September 8, 2022
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.
August 8, 2022
Common Distractions for Truck Drivers
Truck Accident Lawyer
While it is a good idea for all drivers to avoid distractions, it is especially important for truck drivers. Truckers operate very large and heavy vehicles, so they can cause a lot of damage in an accident. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents.
Here are some common distractions for truck drivers.
Dispatching Devices
Truck drivers rely on dispatching devices to find out their schedules and routes. Although these devices simplify a truck driver’s job, they can be a distraction. Truck drivers have to take their eyes and attention off the road when they send messages through a dispatching device. This can increase the risk of an accident. That is why truck drivers should wait until they stop their vehicle to respond to messages.
Smartphones
Truck drivers have to spend many hours on the road. They may get lonely or bored, so they communicate with their friends and family on a smartphone. Unfortunately, whether they are talking or texting, using a smartphone can increase the risk of an accident. Just like with a dispatching device, truck drivers have to take their eyes and mind off the road when using a smartphone. To prevent accidents, truck drivers should avoid using a smartphone while behind the wheel.
Eating
Truck drivers are often on tight schedules and may not have time to sit down and eat a meal. As a result, they may frequently eat their meals while operating their commercial truck. Unfortunately, this forces them to take their hands off the wheel, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Outdoor Objects
When truck drivers are on the road for a long time, they may look at various objects on the road, such as billboards, other vehicles and accidents. This can help them pass the time during their long hours on the road. Unfortunately, it can also divert their eyes and attention off the road, which can cause an accident.
Daydreaming
Truck drivers who spend long hours on the road with no one to talk to may get lost in thought. Daydreaming is one of the most common types of distractions for truck drivers and can cause an accident.
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may want to contact a truck accident lawyer, like one from Martin Wren, P.C. to discuss your case.
July 24, 2022
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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
July 24, 2022
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.
July 12, 2022
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.
June 16, 2022
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.
May 31, 2022
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Injuries
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 from a law firm like Wieand Law Firm LLC.
April 14, 2022
Signs it Might be Time for Divorce
Divorce Attorney
Unfortunately, not all marriages are meant to last, and sometimes getting a divorce may be the best way to handle a situation even when children are involved. Although divorce should never be something to take lightly, there are some signs that might indicate that it’s time to consider a divorce.
You No Longer Communicate
Communication is a crucial component for marriage. If you find that you and your spouse no longer communicate or when you do it often ends up becoming an argument, then it may be time for a divorce.
Your Marriage Lacks Intimacy
Although physical intimacy isn’t everything in a marriage it is a crucial element. It’s natural for couples to be less physically intimate goes on especially when dealing with parenting. However, completely losing physical intimacy is often a red flag and can spell marriage problems.
A Spouse is Causing Financial Problems
Money problems are one of the top reasons for divorce. When a couple can’t agree on how to spend or save their money or when one spouse is dealing significant financial damage–such as supporting a gambling or drug addiction–then it may be crucial for your financial health to divorce.
Any Type of Domestic Abuse
When it comes to domestic abuse we tend to think of physical abuse, but there are other forms of domestic abuse as well. These other forms include emotional and psychological abuse and sometimes they can go hand-and-hand with physical abuse. No one should ever have to be a victim of any type of domestic abuse.
Disagreements When it Comes to Raising Children
Raising your children may be the most important element of your marriage and disagreements regarding your children can severely impact your marriage. Although sometimes these can be minor disagreements such as what school a child should attend, other times they can be far more serious such as how to parent a child with a physical or mental disability. While divorce can be extremely stressful when children are involved, in some cases it’s actually for the betterment of the child if their parents get divorced.
If Any Cheating is Involved
If your spouse has cheated or is currently cheating then this is often a strong indicator that it’s time for a divorce. Sometimes a spouse may be pursuing another partner/in love with someone else and in other cases, they may just be having a fling with no strings attached. Either case is a cause for concern. While some couples are able to work through an issue like a spouse cheating, for many couples it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a divorce.
You Both Have Talked About It Before
Sometimes couples may even talk about divorce. While often in the heat of the moment, sometimes couples may even discuss this option calmly. Whether for their children, because they both feel that they’re drifting apart, or for another reason, if you have talked about divorce with your partner before and it sounds like they agree then getting a divorce may be an option to consider.
If you are considering a divorce then you will want to make sure you have an experienced divorce attorney by your side. Our friends at Law Office of Daniel E. Stuart, P.A.
April 13, 2022
What Are the Most Common Construction Accidents
Personal Injury Lawyer
Construction is a very vital job profession that provides shelter. From our own homes or apartments, the stores we shop at every day, bus stations, airports, waterparks, and more, you can see construction in just about every area of society.
Even though today we have more advanced equipment that makes construction projects easier and safer to conduct, construction is still a very dangerous field. Even a minor slip off of a roof may result in fatal injuries. While there are dozens of injuries that can result from construction accidents, some appear to be more common than others.
The Fatal Four Injuries
While there are numerous accidents that occur at construction sites, there are four typical ones that stand out due to their severity. These four are aptly titled, “The Fatal Four”:
- Falling from certain heights
- Electrocution
- Being caught in either equipment or machinery
- Getting struck by an object
These accidents are usually life-threatening. Unfortunately, these four types of injuries are also common construction accidents that can happen even when the right safety precautions are taken. They can also happen due to another party’s negligence.
Other Common Accidents
In addition to the fatal four, there are many other accidents that can occur at a construction site. These accidents are often less serious, but can still deal serious harm. Some examples include:
- Falls from various heights, with even a minor fall causing injuries
- Vehicle accidents which often occur on highways or interstates
- Slips or trips with working on power lines being a major source
- Ground collapses with some workers being trapped or killed
- Machinery accidents that may be caused by improper training, malfunctioning equipment, or other factors
- Repetitive motions that can lead to muscle strains, tears, or sprains
These are the more common accidents associated with construction sites. Regardless of the accident or injury, contacting a personal injury lawyer is a crucial step to take.
Common Injuries From Construction Accidents
In addition to common construction accidents, there are also common injuries that happen. Examples of common injuries include:
- Burns, cuts, and lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Back and/or spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain or head injuries
- Illnesses caused by chemical explosions
- Eye injuries and vision issues
While construction accidents are mostly associated with the workers themselves, construction accidents can also happen to citizens as well. For example, a construction worker dropping a hammer from a huge height can end up hitting a passerby, causing considerable damage.
What Can Be Covered Following a Construction Accident?
Following a construction accident, an insurance claim or lawsuit may cover the following areas:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Legal fees
- When applicable, property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Compensation for temporary or permanent disfigurements
- Physical conditions like blindness or paralyzation
- A reduction in quality of life
- Emotional distress
- The development of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These are some examples of what compensation can cover. For best results, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is recommended. The right lawyer will ensure you’re properly compensated and will fight on your behalf. Our friends at Therman Law Offices, LTD have lawyers available.
March 18, 2022
Can Insurance Agents Speak to the Witnesses?
Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are recovering after a personal injury accident and you are gathering evidence, you are likely looking into the people who may have seen the accident happen. When you are hoping to file an injury claim for your accident, one of the best forms of evidence might be bringing forward anyone who was a witness to your accident. They can help shed light on what they saw or heard and they can offer neutral, third-party input into who seemed to be the negligent party. This can be incredibly valuable to your claim, especially if you are insisting that you were not responsible for the accident happening. However, if you are dealing with the other party’s insurance agent and they are asking to speak with the witnesses, what can you do?
What is the first thing you should do in this instance?
First, it is important to speak with your lawyer to understand what you are legally obligated to do. Your lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from a law firm like Barry P. Goldberg, knows that if you refuse to give the insurance agent the name of your witness it could be seen as a lack of cooperation on your part. Especially in the instance where you have already told the insurance agent that you have witnesses to your accident, it would not make much sense on your part to avoid disclosing who your witnesses are. Remember, you want the insurance company to be willing to come to a fair settlement amount with you and if you are not willing to provide them with the names of the witnesses then they will not be happy that they are unable to verify the witnesses’ statements.
Can this hurt my insurance claim at all?
It is always possible that when an insurance agent speaks with a witness that it could hurt your insurance claim. Many insurance agents will use the information they get to work in the insurance company’s favor. In certain instances, a witness may tell you that they do not want their information shared with the insurance agent and it is important to be transparent with the insurance agent when this is the case. It is important to remember that if a witness flat-out refuses to speak with an insurance adjuster, then the information they provide for your claim may be given very little weight when it comes to making a difference in the settlement amount you are offered. A witness may feel more comfortable:
- Calling the insurance company on their own
- Setting the time, date, and place that they speak with the insurance company
- If their interview is not recorded
- Giving as little personal information out as possible
It is important that your witness feels comfortable when they are providing information on your behalf for your claim. If you have any questions regarding the witness to your accident or would like to know the best next steps, reach out to a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases.