Personal Injury Law Blogs

What To Do If You Think Your Psychiatrist Is Guilty Of Malpractice

All psychiatrists have a duty to care for their patients and protect them from harm. Psychiatric malpractice is very different from traditional medicine malpractices because it often deals with people who are mentally ill or unstable. If you suspect that your psychiatrist is guilty of malpractice, read the information below.

What Constitutes as Malpractice?

Many patients may have experiences with their psychiatrist that they deem unethical, unjust, wrong, and unfair. However, not all of these instances constitute as malpractice injury. Listed below are four requirements for a situation to constitute as malpractice.

1: Patient-Doctor Relationship

There must be a standing relationship between the doctor and patient in order to confirm the “reasonable care” duty.

2: Doctor Must Breach Reasonable Care

There must be a proven instance of negligence where the doctor breached his/her duty.

3: Harm

The patient must be injured or harmed in some way. This may include things like memory loss or broken bones, but it can also be extended to include emotional injuries.

4: Link Between Injury and Negligence

This is usually the most difficult element to establish, as it can be hard to prove that the injury was a direct result of the doctor breaching his/her duty. For example, with a case of suicide it may be hard to determine the reason or cause of the victim.

Common Types of Psychiatric Malpractice

Here are some of the most common cases of psychiatric malpractice:

  • Fraud, which includes lying to the patient in order to further his/her professional or personal cause.
  • False imprisonment, which includes holding a patient against their will.
  • Engaging or attempting in sexual acts with a patient
  • Violating a patient’s privacy rights.
  • Abandoning patient or displaying lack of regard for his/her feelings.
  • Improper psychotherapy application due to negligence.
  • Aware that the patient may harm himself/herself but doing nothing to prevent it.
  • Prescribing medicine carelessly.
  • Not obtaining prior consent from the patient when administering a therapeutic procedure, medication, or technique.
  • Failure to properly diagnose a patient’s condition or neglecting to see that their condition has worsened.
  • Failure to properly supervise a patient who has a known inclination hurt himself or others.
  • Failure to take proper care of a patient.

Suicides

When a patient asks for care from a medical professional, they assume responsibility of the patient’s well-being. This also includes if the psychiatrist finds out the patient is contemplating suicide or has become a threat to the public. If the psychiatrist does not appropriately react, then they can be blamed for any violent or harmful acts carried out by the patient.

Consult a Lawyer

If your psychiatrist is guilty of one of the instances listed above, you will be able to file for malpractice. However, it is important to ask a lawyer to assess your individual case and advise you on what course of action you should take. Many lawyers will also have you meet their own psychiatrist specialist who can evaluate the damage caused and bring documented evidence to court.

Sam Moser is a journalist who studied law before deciding that covering legal matters was more rewarding than defending them.  Over the past 2 years, Sam has focused on covering stories of medical negligence for a Medical malpractice lawyer in Oakville, Ontario.

Cities with the Most Car Accidents Per Capita

U.S. motor vehicle accident statistics are under the purveyance of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, after 2008, NHTSA accident statistics have been limited to fatalities. Consequently, most discussion of vehicular accidents and the relative safety of driving in U.S. cities are now based on data supplied by the Allstate Insurance Company.

Since 2004, Allstate has issued an annual report detailing statistical data for accidents in the 200 largest cities in the U.S. These data are based on insurance claims for property damage submitted for vehicles insured by Allstate – about 10% of all U.S. vehicles.

As in past years, the 2012 eighth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” uses the weighted average of the data from January 2009 through December 2010. Using a weighted two-year average serves to minimize any effect of weather or road construction in a particular year.

Calculations determine the number of claims per capita to correct for population differences between cities. Allstate actuaries present the data as the average frequency of claim stated as the expected number of years to pass between accidents. For example, in the latest report, Washington rates the highest in frequency of accidents per capita at 6.2 years versus a U.S. average of about 10.2 years.

The data is often presented as the percent frequency versus the overall average for the country. Therefore, at a frequency of 6.2 years, Washington drivers have a 112% greater chance of being involved in an accident compared to the national average.

The ten worst cities ranked by percentage are (1) Washington, D.C. at 112%; (2) Baltimore at 88%; (3) Providence, R.I. at 81%; (4) Hialeah, Fla. at 78%; (5) Glendale, CA at 76%; (6) Philadelphia at 64%; (7) Alexandria, Va. at 63%; (8) Newark, N.J. at 59%; (9) Miami at 58%; and (10) San Francisco at 55%. New York, N.Y. at 41.1% and Los Angeles, CA at 48.5 were not far behind, but Chicago came in at a respectable 25.9%. On the flip side, in Sioux Falls, S.D. a vehicle is 27.6 % less likely (-27.6%) to be involved in an accident.

A clear geographical bias is evident with eight of the worst cities situated along the I-95 corridor that includes the Northeast megalopolis stretching from Boston, MA and its northern suburbs to Washington, D.C. and its southern suburbs. It is noteworthy that Allstate Insurance does not do business in insurance-regulated Massachusetts. However, when Providence R.I. is third, one can probably assume Boston would be somewhere in the top ten. Moreover, New York City probably escapes only because so many residents use public transportation. It is probable that Allstate does not insure NYC taxis and limos.

Most of these cities have traffic systems that began as winding colonial “roadways” never meant for modern traffic. Popular with tourists and visiting businessmen, these areas can be particularly confusing to visitors. That a city the size of Chicago is notably lower in the ranking is probably a testament to the planning of the Northwest Territory that instituted grid patterns for states, counties, towns, farms and roads. Similar grid systems with fewer strange intersections were laid out as the U.S. spread out across the continent.

Allstate data does not include any breakdown accident by their cause. Urban traffic certainly involves higher levels and types of traffic and distractions. Additionally, the stop and go nature of traffic due to pedestrians, delivery trucks, city buses, parking cars and emergency vehicles demands heightened alertness. Road design also may require greater road awareness. Ultimately, the vast majority of accidents are caused by driver error. Some cities simply give the driver more chances to make that error.

Byline
This piece was contributed by Roland Bergstrom, a freelancer based in the city of Austin, TX. Roland writes on automobiles, auto accidents, auto safety, automobile gadgetry and other related topics; those with legal needs in the area of DUI criminal defense should click here.

Top Things to Look for When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Automobile accidents, dog bites, construction accidents, and other types of injuries can leave innocent people with severe injuries. The resultant medical bills and physical pain can negatively affect one’s quality of life; if the injury was significant, it may impair the injured party’s ability to perform work. If the injury was incurred as a result of another person’s negligence, seeking compensation through the courts may be necessary.

Most attorneys, from West Palm Beach personal injury attorney to New York injury claims lawyer, will agree that finding the right legal representation can mean the difference between a judgment awarding damages and a dismissal at the initial stages of a trial. Locating and retaining the right lawyer is not always simple. Fortunately, clients can look for certain qualities to help them determine which legal representative will best serve their interests.

1. Quality References

References from other people are a positive indicator of an attorney’s ability to produce results for clients. Professional references from other attorneys are the best type. Many attorneys will make agreements with other attorneys who specialize in other fields to refer clients to them if approached by a client with a legal problem that requires an attorney with expertise in that area. Most attorneys are unwilling to stake their professional reputations on unproven or incompetent colleagues; hence, they will only provide their clients with quality leads on other attorneys. Personal references from other clients can also be a positive indicator of an attorney’s success. You can also check online review sites for attorney profiles and ratings.

2. Experience

Experience is important in selecting an attorney. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand how to achieve favorable settlements, how to present their client to juries and the court, and how situations are likely to resolve. Also make sure your representation is experienced in handling the specific type of case you are involved in; an automobile accident and a slip and fall case are very different.

3. A Reasonable Caseload

Clients want attorneys who will represent their interests and obtain the maximum possible award or settlement. To do so, attorneys must be available to the client 24-7. If an attorney is too busy servicing other clients, the attorney will be unable to handle the new client’s case. A busy and unethical attorney may agree to take a client’s case in the hopes of getting a quick settlement, but be unable to pursue a clients’ case if the defendant is not prepared to settle. This can leave the client in a very poor position at a crucial time. Finding an attorney with a low or moderate caseload is a positive indicator that the attorney is at least capable of representing the client’s interests.

4. Quality Communication Skills

The ideal personal injury attorney will keep you updated on the progress of your case and provide sound legal advice when contacted. The attorney should be capable of understanding and addressing the client’s concerns at all stages. If an attorney cannot adequately explain important concepts and the litigation process to you or if the attorney is unusually difficult to contact, clients should immediately consider seeking alter representation. An attorney like this may not have your best interest at heart and could cost you a victory in the courtroom.

5. Reasonable Rates

This is an often overlooked part of selecting an attorney. Personal injury attorneys may be compensated either by the hour or on a contingency basis. Even if the lawyer collects a percentage of the award, they may still expect the client to advance certain costs or pay them as they are incurred. Only some attorneys will personally float these costs and recover them from the award or settlement. If a plaintiff lacks the resources to pay exorbitant legal fees, they should research legal aide in the area and lawyers who do pro bone work. Before hiring an attorney, determine when the attorney expects the client to pay for discovery costs and filing fees.

Retaining a quality personal injury attorney is no guarantee of success. Outcomes in personal injury cases are subject to the whims of the presiding judge and often the willingness of defendants to settle. However, a qualified attorney can help the plaintiff avoid the most common pitfalls and represent the plaintiff’s interests in demand letters, the pleading, settlement conferences, and court litigation. Finding such an attorney may require a little bit of web and word of mouth research and multiple consultations, but the effort will be reflected in your results

Writer Molly Pearce is also a free-lance artist and activist, particularly concerned with human rights. West Palm Beach personal injury attorney firm, Steinger, Iscoe, & Green is a legal team composed of 26 lawyers and 120 support staff members with extensive litigation experience in a variety of personal injury case types. A proven track record can give peace of mind in an injury case and this team has won millions for it’s clients in settlements and verdicts.

What Not To Do On a Motorcycle in Pennsylvania or Elsewhere

Everybody always tells you what you have to do to stay safe on your motorcycle. You heard plenty about using your mirrors and performing safety scans back in motorcycle safety class, but have you ever stopped to consider some of the things you should not do while you’re riding your motorcycle? In the event of an accident, the cause might be more related to what you didn’t do, rather than what you did. Here are some things you should avoid doing on your motorcycle.

Don’t Ride If You Aren’t Not Feeling Well

This should go without saying, but crash statistics don’t lie. You already know not to drink and drive/ride, but you also shouldn’t get on the motorcycle if you’re tired, dehydrated, overly stressed, or sick. It’s always possible that you’ll get to your destination in one piece, but remember that a motorcycle will react even to small changes in your body position.

Don’t Stay in High Gear in Traffic

When you’re on the open road, it’s fine to stay in high gear, but that high gear is problematic in traffic. The reason is that you want the ability to jump forward quickly. One of the best features of a motorcycle is the acceleration, and if someone swerves or otherwise threatens you, sometimes the best thing to do is accelerate and get past the danger.

Don’t Get On Without Safety Gear

You might think it looks tacky or corny to have a helmet, boots, and pads while you’re on the motorcycle, but in the event of a crash, you’ll be grateful for the protection. The same goes for any passenger you carry. In addition to the liability issue if someone gets hurt on your motorcycle without the proper precautions, how will you feel if a friend’s injury or death could have been prevented with safety gear?

Editor’s notes – you can also consider some of Philadelphia’s Top Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Pennsylvania for extra info on relevant personal injury attorneys in the area.

Don’t Ride in People’s Blind Spots

Even though car and truck drivers are supposed to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, that doesn’t mean they always are. Since they’re more likely to come out of a collision unscathed than you are, the onus is on you to make sure that other motorists can see you. While you’re at it, don’t dart in and out of lanes or do anything that might make it difficult for other motorists to predict where you’re going to go.

Don’t Take Your Eyes Off the Road

People in cars and trucks are notorious for checking their phones, glancing at billboards, fumbling around for their fast food, and otherwise staying occupied with anything but the road. While it’s foolish for them to do this, it’s deadly for a motorcyclist to do the same. In particular, don’t look down. That will make it hard to see any obstructions ahead in your peripheral vision, and the fraction of a second you miss could make all the difference.

Daniel Thrasher is a freelance writer interested in motorcycle safety and the need for an experienced and qualified motorcycle accident attorney in Philadelphia and auto accident lawyer in Philadelphia.

Common Distractions for Drivers

When it comes to operating an automobile, many take for granted just how much focus is required in order to keep those in your car and those driving around you safe.  Because most of us drive every day, and our routes are typically the same, we can often get distracted by other things we believe are more important.  When this happens, the chances of being involved in an accident escalate.  Below are the most common distractions a driver can experience at any given time.

Texting

More and more drivers are being tempted with their phone than ever before.  The desire to text and drive is so strong, that a law has recently been created making it illegal.  When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a brief moment, it can lead to serious accidents.  It only takes a moment for an accident to happen, and many times they can be avoided if only the driver was paying attention.  The best way to reduce your temptation of texting and driving is to simply put your phone away while driving.  Locking it in your glove compartment is a way to help you avoid the temptation of texting while driving.

Putting on Makeup

Many women will admit that the best way to save time in the morning when getting ready for school or work is by putting on their makeup in the car.  Although this may be a time saver, it can be a terrible decision.  Rear view mirrors are designed to be glanced into and not starred at.  When a person takes their focus off the road and onto something else, the chances of having an accident escalate.  Plan ahead and don’t leave anything to chance while in the car.  Avoid any task that will shift your focus away from the road.

Talking on the Phone

Although talking on the phone may not cause you to look away from the road, it can certainly limit your ability to process what is happening in front of you.  Running red lights and changing lanes without a blinker are just a couple of things that could happen if you are busy talking on your cell phone while driving.

When you are behind the wheel, it is important to limit your risk of being involved in an auto accident.  You can successfully do this by simply freeing yourself from any distraction.  Focusing on the road is your priority when driving a car and making adjustments to your lifestyle may be needed if you want to be safe on the road.

Zoloft Pregnancy Risks and Birth Defects

pregnancy and ZoloftZoloft is not all that it’s cracked up to be. An antidepressant drug made to treat a number of psychological disorders, Zoloft has received a lot of bad press for its various side effects. These side effects include pregnancy risks and birth defects. Here are just some of the Zoloft pregnancy risks and birth defects that you should be aware of.

 Watch Out for PPHN

 Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), based on the latest research, has been found to occur with greater likelihood when pregnant women take Zoloft during their 3rd trimester. Zoloft’s manufacturer sold the drug without posting a warning about this potential side effect on the box, so it is not well known. Circulation problems may be the result of PPHN that comes from taking Zoloft while pregnant. The newborn might then experience breathing difficulties when outside the womb.

 Zoloft Can Cause Heart Defects

 Another set of side effects to watch out for when taking Zoloft when pregnant are heart defects. In the 1st trimester, many women don’t yet even recognize that they’re pregnant. However, taking Zoloft in this trimester can cause a higher chance of the baby having cardiac anomalies. Based on studies, women who take Zoloft in the first three months of pregnancy might be subject to quadruple the danger of giving birth to a baby with a heart defect. There is also double the danger of a septal heart defect when using Zoloft in the 1st trimester.

 A Cranial Defect Is Not Unheard of

The cranial defect caused by Zoloft is more technically known as craniosynostosis. In layman’s terms, it is a cranial defect that produces the premature closing of the baby’s skull and head. As a result, the newborn may have a malformed head due to Zoloft. A cranial defect of this nature caused by Zoloft might subject the newborn to extreme pressure on the brain or deny sufficient room in the skull for the brain to naturally grow.

Neural Tube Defects 

Anencephaly, or a neural tube defect, produces some ghastly results. The baby might have part of either his skull or brain missing, facial deformities, or heart problems. This neural tube defect will start to happen relatively early on in the development of the unborn baby. It frequently results in either a miscarriage or death of the newborn, usually just a couple of days after its birth. This side effect is not guaranteed to happen; however, it has been recorded in some cases of a mother taking Zoloft.

 What a mother puts inside her body while carrying the unborn child is so important because of the potential effects to said child. While Zoloft may help people with depressive episodes, it is highly risky to take when a mother-to-be is still pregnant. The research has slowly but surely suggested that this drug is not safe for women carrying an unborn child.

 If you have evidence that taking Zoloft hurt your pregnancy, consider contacting a lawyer. The Driscoll Firm, P.C. is a Zoloft birth defect law firm that is available to assist sufferers nationwide. For more information about birth defects as a result of taking Zoloft during pregnancy, visit the website at www.SettlementHelpers.com.

Common Injuries for Maritime Workers

maritime workersExperts agree that our planet is composed of approximately 70% water. It should come as no surprise, then, that many men and women living around the world make their living off the sea. While there are a number of ways in which people can profit off the sea, lakes, or rivers, pursuing a career as a maritime worker is one of the most popular. And while maritime jobs are often quite rewarding, they can also be filled with a number of serious risks. Individuals who are thinking about entering this job field should be aware of the different health risks associated with maritime work, and how they can be avoided.

Fractures

 According to US Newsinjuries caused by maritime work, fractures are one of the most common . While these fractures can be caused by a number of issues, they are commonly related to slip, trips, and being hit by the ship’s boom. As with more serious types of breaks, fractures are not life threatening—however, the healing process can be long and arduous. In most cases, rest, relaxation, and limited use are recommended for all maritime workers who have been diagnosed with a bone fracture.

 Sprains and Strains

 Sprains and strains are also a common injury for individuals who work in the maritime industry. Sprains and strains can be related to various factors, such as lifting a piece of machinery that is too heavy, using improper ergonomic techniques, or simply being unaware of the surroundings. Similarly, some research suggests that maritime workers may develop strains or sprains due to untidy working conditions or repetitive use activities. Strains and sprains typically do not cause lasting effects—in fact, most workers can expect relief from pain and inflammation within a few days of the injury.

 Concussions

 Unlike the injuries listed above, concussions are a relatively serious injury faced by many people who work in the maritime industry. A concussion is typically defined as a condition in which individuals experience a loss of consciousness after a strong blow to the head. In other cases, concussions can occur when people are exposed to a heavy jolt or prolonged, violent shaking. Concussions often affect the way that the brain works, and can cause problems with concentration, memory, judgment, balance, and coordination. People who are diagnosed with multiple concussions may experience the greatest difficulty when it comes to functioning independently in life.

 Dislocations

 As suggested by the name, a dislocation occurs when one part of the body—such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle, is moved from its proper location to another position. In most cases, dislocations are caused by sudden, sharp blows to the joint in question, though trips, falls, and other similar accidents can also lead to the injury. Joint dislocations are often quite painful, and typically require immediate attention by a qualified health care provider. When they are not managed in an appropriate period of time, dislocations can lead to long-term disability and other, serious consequences.

Braud & Gallagher, Attorneys at Law are maritime accident lawyers located in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information, please visit us at www.gulfcoastmaritimeinjurylawyer.com

Claiming for Compensation following an Accident at Work

Blog post regarding how to claim for compensation following injuries sustained from an accident at work in the UK.

Every employer is required by law to provide a safe working environment and must ensure that they create safe systems of work for their employees.  This places an obligation on an employer to ensure that they examine the potential hazards faced by employees when undertaking a particular task, and ensuring that such hazards are kept to a minimum or, ideally, eliminated. Employers must also provide, and maintain, the necessary machinery and tools for employees to complete their jobs and such machinery must be in a safe condition.

An extension of this is that employees must be supplied with the necessary safety equipment and work wear required to carry out their roles i.e. hard hats, protective overalls etc.  Again, if this is not maintained or is not fit for purpose then the employer may be liable.  A rich seam of accident at work claims arise as a result of insufficient, or complete absence of, training.  These claims can range from a lack of training on manual handling techniques to a lack of training regarding a new piece of plant machinery.  It is worth noting that the sufficiency of any training will be examined in any claim.

If an employer fails to achieve these standards and, subsequently, an accident occurs, it may be possible to claim for accident at work compensation.  While the most common scenario envisaged may be that of a factory worker suffering an accident in the workplace, it is most often the case that a claim is brought as a result of a slip, trip or fall or as a result of a manual handling accident in an office-based environment.

Who Can Claim?

Accident at work compensation can be claimed for any personal injury sustained in the workplace that is either the fault of another employee or as a result of the negligence of the employer.  The accident should be reported immediately so as to ensure that it is recorded in the employer’s incident log book (this will be used by your solicitor as evidence to support your claim).  There are other pieces of supporting evidence that can be used by your solicitor to support your claim, for example medical records, expert witness statements etc.

There are some types of employment that are, however, inherently risky.  In many circumstances there will be specific legislation covering certain aspects of such work (the Working at Height Regulations is an example of this).  It should be remembered therefore that, if an accident occurs in the workplace, the employer is not automatically liable to pay compensation.  In order for this to be the case the employer must be in breach of their legal duties (some of which have been detailed above).

Risk Assessments

An important aspect of an employer’s obligation to its employees is through the use of risk assessments.  This allows an employer to identify the risks involved in the work carried out by particular employees and this must be recorded.  An employer will, however, be liable if such risk assessments are found to be insufficient or not acted upon.

When it comes to a compensation award, the courts will have regard to the severity of any injury sustained as well as the severity of any lasting effects.  The costs incurred by the injured party in seeking and obtaining treatment for the injury will also be factored in.  This is also something that a solicitor will be able to provide advice on at a reasonably early stage.  It may very well be the case that a solicitor will enter into a negotiation with the legal representative of an employer in order to reach a settlement out of court.  An employer should, in most cases, have insurance to provide cover should they be the subject of any claim for accident at work compensation.

People are sometimes reluctant to make a compensation claim against their employer for fear of being victimised or marginalised in the workplace.  However, should you wish to make a claim for accident at work compensation, it should be noted therefore that there are very strict legal rules in place that prevent employers from acting in such a manner.  Another barrier that people may envisage is the cost of bringing a claim, however the existence of no win no fee arrangements with solicitors means that the financial risks in making a claim are negligible.

Repetitive Stress Injuries in the Workplace

Repetitive stress injuries, which are also commonly known as repetitive stress disorders, are a growing concern in many different workplaces. In fact, repetitive stress injuries account for over 60 percent of all job-related injuries in the USA, and 1 in 8 individuals will suffer from some kind of repetitive stress injury in their lifetime. What causes these injuries? How can you know if you have one? Are they covered by worker’s insurance? Below you can find the answers to these questions.  To learn more about types of repetitive stress injuries click here.

Jobs That Can Result in Repetitive Stress Injuries

The increase in computers in the workplace is largely responsible for the increase in repetitive stress injuries, but jobs that involve typing at a keyboard and entering data are not the only jobs that could result in a repetitive stress injury. Any job that requires a repeated movement over a long period of time can result in trauma. For example, working as part of an assembly line, polishing, writing, playing musical instruments, repeatedly bending or lifting, and painting can all result in repetitive stress injuries. You’re not immune just because you don’t sit at a computer all day; nurses, mechanics and massage therapists are also at risk.

Warning Signs That You Might Have a Repetitive Stress Injury

There are a few common symptoms of repetitive stress injuries. Commonly, individuals will feel pain in a certain area, such as the wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck or back. Tingling and numbness is also associated with these injuries, as is fatigue and weakness.

Common Kinds of Repetitive Stress Injuries

A very common repetitive stress injury that can be caused by many of the jobs mentioned above is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is a condition where swelling occurs in the tunnel created by the bone and ligament. In addition to causing pain, the swelling can also put pressure on nerves, which results in tingling and numbness. Other common injuries include tendinitis and myofascial damage, both of which cause tenderness, inflammation and swelling from overwork.

It’s not just extremities, like the hands and wrists, which can suffer from a repetitive stress injury. Repeatedly lifting incorrectly can result in compressed disks in the back, which are also very painful.

How to Prevent These Injuries

Even though repetitive stress injuries are covered under worker’s compensation insurance, they can be difficult to prove. Because of this, it is easier to learn how to prevent these injuries and be safe in the workplace. In order to avoid these injuries occurring in the first place, offices should be sure that proper ergonomics are available, such as chairs that properly support the back and wrist supports for typists. Employers should also strongly consider training their employees on how to stay safe in the workplace, which could include teaching them how to lift with their legs, how to type in a neutral position, or how to maintain good posture. Encouraging frequent breaks can also help keep repetitive stress injuries at bay.

Repetitive stress injuries can be painful and long lasting, so it is imperative that the proper precautions are taken in all workplaces to keep employees safe. Repetitive stress injuries can happen to anyone who repeats an action during the day, regardless of whether that person works as a typist, nurse or painter.

Even though repetitive stress injuries can be hard to prove, it is still important to seek legal advice if you think your injury was caused by the physical demands of your job.  Kantrovitz & Associates, P.C. is a repetitive stress injury and workers’ compensation law firm located in Massachusetts.  For more information about workers’ compensation or repetitive stress injuries, visit the website at www.kantrovitzlaw.com.

Truck Driving: A Risky Profession

Although truck drivers often make a very nice salary, their job is much more difficult than it appears. After all, they spend the vast majority of their day on the road, and anyone who has ever taken a long road trip knows how arduous that can be. The following list examines that most dangerous aspects of the truck driving profession, and it can help every driver have a better understanding of how to stay safe when they are sharing the road with a semi-truck. If you are looking for an opportunity to start this job, then consider checking out these Owner Operator Truck Driving Opportunities.

The Top Six Dangers for Truck Drivers

1) Fatigue – Because truck drivers are typically working with a very tight deadline, they have a tendency to drive long distances without getting any rest. This can quickly cause them to feel fatigued, and experts estimate that approximately 30 percent of all traffic accidents that involve a semi-truck are caused by a lack of sleep.

2) Other Drivers – Most drivers do not like to be behind a semi-truck, and this can cause them to quickly drive around the vehicle. This can be dangerous if the other driver decides to accelerate when they are in a truck’s blind spot, especially if they do not take the time to check whether or not the trucker is signaling their intent to change lanes.

3) Blind Spot – Even if other drivers are maintaining a steady speed and not making an attempt to whip around a semi-truck, they can still present a big danger if they happen to be riding in the truck’s blind spot. Unfortunately, there are a lot of drivers on the road who seem to have absolutely no understanding of how blind spots work, and they cause several accidents that could have otherwise been avoided.

4) High Fatality Rate – Although the truck driver usually lives, the fatality rate for a semi-truck accident is almost 98 percent. Therefore, avoiding accidents should be the number one goal of every truck driver. Even though truckers usually survive when they are in an accident with a passenger vehicle, they will have to deal with the legalities that are associated with a fatal accident. It is also imperative for truckers to do everything within their power to avoid having an accident with another semi-truck. As reported by a Indiana truck accident lawyer, a fatal accident on Indiana’s I-70 in 2011 clearly illustrates, that a crash between two semi-trucks is a recipe for disaster.

5) Road Conditions – Anytime there is a construction zone or inclement weather, it becomes even more imperative for a truck driver to pay close attention to their surroundings. After all, a semi-truck is very large, and that makes it difficult to stop quickly. If they fail to stop on time, however, they could cause a massive accident, especially during rush hour.

6) Steep Roads and Sharp Turns – Whenever a trucker enters an area that is mountainous, they need to pay close attention to all of the road signs that warn them about sudden grade changes and turns. If a trucker allows themselves to become distracted, they could easily take a turn too quickly and topple their truck.

If you involved in a semi-truck accident, it might be necessary for you to obtain an accident attorney in order to receive the proper amount of compensation to take care of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Make sure that you contact an attorney as soon as possible, regardless of whether you were driving the truck or the other vehicle.

Anthony Joseph writes freelance in his spare time, and is contributing this article toward helping keep our roadways safe. If you or someone you know has been injured in a wreck, an Indiana truck accident lawyer  at the Sevenish Law Firm has the experience you need.