Wrong Way Crash In Port St. Lucie Claims A Life

In early September, a wrong-way driver crossed over into the northbound lane with a passenger in tow, and the wrong-way driver collided with several other drivers on the road. One vehicle, a Honda Civic, was able to move out of the way after being sideswiped by the wrong-way driver. However, the driver of the Buick Encore wasn’t as lucky. The negligent driver ultimately collided head-on with the Buick Encore driver; unfortunately, the victim, a 71-year-old man, suffered fatal injuries as a result. The driver responsible and their passenger sustained non life-threatening injuries from the crash.

As a car accident lawyer victims depend on from Tuttle Law, P.A. can share, wrong-way driving is one of the most common and dangerous forms of reckless driving. Although the crash is still under investigation, the wrong-way driver responsible for the collision may face significant penalties if charged. Car accidents resulting in a fatality can take on a wrongful death claim as the family may be able to pursue damages for the losses experienced.

Penalties for Reckless Driving

Those who fall victim to reckless driving will likely gain peace of mind in knowing that the responsible party can face significant penalties if convicted of reckless driving. When someone is harmed due to another party’s wanton disregard for their duty of care, they may be charged with reckless driving. The consequences for the defendant can vary depending upon whether this is their first, second, or third conviction. Reckless driving may result in hefty fines, jail time, and a first-degree misdemeanor on the driver’s record. However, it’s important to note that the defendant may face more significant consequences in situations involving reckless driving where someone has been killed. They may be charged with Vehicular Homicide, a felony that results in fines of $10,000 and up to fifteen years in prison.

Pursuing Wrongful Death Action

While there is nothing that can change the events that transpired when a loved one has passed away, families do have the ability to take legal action against the party responsible. While families can participate in this process, they must be able to prove that they were dependent on the person who passed away. However, be aware that the suit will move forward when the appointed executor from the descendent’s estate or will is the party who may file the civil lawsuit against the responsible party. To initiate the process, it’s important not to hesitate because there is a limited timeframe to take legal action. When a lawyer reviews the specifics of the case, they will begin to value the case and determine the damages that have resulted, which may include:

• Economic Damages
  • Medical Expenses
  • Burial Costs
  • Lost Wages
  • Lost Future Wages
  • Lost Benefits
• Non-Economic Damages
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Loss of Companionship
  • Loss of Guidance
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Nothing can bring back a loved one, and the thought of quantifying the loss of a person may be intensely emotional and challenging. However, determining damages and assigning value is a way to ensure that the victim’s family can receive the compensation they deserve for what they have lost. While choosing legal action is a deeply personal decision that may take time to reach, it’s essential not to delay in moving forward with the process.

What Accidents Are Categorized Under Personal Injury Law?

Personal injury is a broad field of law that entails various kinds of injury accidents. Whenever there is a situation where someone was reckless or negligent and another was harmed, it warrants a further investigation. Lawyers are professionals who understand law, and can advise a client further on what to do next. Examples of personal injury accidents a lawyer from Yearin Law Office represents include but are not limited to car accidents, medical malpractice, truck accidents, workplace accidents, wrongful death, birth injury, bike accidents, premises liability, defective products, and more. 

What should I do after a car accident?

Vehicle collisions are among the most prevalent types of personal injury accidents. In the moments after a car accident, assuming you were not critically injured, it will have been important to exchange information with the other driver and gather evidence at the scene. Take pictures of vehicle damage, bodily injury, debri in the road, broken glass, and other factors of the accident. Those who suspect that the other driver was at least partially responsible for the crash is advised to consider getting legal help right away. 

What are the elements of medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice happens when a doctor or other medical professional causes harm to a patient. An unwanted medical diagnosis or outcome does not automatically mean that medical malpractice happened. There are certain elements that must be true in order to have grounds for a lawsuit. For instance, it must be proven that the doctor owed a duty of care to the patient, the doctor breached this duty, the patient suffered because of the breach, and quantifiable damages resulted. 

Can pedestrians bring forward a lawsuit?

Pedestrians may get hit by a car while going for a walk, riding a bike, using an electric scooter, or something else. Victims of pedestrian accidents may want to bring forward a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who hit them for damages relating to injury care, earning loss, disability, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. In most cases, it was the car driver who was being careless when the pedestrian accident happened. Pedestrians do have a right of way and car drivers who don’t watch out for them may cause a tragic accident to occur. 

How can someone know how much their case is worth?

The only way to know for sure whether you have grounds for a lawsuit and if you are eligible for compensation is by meeting with a lawyer experienced in personal injury law specifically. A personal injury lawyer Scottsdale AZ residents rely on from Yearin Law Office can review medical documentation, how much you lost from missing work, the costs for repairing or replacing property, and other ways you were affected. After gathering the information they need, your lawyer will calculate a potential monetary award to fight for so that your current and future expenses are covered. 

Everyday people become victims in personal injury accidents, and they may not even know it. By understanding more about what accidents are categorized under personal injury law, victims can take action and seek compensation for all they have been through from the party responsible.

Compensation For Construction Accidents

Personal Injury Lawyer

If you work in construction, then you know how dangerous the jobsite can be. Construction accidents have the potential to completely ruin a life – and they happen frequently. When you’re on the job, you need to be focused, safe, and prepared for anything. Fortunately, a work injury lawyer can help you if you’ve been hurt on site.

As work injury lawyers like our friends at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can explain, it’s difficult enough to clock in for work when you aren’t injured. However, after a construction accident, chances are you’ll have enough on your plate with your recovery, and clocking in and carrying on with business as usual might not be possible. This is especially stressful if you’ve got financial obligations to pay off: debts, mortgages, rent, utilities… without your paycheck, you could be in trouble.

What Should I Do After My Workplace Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers’ comp. And if you were injured because of negligence, you can count on an experienced work injury lawyer to help you get the money you need to stay afloat after your accident. Read on to learn more about workers’ compensation, work injury lawyers, and how you can avoid financial hot water while you recover from your injuries.

What Does a Work Injury Lawyer Do?

When people get hurt on the job, they need help. While you may assume that workers’ compensation can cover the costs of your medical care and your lost wages, it’s never as easy as it should be. If you’re looking to file a workers’ compensation claim, you can expect tons of paperwork, a wild goose chase of signatures and doctor’s recommendations, and (most insultingly of all) regular payments that fall well short of your expectations.

With the help of a work injury lawyer, you don’t have to deal with all that. A work injury lawyer can walk you through your workers’ comp claim so you know what to expect – and if you decide against filing a claim for workers’ comp and instead want to file a lawsuit for gross negligence, a work injury lawyer can help with that as well.

Why Should I File a Lawsuit?

When you file a workers’ comp claim, you’re waiving your right to take legal action against your employer. If you didn’t file a claim yet, there’s still the possibility of holding your employer accountable for their shoddy safety standards. If you were injured because of your employer’s failure to maintain a safe working environment for you and your coworkers, you and your work injury lawyer can file a lawsuit for an even bigger payout.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay?

The amount you pay your lawyer will depend on his or her hourly rates. Each practice is different, but fortunately it’s standard practice to offer free consultations. You can contact lawyers in your area to see what they offer, and how much you can expect to pay them.

It might be steep, but consider how much you’d lose if you didn’t contact a lawyer at all: Work injuries have the potential to completely change your life, especially if you work in construction. Can you put a price on your health and wellbeing?

When Should I Start?

Now. The more time between your accident and your first call with a lawyer, the more time your injuries have to heal. If you decide to file a lawsuit, your injuries may prove as evidence of a dangerous workplace. And, if you’re just trying to deal with workers’ compensation, you shouldn’t be trying to balance all the paperwork during your recovery.

Reach out to a work injury lawyer today to get started.

5 Signs You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer

5 Signs You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in some way and want to discover if you have legal options for pursuing compensation for damages, you may be wise to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer Arlington, VA injury victims turn to at times like this. Call a law firm to discuss your options and learn more about the potential value of your claim.

1. You don’t know your legal options
   Every case is different, and unless you have the experience and knowledge of a lawyer it may be difficult to determine what your legal options are for pursuing compensation for your damages related to your incident and injuries. You may have options that you don’t even realize, but a personal injury lawyer can explain to you.
2. You have legal questions
   The legal system and lawsuits are confusing. It may be beneficial to get answers to your questions about your specific circumstances from a qualified lawyer instead of just using google. Although the internet is full of information, it can still be complicated to understand how the laws can be applied to your specific case.
3. The insurance company won’t pay
   Insurance companies are not your friend, and they will do everything they can so that they do not have to pay you for your injuries. If this is the case, you could benefit from the help of an experienced lawyer who will not be intimidated by the insurance company and knows how to make them pay what they owe. 
4. Settlement negotiations are taking place
   If the insurance company of the other party is wanting to settle this may not be a bad thing for you, and your lawyer can discuss whether or not you are being offered a fair deal. Your lawyer will also represent you for the negotiations and make responses on your behalf and protect your interests so that you don’t get taken advantage of or bullied into taking less than you deserve for the injuries you have suffered and the damages and losses that you have endured.
5. Your case is headed for a court trial
   If the other party of insurance is refusing to cooperate or pay what you deserve, you may have to head to court for a trial. A lawyer will be your ally and has the skills and experience necessary to represent you and your interests in a court case. Your case will have to be well prepared to have a positive outcome for you, and your lawyer will handle this for you using the legal knowledge to represent the facts to show your need and qualifications for deserving compensation for your injuries.

Call a Law Firm Today

At the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC we can discuss your legal case during a confidential consultation to determine the potential options you may have. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward recovering the damages that you have suffered from or lost.

Man Dead After Construction Accident

Man Dead After Construction Accident

Earlier this year in Alexandria, Virginia a construction worker fell off the roof of a building he was working on, possibly leaving his family in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer Alexandria, VA. The name of the man has not yet been released as family is still being notified. Exactly what happened is either unknown or not being reported, but emergency personnel arrived at the construction site around 3 p.m. after the man fell several stories and was already determined to be dead while at the scene. The construction site is at the intersection of Mill Road and Dock Lane. Anyone who may have more information is being asked to call the police to report their information. This leads one to wonder if not much is known about the incident and the police are considering all possibilities related to the cause of the accident. For example, if the proper safety precautions were taken place by the construction company or if the worker was following the safety protocols. No matter the details of the incident, it may be time for the family of the deceased to talk with a personal injury lawyer who can discuss their legal options for pursuing a case for damages.

Explore Your Options with a Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Ryan Quinn, PLLC, we represent injured victims and their families in the Alexandria, VA area and have helped many victims and families through tough lawsuits for situations like the story above. With our services, you may be more likely to have a successful lawsuit that leaves you with the compensation for damages that you need and deserve for all of your suffering and expenses. In many cases there is nothing that can be done to truly correct or reverse the damage that the accident caused, but sometimes financial compensation is the closest that we can get to restoring what has been lost or damaged, and our lawyers will help you do exactly that. We know that this is a tough time for you physically and emotionally, and that is why we can be a major asset to you so that you can focus on your recovery while we take care of the legal process and represent your interests. Since we have been through cases like yours before, we have the experience needed to guide you through the legal process and provide legal advice as you make legal decisions about how to move forward with your case. Using our services can free you up to focus on your personal life and lighten your stress about the details of your legal case for damages. 

Call Us Today

Whatever the details of your incident, don’t hesitate to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options. If you wait too long, you may miss out on options that you would’ve had if you had acted more quickly. We know this is a trying time for you, and we want to help! Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Wills and Probate: What Age Should You Write a Will?

Probate Lawyer

In the United States, you are legally required to leave behind a will in order to ensure that your final wishes are followed after your death. If you die without a will, your estate will be passed down according to the terms of state law and your loved ones may have trouble accessing important documents or assets like bank accounts or real estate property. Planning ahead with a properly written will from a probate lawyer Knoxville, TN can help to avoid these problems, which is why it’s important to write one at the correct age — and also why you should talk to an experienced probate lawyer when making important estate planning decisions. Here are some probate tips from our friends at Carpenter & Lewis PLLC.

At What Age Should I Get a Will?

Many people believe that they only need a will if they are elderly or have significant assets. However, anyone over the age of 18 should have a will, regardless of how much money or property they have. A will ensures that your wishes are carried out after your death, and can save your loved ones from difficult decisions during an already emotional time. While there is no set age at which you should get a will, there are certain life events that might prompt you to create one. For example, you may want to write a will after getting married, having children, or buying a home. If you have any questions about whether or not you need a will, consult with an experienced probate lawyer.

Who Needs a Last Will & Testament?

If you are 18 years of age or older and of sound mind, you can create a last will and testament. A will is not just for the wealthy. In fact, anyone who owns property or has minor children should have a will. If you die without a will, your state’s intestacy laws will determine how your property is distributed, which may not be in accordance with your wishes.

How Does the Lawyer Draft My Last Will & Testament?

The lawyer will ask you questions about your assets and your beneficiaries. You will need to provide the lawyer with information about your property, including real estate, savings accounts, stocks and bonds, and personal belongings. The lawyer will also need to know who you want to receive these assets after you die. Once the lawyer has this information, he or she will draft a document called a last will and testament. This document will list all of your assets and designate who should receive them. You will need to sign the document in front of witnesses, and the witnesses will need to sign it as well. Once the document is signed, it becomes your last will and testament.

Do I Need To Consult A Probate Lawyer About Making A Last Will & Testament?

Many people choose to wait until they are much older before creating a last will and testament, but this isn’t always the best idea. If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not be how you would have wanted. Plus, if you have young children, it’s important to name a guardian in your will so that there is no question about who will care for them if something happens to you. Consulting with a probate lawyer can help you decide if creating a will is right for you and your family; contact one today for help writing a will.

Auto Accident TBIs

Auto Accident TBIs

If you’ve recently been injured in an auto accident and the harm you’ve suffered includes a traumatic brain injury, it is time to speak with an attorney about your rights and options under the law. You may be eligible to receive one or more kinds of compensation, depending upon the nature of the circumstances that led to your accident. Once an attorney has thoroughly evaluated your situation in a risk-free consultation setting, they can provide you with an objective analysis of your unique rights and options.

Generally speaking, there are two primary kinds of compensation that auto accident victims pursue in regards to traumatic brain injuries sustained as a result of auto accidents. While the auto insurance claims process will come into play at some point along your road to legal, financial, and medical recovery, compensation for your injuries will likely be rooted—at least, primarily—in a workers’ compensation claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Unlike personal injury damages, you can pursue workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your TBI even if the accident that led to your harm was partially or totally your fault. Why? Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that workers who are eligible for this coverage cannot sue their employers when they get hurt—although they may still sue third-parties, as detailed below—but they are, instead, granted the right to benefits if they sustain work-related harm regardless of who or what caused the harm in question.

Sometimes, when workers sustain very minor injuries on a traditional jobsite while surrounded by witnesses, it’s fine for them to file a workers’ compensation benefits claim without the aid of an attorney. However, as an experienced brain injury lawyer – including those who practice at the law firm of Barry P. Goldberg – can confirm, an off-site auto accident can cause the benefits claims process to become much more complex. As a result, it is generally a good idea to connect with an attorney who practices law in your state if you wish to file a workers’ comp benefits claim after sustaining a work-related TBI as a result of a car wreck.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

If another driver or other party contributed to the causes of your crash, you may have grounds upon which to file a personal injury lawsuit. For a personal injury lawsuit to be successful, you’ll need to prove that the defendant in your case caused your injuries by virtue of their negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful conduct.  

 Nursing Home Types of Abuse

 Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Injuries

There comes a time for many families when a decision needs to be made about where their elderly loved ones should live out their remaining years. If they are unable to live on their own but need more care than the family can provide, that decision is often to place the loved one in a nursing home. While many of these facilities do provide the care residents need, there are tragically too many where residents are exposed and subjected to abuse and neglect. If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, one of the state’s nursing home lawyers can help.

Types of Abuse

In order to be able to recognize red flags that could indicate a resident is being abused, it is important to understand the different types of abuse:

• Physical abuse: Unfortunately, far too many seniors are victims of physical abuse, however, this is often the easiest type of abuse to identify because of the signs. The hitting, slapping, punching, pinching, and other abuses leave bruises, welts, cuts, and other physical evidence.
• Emotional abuse: Nursing home lawyers know that this type of abuse is the most common, but also difficult to identify. The resident is subjected to insults, belittling, and other verbal mistreatment. Signs of this type of abuse include social isolation, changes in behavior, depression, and mood swings.
• Sexual abuse: A resident can suffer sexual abuse from nursing home staff or other residents. The majority of sexual abuse cases are against elderly residents who are no longer mentally or physically able to provide consent.

Should You Take Legal Action?

Each state has a designated agency that is in charge of overseeing nursing homes. If there are any incidents where a nursing home resident is a victim of abuse, then the agency must conduct a formal investigation when they are notified of the incident. Depending on the findings of the investigation and/or how many complaints are filed against a facility, the state has the power to pull the nursing home’s license. Tragically, this is why many facilities try to cover up incidents of abuse and/or neglect instead of confronting it head-on. It is also why many victims’ families turn to nursing home lawyers who specialize in nursing home abuse for legal assistance.

Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today

When families place their loved ones in nursing homes, they are entrusting the staff to not only provide good care for their loved one but to do so with the respect and dignity they deserve. It is heartbreaking to discover that your loved one has been abused and/or neglected by the very people you trusted to take care of them., contact an attorney, like nursing home lawyers.