Personal injury can happen anytime anywhere

Source:

People Below Zero

The most common form of personal injury often heard about is those experienced through being involved in a vehicle accident. Whiplash and the consequences of this is one of the more difficult to diagnose as there are unscrupulous people who will feign such illness just to get a claim. However there are many more types of persona injury which require much more attention as these claims are not always straightforward or produce instant or obvious physical damage.

People are often harmed by contact with dangerous or defective products – E.g. Children’s toys may be unsafe for normal play and your child will be cut. You may suffer an accident from a home tool or machine which was not correctly constructed or substandard – E.g. a D.I.Y tool may malfunction and you could have permanent damage to a finger or even loss of part of a limb. If you or your family are unfortunate to be one of these victims you will qualify to proceed with a personal injury claim.

However this procedure is not quite as straightforward as a car accident claim where there will already be insurance policies in place. For this type of claim you will have to ask for legal advice as how to proceed, this particular instance is commonly referred to as a product liability claim.

There are four types of personal areas where you may become injured through no fault of your own:

• Consumer products e.g. food, water 
• Medicines and other pharmaceuticals not prescribed by a doctor e.g. dietary aids bought over the counter or online
• Faulty products often mass produced e.g. toys, home fitness or DIY products such as drills, bench saws, hedge trimmers etc.
• Bio-mechanical Devices – e.g. Orthopaedic aids, implants, silicone implants DePuy Hips Time

Limits for making your claim:

It is also important to realise that e.g. in the UK there are time limits set by law; to the time after which the accident/personal injury has occurred in that you are able to make a personal injury claim. This is 3 years but there are exceptions to this time limit for claiming compensation for specific types of claim. An example of this is when a person may have been working with asbestos and many years after is diagnosed with asbestosis. The rule here still applies but in this case the claim must be made within 3 years of the official medical diagnosis of the disease. It is advisable to ask solicitors for legal advice for any type of claim especially in the wake of new medical evidence constantly being produced about the dangers of handling what used to be classed as harmless products but now are known to be dangerous to long term health.

Injured outside the UK?

The laws differ from country to country as to when or if you are entitled to make a personal injury claim. Health and Safety regulations also differ and travelling or living in any country means you must become aware of the laws for injury claims of that country. Holidaying abroad you will be covered to some extent for some personal injury in your travel insurance however it is not always adequate and must be checked. In the case of actually being injured you must immediately contact a legal authority both in the country you have been injured and in your home country to avoid the risk of losing your right to a personal injury claim.

Rubber Gym Mats To Avoid Injuries

Mats and other flooring techniques add up a beauty and style in the way to decorate or design a room interior. The prime purpose for which the mats and flooring are conducted is to keep all the damages away from the floor and also to provide a long lasting impact to the surface of the floor beneath the mats and sheets. The different kinds of flooring techniques differ from place to place that where it is to be installed. Different sorts of sheets, mats and flooring are available depending upon the room type like house rooms, office rooms, gym areas, playground areas and other surfaces to be covered from the sheets.

Gym areas are now a day try to cover with many materials as to provide a long lasting shine, maintenance and for other styling to the entire environment. The gym mats are added up in the working out environment to provide many safety purposes as well to the clients and trainees so that they can easily perform the tough and tiring exercises without any harm to the body. The gym mats on the floor of the gym creates the impact during the workout which is also quite pleasant and relaxing and so increase in the benefits of implementing the flooring to the gyms.

The gym mats according to their characteristic are made up of the material that will bring in them different kinds of qualities and also increase their demands. These synthesized materials just like the rubber can give them flexibility, strength, durability and ease for using. The ways to produce the rubber gym mats are also meeting the criteria of thickness and length so that their prime purpose to avoid any harm to the body will be gained. Their thickness is defined in such a way that they can not only provide a soothing texture while doing workouts and heavy exercises but also give protection in the case of any jerk, shock or falling.

The shocks and other injuries are absorbed into the surface of the gym mats and it all depends on the thickness from which they are manufactured. The fine quality gym mats can easily endure with the pain giving incidents and also they can reduce the contact between human body and the floor. For this purpose the person performing the exercises can not experience the serious injuries and damages to the skin, bones or in any part of the body. The jerks that are produced during the exercise and working out can also effect on the neck, shoulder bone, back and other common joints of the body in the case any fall and slips. These can be easily avoided by the gym rubber mats as they give a secure surface. Also the gym flooring and rubber gym mats or sheets are water resistant and also used for bacteria prevention as to give a neat and clean environment.


Author:
Bethany Janick is the author of this article on rubber gym mats by Slip-Not. Know more about Gym Matting & Flooring Visit www.slip-not.co.uk

Four Things To Watch For After An Injury

When accidents occur, you may not immediately realize you have been injured. The shock of the accident itself may make it difficult to determine if damage to the body has occurred. Anyone who has been in an accident should be monitored closely for signs that damage has occurred that may not be immediately evident.

Bleeding

Bleeding from a wound is generally seen immediately. However, bleeding can occur inside the brain without an external wound. Bleeding from a wound should receive immediate medical attention. Call for an ambulance and apply direct pressure to the wound. Avoid applying a tourniquet unless absolutely necessary, as this can damage tissue. Bleeding often requires stitches and may indicate further damage within the body. Surgery may be needed to repair damage of the internal organs. Broken bones may protrude through the skin causing bleeding and visible pieces of the bone. These injuries require not only repair and setting of the injured bone, but also care of the open wound.

Symptoms of Head Injury

A head injury is a situation that requires special care. Sometimes, there is no indication If an injured person shows signs of confusion, disorientation, headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty walking or mood changes, you should seek medical attention immediately. It could be a sign of traumatic brain injury or brain swelling inside the skull. A head injury can cause a concussion and severe injury to the brain. The person may feel headache, bleeding from the eyes or nose, unconsciousness and coma. A head injury that causes unconsciousness can be a medical emergency. Get medical help immediately.

Pain

After an accident, pain anywhere in the body is a concern. Pain can be an indicator of fractured bones, muscle tears, nerve damage or other problems. Of course, some pain can be the simple sprains and strains. Minor injuries often respond quickly to simple home treatment and may not require medical care. However, if you are in an accident and have pain, seek medical attention to ensure that no bones have been broken. X-rays and MRIs are common tests to determine if damage has occurred to bones or soft tissues within the body.

Swelling

Swelling of a body part is an indication that the body is producing fluids in response to an injury. A joint may visibly swell after an injury. The protective fluids may even cause stiffness and pain in the joint. Swelling can also indicate bleeding under the skin. In this case, the skin is usually discolored, as in the common “black-and-blue” of a bruise, or it may be yellowish or purple. Applying ice packs to the area can reduce swelling. However, extensive swelling or bruising should be seen by a physician to ensure that no internal injury has occurred.

Any accident can be serious. If you have been in an accident, getting immediate medical care can be critical. Some injuries can be severe and can lead to long-term disability. For a personal injury attorney Stockton CA residents can call our office to discuss their options.

Medical Negligence Compensation Claims

Source: Clearwatersolicitors.com

This is the type of infographic that you'll want to share all over the internet! If you have been the victim of clinical negligence, or if you know someone who has been, you can find all the information you need about making a claim for compensation with this one handy infographic! It's perfect for the victims of dental negligence, GP negligence or malpractice in private and NHS hospitals - in fact, the victims of any kind of clinical negligence can get all the information they need through this single image!

And this infographic isn't just informative, detailed, clear and simple - it is also a pleasure to read! The graphic designers who made it pulled out all the stops, adding exciting and vibrant images, cartoons and cool colour schemes to ensure it's pleasing to the eyes as well as packed with information.

Dealing with questions such as 'which insurers pay out following clinical negligence claims', 'what are the advantages of using an expert solicitor', 'are there any disadvantages of doing so' and 'what is the process of claiming clinical negligence compensation', you'll be sure to be completely informed when you read this infographic! Send it to someone who needs it and do them a good turn.

Click here to view the infogrpahic

Ignoring Industrial Deafness won’t make it Disappear

Hearing loss is often a part of the aging process. Partial deafness can often even lead to family jokes and cruel tricks demonstrating the lack of respect that this ailment is afforded. In many cases, deafness is caused by the environment in which the sufferer spent a significant amount of their life, most notably their workplace. When a person suffers from hearing loss in the workplace, it is professional known as industrial deafness.

Many industries such as steelworks and mining take place almost exclusively in incredibly loud and stressful environments that will place undue pressure on the ears of the workforce. This undue pressure could lead to long-term effects such as partial or complete hearing loss or tinnitus. All of these ailments could lead to significant repercussions.

Tinnitus is an ailment that affects the hearing of an individual, leading them to suffer from ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling in their ears. Not only can this be incredibly irritating for the sufferer, it can also lead to nausea, headaches and even fits of fainting.

People who had lost their eyesight through no fault of their own would not sit idly by as they miss some of the most beautiful and poignant moments of their life, so why do so many ignore the fact that they are missing out on beautiful sounds due to the negligence of another party. Whilst no medication will be able to bring their hearing back to its fullest ability, a full and complete compensation package can help ease the situation.

It is not just the older generations working in physical industries who may suffer from industrial deafness, younger generations who work in loud environments like clubs and bars without the correct safety equipment may suffer from loss of hearing and may find significant difficulties in their personal and private lives henceforth.

Anybody who has lost full or partial use of their hearing may be entitled to significant financial compensation from the party responsible for their ailment. This money could go towards easing the pain of deafness, or paying for hearing aids and implements or simply serve as a sense of justice for the party responsible for creating the disability. This justice cannot be brought forth unless action is taken.

Additionally, a successful claim can be used to compensate the loss of earners that a sufferer may experience. An individual who has lost full or partial use of their hearing may not be able to work to their fullest potential in their area of industry. This will be particularly difficult for individuals who have been in the same industry all of their life and feel that it is too late for them to retrain. This could lead to a loss of earnings, jeopardising the individual and any family members who are reliant upon their earnings. 

Specialist law firms can work on behalf of the victim to ensure that they receive the justice and compensation that they deserve. Concise and full understanding of the way in which the legal system works and the factors that need disclosing allows specialist accident claims companies to bring justice to claimants.

Chris Balme Writer @ Walker+

Chris Balme works with Walker Prestons, an accident claims company specialising in helping accident victims receive the compensation that they deserve.

A Guide to Filing a Personal Injury Claim

When you are involved in an accident that has caused injuries, you can take the driver at fault to court to seek compensation. The process of filing for a personal injury claim can be complicated and stressful. This article will outline how you can process your claim and hopefully getting compensated for your injuries.

After the car accident happens, the first thing you should do is to contact your insurance company and local police department. The police will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and they will file a report.  Always request a copy of this report since you will need to use it later.
The next step is to visit a doctor for a thorough checkup. This should be done within 24 hours of the accident, regardless of how severe your injuries are. On the outside, your injuries may not look serious. However, after some months, they can develop into something chronic, leaving you to pay large medical treatment bills. You should also take photos of any wounds that may be visible as a result of the accident. If you don’t go to the doctor within the first 24 hours, some insurance companies may not honor your injuries.

Gather as much evidence as you can about the accident. The more evidence you have, the more likely your claim is going to be successful. Some important things you should record include names of eye witnesses, hazardous road conditions, where the accident took place, the time and date of the accident, the injuries that resulted, damage done to both cars, and lost income as a result of the accident. You will have to provide your existing medical records to ensure you are not being treated for a pre-existing condition.  Make sure your treatment is consistent with the injuries you claim.
When you contact your insurance company and ask them for compensation, they will try to get you to settle fast. These companies are looking to save money and will try to low-ball you. Don't rush for a settlement before you know the costs of all injuries associated with the accident and other factors like income lost from missing work.

To ensure you get maximum compensation, it is advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer to take over your case. However, keep in mind that the lawyer may charge you 33% of your total compensation. Therefore, do the math to see whether the amount of compensation you receive is worth hiring a lawyer.  As a rule of thumb, your “pain and suffering” compensation is approximately 3 times your medical expenses.

The best thing about using a lawyer is that the insurance company is likely to take you more seriously, and will probably give you a higher compensation than if you sought made the claim on your own.

If the case goes to court, the settlement amount for your personal injury claim will depend on what the judge deems as "fair and reasonable", in relation to the injuries that you suffered. This amount will be determined based on your medical expenses and how your injuries affected your ability to work. You are likely to get a higher compensation by using a lawyer. However, it will ultimately be up to the court to decide how much you will get paid.

David Hurley

David Hurley writes for CarAccidentSchool.com, a website that helps people make important decisions regarding car accidents, lawyers and insurance companies.

Why You Should Care about Asbestos in the Workplace?

Image Credited by Rilmac.co.uk

In the office, a majority of your thought process throughout the day involves anything work-related, including how you interact with different personalities you encounter. While all this is in motion, you tend to ignore the subtle dangers posed by health hazards you may not be aware of. In Brisbane and all other parts of Australia, asbestos is still prevalent in some buildings, and it’s not easily identified especially by untrained eyes.

Asbestos 101

The usage of asbestos gained popularity back in the 19th century when builders discovered its fire-retardant properties. It was immediately identified as a staple of building materials, and it was used in most office buildings and homes. Several decades ago, it was discovered that the fibrous characteristic of asbestos led to respiratory diseases, eventually forcing the government to ban its use at the turn of the century. Today, asbestos removal has become one of the demanding industries that keep suppliers busy, in line with the effort of business owners to comply with building codes and regulations.

Diseases related to asbestos

The first documented case of its dangers involved a construction worker who had trouble breathing while tearing down a structure. Asbestos is only unsafe when disturbed, because once the fibres escape to the environment, the people in the room unknowingly breathe them into their lungs. The fibres cling to the walls of the lungs and they settle in, ready to cause damage. As time passes, the lungs lose their functionality and eventually fail, deeming it too late for the person to even think of going to the doctor. Back then, inhalation almost always guaranteed death for the victim.

Workplace incidents

If not identified immediately, asbestos can cause sickness to unsuspecting employees. Pipes and walls could have been constructed with asbestos, and they wear down with time. Respiratory problems are not diagnosed immediately, leading to missing work days and affecting office operations. It becomes even more of a problem because not everyone is aware of how to handle cases involving asbestos-related diseases.

Legal implications

Companies are required by law to keep their premises safe from the dangers of asbestos and the diseases connected to the material. Public liability cases can necessitate long hours of research and gathering of evidence before the case is presented in court. You need to ensure that the corporate firm you hire has the legal expertise and experience to deal with special circumstances such as those related to asbestos.

Non-profit initiatives such as the Asbestos Related Disease Support Society Qld Inc (QARDSS) focus on dealing with any issues regarding the subject, and it’s advisable to contact them regarding any inquiries you have about asbestos. They can also refer you to law firms who can help you build your case.

Asbestos in the workplace is a big issue that is not given much attention in the media, so it’s up to you to keep yourself and family informed of its dangers. Take time to read and research on the subject so that you’re prepared if there is ever a need to resort to legal steps in the future.

Katherine Flowers

Katherine Flowers documents her experiences with various office environments and looks for ways to improve work dynamics. She talked to asbestos lawyers in Brisbane and hopes to help make buildings safer for employees.