What Are The Most Common Construction Accidents On Site?
The most common construction accidents include falls, struck-by hazards, electrocution, and caught in-between objects. Keep reading to learn more about this risky industry. Most Common Construction Accidents Although there are countless ways a construction worker may become injured on the job, the “fatal four” are the top causes of fatalities, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Falls: Risks that cause the most fall-related injuries and deaths include: Unprotected wall openings, sides, and floor holes Improper scaffold construction: When heavy machinery is present on a scaffold with limited space, falls can happen. Without professionally installed guardrail systems or the use of fall protection, serious injury or death may occur. Misuse of ladders: Stumbling onto unguarded steel rebar can cause impalement. Struck-by hazards: Speeding cars, falling objects, or putting up walls can cause struck-by accidents. According to OSHA, an estimated 75 percent of struck-by-fatalities involve heavy machineries, such as cranes or trucks. Collapsing masonry walls: Most incidents occur when lifting equipment or jacks are used to position walls and slabs, or when sharing is required until structures can support themselves. Electrocutions: Several accidents can cause electrocution, including: Touching power lines: Deadly electrocutions, third-degree burns, and falling from high elevations are potential risks. Misuse of equipment: Human error can result in severe injury or death. Caught In-Between (Trenching): Being caught in-between heavy objects can result in a lack of oxygen and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Causes of these injuries include: Lack of protective system Unstable spoil-pile placement Neglecting trench and protective system maintenance Dangerous access/egress Continue reading to learn your rights after an on-site accident. What Should I Do If I Experiences Injuries? Seek medical help: Seeking treatment for your injuries should be your main priority. Assessing their severity will aid you in making a speedy recovery, and can also help you estimate how much it will cost. Report your injuries: You need to report workplace injuries as soon as possible. Keep your manager up-to-date on subsequent developments. For instance, if your doctor diagnoses an injury that wasn’t noticeable at the time of your initial diagnosis, let your manager know. Obtain a written report: Your boss must file a report of your accident, and you’re entitled to a copy. Don’t let them deny you a physical copy of it for your records. Write down the witness information: If passerby witnessed the accident, ask for their information. You may need a witness’s testimony if you attempt to claim compensation. Take pictures: Take photos of the premises, including any equipment or tools that caused your injuries. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help If you’re a victim of a construction accident, an experienced personal injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive damages. Our team specializes in cases involving the most common construction accidents, and we can hold your negligent employer accountable. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is Elder Abuse?
Every year, thousands of older people experience elder abuse, which can be physical or emotional. Most of these victims are frail and vulnerable, so they can’t protect themselves. Sadly, the abusers are often family members, friends, and trusted individuals in positions of authority. Continue reading to find out more about this type of abuse. Types of Elder Abuse The Administration for Community Living (ACL) identifies the following behaviors as abuse: Physical abuse: Inflicting physical injuries on a senior by bruising, slapping, or restraining them. Emotional abuse: Inflicting emotional pain or distress on an elderly person by intimidating, humiliating, or threatening them. Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact Financial abuse: Illegally taking a senior’s funds, property, or assets for your benefit. Abandonment: Deserting a vulnerable senior when you owe them a duty of care or assume custody over them. Neglect: Failure to provide a senior with food, shelter, health care, or protection if you’re responsible. Learn about the warning signs below. Red Flags to Watch out For Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, burns, and abrasions may indicate physical abuse. Sudden change in alertness, unusual depression, and withdrawal from regular activities may indicate emotional abuse. Bruises around the genital area may indicate sexual abuse. Threats, belittling, and other misuses of power by a spouse can indicate verbal and emotional abuse. Sudden changes in financial status may indicate financial exploitation. Unattended medical needs, bedsores, poor hygiene, and excessive weight loss may indicate neglect. Tense or strained relationships and constant arguments between an elderly person and their caregiver may indicate abuse. How Can I Intervene? If you suspect your parent or grandparent is being abused, remain alert because many people suffer in silence. Tell at least one person, such as a friend, doctor, or family member you trust. Furthermore, if you witness an elderly person being abused or neglected, don’t hesitate to escalate the situation to the authorities. Every senior abuse report is a snapshot of a significant problem. Unfortunately, many seniors are too afraid to report abuse. Some of them fear retaliation from their abuser; others prefer dealing with an abusive caretaker than not having one. Keep the following in mind: Don’t confront the abuser: This can endanger the elderly person. The only time you should confront an abuser is if the victim permits you. Make sure the elderly person can immediately move to a safer care center. Even if the elderly person rejects your help, continue checking in with them: Ask other loved ones to express their feelings of concern for the elderly person. A neutral party, such as a geriatric care manager, might have a better chance of consoling them. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Elder abuse can be debilitating, traumatizing, and lonely. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, a nursing home abuse lawyer from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help them receive damages for their suffering. Our attorneys fight for victims and their families to receive proper compensation, respect, and kindness. We service Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is a Pile-Up Car Accident?
Multiple impact car collisions involve crashes that have more than one impact. The most infamous type of multi-impact car accident is a “pile-up” one. This type of accident occurs due to the piling up of cars following an initial crash. Continue reading to learn more about these devastating accidents. Information on Pile-Up Car Accidents Pile-up car accidents typically happen on freeways or roadways where drivers are going at moderate to high speed. Once the first crash occurs, the following cars may not be able to slow down on time to prevent further damage. Consequently, a second, third, or even fourth impact may occur. Furthermore, the other impacts are typically caused by the cars following in the same traffic lane directly behind the vehicles involved in the initial crash. So, why do these life-threatening accidents occur? Keep reading to find out. Causes of Pile-Up Car Accidents The majority of pile-up car accidents are preventable. Some common causes include: Adverse weather conditions: Multiple-vehicle crashes usually occur when weather conditions are poor, and drivers are unable to slow down, can’t maintain distance from other cars, and engage in other reckless activities, such as texting while driving. For instance, if there’s heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog, and drivers are talking on the phone while driving, their chances of being involved in a pile-up crash increase. Speeding: People who speed are in danger of spiraling out of control, missing a red light, and rear-ending another car—all increasing the odds of a crash involving multiple vehicles. They may also not have sufficient time to stop or slow down when conditions require it. Falling asleep behind the wheel: When someone is tired and falls asleep on the road, their car might crash into multiple ones. Worst of all, they won’t be aware of what’s happening. Drunk drivers: Whenever someone is intoxicated due to drug or alcohol abuse, their driving abilities become impaired, including their reaction time, reasoning, and ability to remain awake and alert. Rubbernecking: Rubbernecking is when a driver gets distracted by other accidents or traffic stops instead of focusing on the road ahead, increasing the likelihood of a multi-car crash on the highway or busy intersection. Tailgating: Most drivers who tailgate are also speeding. Even if they’re going at the speed limit, tail gaiting makes a driver unable to stop in an emergency. Generally, a rear-end collision is the result. Construction zones: Impatient drivers in a rush are more likely to cause a wreck in a construction zone. This type of accident can quickly escalate to one involving several vehicles, given the narrower lanes and lack of open spaces in which to drive. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Pile-up car accidents are physically and emotionally painful to deal with. If you were recently involved in one of these collisions, an experienced car injury attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you attain the compensation you deserve. Our goal in every case is to examine your injuries thoroughly and their repercussions on your life. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is Dram Shop Liability?
Dram shops were establishments that sold gin in 18th century England. Although the term is dated, there are dram shop laws that make a business or person liable if they provide alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated. This law may sound shocking, but an injured plaintiff (victim) can sue the bar, alcohol retailer, or citizen who served a defendant (perpetrator) an alcoholic beverage. Continue reading to learn more about these interesting dram shop laws. Information on Dram Shop Liability Dram shop liability refers to the civil liability that a car accident victim can impose against a bar or tavern for providing a drunk driver with alcohol. Surprisingly, this type of liability can also be extended to restaurants that sell alcohol. These laws are implemented at the state level, so each state decides how much or little it wants the establishment to be held liable for the actions of a drunk driver. Below are frequently asked questions regarding dram shop liability. Q: Does Utah Have Dram Shop Laws? A: In Utah, under certain situations, the injured victim may file a lawsuit against the business or person who provided the defendant with alcohol. When a case involves an alcohol vendor, it’s known as a dram shop claim. On the other hand, if it includes a social host who provides alcohol to a minor, it’s known as a social host liability claim. Section 32B-15-201 of Utah’s penal code states an alcohol vendor is liable for injuries and damages suffered by a victim in an alcohol-related accident if they “give, sell, or otherwise provide an alcoholic product” to someone who is: Under age 21 Already under the influence of drugs or alcohol “A known interdicted person” (someone who has been ordered by a court not to consume alcohol) A person who receives alcohol and causes an accident due to ingesting it Q: What is the Purpose of Dram Shop Liability? A: Since alcohol consumption can inhibit a person’s judgment, a drunk driver who causes a collision may be driving faster than a driver who isn’t impaired. Furthermore, the limits on an insurance policy might not be sufficient to fully compensate victims for their injuries. Q: How can I prove liability in a dram shop case? A: It can be challenging to prove that a business or social host is at fault under dram shop laws because everyone has different tolerance levels. For example, a bartender may not be aware that a patron is drinking on an empty stomach or may think the patron is walking home. Generally, to recover damages, the plaintiff must prove that the vendor should have known the defendant was so drunk, that more alcohol would increase the risk of danger to the patron and others with whom they come into contact. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Dram shop claims are only available to third-party individuals who have been injured due to the provision of alcohol to a customer. An experienced dram shop liability attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can prove that an establishment or person acted negligently, resulting in the DUI accident that caused your injuries. Our team has the qualifications and resources necessary to handle your case. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
How Long Does Physical Shock Last After A Car Accident?
Car accidents can result in several injuries, and many of them may not be obvious. Fractures, burns, and spinal damage are immediately recognizable, but others can take weeks to appear. One type of injury that most people overlook is physical shock. Learn more about experiencing shock after a car accident below. What is Physical Shock? Many people don’t know this, but experiencing shock is more than an emotion; after a car accident, a survivor may experience physical shock (also known as traumatic shock). They might be experiencing physical shock if they lose blood flow to their organs, resulting in oxygen depletion. Most of the time, shock won’t go away on its own, so it will linger until you receive medical help. If you don’t urgently seek medical attention, you may end up hospitalized for weeks. Sadly, some people die from multiple organ failure. Continue reading to learn about the five major types of physical shock below. Hypovolemic Shock Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock a person experiences after a car collision. It occurs when they begin to lose blood rapidly. A blood decrease causes a person’s heart to race abnormally, resulting in shallower, faster respiration. A person’s organs may begin to shut down to compensate for their body’s lack of oxygen-rich blood.Unfortunately, some people don’t notice their organ failure, leading to permanent damage. Children and the elderly are more prone to developing kidney failure due to hypovolemic shock. Neurogenic Shock Neurogenic shock occurs when a person experiences trauma to their spinal cord or nervous system damage. This type of shock can result in irregular blood circulation, which can also cause collapsed organs. Cardiogenic Shock Cardiogenic shock occurs when a person’s heart becomes severely damaged and fails to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood to their vital organs. This type of shock is most likely to result in a fatality. It’s important to note that cardiogenic shock usually occurs as the result of a heart attack. If you experience a heart attack following a car crash, you should stay at the hospital for a few weeks. Septic Shock Septic shock, also known as blood poisoning, is caused by infections that lead to bacteria entering one’s bloodstream. This shock occurs when bacteria and their toxins cause damage to a person’s tissues and organs. Anaphylactic Shock Extreme allergic reactions can cause anaphylactic shock, which is a potentially deadly condition. Although car crashes rarely result in this type of shock, individuals with allergies are at heightened risk. Some people experience anaphylactic shock as a reaction to corn starch or other chemicals found in airbags. Sadly, many people don’t realize they’re allergic to airbags until they’re involved in an accident. Symptoms of Physical Shock After a car collision, it’s normal to feel confused, disoriented, and stunned. Still, it’s crucial to look for symptoms of physical shock in yourself and others. Watch out for the following: Cool, pale skin Fast pulse Rapid breathing Nausea Dilated pupils Chronic fatigue and weakness Dizziness or fainting Agitation or restlessness Change in mental status Physical Shock Treatment Physical shock generally results in breathing problems, unconsciousness, and cardiac arrest. If you suspect that someone is experiencing this type of shock, call 911 immediately and provide first aid treatment until professional help arrives. First aid treatment: If someone is unconscious, check if they’re still breathing and have a heartbeat. If you don’t hear them breathing or can’t detect a pulse, begin CPR. However, if they’re breathing, do the following: Step 1: Lay them on their back. Step 2: Elevate their feet ten inches above the ground; this is known as the shock position, which helps direct blood to their vital organs. Step 3: Cover them with a blanket or jacket to keep them warm. Step 4: Monitor their breathing and heart rate every five minutes to see any changes. However, if the person has a visible head, neck, or back injury, avoid moving them. If they vomit, gently turn their head sideways to prevent them from choking. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Car accidents are never easy to deal with, and undergoing physical shock can be debilitating or deadly. If you’re a victim of physical shock due to a car collision, you can work with an experienced car accident attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton to receive the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t suffer the consequences if you weren’t the at-fault driver in the accident. Our goal in every case is to thoroughly examine your injuries and the repercussions they have on your life so that you can receive maximum damages. We have offices throughout Utah County, as well as West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What is a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
Nursing home abuse lawyers help victims receive financial compensation if they were harmed by staff members or other residents in their nursing home. Most people who stay at nursing homes are no longer able to care for themselves, so they have to depend on caretakers who don’t always have the best intentions. If you suspect a family member experiencing this type of abuse, you should file a report with local authorities and enlist the help of a nursing home abuse lawyer to receive damages. Find out what these lawyers do below. The Responsibilities of a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer When a resident’s needs are neglected, or they live in fear of abuse, they can be severely injured or killed. Nursing home abuse lawyers are advocates for victims of abuse and have the knowledge and experience to hold negligent nursing homes accountable. When a victim works with one of these lawyers, they may be eligible for compensation to make up for their suffering and pay off medical bills. Continue reading to learn more about nursing home abuse lawyers to determine if you should work with one. Facts About Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Some nursing home abuse lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge upfront fees for their work and only get paid if they secure damages for their client These lawyers handle every type of nursing home abuse case, for instance, involving physical, mental, financial, and sexual abuse. In some instances, nursing home abuse lawyers have been able to secure millions of dollars for their clients through trial verdicts and settlements. How Does a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Prepare for Their Case? A nursing home abuse attorney will first meet with the victim and their family members to determine if they’re eligible for legal action. At the initial meeting, the lawyer will discuss the following: History of the victim’s nursing home care The allegations of abuse The victim’s physical and mental capacities Based on this information, the lawyer will develop a course of action. Next, they will file a lawsuit on the victim’s behalf. Once this occurs, the victim and their family become the plaintiffs of the case. Once the lawyer files a nursing home abuse lawsuit, they will need to prove the following: The nursing home had a legal duty of care for the victim, generally stated in their contract. The nursing home didn’t meet the victim’s needs and harmed them through negligence or intentional acts of violence. The resident experienced severe, long-term, or permanent injuries due to the harm. If the lawyer believes their client has an adequate case, they will file a lawsuit against the nursing home and its employees. The employees will become the defendants of the case. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Seniors who suffer from nursing home abuse may carry the physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, you can work with a veteran nursing home abuse attorney from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton. Our attorneys fight for victims and their families to secure fair compensation as well as respect and kindness. We have offices throughout Utah County, as well as West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
How Car Accidents Affect Your Insurance
Ideally, you would never get into a car accident; however, accidents do happen, which is why you’re required to have auto insurance in the first place. Fortunately, when an unexpected accident strikes, your insurer will guide you through the process, starting from your initial claim to settlement. You may be familiar with the myth that insurance rates automatically go up after an accident. We’re here to discredit this myth in today’s blog. Car Insurance Rates Don’t Always Increase Minor accidents, such as fender benders, don’t always translate into a rate increase, especially if you have a history of otherwise safe driving. Furthermore, if you weren’t at fault for the collision, your premium might stay the same. Some policies include accident forgiveness, which rewards safe driving patterns by considering your driving record before your accident. So, when do car insurance rates increase? Continue reading to find out. When Do Car Insurance Rates Increase? Your premium will most likely go up following a major at-fault accident. Remember, your driving record is a major factor in establishing your premium, so a recent, significant collision will show up on your policy when you renew it. Furthermore, if you have a safe-driving discount on your policy that your insurer awarded for a claim-free driving record, losing it can result in a rate increase. How Long Will My Rate Stay Raised? After an accident, your driving history will follow you around longer than you probably want. Insurance providers generally factor in the severity of your accident and the cost of damages to establish an increased rate and the amount of time you will be subjected to. Fortunately, your accident surcharge may gradually decrease every year you go without an accident. In most states, insurers lower surcharges slowly for three years until it’s non-existent, as long as you don’t get involved in other collisions. Penalties for Not Having Car Insurance in Utah Some people don’t want to deal with the hassles that can come with car insurance policies, so they avoid paying for them; however, you should never do this. The penalties that come with driving uninsured are more challenging to deal with than handling the paperwork associated with car insurance policies. Section 303 of Utah’s Insurance Code states that all drivers must maintain liability coverage. Operating your car without insurance or merely allowing your coverage to lapse is a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable with fines and license suspension. Moreover, reinstating your driving privileges can also be expensive. You never know when you will need to show proof of insurance. For instance, a police officer may ask for proof at a routine checkpoint. Proof of insurance can either be your actual insurance policy, insurance card, or your policy’s declaration form. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You Car accidents can be a traumatic hassle to overcome. If you were recently involved in one and aren’t the driver at-fault, you shouldn’t suffer the consequences. One of the experienced car accident attorneys from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can ensure you receive damages from the driver who caused the accident. We’re the only law firm based south of Salt Lake County dedicated to personal injury cases. We have offices throughout Utah County, as well as West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
What are the Characteristics of a Liability?
Pursuing compensation in a personal injury liability case can be challenging, so it’s vital to know what you’re dealing with before matters escalate. It can be challenging to come to terms with the fact that someone else is at fault for your pain. Furthermore, if you require medical attention, the expenses add up quickly. Read on to learn more about personal injury claims. Information on Personal Injury Cases In law, liability hinges on the notion that everyone has a set of responsibilities in any given situation. Negligence: This refers to when a person has a duty of care to protect someone from harm but doesn’t support that duty unintentionally. For instance, a café owner has the responsibility to keep their store’s steps and sidewalk clear of hazards, such as water and ice, which pose a risk to passerby. Negligence is the most common tort that victims pursue in personal injury cases. Intentional: This tort occurs when someone harms another person on purpose, sometimes leading to criminal charges. Here are the most common intentional torts that can result in a personal injury case: Battery Assault Deceit/fraud Trespass Theft/conversion Libel/slander/defamation Invasion of privacy Arson Intentional infliction of emotional pain Property damage Manslaughter/homicide/wrongful death Sexual abuse or assault Strict liability: This tort exists regardless of intention or fault. A person who is injured only needs to prove that another person or company caused their physical pain. It covers inherently dangerous situations, so people and businesses must take every precaution. The most common example of this in personal injury cases is product liability. For instance, when a company makes a product available to the public, it must exercise every reasonable precaution to ensure it won’t harm anyone. Continue reading to learn about the three most common injuries in civil cases. 1. Bodily Harm Bodily harm is conspicuous and inconspicuous damage to a person’s physique; this is the type of injury that comes to mind when we think about car accidents and slip-and-fall cases. Compensation for bodily harm can extend to medical costs required to stop further harm. Furthermore, you can also recover money to cover on-going care and future medical bills, such as physical therapy expenses. 2. Pain and Suffering Pain and suffering can be a product of physical injuries. For example, if someone loses their fingers, this loss will be worth more to a victim than just the medical costs needed to address the issue. Moreover, victims may also suffer from a diminished ability to do the activities they enjoy so that they may receive damages for this loss. 3. Emotional Distress Emotional distress occurs when someone harms another party psychologically, to the point where they can’t function as well as they used to. People have filed civil cases for emotional injuries inflicted by defamatory acts and invasions of privacy. Unfortunately, in many cases, a person’s mental state may be diminished to the point where they’re not comfortable socializing. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You If you’re a victim of bodily harm, pain, and suffering, or emotional distress, you may start a personal injury liability case. The experienced personal injury attorneys from Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team has spent over 50 years combined representing these cases. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan. Schedule your free case evaluation today.