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Archive for the ‘Workplace Accidents’ Category

Safety is No Accident: Live Injury Free

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

National Public Health WeekIn reading about National Public Health Week last month, it was interesting to note this year’s slogan, “Safety is No Accident:  Live Injury Free.”  The campaign took the stance that injuries are not “accidents” and that we can prevent them from happening.  It does make you think. 

Each year, 150,000 people worldwide die from injuries and almost 30 million are injured serious enough to go to the emergency room.  We can do our part to lower these numbers.  We can add a measure of safety to help prevent accidents and injuries.  Wearing a seatbelt or helmet, using properly installed child safety seats for children, storing cleaning supplies and medications in locked cabinets, and wearing protective gear at work obviously help to prevent injuries.  There is so much more that we can do. 

Doing simply one thing at a time is an almost laughable suggestion in this day and age but doing so and taking the time to focus on what we are doing can help prevent falls, medicine mix-ups, sports injuries, and auto or bike accidents, to name just a few.  It also goes without saying that we should not drink and drive or drive when tired.  We should save texting, eating, talking on the phone and self-grooming for when we are not behind the wheel.     

Take an extra moment.  Be safe wherever you are.

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Posted in Catastrophic Injuries, Electrocutions, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Premises Liability, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

What is BUI?

Sunday, December 19th, 2010

You’ve heard of a DUI, “Driving Under the Influence” (albeit more frequently called a DWI ’round these parts).  A BUI is “Boating Under the Influence” and it is a serious offense, contributing to the majority of boating fatalities.  In fact, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, statistics from 2008 indicate that 17% of all boating fatalities were a direct result of alcohol or drug use.  If the blood alcohol level of a vessel operator is found to be .08 percent or higher, marine law enforcement may terminate the voyage, impound the boat, and arrest the operator.  Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, impoundment of the boat, loss of boating privileges, even loss of driving privileges. (more…)

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Posted in Catastrophic Injuries, legal settlements, personal injury, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

Airplane, Helicopter, and Other Flight Accident InjuriesMy passion for and love of flying is equally matched to my level of safety while flying.  As a pilot, I know that before taking to the friendly skies, it is my responsibility to confirm the aircraft and all equipment are suitable for flight. My training, experience, focus and preparation are of utmost importance as the leading causes of aviation accidents involve the inexperience of or mistakes made by the pilot (or crew), defects in or problems with the aircraft or equipment, the negligence of other pilots, flight service workers and air traffic controllers, or violations of the law.  Of course, Mother Nature can also play a role.  (more…)

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Posted in Catastrophic Injuries, Flight Accidents, personal injury, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

What is TBI?

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

A traumatic brain injury is caused by an outside physical force, like a bump, blow or jolt to the head.  Falls, motor vehicle related accidents, collisions, and violence account for the leading causes of such an injury.  Injuries may be mild, such as a concussion, or severe, such as long-term amnesia.  A traumatic brain injury diminishes or alters the victim’s state of consciousness, disrupting the normal function of the brain, and results in impaired physical function and/or cognitive ability.  Behavior and emotions are also likely to be affected.

What to Look For

While being knocked unconscious is the classic sign of a concussion or head injury, it is important to note that a loss of consciousness may not always be present.  Look for confusion, loss of memory or concentration, headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech, agitation, convulsions, clear fluid drainage from nose or ears, or changes in the eyes (blurred vision, crossed eyes, one pupil larger than the other).  In addition to these symptoms, changes in complexion, changes in breathing, and twitches may also be signs of a traumatic brain injury.

Preventing a Brain Injury

Taking precautions is the key to prevention.  Wearing a seatbelt and a helmet, avoiding drinking and driving, and storing firearms in a safe place are some common recommendations.  Around the home, it is a good idea to keep stairs free of clutter, improve the lighting, install and use handrails, remove any area rugs, and add non-slip mats to your bathtub.  

If you or a loved one has received a serious head injury, please call me at (504) 799-0663 or Toll Free at (888) 696-6049.  We have experience in handling traumatic brain injury cases.  We will investigate the accident and get to work on getting you the compensation you deserve. 

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Posted in Auto Accidents, bike accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Premises Liability, Refinery Accidents, Slip & Fall, Truck Accidents, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

Refinery Dust Falls

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

The Times Picayune recently reported about an incident in which a catalyst powder release occurred after a power outage at Chalmette Refining.  As a result, a significant amount of this oil refining by-product fell upon the people, homes and automobiles in St. Bernard Parish.

The real question is whether this material is toxic and harmful.  Can you just wipe it off and get on with your day?  Should gloves or other protection be used when handling this material?  What are the long term effects, especially for our children, elderly, and those with asthma or whose immune systems have already been compromised?  What caused this accident and what can we do to protect ourselves?

Good questions, I believe, especially as it has been reported that the Material Safety Data Sheet relating to the material in question apparently states that those handling this material should use protective gloves and safety glasses, and that any clothing or footwear contaminated with this material should be removed, decontaminated before re-use, or discarded altogether.  Perhaps, we should not take these incidents so lightly.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an accident caused by or occurring at an oil refinery in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, you will need the experience of an attorney knowledgeable in this area.  Call me.  My firm has the resources to go up against the big refineries.  We will get to the bottom of the facts surrounding your accident and will get to work on getting you the compensation you deserve.

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Posted in Burn Injuries, Catastrophic Injuries, legal settlements, personal injury, Premises Liability, Refinery Accidents, Slip & Fall, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

My Job is a Real Pain in the… Back!

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Occupational hazards and on-the-job accidents are real.  In fact, occupations such as nursing, construction and factory jobs can have high incidents of neck and back injuries based on the stress to those areas of the body each day. The Mayo Clinic staff has made some recommendations as to what you can do to prevent or limit injuries to your back:

• Be fit.  Maintain a healthy weight and be sure your core abdominal muscles are in shape.  This can help minimize injury and provide protection for your back. 
• Use good posture, whether sitting or standing.
• Use proper lifting techniques.  Let your legs do the work and keep the object close to you.
• Check your workspace – review how you use the telephone, where your computer monitor is situated, and whether your chair is in the best position.
• Develop healthy work habits, like planning your heavy work, not wearing heels, avoiding twisting, bending and reaching, and listening to your body.
• Deal with mental health concerns, as stress can cause tense muscles making you prone to injury.

An automobile accident can also cause serious neck or back injury.  The sudden jerking movement of the neck or back upon impact often results in severe pain and limited mobility.

If you or a loved one has suffered a back or neck injury as the result of an on-the-job accident or an automobile accident, give me a call. The accident will be promptly investigated and we will get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, legal settlements, personal injury, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

Can workers with safety concerns refuse to work?

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Workers have the right to refuse to do work that violates legal safety or health standards. Recent workplace accidents, like this year’s Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion in which 11 workers died, only reinforce that workers must not ignore safety concerns. According to OSHA, more than twelve workers die each day from workplace accidents or injuries. Another 10,000 workers each year sustain injuries which are severe enough to require restricted duty.

Your employer should ensure your safety and health, and provide you with enough training and protection to do your job safely. Pay attention. Are the conditions in which you work safe? Is protective equipment provided? Are safety signs posted?  Employers should take steps to reduce employee exposure to hazardous materials, employee related injuries, and employee stress. Does your employer do so? Are medical personnel readily available? Are OSHA guidelines posted where all employees can see them? An annual summary of workplace injuries and illnesses must also be displayed from February 1 to March 1 each year. You also have the right to see accident logs for the past five years. However, if your company has fewer than eleven employees, it may be exempt from these requirements. Be informed – and be an informer! Make your employer aware of any unsafe conditions or potential hazards immediately.

If a workplace accident or injury does occur, seek medical treatment immediately. Thereafter, report the accident to your employer. You may also want to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. It is imperative that you know the deadlines for reporting the accident or injury and for applying for benefits as there are designated time frames for doing so (some as early as 24-hours after the accident), after which you may lose your ability to make a claim. Consideration should also be given to photographing the accident site and/or your injury, and preserving any “evidence” in support of your claim.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a workplace accident, give me a call. The accident will be promptly investigated and we will get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

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Posted in Catastrophic Injuries, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

Staged Slip and Fall Accidents: A Growing Trend?

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Legitimate slip and fall claims are fairly common. Staged slip and fall claims are reportedly becoming more and more common. In fact, there are reports which indicate that the statistics on this type of claim are soaring and there is real concern that fraudulent slip and fall accidents have become a national growing trend. As such, these types of claims are coming under strict scrutiny by insurance companies and their investigators.

Florida is one of the states which top the list of those with the most questionable slip and fall cases. In the latest in a string of staged accidents in stores and gas stations in Florida, there have been six arrests in just one county alone. One of the latest incidents involves two elderly women, one of whom faxed a demand for $300,000.00 following an alleged slip and fall accident in a Publix grocery store. A subsequent review of the store’s surveillance video showed one of the women easing herself to the ground, a hoax that could ultimately land the pair in prison for up to 35 years.

The term “slip and fall” refers to an accident that has occurred on someone else’s property, such as a grocery store or a shopping mall, and is typically caused by a slippery substance on the ground, a defect in the property, or other dangerous condition.  However, the fact that you have been injured as a result of a slip and fall accident does not necessarily mean that someone else is legally responsible for your injury. 

The owner or operator of a business has a legal duty to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition.  The owner or operator of the business should warn the public of a dangerous condition that they caused – or one in which they are aware or should have been aware. If you injure yourself on their property based on the business owner or operator’s failure to meet these conditions, you may have a valid premises liability claim. A premises liability claim could also result from inadequate security issues or other unsafe conditions.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a slip and fall accident, give me a call. The accident will be promptly investigated and we will get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

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Posted in Premises Liability, Slip & Fall, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »