When people go out for work, visit a loved one, or run errands, the last thing they probably anticipate is slipping or tripping and then falling onto the ground. The injuries of hitting the floor or pavement can do serious damage on the human body. A person may suffer from mild cuts and bruises, to more critical conditions like a traumatic brain injury. In some cases, an individual or entity may have had an influence in the accident happening. So, those who have slipped and fallen may want to know what their options are in seeking compensation from the party at-fault for their injuries, damages and other losses.
Reducing workplace injuries due to fire hazards in construction
Delaware construction workers face unique challenges every day when they are at work. From electrical hazards to moving equipment, there are many things that can increase the chance of an accident. This also includes fire hazards. There are specific steps employers can take to reduce the number of workplace injuries caused by fire risks on construction sites.
Every year, there are thousands of fires in buildings that are currently under construction. A closer look at the high rate of fires on various types of construction sites found that there was a distinct need to update codes and enforce them, specifically those related to potential ignition sources. It may also help for construction companies to work closely with fire departments, getting the information they need to keep workers as safe as possible on specific types of job sites.
Does banning cell phone use while driving work?
The temptation to check your phone while driving is very real. The traffic isn’t too bad, there aren’t any cops around, and you know that you’re a pretty good driver. What’s the worst that could happen?
Delaware drivers should know the answer is potentially fatal. Using your cell phone while driving is incredibly risky.
Dog bites in Delaware: should we be focused on breed?
Few things are as scary as being attacked (or seeing a loved one being attacked) by an aggressive animal. It is even more frightening when it happens in your own neighborhood and the attacking animal is someone else’s pet. Yet each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are severely injured by dog bites and attacks.
We are not immune from the problem here in Delaware. A few months ago, in fact, the Delaware News Journal ran a story about “out of control” pit bulls in various cities throughout the state. What the article fails to stress, however, is that the breed of a dog is far less relevant than how it is treated, socialized and managed by its owners. When dog bites occur, dog owners are ultimately to blame.
Workplace injuries decreasing, but may be on the rise again soon
Delaware employees of all types have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety when they go to work, even if they are employed in high-risk occupations. Thankfully, the number of workplace injuries has been decreasing across the country, even though there have been many changes in the average workplace. Despite these changes, work-related accidents and injuries have not increased as expected.
In just over a decade, the number of workers over the age of 55 has doubled, and there have been more workplace injuries reported for this demographic. However, the lower number of workers' compensation incidents for other age groups has made up for this increase. Overall, statistics indicate the number of accidents reported in 2017 was 30% lower than the rate reported in 2006.
Many auto accidents may be the result of higher speed limits
Several decades ago, the speed limit on most highways and interstates was 55 mph. In comparison to today's interstate speed limits averaging from 70 to 80 mph, that may seem very slow to many Delware drivers. However, there is evidence that suggests that the slow increase in speed limits across the country over the last few decades is directly related to a rise in the number of serious or fatal auto accidents.
Simply put, studies indicate that the higher the speed limit, the higher the rate of car accidents. For every five mph increase in speed limit, the rate of fatal collisions on the interstate increases by 8%. Studies also suggest that driving faster may not be as productive as some driver may think. Speeding may only allow a driver to arrive at his or her destination a few minutes early, but it makes it significantly more likely a fatal accident will occur. Speeding is not worth the risk.
Reasons for medical malpractice claims involving children
It can be devastating for a Delaware family to realize their child suffered as a result of a medical error. Doctors and other types of health care professionals are supposed to provide quality care and support for their patients, and patients can suffer serious harm from mistakes such as misdiagnosis. Failure to properly diagnose is one of the leading reasons for medical malpractice claims that involve minors.
One of the most important duties a doctor has is to carefully and thoroughly assess a patient, including ordering necessary diagnostic tests. Misdiagnosis is a significant issue when caring for children, largely because of failure to adequately assess the symptoms of a patient. It is the leading reason listed in malpractice claims involving children from infancy up to 17 years.
Car accidents involving cyclists often result in serious injuries
When a moving vehicle collides with a bicycle, it often results in serious or painful injuries. People on bikes are completely vulnerable to the force, size and weight of any type of vehicle, even when wearing helmets and other types of protective gear. A recent motor vehicle collision with a Delaware cyclist illustrates how dangerous these car accidents can be.
The accident occurred when a woman behind the wheel of a Chrysler PT Cruiser struck a man who was riding a bicycle. The force of the collision threw the man from his bicycle, and he ended up with serious injuries. He was taken from the scene of the accident to the hospital. Law enforcement personnel do not believe the woman was impaired at the time she caused the accident.
Do we really need to make a big deal bout a dent?
It's a scenario nearly as old as the automobile itself: A fender-bender occurs and the drivers of the vehicles step out to take a look at the damage. It appears that everyone is physically okay, so the conversation quickly turns to the condition of the vehicles involved in the mishap.
Some version of the following is inevitably stated by one of the parties:
- "Do we really need to get the police involved?"
- "Do we really need to get the insurance companies involved?"
- "Do we really need to get lawyers involved?"
What six things should you do after a car accident?
In Delaware, there are nearly 700,000 licensed drivers driving over 900,000 vehicles and driving an estimated 10,151,000,000 miles around the state every year. With this many people navigating the roads, it is not hard to believe that the most recent report on driving statistics shows there were 26,453 traffic accidents over one calendar year.
With statistics like this, if you drive often enough, you will likely at some point be involved in a traffic accident. Whether it is a small fender bender or a more serious crash that involves injuries, it is important to know what to do following an accident. Here are a few key things you should do following an accident to protect yourself.
