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As summer comes to a close, it is time for kids to go back to school. It is important to practice safety and health practices when students return to school. Being thoughtful and prepared can help avoid accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
In September, traffic conditions change, so it is important to always focus on the road in order to prevent a car accident or a pedestrian accident. Drivers need to get used to sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. Make sure to give bicyclists and pedestrians plenty of room. When opening a car door into a traffic lane, look behind to see whether a cyclist is approaching, and wait for them to pass before opening the door.
Other safety precautions include yielding to pedestrians and avoid passing vehicles that are stopped for crossing pedestrians. Do not block crosswalks or double-park.
Safety while walking to school requires students to know basic traffic rules. Kids should always use sidewalks, and if one is not available, a student should walk facing traffic. Students must remember to look both ways before crossing streets, too. It is also very important for kids to avoid distractions. Using cellphones or headphones while walking is dangerous.
Safely riding a bike to school requires knowledge of bike safety requirements, including always wearing a helmet, riding in the direction of traffic, and using proper hand signals when turning. Multiple riders must ride in a single file.
All students should know their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, and when to call 911 in case an accident does occur.
Those driving kids to school need to get used to the new traffic flow and get familiar with the school pick-up and drop-off procedures. School zones can be particularly difficult to maneuver.
When everyone is trying to get in and out as quickly as possible, the school zone can get crowded and chaotic. A specific well-marked drop-off and pick-up area located away from the primary entrance is best. Requiring a low speed limit, such as 20 mph or less, and having school attendants directing traffic is very helpful.
Even if optimal school zone conditions are not met, drivers can do their part by being familiar with the school zone and try to arrive early. Do not double-park or drop kids off where they have to cross congested streets.
One of the most important things to do is to avoid distracted driving. Cellphones and headphones are responsible for many traffic accidents. Distracted driving in school zones where pedestrian traffic is heavy endangers drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Demonstrating distracted driving behaviors to children is also likely to make them believe that the behavior is acceptable. Parents should always set a good example.
Slip and fall accidents are common on school grounds. Kids running up and down steps and playing in the playground provide ample opportunities for tripping.
Sports activities also injure many students. Many schools teach team sports and interscholastic sports activities.
All sports have a level of risk. To minimize the risk, be sure that kids are outfitted with the proper attire. They should use only unbroken, well fitted, and properly maintained gear. Some equipment, such as football helmets, must meet minimum safety criteria. Be sure the equipment meets all necessary standards. The school-provided equipment should be well maintained and properly set up.
In all sports, it is important that the pace of progress is moderated properly by coaches. For kids who have not been actively performing sports, it is important to start off slowly and build conditioning. Make sure kids are not pressed too hard by overzealous coaching. Let them know that they must listen to their bodies and not play if injured. It is also important for them to remain hydrated.
Playing outside during recess, gym, or organized sports carries the risk of heat exposure. Kids should know to keep hydrated when exerting themselves in these conditions. If the temperature is high, especially when paired with humidity, it is possible for kids exercising outside to get overheated. They should be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion, including faintness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and a rapid pulse. The immediate response should be to discontinue the activity, move to a cooler area, and drink water. If the symptoms do not subside quickly, the child should get medical attention immediately.
Another danger is heat stroke. In this condition, the body loses its ability to regulate temperature. Core body temperature can get as high as 104 degrees or higher. This condition can cause brain damage and can also be fatal if not addressed immediately.
Precautions to take includes avoiding sports and outdoor activities when it is very hot outside. Getting cooled off in the shade and placing a cool damp cloth on the neck or wrist can help cool down body temperature. It is very important to keep hydrated when outside in hot weather. Another precaution is to wear loose fitting and light-colored clothing.
This school session will be like no other. It is extremely important that students and administrators follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to ensure that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) does not spread. These guidelines include frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing. If a student is participating in remote learning, parents should review cyber safety and also follow CDC guidelines.
If a school does not follow proper safety procedures or address hazards, it is advisable to talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury suit.
If you or your child incurred injuries on school grounds, it is beneficial to speak to a lawyer. Contact one of our experienced Delaware personal injury lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow for legal counsel. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
Victims who have been hurt in car accidents regularly try to recover compensation from insurance carriers and at-fault parties. However, if a victim does not seek immediate medical attention after the incident, they may wind up making their case difficult to prove.
For this reason, most legal professionals suggest that car accident victims at least visit their primary care physicians for check-ups as soon as they can, even if they do not think they have suffered injuries. Yet, many people insist on waiting to call up doctors.
Not everyone who has experienced a car accident feels physical pain or notices a difference in mental health right away. Often, the shock of the accident masks pain. Even victims with serious injuries may try to walk away from the scene without allowing emergency personnel to treat them.
Even people who know they are not feeling well after a collision may want to get away from the area rather than be examined by medical personnel; therefore, they may opt out of help from medics. Although the desire to get back to normal and perhaps pretend the accident never happened is understandable, it can lead to a delayed diagnosis.
A final reason that people sometimes wait to get help is that they do not feel hurt. Nevertheless, even a slow speed accident can lead to long-term issues, including neck injuries and broken bones.
The longer the period between the crash and a physician’s diagnosis, the greater the likelihood that an insurance provider will deny a claim or that a court may be wary to award damages in a personal injury lawsuit. It is tough to prove causality when an event happens weeks before a clinical diagnosis is made.
A defense team on the side of the insured at-fault party may argue that the injury happened sometime between the accident and the time the injury was diagnosed. They might be upheld by a court because their defense could seem reasonable.
Some accident injuries are known to show up after crashes. In other words, those injuries might be missed by medical personnel, even if the person received treatment right after the crash. Personal injury attorneys often use that fact to help their clients establish a link between their medical issues and the collision.
Sometimes, it can take several days or longer for an injury to show up after a car crash. Neck, shoulder, and back pain are among the more frequently seen complaints among those who have been in car accidents. For instance, whiplash may not present symptoms for a few days, even if the neck has been seriously injured. Whiplash is especially commonplace in crashes where the victim has been rear-ended, sending the head jolting forward without warning.
Sudden chronic headaches can also appear many days after a car crash. Since headaches are not unusual occurrences, a doctor may need to conduct tests to see if the headaches are related to damage suffered during the accident. Similarly, traumatic brain injuries, such as milder forms of concussion, can take a few days to appear.
Other types of late-presenting car collision injuries can be emotional or psychological, such as personality and mood changes due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another psychological response to the traumatic event. It is essential that a physician show the connection between the accident and the injury.
After being in a car crash, victims ideally should monitor their physical and mental well-being for a few weeks. Any potential symptoms of hidden injuries should be noted, tracked, and examined by a professional.
Side effects related to delayed car accident injuries could include the following:
Even the smallest possible symptoms need to be monitored because they could be indicators of a much bigger problem. Usually, a doctor will order tests, which could include blood work, X-rays, or an MRI. Though these types of tests can be expensive if they are not 100 percent covered by the victim’s medical insurance, they present critical steps to reveal injuries..
If a victim does not get treatment at the accident scene or soon after, the victim can still get help at the earliest sign of a potential injury. The key is to avoid unnecessary delays whenever possible, as delays can lead to a denied claim. Delays can also pose health risks, such as if the victim requires surgery, physical therapy, or emotional counseling to mitigate the damages caused by the injury.
Hearing that an insurance claim has been rejected by the at-fault driver’s insurance team can make a victim feel like there is no recourse. However, this does not mean an injured car crash victim should stop trying to recover compensation or damages.
Consulting a personal injury lawyer is important, particularly in the case of a significant injury that took time to present itself. Many car accident victims with delayed diagnoses eventually get their claims accepted after hiring a legal team to help fight for their rights.
Car accidents often cause hidden injuries. If you were in a car accident, contact one of our Delaware personal injury lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow right away. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 302-427-9500. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
Landscapers keep outdoor spaces neat and attractive, but the work often involves difficult labor in harsh conditions with dangerous tools and numerous hazards. There are many dangers involved in landscaping work. While protection from these dangers is not always present, workers who do become injured doing these jobs are offered protections under the law.
Fortunately, landscaping workers who become injured on the job should be able to collect Workers’ Compensation to protect them. In some instances, a landscape worker can be compensated for another person’s negligence.
Some common hazards for landscapers include the following:
Dangerous Tools: Landscapers have to operate dangerous tools to trim trees and bushes, mow lawns, dig holes, and to lift heavy materials. Some of these tools are heavy machinery, others are handheld. Some have fast moving parts, others have sharp blades. These tools can cause injuries, like deep cuts or severed limbs.
Falls: Falling accidents are common in this line of work, as landscapers often work on uneven or slick surfaces. They can trip and fall into holes that were created for planting flowers, bushes, shrubs, or other landscaping projects. Workers can fall from trees or off of work equipment as well.
Since landscaping work involves traveling from one client’s property to another, many work-related injuries in the landscaping industry happen en route from one job to the next. These motor vehicle accidents may be considered work injuries because they occurred while performing job duties.
Extreme Heat and Cold: The outdoor nature of landscaping is hard on workers. Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can create dangers for landscapers. Landscapers are best known for lawn and garden care in the warmer months, but they also care for properties throughout the year, including handing snow removal and salting icy pathways and parking areas. During winter months, risks include frostbite and other cold-related dangers. At the height of the summer, these workers are at risk of suffering from heatstroke.
Toxic Substances: Landscapers work with all kinds of toxic chemicals, such as weed killers, fertilizers, pesticides, and other substances that can be harmful to humans. Some of the most common landscaping chemicals still in use today have been associated with illnesses, including cancer.
Landscapers can suffer from various types of injuries. Some common injuries in the landscaping business include:
Electrocution: Landscapers may be at risk of being electrocuted by coming into contact with overhead power lines or utility cables buried underground.
Overexertion: Overexertion injuries can be caused by attempting to lift a heavy or unwieldy object. Repetitive stress injuries result from repeated motions, such as digging, raking, or shoveling.
Eye Injuries: An object propelled by a high-speed mower blade is a danger to anyone in the vicinity. Even the smallest of rocks or sticks can become a flying danger that can cause a permanent injury.
Hearing Loss: Using noisy equipment, like lawn mowers and trimmers, can cause permanent hearing damage without the use of proper hearing protection, such as industrial earplugs.
Crushing Injuries: Landscapers can be seriously injured by falling branches and debris. Heavy equipment and materials may also pose crushing hazards to workers.
If one is injured on the job as a landscaper, one may worry that one has no recourse to seek compensation for an injury. An injured worker’s options after a landscaping work accident will be determined by a few factors.
If a landscaper is injured while working and performing job-related tasks, they should be able to collect compensation for the work accident through the employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance. Importantly, a worker does not have to prove that anyone was negligent in order to receive compensation through a Workers’ Compensation policy.
A Workers’ Compensation claim should cover all medical bills as well as benefits for a disability or lost wages caused by the accident. These benefits may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury and the expectations for recovery. If the accident results in death, the family of the deceased is entitled to death benefits through Workers’ Compensation.
If a person is operating their own landscaping business or they are working as an independent contractor for a separate business, they will not be eligible for such coverage unless they have their own independent policy.
Laws mandating Workers’ Compensation insurance are in place to protect workers, but they also protect employers by preventing injured workers from directly suing employers. However, there is nothing barring a worker from filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party.
When a work accident involves third-party liability, the injured person may be able to collect additional damages. For example, if a lawnmower part breaks off and causes an injury, the manufacturer of the mower may be held liable for the machinery defect. A landscaping professional may sue a homeowner for hazardous conditions on the property.
In a personal injury case, one will have to prove negligence in order to collect compensation. If a case is strong, the liable party may opt to offer a settlement instead of going to court.
Unlike Workers’ Compensation claims, a personal injury suit may seek damages for pain and suffering, psychological distress, or other emotional losses. After a work accident, it is important to contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for compensation.
Landscaping can be dangerous work. If you were injured while you were performing landscaping work, you may be able to collect compensation. Our Delaware work injury lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow can help you determine the best way to seek fair compensation. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-427-9500. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
Driving aggressively puts people in danger. When the aggressive driver is behind the wheel of a commercial truck, the danger becomes unimaginable. Unfortunately, truck accidents involving these enormous vehicles happen every day. Too often, these collisions are caused by aggressive driving.
Sometimes, aggressive driving is perpetrated by people with anger issues. Other times, drivers are responding to time constraints and pressure brought on by traffic delays that have threatened to affect the time that they will reach their destinations. Unrealistic expectations by their employers could contribute to their behaviors as well.
Aggressive drivers generally display more care about getting where they are going than they do about getting there safely. The behaviors they exhibit undermine the safety of everyone else on the road. Such aggressive driving behaviors include the following:
An aggressive driver may conveniently disregard traffic rules, acting as if they do not apply to them. Other drivers depend on adherence to traffic laws to anticipate the behaviors of others on the road. If the driver of a huge truck disregards traffic norms, it puts people in danger.
The number one offense against road safety is driving too fast. Speeding can deprive a driver’s ability to control a vehicle. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the harder it is to stop in an emergency. This is doubly true for a huge, heavy truck. Driving over the speed limit is an obvious infraction, but even driving within the legal range can be dangerous if driving conditions are less than ideal. A driver should take into account the driving environment, including visual impairments from fog or elements that affect the surface of the road, like recent rainstorms.
When a truck or other vehicle drives too closely to the vehicle in front of them, they are tailgating. The maneuver is often used to show impatience with the speed of the driver who is blocking the irritated driver’s way.
A trucker in a rush may endanger other vehicles on the road by passing unexpectedly on the wrong side or weaving through cars to move faster. One extremely unsafe practice is passing on the shoulder of the road.
An aggressive driver may disregard certain right-of-way rules to advance themselves by forcing their way into highway traffic at on-ramps or through intersections without waiting their turn or giving deference to other drivers.
A humungous truck can be intimidating for other drivers. If a truck driver uses this context to their advantage, they might cut off another vehicle, force a car out of their lane, or keep another driver from merging onto the roadway.
While there is some overlap, generally, road rage is a step beyond typical aggressive driving. Aggressive driving behaviors are usually used in an effort to help the driver make good time or to move quickly through surrounding traffic. The focus is usually selfish and intimidating, but it does not necessarily involve a violent intent toward a specific person.
Road rage may begin as aggressive driving, but the situation may escalate when things become personal. A road rage incident may involve the types of reckless driving listed above, but it also tends to be focused on threatening a specific individual that has performed some sort of infraction that has angered the other driver.
Road rage often entails yelling or obscene gestures directed at another driver. An unhinged driver may honk their horn or flash their lights to show anger about an exchange with another driver. Sometimes, the incident intensifies into a physical confrontation.
A driver’s best defense against an aggressive truck driver is to keep distance. Obey the rules of the road for everyone’s safety.
One way to avoid problems with an aggressive trucker is to stay out of their way. Drive in the right lane, using the left lane for passing only. Use a safe following distance and be courteous to other drivers.
If one is being followed too closely or is a target of an aggressive driver, one should try to ignore the aggressive driver’s actions. It is better to be safe than to attempt to win a dispute with another driver.
Keep a safe distance from trucks when possible. Even if a driver is unaware of any aggressive driving tendencies, a truck driver may change lanes impulsively without noticing that a driver is there. This often happens when cars drive along the right sides of trucks where blind spots are factors.
If a driver witnesses an aggressive truck driver on the road, they should attempt to notify local police. A commercial truck typically displays a phone number so that a driver can alert the trucking company about unsafe driving behaviors.
A trucker can be held liable for irresponsible driving if it led to the accident, but the trucking company can also be held liable for a trucker’s aggressive driving. In order to hold the company liable for an aggressive driving accident, it must be proven that the company was negligent in some way. Perhaps they hired the driver without properly checking the trucker’s driving history for prior aggressive driving issues.
Obtaining a lawyer after a truck accident is crucial. Truck accident cases can be complex, and a lawyer will determine who is responsible. A lawyer will also help the victim obtain fair compensation.
If an aggressive truck driver caused the accident that led to your injuries, you may be able to collect compensation for the accident. Our New Castle truck accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow help accident victims collect damages to cover medical treatments for injuries, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-427-9500. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
Fireworks and summertime tend to go hand-in-hand, and not just during Independence Day weekend. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, many public and private celebrations include fireworks, such as sparklers, noisemakers, and small-time displays.
People have loved fireworks for generations because they capture a spirit of excitement, provide outstanding sound and visual effects, and offer a sense of cultural nostalgia. Nevertheless, fireworks should never be underestimated. When used inappropriately, fireworks can be dangerous and cause catastrophic injuries.
Fireworks are unsafe because they bring together a combination of fire and heat-causing chemicals. This combination allows the fireworks to combust and send off extremely hot sparks or send pieces of the firework flying.
People who are not well-versed in fireworks safety precautions may think that they can just set off firecrackers or ignite rockets without any problems. However, adding a flame to any type of firecracker turns it into a possibly dangerous object, even if the results look attractive.
Fireworks can be particularly hazardous when they are set off by minors. Children under 18 years old should never be in charge of lighting firecrackers or fireworks. Only adults should control fireworks at family gatherings or parties. Even then, the adults should make sure that they are sober and understand what types of fireworks they are using.
Unfortunately, some fireworks sold to consumers are ultimately meant for professionals. Typically, those kinds of fireworks are distributed in paper wrappings rather than in manufacturers’ boxes.
Essentially, any firework can cause injury to the person handling it. Even spectators can be wounded or killed by fireworks. Reports state that every year, thousands of people get hurt because of fireworks.
Fireworks burn hotter than many people expect. Therefore, the most commonly reported injuries tend to be first, second, and third-degree burns. The burns can occur anywhere on the body, including the feet, hands, arms, torso, legs, and face. Eye injuries from fireworks are frequently seen in emergency rooms, too.
In exceptional and rare cases, fireworks may contribute to mental trauma if someone witnesses a particularly tragic accident that was caused by a poorly arranged fireworks display.
Just because fireworks can be unsafe, does not mean that individuals and families need to avoid them altogether. Proper planning and execution can help reduce the likelihood of injuries linked to fireworks. Therefore, every stage of setting off fireworks, from buying the fireworks to disposing them, should be mapped out.
Fireworks can be legally sold in many places in Delaware and other states. However, illegal fireworks dealers may try to sell fireworks to unsuspecting buyers. Consumers should make sure that they only buy legal fireworks. They should also conduct research about each type of firework to understand what they are buying.
It is always better to be more conservative when it comes to fireworks. Individuals relatively new to working with fireworks should choose fireworks that they are familiar with, such as fireworks they have handled before.
Before any fireworks display, a homeowner should prepare the area where the fireworks will be used. The preparation may include picking a detonation spot away from a home, shed, structure, trees, cars, shrubs, or items that can easily catch fire. If a grassy area is very dry, a homeowner may want to wet the grass prior to setting off fireworks.
Prep time should involve filling a few buckets with water and putting them within reach of the fireworks handlers and spectators. The buckets can be used to quickly put out fires. The buckets can also be used to drench smoldering, used fireworks to ensure that they have stopped burning.
As a final precautionary measure, having a first aid kit on hand is always advisable.
Prior to igniting fireworks, handlers should thoroughly read any directions printed on the packages. If instructions have not been included, the fireworks may be meant for professionals with pyrotechnic experience. Homeowners should use great caution before agreeing to use any fireworks that seem to be unusual or uncommon.
When setting off fireworks, everyone who will be handling the fireworks should stay in a designated safety area. Fireworks handlers should wear safety goggles or protective eyewear. Any fireworks that do not ignite the first time around should be properly disposed of and not relit.
If children are going to be given lighted sparklers, they should always be accompanied by adults. Kids tend to drop sparklers, which can lead to burns.
People who are not actively involved in lighting the fireworks should stand off to the side to give enough room for the people who are. Fireworks can shoot in unexpected directions, hitting watchers who are too close to the action.
After each firework has been lit or set off, it should be doused with water to cool it off immediately. People should not toss newly detonated fireworks into trash cans, as the fireworks may still be hot enough to start a fire with the rest of the garbage. Before going to bed, homeowners should clean up all fireworks debris and ensure it is not smoldering.
People worried about the risks associated with fireworks have alternatives when it comes to enjoying fireworks during the summer months. Many municipalities set off fireworks during major holidays, which allows residents and visitors to have a fun experience from a safe distance. Some national fireworks displays are televised, which may be an acceptable alternative to watching in person.
Anyone who is seriously hurt by fireworks may want to contact a personal injury lawyer. It may be possible to recover damages from a private individual, the seller, or maker of the fireworks. Since every situation is unique, injured parties should always seek legal advice from knowledgeable professionals.
Fireworks can be fun, but they may cause serious injuries. If you were seriously hurt during a fireworks display, you may be able to collect compensation. Our Delaware personal injury lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow protect clients injured by negligent parties. Contact us online or call us at 302-427-9500 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
June has been named National Safety Month by the National Safety Council. This gives employers the opportunity to consider how to bring more security and peace of mind to everyone. Around 4.5 million employees every year require medical attention due to work-related accidents. Additionally, similar accidents can happen outside of work that leads to personal injury claims. During National Safety Month, everyone should take extra time to practice safety.
Some employees work at desk jobs daily. If their desks, chairs, and other equipment pieces are not ergonomically sound, they may end up feeling fatigued or develop lower back pain, shoulder discomfort, and headaches. Buying ergonomic equipment makes sense from a business standpoint. Although ergonomic products may cost more, these products allow staff members to be more productive and lessen the risk of injuries.
Each year, more than 67,000 people overdose on drugs and lose their lives. In some cases, those overdoses occur because of accidents related to where medicines are stored. All drugs, including over-the-counter medications or prescription medicines, should be kept out of the way of minors. They should also be properly labeled and only taken as expected. Older adults may have trouble remembering whether they took the right number and type of pills. Properly storing medications and using containers and calendars will help everyone monitor their dosages.
Slip and falls cause the death of 34,000 individuals annually. A smart way to lower the likelihood of someone tripping is to keep all floors clear of debris. Flooring should also be even and not torn, ripped, or frayed. Older, damaged floors should be repaired or replaced. In the case of recently mopped floors, temporary barriers and signage should be used to warn people of the wet area.
It might seem strange to worry about first aid kits, but having one available can mean the difference between someone receiving assistance quickly or waiting for medical care. After all, accidents happen on a regular basis and without warning. For that reason, workers should always keep a first aid kit available. First aid kits travel well and can be stored in desks, backpacks, gym bags, purses, suitcases, car consoles, car trunks, bathrooms, garages, and kitchens.
Though traffic and driving laws may seem heavy handed at times, these rules save lives. Just wearing a seat belt can help someone survive a car accident. Statistics culled over the past 45 years show that using seat belts and lap belts reduce the chance of dying in a crash by 45 to 65 percent. Younger drivers may need to be reminded of how to cautiously operate a motorized vehicle, especially when driving for work. However, even seasoned motorists can use refreshers to make sure they avoid hurting themselves or others due to avoidable collisions.
In many industries, workers must wear and use specific types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Whether purchased personally or obtained through the employer, employees must maintain and utilize their PPE to avoid common workplace injuries, including electrocution, crushing injuries, overexertion, lacerations, broken bones, soft tissue sprains and strains, and injuries caused in falling accidents.
During June, many companies offer extra PPE-themed classes to remind workers of the proper ways to safely go about their normal duties. Such classes may be held in conjunction with other training and workshops, such as on-the-job accident protocol updates, injury report notification expectations, and Workers’ Compensation claim filing procedures.
Taking just a few minutes to test alarm-related equipment or to conduct an impromptu fire drill can make sure everyone in the workplace remains safe if a fire breaks out.
Playing it safe extends to personal health, too. Chronic or sudden issues rarely go away on their own and may lead to larger conditions and diseases. Caring for mental and physical health is a must-do as part of personal safety and prevention. Adults of specific ages are urged to undergo exams as these medical procedures and tests help everyone stay healthier by detecting problems early or warding them off entirely. Following health care recommendations based on gender, age, and other factors keeps everyone healthy.
Falling accidents cause fatalities and severe injuries in a variety of fields, including manufacturing and construction. The most reasonable way to keep employees from requiring medical attention caused by falls is by instituting airtight procedures and rules, and then insisting everyone to follow the rules without failure.
Many falls are preventable with the right kind of planning. Assuring employees that they should take their time to make certain they are correctly positioned to avoid a fall is part of every manager’s role and responsibility, as well as making sure all fall-prevention equipment is well-maintained and in working order.
At home, people should be cautious when climbing ladders, working on rooftops, or cutting tree limbs without professional assistance. These activities can end in a trip to the emergency room, not to mention long-term problems, such as extensive traumatic brain injuries.
During this month, everyone should be extra cautious and advocate for safety; however, accidents can still happen. Our Wilmington Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow are here to assist you with your injuries. Call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
May is an exciting time of year for many reasons. The weather starts to get warm, school ends, and more time is spent doing outdoor activities. May is also known for being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a month dedicated to the safety and recognition of motorcyclists on the road.
To reduce the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities, all road users need to understand the challenges that motorcyclists face while driving. Their size and visibility are limited as well as their weaving techniques. Driving a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous and lead to catastrophic injuries if proper precautions are not taken by all motorcyclists and drivers.
May brings sunny days and a more desirable climate. Many motorcyclists look forward to dusting off their vehicles and taking their open-air motorcycles out for a drive.
Despite the excitement involved, both motorcyclists and motorists need to be careful while driving, and always be aware of their surroundings. Motorcycles can sometimes be easy to miss due to blind spots, which causes many accidents. Always check your blind spots when merging, changing lanes, and turning to ensure that there is not a motorcyclist in your direct path.
Riding a motorcycle comes with its dangers separate from driving a common vehicle. Serious injuries or death can occur if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
If an accident is serious enough, fatalities of all drivers involved could happen, especially if drivers are not wearing protective equipment or seat belts.
Accidents are not always the fault of a motorist, an accident can happen if a motorcyclist is not driving safely.
Some ways you can maintain motorcycle safety includes:
All motorcyclists are legally required to be properly licensed before operating their vehicle. Unique skills and knowledge are needed to ride a motorcycle, and that is why it is important that drivers take rider education courses before obtaining their license. Rider-training courses are offered through your local motor vehicle agency.
Besides practicing safe driving techniques, avoid all distractions while riding, and make sure you are drug and alcohol free before operating the bike. Drugs and alcohol impairs your judgement and makes it difficult to focus on the road. To avoid accidents, ride safely and sober.
If you have been injured while driving a motorcycle, our Bear personal injury lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow are prepared to handle your case. We will work hard to obtain the compensation you deserve and help you receive all benefits you are entitled to. For a free consultation, call us at 302-834-8484 or contact us online. Located in Bear, Milford, and Wilmington, Delaware, we serve car accident victims throughout Middletown, Dover, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our firm is experiencing certain changes. Please read the following newsletter on our new implemented changes, how we are handing the current pandemic, and how it relates to your case.
Rhoades-Morrow-May-2020-Update
For more information, contact our legal team at Rhoades & Morrow by calling 302-427-9500 or use our online form.
Driving above the posted speed limit may sound harmless, but statistics show that speeding is the leading cause of vehicular deaths in the United States. In fact, speeding frequently plays a part in no fewer than one-fifth of all fatal crashes in Delaware. Even when someone does not die after a car accident, he or she may be left with catastrophic injuries. This makes the act of speeding a dangerous, selfish choice for any driver on the road.
Speeding occurs for a wide variety of reasons and it happens in all age groups. One reason is impatience, which can make drivers more susceptible to trying to get around slower moving traffic. To some motorists, speeding may seem normal, especially when all the other cars on the highway appear to be going five or 10 miles above the speed limit.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also cause someone to speed. The same is true for distracted driving, such as when a driver texts or eats while driving. In both circumstances, the driver pays more attention to something other than the road.
What are other commonly cited speeder excuses? Anything from wanting to find a restroom to running late for a meeting may become explanations for speeding. However, these rationales do not hold up under scrutiny and ultimately put everyone on the road at risk.
Most speeders believe that they can slow down if needed. However, speeding causes a diminished reaction time. A driver who speeds has much less time to react to changing conditions. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it will take to stop. Consequently, going just a few miles above the speed limit can mean the difference between avoiding an accident or becoming a statistic.
Motorists who consistently speed put their own wants and needs above those of their fellow travelers. Though it is impossible for safe drivers to completely avoid speeders, they can take a few measures to reduce the risk of colliding with a speeding vehicle.
First, motorists should steer clear of speeders and try to move out of their way. Allowing a speeder to pass quickly may be the wisest decision, rather than trying to slow the speeder down or keep up with the speeder.
Secondly, drivers who are being tailgated by a speeder will want to move out of the way as soon as possible. This can be difficult, especially on roads where passing is not allowed. If necessary, a driver should be prepared to take an exit, turn onto another road, or turn into a parking lot. This gets the driver away from the speeding vehicle permanently.
Finally, if a speeding motorist becomes hostile or harassing, the victimized driver can take recourse by having a passenger call 911. Highway aggression and speeding are often closely associated, alerting the authorities to inappropriate or frightening driving behaviors is important.
Were you seriously injured in a speeding accident? If so, it is crucial to contact one of our Bear car accident lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow to obtain legal counsel. Complete our online form or call us at 302-834-8484 to schedule a free consultation about your case. With offices located in Bear, Wilmington, and Milford, Delaware, we serve car accident victims in Middletown, Seaford, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
As the number of COVID-19 related deaths has increased over the last few weeks, we have learned that long term care facilities, including nursing homes, have been hit the hardest. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) Administrator Seema Verma has said, “Nursing homes have been ground zero for COVID-19.” Because of the large amount of COVID-19 cases at nursing homes, CMS announced new regulatory requirements that will require nursing homes to inform residents, their families and representatives of COVID-19 cases in their facilities. You can learn more about CMS efforts to track COVID-19 in nursing homes by visiting: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-new-nursing-homes-covid-19-transparency-effort
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (“CDC”) has issued key strategies for long term care facilities, such as nursing homes. The CDC has said that facilities must act immediately to protect residents, families, and staff from serious illness, complications, and death. Strategies include keeping COVID-19 from entering the facility, identifying infections early and identifying and managing severe illness. You can learn more about CDC efforts to protect long term care facility residents by visiting: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html
In Delaware, as of April 19, 2020, the Delaware Division of Public Health, announced that here have been 167 positive COVID-19 cases involving residents of long-term care facilities. Forty-two residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.
The locations and number of deaths related to long-term care facilities are:
If you have concerns about the treatment of a family member or loved one residing in a nursing home, or if you are an employee of a nursing home concerned about your work conditions, please contact the Wilmington nursing home abuse lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow for more information. In these difficult times, our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured and their families. For a free consultation, call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online today. Located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Middletown, Dover, Milford, Hillsborough, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.
Statement Regarding Coronavirus Disease ("Covid-19"):
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The situation regarding the COVID-19 virus changes daily. During this uncertain time, we can assure you that the team at Rhoades & Morrow continues to focus on helping our current clients as well as assisting new clients.
We know that legal questions still arise, and we are here to answer your questions and provide the trusted guidance that you have come to expect from us over the years. To ensure the health and safety of our staff and our clients, we are conducting virtual consultations via Zoom and by telephone. We also have the ability to exchange documents via secure e-mail.
We will continue to work to protect the rights of our clients. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at 302-427-9500 or contact us online.
We look forward to hearing from you. Stay safe and healthy.