Is Construction Work The Most Dangerous Industry?
Construction work is an inherently dangerous business. Each year, thousands of workers end up with severe or fatal injuries. Even a minor incident, such as forgetting to clean up a spill, can result in a broken back or fractured ribs. Discover the hazards of working in the construction industry. What Makes Construction Work Hazardous? The construction industry is infamous for being one of the most dangerous fields to work in. One out of every five workplace fatalities is construction-related, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Furthermore, this type of work also results in thousands of non-fatal injuries that cost companies millions each year. Continue reading to learn about the most common construction-related injuries. Common Construction-Related Injuries Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry because employees usually work from great heights. Other hazards include: Cave-ins Collapsing trenches Electric shock Strikes by falling objects Fires and explosions Respiratory issues as a result of inhaling debris Back injuries due to heavy lifting Skin diseases resulting from sun exposure and handling hazardous waste Hearing loss from long-term exposure to noisy machinery Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome Construction Worker Fatality Statistics Out of all worker deaths in 2018, construction, transportation, and material moving workers accounted for 47 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The four leading causes of construction worker fatalities are: falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and getting caught in between two large objects. These accidents are known as the “fatal four,” and they’re responsible for 60 percent of construction worker deaths, according to OSHA. Of all industries, construction experiences most fatal falls, accounting for 51 percent of all falls in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Companies with less than ten employees and those who are self-employed account for half of all deaths on construction sites, according to the CDC. In the span of a 45-year career, there’s a 1 in 200 chance a construction worker will die from an accident in the workplace, according to Safety & Health Magazine. Non-Fatal Injury Statistics One in every ten construction workers is injured each year, according to OSHA. Approximately half of the severe workplace injuries go unreported every year. Heavy lifting is the leading cause of strain injuries in construction, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. Workers who are between the ages of 25-34 are most likely to experience injuries, according to LaborPress. What Should Construction Companies Do to Protect Workers? Construction companies have a duty of care to provide safety and health training to their employees. Additionally, they must conduct regular inspections and update equipment as needed. Although these steps don’t adequately protect workers, they eliminate most of the hazards associated with falls, electrocution, and falling objects; this can save thousands of lives each year. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You If you or a loved one were injured in a construction accident, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, the employer’s insurance company may try to minimize your injury, usually resulting in less compensation than you need. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we help injured workers, and the family members of wrongful death victims receive the financial compensation they deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
Are Medical Errors Common?
We take several things for granted in our daily lives, and this especially reigns true when we place our trust in surgeons and rely on their expertise for our wellbeing. Medical professionals are some of the people we trust the most because they’re responsible for our health when we’re at our sickest. Unfortunately, medical error is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Continue reading to learn more about the frequency of medical malpractice.. Medical Error Statistics Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., surpassing strokes, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, according to a recent study from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Shockingly, one in seven patients receiving care in a hospital will fall victim to a medical error. Furthermore, an estimated 1.5 million people are injured each year due to medical malpractice, according to the Institute of Medicine. In today’s blog, we will explore the seven most common causes of medical errors. 1. Misdiagnosis The most common medical error is misdiagnosis. A diagnosis error can result in delayed treatment, sometimes with fatal consequences. Not receiving a diagnosis is equally as dangerous; this is why it’s essential to disclose all your symptoms. 2. Unnecessary Tests and Procedures Hospitals spend more than $700 billion every year on unnecessary tests and treatments, according to Healthcare Economist. Not only is this expensive, but it can also be deadly. For instance, CT scans increase your risk of cancer, and their dyes can lead to kidney failure. Even getting your blood drawn can result in infection. This information isn’t meant to discourage you from getting tests done, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Be sure to ask your doctor why a specific test or procedure is required. 3. Medication Errors Over 60 percent of hospitalized patients aren’t able to take their regular medications during their stay. Moreover, nurses and doctors administer the wrong medication to approximately 1.5 million Americans each year; this mistake costs $3.5 billion, according to an Institute of Medicine report. 4. “Never Events” In the medical world, a “never event” is a situation that should never occur, but when they do, they usually result in death. Some examples include: When a surgeon operates on the wrong patient When a surgeon operates on the wrong limb When food that’s meant to go inside a patient’s stomach tubes goes inside their chest tubes instead, resulting in a fatal infection When air bubbles go inside IV catheters, resulting in strokes When a surgeon accidentally leaves a face mask, sponge, wipe, or even scissors inside a patient’s body 5. Lack of Coordination In our evolving healthcare system, having a personal doctor is becoming a relic of the past. If you’re going to the hospital, chances are you won’t be taken care of by your regular doctor, but by an on-call one instead. Additionally, various specialists may take care of you, and some of them might not coordinate with each other. Worst of all, you may end up with two of the same tests, or medications that you shouldn’t mix. There could even be a lack of communication between your nurse and your surgeon, increasing the chances of medical error. 6. Infections from the Hospital Hospital-acquired infections impact over 1.7 million people every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These may include: Pneumonia Infections around the site of the surgery Urinary infections from catheters Bloodstream infections from IVs Such infections usually involve bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics, and they can be deadly to those with weakened immune systems. 7. Going Home Too Soon According to USA Today, one in five patients returns to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. This is usually due to: Patients being released prematurely Patients not understanding their discharge information Patients not scheduling a follow-up, so they’re unaware about the status of their condition General treatment complications The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable time, and a combination of miscommunication and lack of aftercare can be deadly. How Can I Be More Vigilant as a Patient? Here are a few ways you can be more proactive as a patient: Ask questions: Gain as much insight as you can from the hospital. Ask about the benefits, side effects, and disadvantages of a medication or procedure. Seek a secondary perspective: If you’re uncertain about a procedure, you should ask another doctor for their opinion. A good doctor will welcome confirmation of their diagnosis, and they shouldn’t discourage their patient from doing their research. Bring an advocate: When you’re at the doctor’s office, it may be hard to process all the information by yourself. Bring a family member or friend to your appointment so they can help you keep track of information and ask additional questions. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help You Surgeons and hospitals owe a professional duty of care to their patients. If you’ve suffered a physical injury or emotional trauma due to a negligent doctor’s actions, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced medical malpractice attorney at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive damages. We’re a client-centered law firm dedicated to seeking justice for injury and wrongful death victims. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way?
When you’re taking a relaxing stroll, you may not be worried about the risks distracted, speeding, or negligent drivers pose. As someone who’s on the road, either as a driver or pedestrian, it’s your duty to follow road rules and to yield the right-of-way at intersections and crosswalks. Continue reading to find out if pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Safety is a Shared Responsibility Most people are surprised to learn this, but pedestrians don’t always have the right-of-way. Drivers and pedestrians alike share the responsibility of keeping themselves and others safe on the road. The Federal Highway Administration is trying to increase pedestrian safety by investing in infrastructure improvements, such as redesigned roads that promote better pedestrian and bicycle traffic flow. Below are some useful guidelines to follow for both drivers and pedestrians. What Are the Duties of a Pedestrian? When a pedestrian is crossing the street in an area without a marked crosswalk at an intersection, they must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. Moreover, when there are adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, it’s illegal for a pedestrian to cross between them; they may only cross in a marked crosswalk. Furthermore, they’re prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb to walk or run into the path of a vehicle because this constitutes an immediate safety hazard. Safety Tips for Pedestrians To stay safe when you’re walking, do the following: Always look left-right-left before crossing the street and continue to look for vehicles as you cross. Remember, just because you’re using a crosswalk doesn’t guarantee a driver will see you. Wave your arms if an approaching driver isn’t slowing down. Don’t stand on the road while you’re waiting to cross. Always push the pedestrian signal button before using a crosswalk; this will give you more time to cross before the traffic light turns green. In the absence of a sidewalk, walk facing traffic along the shoulder of the roadway. Watch out for vehicles entering or exiting a parking lot or driveway. When you’re crossing a road with multiple lanes and a car in the closest lane stops to allow you to cross, make sure the drivers in other lanes can also see you. Once they come to a stop, continue to walk. Safety Tips for Drivers Even if you’ve been driving for decades, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the following safety tips: ● Slow down around schools, playgrounds, parks, and other areas children frequent. ● If one car has stopped at a crosswalk (either mark or unmarked), all other vehicles must also stop to allow a pedestrian to cross. ● Drivers making a left or right turn on a green light must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk within the intersection. ● You must stop at the designated stop line in front of the crosswalk. Many drivers mistakenly stop inside the line, but that’s illegal. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Unfortunately, even if you follow every road rule, some reckless drivers may not be as responsible. If a negligent driver recently struck you, you may be eligible for compensation. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you attain the damages you deserve while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
How Can You Prove Wrongful Death?
When someone passes away, it takes an emotional toll on their family. Moreover, it can lead to financial hardship. Fortunately, laws in every state can help ease financial problems if a person is legally responsible for causing the victim’s death. What must you prove to be eligible for damages? Discover more information on wrongful death claims. What Is a Wrongful Death Claim? A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit filed by a plaintiff for monetary damages. If another person’s negligence causes someone’s death, the surviving family members can file a civil lawsuit requesting damages from the negligent party. Once they file a lawsuit, they must prove several elements of the wrongful death claim before they can receive damages. Continue reading to find out what you must prove to receive compensation. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim? The person who files the civil lawsuit is called the plaintiff. In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff is usually a family member who brings the claim to court on behalf of the deceased person’s heirs. The negligent person is known as the defendant. In law, negligence is a failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or loss to another person. The claim will allege the defendant acted negligently or intentionally and was responsible for the victim’s death. Establishing Proof in a Wrongful Death Case Not only does the plaintiff need to prove the defendant acted negligently, but they must also prove said negligence caused the victim’s death. They must present the following three elements: Duty of Care: The plaintiff needs to determine the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim. For instance, if the victim passed away due to a car crash, the plaintiff is responsible for proving the defendant had an obligation to obey road rules. Breach of Duty of Care: Moreover, the plaintiff must prove the defendant neglected their duty of care. In the car accident example mentioned above, they must show the defendant didn’t follow traffic laws, which is a breach of their duty of care as a driver. Causation: It’s not enough for the plaintiff to prove the defendant broke the law or breached their duty of care. Additionally, they must also show the defendant’s actions directly resulted in the victim’s death. Let’s say the defendant ran a red light in the aforementioned car accident example. They may not be found responsible for the victim’s death if it was caused by another factor, such as a mechanical failure in the deceased person’s car. To prove each of the above elements, the plaintiff must also meet the burden of proof. The court will ask them to prove the elements of negligence based on preponderance; this places the focus on having convincing evidence, rather than quantity. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You No matter the circumstances, losing a loved one, is a terrible experience. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we know nothing can erase the pain of losing someone dear to your heart. However, filing a wrongful death claim can help you hold those responsible accountable for their negligence. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys are here for you. Schedule a free case evaluation when you’re ready.
Distracted Driving: Why Cell Phone Usage Is Banned in Some States
Some drivers want to be able to use their phones on the road without the fear of repercussions, but talking or texting while driving can lead to accidents. Distracted driving claims over 3,000 lives each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In an attempt to combat this phenomenon, several states have passed legislation that restricts cell phone usage while driving. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving. What Is Distracted Driving? Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, which includes eating, drinking, toying with the stereo, and, most notably, texting while driving. Reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for at least five seconds. If you’re driving at 60 mph, that’s the equivalent of driving across a football field with your eyes closed. In today’s blog, we will investigate the negative impacts of using your cell phone while driving and what lawmakers are doing to combat this problem. The Dangers of Using Your Cell Phone While Driving When most people think about distracted driving as it pertains to cell phone usage, texting comes to mind. However, texting isn’t the only distraction. Many drivers are guilty of the following: Talking on the phone Scrolling through social media Checking the weather Playing mobile games Watching videos Hyper-focusing on their phone’s GPS Many people are surprised to learn this, but making a phone call while driving can be as devastating as texting—even if it’s on a hands-free device. For example, if the level of difficulty on the road demands concentration and the conversation you’re having is thought-provoking, then both activities are competing for limited brainpower. When you answer a call while driving, your brain prioritizes the conversation over road safety; this puts you at risk of an accident. What Are States Doing to Combat Cell Phone Usage While Driving? Bans on cell phone usage while driving are becoming more common. For instance, New York was the first state to ban hand-held phone conversations in 2001. Nowadays, 21 states have followed suit, and 48 states have banned texting while driving. In Utah, it’s legal for drivers to have a hand-held phone conversation, but some lawmakers are hoping to change that. A new bill in the works called “The Distracted Driver Amendments” prohibits drivers from using their phone while driving for any reason, which includes: Making hand-held phone calls Taking pictures Recording video Viewing pictures or videos The bill would require drivers to place their phones on the dashboard or inside the glove compartment while the vehicle is in motion. Anyone who violates this law would face an infraction upon the first offense. On the second offense, they would face a class B misdemeanor. Isn’t Talking on the Phone Similar to Talking With a Passenger? Advocates of hands-free calls may argue phone calls are no different than conversations held with passengers; however, there are significant differences between the two. The primary difference is a passenger can see what a driver sees. On the other hand, a person on the phone has no access to this shared visual space. A passenger knows when a driver is trying to enter a fast-flowing motorway, and they may stop talking until the maneuver is complete. Conversely, a person on the phone may not know the driver is trying to make a tricky maneuver, and they might continue talking; therefore, a phone call demands more attention than an in-person conversation at the worst time. Multi-Tasking Is a Myth Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University conducted a study to investigate how well people handle conversations while driving. Participants drove on a winding road in a rudimentary simulator while lying inside an MRI scanner to record brain activity. They engaged in a sentence comprehension test while driving, which was similar to a phone call. Furthermore, researchers found the participants’ steering behavior while talking was worse, so they repeatedly crashed with the road’s edges. Speak up Against Distracted Driving If you feel strongly about distracted driving, consider doing the following: Talk to your teenagers about it Be a voice in your community by supporting local legislation Bring up the issue during community meetings Share information on the topic on your social media Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Even if your state doesn’t have legislation regarding cell phone usage while driving, you should err on the side of caution. Put your phone away when you’re on the road; your texts and phone calls can wait. If a distracted driver recently struck you, you should hold them accountable in court. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
What Are The Leading Causes of Medical Errors?
When you’re a patient, you always trust you’re in good hands; however, even doctors and surgeons can commit medical errors. A medical error is a preventable adverse effect of care that can either be accidental or on purpose. Continue reading to learn more about the frequency of medical errors. How Common Are Medical Errors? Although medical malpractice cases sound like something that only occurs on television, they’re more common than you think. They’re the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to research by Johns Hopkins Medicine, a research university. Worst of all, medical errors can occur in any medical setting, including clinics, surgery facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, and a patient’s home. In today’s blog, we will delve into the three leading causes of medical errors. Misdiagnosis The leading cause of medical errors is misdiagnosis, which is when a doctor wrongfully diagnoses a condition, arrives late at diagnosis, or misses it entirely. Unfortunately, an incorrect diagnosis can result in poor treatment of the actual disease, which further harms the patient. Therefore, it’s important to come into your doctor’s office informed about your current health and medical history. If you’re not satisfied with your doctor’s treatment or have second doubts about their diagnosis, you should consult with a second doctor. Confusing a Patient’s Identity If you’re unlucky enough to have your identity mixed up with another patient’s, you may end up receiving someone else’s medication. In the worst-case scenario, a surgeon may even perform the wrong surgery on you. To prevent these severe errors, hospitals give each patient a wrist band with their name, date of birth, and a unique barcode. If you need to check into a hospital, ask your nurse to double-check your wristband before you’re given medication or undergo surgery. Leaving Surgical Tools Inside a Patient’s Body Most patients of surgery don’t consider they may be leaving the hospital with a foreign object inside their body. Retained surgical instruments can cause future health issues, and it may even result in death. Typically, a surgeon uses approximately 250 surgical tools in a single procedure. During surgery, they may become difficult to track. The types of surgical instruments most commonly left inside a patient’s body include: Sponges Scalpels Towels Scissors Needles Drain tips Guide wires Clamps Tweezers Forceps Scopes Surgical masks Measuring devices Gloves Sponges are the hardest instrument to account for because a surgeon uses them to soak up a patient’s blood during surgery, and they might blend in with organs and tissues. These incidents are most common during abdominal surgery. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You At a minimum, hospitals must provide their patients with a professional atmosphere. Medical errors are unacceptable, and if you suspect you’re a victim, you should seek compensation. An experienced medical malpractice attorney at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can investigate the facts of the case and collect evidence to prove negligence occurred. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives?
With little to protect motorcyclists in the event of a collision, injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes are more severe compared to other vehicle crashes. Motorcycle helmets can help ensure a rider’s safety, but many experienced riders refuse to wear them because they think they’re invincible. Discover the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet. Do I Need to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet? Only 19 states have a universal motorcycle helmet law, and 28 others have a partial helmet law for specific riders. Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no motorcycle helmet law. Utah has a partial helmet law that states helmet use is required for riders who are under 18. Regardless of your state’s law, you should still wear a helmet because it’s the most critical piece of motorcycle safety equipment. In today’s blog, we will dispel 5 common motorcycle helmet myths. Myth 1: Motorcycle Helmets Cause Spinal Damage Motorcycle helmets add weight to your head, which makes some riders believe they’re a risk to your spinal cord in the event of an accident. However, this is untrue because they’re designed to absorb the impact of your head hitting the ground. Helmeted riders suffer far fewer spinal injuries compared to riders who don’t wear a helmet. Myth 2: Motorcycle Helmets Are Ineffective at High Speeds The Department of Transportation tests motorcycle helmets by dropping them from a six-foot height, which produces an impact of 13 mph. Many riders believe helmets are only effective if they’re riding at 13 mph or less, but this measure doesn’t have to do with the speed of your bike; it’s regarding the speed at which your head hits the ground in an accident. In approximately 90 percent of accidents, riders fall off their bikes from a six-foot height and strike the ground at roughly 13 mph. Your helmet will still function if you’re riding faster than 13 mph. Myth 3: Motorcycle Helmets Obstruct Peripheral Vision All motorcycle helmets approved by the Department of Transportation must have at least 210-degree vision; this is more than enough to account for standard peripheral vision, which is approximately 180 degrees. Myth 4: Motorcycle Helmets Make Drivers Reckless On the contrary, motorcyclists who wear the most safety gear tend to drive the safest. There’s no evidence to prove helmeted riders behave more recklessly than those who don’t wear a helmet. Myth 5: Only New Motorcyclists Need to Wear Helmets Even if you’ve been riding motorcycles for decades, you can never be too confident on the road. Motorcycle helmets benefit both new and seasoned riders, and they can save your life if you find yourself in an accident. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states with a universal helmet law topped the list in the number of lives saved through the use of a helmet. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Even if you wear a helmet and drive with caution, you may still fall victim to an accident. Make sure you receive the compensation you deserve by holding the negligent driver accountable in court. One of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you handle the aftermath of your accident. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Hitting a Pedestrian?
Involved in a pedestrian-auto accident? Contact us today! Getting behind the wheel and driving a vehicle is a great responsibility. It requires full attention and focus on avoiding hitting other vehicles, property, and pedestrians. According to the Utah Injury Prevention Agency, more than 800 Utahns are involved in an auto-pedestrian accident and are either injured or killed each year. Continue reading to learn what to expect and potential legal consequences of hitting a pedestrian. The Legal Consequences of Hitting a Pedestrian Hitting a pedestrian with a vehicle inevitably leads to consequences. These repercussions can be minor or significant and can lead to citations, criminal charges, and, in extreme cases, a loss or suspension of driver’s licenses. Being a responsible driver means being an informed driver. Citations You can expect some kind of citation and fine if you are involved in a pedestrian-auto accident. The amount of the citation varies in range based on the cause of the accident. A penalty is likely to accrue a higher amount if you hit a pedestrian, because of negligence than if you hit a pedestrian while jaywalking. Criminal Charges A criminal charge is a formal accusation made by the government. Hitting a pedestrian can result in criminal charges. Leaving the scene of an accident or “hit and run” accidents can result in a misdemeanor, up to 90 days in prison, and significant fines in Utah. Whether the driver of the vehicle caused the crash or not, they are required by law to stop. If a pedestrian is hit by a car and killed, the driver can face manslaughter charges, a felony that can lead to long-term jail time. Criminal charges may be dropped if the driver of the vehicle that hits a pedestrian stops and takes other required steps to report the accident. Loss or Suspension of a Driver’s License Driving is a privilege, which comes with even greater responsibility. In some cases, a driver that has hit a pedestrian can have their license suspended. In these types of instances, your license becomes invalid for a certain amount of time. In more extreme cases, such as driving under the influence or purposefully hitting a pedestrian, licenses can be revoked entirely. Depending on the situation, drivers will be required to complete specific steps to have their license reinstated if allowed. Protect yourself by getting familiar with the rights and duties of drivers and pedestrians alike. Both drivers and pedestrians should know the laws and responsibilities of both parties. Of course, like all things, these laws have exceptions that may be granted. If you have been in an accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian, you should seek proper representation and should not try to handle your case alone. Contact Flickinger, Sutterfield, & Boulton Contact our lawyers right away and schedule a free consultation where we can learn about you and your case. The attorneys at Flickinger, Sutterfield, and Boulton have years of experience helping customers with auto-pedestrian accidents. Our team of experts will investigate these accidents and handle necessary communication with police, medical, and insurance contacts. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can advocate for you and reach a satisfactory resolution.