Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Malfunctioning Airbags

Airbags exist for the sole purpose of protecting a driver and his or her passengers from harm in the event of a car accident. However, in some unfortunate cases, an airbag can actually cause injury to an individual, rather than protect him or her from it. If an airbag malfunctions or is inherently defective, you may be able to bring the product manufacturer to court and sue on the grounds of product liability.

Victims of airbag injuries should not have to suffer alone. If your injury could have been prevented by responsible installation or manufacturing, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the law to help you pay for any damages (physical, emotional, or monetary) that you may have experienced as a result. The best way to help your chances for receiving a favorable outcome is by hiring an lawyer to help represent your case. That way, you can be sure that you are presenting the most pertinent, thorough information possible.

There are several ways in which an airbag can malfunction and cause harm. This includes the following:



Fails to deploy in the event of an accident.


Deploys for no apparent reason or as a result of a small bump.


Gas inside of the bag leaks from the casing and causes toxic gases to fill the air.

Airbag injuries can range in severity from a small burn, to eye damage, to traumatic brain injury, to wrongful death. Though death is rare from this occurrence, it is has happened before. If you or someone you love has been injured by an airbag, contact an experienced attorney right away to file a claim. These negligent individuals should be held accountable for their actions and the best way to make sure this happens is by hiring a lawyer.

To learn more about airbag defects, visit the web site of the Brooklyn car accident injury attorneys of Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP today.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Get Yourself an Injury Lawyer

If you were recently injured, then you might want to consider taking advantage of the services of a personal injury lawyer. A qualified personal injury lawyer will be beneficial to you while you recover from your injury and seek restitution from the damages you incurred because of it.

Remember Accidents Happen

Some people hesitate to contact an injury lawyer. They don't want to get sue happy given that so many individuals in the UK area already rush to a lawsuit the minute something goes wrong. However in your case an accident happened. You can't predict when an accident is going to happen, nor can you prevent it. Sadly because of the accident you are now injured. Most likely you are experiencing unforeseen costs and an inability to function as you normally would. Therefore hiring a personal injury lawyer is a step in the right direction, allowing you to help right the wrongs.

Should I File The Claim On My Own?

A common question several individuals ask regarding personal injury claims is whether or not they should file the claim on their own. Typically a lawyer will be able to get better results than you will on your own. They will file an accident claim in your name and prepare a court case for you. These lawyers are professionals who are experiencing fighting in these types of situations. You, on the other hand, are not.

Choosing Your Attorney

The choice is obvious when you lay out the facts, however for some it comes down to a cost issue. They do not have the money to hire an attorney. If you are in this situation, look for a lawyer that offers a service based on "No win, No fee." This way, you only have to pay if you win the case. Also, make sure that you will still receive compensation if you win the case. You do not want all the money awarded to you to go to lawyer fees. Instead, they should cover the money lost due to your personal injury. Then, you should have enough let over to pay the fees to you personal injury lawyer. Therefore make sure you choose wisely. There are a lot of lawyers in the UK to choose from. Pick one you trust and work together on a personal injury claim that sets right the wrongs you have incurred due to your injuries. Call today.

Friday, May 21, 2010

A Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer Talks About Eye Injury Claims and Traumatic Brain Injury

In 2005 Kelly was partially blinded in one eye when she was hit by a car. Her body was slammed to the street face first. Sonia was trying to cross a busy urban street while her light was red. Nevertheless, Kelly obtained a settlement in excess of $300,000.00. With the settlement, Kelly was able to pay her medical bills, get expert assistance with her activities of daily living and put money in the bank.

CAN YOU HANDLE YOUR CASE WITHOUT A LAWYER?

I was recently contacted by Betty, an insurance claims adjuster, about a car crash she was involved in. She decided to try to represent herself. Her familiarity with insurance claims made this appealing. I told her that I would be happy to answer her questions, but that I preferred that she actually retain my services. Betty was reluctant since she was worried that my percentage of the settlement would leave her with less money than if she handled the case herself.

About two months later Betty contacted me again crying and frantic. The combined stress of her injury and dealing one on one with the insurance company left her psychologically scarred and physically drained. She began to relax and heal immediately upon retaining my services. By letting go of the control of her case she was also able to let go of pressures that were blocking her healing process. Betty was content during the entire course of her case about her decision to retain my services. Even when I deducted my share from the settlement money, she expressed only thanks.

YOU NEED A LAWYER YOU CAN TRUST.

What Betty and many others have a hard time appreciating is that even the attorney takes her fee, your share of the settlement generally is much higher than if you represented yourself. If your lawyer settles your case for $250,000 and takes a third, you'll still be much better off than if you settled your own case for $100,000. Relieved of the stress of representing yourself, you will be able to relax and focus on healing your body and your mind from your traumatic injuries.

Frank e-mailed me a while back and asked me to take his eye injury case. Frank was new to the Philadelphia area and didn't know where to find the right lawyer. He was confused and frightened. He considered ads in the Yellow Pages, but this just left him more troubled. Finally, he found the Eye and Brain Injury Legal Information Center. He e-mailed some questions about his case. He also expressed his concern that he didn't any lawyers and asked why he should trust any particular with his important legal rights.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Brain Injuries and Brain Injury Compensation

Brain injuries are almost always very serious, and the consequences life changing. Rehabilitation can take a long time. It follows that any claim for compensation for a brain injury is not likely to be resolved quickly. In fact it is typical for such claims to take between 3 and 5 years to complete. Each year in the UK, over a million people suffer a head injury that requires a visit to a casualty department and around 135,000 of these will be admitted to hospital with a serious head injury. Mostly, these injuries occur in road traffic accidents, falls and accidents at home or at work.

Figures obtained by Headway, the brain injury association, show that the people most at risk are in the age-group 15-29 and over 65. Those aged between 15 and 29 are three times more likely to sustain a brain injury than any other group. Men are two to three times more likely to suffer a brain injury than women. This rises to five times more likely in the 15-29 age range. Of those that are admitted, 85% will have sustained a mild head injury, 10% a moderate head injury and 5% a severe head injury.

There are two main categories of brain injury; Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). An ABI is any brain injury that occurs since birth. These can be caused by illnesses such as strokes, haemorrhage, infection, hypoxic/anoxic injury or medical accidents. There can also be Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Receiving a severe blow or jolt to the head, possibly in a car accident, fall or assault, can cause a brain injury. The majority of TBI cases result from road traffic accidents. A smaller proportion are due to domestic or industrial accidents, sporting or other incidents.

Although initially caused by a sudden force, a traumatic brain injury also includes any subsequent complications. There are three distinct phases that may occur.


The first injury - the initial traumatic event, caused by a sudden force or impact and lasting only a few seconds. These can be crush injuries, open wounds or closed injuries in which external forces can cause the brain to be twisted or torn without any outside sign of injury.
A second injury can happen during the minutes and hours following the first injury. Problems such as serious blood loss or a blocked airway can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the brain, and result in oxygen starvation.
A third injury can happen at any subsequent time, causing further complications. This could be as a result of bleeding, bruising or swelling in the brain or because blood clots have developed.

More people survive severe brain injuries nowadays because of advances in medical knowledge and surgical techniques. Those who have survived a brain injury usually have a normal life expectancy. An ever-increasing number of people are living with the long-term effects of brain injury. Estimates suggest that there are over 500,000 people living with disabilities as the result of head injury in the UK.

In any claim for compensation you must be able to prove that you have suffered an injury, and that another party was at fault. Medical reports will be required as supporting evidence. In brain injury cases, it can be difficult to assess the long term implications of an injury, and the level of support that the injured person will require in the future. It is possible, however, to obtain in interim settlement pending a delayed final settlement.

There are several elements that go to make up the compensation package. There is compensation for the injury itself. There is also an element that provides for support for both you and your family. Rehabilitation and treatment would form part of this element as well as possibly counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy. It may be possible to obtain this in some circumstances, even when liability is in dispute. A large part of the compensation will be for expenses, which includes loss of future earnings, care, medical expenses and equipment.

Whilst the main purpose of pursuing a claim is to receive financial compensation for your losses, it can also provide other positive benefits. For example, the Rehabilitation Code says that support should be provided to you and your family. This will usually be in the form of rehabilitation and treatment but can also include counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy or the appointment of a Case Manager, who can assess what support you need. In some circumstances, third party insurance companies will provide support and rehabilitation even when liability is in dispute.

The Solicitor will arrange for you to undergo medical examinations to determine the prognosis for your injuries. Any treatment needs and care requirements will also be identified during the examination. It will help your recovery if you are able to gain access to the recommended treatment as soon as possible.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Personal Injury Attorneys - Types of Injuries They Advise On

If you have been recently injured and are not sure if a personal injury attorney is right for you, read on. If it happens that you are responsible for someone else's injury, a call to such a person is advisable to you also. This article will outline a number of personal damage that these types of attorneys can counsel you on, bearing in mind there are various nuances from state to state.

Such injury is frequently described in legal terms as an injury as a result of someone else's negligence. This may not be a complete list, as every professional is different, but a majority of their areas of expertise is described by the list below.

* Work Injuries
* Vehicle Accidents: Car, Train, Boat, Plane, Motorcycle, Bus
* Slip & Fall Injuries
* Wrongful Death
* Product Liability
* Nursing Home Injuries
* Dog Bites
* Incorrect Prescriptions

The category of personal injuries with regard to bodily harm envelope a broad list. Among them are as follows:

* Spinal Cord
* Paralysis
* Brain
* Some Birth Defects
* Back & Neck
* Burns

If your injuries are not reflected in the above lists, contacting your local lawyer will clear up any doubts and questions you may have regarding whether or not you can be represented. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so it is in your best interests to take advantage of that option and determine how they will be able to meet your needs. They will be able to describe the process to you more thoroughly, so you will always be mindful of the next step and what is expected of you.

To elaborate on why such attorneys can help if you are the one being sued for having been responsible for an injury, it is important to note that when the other party has legal representation, it is crucial you obtain your own to protect your rights and prevent being taken advantage of. They will be able to explain your rights and regardless of the outcome, protection of your rights needs to be your primary concern.

Clearly, hiring such a professional is prudent when you are on either side of a case. Complex and dynamic legal matters are best left to the qualified professionals. Call your personal injury attorney today to learn about the steps they will take to protect your rights and move you forward.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Car Accident Injuries - 3 Injuries That May Get You Auto Accident Injury Compensation

Do you need more information on car accident injuries? In this article we are going to talk about 3 injuries that may get you auto accident injury compensation.

If you have suffered major or minor injuries in a car crash then you may have questions about car accident injuries. Even though some injuries are not considered to be life threatening or serious you may still be entitled to auto accident injury compensation. Let's go on to talk about 3 injuries that may get you the compensation that you want and need after a car wreck.

Head Injuries

It is not difficult to get head injuries when you are in an accident. Just a simple bump from behind might send your head into the side of the door if you are not expecting to be hit. Let's face it we are not always on the look out for an attack from other cars around us. Whether you have a scrape, cut, gash or worse wound you still should have your doctor take a look at you since there may be deeper injuries.

Chest Injuries

You usually will not get chest injuries unless the car accident is pretty serious. The chest was designed to protect our ever important insides so it's pretty tough. There are some times that you may get smashed up against the steering wheel and find yourself with some broken bones however.

Whiplash

Whiplash is so extremely common in car accidents I am usually surprised if someone comes out and does not have whiplash. You can get this condition simply by the quick jerking forward and backward of your neck. This can put the neck bones out of place and cause pain and pinching of nerves.

Conclusion

No matter how small your car accident injuries are make sure you have a doctor check you out and get a free consultation with an auto accident attorney to see how much auto accident injury compensation you may be able to get.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Have You Had a Motorcycle Accident?

If you've had a motorcycle accident, then you might have been lucky, and not been too badly injured, and not suffered too much damage to your bike. Alternatively, you might have had a serious accident, and are wondering if you could claim compensation.

Here's what you need to think about.

1. You might be unable to work due to your accident, and want to claim for loss of earnings. You might want to speak to a solicitor and see what you should do next, and see if you have a compensation claim.

2. You might have a damaged bike, and want to know about getting it repaired, and at who's expense. You won't want your motorbike insurance premium to increase due to an accident that wasn't your fault.

3. As well as your bike, your clothing and helmet might be damaged too. You won't want to be out of pocket for having to buy new leathers, a new helmet and a GPS or communication system.

4. If you've been hit and hurt by an uninsured or untraced driver, then you still might be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

5. If you have unknowingly bought a defective bike, or been hit by a car that was defective, or shouldn't have been on the road, then you might be entitled to compensation.

6. It might be that you've had a motorcycle accident due to defective road surfaces. Perhaps your wheel got caught in a pothole, causing you to lose balance and fall off, and break your leg, or damage your bike.

7. It might be that you've had an motorcycle accident due to gravel and grit left after roadworks. Perhaps the contractors hadn't fully cleared the road, or smoothed the surface down, and it caused you to crash.

8. Maybe you slid on a roundabout or a road, due to there being oil or diesel on the road. Through no fault of your own, you might have slid into the path of an oncoming car and been hit and injured.

9. You might have suffered serious injuries as a result of your motorcycle accident, and want to know whether you have a compensation claim.

10. You might have suffered brain or spinal injuries during your motorcycle accident, and have to rebuild your life, or move to an adapted home. You'll want to make sure that you are compensated for your injuries.

Now you know what sort of instances and motorcycle accidents you could claim compensation for, perhaps now is the time to speak to an experienced motorcycle accident solicitor.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

What Type of Personal Injury Claim Was Your Accident?

Personal injury cases are legal cases in which one party or group is held accountable for causing harm to another person or group of people. This legal responsibility typically takes the form of the responsible party compensating for medical and other costs, lost wages, and occasionally additional money for damaging the hurt party's quality of life. Personal injury cases are very common and many are quite serious.

You can find various types of injury cases in litigation. Injuries can occur practically anywhere: in your own home, at the office, while travelling, or while you're shopping. Wherever an injury takes place, if it was a result of the negligence and carelessness of one party, then the injured party has the legal right to file a personal injury claim through the help of Seattle personal injury lawyers.

Many of the common forms of personal injury cases result from carelessness on our highways and streets. Automobile accidents are the number one source of claims. Think about how many auto accidents happen every day just to get an idea. Even though some accidents are just that - accidents with motor vehicle collisions, others come from neglect. If a driver who crashed into another driver because they were driving too fast, driving while distracted or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then there could be grounds for a personal injury case. In the end, if the offending driver acted in a way that a typical person would not, then they could be held accountable.

Another form of common personal injury cases are those focusing on accidents such as slips, trips and falls. These cases take place when an individual injures them self by slipping or tripping as a result of dangerous conditions at a location. Wet floors, defective floors, uneven ground and so forth are examples of possible causes of these accidental injuries. This is the reason businesses are so adamant about putting out 'Wet Floor' signs during cleaning. If they don't alert customers about the risk to safety, they could be deemed responsible for any accidents or injuries which may occur.

Work is yet another place where personal injury cases can begin. The majority of companies and organizations take care to ensure that their staff is protected from hazards at the workplace. Some, however, still allow their equipment to go un-inspected or let their employees operate in unsafe circumstances. If this sort of negligence results in an injury, then the business can and should be held liable for causing the injuries. These cases are most common in industries like construction, where there's a higher potential for accidents and mishaps.

Another cause of injury claims are faulty and defective goods. Some businesses produce items that they know might cause harm to the people using them, but still permit them to be sold. If a Seattle injury lawyer can show that a company had prior knowledge of a dangerous product defect, then they can be held liable for damages when pursued by the right Seattle injury attorneys.

How Much is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?

Every case is different, but there are several general rules that can be used to "evaluate" a personal injury case.

1. "Value" is ultimately determined by a jury. Whether a case ever gets to a jury trial does not change the fact that everyone involved in your case attempts to determine the value of the case through the eyes of 12 potential jurors. This includes insurance companies, your attorney, and it should also include you.

2. Determining who is that fault. Under Pennsylvania law, "negligence" is broken down in terms of percentages. This is true whether the case is tried in front of a jury or for purposes of valuing the case at any time during settlement negotiations. Starting at 100%, the jury (and also an insurance company as well as any attorneys involved in the case), must determine who is at fault and also must determine their degree or percentage of fault. The defendant may be 100% at fault or may be found to be less than 100% at fault. A plaintiff, you, may also been found to be at fault. This is typical in a situation where the plaintiff is one of the drivers in the accident and there's a dispute as to how the accident occurred, or it is also typical in a situation where the plaintiff is claiming an injury because he or she fell on someone else's property. In those types of situations the defense argues that the plaintiff was some degree of fault. So long as the plaintiff is not found to be 51% or more negligent, the plaintiff is generally entitled to "recover" or be compensated for his or her injuries. For instance, if the jury finds the injured plaintiff to have injuries that are evaluated at $1,000 but finds the plaintiff 50% at fault, the plaintiff is awarded $500 in terms of a jury verdict. As another example if the jury finds the plaintiff to have injuries that they feel should be valued at $1,000 but finds the plaintiff 10% at fault, the plaintiffs is awarded $900 in terms of the jury verdict. Both sides go through this exercise throughout the settlement negotiations.

3. Medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, and "out-of-pocket" expenses. These items are also used to evaluate a personal-injury case. Typically unpaid medical bills are what a jury will see. Judges usually do not allow juries do see the full amount of the medical bills if some of those bills were paid by other insurance coverage. An itemization of the time you missed from work, what that cost you, as well as what might be expected in future lost wages is also an "element" of damages. In addition, any "out-of-pocket" expenses are also items for which you can seek reimbursement. Therefore it is a good idea in any personal injury case to keep receipts for any expenses that you incur during the entire time from the beginning of the case to the end of the case.

4. Of course, your injury is one of if not the most important aspect in determining "value" in a personal injury case. The more serious the injury or injuries, the higher the value of the case. You will be asked to testify about your injuries. Your testimony will take place in a "deposition" which is a pre-trial statement under oath. We will prepare you for the deposition and will, of course, attend with you. If your case goes to trial, you will testify again about your injuries. Your doctor(s) will also be asked to testify at trial. Your doctors can use their office notes and reports in your medical chart to refresh their memory about your care and treatment. Thus, it is very important that you thoroughly and completely tell your doctors about all of your ailments related to your accident case throughout the treatment period.

5. The location of where the suit is filed also has an effect on the value of your case. It is well known amongst insurance companies and attorneys that some communities are more conservative, some more liberal. Therefore, the "jury pool" from each community goes into the evaluation of the personal injury case.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

The main goal of a Miami personal injury lawyer is to seek the right compensation and justice for the victim. Though there are lots of lawyers that are out there, it is important that you have to find the right legal representation to avoid frustrations.

But of course it is important that you have to know basic information regarding these lawyers so that you will be able to pick the right lawyer that will defend your right. In order to hire the best lawyer, here are some of the considerations that you can use.

When hiring the right Miami personal injury lawyer, it is important to check out the specialization of the lawyer. There are lots of lawyers that are out there but not all of them specialize under this personal injury category. So with this, it is important that you have to determine the specialty of the lawyer.

If you incur car accidents, then it is important that you have to find a lawyer that can effectively handle and has extensive experience in automobile accidents. You will be able to search the right lawyer if you only know the nature of accidents. In this way you will be able to narrow down your search and you will be able to search the right lawyer that can handle your case effectively.

Another important thing that you need to check out from these Miami personal injury lawyers is their court experience. There are some cases that do not proceed with court proceedings because it has been settled out of court. With this, it is still important that you have the best lawyer that will defend you.

If there Miami personal injury lawyer has a good court experience, then you can also expect him to have a good experience outside the court. We are all aware that most of the people have their own insurance. Dealing with insurance companies is a little bit hard; in this case it is important that you have a good lawyer that will help you deal with the insurance company. If the lawyer has a good experience and has gained success in the court, you can also be sure that his experience outside the court is also good.

It is important that you have trust and communication min order to be successful with your case. Having knowledgeable and experienced lawyer can help you with your claim. But if you hire a lawyer that is not dedicated with what he is doing then, it is better to find another lawyer that will represent you.

It is important that the Miami personal injury lawyer keep you updated with the development of the case. He must be easy to reach whenever you need to talk to him. When dealing with a lawyer it is important that you have keen observation in order to detect the determination of the lawyer.

Car Accident Minor Injury - How to Get the Most Out of Your Auto Insurance Settlement

Have you gotten a car accident minor injury? In this article we are going to talk about how to get the most out of your auto insurance settlement.

It is understand that you may be very upset after your accident. If you were hurt by a careless driver then you are entitled to a settlement paid either by the other person's insurance company or the other person. In some cases if the other driver is uninsured then your insurance company may have to cover it, that is if you have uninsured driver's insurance. Even if you have had a car accident minor injury you may be in considerable pain and may have had to miss work or may have had some cosmetic damage. Let's go ahead and talk about how to get the most out of your auto insurance settlement.

Documenting

It is extremely important that you document everything that is going on. You should have a note pad with you and you may consider getting a tape recorder and camera as well. The more proof and time line information that you can provide the better your case will be against the opposing party. Some things that you may want to document are:

1. Before and after photos

2. Witness testimony

3. Police reports

4. Doctors and chiropractor recommendations and reports

There may be other information but this is required when you have to go to court.

Getting Proper Counsel

Even though you may have all of the information documented what now? If you go to court by yourself you may not know how to get the most out of your auto insurance settlement. Even a car accident minor injury may get you a nice settlement if you know what you are doing. If you believe that legal counsel would be too expensive you may be going about things the wrong way. Legal help may be able to get you more money in the long run and it could more than pay for what fee of the lawyer.

There are a lot of car wreck lawyers that will not even charge you any fee up front. Most commonly they will just take a part of your settlement and not charge you anything if you do not win.

How Much is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?

Every case is different, but there are several general rules that can be used to "evaluate" a personal injury case.

1. "Value" is ultimately determined by a jury. Whether a case ever gets to a jury trial does not change the fact that everyone involved in your case attempts to determine the value of the case through the eyes of 12 potential jurors. This includes insurance companies, your attorney, and it should also include you.

2. Determining who is that fault. Under Pennsylvania law, "negligence" is broken down in terms of percentages. This is true whether the case is tried in front of a jury or for purposes of valuing the case at any time during settlement negotiations. Starting at 100%, the jury (and also an insurance company as well as any attorneys involved in the case), must determine who is at fault and also must determine their degree or percentage of fault. The defendant may be 100% at fault or may be found to be less than 100% at fault. A plaintiff, you, may also been found to be at fault. This is typical in a situation where the plaintiff is one of the drivers in the accident and there's a dispute as to how the accident occurred, or it is also typical in a situation where the plaintiff is claiming an injury because he or she fell on someone else's property. In those types of situations the defense argues that the plaintiff was some degree of fault. So long as the plaintiff is not found to be 51% or more negligent, the plaintiff is generally entitled to "recover" or be compensated for his or her injuries. For instance, if the jury finds the injured plaintiff to have injuries that are evaluated at $1,000 but finds the plaintiff 50% at fault, the plaintiff is awarded $500 in terms of a jury verdict. As another example if the jury finds the plaintiff to have injuries that they feel should be valued at $1,000 but finds the plaintiff 10% at fault, the plaintiffs is awarded $900 in terms of the jury verdict. Both sides go through this exercise throughout the settlement negotiations.

3. Medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, and "out-of-pocket" expenses. These items are also used to evaluate a personal-injury case. Typically unpaid medical bills are what a jury will see. Judges usually do not allow juries do see the full amount of the medical bills if some of those bills were paid by other insurance coverage. An itemization of the time you missed from work, what that cost you, as well as what might be expected in future lost wages is also an "element" of damages. In addition, any "out-of-pocket" expenses are also items for which you can seek reimbursement. Therefore it is a good idea in any personal injury case to keep receipts for any expenses that you incur during the entire time from the beginning of the case to the end of the case.

4. Of course, your injury is one of if not the most important aspect in determining "value" in a personal injury case. The more serious the injury or injuries, the higher the value of the case. You will be asked to testify about your injuries. Your testimony will take place in a "deposition" which is a pre-trial statement under oath. We will prepare you for the deposition and will, of course, attend with you. If your case goes to trial, you will testify again about your injuries. Your doctor(s) will also be asked to testify at trial. Your doctors can use their office notes and reports in your medical chart to refresh their memory about your care and treatment. Thus, it is very important that you thoroughly and completely tell your doctors about all of your ailments related to your accident case throughout the treatment period.

5. The location of where the suit is filed also has an effect on the value of your case. It is well known amongst insurance companies and attorneys that some communities are more conservative, some more liberal. Therefore, the "jury pool" from each community goes into the evaluation of the personal injury case.

Friday, May 14, 2010

How Facebook Can Ruin Your Personal Injury Case

It is no secret that the way we communicate and interact with each other has been permanently changed as a result of the advent of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, & Twitter. Recent statistics indicate that Facebook now has more than 300 million active users - a number that grows by more than 250,000 every day. It seems that almost everyone, including many businesses, uses social media to create new relationships and strengthen or re-discover existing ones. While the benefits of these social networking sites are obvious, the potential pitfalls may not be. You might recall a story that received some attention back in July concerning the incoming chief of MI6, Britain's international spy agency. In that case, the spy chief's wife posted personal details about their family, vacations plans, and residence on her open Facebook page. While the British Foreign Secretary tried to downplay the significance of the disclosure it was obvious that the leak was more than just an embarrassment for the government. Though I don't expect that any of us will be divulging state secrets on our Facebook pages, the information we do post can have unintended consequences months and even years later. Remember, the information you post on these sites can float around in cyberspace in perpetuity.

As a trial lawyer, I have seen many cases adversely impacted by the information innocently posted on social networking sites. Savvy defense lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters are routinely scouring these sites to obtain information that can damage or, in some cases, destroy your injury claim. For example, comments such as "Wow, my back really hurts after that tennis game" or "Spent last night horsing around with the kids and now my neck is killing me" can and will be used against you in your personal injury case. Even vacation photos that you post can be used to argue to a jury that you aren't really injured.

My advice is to not post any information on Facebook that you wouldn't want your employer, your parents, or a jury to see at a later date. If you have a pending case or claim, it is best to take down your site until the case is over with. Do not assume that by setting your page to private you are protecting yourself and preventing uninvited guests from accessing your posts. Insurance companies and defense attorneys have many ways, some ethical and some not, of obtaining this information. Remember, as Benjamin Franklin famously said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Have You Had a Motorcycle Accident?

If you've had a motorcycle accident, then you might have been lucky, and not been too badly injured, and not suffered too much damage to your bike. Alternatively, you might have had a serious accident, and are wondering if you could claim compensation.

Here's what you need to think about.

1. You might be unable to work due to your accident, and want to claim for loss of earnings. You might want to speak to a solicitor and see what you should do next, and see if you have a compensation claim.

2. You might have a damaged bike, and want to know about getting it repaired, and at who's expense. You won't want your motorbike insurance premium to increase due to an accident that wasn't your fault.

3. As well as your bike, your clothing and helmet might be damaged too. You won't want to be out of pocket for having to buy new leathers, a new helmet and a GPS or communication system.

4. If you've been hit and hurt by an uninsured or untraced driver, then you still might be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

5. If you have unknowingly bought a defective bike, or been hit by a car that was defective, or shouldn't have been on the road, then you might be entitled to compensation.

6. It might be that you've had a motorcycle accident due to defective road surfaces. Perhaps your wheel got caught in a pothole, causing you to lose balance and fall off, and break your leg, or damage your bike.

7. It might be that you've had an motorcycle accident due to gravel and grit left after roadworks. Perhaps the contractors hadn't fully cleared the road, or smoothed the surface down, and it caused you to crash.

8. Maybe you slid on a roundabout or a road, due to there being oil or diesel on the road. Through no fault of your own, you might have slid into the path of an oncoming car and been hit and injured.

9. You might have suffered serious injuries as a result of your motorcycle accident, and want to know whether you have a compensation claim.

10. You might have suffered brain or spinal injuries during your motorcycle accident, and have to rebuild your life, or move to an adapted home. You'll want to make sure that you are compensated for your injuries.

Now you know what sort of instances and motorcycle accidents you could claim compensation for, perhaps now is the time to speak to an experienced motorcycle accident solicitor.

Bathroom Safety Checklist

As outlandish as it may seem, the household and commercial bathroom is one of the most dangerous territories inside a building or home. How is this so? Cleaning agents, spilled water, and loose medicine can all pose a threat in some form or fashion. People who have been injured in a bathroom-related injury should seek legal help immediately.

What can an attorney do for you? An experienced attorney will be able to help you legally and financially while you are dealing with your injury. He or she may also be able to help your family as they will be going through hard times as well. A case of personal injury may be able to cover the following:

-Punitive Damages

-Medical Fees

-Work-time loss

-Disability

-Death and Burial

There are a few things people can do in their home or place of business to avoid the legal process. Here is a bathroom safety checklist:

-Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry: Floors, handrails, electrical outlet areas, and counter surfaces should remain dry to avoid falls and electrical shock.

-Install a bar handle near surfaces which accumulate water: Near the sink, toilet, and bath tub are appropriate places.

-Have permanent lighting: Use nightlights or other forms of permanent lighting to ensure bathroom-users can see what they are doing.

-Attend to children: The risk of a child becoming injured or worse due to being unattended is very high.

-Properly dispose and store cleaning agents and medicines: These items may act as poisons if consumed. Lock any medicine cabinets or sink areas used to store these items.

-Control the temperature of your water: Boiling hot water may scald bathroom-users. Check your water heater or consider installing a temperature-controlled valve.

-Keep appliances far from wet or potentially wet areas: The most common bathroom items such as curling irons, hair dryers, and heaters should be kept far away from any wet areas or areas known to accumulate water.

-Use signs as a cautionary tool: A sign specific to a danger is always helpful in protecting people from injury.

-Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets: These outlets automatically shut-off the electrical current flow caused by a spike of electricity usually brought on by foreign objects or water that makes its way inside an outlet.

For more information regarding bathroom accidents and legal aid available to victims of an under-maintained bathroom, contact the Indianapolis personal injury lawyers of the Hankey Law Office, P.C.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

How to Deal With a Brain Injury Claim

Experiencing a brain injury is quite a tough and undesirable situation. What more if it is caused by other party who misbehaves or cut short on proper warnings. Whether it is severe or just mild it should be given proper attention. A medical treatment will ease the pain and might as well heal the injured person but the lost opportunities to be productive and the amount of quality time to spend with his family should be properly compensated. A personal brain injury claim, for an instance, should be filed in order to attain justice.

Here are just some tips on dealing with a brain injury claim:

Hire a lawyer to assist you.
- We must admit; most of us are ignorant regarding the laws. A help coming from a credible lawyer will increase our chances of getting what's due to us. But, be critical upon hiring a lawyer. Choose a lawyer with a good reputation and expertise on handling that certain case. If you have enough time, make a research on his background and track record in solving cases. Hiring a lawyer from a respectable law firm is also advisable and may give you an assurance that you will be provided with a lawyer that best fits your legal case.


File your case as soon as possible.
- Personal injury claims such as this must be aptly filed at the shortest possible time. Any delay on filing the claim may lessen the possibility of winning the case.


Be calm in dealing with the case.
- An optimistic attitude will definitely get good results. Anger sometimes leads to undesirable acts that might be used against you by the other party involved. Dealing with a brain injury claim is not just a battle between the lawyers, your testimony counts, so have a keen mind in testifying before the court.

Having a good result in your demands depends on how you make decisions. Be firm and smart. Don't let your perpetrators get away with the crime. Protect your rights.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Specific Expertise in Catastrophic Injury Cases May Maximize Your Chance of a Successful Outcome

Injuries which require substantial medical care, and which normally have a long-term or permanent effect on an injured individual's life are generally known as severe or catastrophic. Some personal injuries that are catastrophic can, with good medical attention, allow the injured person to enjoy a good or outstanding recovery. Some cause long term incapacity, significant ailments, and may significantly shorten an injured individual's lifespan.

It is often a good idea to look for professional legal help with devastating injury matters. As an example, some personal injury law firms have a far better understanding of brain injuries or burn injuries than others. A catastrophic injury can result in a lifetime of medical treatment, or regular reconstructive surgeries. It is very helpful to have a legal professional who recognizes the therapy and recovery process. A severely burned child may require repeated surgeries to allow for growth, in addition to various cosmetic surgical treatments. A child with a bone break that affects a growth plate may face challenging bone-stretching procedures, and may never have regular use of an damaged limb. If an attorney knows the long-term consequences of an injury, the lawyer will be far better able to argue for appropriate compensation.

Any time a person suffers a spinal cord injury, the individual may experience a life of incapacity and dependency. A parent whose child suffers a brain or spinal cord injury may quickly find that the child requires full-time care. A brain injury may cause a personality changes, causing a spouse, parent or child to quickly seem like a different man or woman.

If you or a loved one face recovery from a catastrophic injury, seek out assistance from an attorney who has expertise with your sort of injury, and who knows how to locate every feasible source of compensation. Even if you don't have a legal cause of action, a legal professional may be able to assist you in receiving government help.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases are a type of legal case wherein one person or entity is held liable for injuring another person. This liability usually takes the form of the liable party having to pay for medical and other expenses, lost wages, and sometimes additional money for ruining the injured party's 'quality of life.' Those cases are quite common - many people would say they are too common. A lot of people have legitimate claim, but others are out just to make money at someone else's expense.

There are many different types of injury cases out there. Injuries can happen just about anywhere: at home, at work, on the road, or out on the town. No matter where an injury occurs, it if was caused by the negligence of one party then the injured party may have a personal injury claim against them.

Some of the most common types of personal injuries cases come from the world of transportation. Automobile accidents are the biggest source, as many auto accidents happen every day. While some accidents are just that - accidents with motor vehicle collisions- others are caused by negligence. If a driver crashes into another driver because he or she was driving too fast, driving while distracted or driving under the influence of something, then there may be basis for a personal injury case. Ultimately, if the offending driver acted in a way that the average person wouldn't, then they can be held liable.

A second type of common injury cases are those dealing with slips, trips and falls. These cases occur when a person is caused to injure themselves by slipping or tripping due to unsafe conditions at a location. Wet floors, unsound floors, uneven ground and so on are some possible causes of these injuries. This is why businesses are so adamant about putting out 'Wet Floor' signs when they are cleaning - if they don't warn customers about the hazard, they can be considered liable for any injuries that occur.

The workplace is another location where personal injury cases can start. Most businesses take care to make sure that their employees are protected against hazards on the workplace. Some, however, let their equipment go un-inspected or allow their workers to work in dangerous conditions. If this sort of negligence leads to an injury on the job, then the business can be held liable for causing the injury. These cases are most common in industries such as construction, where there's a high potential for accidents.

Another common source of injury claims are faulty products. Some companies manufacture products that they know may cause injury to those using them, but allow them to be sold anyway. If it can be shown that a company had knowledge of a dangerous product defect, then they can be held liable for personal injury damages.

Those are the most common types of personal injury claims that are filed. If you've been injured as a result of one of these causes, then you may be entitled to a personal injury settlement. Contact a lawyer to learn more.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a major concern for all sports teams. No team wants any of its players to be injured. The team will suffer because its talent will not be able to play and contribute to the team's success. Moreover, an injured players will cost a team because of the medical care and attention that she or he required. Moreover, even no athlete wants to be injured. An inured athlete is basically useless: she or he cannot contribute to the team and cannot even practice.

Sports injuries can occur to athletes of all levels, from elementary school children to professionals. Many sports injuries are common. Sprained ankles, for example, affect many athletes. The more athletes have to run, the more stress their ankles experience. For example, after 4 quarters of almost continuous running, a basketball player's chances of spraining her or his ankle increase dramatically. Or, when a basketball player jumps for a shot and lands, her or his ankle may get sprained because the player lands too hard.

Another common injury that athletes sustain is broken bones. After running for years, or getting hit continuously, as football players do, the body starts to wear down. The bones, after absorbing lots of force, begin to crack little by little. As a result, basketball players, whose knees get pounded, or football or hockey players, whose entire bodies get pounded, are likely to break bones.

Back injury or strain is another major sports injury. The spinal column is an integral body part when it comes to sports, as the spinal column is connected to other bodily movements and thus it also takes a lot of strain when athletes' play exerts force on other body parts.

These sports injuries are among the more common sports injuries. They occur rather regularly and can be treated efficiently. There are other sports injuries, however, that are more serious and more dangerous that these. One such sports injury is the concussion. Concussions are injuries that affect the brain and are caused when an athlete's head gets hit. Concussions usually occur to football and soccer players because their heads get hit. Football players tackle one another and soccer players often hit the soccer ball with their head. Additionally hockey players often experience concussions after they body check each other. Another serious sports injury is fractured collar bone. The collar bone is a very delicate bone, and it can tolerate any excessive force well.

Misdiagnosis and Wrongful Death

Misdiagnosis or medical error is a mistake made by a healthcare professional. Misdiagnosis can involve a wrong diagnosis, incorrect medical treatment, or an incomplete diagnosis. A wrong diagnosis can lead to serious health consequences as the real cause of the pain, sickness, and syndromes goes unchecked and people are allowed to die because of that misdiagnosis.

There are many cases of a misdiagnosis that cause wrongful death. In the U.S. alone, medical errors are thought to cause forty four thousand to ninety eight thousand wrongful deaths a year. These medical errors are also thought to cause around one million injuries too.

Here are some of the causes of medical errors and misdiagnosis:

· Inexperienced physicians and doctors

· New or experimental procedures

· Poor communication, tourists not being able to speak to doctors of a different country

· Sleep deprivation has also caused doctors to misdiagnosis. This is caused by overworked doctors or interns that have stayed up too long.

· Illegible handwriting leading to incorrect diagnosis.

· Bad nurse to patient ratio

· Giving two or more drugs that interact unfavorably toward one another, causing serious health risks toward the patients.

And the list can go on. These are just a few of the errors that healthcare practitioners can make. People go to hospitals to receive treatment but instead receive inaccurate readings of their health that leads to a whole host of other problems. These problems can range from delayed diagnosis, wrong surgeries, and incorrect prescriptions. These are serious problems that need to be addressed within the medical field. Many people compare pilot error with medical error in that both lead to very tragic endings. However, there are significantly less pilot errors then medical ones. In fact, there are more medical errors than there are workplace injuries. It is estimated that one hundred eighty thousand people die a year from medical errors.

The medical community needs to face these errors and find a way to correct them and provide safer measures. These safer measures will help prevent both injuries and deaths. People deserve to walk into a hospital and receive treatment without having to suffer from fear of negligence from their doctor.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Construction Site Injuries

Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. It is estimated that:

o Over 155,000 construction workers were injured in on the job accidents in the last year

o 10% of construction workers will be injured this year

o Falls account for the most common injuries, either from height or from the same level.

o The back is the most frequently injured part of the body, followed by the legs, arms and hands

o Most injured construction workers miss more than 30 days of work after their accidents

Causes of Construction Site Injuries

There are literally thousands of potential hazards on a construction site. Heavy equipment, dangerous chemicals and rushed production schedules can increase the injury rates of workers and even people in the surrounding areas. Most injuries on construction sites involve:

o falls

o collapses or cave-ins

o power tool accidents

o electrical hazards

o exposure to potentially dangerous materials such as asbestos, lead, benzene and vinyl chloride

o electrocution

o trench accidents

o welding accidents or other equipment malfunction

Like most American workers, construction industry employees are legally entitled to a workplace free of hazards and foreseeable accidents. Unfortunately, workplace injury in construction runs significantly higher than the national average. In fact, statistics show that in the last year, construction had the second highest number of workplace fatalities in the country and accounted for an above average number of days lost due to illness or injury. While the law does not allow construction workers to sue their employers while they collect workers' compensation benefits, injured construction employees are more likely to have a lawsuit than other employees because construction work typically involves multiple contractors.

Types of Construction Site Injuries Sustained

Common construction site injuries include:

o Spinal cord injury caused by falls or equipment failures on a construction site

o Head injury such as a traumatic brain injury caused by a crane or bulldozer accident

o Severe burns and disfigurement such as from fire or electrical or chemical burns

o Loss of limb or amputation such as loss of a hand or an arm in a defective or dangerous machinery accident or unsafe job site practices

o Other injuries such as a neck or back injury or other disabling condition caused by an accident at work

What to Do if You Have been in a Construction Site Accident

If you have been injured on a construction site, the first thing you should do is contact a doctor. After your injury is treated, then you should contact an experienced construction accident attorney for advice. You may be entitled to recover for damages such as:

o past and future medical expenses

o pain and suffering

o lost wages

o other damages incurred as a result of the injury

No matter how you were injured - in a scaffold collapse, trip and fall, faulty wiring or by some other cause - please contact an experienced construction site injury lawyer to explain your rights and the possibilities for recovery of damages for your injuries suffered on the job.

What to Do After You Slip and Fall - Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

The first thing which you need to do after you have fallen is ensure that the responsible party realizes what has transpired. You should thus file a report or complaint and leave one with them. Take time in describing what exactly was responsible for your fall. If there were witnesses around who saw your fall, then ensure that you save their contact information as well as their names. A few pictures of the scene will also go a long way in substantiating your case in court.

The next step once you leave the scene is to seek immediate medical assistance. Avoid delaying your visit to the doctor. This is important. It doesn't matter how grave your injuries may or may not be. Many people have suffered massive medical complications several days after because they failed to seek early medical attention. Visiting the hospital will however not only provide you with effective medical assistance; it will also guarantee that your injuries are correctly documented.

All too often, personal injury cases are lost because the court is persuaded that a person's injuries were less severe than advertised simply because such persons delayed in seeking medical help. The court sometimes holds the view that if a person took so long in visiting the hospital, then his injuries were not really as severe as claimed. Avoid falling into this loophole.

With all this attended to, your next move should be to seek out the services of a personal injury lawyer. You should refrain from hiring just any lawyer but one who is well skilled and possesses sufficient experience. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following your fall. Most states have a statute of limitations on personal injury which ranges from 12 to 36 months. If you hesitate long enough, you may lose the window provided to you wherein you can press charges. An injury lawyer will also be able to advise you on what should be done.

The issue of a lawyer's fee is more easily handled in personal injury cases. Since most of these cases are done towards seeking a compensation for the damages suffered by the victim, most injury lawyers are willing to work in exchange for a percentage of the final settlement. With this payment option, lawyers are generally found to work a lot harder. They will be there to provide the best possible defense and protection of the client's interest.

As well as these, hiring an injury lawyer ensures that people are properly guided through the motions and documentations of their case. This includes the protection and enforcement of a client's rights if the need should ever arise. Clients are urged never to sign any agreements without seeking the counsel of an attorney first. In the event that a settlement is agreed, you would have effectively lost your right to sue the offending party. Avoid agreeing to such decisions unless your attorney has gone over the proffered terms and considers it a fair figure for your injuries.

Anoxic Brain Injury

Anoxic Brain Injury occurs in cases of severe lack of oxygen to the brain. This usually happens when blood is unable to flow to the brain due to certain injuries or bleeding. There are three types of such injury: anemic anoxia (blood doesn't carry enough oxygen), toxic anoxia (caused by toxins that block oxygen in the blood from being used) and anoxic anoxia (no oxygen is being supplied to the brain).

There are post resuscitation and prehospital factors that can determine the injury suffered, especially in newborn children that enter a coma. Unfortunately, such brain injuries happen to newly born babies because of several complications that can appear leading to a lack of oxygen to the child's brain. The outcome becomes less promising the longer the baby is in the coma.

The brain needs oxygen and glucose to function properly. Lack of oxygen to the brain damages cortex situated nerves where cells originate. In cardio-pulmonary arrest, loss of consciousness occurs in 10-15 seconds and irreversible brain damage happens in 5 minutes. For example, the common sleeper hold seen at wrestling shows is very dangerous, and many kids have suffered irreversible damage trying to imitate it.

There are several treatments a patient can undergo, but brain injury is rarely cured 100%. Programs of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been used to positive effect in the past and it does help. The best rehabilitation is provided by specialized centers where patients suffering from anoxic brain injury are taken care of 24 hours a day.

New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury includes any injury caused to an individual's body, mind or emotions. Personal injury is an important branch of law. Some personal injury cases are minor and can be resolved amicably between the concerned parties. On the other hand, some cases can be extremely complicated and the victim has no other choice apart from filing a case. Although individuals are allowed to file their own lawsuits, most opt for the services of a lawyer due to the complications involved in a lawsuit. Moreover, it is very difficult to understand the legal jargon associated with insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. In the state of New Mexico, there are several expert personal injury lawyers that handle personal injury claims for different types of accidents or mishaps. The most common forms of personal injury lawsuits include cases such as product liability, road accidents, libel, defamation, slip and fall, and medical malpractice.

To file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico, it is advisable to hire a reputed lawyer who has profound knowledge of the personal injury law prevailing in New Mexico. Every state has statute of limitations that varies depending on the state and the form of the injury. The statute of limitations determines the time an individual has to file a case. It is important to hire a good lawyer who will enlighten the victims about all such relevant aspects of personal injury litigation. Generally, an individual has three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Mexico. Every state has a standard procedure for filing personal injury claims. An experienced personal injury lawyer has the expertise in handling similar cases. The lawyer can advise the victims if they actually have a strong case to file for compensation.

According to a public policy decision passed by the state of New Mexico, the clients are liable for all the expenses incurred during litigation regardless of the verdict of the case. However, individual lawyers and law firms can charge fees at their discretion. Many lawyers charge their clients on contingency fee basis.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Injuries Commonly Associated With Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2007 there were 254.4 million registered highway-based motor vehicles in the United States. That means that there were approximately 8 vehicles for every 10 people in the nation. Given such a large pool of automobiles, car accidents are an unavoidable consequence. To lend some perspective regarding just how widespread the problem actually is, there were 6,024,000 motor vehicle crashes reported for the same year. Those accidents resulted in 2,491,000 injuries and 41,259 motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and passengers tragically lost their lives in these wrecks.

The technological advancements and the development of new and improved safety features on the vehicles that have been manufactured in recent years have helped to save countless lives. Moreover, they have in many cases served to reduce the severity of the injuries sustained by a vehicle's occupants. Despite these notable benefits, the complications of being involved in a car accident still have the potential to seriously disrupt someone's life. There may be extensive medical needs, lost wages, and other adverse effects that far exceed the maximum policy value of the insurance held by the motorists in a collision.

Under these circumstances, if you have suffered as a result of another party's negligence, it may be appropriate for you to consider filing a civil lawsuit. A successful legal action can help you to obtain financial compensation for damages that you have sustained at the hands of another.

Car Accident Victim Injuries

The potential for a car accident victim to sustain serious injuries is present even at low speeds. At the moment of impact, all of the energy from the car or cars involved is instantaneously redirected and a vehicle's occupants may be subject to extreme force. The steering wheel, windshield, dashboard, and numerous other parts of a car might all inflict harm upon an individual despite their apparent harmlessness.

Depending upon the collision speed, angle of impact, and other factors, a car accident victim may suffer the following injuries:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Fractured bones
Dental injuries
Severe contusions
Severe lacerations
Whiplash
Back and neck injuries
Wrist injuries
Amputations

For Advice Regarding Your Situation

In the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, it is important that you are properly informed about and aware of your legal rights. For the skilled and experienced legal advice that you need, contact the Sheboygan car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Few Words About Car Accident and Compensation Claim

Car accidents can turn up to be very dangerous; result depends on the intensity of the accident. Automobile accidents that take place on highways involving heavy weight vehicles like trucks often result in fatality. 

Life seems to come to standstill after an accident. Car accident victims and their family members feel helpless to figure it out how to recover. Huge financial outlay for treatment, property damage, reduced income, job loss and mental trauma make life miserable. 

Monetary compensation becomes very essential at this point of time. But compensation does not come automatically. Car accident victims need to file compensation claim in court of law. The court then interferes and decides who is responsible for the accident. The sufferings of the victims are calculated and the responsible party is asked to pay the compensation. 

All the states have strict car accident laws to protect the rights of the citizens. If you fall prey to car accident, get yourself a senior accident attorney and apply your rights. 

When you start searching for car accident lawyers, chances are you would become overwhelmed to see the number of helping hands extended towards you! Do not get nervous. A little bit of knowledge about car accidents and related laws can help you bring the situation in your favor. 

How to find a suitable lawyer? 

There are hundreds of lawyers in your state; you surely would not hire all of them. While choosing a lawyer look for someone who is specialized in handling the type of case you are going to file. Accident lawyers can help you file lawsuit related to road accident, accident at work, slip and fall accident or any other form of accident. 

If the accident results in death you may need to consult wrongful death attorneys. Death of a person as a consequence of personal injury, accident or negligence is considered as wrongful death. Family members and keens of the killed person can file compensation claim to recover. 

Money crunch is quite common after car accidents. Victims need medical care, damaged car should be repaired and other responsibilities need to be carried out. Now, if the victim is unable to go to work, the family income is going to reduce. It becomes difficult to continue with normal lifestyle with the reduced income. 

Then how can you bear the cost of filing a lawsuit? That's a valid point definitely. You would be glad to know that most personal injury lawyers and accident attorneys work on 'no win no fee' or 'do not pay until you win' basis. Claimants do not need to pay attorney fees or any set up cost. The accident attorneys collect their fees from the compensation amount on successful completion of the case. Sometimes claimants need to pay court costs initially. So talk to your lawyer and understand the financial matters thoroughly. 

To get in touch with competent accident attorneys look at attorney referral websites, local classified columns, directories and Yellow Pages; make a list of local attorneys and then choose the one who is most suitable for your case.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you have been injured as the result of someone else negligence there are many benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you with all of the details surrounding your potential claim and ensure that you compensated fairly.

Insurance companies prefer to settle claims as quickly and economically as possible. This speedy method of settling claims often leaves injury victims inadequately compensated. This is where an injury lawyer can help.

Complex terms or jargon used by insurance adjusters can often be intimidating to an injury victim and can lead to a victim agreeing to a settlement that does provide fair compensation for the injuries that have been sustained.

Fair compensation is touchy area and insurance company adjusters will most likely have a different idea of what fair means than you or your attorney will have. An experienced attorney will have a good idea of what they believe fair compensation to be in a particular instance and can counter the hardball tactics employed by some adjusters.

While it may not be necessary to hire a personal injury attorney in all situations most attorneys will offer free initial consultations to potential clients where they can address your concerns and tell you whether they can offer you any assistance in your particular situation.

Each state has a statute of limitations that can bar an injury victim from filing a lawsuit in regards to an injury after a certain period of time. It is important that if you are unhappy with the way your claim is being handled and are considering filing a lawsuit, that you contact an attorney a soon as possible.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Asbestos Claim - Get Compensated For Your Suffering

Majority of asbestos injury patients in the United States can now file for an asbestos claim, to compensate them for the physical, psychological, financial and emotional suffering they have sustained due to their exposure to asbestos. An asbestos attorney is the best person to ask for advice when it comes to filing for an asbestos claim. It can get complicated at times, but knowing the basics will help you get through it, and ensure that you get the amount of money you deserve in your asbestos claim.

Filing for an asbestos claim originated from the fact that more people are getting diagnosed with asbestos-related injuries. Just so you know, asbestos has been used in construction of houses and buildings since the latter part of the 1800's. It was considered to be the best material there is because it is resistant to electricity, a good fire retardant, and remains to be a very cheap product. However, it was only during the early part of the 1900's when its harmful effects to humans was discovered, thus the filing for an asbestos claim. Banning and/or limiting the use of asbestos soon followed. But this did not stop many profit-hungry companies, which led to numerous health victims of asbestos. The only consolation that a person inflicted with an asbestos injury today is to file for an asbestos claim and pray that he or she will get compensated with the help of an asbestos attorney.

You ought to be aware that when asbestos fibers get airborne, they are easily inhaled by the people in the vicinity. Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and do not smell. They easily get to the lungs and remain there for decades until it progresses into a cancer called mesothelioma. It can also cause other illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer, and cancer of other internal organs. Because of the latency of the disease, people who were exposed to it won't even know about it until decades later when they get diagnosed with a debilitating disease caused by asbestos. This is when an asbestos claim is usually made, and an asbestos attorney gets consulted about the options available for the victim.

Anybody who has been exposed to asbestos in the past should be able to file an asbestos claim. This is because there are many illnesses sprouting nowadays which are linked to asbestos exposure, asbestosis being the most common, and mesothelioma being the most fatal.

Asbestosis happens when asbestos fibers enter the lungs and the lung tissues get scarred. The body will keep producing a kind of acid to help break down the asbestos fiber but it never really does. The acid then causes the breakdown of the lung tissues causing impairment to the lungs. People who have worked in textile industries are the ones usually diagnosed with it. It is best to treat them now rather than wait for the injury to progress into something incurable and fatal like mesothelioma. Seek the help of an asbestos attorney and immediately file for an asbestos claim.

Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is a more severe form of asbestos injury. An asbestos claim for a disease such as this is consequently higher because it is more expensive to treat and manage. What happens is, the sac that contains the heart, called pericardium, becomes infected. This develops within 20-50 years and when it finally gets diagnosed, it is usually too late to treat. The patient can expect to live for 1 more year or two at best. With a situation as severe as this, an asbestos claim can be the only financial hope of the affected victims and their family.

Act now and consult with an asbestos attorney. Have yourself checked. If you are already diagnosed with any of the asbestos injuries, file your asbestos claim now.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Lawyers and Your Legal Rights

The Tarsal Tunnel, the narrow space on the inside of your ankle or the bump located where the inner leg meets the foot, has a ligament connecting the bones and protecting the arteries, veins, tendons and nerves in the tunnel. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) is like carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the hand and wrists, but is less common. TTS is caused when the tibial nerve, running down the back of your leg, becomes compressed, producing initial symptoms such as numbness and a tingling sensation.

Over time, the compression of the nerve can cause more severe symptoms such as shooting pains and burning sensations, which can sometimes be felt all the way from the ankle to the foot, heel, arch and toes. Symptoms can come on suddenly and made worse during walking, running or exercising. If left untreated, permanent nerve damage may occur.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will conduct certain tests to see if you have TTS, including simply tapping the area to reproduce a tingling sensation (called Tinel's Sign) or applying pressure see if there is a mass. Your doctor may also take x-rays and MRIs as well as certain nerve tests with electrical currents (called electromyography) and nerve conduction velocity tests.

If you are diagnosed with TTS, your doctor will likely recommend non-surgical treatment such as icing, resting the ankle, putting on a cast or brace or orthotic shoe (this alleviates pressure by slightly inverting foot) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Advil or Motrin. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy. Slightly more invasive procedures, such as injections of corticosteroids or nerve block agents, may eventually be recommended. If none of the above alleveiate your symptoms, your physician may recommend surgery that decompresses the nerve and resolves the compression.

So, how did you get TTS? Anything that puts pressure on the nerve in the Tarsal Tunnel area can cause TTS, including cysts, varicose veins, bone spurs, tumors, diabetes and arthritis as well as injuries like an ankle sprain. If you have flat feet or fallen foot arches, you may also be subject to greater than normal pressure in that area.

Could your TTS be work related? It is possible. Examples of work related TTS injuries include:
- Spraining your ankle at work because of an obstruction or defect in your work area, such as a hole or decompression in the floor area that could not be seen with the naked eye and which caused you to twist your ankle.
- Repetitive tasks that are not ordinary, such as walking on uneven surfaces at construction sites and railroads yards or being required to pivot on your foot several times a day in order to retrieve the next item in an assembly line.

In these instances, you would be entitled to benefits under the Illinois Workers' Compensation law, which provides full medical benefits. Note, however, if you get TTS during your job but it is from ordinary behavior such as standing and walking short distances, your injury will usually not be covered under Illinois Worker's Compensation law.

If you believe you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits, you should consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney to ensure that you get all of the benefits you are entitled to. If you are concerned about the cost of an attorney, note that attorneys who handle these types of cases work on a contingency basis. This means that unless you recover something, you will owe your attorney nothing. In Illinois, lawyer fees are capped at 20% of the recovery amount. Also, your attorney will cover costs and expenses so you should pay nothing at all unless you recover. Again, if you do not recover anything, you do not owe your attorney anything.

A TTS injury can affect your daily life and you should seek to ensure that you are compensated for your medical bills, at the very least. An experienced workers' compensation attorney will walk you through the process and fight for your rights.

To learn more visit, http://www.findgreatlawyers.com/tarsal-tunnel-illinois-work-injury-attorneys.htm.