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Dr. Marie Gabrielle Laguna

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Medical doctor-internist

https://www.eternusglobal.com

Car Crash Injuries: How to Avoid On the Road

Apr 26, 2017

2010

No one is immune to car crash injuries.

Car crash injuries can happen to anyone, including you. It can even happen to drivers who are careful about their driving habits. The truth is, you cannot avoid car crash injuries ultimately especially if you're always on the road. However, you can still take the necessary steps on how to prevent car crash injuries in the near future.

The best way to avoid these car accidents is to avoid them completely. However, as explained before, the most careful drivers can also have accidents on the road. Here are some tips on how to avoid car crash injuries.

Wear Your Seatbelt

It's with good reason that traffic enforcers want you to wear your seatbelt all the time, whether you're the driver or a passenger. This is actually the best thing that you can do for a start to avoid car accidents effectively. A seatbelt off could cost you your life. Seatbelts are safety measures that can help reduce car accidents and deaths to a great extent. You cannot predict or even control whether you will have a car crash or not but at least you can protect yourself from the impact. Studies have shown that seatbelts can reduce car accidents by as much as 50%.

See our related article Medical Conditions in Car Crash Injuries: What to Expect�

The proper way of using a seatbelt is to secure it low on your hips and make sure that the belt goes across the center of your chest. If you have children riding with you, make sure that they have also fastened their seatbelts.

Drive a Safe Car

Sometimes, car accidents happen because of cars that do not have any safety features. Drive a car that you consider the safest which you can also afford. It helps to purchase a car with more safety features that can protect you against road accidents. Car manufacturers usually update their products with the latest technology as they continue to make their cars safer year after year. Every year, they introduce new features such as automatic braking, lane departure warnings and other new safety features. They also perform car crash tests and improve their products based on their results.

In choosing a car, ask for crash test ratings, safety features and weigh in on the advantages. Also, make sure the car you are driving have standard and optional safety features that include airbags.

Arrange Your Things

You heard it right: arrange and store your things in the car properly, because these things are potential projectiles that can fly and injure you and your companions during a car crash. Examples of these objects that you need to store are laptops, bags, books, pens and sports equipment. These seemingly harmless things can actually be flung across your car at high speed and injure you seriously and your passengers. Even cans of food can be thrown at you in a forceful manner at some 60 miles per hour during a car crash. Travel light and remove all unnecessary objects from your car seats. You can stow your things in the trunk of the car, in the storage areas or in between seats. You can use a cargo cover or a net to store these items when you are driving SUVs and minivans. Pets and passengers not using seatbelts are also potential projectiles.

See our related article Common Car Crash Injuries Everyone Should Know About�

Consider bringing a first aid kit or survival tool in your car. It's useful to carry a glass breaker or a seatbelt cutter to be prepared for accidents at all times. Be prepared to break open your window or cut your seatbelt if ever there's a car crash.

Slow Down

Speed is one of the major causes of car crashes. The faster you drive, the more impact you are going to experience when your car crashes. Whenever you are about to experience a car accident, try your best to slow down. However, there may also be situations in which you should speed out to get out of the way and keep yourself safe. Remain in control of the vehicle and steer it in the right direction. Avoid pressing the accelerator or braking until tires regain some traction. Have a firm grip on the wheel and keep calm.

During a car accident, you should know how to keep yourself safe and reduce the severity of the car crash. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be safe!

Personal Injuries: Easy Tips on How to Prevent Them

Apr 25, 2017

2377

This article explains the various types of personal injuries, the factors contributing to them and how to avoid them

Despite modern technology, accidents that happen on roads and workplaces evolve around this question How to avoid personal injuries.� The answer is pretty simple and most of us know that following safety measures can avoid many personal injuries.

Construction Industry and Personal Injuries

Workplace accidents are common in the construction industry. Employees at all levels should be educated about safety measures and should be provided with protective gear. Slipping, falling, injuries due to overexertion, and falling objects are some of the common accidents that can happen in a construction environment.

Factories and personal injuries

Factory workers are often injured due to improper handling of machines and lack of caution. Safety measures should be followed without fail to avoid personal injuries and damage to machineries. All employees should undergo training on stopping a machine, proper handling of objects and maintaining a neat workplace.

Office work and personal injuries

Accidents happening in an office environment are less when compared to a factory or a construction site. However, every employee should know how to act during an emergency situation. Employee's knowledge in handling fire extinguishers and turning off electricity can save many lives in an office.

Related: Know more about common workplace accidents and how to avoid them in detail

Avoid Personal Injury through Traffic Safety

In spite of technological advancements that made vehicles safer, the number of accidents throughout the whole world is still increasing. Jeffrey Nadrich, a�car accident lawyer in San Francisco, notes that “by following safety measures and tips you can reach your destination without any accidents and injuries.”

Need For Speed Limit

Most accidents can be prevented if people follow the speed limits strictly. As per US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), overspeeding is the main reason for accidents on roads. In the urban setting, everyone wants to reach places faster and often drive over the speed limit. If you are driving just 10 mph over the given speed limit, your chances for accidents are increased by 50%. Look for speed limit signs and maintain the allowed speed to stay safe.

See our related article Most Common Personal Injuries That You Should Be Aware Of�

Ditch the Distractions

Any distraction while driving can result in serious consequences. It is recommended to avoid distractions to avoid accidents. In this busy modern world, we are all used to multi-tasking even during driving to save time and this can be dangerous. Because of the complications and risks of distractions some states have made laws to avoid using mobile phones while driving.

Other than texting and calling, some drivers like to eat or try to apply makeup while driving. Intense conversations can also become a distraction to the driver. You can avoid all these distractions and can be more proactive to prevent accidents and personal injuries.

Don't Tailgate

Do not follow other vehicles too closely even the traffic is slow moving or busy. Tailgating is one of the main reasons for personal injuries in city traffic. Tailgating leads to rear-end collisions which can cause personal injuries including back pain and whiplash. Ensure that there is adequate space between your vehicle and others, this will prevent collisions.

Have an Escape Plan

To stay safe on the road, you should be more conscious and have an escape plan to avoid accidents. You can develop this skill through experience as you observe keenly on adjacent lanes and pay attention to vehicles on your back and front.

Anything can happen on the road– a vehicle in the adjacent lane can be cut-off, a truck in front of your vehicle might have a blowout tire. It is good to have a plan in such emergency situations to control your vehicle so that you can avoid accidents and prevent personal injuries.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

When used correctly, seatbelts can save the life of an individual, as they stop you from any movement within the vehicle at the time of a crash. As per reports of NHTSA, most of the fatal accidents happen due to lack of seatbelt usage. Around 70% of deadly car accident victims were aged between 13 to 15 and most of them were not wearing seatbelts.

You can stay safe and avoid personal injuries due to car accidents by following these guidelines. Read more about car accidents and prevention tips

Motorcycle accidents and personal injuries

Motorcycle riders are more likely to have personal injuries as they are not protected unlike car or vehicle riders. Wearing helmets and protective gears are always recommended to keep you safe from unexpected accidents. Look for signals from other vehicles, follow the allowed speed limit and be more proactive to have a safer ride.

Related: Learn more about possible motorcycle accidents and how to prevent them

Being more cautious and practising safety instructions is the best way for you to avoid personal injuries. Paying attention is not expensive than paying medical bills. Be cautious and stay safe!

Truck Accidents: Top Ways on How to Avoid

Apr 24, 2017

2045

Here are some ways by which you can prevent truck accidents from happening.

As a truck driver, you have to be very careful when you drive because the safety of your truck, your deliveries, other passengers and other vehicles on the road are within your hands. Remember that commercial driving is different from passenger vehicle driving because trucks and other commercial vehicles are larger, have huge weights and often carry loads of cargo. These facts affect the way truck accidents happen. Truck accidents are much worse than passenger vehicle accidents because they bring about greater destruction to persons and property.

If you are a truck driver, it is better that you know how to avoid truck accidents. Truck accidents do not only damage property and claim other people's lives; they may also cause you to become incapacitated through life and even lead to your death. Truck accidents are often one of the top causes of deaths in every country.

See our related article Truck Accidents and Possible Common Medical Conditions�

Educate Yourself and Other Truck Drivers

If you are a trucking company, you need to ensure the safety of your truck drivers as well as their cargo. You have to bear in mind that truck drivers differ by their driving knowledge and experience, so be sure to educate them when they start working for you.

If you are a truck driver, you should educate yourself with proper truck driving rules. Always take note of the speed limits and the distance that you have to maintain from the other vehicles.

Having a training program within trucking companies can help reduce risks for truck accidents. Truck drivers should always be reminded of the right way of transporting goods, from loading and fixing cargo properly as well as safe unloading the goods from the vehicle.

Take Note of Speed

While every country has speed regulations, many drivers ignore them especially when they are tired or sleepy. Adhering to speed regulations is one way of preventing truck accidents. Traffic enforcers are strict with them because they are only concerned about the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. Do not go beyond the speed limit especially in curve locations.

Drive Safely

Driving safely as well as teaching others to do so is also one of the best ways to avoid truck accidents. Driving safely means that you are able to perform safe transportation and not underestimate any situation while driving or taking a turn until you reach your final destination.

One way of driving safely is to undergo driver safety training. The safety training is important because it is done by safety professionals that analyze driver performance. Your truck company should implement a safety program that needs to be evaluated at least yearly to prevent truck accidents and risk for injuries.

See our related article Common Truck Accidents and Why They Occur

Use the Right Technology

Technology nowadays is being used in the truck industry to monitor the performance of truck fleets while not being physically present there always. Technology can actually prevent truck accidents. Real time monitoring on truck drivers can actually save money while also giving you alerts on whether the truck driver is speeding up or is doing some unsafe turns in curves. You can also monitor if the truck driver is idle, if your truck engine is performing well, if the driver is using seatbelts, if locks are being used and if the truck performs well in general.

GPS is also one good safety tool that you can use. You can monitor truck drivers using GPS and you can also keep track of fuel data. It keeps your truck working efficiently.

Frequent Rests or Stops

Drivers should not be fatigued all the time. Too much fatigue can endanger your life. In order to serve others, you should also rest well. Too much time driving can be exhausting and may affect your performance, so make sure that you take enough rest before starting on the road again. Do not compromise your health because of your work; of you don't feel well, don't force yourself to drive. Remember, your life, your passengers' lives and the lives of other drivers and pedestrians are at stake.

All these are safety tips that can help you avoid truck accidents. Follow these tips and stay safe!

Motorcycle Accidents and Brain Injuries: What to Expect, How to Avoid

Apr 22, 2017

2259

What is the relationship between motorcycle accidents and brain injuries?

About two million head injuries happen every year, and 28% of them are caused by motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle riders are not safe and are not protected like a car rider, which is the reason why motorcycle accidents are life-changing incidents for the victims.

In a motorcycle accident, pain, suffering and medical expenses will be a source of stress for victims. It may even take a lifetime to recover completely from a head injury due to a motorcycle accident. Since the damage will affect a person physically, emotionally and financially, motorcycle accidents should be avoided. Please read our article regarding common motorcycle accidents and learn more on how to avoid them.

See our related article Motorcycle Accidents and Medical Issues: What to Expect�

Brain Injuries Caused By Motorcycle Collisions

In most of the motorcycle accidents, the body will halt suddenly and the brain keeps on moving due to forward momentum. After collision in the front part of the skull, the brain may bounce back and strike the back side of the skull, resulting in swelling of the front and back portions of the brain. These injuries can harm the victim's ability to remember, concentrate, speak or perform regular motor functions like walking. If the victim is on a motorcycle and was thrown away from the vehicle onto hard surfaces, the resulting shock to the brain can be more serious because of a direct collision to the skull.

In case of motorcycle collisions and head injuries, doctors will look for symptoms of a concussion, since a concussion is the usual brain injury that is caused by a direct collision to the head. The impact of a concussion may last for a short period of time or may even result in lifetime complications. Usually the complication of a concussion depends on how fast it is identified, the damage caused and how quickly it is treated.

Other usual brain injuries that occur due to motorcycle accidents are subdural hematomas and a fractured skull. In this case, a major vein in the brain is not capable of removing blood from the cerebral cortex and it will bring about swelling that leads to severe injury or death.

Treatments and costs for motorcycle accidents with brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries cost more than $48 billion in the U.S. This indicates that traumatic injuries due to motorcycle accidents add a cost of 13$ billion annually. For a motorcycle accident victim, severe head injury can bring about costs as much as around $4 million. All expenses from initial scans for detecting the injury and treatments for treating the injury are included in this estimated amount.

The first step in treating a brain injury is to reduce the damage that is occurred before it goes out of control, because the damage cannot be reversed. So when doctors identify traumatic brain injury, they will try hard to stop the bleeding, tearing and swelling in the brain that may result in chronic damages. Evaluation by physicians is required to analyze the amount of damage once the patient attains a stable condition. Impaired memory, motor skills, speech, and behavioral changes and more severe signs like seizures are often seen in victims with traumatic brain injuries.

Prognosis for motorcycle accident victims with brain injuries

Various treatments may be used to restore complete cognitive functioning or at least make the person lead an independent and comfortable life. These therapies include speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and counseling. The duration of treatments vary based on the complexity of the damage.

Motorcycle Accidents and Medical Issues: What to Expect

Apr 21, 2017

2428

What are the medical issues resulting from motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can result in various problems that need to be solved by different professionals like a health care team, lawyers and insurance agents. Among these consequences of a motorcycle accident, medical issues will be the most demanding in both physical and emotional ways during your recovery. This type of issues includes serious injuries, rehabilitation, medical expenses, communication with health care team and claiming funds from insurance coverage.

One of the common problems with victims is that they provide wrong information to a doctor that can cause serious issues. As a result of this, the duration of the treatment and medical claims will get complicated. Being treated by the right specialist is important in the recovery of any motorcycle accident.

In this article, you can find the summary of common injuries, which are medical issues for which you may need medical care for; this is also to educate you on how to prevent injuries that may get worse.

Common Injuries Due To Motorcycle Accidents

According to statistics, motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to lose their lives and three times more possibly to be injured than other vehicle occupants.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are often resulting to fatalities in motorcycle accidents. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, wearing a helmet can minimize the possibility of death by 29%. Though some people have debates over the usage of helmets, it is highly advisable to use them to stay safe.

Skin Abrasions

Skin abrasions are the most common injuries, however they are the least severe. These injuries occur when a motorcycle rider is thrown away from the vehicle and his or her skin gets in touch with hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. The scrapes will need less medical care for healing.

Orthopedic Injuries

When a motorcyclist is thrown out of his or her vehicle, he or she may try to avoid injury on the arms or legs.� However the resultant force often results in wrist and leg injuries. In certain cases, spinal cord and shoulder injuries also happen.

Psychological Trauma

Based on the impact of the collision and injuries, an accident victim may suffer from psychological trauma that needs to be treated. A type of anxiety disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can originate from terrifying or intense emotional experiences in which serious physical damage happens or is at risk. The victim may develop insomnia, emotional numbness or may have emotional flashbacks in which the traumatic event will be remembered every now and then.

Interactions between Legal, Insurance, and Medical Issues

There is a connection between your medical, legal and insurance providers during a recovery phase. Make sure that you explain about your physical and psychological issues to your doctor. Some victims try to hide their pain just to show that they are strong and pretend that their pain is less. If a victim is providing false information about his or her pain, the physician will treat for the mentioned issues only. This will result in further complications like wrong diagnosis, treatment and even wrong medical claims. Keeping this in mind, you have to speak the truth to the doctor and your lawyer to get faster recovery and avail of medical insurance. Every time you visit your doctor, keep your lawyer also in the loop.

In some cases, victims cannot explain well about their health conditions. If you met with an accident and experience pain during your household chores, the pain may be due to the accident injury. In such a situation you have to explain to the doctor about pain and intervening causes.

Some people have the intention to claim insurance with false statements that they have health issues by other reasons and not from the reported accident. Doctors may find out the real intervening causes and add their comments in the medical reports and this may even result in the termination of financial support from insurance companies.

Principal Approach

Be honest with your physician, lawyer and insurance agency; this should be the principal approach. If any information is wrong, it will affect your recovery as well as your medical claims.

Priority for Recovery

Some victims will be in a hurry to return back to their normal lives soon after the incident. This may make injuries worse as he or she has to take complete rest and take all prescribed medications. For any victim, recovery should be a high priority. If your health care team has recommended any rehabilitation program, you have to complete it without fail. Following the doctors' advice will help you to recover faster and safely.

Personal Injuries and Lawsuits: Common Types and Procedures

Apr 20, 2017

1911

What are the types of personal injuries and lawsuits?

Every year, thousands and even millions of claims around the world are filed regarding personal injuries. The objective of a personal injury claim is to get compensation for victims who have been injured because of another person's negligence. Usually, monetary compensation can be availed for physical injuries, stress, loss of income and loss of companionship.

With the help of litigation, you can get reimbursements for medical expenses and also for psychological trauma. Personal injury claims range from dog bites to severe traumatic injuries. Each kind of personal injury claim has its own set of law processes and procedures.

See our related article Most Common Personal Injuries That You Should Be Aware Of�

Common Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits

Vehicle Accidents

Nearly six million vehicle accidents occur in the United States annually. These accidents happen due to various factors like distracted motorists, bad weather and poor road maintenance. If you had an accidental injury, you may claim and get your compensation.

Even if you feel good after a vehicle accident, consult a doctor because there may be any hidden injuries that are not visible directly. You should contact an attorney who has expertise in personal injury to guide you about the legal suits.

A car crash happens only because of carelessness and not following traffic rules. Usually the driver who is careless during the incident will be held liable for both financial and injuries that will result.

See our related article Personal Injuries: Easy Tips on How to Prevent Them�

Public Liability and Negligence

Negligence is one of the major factors that contribute to a personal injury like a slip and fall. Poor labeling in danger areas and use of faulty equipments are the common negligences that can cause personal injuries. If you have been harmed because of someone's negligence, do not accept the compensation before discussing with your attorney. This will assure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Slip and fall cases are the other usual types of personal injury cases. The property owners or those who are renting a property should maintain a safer environment. Slip and fall injury claims are normally depending on premises liability laws.

Workplace Related Injuries

Every employer is held responsible for a safe workplace and for employees' health. When you get injured or develop any illness due to work, your employer may be held liable. In the case of a personal injury in the workplace, you should get treated by a health care team and document with medical records. An attorney will help you in filing the proper legal suit and in getting your compensation.

Related: Learn more regarding workplace accidents and preventive measures

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence occurs rarely but can lead to serious injuries to a patient. If your health care team has failed to provide skilled care and you got injured, you can file a medical malpractice claim. You need medical experts as witnesses to prove that you are harmed by the medical procedures you underwent. A skilled and experienced attorney will hire the right medical experts and will do a detailed evaluation to help you get your remuneration.

Product Liability

Defective products can result in mild to severe personal injuries. A malfunction of the product, improper labeling, and poor safety instructions can be covered under product liability. Unlike other claims, product liability claims are not a burden to the victim. The product manufacturer has to strive hard to prove that there was no negligence on their side. Both manufacturers and distributors or wholesalers can be held responsible for product liability.

Defamation

Defamation of reputation through libel or slander is also a personal injury. A person can experience injury to his or her character and reputation due to false statements. The common public has to prove that a false statement has caused financial loss to a certain person. Celebrities have to prove that false statements were made with irresponsible disrespect to the truth or were made intentionally.

Dog Bites

In many cases, the dog owners are held responsible for the injuries and financial losses related to the dog bite. The laws that govern responsibility of the dog owners differ from one state to another.� Aggression or previous history of bites will be taken into consideration in a dog bite claim.

Intentional Torts

Intentional torts are injuries caused by one person to another with intention and they are different from accidents or negligence. The victim can file a personal injury legal suit against the perpetrator to get compensation for the injuries. The perpetrator should also face criminal charges.

Finding a skilled and experienced attorney is the major responsibility of a victim to file a legal suit and get the maximum amount of deserved compensation.

Most Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries You Should Know About

Apr 19, 2017

2030

What are the most common workplace accidents and injuries?

Workplace accidents can happen to anybody at any time. Workplace safety is not only the responsibility of the employer but also of every employee. Workplace accidents and injuries can incur costs directly to any business including workers' insurance, legal services and medical expenses.

On-the-Job Violent Acts

Workplace violence is also a reason for physical injuries. Our workplace needs us to work collaboratively as a team or with multiple departments. It is a fact that team member(s) or colleague(s) may have a difference of opinion with others. People should discuss and avoid heated arguments. Office politics and intense arguments can lead to a clash and eventually accidents and physical injuries.

See our related article How to Claim Compensation for Workplace Injuries�

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motions like typing and using computer devices for a long time during work can be harmful. Without proper ergonomic equipments and positioning, workers can be affected with carpal tunnel syndrome, vision problems and back pain. Employees need to be trained about the proper usage of computer in a better ergonomic position to avoid these repetitive motion injuries.

Machine Entanglement

Machine entanglement commonly happens in a factory where heavy machinery and equipment are used. Workers have to be cautious to avoid injuries in fingers and damages in shoes or clothing. Making use of the right protection and practicing caution are required to prevent these workplace accidents.

Vehicle Accidents

Full-time drivers or employees who drive vehicles for business activities often meet accidents; few of them lose their lives. Safe driving policies and trainings could prevent these accidents and save the lives of employees.

Walking Into Injuries

This type of injuries occurs when an individual runs into concrete objects such as glass windows, walls, cabinets, doors, table, etc by mistake. The common areas of these injuries are the head, neck, foot and knees. Precautions should be taken to keep the workplace safe and employees should also be diligent during the work to avoid these incidents.

Falling Object Injuries

This type of accidents happens in construction sites. This occurs when objects are dropped by an individual and result in serious injuries. Proper use of protection gears like hard hats and shoes can ensure the safety of employees. These incidents can be avoided by cautiousness of the employees and hazard-free work environments by employers.

Reaction Injuries

When a person gets injured by slipping and tripping but not falling, they are called as reaction injuries. These accidents can result in body trauma, medical issues and musculoskeletal injuries. Paying more attention in the workplace can prevent these incidents.

Falling from Heights

Employees who work on elevated places like roofs, stairways and ladders have the risk of falling from heights. These accidents are caused by faulty equipment or carelessness of the employee. Employee diligence, proper use of protection gear and safety training can keep these accidents away from the workplace.

See our related article Workplace Accidents: 10 Tips For Prevention�

Slipping/Tripping

This type of accident is caused by slipping or tripping in the workplace and can cause injuries to employees. When a person trips over objects lying on the floor or falls on slippery floor, it can be harmful and can cause head, joint, back or neck injuries. Practicing workplace safety will prevent these accidents.

Overexertion Injuries ��

Overexertion injuries refer to injuries associated with lifting, pulling, throwing, holding or pushing activities at work. This type of accidents costs more than others and occurs more often.

As you have read, all these workplace accidents and injuries can be prevented by cautiousness on the part of employers and employees. Employer's responsibility is to provide proper faultless equipments, to follow safety guidelines and to� provide health insurance to all employees.

Truck Accidents and Possible Common Medical Conditions

Apr 18, 2017

2182

What are truck accidents and the possible common medical conditions that can result from them?

Truck accidents are highly different from a car accident. A passenger vehicle is relatively small when compared to a truck or a commercial vehicle. The amount of damage caused by an accident can be determined by the weight, type of cargo and volume of the truck. Severe injuries are very common as a result of truck accidents. Very few people are fortunate to have mild or no injuries after a truck accident. Apart from injuries, victims may experience catastrophic complications.

Related: Learn more about truck accidents and how to prevent them

A truck accident can cause severe injuries to the driver and can eventually lead to the following complications. The complications that arise from a truck accident may depend on the extent of the damage caused.

Complications Associated With the Eyes

Injuries in the eye can result in inflammations, cataracts, blindness, detached retinas, glaucoma and other serious issues.

Complications Associated With Brain Injuries

Either as a minor or a major brain injury, the results may be more severe. Mood swings, trauma, depression, seizures, behavioural changes and personality changes are commonly caused by brain injuries.

Heart Attacks, Brain Injuries and Stroke

It is unfortunate that victims who had serious spinal cord injuries may have complications like strokes, heart attacks, pneumonia and lung injuries.

Weakness of the Joints

Joint injuries can result in permanent weakness, arthritis and dislocations.

Loss of Muscle Tone or Function

Spinal cord injuries can also have an impact on muscles that may result in loss of function, shortening of muscles, chronic pain and permanent weakness.

See our related article Common Truck Accidents and Why They Occur�

Hypertension

Kidney injuries and injuries that cause paralysis can result in hypertension. Kidney injuries may need dialysis.

Organ Failure

Catastrophic injuries to major organs can lead to organ failure. Common organs that fail due to injuries are the heart, liver, kidney and lungs.

Sterility

If a victim's reproductive organs are injured, this can result in infertility or sterility.

Gangrene infection

After certain injuries victims may develop swelling or serious wounds because of gangrene. This eventually can result in amputation.

Infection

Mistakes of the health care provider or stress after serious injuries can make way for severe infections.

Premature death

Victims who have brain or spinal cord injuries are more susceptible to infections, pneumonia and other complications that can be fatal. People who had spinal cord injuries and who survive in wheelchairs may be susceptible to bed sores, blood clots, embolisms, osteoporosis and urinary tract infections that can result in death.

In certain cases, complications do not show up until few months or even many years after the truck accident. Some victims are lucky enough not to experience any severe complications after their initial injury. In some cases victims may suffer from permanent complications. It is impossible to predict future complications that may arise due to truck accident injuries.

See our related article Truck Accidents: Top Ways on How to Avoid�

If you have met with a truck accident and have suffered injuries, it is recommended to hire a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer to get maximum compensation. Your attorney will also document the risks of future complications while claiming your compensation.

As stated above, a truck accident can lead to severe injuries and complications. The right approach to avoid all injuries and complications is to follow traffic rules, be proactive, train drivers and maintain vehicles in a good condition. Learn more about usual truck accidents and the effective ways to prevent them.

Most Common Personal Injuries That You Should Be Aware Of

Apr 17, 2017

2140

What are the most common personal injuries that you should be aware of?

When a person suffers a physical or mental illness or injury which has happened because of an accident or negligence, this is called as personal injury. In most cases, a personal injury can play a dramatic effect on your life since it can be a mild illness or even disability.

Impacts of A Personal Injury

There are many ways a personal injury can affect a person's life, among which loss of income has more impact. Based on the complexity of your injury, you may lose wages or customers that will eventually affect your earnings.

Loss of earnings is not the only issue; you may have to pay for your medical expenses, transportation and other bills with your decreased income.

Let us have a look at the types of personal injuries in detail along with the reasons and complexities.

See our related article Personal Injuries: Easy Tips on How to Prevent Them�

Accidents and Illness Abroad

This type of personal injuries deals with accidents and illnesses that occur when abroad. This includes holidays, business trips, sports events etc.

A personal injury while abroad is more traumatic than if it happens at your home country. Apart from pain and stress, you may have to deal with authorities in that foreign country.

Common injuries that can occur abroad are airplane accidents, skiing accidents, accidents during transportation and sports-related injuries.

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries in the brain and spinal cord are more devastating as they can affect the victims' family also. These kinds of injuries can cause lifetime impairment, paralysis or can even be fatal.

A victim has to experience both physical and emotional illness; in some cases, round-the-clock supportive care may be required.

Defective products

A defective or faulty product can cause a variety of injuries. Your health and safety may be at risk because of using a defective product.

Faulty furniture, electrical goods and vehicles can lead to accidents that can result in personal injuries. Contaminated food and contaminated blood transfusion can cause health problems. Medicinal drugs with side effects, defective contraception, and faulty medical devices are also the common factors contributing to medical issues and personal injuries.

Personal Injuries Due To Industrial Diseases

This type of personal injury is the result of poor workplace safety and occupational hazards. When a person is exposed to toxic substances at work he or she can develop chronic diseases. Occupational asthma, mesothelioma, dermatitis and asbestosis are common industrial diseases.

Medical negligence

Almost all treatments are effective and patients are happy with the results. However very few cases experience problems because of medical negligence where doctors' mistakes cause health issues.

Each year, millions of people are treated for a wide range of conditions and are happy with the results of their treatment. They consider the services provided by the medical profession to be caring and efficient and this usually holds true in the vast majority of cases.

These injuries not only affect the patient but also their families and these health issues are eligible for compensation.

Road Accidents

In spite of technical advancements in vehicles, traffic rules and laws road accidents happen frequently. These accidents cause injuries to motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and passengers travelling through public transport like buses. Road accidents can result in mild to severe personal injuries and can sometimes even lead to the death of a victim.

Learn more about preventing common motorcycle accidents and ride safe

Serious injuries

Amputation, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns and scalds are classified as serious injuries. As the name suggests, the effects of these injuries will usually be serious. 24 hours medical care and support may be needed until a victim attains a stable condition. In some cases, the results will be catastrophic to the victims and their families.

Workplace Accidents and Illness

Every workplace has its own safety hazards and preventive measures. All employees should be trained on how to handle an emergency situation to avoid injuries. In-plant training, safety education and using protective gear can prevent accidents.

Based on the nature of work, personal injuries also differ. People who work with computers can have back injuries, Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendon injuries. Construction industry workers are at risk of falling objects, falling from heights etc.

Related: Read more about workplace accidents and how to prevent them

How to Claim Compensation for Workplace Injuries

Apr 16, 2017

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Do you know how to claim compensation for workplace injuries?

An injury or illness that occurs on the job is known as workplace injury. Unsafe work environments and repetitive or hard movements may result in injuries.

Related: Did you know many workplace accidents can be prevented easily? Read these tips to know how.

Can I File For A Claim?

If you have been injured while doing your job, you can get legal counseling. A lawyer can help you in claiming the compensation that you deserve. In case of any complications in claiming compensation, a lawyer can guide you as to the right way to get compensated. You may be eligible for financial compensation for lost income, medical bills, rehabilitation, and, in conditions of permanent injury, inhibited earning capability or loss of future wages.

The purpose of employee's compensation insurance is to offer injured workers with the right compensation without the requirement for legal action. If your workers’ compensation claim has been contested or denied, you should seek legal help to claim the compensation you deserve.

See our related article Workplace Accidents: 10 Tips For Prevention�

Workplace Injury Statutes of Limitations

As per personal injury law, the period between date of injury or date of discovery to the last day of filing the case is called as statute of limitations. If your statute of limitation has expired, you cannot file for a personal injury claim and get your compensation. The duration for filing a workplace injury legal suit can range from 30 days to 6 years.

As the statute of limitations regarding workplace injury cases highly differ, if you have been injured in a workplace accident, consult an experienced workplace injury lawyer. Many victims are not aware of the statute of limitations and fail to file a legal suit in right time, eventually they lose their deserved compensation.

Proving Fault

A workplace accident happens during the course of work. There are many types of workplace injuries that can occur including traumatic injuries, repetitive injuries and some illnesses. In the case of construction workers, the injuries may be due to falling objects or falling from height and the injuries will be traumatic.

Repetitive injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome is common in persons who work on computer aided jobs. Exposure to harmful materials can also result in personal injuries and illnesses. Common workplace injuries due to hazardous substances are asbestosis and mesothelioma that may be caused by exposure to asbestos in workplace.

If you are injured in relation to your work and workplace, your employer may be held liable for your compensation. To prove the fault of the employer and to get the maximum compensation including your medical expenses and loss of income you should hire a seasoned lawyer.

Right to a Safe Work Environment

Every employee has the right to work in a safer work environment with proper equipments and protective gear to avoid the risk for accidents. Employers who benefit from the labour of their employees should take care of workplace safety.

In terms of workplace safety, every employer should educate their employees on workplace safety. Safety education may reduce the risk for accidents and eventually can avoid injuries. Faulty equipments and unsafe work environments can lead to accidents and the employer will be held responsible for such incidents and also for compensating the injured victims.

Negligence and Workplace Injuries

Workplace injury cases depend on the principles of negligence. Many workplace accidents can be avoided by following safety standards. Since employer's negligence is a major reason for workplace injuries, an attorney will prove fault and negligence on the defendant's side.

As a summary, if you have been injured in the workplace you are entitled for compensation. Your responsibility is to find a skilled and experienced workplace injury attorney. Next, your attorney will file for a legal suit and will help you in obtaining your remuneration.

Read about the common workplace accidents and learn how to avoid them

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