Defective Steering Can Cause Major Auto Accidents
The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has a strong record of legal excellence. We offer expert legal advice and representation for accident and injury victims in Provo and throughout the state of Utah. Whether dealing with serious car accidents or injuries caused by negligent companies, we have our clients’ best interests in mind. In some cases, an auto accident is the result of an automaker’s mistake. These kinds of defects in a motor vehicle can cause major injuries and death. When a defect leads to problems with steering systems, the consequences can be fatal. Defective Steering Increases Risks of Serious Collisions If your vehicle has issues with its steering system, you place yourself at greater risk of causing an accident and injuring yourself and other motorists. You will not be able to turn properly, or might even have the steering wheel lock-up or seize upon you. Even minor problems with a steering system can prevent you from maneuvering around dangers or hazards in the road. Obviously, if the steering on a vehicle were not defective, this would not be an issue. Yet there are cases in which a defective steering system on a car or truck has contributed to a serious collision. Various parties may be at fault, including automakers and even mechanics who’ve worked on your vehicle. Potential Problems with Steering Systems Modern steering systems are far more complicated than the steering systems of the past, using multiple lines, electronics, and mechanisms to ensure proper function. As a result, there tend to be more opportunities for these systems to fail and for something to go wrong. Below are some common reasons why steering systems may fail: Issues with fluid pumps Low fluid levels Lack of fluid Leaking fluid Defective hydraulic lines Loose hoses Relay rods defects Issues with steering knuckles Poorly secured parts in the steering system Manufacturing/design defects Combinations of the above are not uncommon, and can result in disastrous collisions. Recalls Should Be Issued Once Problems Are Detected While these problems may not always be caught by automakers, there are instances in which these issues are detected when a vehicle is on the market. In such cases, it is imperative that the automakers issue a recall of the vehicle and send public notifications about the potential dangers posed to drivers and others on the road. The failure of a company to act when they know they are responsible for potential accidents needs to be taken very seriously. Issues of Vehicle Maintenance As we noted above, sometimes an automaker is not responsible for the steering defect but rather a mechanic or maintenance person. If you take your car in for a tune-up or to undergo some work, there is a chance that the steering system may be damaged or compromised in the process. Should that occur, the person who serviced your care may have acted negligently, and so must be held accountable for an avoidable collision. How Our Product Liability Attorneys Can Help As you can imagine, legal issues involving auto companies and auto defects can be quite complicated. Not only are product liability laws complex, but auto companies will also have robust legal teams in place to challenge your legal claims. By working with skilled product liability attorneys, you will receive expert counsel that helps you hold negligent companies accountable for their actions. We will not be intimidated as we fight for damages and justice. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton For more information about your legal rights and options after a major auto accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The team here at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will fight for you in your time of legal need.
The Most Common Causes of Burn Injury
Burn injuries can seriously affect a person’s health and livelihood. Those who suffer from severe burn injuries often require a lengthy, painful recovery and may sustain permanent damage to their bodies and psyche. Medical costs and lost wages may be recovered in circumstances in which burn injuries are caused by another person’s negligence. If you have suffered from a burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about burn injury causes, contact our Provo, UT law firm, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. The Different Types of Burn Injuries Burn injuries may be external or internal. External burns occur when the skin is exposed to heat, chemicals, radiation, or electricity. Internal burns may occur when superheated gas or liquids are inhaled, the body is electrocuted, or certain chemicals are ingested. Burn injuries may be more or less severe depending on how many layers of skin and tissue are damaged. First-degree burns: First-degree burns, although painful, are the mildest. First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of skin, resulting in pain and redness of the tissue. Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns are more severe and affect the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and the lower layer of skin, the dermis, causing pain, swelling, redness, and blistering. Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns, also called full-thickness burns, are the most severe, affecting the deeper tissues, which can include the bone and muscle. Third-degree burns can leave the skin blackened, charred, or white. Causes of Burn Injuries Both external and internal burns have a variety of causes. Thermal burns, caused by contact with something hot, are the most common burn injury and can occur in the home or may occur at work, especially in professions where employees are exposed to steam, scalding liquids, or hot metals. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include: Contact with fire Contact with a hot object, like iron or oven Contact with steam or boiling liquid, such as coffee or hot water Contact with chemicals Contact with electricity Radiation Friction Defective products, like appliances or electronics Your Legal Options after a Burn Injury If you or a loved one have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence or a defective product, such as electronics or other appliances, you may be entitled to recovery of medical bills, lost wages, and personal damages. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and determine if the circumstances of your case are grounds for legal recovery of compensation. Contact the Attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you or a loved one have been the victim of a burn injury as a result of a defective product or another person’s negligence, it is important to meet with a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options. To learn more about your legal rights, we welcome you to contact our personal injury attorneys today.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is filed when someone is killed as a result of the negligence of another person or party. The loved ones of the deceased filed the lawsuit in order to recover damages. These damages will cover funerary expenses, emotional pain and suffering, and other financial or material hardships associated with the death. In addition, punitive damages will be sought to punish the negligent party for their actions. The attorneys at our Provo law firm would like to consider who is eligible to file these kinds of lawsuits, and why it’s important to have an attorney on your side. Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit In the state of Utah, the following people are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit: The surviving spouse of the deceased The surviving adult children of the deceased The surviving birth parents of the deceased The surviving adoptive parents of the deceased Other surviving relatives of the deceased depending on Utah inheritance law In addition, personal representatives of the deceased’s estate can potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit. Why This Is the Case These laws on who is allowed to file wrongful death lawsuits help ensure that relatives and heirs of the deceased are able to seek damages. They prevent people who have no interest in the deceased and their interests from filing a lawsuit and attempting to recover damages for their own financial benefit. Are There Exceptions to These Laws? There are some exceptions to the above, but they might be rare. Sometimes the internal working of families and relations to the deceased can be complicated, and lead to a number of disagreements about who should file. In such cases, these matters can be discussed with skilled wrongful death attorneys who can help determine the best interests for various parties involved, particularly those with close ties to the deceased. Remember: File Within the Statute of Limitations In addition to restrictions on who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, there are also time limits to consider. These are known as the statute of limitations. In Utah, the statute of limitations in a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the death of a loved one; the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the death of a loved one if a government entity is responsible for the loved one’s death. Failure to file a wrongful death lawsuit within this time means that legal action cannot be pursued in the future. How Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You There are many complexities to consider when it comes to wrongful death litigation. One also needs to consider the emotional strain and difficulty associated with wrongful death lawsuits, and the toll it can take on a family. By working with a wrongful death attorney, you will receive the expert legal counsel you need to see you through this difficult time. Your wrongful death attorney will offer peace of mind while dealing with the complicated legal workings involved in a case, giving you and your loved ones the time and emotional space to grieve and consider the challenges of the future. Speak with Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys For more information about your legal rights and options, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. We will work with you and help you in your time of legal need.
What You Should Know About Rollover Accidents
There are different types of car accidents, all of which can lead to victims requiring medical and legal help. Rollover accidents are one of the most severe types of auto accidents, often leaving the driver and passengers severely injured, or worse. Victims of rollover accidents may be entitled to financial recovery if another party is found liable for the accident. Determining liability and ensuring that the rights of you and your loved ones are protected in the event of a rollover accident requires legal assistance. Our auto accident attorneys help victims of rollover accidents in Provo, UT recover damages when others are responsible for an accident. What Causes Rollover Accidents? Rollover accidents can occur for a number of reasons. In some cases, the driver plays a significant role, while in other circumstances, a rollover may be caused by the vehicle design itself. Some common causes of rollover accidents include: Type of Vehicle: Although it is possible for any type of vehicle to rollover, some vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents than others. Tall, narrow vehicles, like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, generally have higher centers of gravity, making them more likely to rollover. Alcohol Intoxication: Driving while under the influence of alcohol can increase the risk of a rollover accident. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment, affect muscle coordination, and cause blurred vision, all of which can cause a person to lose control of a vehicle. Speeding: In many cases, rollover crashes are the result of driving too fast. Rural Roads: Rural roads tend to be dark, poorly marked, and often don’t have any barriers, making them common locations for rollover accidents. Driver Behavior: Driver behavior may also play a significant role in the likelihood of a rollover accident. In addition to speeding and driving under the influence, other driver behaviors that can increase the risk of a rollover crash include distraction, inattentiveness, and lack of experience. Multiple-Vehicle Accident: A rollover accident may occur as a result of a multiple-vehicle accident. Vehicle Defects: Rollover accidents may also be caused by a vehicle or product defect. Poorly designed vehicles with high centers of gravity may be more likely to roll over and defective tires may blowout while driving, causing a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Potential Injuries Caused by Rollover Accidents Drivers and passengers involved in a rollover accident may suffer minor to fatal injuries. Many victims of a rollover accident will experience some degree of injury to the head, neck, abdomen, arms, or legs. Some may experience a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, broken bones, or death. The long-term effects of such injuries may include permanent damage to the internal organs, nerves, vision, and hearing. Others may suffer from chronic back pain or require amputation of limbs. Seek Legal Help If you or a loved one is involved in a rollover accident caused by another driver, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle or product defects, it’s important to contact an accident attorney to protect your rights. An accident attorney will work on your behalf to recover damages for injuries, medical bills, and lost wages, as well as ensure the party at fault is held responsible. Contact the Lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you have been involved in a rollover accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering. For more information about your legal rights following a rollover accident, you are encouraged to contact our team of car accident attorneys today.
Premises Liability and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Household gas appliances, like furnaces, stoves, and gas heaters, can pose a serious threat to you and your loved ones. If not properly installed or maintained, these appliances can leak carbon monoxide into your home, potentially poisoning you and your family. If you’ve suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, you may be entitled to compensation. Premises liability lawsuits can help recover lost wages and medical costs incurred as a result of injuries caused by negligent property owners. To find out if you have a premises liability and carbon monoxide poisoning case, contact Provo, UT law firm Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is both colorless and odorless. If breathed by people or animals, carbon monoxide can have dangerous effects. Carbon monoxide interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is essential for cellular function and health. With prolonged exposure, carbon monoxide can poison the body, interfering with organ function. It also has the potential to be fatal. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Headache Dizziness Shortness of breath Chest pain Nausea Vomiting Fainting Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide Gas Carbon monoxide can escape from a number of household appliances. Some of the most common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include: Gas or kerosene space heaters Gas stoves Gas water heaters Wood stoves and fireplaces Gasoline powered equipment, such as generators Leaking chimneys and furnaces Furnace backdrafting Car exhaust from attached garages Who Is Responsible? According to premises liability law, property owners are responsible for the safety of renters and visitors on their property. Carbon monoxide levels and appliances that can release carbon monoxide should be routinely checked. Anytime carbon monoxide detectors go off, it is critical that any source of carbon monoxide be addressed immediately in order to avoid serious harm to those exposed. With that said, appliances purchased by a tenant are typically the tenant’s responsibility. However, a property owner should provide annual safety checks of flues, valves, piping, and appliances that are a part of their property. Property owners are encouraged to install carbon monoxide detectors to keep their tenants safe. If you’re a renter and don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, ask your landlord to install one or purchase one yourself for the safety of you and your family. What to Do if You’re a Victim of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for the safety of those on their property. This means property owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. If you or a loved one has been a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the negligence of a property owner, there may be grounds for a premises liability case. If there is a legitimate case, our premises liability attorneys can help recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages for the victims of negligent property owners. Contact the Attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of your landlord’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. For more information about your legal rights, we encourage you to contact our premises liability attorneys today.