle so that it hit a pole and rolled over. As a result of the injuries from the accident, the victim needs assisted care around the clock.

The total cost of the victim's treatment and care were anticipated to be approximately $6 million. In addition, since his injuries left him with a lifelong impairment he also suffered a loss of earning capacity. The law firm that handled this case on behalf of the victim and his wife filed a claim against not only the driver and his employer but also against the company that hired the driver's employer to transport their product. As a result the law firm was able to report that the case was settled without going to trial for the sum of $3.0 million of which only $1.0 million came from the driver's employer and the remaining $2.0 million, the larger portion of the settlement, came from the company that hired the driver's employer to transport their product.

Case 2:

In this case a mail delivery person was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer after having stopped her vehicle when she reached the next delivery spot on her route. The impact was so severe that the woman was left paralyzed and blind in one eye. The law firm that handled this case on behalf of the victim and her husband named several defendants in the lawsuit. The defendants included not only in the driver of the tractor-trailer and its owner, but also the company that had contracted for its services. The law firm discovered that he driver of the tractor-trailer had a long criminal record.

The victim's medical expenses at the time of settlement amounted to approximately $500,000. She had up to that time lost approximately $50,000 in wages. Given that she was only 53 years old at the time of the accident her lifetime expected future loss and earning capacity came to over $300,000. The law firm reported that the case settled on behalf of the woman and her husband in the sum of $5.5 million.

These cases illustrate the importance of retaining an attorney with sufficient experience to be able to recognize the value of the claims as well as identifying all those who may be liable and have the insurance or the assets necessary for an appropriate recovery.
READ MORE - Examples Of Truck Accident Paralysis Victims Obtaining Multi Million Dollar Recoveries

An Auto Accident Personal Injury Claim Can Help You Get Back on the Right Track

By Charles Bradbury
Most people tend to look frivolously at motorbike personal injury claims. Long seen as death traps, traffic menaces and tools of wreaking havoc, motorcycles and their owners suffer accidents quite often, but not of the fault of their owners. Bikers tend to be seen as this sort of manic, living-on-the-edge menace that drives his bike with disregard for decency or safety, including his own.

And these are the exact prejudices and half-baked opinions that motorcycle accident victims need to overcome in order to receive the just compensation they deserve when they suffer an accident because of someone else's fault.

While motorcycles are generally a lot more nimble and agile than your average road vehicle, that is no excuse for the recklessness of some drivers who run into them, because of "unexpected turns". Also, motorcycles are infinitely more dangerous and unsafe for the owner compared to automobiles, so they require even more funds for injury compensation.

Why would I want to get a motorbike personal injury claim?

Compensations relating to an auto accidents have made up more than half of the total sum of paid settlements within the UK last year. An auto accident personal injury claim is a big point of interest within the UK, and if you've become victim of a roadside accident because of someone else's recklessness, incompetence or lack of attention it could have literally cost you life and limb.

Don't hesitate to file for a motorbike personal injury claim

With the help of a professional team of personal injury solicitors, and through a motorbike personal injury claim you can recuperate some of the losses associated with hospital bills, vehicle repairs, treatment costs and loss of income. Also, you could receive a large sum of money as compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured because of your injuries, which in turn were caused by someone else.
READ MORE - An Auto Accident Personal Injury Claim Can Help You Get Back on the Right Track

A Personal Injury Claims Company Can Sometimes Be Your Best Friend

By Charles Bradbury
A personal injury claim company is your eyes ears and voice within a courtroom of a personal injury case, or more exactly, your legal representative within a legal dispute regarding a claim for compensation. In the event where you have suffered a debilitating injury because of an accident caused by the carelessness, incompetence or lack of action of someone else, you could seek to receive a fair sum of money as compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
What can a personal injury claim company get me?

Besides the pain and suffering that your injuries have caused you, things like hospital bills, treatment costs, repairs and income loss can and should be covered in full by the obtained compensation. Getting there however, is no easy task.

Even in the case of work injuries of high-risk jobs such as within the gas or oil industries, it doesn't get any easier with industrial injury claims. Insurance companies will do their best to protect their interests and stop you from receiving the money that you deserve. Some insurance companies will go so far as to prove in court that the accident was caused by your own negligence and carelessness and try to relieve themselves of any responsibility.

Why should I use the services of a personal injury claim company?

That is why it is always a better idea to use the expertise and specific knowledge of top legal solicitors to your advantage. If you feel that you won't be compensated with the amount that you feel would be fair in relation with the damage to your health and finances, you can contact a personal injury claim company and hire a team of injury lawyers to represent your interests.
READ MORE - A Personal Injury Claims Company Can Sometimes Be Your Best Friend

Looking for an Online Personal Injury Claim Service?

By Charles Bradbury
An online personal injury claim has become an unlikely reality in today's fast moving world. A professional legal solution that can tend to your injury situation and hopefully see you receive the just compensation that you feel you deserve can now be obtained by mostly using only the internet.

Why would I want to apply for an online personal injury claim?

Apply now for an online personal injury claim to start legal proceedings that will make you recuperate some of the losses you have suffered following your accident. If you are burdened by treatment costs, the loss of your income while you heal and don't work, as well as missing out on day activities with your friends and family, professionals can help you make up for those losses by getting you a large amount of money as compensation for the pain and suffering you have already endured.

Find out now that with the right help, law can be used to your benefit. If you have recently been made a victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, you should be glad to know that there is something you can do about it.

Is an online personal injury claim service safe?

Injury solicitors have the necessary skill and mastery of injury law to see you through your legal proceedings. There are literally thousands of legal representation firms out there that have built their reputation by working on a large number of cases of all types, and most of them have started to operate over the Internet as well. No matter how small or serious you feel your accident may be, you can contact one of them us to start making up time and money that you feel you've lost through your accident.

If you'd like to find out more about online personal injury claim service, you can now browse the Internet through hundreds of sites that offer these types of services. One good example of such a site would be this website.
READ MORE - Looking for an Online Personal Injury Claim Service?

Why You Need Professional Law Advice in Case of Accident Injury?

By Joanna Gadel
Why you need professional law advice in case of accident injury is a big question that is asked by many people throughout the world. In fact people are quite inquisitive about this question. Most of the people are not aware of law and how it safeguards the citizens of a country. Whenever people need to know about law ideally they should consult a lawyer as they are the best who can help with their expertise. Well to be honest this question is not limited to any region or country as accidents occur everywhere and people want to know about lawyers.

The very reason for why you should seek professional law advice in case of accident injury is that people do not understand legal terms. In order to decode law and its legal terminology you need the help from a pro. An accident lawyer is that intermediary link between you and the law of your land who aims at clarifying things in an easy language. During a crisis it is not expected that a victim or a patient of an injury will sit down with a dictionary to decipher a legal notice. Hence professional law advice is a must all through an exigency.

Another aspect of professional law advice is that at times it serves as a counselor's soothing words. Of course, good attorneys and lawyers do serve as a counselor when required. They take care of their client when rendered helpless. This gives them a humanitarian touch too! They handle different types of cases for which they need to be human first at times. This could be a reason why they are called counselors. This is one characteristic of a professional lawyer which especially makes a lawyer a better one.

Additionally the biggest reason for seeking professional law advice in case of accident injury is that they can help you with what you rightly deserve. It is advisable that you do not sign any claim forms in the absence of your compensation lawyer, who could be a guide to your right compensation. If course you need to be very careful with that and never give in to sweet talking of any kind. These attorneys are people who can actually serve as the best guide and philosopher to anyone in distress.

Why you need professional law advice in case of accident injury can be explained in another context. In this context it can be said that during an accident a normal human is rendered confused with the injury and the devastation of property if any. Lawyers happen to be dexterous enough with such situations. They help you get through such conditions without getting you worried about what to claim and how to fill in the claim form. So they take care of most of your concerns in an effortless manner.
READ MORE - Why You Need Professional Law Advice in Case of Accident Injury?

Falling Victim to Drunk Driving

By James Witherspoon
Falling Victim to Drunk Driving

When you get on the road you take care to follow traffic guidelines and regulations. Sadly, it is not always guaranteed that others you share the streets with will do the same. Too often there are those who act recklessly, thereby endangering all those who unfortunately cross their paths. This is certainly the case with drunk or intoxicated individuals who get behind the wheel when they are above the legal blood alcohol concentration level to drive. When drunk drivers hit the road they are putting the lives of all those they come into contact with at risk.

Drunk Driver Threats

When you make use of the public road you do not expect to be involved in a car accident. However, vehicular accidents and collisions can happen unexpectedly and without warning when a driver under the influence of alcohol is nearby. Some of the threats that intoxicated drivers pose for the other vehicle occupants and pedestrians they may come into contact with include the following:

* Increased reaction times and decreased ability to make snap decisions, which can be problematic should the drunk driver be exposed to a sudden change in the road, such as a pedestrian crossing the street
* Failure to properly read and abide by traffic signs and signals, such as stop signs, yield signs, or one way street signs
* Failure in depth perception which can cause the drunk driver to not be able to properly assess the distance between their vehicle and others nearby

These are just some of the many threats intoxicated drivers can pose to those on the roadways they come across. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident caused or influenced by a drunk driver, you have a right to seek compensation from the reckless individual who decided to drink and drive and cause you harm.

For More Information

If you would like to learn more about drunk driving liability or drunk driving car accident law, visit the website of the Wisconsin drunk driving victim lawyers today.
READ MORE - Falling Victim to Drunk Driving

How to Find Motorcycle Personal Injury Attorney

By Jacklyn Young
It is releasing to find out that you can choose the kind of transportation you want to use - it may be a motorcycle, a car, or a bus. That is the reason that you can be also involved in many different types of personal injury claims cases. The most susceptible type of transportation is the motorcycle. There are so many motorcycle personal injury attorneys.

State laws in which they are handling and serving clients must be known by a PI attorney. A PI attorney is available to help you to ease the burden of medical bill by get the right type of compensation for your motorcycle personal injury claims cases. Moreover, a PI attorney is aware of the state laws which are related to a case.

They acknowledge the decree of limitation and your ability to get the compensation for the caused damages. With the support of a PI attorney, you can get safe relief for loss of income, medical expenses, partial or permanent disability, psychological suffering and property damages. This also helps you to carry on without having rude effects that take you down. Always remember that a PI attorney will help you make the claims, but you have to act fast.

The people who acted fast and provide all the necessary documentation often succeed the personal injury cases. You have to discuss with a PI who comprehend your circumstances. You don't even have to meet them; they will happily come to see you. This way you won't let your opponent go unpunished with no excuse. You have the right to speak up and get the compensation for your injury.
READ MORE - How to Find Motorcycle Personal Injury Attorney

Basic Construction Safety Equipment

By James Witherspoon
Though every construction site is different in it's nature and intention, there are basic items of safety equipment that should be present at any site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates what safety equipment is required on specific types of construction sites. It is the job of an employer to be aware of what those regulations are and to ensure that proper steps are taken to protect all of their employees.

Personal safety equipment is an essential part of work place safety and should be accounted for at every construction site. It is impossible to prevent every potential accident, but this type of gear can often protect a worker from suffering a dangerous injury. Even simple objects like gloves, eye protection, and head protection can make a significant difference in a construction worker's life and health.

Depending on the nature of the work being done, different levels of protection may be required. Head protection is crucial to many construction situations. If there is a risk of falling or flying objects, a hard hat can do a great deal to protect a worker's head. If stationary objects may be difficult to see, head protection can help prevent traumatic head injuries.

Eyesight is crucial to much of the work that employees at construction sites must perform. To help ensure that a worker maintains his or her eyesight, eye protection may be required for many construction tasks. Even simple eye wear can make a huge difference in protecting a person's precious sight.

Protecting an employee's hands and feet are also crucial for them to be able to do their job. Proper attire can be an important way to protect these valuable body parts. No piece of safety equipment should be taken for granted.
READ MORE - Basic Construction Safety Equipment

Basic Construction Safety Equipment

By James Witherspoon
Though every construction site is different in it's nature and intention, there are basic items of safety equipment that should be present at any site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates what safety equipment is required on specific types of construction sites. It is the job of an employer to be aware of what those regulations are and to ensure that proper steps are taken to protect all of their employees.

Personal safety equipment is an essential part of work place safety and should be accounted for at every construction site. It is impossible to prevent every potential accident, but this type of gear can often protect a worker from suffering a dangerous injury. Even simple objects like gloves, eye protection, and head protection can make a significant difference in a construction worker's life and health.

Depending on the nature of the work being done, different levels of protection may be required. Head protection is crucial to many construction situations. If there is a risk of falling or flying objects, a hard hat can do a great deal to protect a worker's head. If stationary objects may be difficult to see, head protection can help prevent traumatic head injuries.

Eyesight is crucial to much of the work that employees at construction sites must perform. To help ensure that a worker maintains his or her eyesight, eye protection may be required for many construction tasks. Even simple eye wear can make a huge difference in protecting a person's precious sight.

Protecting an employee's hands and feet are also crucial for them to be able to do their job. Proper attire can be an important way to protect these valuable body parts. No piece of safety equipment should be taken for granted.
READ MORE - Basic Construction Safety Equipment

The Dangers of Defective Windshields

By James Witherspoon
Many drivers pay no attention to their windshields because they do not realize how important windshields' functions are. Aside from guarding drivers and their passengers from wind, the elements, and debris, windshields serve as structural support for an automobile.

As such, it is important for a windshield to be strong and sturdy. They are made from two pieces of tempered glass pressed together with a clear piece of vinyl in the middle. The vinyl acts as a binding agent, ensuring that a windshield will not shatter and send dangerous shards toward a vehicle occupant.

When any of these parts are not up to standard, individuals may be in serious danger. While most effects from a defective windshield will occur during an accident, some may occur while an individual travels down a road.

This is especially true when an individual's windshield is struck by a rock or some other form of road debris. While most windshields are able to deflect these flying objects, defective ones may break or even shatter, which may jeopardize an individual's physical safety.

When an individual is in an accident, a defective windshield may not be able to withstand the force of the impact. As such, individuals may suffer severe lacerations from shards of glass or may be ejected from the vehicle. Additionally, individuals may suffer injuries from crushed roofs and side panels.

Individuals who have suffered injuries in auto accidents because they had defective windshields may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. These individuals will need to prove that the windshields' manufacturers are to blame for their suffering.
READ MORE - The Dangers of Defective Windshields

Personal Injury Attorneys - Specialist Option for You

By Jacklyn Young
Do personal injury (PI) attorneys concentrate on some category of case or law?

Yes, they do. Consider that many attorneys only practice in a partial number of areas of the law; they could just only handles ONE area. Some PI attorneys only conduct workers compensation cases, or medical or legal malpractice case, or car accidents. In several states, the cases of workers compensation are followed by uncommon set of rules that not all attorneys are experienced in. Moreover, medical malpractice necessitate abundant of medical knowledge, which not all PI attorneys have. Legal malpractice cases necessitate a complete understanding of each respective state Code of Professional Responsibility, commonly called Code of Ethics. These are some reasons that you better hire a PI attorney who is expert in a limited area of the law.

Moreover, some attorneys or law firms are experts even deeper, focusing on smaller areas within a particular area of the law. Examples are: a workers' compensation attorney may restrict the practice by the type of industry, such as manufacturing or trucking. They may also restrict the kind of injury, even to the death claims or psychological injuries. There are some firms and attorneys who will restrict the practice to the kind vehicle involved in an accident, for example in motorcycle, trucking or boating accidents. A medical malpractice attorney, may restrict the practice on the type of injury, such as heart attacks, birth trauma injuries, or messed up surgeries.

For the reasons listed above, it is very important that you have to carefully choose the attorneys who will conduct your personal injury case. Do ask a lot of questions, particularly to verify if your prospective attorney has conducted any cases like yours. Also, do many interviews with more than one attorney. If you have done them, you should be confident with the attorney you have chosen to handle your case.
READ MORE - Personal Injury Attorneys - Specialist Option for You

How to Hire Personal Injury Attorneys

By Jacklyn Young
If someone caused you to suffer injury, you need to seek advice from a personal injury attorney. On the other hand, it is not easy to find the proper attorney when other firms are competing to give you the best service.

Keep these in mind when you are looking for injury attorney.

- Never forget that you have to consult with them as soon as possible. If you have experience a heavy accident and cannot get the best attorney for you, just let closer people to research for you. Do not waste your time as it can cause you in harm you seriously.

- Only few trustworthy lawyers can be found when you are looking for one. Make sure that they have got experience and highly qualified; it will help you getting better compensation. Their track record can help you to do this.

- In one type of injury, there are some attorneys that will help you best in winning the case. It is better to consult with them.

- Work with a local attorney is better when it comes to injury attorney. Every state has its own law; therefore a local attorney will know the best advice.

Always remember these tips when you are looking for a personal injury attorney. It is important to use someone inside to find an attorney. Internet is the best way to do this because you can utilize the points mentioned at the first time. Even when you are injured you can do this, and they have testimonials from the client regarding the potential of the attorney. Always remember that you are looking for the specialized attorney in your type of case.

A personal injury attorney is the best attorney that saves your time before it is being wasted; keep this in mind. They may be strict to you as to the dependents. Therefore, never hurt yourself and get a personalized assistance by calling a professional personal injury attorney
READ MORE - How to Hire Personal Injury Attorneys

An Overview Of Personal Injury Claims

By Cayla Cox
Scathe to soft tissue in a road traffic accident might be the outcome of whiplash. Generally a sudden movement forward is experienced. Perchance the neck and head are moved in a number of directions at speed. Various of these accidents involve cars.

Stiffness in the arms and back is oftentimes a sign of the injury. These symptoms ordinarily develop over the first few days after the accident. Whiplash conditions are normally measured in days or weeks. Inflammation of tissue is the reason for the delay.

Should whiplash feature in your accident, remuneration could be an option. Numerous cases feature whiplash that is not easy to identify. Experts may intimate you seek injury claim advice after an accident. In demanding cases it could be an idea to instruct a family member to help.

Getting online to seek for accident claim help is generally a beneficial idea. Ofttimes such cases entail assorted injuries inflicted. In cases of complete damage, bigger amounts of compensation may be due.

Generally if you have endured unambiguous pain and loss, high recompense is likely. Multiple factors are considered when calculating what compensation following personal injury can be due to accident claim guide.

Sure there is little limit to expenses that may be taken into account. There is no shortfall of people who will present info, e.g. claim guide. Nonetheless not all information is of excellent quality. It is suggested you go to see many websites before telephoning a claims company. The outcome here is you're better informed.
READ MORE - An Overview Of Personal Injury Claims

Lawyers Can Help You for Personal Injury

By Hardip Patel
The frequency of accidents along the roads of Toronto is unpredictable. At one time or another, you will have to take care of some physical, financial or mental damages. The quality as well as the quantity of compensation that the judge grants you a determined by the personal injury lawyer you have sought the services of. Whether the accident is minor or major, only the lawyer can help you out. Lawyers help represent your case in a law court against the other party and try to convenience the judge that the defender has to pay some amount of money to you as compensation.

Once you have had an accident, its difficult to get back on your feet and seek justice all by yourself. Get the services of a good and professional lawyer who has the skill to represent your case well in a law court and get you the best of compensation may be difficult to find. Lawyer services are quite expensive to hire. However, choosing to represent yourself may do you more harm than good. Despite being the victim, you may end up loosing the case.

There are different types of personal injury lawyers all over the land. There are those who specialize in physical damage while others in psychological damage. Damage may be caused anywhere, not only on the roads but also at the offices, factories or even at homes. Good lawyers present their clients cases in law courts and from their experience, ensure that their terms of compensation are met. He/she has to present the court with enough evidence incriminating the assaulter and convince the court that you are justified to demand for the compensation that you are demanding.
READ MORE - Lawyers Can Help You for Personal Injury

Car Accident Attorney - Filing A Personal Injury Claim After An Accident

By Jessica L Lawson
Are you interested in finding out more about a car accident attorney? In this article we are going to talk about filing a personal injury claim after an accident.

If you or a loved one has been hurt because of being involved in an accident you may be considering look into information on a car accident attorney. If this is the case then there are some things that you need to think about when filing a claim after an accident. Let's now go on to talk about these things.

One of the biggest things that you need to think of after you have went through a car crash is what information you need to gather. You should gather this information as quickly as possible. If you leave information out there floating around it may become tainted or get lost all together.

Before you start looking for a professional to speak with you should make sure that you gather all of the information that you can gather.

You should get the insurance information of the opposing party. You need to get the phone number of their insurance agent as well as any policy information they are willing to give to you.

If there are damages that have been done to your car you should get a photo of your car before the accident and a close up and far away photo of the damage that was done to your car.

Any injuries should be photographed as well. Make sure that you get a photo of them as soon after the accident as you possibly can so that people can see the extent of the injury right after it happened.

These are just a few helpful tips when it comes to filing a claim after an accident.

Now you can can contact a car accident attorney.
READ MORE - Car Accident Attorney - Filing A Personal Injury Claim After An Accident

Auto Accident Attorney - Am I Truly In Need Of A Lawyer?

By Jessica L Lawson
Do you believe you need to employ an auto accident attorney? This article is going to answer your query of "Am I truly in need of a lawyer?"

There are lots of individuals which have no idea what's going on once they have been in a wreck. There are lots of things which are going through your brain. It is ok to be afraid however you should get your head set straight and obtain the cash that you deserve. Let's now continue to answer the query "Do I truly need a lawyer?"

I'm certain that you have observed several various accidents occur in your time but you were certain that you wouldn't get into an accident in your life. Well now you're stuck with a dented automobile and some injuries. A number of you might even need to be out of work and are pondering about getting a Los Angeles auto accident attorney.

Having somebody that knows what they're doing that will assist you is really very essential. Having this horrible encounter doesn't have to ruin both you and your finances. You are able to get compensated in the form of a car accident settlement so that you can get the cash that you deserve.

If you don't have somebody working for you you might discover yourself leaving cash on the table. This isn't something that you wish to do and you don't need to. Whenever you have aid from a professional they're going to have the ability to lead you and guide you through the whole procedure.

So my answer is no, you don't need to have a lawyer but if you want much more cash out of your settlement then you need to speak with somebody which has had experience in this area. It is an established reality that individuals who use a Los Angeles auto accident attorney are likely to get about 3,000 more dollars than others that don't have somebody to fight on their behalf.
READ MORE - Auto Accident Attorney - Am I Truly In Need Of A Lawyer?

The Dangers of Municipal Negligence

By James Witherspoon
City governments are charged with maintaining the roads that run through their towns. Often, they receive funding from their state governments as well as the federal government to cover this task. Unfortunately, these monies do not always reach as far as they need to.

As such, many city governments leave several often used roads without maintenance, simply because they cannot afford the upkeep. When this happens, the roads may form defects, such as potholes, uneven pavement, missing road signs, and more.

When a municipality cannot cover the costs to maintain its roads, it must at least post warning signs to let drivers know of the dangers that lay ahead. Sadly, many city governments fail to do this also, which means that drivers are placed in danger when they travel on their cities' roads.

When roads are poorly maintained because of municipal negligence, drivers may be involved in serious accidents that result in severe injuries. These injuries may leave individuals with long term ailments. In more severe cases, individuals may even pass away from their injuries.

In the event a driver and his or her passengers suffer injuries or worse in an accident resulting from municipal negligence, the city government in charge of the roads may be liable. As such, the individuals who suffer injuries in these accidents may be entitled to financial compensation. Individuals who wish to seek financial compensation for their municipal negligence related injuries are advised to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to take up their cases. While hiring a lawyer does not guarantee a victory, it may help an individual improve his or her chances
READ MORE - The Dangers of Municipal Negligence

TBI Basics - Self Awareness and Memory After a Traumatic Brain Injury

By David S. Casey Jr
After a TBI, even a mild one, most people experience significant changes in their self-awareness and their memory. If you're the caregiver for a person with a TBI, you'll need to know the kinds of awareness and memory changes that your loved one is coping with and techniques for helping both of you manage. Each person's situation is unique, and you'll want to be in close communication with the rehab treatment team to learn about the specific deficits your loved one is dealing with, what challenges they present, and what your loved one needs from their family and other caregivers. This article describes in general terms how changes in self-awareness, and memory can affect a person with TBI, and how caregivers can help.

A lot of the brain's most important functions proceed unnoticed. Like breathing, we don't notice them when they're working smoothly. We take self-awareness and memory for granted until something interrupts them.

Reduced self-awareness refers to the situation after a TBI in which the injured person is unable to see that their capabilities have changed, and that they can't do what they used to do. Reduced self-awareness is not the same as denial. It's a neurological change caused by the injury. The brain's ability to make a realistic evaluation of its own functioning is diminished. A person with reduced self-awareness may believe that he's fine, and that he still can do everything he used to do. Reduced self-awareness tends to be uneven: a person might recognize that he has problems with word finding and memory, but insists that he can play sports as well as ever.

You can help a person with reduced self-awareness by providing them with visual cues that organize their surroundings. Keep the things they need and tend to forget in plain sight and close at hand. For example, in the bathroom, toothbrush and toothpaste should be together, razor and shaving cream, hairbrush and hairdryer. You'll also want to provide calendars, checklists and schedules. These kinds of reminders can help keep a person on track and allow them to see what they'd missed without a painful confrontation.

Where safety is not an issue, allow the person to learn their own limitations first hand. They may need to get on the soccer field or choose their clothes or read a complicated document to get a sense of their capabilities and limitations. You can be available to talk with them about their experience, and what they've learned.

Memory problems are very common after a TBI. A person is more likely to remember events and information from before the injury, while learning and retaining new information may be much more difficult. Routine tasks, like feeding a pet, or the time a favorite TV show comes on are easier to retain. Non-routine events, like the date of a party or a doctor's appointment or a new bus route will be harder to remember. Other memory problems include:

Names, especially of people they've recently metForgetting where things are stored, Repeating questions or telling the same story over and over,, Forgetting information they're just learned, Misplacing or forgetting things like keys, wallet, purse, outerwear, etc., Forgetting medication, or taking it more than once.,

Memory problems can range from the inconvenient to the dangerous. You and your loved one will need to work on memory aids that enable him or her to keep track of important objects and essential information. Every TBI rehab program teaches people to make checklists, keep calendars, and carry a notebook with all their important information. As a caregiver you can remind your loved one to check their calendar and when they have new information, to enter it in their notebook.

You can organize your home in ways that support memory. Digital clocks and watches help a person know the date and time. Every important item (keys, kitchen tools, clothing, outerwear, medications, etc) should have a designated place, and everyone should follow the drill: things go back in their place. People with memory impairments can learn new habits with time and practice, and a person can learn always to look in the same place for the item. Drawers, cabinets, closets, and other storage areas should have clear, easily readable labels. Organize medications in a pill box by day and time.

Supporting another person's memory deficits is very demanding work. It requires patience and planning, building in extra time for tasks, and a continual appreciation that the person with a TBI can accomplish a task, but may need many more repetitions to accomplish something or learn a new skill. The payoff is reduced frustration for everyone, and for the person with a TBI, an increased sense of mastery and competence in their environment.
READ MORE - TBI Basics - Self Awareness and Memory After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Amputation and Motorcycle Accidents

By James Witherspoon
Motorcycles are an efficient and exciting way to travel, but their lightweight design does not offer a high level of protection against other motorists when collisions occur. Drivers stand a high risk of injury when accidents happen, and are often forced to incur the force of the trauma because of direct contact with the opposing force. Traumatic amputation is a particularly devastating outcome of motorcycle accidents and occurs when an arm, leg, hand, or foot is separated fully or partially from the body. This sort of injury can lead to a variety of outcomes, but considerable medical attention will be necessary for treatment.

Traumatic amputation injuries have severe physical consequences including excessive bleeding, infection of the wounded area, extreme pain, and shock. In many cases it is impossible to reattach the missing body part, but the most immediate concern is to stop the bleeding and prevent infection from setting into the exposed area. There are also many long term results that take effect after this catastrophic accident including: therapy and treatment, loss of ability to work, inability to perform simple tasks, loss of independence, reduced quality of life. Traumatic amputation can lead to lifelong complications and restrictions.

The emotional and physical pain that arises from these accidents is often reiterated by the monetary costs of rehabilitation. Understanding your options for compensation for your losses is important, especially if someone else was at fault for your accident. You should not be left with the mounting medical bills that are the result of someone else's carelessness.
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Boating Accident Attorney Straight Talk: Proving Fault In A Boating Collision Accident

By William Turley
Whenever there is a boating accident with serious injury or death their needs to be a legal analysis performed in order to determine who was at fault. Because, proving fault is the key to successfully prevailing in a boating accident lawsuit.

Rules Of The Road: How To Determine Who Was At Fault In A Boat Collision

"Rules of the Road," is a term used for regulations that govern the conduct of boats in relation to each other. In other words, in collision situations. The purpose of Rules of the Road is to prevent vessel collisions. Think of navigational rules as a set of rules, much like the "rules of the road" apply to car drivers.

There are two sets of navigation rules: inland and international. International navigation rules are standardized all over the world, allowing boats from different countries to follow the same rules when they meet. Inland navigational rules can vary from region to region. Nautical charts typically include a demarcation line which shows when the Nav rules transition from inland to international, so that boaters can be aware of changing standards of navigation. In general, these demarcation lines follow the coastline and cross inlets and bays. On the seaward side of the demarcation lines, international rules apply.

The COLREGS

Understanding navigational rules or COLREGS (Collision Regulations) and knowing which is the stand-on boat or which is the give-way boat, is essential to determining which boat was the cause of a collision which occur on the navigable waters of the United States.

There are various rules that apply to specific situations. Here are some examples:

Rule 5 Look out
Rule 6 Safe Speed
Rule 7 Risk of Collision
Rule 8 Action to Avoid Collision
Rule 9 Narrow Channels
Rule 14 Head-On Situation
Rule 15 Crossing Situation

State Navigational Rules & Federal Maritime Law

Many States, have navigational rules. For example, California Harbors and Navigation Code and Arizona Revised Statutes. However, the Federal Rules of the Road / Nav Rules trump the State rules. Some State navigational rules include no wake zones or local traffic patterns. A violation of a COLREG or State law may give rise to powerful maritime presumptions. These are known as the Pennsylvania Rule and Breach of Statute.

Reasonable Care Under the Circumstances

In a collision situation, the Rules of the Road or State navigational rules are the primary method for determining who was at fault for the collision. However, the law also allows for recovery based upon a violation of a duty of care. The law imposes duties upon vessel operators under different circumstances The standard here is whether the acts or omissions which caused the collision were reasonable under the circumstances. In order to prevail under general maritime law you must prove a duty, breach of duty, the breach of duty was a cause of your injuries and damages.

Disclaimer:

This article is not legal advice. This article is simplistic in order to achieve clarity. The circumstances of your case may vary from those described herein. The foregoing legal discussion is based upon Federal Maritime Law. Meaning the collision occurred on the navigable waters of the Untied States and Admiralty Jurisdiction applies. If you are a seriously injured in a boating accident you should consult with a boating accident attorney.
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The Importance of Child Supervision Around Pools

By James Witherspoon
Most children who swim are neither the strongest of swimmers nor the most responsible of human beings. As such, it is important for adults to supervise children when they swim to cut down the possibility of pool related injuries.

Unfortunately, when parents allow their children to visit friends and relatives with swimming pools, these individuals do not always keep an eye on the children. When the child swimmers suffer injuries related to this failure of supervision, the property owner may be liable.

Since property owners are responsible for the safety of their guests, they are charged with ensuring that their guests do not suffer injuries from the conditions of their properties. This often includes swimming pool related injuries, especially when children are involved.

There are a number of potentially hazardous conditions that can affect a swimming pool. These conditions include overly powerful filters, improperly installed drains, and faulty diving boards. Having an adult supervise children can lessen the effect that these dangers can have on swimmers.

Individuals wishing to pursue financial compensation for the injuries of their children should discuss their cases with an experienced premises liability lawyer. After determining whether or not they have cases, individuals are advised to hire lawyers to handle their cases.

Though employing an experienced lawyer does not guarantee victory, often the knowledge and experience of personal injury lawyers helps individuals gain more favorable settlements or helps individuals win their cases.

Additionally, because of the legal matters involved, having a representative that understands the specific laws regarding a swimming pool premises liability case can help build a stronger case.
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