Apr 15, 2023 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
When it comes to worker’s comp cases— there are plenty of cases that come through our offices. From slips and falls, broken bones, construction injuries… It seems that hurt workers emerge from every field— no matter the assumed danger. However, what happens when you’re faced with workplace violence?
Workplace violence can come in different forms. From verbal and physical abuse, sexual violence, robbery… This type of violence comes in many different forms, which means that there are many ways to address it…
Workplace Violence: Addressing Unexpected Trauma
Prevention
Quite obviously, the best way to handle this type of trauma— is to prevent it. While accidents will always happen— there are certain steps you can take to prevent violence…
- Review your hiring and vetting process. Consider more in-depth background checks, reference checks— and even annual or semi-annual reviews of all staff.
- Review security and update. Install cameras, metal detectors, or whatever security settings you see fit to prevent danger in your workplace.
- Encourage staff to report threats, incidents, or fears of workplace violence in a way that makes them comfortable. Anonymous tips, emails to HR, and other means of reporting can prevent many issues.
- Take time every now and then to encourage team building exercises
- Provide workplace counselors for those in need, or those who face tragedy in their work or personal life.
Understand common stressors, causes, and red flags
There are some issues that can be outside of your control— such as sexual abuse, or armed robbery. However, much workplace violence occurs when there are angry employees, faulty protocol, improperly vetted employees, or general stress.
If you find yourself suspicious of potential workplace violence, or the victim of such, it’s important that you seek out assistance…
…Whether that comes in form of calling the police, reporting to your boss, or an attorney after the fact— there are options for prevention and also dealing with the problem.
If you have been the victim of workplace violence, we offer our condolences. The events you have endured can lead to injuries, physical and emotional trauma, as well as resulting medical costs— depending on the event. Therefore, you might need an attorney to defend your right to damages.
Sep 18, 2022 | Accident prevention, Personal Injury
In what is being described as a ‘record avalanche’ of early votes, the polls have been seemingly busier than usual during this season of early voting. Here in Charlotte, voting stations are available city wide. Bank of America Stadium is acting as a polling station so you can social distance and cast your early vote. But, with numbers on rise both in terms of voters and COVID-19, how do you practice early voting safety in this time that requires special consideration? The good news is that by going early, you’re already taking the first step.
How-to Practice Early Voting Safety during COVID-19: Safety in Numbers
Wear a mask
There are a few different things that you need to do in order to both follow CDC guidelines and to practice early voting safety. The first step we encourage is wearing a mask. While many public spaces currently enforce this mandate— you might find that you can sometimes slip through the cracks. Even in those instances, we encourage you to wear your mask. As we mention above, the number of early voters is at a record high. This means that even on a slow day or during an hour you might think to be slow, you might still find yourself in quite a long line or big crowd. Wear a mask, be aware, and keep your distance even if there is no one close by telling you to do so.
Hand Sanitizer is essential
Many polling places are skipping stickers this year and instead opting for pens with a stylus. Exercising the pen versus sticker option keeps you from having to touch as many different things. While this is absolutely a helpful and mindful step for North Carolina to take, it doesn’t fully eliminate the sanitation issue. So, keep hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag. Use sanitizer after every step of the process and hope others do the same. Early voting safety starts the same way as any other situation does— by keeping your hands and spaces clean and sanitary.
Consider mailing in your ballot
If you want to avoid the polling places altogether, consider choosing the mail-in ballot option. Mail-in ballot locations are located all over the city. All you have to do is drop your ballot in the box and go on with your day— easy as that! Many people feel wary of this option for any number of reasons. But, if you feel confident in doing so, mail-in voting a great way to practice early voting safety. Just make sure you are aware of the deadlines and that you have filled your ballot out properly.
Don’t let COVID-19 deter you from casting your vote!
I hope that through this article we have proven to your that early voting safety is possible! Whether it’s by mail, at a location in the coming weeks, or on election day. No matter how you vote, it is absolutely possible to protect yourself and others to the best of your ability. Vote safe, sanitize, find the best method for you, and practice your civic duty. We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season in this difficult time.
Dec 31, 2021 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
Being an advocate for your healthcare is the best way to protect yourself from being the victim of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice happens when doctors go against the standard of care and harm a patient. It can happen in cases where errors are made with diagnosis or treatment. It can also happen when medical issues aren’t caught. The best way to make sure you’re getting the best healthcare is to be an advocate for yourself. Do a little research before you see the doctor and ask questions. Get a second opinion on serious health issues. And finally, listen to your body. If something feels off, speak up. Being an advocate for yourself is the best way to make sure you’re getting the best healthcare.
How to Be an Advocate for Your Healthcare: Speak Up
Do a Little Research
Being an advocate for your healthcare often means doing a little research on your own. It’s important to keep in mind though that doctors do have more medical knowledge and training. They won’t appreciate you trying to argue with them based on internet research. However, if you are prescribed a course of treatment or new medication, research a little about it. Figure out what questions to ask so that you are aware if things seem off. While sites like WebMD can be helpful, it’s good to read information with a grain of salt.
Ask Questions
Another part of being an advocate for your healthcare is asking questions. The medical world can be overwhelming to non-medical people. Try not to get intimidated by the language or quick pace of healthcare professionals. It’s in their scope of the duty to make sure that patients are comfortable with their treatment plans. So if you have any questions at all, speak up. Don’t leave until you feel comfortable that you understand everything about your healthcare.
Get a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion is another aspect of being an advocate for your healthcare sometimes. If you receive a complicated diagnosis, it might be a good idea to get a second set of eyes on it. Especially if the medication or treatment is extreme or risky. Or if you have some idea of what’s going on with your health, and find out shocking news, it can be good to get a second opinion.
Listen To Your Body
Finally, and most importantly, listen to your body when trying to be an advocate for your healthcare. If anything seems off, speak up. Only you know how your body feels. If you don’t speak up and let your doctors know about reactions to medication or treatment, they won’t know if anything is wrong. Try not to let the healthcare system intimidate you. It can be confusing and complicated, but you need to make sure you’re comfortable with choices surrounding your health.
Medical malpractice happens when healthcare providers stray from the normal course of medical treatment and end up harming a patient. The best way to prevent being a victim of medical malpractice is to be an advocate for your healthcare. This means speaking up for yourself and being assertive. Do a little outside research about medications and treatments so you know what to expect from them. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything related to your healthcare. Get a second opinion if something feels off or questionable. And finally, listen to your body. If things feel wrong, speak up. Being an advocate for yourself is the best way to ensure that you receive the best quality of healthcare services.
Jul 9, 2021 | malpractice, Personal Injury
Medical malpractice occurs frequently, yet medical malpractice suits are quite rare. It’s estimated that 200,000 people die each year in the U.S. from medical errors. However, suing for medical malpractice can be very costly and take a long time. To avoid being a victim of medical errors, make sure and be an advocate for yourself. Speak up if something feels odd to you. If you feel a doctor isn’t taking you seriously, try to get a second opinion. If you do suspect that you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, contact a seasoned attorney to handle your case. Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with a medical malpractice suit, but it’s important to know what they are so that you can be an advocate for your care.
All About Medical Malpractice Suits: When To Suspect It and How to Avoid It
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a health care professional causes injury by error, negligence, or omission. This means that a doctor could be sued for medical malpractice if they treat a patient incorrectly. A patient can also die if their doctor fails to diagnose or treat them. It mostly happens when a doctor goes against the standard of medical care.
How do You Determine Medical Malpractice?
For a case to be considered a medical malpractice case, a patient must prove that their doctor was negligent. There is a standard of care that is the general guideline for what any prudent doctor would do in a medical situation. A patient must prove that their provider did something that violates this standard. In addition, they have to prove that this directly harmed them. And finally, most medical malpractice suits only occur when the injury to the patient was very extreme. This is because these cases are very expensive to litigate.
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Medical Mapractice
The best way to avoid being a victim of medical malpractice is to be an advocate for yourself. The healthcare system can be overwhelming. And doctors can sometimes be intimidating and dismiss your concerns. However, if something feels wrong, speak up. Get a second opinion if your diagnosis or treatment seems extreme. In addition, be proactive about your medical care. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up for yourself.
What to Do if You Suspect it Happened to You
If you suspect that you’re a victim of medical malpractice, speak to an attorney. These cases can be very difficult to win. So it’s important to have an experienced and knowledgeable advocate by your side. Be aware that these cases can take a very long time. In addition, it is very hard to prove medical malpractice, so you’ll need to have an airtight case. Keep a record of all your visits and any information that might be helpful.
Medical malpractice is unfortunately all too common. Doctors have large caseloads and many patients. However, these cases can be difficult to win in court. If you think you’re a victim of medical negligence, misdiagnosis, or omission, contact an attorney. Keep records of all of your visits. You’ll need to prove that a medical provider violated standard care practices. You’ll also have to prove that this directly harmed you. The best way to avoid being a victim of medical malpractice is to advocate for yourself. In addition, be proactive about your health care. Hopefully, you will never be the victim of medical malpractice. But it’s important to know what it is so that you can be an advocate for your own care.
Oct 30, 2020 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
If you’re facing an injury of some sort, whether it be related to work or play, the injury recovery process can be difficult. After all, it might require time off work, exercise, and a good amount of rest and relaxation. For some, the down time is a dream come true and for others it’s a nightmare. But when you throw COVID into the mix? Injury recovery during COVID requires special consideration for a few different reasons. But what are they? In many ways, things will remain the same but in others they will not…
Injury Recovery During COVID: How it’s Different
Less help
When recovering from an injury, you often have limited mobility in some way. Whether your leg is hurt, your arm, your head, or even your toe— it might be hard for you to go about your day normally. In normal circumstances, you might call your mom or dad or best friend and ask them to come lend a hand during the day or stay for a few.
But, with quarantine, you might worry about getting sick or getting others sick. Injury recovery during COVID might lead you to go at the process alone. If this is impossible in your state, consider asking someone to take a COVID test and then come spend the week with you. Or, maybe find someone who is able to quarantine with you, especially if you have doctor’s appointments that you’ll need a ride to. Which brings me to the two other difficulties you might face…
Physical Therapy
With a virus that seemingly won’t go away, getting the assistance you need to heal to 100% might be difficult. There might be fewer session available, lower capacity, or you might just not be able to meet with a PT at all. Injury recovery during COVID might look a bit more like virtual sessions, printouts to follow, or sent home equipment. Either way, it’s important to stay committed to the plan put forth for you. The goal is getting back to 100% and to your normal life, which starts with committing to your recovery plan.
Catching a ride
Another difficulty that COVID has brought along is getting home safely when you can’t drive! Uber and Lyft have been at a lowered capacity. It seems like catching a ride can take upwards of 20 minutes— if you can catch it at all. This can be challenging when you are unable to drive, especially when you don’t have extra help like we mentioned above. You have errands to run, places to be, and maybe a doctor’s appointment this afternoon. When catching a ride is getting in the way of your injury recovery during COVID— it can be helpful to have a backup plan. Then, backup your backup plan. Times are tough but getting through them is not impossible. We wish you luck and a quick healing process. Call if you need us.
Nov 20, 2019 | Accident prevention, Personal Injury
While dogs have become known as man’s best friend, most often that means their owner’s best friend. When it comes to strangers, some dogs aren’t quite so friendly. For this reason, dog bite injuries can be quite common… and dangerous.
Not only are they very common in neighborhoods and living complexes, but they mostly happen to children. They are also common on-the-job injuries for employees that have to approach or work in homes. While certain areas have leash laws and other protective measures, it’s still important to practice these tips when approaching a dog you don’t know. After all, a dog bite might seem less severe than other types of personal injury but they can be just as serious.
Avoiding Dog Bite Injuries: Personal Injury
Don’t Approach Too Quickly
When dealing with a dog you don’t know, you never want to approach too quickly. For one thing, you don’t know the demeanor of the dog, so it’s best to keep your distance. In addition, coming up to a dog very quickly can put them on alert. Of course, the dog isn’t familiar with you either so they don’t know if you’re a threat…
When you approach too quickly, they may feel like you are going to attack. In that case, they may react out of fear and you could face dog bite injuries. As a child, it’s very natural to run up to a cute, furry dog. So, it’s important to teach your kids to approach slowly as well.
Be Aware of Their Food and Toys
Dogs can feel very protective over things that are theirs. Therefore, they may become aggressive when eating or playing with a chew toy. So, it’s best to avoid bothering them while they eat. At that point, they may become aggressive due to their protective instincts. If you’re reaching down and they snap too quickly, you could face serious dog bite injuries to your hands or fingers.
Don’t Try to Calm Them
When facing an aggressive dog, it can be tempting to try to calm them. However, that can lead to dog bite injuries very quickly. While some dogs don’t mean anything by their bark, others mean business. It doesn’t always mean they need to get to know you or sniff you out first.
Those tactics can calm some dogs and they will settle down rather quickly. However, you may just be putting yourself within a closer bite range. If you don’t know the dog or it’s owners, don’t assume you can calm them by talking to them or letting them sniff you.
If You’re On the Job…
Some jobs demand that you approach or even work in a person’s home. For instance, mailmen and other delivery service employees must approach stranger’s homes everyday. In addition, working in construction, electricity, plumbing, and other services can place you in a stranger’s home.
As a stranger in or around the home, you can seem like the biggest threat to a dog. Because of their protective instincts, they may try to snap to protect their owners and their territory. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious when approaching home. Be on alert for dogs that may roam the yard freely or run out of the door quickly. Dog bite injuries at work can be serious and lead to injuries that will prevent you from being able to do your job.
The best way to avoid dog bite injuries is to keep your distance until you feel safe around the dog and the dog feels safe around you…
While you may know to stay back, many kids do not. It’s instinctive to reach out to a dog as a child, especially if they have pets at home. So, be sure to teach your kids about keeping their distance when they don’t know the dog. By doing so, you can help prevent your children from facing serious dog bite injuries.
