An experienced attorney will have the knowledge and resources to help you understand your rights and help you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

Whether it’s a slip and fall, car accident, or other type of injury, your attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected. Your attorney will guide your through the legal process, coordinate with medical experts for your case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. 

After an injury, the process can be overwhelming for you and your loved ones. During a consultation with your attorney, you will have an opportunity to ask pertinent questions regarding your injury and how to proceed. 

Some critical questions you may want to ask include the following: 

• What are my rights and what type of legal protection do I have following an injury?
• What type of compensation may be available for your injuries?
• What is the process for filing a claim?
• What are the costs involved in hiring a personal injury attorney in New Jersey? 
• What kind of protection do you have against future claims?
• How long can I expect my case to take in order to be resolved? 

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, hiring a personal injury attorney can be the best way to get the compensation you deserve. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney who has expertise in the practice area and who has a history of successful personal injury cases.

Your attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, make sure that your rights are protected, and will fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

The post Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in 2023 appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

1. Watch out for school buses.  Be extra aware of school bus traffic throughout neighborhoods and all the streets around town. Pay attention to where school buses are stopping and make sure you know the New Jersey traffic laws pertaining to school buses. According to NJ.gov, drivers must stop their vehicle not less than 25 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights when traveling on the same side of the roadway. Drivers may pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights at a speed not more than 10 mph when traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway.
2. Have an emergency prep kit ready in case of storms. Your kit should contain items such as batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, first aid items, and three days of non-perishable food and water for people (and pets).

3. Many people enjoy fire pits in their yard when the weather cools. Be sure to follow safety tips around the fire pit. Do not let children or pets run or play near the fire pit. Never use any kind of flammable fluid to ignite the fire. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby when using the fire pit.

4. Clear away fallen leaves. Wet leaves are a common safety hazard and can easily cause slip and fall injuries, especially on stairs, sidewalks, driveways, and other outdoor walkways. Avoid burning leaves to dispose of them, as this practice can be a fire and safety hazard.
5. Autumn is a good time of year to check the trees in your yard. Low hanging branches, dead or dying trees, and fallen tree limbs can cause damage to your property in a storm, hurricane, or blizzard. Be sure to safely remove any tree branches or other debris before storm season arrives. 

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One of the main contributors to summer injury and illness is extreme heat conditions, which can affect both indoor and outdoor workers. 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), each year dozens of workers die while thousands of workers become ill because of working in hot or humid conditions. Heat-related illness and injury affects workers in many industries and sectors, including construction, agriculture, and warehousing. Farm workers are most affected by heat related illness and injury. Outdoor workers, including lifeguards and other recreation workers, are also affected by heat-related illness. 

Working in extreme heat and humidity, whether indoors or outdoors, can cause a number of serious illnesses, including sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke, which is the most severe heat illness, is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention, according to John Hopkins Medicine. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers employers and workers guidelines and information on how to prevent heat related illness and injury. 

It is imperative for employers to ensure that their employees and workers are properly trained and educated on how to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. It’s also important to educate workers on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these illnesses in themselves and others. Finally, employees should be trained on what to do in case of a heat-related medical emergency. 

OSHA emphasizes the importance of making sure workers are protected from working in the heat from their first day on the job. Statistics on heat-related workplace fatalities revealed that more than 70% of heat-related workplace deaths occurred during the worker’s first week of work. 

What are some of the recommended safety precautions that employers should take to prevent heat-related illness and injury? 

• Hydration is critical when working in the heat. Employers should provide cool water for their workers throughout the work shift. Hydration stations are one method to provide water to workers. Workers should be monitored for sufficient water intake and hydration, OSHA notes. 
• Workers must have access to shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces to rest and take a break from working in the heat. Rest from the heat should be provided at specific intervals, depending on the temperature and conditions. 
• Workers that are not accustomed to working in extremely hot temperatures must be allowed to gradually acclimate to working in the heat, whether outdoors or indoors. 

The post Tips on Preventing Heat-Related Illness and Injury in the Workplace appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

Limit any trip and fall hazards on walkways, stairs, and in other areas of your yard.

• Make sure that stairs or steps are secure and in good condition.
• Check sidewalks and walkways for uneven pavement.
• Check wood deck stairs for signs of rotting or splintered wood. 
• Be sure that deck and patio handrails are secure. 
• Remove potential tripping hazards such as garden hoses or yard equipment and remove fallen branches. Fill in any holes in the yard. 
• Make sure there is adequate lighting on stairs and outdoor walkways at night. 

Follow fire safety precautions when using grills or fire pits. 

• Make sure gas or charcoal grills are in good condition. Check for leaks or blockages before operating gas or propane grills.
• Keep children and pets away from grills. 
• Never use a flammable liquid to light a fire. 
• Don’t wear loose or flammable clothing near a fire pit or when grilling.
• When using a firepit, keep a metal bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. 
• Do not let children near the firepit without adult supervision. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the firepit. 
• Use caution when using oil lamps or torches for bug control. Keep children and pets away. 

Practice safety tips for backyard equipment 

• Make sure that swing sets or backyard play equipment is safe to use and in good condition. Check for loose screws or sharp edges. Swing sets should have soft landing areas.
• Ensure children are using equipment with adult supervision. 
• If using tents or umbrellas, make sure they are safely installed and properly secured in case of wind. 

Follow Safe Food Practices

• When serving food, do not leave food out at room temperature for longer than two hours, as per the US Department of Agriculture and Food Safety.gov. 
• Keep cold food cold with ice or freezer packs.
• When handling meat, be sure not to cross contaminate with other foods. 
• Make sure cooks or others preparing food wash their hands with soap before touching food or ingredients.
• When grilling meats and poultry, be sure to use a food thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the right temperature to prevent food poisoning. 

The post Preventing Injuries While Entertaining Outdoors appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

The Travelers Companies’ 2022 Injury Impact Report revealed that 35% of injuries happen during employees’ first year on the job. The study analyzed more than 1.5 million workers’ compensation claims over a five-year period (2015-2019), the insurer said.

The report also indicated that the common first-year injuries included overexertion; slips, trips and falls; being struck by an object; cuts and punctures; being caught in or between objects; and motor vehicle accidents. The restaurant industry experienced the most claims of sectors covered in the study.

Meanwhile, another recent study, released by Selective Insurance, reports similar data regarding employee injuries during their first year on the job. The study showed that for a cross-section of industries, workers are on average filing workers’ comp claims earlier in their tenure. 

The study covered a number of industries including construction contractors; nonprofit, education, religious, and municipal organizations; manufacturing/wholesalers; and retail and professional services. 

Selective Insurance also reported on the types of injuries most frequently reported over the 10-year period. Slip and fall injuries, strain injuries, being struck by an object, and cut/puncture injuries are among the most common and frequent injuries in all industries covered in the report. 

The data in both reports emphasizes not only the critical need for workplace training and safety programs, but also the necessity of training workers as soon as they begin at a workplace. Comprehensive workplace safety and training programs can help protect workers and lower the risk and frequency of workplace injuries. 

The post Worker Injuries Reported Earlier in their Employment Tenure, New Studies Show appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

Motor vehicle accidents – People begin travelling more in the spring for everything from family activities and events to spring vacations. In New Jersey, traffic going to and from the Jersey Shore starts up in the early spring, especially on warm weekends. Motorcycles also become more plentiful on New Jersey roadways as the temperatures rise. As a result, motor vehicle accidents tend to rise with all the influx of spring traffic. Although it may be impossible to prevent an accident, be extra diligent while driving and be aware of your surroundings while driving on congested roadways. These extra steps can help you be safer on the road. 

Dog Bites – Spring weather means more people are walking their dogs in neighborhoods, parks, and dog parks. Unfortunately, it also means that there is more risk of being bitten by a dog. As a general rule, you can minimize the risk of a dog bite in several ways. Do not try to pet or touch a dog without the owner’s permission, even if the dog is a familiar animal. Don’t approach stray dogs. If you’re a dog owner, be careful to properly train and socialize your dog. 

Here in New Jersey, dog bite laws are stringent. New Jersey’s Dog Bite Statute, N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, establishes strict liability for dog claims in the state that favor the victim, even if the owner was not aware of the dog’s viciousness or if the dog had never exhibited this type of behavior in the past. 

Playground injuries – Spring means more children are out playing on public or school playgrounds. Playground injuries are very common. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPSC) reports that emergency rooms typically treat more than 200,000 children for playground-related injuries each year. Most playground injuries result from falling off equipment. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s important to make sure that the surface underneath the playground equipment can absorb and minimize impact in case of falling. However, they also state that adult guidance and supervision is the best way to prevent injuries. 

Personal injury can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially when your loved ones are affected. If you or your loved one have been injured in any of the above or other scenarios, consider consulting an experienced personal injury attorney to find out how to protect your interests and possibly receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income or other damages. 

The post Awareness and Prevention of Common Spring Personal Injuries appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

Healthcare and social assistance workers experienced more cases of illness or injury than those of any other industry, the new data revealed. Workers “encountered serious safety and health hazards while serving those in need,” OSHA stated. 

OSHA is recommending that facilities take immediate action to address safety concerns including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers are obligated to comply with OSHA standards including Personal Protective Equipment and Respiratory Protection Standards to protect workers against COVID-19 in the workplace. 

Employers are also urged to create and implement comprehensive health and safety programs that identify hazards, provide training, and include preventative safety measures. 

OSHA is still working towards finalizing a permanent solution to address COVID-19 workplace protections. 

Healthcare workers, public safety workers, first responders and other workers that provide services in healthcare facilities, residential facilities, or private homes are among workers deemed particularly at risk for contracting COVID-19 at work. 

If you’ve contracted COVID-19 illness while at work in New Jersey, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits in NJ. When you have sustained a work-related illness in NJ, your employer is required by law to provide workers compensation benefits for medical bills, some wage loss, and other additional benefits. An experienced workers compensation attorney can help you understand and navigate the complex process involved with workers compensation claims. Contact us for a free consultation if you have any questions or concerns if you or a family member have contracted an illness at the workplace. 

The post OSHA Urges Healthcare Facilities to Act as Healthcare Worker Illnesses and Injuries Soar appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits each year. CDC statistics show that more than 800,000 people each year are hospitalized due to a fall, and that one out of five falls causes serious injury. 

Injuries from falls can range from minor to significant or life-altering injuries that require medical treatment, including hospitalizations, surgery, physical therapy, and other treatment. Some examples of common injuries sustained from falls include the following: 

• Fractured or broken bones
• Other orthopedic injuries such as strains, sprains, and torn muscles or ligaments
• Cuts or abrasions
• Serious back injuries or spinal cord injuries
• Head and brain injuries, including concussions and skull fractures, and brain hemorrhage

For older adults the age of 65 or over, falls are a leading cause of non-fatal and fatal injuries. At least 3 million older adults each year are treated for fall injuries in the emergency room. Older adults are particularly prone to hip fractures after a fall, with more than 300,000 people aged 65 or older hospitalized for this injury. Hip fracture can drastically affect the quality of life of an older adult.

There are a number of common causes of falls, including the following:

• Wet or slippery floors or pavement
• Weather conditions such as ice and snow
• Broken stairs or sidewalks
• Trip hazards (electrical cords, debris on a sidewalk)

Property owners can help to lower the risk of slip and fall injuries by removing hazards. Some examples include removing snow and ice, or making sure floors and walkways are properly maintained. 

If you have been injured in a fall, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. If you’ve fallen on someone else’s property, it’s critical to seek medical attention in order to document your injury. 

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property, the owner of the property may be responsible for some of your losses. Scheduling a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney may help you understand what some of your options are. 

The post Facts about Slip and Fall Injuries appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

According to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2020 occurred at a rate of 2.9 cases per 100 full-time workers. 

The majority of injuries were reported in the trade, transportation, utilities, education, and health services industries.  Injuries or illnesses that resulted in at least one day away from work increased significantly in the education and health services sectors. 

Another breakdown of the data shows that 71.6% of cases were injuries, while 21,400 cases were illnesses.  To review the complete report from BLS, visit: https://www.bls.gov/regions/new-york-new-jersey/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_newjersey.htm

In New Jersey, employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In the event of an employee’s death, their dependents can be eligible for benefits. 

In New Jersey, workers compensation law provides the following benefits:

Medical benefits: All necessary and reasonable medical treatment, prescriptions and hospitalization services related to the work injury are paid by the employer’s insurance carrier or directly by the employer if they are self-insured.

Additional benefits include temporary disability benefits, permanent partial disability, and permanent total disability benefits.

Temporary benefits: If you can’t work for more than seven days because of a work-related injury or illness, you will be entitled to temporary total disability benefits equal to 70% of your average weekly wages before the injury. However, the minimum and maximum may change each year. 

Permanent partial disability: If an employee’s injury or illness results in a permanent inability to work, the worker is eligible for weekly benefits that depend on the level of the disability. 

Permanent Total disability: If a worker’s injury or illness leaves them permanently unable to return to any type of employment, they are eligible to receive permanent total benefits equal to 70% of their average weekly pay. However, after 450 weeks, workers must provide evidence of their total disability.

In addition, dependents of a worker who dies because of a work-related injury or illness may be eligible to receive death benefits.

If  ou’ve sustained a work-related injury or illness, the process of obtaining workers compensation benefits may be stressful or overwhelming. If you or your loved one need help with their workers compensation case or claim, we can assist you with a free consultation. 

The post New Report on 2020 New Jersey Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Released appeared first on Jacks My Lawyer.

According to the National Safety Council, winter weather events and conditions are responsible for thousands of injuries each year. Meanwhile, each year more than 116,000 people are injured due to crashes on snowy or icy roads each year, the Federal Highway Administration reports. 

By taking some precautions during the winter months, you can avoid or prevent winter and cold weather-related injuries. Here are 5 essential tips for staying safe in the snow and ice, whether you’re driving or walking outside.

• Prepare your vehicle. New Jersey drivers should prepare their vehicles for winter weather. It’s always a good idea to have your brakes and tires checked before venturing out onto winter roadways. Also have a mechanic check your car battery and fluids. Keep an ice scraper, a snow shovel, and some basic emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as water, an extra jacket, and a fleece blanket.
• Be sure to remove any snow and ice from your car before driving. Make sure your windows are defrosted and that your visibility isn’t impaired.  Driving with snow and ice on your car or windshield is not only hazardous, in New Jersey, you can be penalized for driving without clearing your car off first. 
• Dress for the winter weather. If you’re doing any kind of activity outdoors in winter, from walking out to get the mail or running errands, make sure you’re wearing warm clothing and shoes that have some traction to help prevent falls. If you’re driving during winter, make sure you have an extra jacket and an extra pair of warm or waterproof shoes in case your vehicle breaks down.  
• Be aware of your environment. Don’t be distracted while walking in the snow and ice. If you’re walking outside, pay attention to where you’re walking. For example, avoid using your phone while you’re walking to you don’t miss an icy spot. Also be extra careful when walking up or downstairs, or walking into a building, where floors can be slippery.
• Be extra cautious while driving. If there is a winter storm and there are recommendations to stay off the roads, avoid driving in those conditions if possible. Pay attention to lower speed limits during winter weather and if you’re driving in traffic, make sure to leave extra space between cars, as it will take longer to brake in the snow. 

Being prepared for winter weather and driving ahead of time is one of the best ways to take precautions. Taking precautions can help you and your loved ones avoid serious injury during the winter months. 

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