Getting Help With My Accident Recent content on Getting Help With My Accident Hugo -- en Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:28:56 +0000 3 Causes Of Accidents Involving Teen Drivers And How To Handle Such Lawsuits Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:28:56 +0000 <p>Many teenagers lose their lives in vehicular collisions, while others sustain life-threatening injuries that cause disability. Accidents caused by teen drivers are mainly caused by carelessness and lack of experience. It is important to note that teens do not enjoy any immunity. For this reason, you can take legal action against a teen driver who hits your car. This article looks at the main causes of teen accidents and how a legal practitioner can help you handle the situation.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Lack of Enough Experience</strong></p> <p>Many teens that get behind the wheel have the relevant qualifications that allow them to drive. But even though they have a license, they could lack enough experience to navigate different road conditions. For instance, a teenager might not effectively control a vehicle when driving at high speed or when an emergency arises. But, inexperience is not a justification for causing a collision. Therefore, if you sustain severe injuries or damages caused by a teen, they should take full responsibility for your losses. A car accident lawyer can investigate the crash to determine what caused it. They will then file a claim and represent you in the case to enable you to get compensation for the losses.</p> <p><strong>Aggressive Driving</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, teenagers engage in aggressive driving, which endangers their lives and other road users. For instance, they drive above the recommended speed limit, weave in and out of traffic, or cut off other drivers. These errors go against traffic regulations, and a minor whose aggressive driving behavior causes an accident should face the law. Your lawyer can gather all the evidence you need to prove your case. In addition, they might use video footage showing how the wrongdoer was driving before the collision.</p> <p><strong>Passenger Distractions</strong></p> <p>Many states have laws limiting the number of non-family peer passengers teenagers should carry in their vehicles. However, some minors violate these regulations due to the thrill of riding with friends. Unfortunately, it's easy for a teen driver to get distracted by rowdy friends in the car. Consequently, they could collide with other motor vehicles or hit pedestrians on the road. You can hold the teenager accountable for the accident in such an instance. But you'll need to engage an attorney to identify the cause of the accident. Then, they'll gather relevant evidence linking the accident to the distractive passengers in the at-fault vehicle.&nbsp;</p> <p>You may be eligible for compensation if you sustain severe injuries or damages in a collision caused by a teen driver. So contact an <a href="" target="_blank">auto accident attorney</a> for guidance and representation. They will get useful information to support your claim and guide you through the legal process to ensure you get justice.</p> 3 Ethical Obligations That Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Have to Your Case Mon, 23 May 2022 16:47:27 +0000 <p>With a beneficial client-lawyer relationship, you gain considerable compensation for personal injuries if you get injured in a negligent-caused motorcycle accident. For starters, disclose enough information that your motorcycle accident law firm can use to build a strong case.</p> <p>Your attorney also has legal and ethical obligations towards your case. Their legal responsibilities include the provision of objective advice about your case. Read on to discover the ethical obligations your motorcycle accident attorney has to your case.</p> <p><strong>1. Uphold Confidentiality</strong></p> <p>Confidentiality is perhaps the most valuable ethical principle lawyers exercise in personal injury cases. Accordingly, your lawyer is legally obligated to protect your interests and uphold the confidentiality rule.</p> <p>Your motorcycle accident attorney should keep your affairs confidential and only disclose information under limited circumstances. For example, communications between you and your lawyer should remain confidential. However, if these communications occur with the intent to initiate a legal offense, then they are not subject to the confidentiality privilege.</p> <p>The litigation process requires everyone to exercise this ethical principle. Anyone employed by your motorcycle accident lawyer to work on the case also upholds confidentiality. This principle also applies to communication between external parties and your lawyer.</p> <p><strong>2. Exercise Independence and Integrity</strong></p> <p>A motorcycle accident lawyer cannot protect your interests under constant interference from those in power. Independence enhances the lawyer's ability to offer unbiased representation and advice to clients. Your lawyer should be free to pursue your lawsuit without sanctions from the government.</p> <p>To maintain independence, your lawyer should exercise integrity. It takes integrity for a lawyer to maintain your interests amidst external interference. So, your motorcycle accident attorney should stay on course until you get fair compensation.</p> <p><strong>3. Exercise Competence</strong></p> <p>Integrity, independence, and confidentiality are crucial ethical aspects of successful motorcycle accident compensation claims. But, you cannot win a lawsuit if your lawyer is not competent. A competent motorcycle accident lawyer understands what they need to do to push for a good deal and has excellent negotiation skills.</p> <p>How do you identify competency in your lawyer? That's easy. Ask relevant questions in your initial consultation. For instance, ask about the number of similar cases previously handled.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>When you incur personal injuries after a motorcycle accident, the first thing to determine is what motorcycle accident law firm to hire for your compensation claim. Contact a competent motorcycle accident lawyer from an experienced firm with integrity and respect for the confidentiality principle.</p> <p>For more information, you can reach out to a local firm such as&nbsp;<a href="" target="_blank">Ruiz Law Firm</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> How To Pay For Your Neck And Back Injury Caused By A Car Accident Wed, 23 Mar 2022 14:23:51 +0000 <p>There are all sorts of injuries you might suffer from as a result of a car accident. Two types of these injuries include neck and back injuries. These can be very debilitating and can require a lifetime of medical treatment. You may also struggle to maintain a steady job as a result of your injuries. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you seek compensation for your injuries from a personal injury lawyer.</p> <p><strong>Why Car Accidents Often Lead to Neck and Back Injuries</strong></p> <p>Neck injuries often occur after an accident due to whiplash. When the car stops suddenly, this can lead to a neck injury resulting from the momentum of your body stopping unexpectedly. The whiplash that you experience can be very painful.</p> <p>You may also experience back pain alongside the pain you experience in your neck. You may experience a lumbar strain, which is a tear in the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of your lumbar region. Or, you might suffer from spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the bone channel that stores the spine. Both types of injuries can lead to severe pain.</p> <p><strong>How to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries</strong></p> <p>Because of how debilitating back and neck pain can be, it's important to make sure that you receive compensation for your injuries if the other party is at fault. This will require that you work with an experienced attorney who can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove that the other party is at fault and can also help you to calculate the damages you have suffered.</p> <p><strong>Connecting Your Injuries to the Accident</strong></p> <p>To be able to receive compensation for your neck and back pain, you will need to connect the injuries you have suffered to the accident. After you have been diagnosed and treated by your doctor, you will want to discuss your visit with your attorney. Your attorney can work with your doctor to make sure that medical records are available to establish a connection between the accident and your neck and back injuries.</p> <p><strong>Your Settlement Negotiations</strong></p> <p>The next step is to calculate the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident. These will include your current medical bills, any future medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, and pain and suffering. Then, the final step will be for your attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.</p> <p>To learn more about personal injury law or to find an attorney, contact a personal injury law form—such as <a href="" target="_blank">Labine Law Firm</a>—today.</p> 4 Types Of Evidence You Might Need For Your Auto Accident Case Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:46:20 +0000 <p>If you are injured in a car accident and are sure you were not responsible for it, you can sue the other road user or their insurance for settlement. However, the court usually uses different criteria to determine the party at fault. Generally, you need to gather all necessary evidence to prove your innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. If you wonder what kind of evidence you and your car accident lawyer need to present in court, keep reading to find out more.</p> <p><strong>1. Testimonies From Witnesses</strong></p> <p>Things can get heated up in a car accident case, and before you know it, everyone is pointing fingers, and no one accepts the blame. That is why you might need testimonies from those who witnessed the accident to help determine who caused the accident. You will also need to take their names, addresses, and mobile numbers because they might have to take a stand later. Along with the accident witnesses, you need expert witnesses, such as your doctor, to support your claim.</p> <p><strong>2. Evidence From the Accident Scene</strong></p> <p>There are numerous causes of car accidents. Examples include vehicle malfunction, road defects, driver intoxication, or bad weather conditions. Therefore, your accident lawyer should take pictures of the scene to help determine which of these caused the accident. Ideally, the pictures should capture details such as skid marks or broken glass. Therefore, call a lawyer as soon as you can to collect evidence from the scene as early as possible.</p> <p><strong>3. Police Report</strong></p> <p>The police play a significant role in determining your innocence after a car accident. Whatever they write in their report is, in most cases, what the jury trusts. Usually, the police will write everything they see to determine what happened before, during, and after the accident. This will all be based on what they see and have collected through talks with you and the witnesses. Therefore, even as you wait for your auto accident lawyer to get to the scene, the police should already be there doing their work.</p> <p><strong>4. Additional Proof</strong></p> <p>Apart from the evidence mentioned here, you might need additional evidence, including responses to a series of questions to the other driver. These questions should be mandatory and must be answered within the stipulated timeline. They can help unveil vital information such as the other driver's condition before the accident and other crucial details.</p> <p>Before your auto accident case begins, you should be armed with all the above evidence. However, you cannot gather the evidence while nursing injuries. So, consider working with an accident lawyer to do everything for you and pursue compensation.</p> <p>Contact a law firm like&nbsp;<a href="" target="_blank">Bangel, Bangel &amp; Bangel</a> to learn more.</p> Motorcycle Accident Defenses: Here Are The Top 3 You Should Know Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:49:48 +0000 <p>Compared to other motorists, motorcycle riders suffer more severe and even fatal injuries, which may necessitate large compensation. A few things accident victims will be looking forward to from their compensation claim include money for pain and suffering and medical bills. However, many insurance companies fight to ensure that the victims settle for less than what they deserve. This is why it's crucial to work with a lawyer who'll fight for your rights. Here are the common motorcycle defenses they can use when fighting for your case.</p> <p><strong>1. Motorcycle Prejudice</strong></p> <p>Motorcycle prejudice is expected in society, but this can sometimes extend to the courtroom. After your motorcycle accident, the defendant may argue that bike riders are reckless and they don't regard other motorists. When this argument arises during your case, your motorcycle accident lawyer will stress your good traits as a motorcycle operator and as a person. This helps&nbsp;paint you in a different light to the jurors because it's not as easy to have prejudice toward an individual as it is an entire group.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. The Last Chance</strong></p> <p>All motorists are expected to have the duty of reasonable care. This means that they need to avoid accidents whenever they can. If a car turned in front of you and this resulted in your accident, an insurance company may argue that you had the last chance to avoid the accident. They may state that you are responsible for the motorcycle accident just because you didn't slow down or change lanes.</p> <p>In such a case, your motorcycle accident law attorney may argue that if you had stopped or swerved, the chances are that you would lose control of your bike. You might have an even solid case if there were adverse weather conditions before the bike crash, which could have made the road wet or slippery.</p> <p><strong>3. The Helmet Defense</strong></p> <p>If you're residing in a state where wearing a helmet isn't mandatory for a rider, you can seek compensation even if you're not wearing a helmet. While this is the case, the defense may call doctors to the stand who'll testify that failing to wear a helmet and not the driver's negligence resulted in your injuries. However, besides citing safety statistics, an experienced medical doctor must provide medical evidence to substantiate their claim.</p> <p>Motorcycle crashes are on the rise, and they often result in severe injuries. Therefore, if you've recently been involved in a motorcycle accident and trying to fight for fair compensation for property damage and injuries, it's worth seeking the help of a <a href="" target="_blank">motorcycle accident attorney.</a> They'll use the defenses mentioned above to ensure that you get fair compensation.</p> Why A Warehouse Workers' Compensation Case Might Not Be Straightforward Tue, 31 Aug 2021 10:06:15 +0000 <p>Warehouse work is a strenuous job and there is always a risk that you'll become injured. Merchandise might fall on you or you may simply suffer from repetitive strain injuries. While you might think that a workers' compensation insurance program might be very straightforward, it is, unfortunately, more complicated than you might think if you aren't working with an experienced workers' compensation attorney.</p> <p><strong>Many Types of Injuries Can Occur at a Warehouse</strong></p> <p>Some workers suffer from slip-and-fall accidents, while other workers are struck by falling objects. Some workers are injured when involved in forklift accidents. Others are injured by defective equipment or tools.</p> <p>When working with some machines, workers can become entangled and injured. Regardless of the type of injury you suffer, you must record it and report it to your employer so your claim process can begin.</p> <p><strong>Your Employer Might Not Report Your Injuries</strong></p> <p>Your employer might be concerned that reporting your injuries will cause their insurance rates to go up and they may also believe that failing to report the claim will cause the problem to go away. If you suspect that your claim wasn't reported, you'll want to bring this up with a workers' compensation attorney.</p> <p><strong>Your Doctor Might Not Help You</strong></p> <p>After your warehouse accident, your doctor might need to be guided on how they can help your workers' compensation case. You will need a referral from your doctor and not from the doctor who was appointed by your employer or by the worker's compensation insurance provider. While you are required to see a second doctor, the opinion of your family doctor is crucial.</p> <p><strong>Your Workers' Compensation Benefits Might Be Less Than You Think</strong></p> <p>Your medical bills will be covered under workers' compensation, but you will only receive a portion of your lost wages, based on state regulations. When you have reached the state of "Maximum Medical Improvement," your doctor will determine which parts of your body are disabled and how disabled they are. For example, if you injured your right leg and are forced to walk with a limp, you may be considered to only have 50% of the use of your right leg.</p> <p>Then, you may be entitled to compensation based on how injured your leg is. Because you will lose money due to only receiving a portion of your wages, it's important to get better quickly. However, you will always want to consult with a workers' compensation attorney when attempting to return to your warehouse job.</p> <p>Contact <a href="" target="_blank">workers' compensation lawyers</a> in your area to learn more.</p> Processing Personal Injury Claims Following Auto Accidents Mon, 21 Jun 2021 08:54:45 +0000 <p>It is difficult to prove negligence in personal injury lawsuits. Before an auto accident victim can receive compensation, they must show that the defendant's negligence caused the accident. In addition to establishing the defendant's negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's negligence caused them harm. An accident victim is entitled to reparation for any financial, emotional, or physical harm they have incurred from the accident. Therefore, accident victims should seek the advice of competent auto accident lawyers to obtain just compensation. Following up on a personal injury claim is complex and necessitates legal skills to expedite the process. It is recommended that accident victims retain a skilled auto accident lawyer following an accident for the reasons listed below:</p> <p><strong>Collecting Relevant Evidence</strong></p> <p>It is critical for auto accident victims to gather relevant evidence of an accident, as courts rely on evidence to prove any personal injury claims. As such, the plaintiff's representatives must gather all relevant evidence as soon as a collision happens. Crash sites frequently have signs, such as skid marks, that can be utilized as evidence by experts to determine how the event occurred. Once engaged, auto accident lawyers gather all pertinent information, including images of the crash site, witness accounts, police reports, and medical records. All of these pieces of evidence are necessary if an accident victim wants to file a successful personal injury claim. Auto accident attorneys understand the legal threshold that must be met to fulfill the evidential burden and thus collect all relevant evidence.</p> <p><strong>Negotiating With Insurance Companies</strong></p> <p>Auto accident lawyers serve an essential role when negotiating with insurance companies on a client's behalf. Insurance companies often place blame on the claimant to avoid paying huge compensatory amounts. As such, an accident victim needs to engage auto accident lawyers to safeguard their interests. Auto accident lawyers are experienced negotiators and understand the relevant factors that insurance claim adjusters consider. Thus, accident victims who retain the services of competent auto accident lawyers to negotiate on their behalf significantly increase their chances of receiving just compensation.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Valuation of Compensatory Claims</strong></p> <p>The amount of compensation an accident victim is entitled to isn't determined arbitrarily. As such, an accident victim who wants to know how much money to ask for in compensation should consult experienced auto accident lawyers for a fair valuation of their claim. Auto accident lawyers have years of experience handling personal injury claims and know how to set the correct compensation value. Furthermore, auto accident lawyers know the relevant factors in determining the compensation amount, such as the extent of the injuries, medical expenses, and the level of contribution to the accident.</p> <p>Contact <a href="" target="_blank">auto accident lawyers</a> in your area to learn more.</p> Are Electric Car Accidents Different From Accidents Involving Gas-Powered Cars? Thu, 17 Sep 2020 08:41:34 +0000 <p>If you are involved in an auto accident that involves an electric car, in many ways, it is no different from an accident involving a vehicle powered by gasoline or diesel. However, there are certain additional requirements that must be made after the accident and the party who fails to meet these requirements with an electric car might be held liable for injuries that result.</p> <p><strong>Risks Associated With Electric Cars</strong></p> <p>An electric car can cause electric shock for either party because it is a high-voltage system. Therefore, the car battery must be secured immediately after the crash. These vehicles are also much more likely to catch on fire. The batteries, when damaged, can also release chemicals that can cause injuries due to chemical exposure.</p> <p><strong>Determining Fault in an Electric Car Accident</strong></p> <p>If one of the drivers was negligent, she will be considered at fault for the accident. However, there are often additional parties who might also be at fault with an electric car accident. Therefore, someone will need to investigate the cause of the crash to determine what went wrong.</p> <p>The crash might have resulted from a manufacturing defect or might have been made worse by the defect. For example, the battery might have been made out of materials that were not durable enough to resist the impact of the crash. The manufacturer might have failed to test parts that later failed when placed under strain.&nbsp;</p> <p>Car manufacturers are also responsible for supplying consumers with necessary safety warnings. For example, if you were not informed that you would need to secure the battery after the accident, you may hold the manufacturer responsible for failing to warn you.</p> <p><strong>How to Receive Compensation for Your Injuries</strong></p> <p>Because electric cars operate differently from other types of vehicles, you will need to hire an auto accident attorney who has had experience with cases involving electric cars. Or, at the very least, the law firm that your attorney works at should have expert witnesses who can help you win your case.</p> <p>You will be entitled to compensation for any injuries that you have suffered. This includes the pain and suffering you have experienced, and any current, past, and future medical bills. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you will also deserve compensation. However, you will need help from an auto accident attorney to determine everyone who could possibly be at fault.</p> <p>For more information, an <a href="" target="_blank">auto accident lawyer</a> can help.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> Rideshare Assaults: Do You Have A Legal Leg On Which To Stand? Wed, 04 Dec 2019 14:56:09 +0000 <p>Rideshare companies have exploded in the last five years. They have become the best source of inexpensive transportation you can get when you are in a strange city and you do not want to pay taxi fees. There are just a couple of problems with rideshares that have put a black eye on these companies. The problems include physical and sexual assaults, all of which leave the public a little more frightened and hesitant to use these services. For the most part, they are safe, and they are safer still if you are riding with at least one other person in the vehicle. However, if you are assaulted in a rideshare vehicle, you may be wondering if you have a legal leg on which to stand. Here is what rideshare accident lawyers have to say about these situations.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>You Can Sue</strong></p> <p>Ridesharing is a service. You agree to use the service with the understanding that you will be taken safely from point A to point B. You have the same expectations with ridesharing as you do with taking a taxi. The drivers are not allowed to touch or hit you, just as you are not allowed to touch or hit them. If you are physically or sexually assaulted, you absolutely can sue. Trying to figure out who to sue is the next step.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Check Your Rideshare App and Sue the Driver</strong></p> <p>First and foremost, each driver working for a rideshare company is an independent contractor. It means that the drivers sign up to work for the rideshare companies, but ultimately it is the drivers who choose how much money to earn and which fares to pick up and drop off. The drivers also choose their hours. Nothing is scheduled by the rideshare company, but the company does make sure the drivers are paid by collecting the money you pay through the app for your rides.</p> <p>As such, your first line of defense (after filing a police report for assault!) is to file a lawsuit against the driver that assaulted you. You can find the name of the driver and pertinent information about your ride on the day or night of your assault within the app's ride history. Give this information to your lawyer.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>File a Suit Against the Rideshare Company as Well</strong></p> <p>The rideshare company should have done a decent job of looking into the backgrounds of the people they hire. Right now, there really is no regulatory means of doing that. It places every passenger at the mercy of the drivers. By attempting to sue the rideshare company, you may be able to push for better regulations in terms of checking driver backgrounds to protect other riders.&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information or assistance, call a <a href="" target="_blank">rideshare accident lawyer</a>.</p> Tips To Help Win An Auto Accident Lawsuit Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:18:14 +0000 <p>When you're in an auto accident, your life can be changed forever. When the accident was caused by someone's neglect, there could be legal standing to sue the other party for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Here, you'll find a bit of information that can help you recoup some of what was lost during this accident.</p> <p>Consult with an Auto Accident Attorney</p> <p>The only way that you'll know for sure if you have a case is to talk with an experienced auto accident attorney. Since these attorneys focus their time fighting these cases, they'll have the knowledge and experience to know how best to proceed. Many attorneys do provide a free consultation to determine if there's any grounds to move forward – just have a conversation and see where it goes from there.</p> <p>Keep up with Documents&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>If your attorney moves forward with the case, you'll receive papers, either by mail or courier service. These documents must be signed and sent back in a timely manner. If you miss a deadline, the entire case could be put in jeopardy – as soon as you have an envelope in your hand, open it, read it, sign it and return it immediately.</p> <p>Maintain the Treatment Plan</p> <p>If you're undergoing medical treatment for your injuries, make sure to keep up with the treatment plan. Don't skip appointments or start doing the things that your doctor has told you not to do. Failing to keep up with the treatment plan could result in some difficulties in the case – and you could slow down the healing process.</p> <p>If you've missed an appointment, contact the doctor immediately to reschedule.</p> <p>Stay Off Social Media</p> <p>Don't go online and tell every detail to anyone who reads your social media postings. Once you put something out there on those websites, there is no way to control who will see it and how it will be used. If you say the wrong thing, you could damage your case. Just don't say anything more than anyone needs to know.</p> <p>Things might be tough now, but soon, you'll begin to feel like your normal self again. Hopefully, with the help of a skilled <a href="" target="_blank">auto accident attorney</a>, you'll be well on your way to recouping some of what was taken from you the day of the accident. Good luck and give yourself the time you need to heal – appreciate every tomorrow from this day forward.&nbsp;</p> Will My Pre-Existing Injury Impact My Workers' Compensation Claim? Thu, 18 Jul 2019 08:32:25 +0000 <p>According to the <a href="" rel="nofollow">Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy</a>, approximately 129.6 million American workers are covered by either state or federally-funded workers' compensation policies. Depending on your industry, as a worker, you are entitled to receive workers' compensation coverage if you are injured while performing your regular duties at your job.</p> <p>However, what if you have a pre-existing medical condition and are injured at work? Here is some valuable information about how pre-existing conditions can impact your workers' comp claim and how to successfully file your claim.</p> <p><strong>Workers' Comp and Your Pre-Existing Condition</strong></p> <p>In the case of a workers' compensation claim, a pre-existing condition refers to any medical condition or injury you suffered before the injury occurred at work or before you filed a claim. The pre-existing condition can be an acute injury, such as a back injury sustained during a car accident, or an on-going condition, including arthritis or a degenerative disc disease.</p> <p>The insurance company will consider the type of work-related injury, how the work-related injury occurred, and if the injury aggravated the pre-existing condition. For example, if the worker suffered a back injury and received proper treatment before they started their job, and the worker slipped and fell on a slippery front stairs during winter, the pre-existing injury was aggravated by the negligence of their employer.</p> <p>Employees cannot claim workers' compensation benefits if the injury occurred outside their workplace or after working hours, whether they have a pre-existing condition or not.</p> <p><strong>The Workers' Compensation Application</strong></p> <p>Filling out a workers' compensation claim accurately, thoroughly, and truthfully is vital to getting your claim accepted, including if you have a pre-existing condition. The claim paperwork will ask you about any pre-existing conditions that could have impacted the injury. Be completely honest about the pre-existing condition.</p> <p>For example, include the date an acute injury occurred, any treatments or surgeries associated with the injury or condition, and specific symptoms associated with the injury or condition.</p> <p>Never lie about your condition on the claim paperwork, even if you believe the pre-existing condition will impact the success of your claim. If the lie is discovered, your claim will instantly be denied.</p> <p>Write down the specifics of when and how the injury occurred and what pain or symptoms you experienced. Include how the pain has exacerbated the pre-existing condition and the symptoms that do not have any bearing on your pre-existing condition. The more precise you are about the accident and aftermath, the more you can prove that the accident did not occur because of the pre-existing condition.</p> <p><strong>If Your Workers' Compensation Claim Is Denied</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, if you have a pre-existing condition, there is a strong chance your initial workers' compensation claim will be denied. Hire an attorney immediately to help you strengthen your case before the appeal. For example, your attorney might recommend gathering medical documents concerning your pre-existing condition.</p> <p>Statements from your doctors will also strengthen your case and help prove that your accident was not caused by the pre-existing condition but, instead, made the symptoms associated with the pre-existing condition worse. Your attorney may also hire a medical investigator and medical experts to testify on your behalf.</p> <p>While you wait for your appeal, your attorney can help file a claim of temporary disability benefits. These benefits help workers or disabled individuals who need immediate help and cannot afford to work or pay their bills while they wait to receive their full workers' compensation benefits.</p> <p>Your pre-existing condition should not stand in the way of receiving the workers' compensation benefits you are entitled to. Talk to a <a href="" target="_blank">workers' comp lawyer</a> if your initial workers' compensation claim is denied or if you have any other questions.</p> Questions To Ask When Your Child Is Injured At School Thu, 09 May 2019 20:46:53 +0000 <p>When a child is injured at school, one of the first things to figure out who will pay the damages associated with the injury. It can be difficult to find proof of responsibility when an injury happens on school property. It is best to get an attorney as soon as possible to help you decide if you want to file a lawsuit. The following are some things to consider before you decide to file:</p> <p><strong>Was the Injury Intentional?</strong></p> <p>You first need to find out if the injury was due to an intentional act or if it was an accident. Intentional injuries include those suffered in the course of bullying, fighting, and harassment. If another student caused your child's injury intentionally, the parents of the child will have to bear a good amount of the overall responsibility. If the school was complicit in any way, such as having a record of bullying of your child and not telling you, the school can be held accountable as well.</p> <p><strong>Did the Injury Occur Due to Negligence?</strong></p> <p>In some cases, injuries happen at school due to negligence on the part of the school administration. Negligence can be unintentional or intentional. You can establish negligence when a certain set of standards are below a reasonable range of safety. If the playground equipment is in bad shape but the school allows children to play on it anyway, the resulting injury would be a case of negligence on the part of the school. The school is going to be responsible for ensuring the children's environment is safe.</p> <p><strong>Does Your Child Go to Private School?</strong></p> <p>Public schools are governed by your state. Any lawsuit regarding a child's injury is going to be regulated by officials of the state. A private school, on the other hand, govern themselves. This makes a lawsuit much less complicated since there are no state laws to contend with. Your attorney will work with the governing board at the school to deal with the case. If your case was strong and you have clear proof the school was negligent which resulted in injury, the case could settle much faster than dealing with a public school.</p> <p>You have to be diligent if your child gets hurt at school. The minute details of the injury can quickly fade away when a child tries to recollect the events that led to the injury. Be sure your child provides the details as quickly as possible. Reach out to a <a href="" target="_blank">personal injury lawyer</a> to learn more.</p> 3 Great Reasons To Hire A Maritime Attorney When Faced With An Offshore Injury Wed, 10 Apr 2019 06:19:04 +0000 <p>Working offshore can be extremely lucrative, but it does come with its fair share of risks. You may eventually get injured. If you are hurt, and your employer is being difficult about things like compensation, be sure to hire a maritime attorney. They'll help you in the following ways.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Assess Case Strength&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>If you're looking to pursue legal action against your employer because of an offshore accident, then it's paramount to first see how strong your case is. That's where a maritime attorney comes in handy. They can offer this case analysis before you get too far in this legal process.</p> <p>They'll see what types of injuries you have and determine how they occurred. Then, based on their years of trying similar cases in the past and available evidence, they can determine how strong your case really is. If it is weak, they'll advise against pursuing legal action. This way, you don't waste a lot of time, energy, and money on court proceedings.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Collect Evidence&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>A huge aspect of winning this type of case is collecting evidence to show what happened and the severity of your injuries. Dealing with this aspect of your personal injury case won't be difficult when you seek representation from a maritime attorney.&nbsp;</p> <p>They've dealt with similar injuries so many times in the past, and as a result, know exactly what tangible evidence to collect. For example, they can re-visit the accident site and capture pictures and video footage. They can also gather witnesses who may have seen the entire offshore accident unfold.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Provide Contingency Payment Structure&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>You may be a little nervous seeking legal representation when dealing with an offshore accident, as there really is no guarantee that you'll win. Then if you lose, you would be out a lot of money in terms of legal fees.</p> <p>Well, you can set aside this apprehension for the most part because a lot of maritime lawyers today offer payment contingency plans. What this means is if you don't win the case against the employer you feel is responsible for the offshore injury, the attorney won't charge you a thing. You thus have a financial security blanket to rely on if things don't work in your favor.</p> <p>Offshore injuries are pretty common today, and they can be pretty severe. If you're ever involved in one, be sure to hire a maritime law attorney such as <a href="" target="_blank">Strauss and King</a>. They can help you address this injury appropriately, taking the necessary legal actions to receive compensation and ensure justice is served.&nbsp;</p> Five Cases In Which You Can File For Medical Malpractice Post-Surgery Wed, 20 Feb 2019 15:50:34 +0000 <p>Surgery has come a long way in the past few decades. Surgeons have developed new techniques and also machines to reduce fatigue and reduce the risk of errors. Still, mistakes do happen. And sometimes, if a mistake is made during your surgery, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice, allowing you to recoup money to account for your pain, suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. What kinds of surgical mistakes warrant a malpractice case? Here's a look.</p> <p><strong>1. Surgery on the wrong site</strong></p> <p>This may be your worst nightmare when you head in for surgery -- that the surgeon will remove the wrong finger, operate on the wrong foot, or cauterize the wrong ureter. As unlikely as this type of mistake may sound, wrong-site procedures do occur. About&nbsp;<a href="" rel="nofollow">one in every 112,000 surgical procedures</a>&nbsp;is performed on the wrong site. If this happens to you, then you absolutely have a strong medical malpractice case.&nbsp;</p> <p>Malpractice cases hinge on being able to demonstrate that a reasonable doctor acting in the best interests of their patient would not have made the same mistake. There are protocols that are typically followed pre-surgery, such as marking the limb to be operated on, that may have been skipped in your case -- and with dire consequences. Most judges should agree that performing surgery on the wrong body part is a vast oversight and sign of negligence on the part of your surgeon.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. Surgery that was not necessary</strong></p> <p>Consider the following scenario as an example. You go to the hospital with stomach pain. Without running any tests, a doctor insists that your appendix is causing the problem and must be removed. You're rushed into surgery, and your appendix is removed, but in the months that follow, your pain does not go away. It's then found that, actually, your appendix was fine. The real problem is a cancerous lesion in your small intestine. At this point, you could file for malpractice and claim that the appendix removal was an unnecessary procedure. The fact that proper testing was not done to verify that your appendix was the problem demonstrates negligence. Unnecessary surgery claims are a very common type of malpractice claim.</p> <p><strong>3. Surgery that resulted in infection</strong></p> <p>There is always a risk of infection post-surgery. However, sometimes infection can be perpetuated by mistakes made by the surgical team. If they did not follow proper sanitation protocol or used dirty instruments and this led to your infection, you may be able to sue for malpractice. This type of case is challenging because it usually relies on other people who were present during surgery -- like assistants and nurses -- giving testimony against the doctor who made the mistake.</p> <p><strong>4. Surgical instrument left inside your body</strong></p> <p>If you continue to suffer unexplained pain and discomfort post-surgery, make sure that your doctor checks for any surgical instruments that may have been left inside your body during the procedure. Suturing instruments, scalpels, clamps, and other small devices sometimes get left behind, and this absolutely constitutes malpractice. You can seek compensation for all of the procedures required to remove the instruments and for any work you miss as a result of the pain and recovery time.</p> <p><strong>5. Surgery that resulted in nerve damage</strong></p> <p>If your doctor informed you that nerve damage was a likely outcome of the surgery before the procedure, then you probably don't have a malpractice case. However, if nerve damage was never mentioned pre-surgery and you are now left with nerve damage, that is another story. Neurological symptoms sometimes improve as time goes on, but if you're left with even a slight tingling or numbness, you should talk to a lawyer about filing a malpractice case.</p> <p>For more information, get in touch with a firm such as <a href="" target="_blank">R.J. Marzella &amp; Associates, P.C.</a></p> Why You Should Work With An Attorney When Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits Mon, 19 Nov 2018 13:56:20 +0000 <p>If you've become disabled and have paid Social Security for many years, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The road to getting them is a lot easier when you work with a <a href="" target="_blank">Social Security Disability law firm</a>, too. They can help in the following ways.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Assess the Strength Of Your Case&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, not everyone who applies for Social Security Disability benefits will get them. To avoid wasting your time and efforts, you need to know whether or not you should pursue these benefits. A Social Security Disability attorney can look at your medical problems and deem whether or not they deserve government assistance.&nbsp;</p> <p>They'll also take into account other criteria for SSDI, making sure you're an ideal candidate. If your attorney says your case is strong and recommends following through with the application, you can be confident that you'll get accepted.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Double-Check Your Application&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Perhaps the most time-consuming aspect of trying to get Social Security Disability benefits is filling out all of the necessary application forms. One wrong mistake could cause lengthy delays and even make it to where your application gets denied all together.&nbsp;</p> <p>You can prevent these issues from happening by hiring a Social Security Disability attorney, though. After you're done with the application, they'll double-check documents for any inconsistencies, errors, and missing information. Any problems will be corrected before your application is sent off to the appropriate agency. You can thus rest assured that your application won't get denied unfairly.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Submit an Appeal&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>As mentioned earlier, not everyone who applies for SSDI will get accepted. In fact, most people are denied the first time. That's perfectly okay when you hire a Social Security Disability attorney.</p> <p>They'll look into your application's rejection and find out what went wrong. It may have been misinformation or more medical documents may need to be submitted to prove your disability. Whatever issues there are, your attorney will respond by submitting an appeal.</p> <p>They'll continually track this appeal too until you're awarded the benefits that you desperately need Thanks to your attorney's support, you won't be taken advantage of during this sensitive time in your life.&nbsp;</p> <p>Being disabled can make it sometimes impossible to work and earn a living for your family. In these times, you need to seek Social Security Disability benefits. Getting them doesn't have to be as hard as you think, either. You just need to work with the right attorney, who can take you through this entire process.</p>