What to Know if Your Car Is Totaled in a South Carolina Crash
Average repair costs in the United States depend on the severity of damage and the availability of parts. If the cost of repairing your vehicle exceeds the actual cash value, then your vehicle will be considered a total loss. Having a claims adjuster inform you that your vehicle is totaled...
Continue ReadingHow to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in South Carolina
Approximately 8.7 million individuals in the United States receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) each year. SSDI is designed to financially support disabled individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition or those whose earnings are below a certain threshold. Although benefits can be a lifesaver for...
Continue ReadingWhen Minor Crashes Become Major Legal Issues
There is a common misconception that if you are involved in a minor crash, you should negotiate repairs with the other driver and skip the hassle of going through insurance. The reasoning is usually this: If you only experience minor damage in a collision, you may as well pay out-of-pocket...
Continue ReadingCan I Be Liable for Car Damage Without Proof?
With more than six million collisions occurring each year, many of these result in vehicle damage. The extent of damage and the cost of labor and parts will dictate the impact on your bank account. Even with proof of damage and other losses, you cannot be held liable if the...
Continue ReadingHow Soon Should I Contact an Attorney After an Accident?
Given the fast-paced world we live in, car accidents are steadily increasing, with over 6 million collisions taking place each year. Do not think that living in the Palmetto State makes your commute safer, with the state experiencing over 145,000 collisions in a recent year. Given the frequency of accidents,...
Continue ReadingWhy the Truck’s Black Box is Critical Evidence After a Crash
Following a crash, you may find yourself in utter disbelief at what just happened. Given how fast a crash can occur, you may fail to remember details that can make or break your case. While car accident victims may be out of luck if no eyewitness testimony or video footage...
Continue ReadingMotorcycle Helmet Laws in South Carolina
There is no denying that motorcycle helmets save lives, but this doesn’t mean that not having a helmet on will negate your ability to seek compensation if another driver’s negligence causes you to be injured in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina. If this is the dire situation you find...
Continue ReadingDetermining Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
When you are on your bike, you don’t have the protective shell that vehicles afford, you’re more difficult to see, and you’re more vulnerable to the road’s condition – all of which means you’re at greater risk of being seriously injured in a traffic accident. Your motorcycle accident claim will...
Continue ReadingWhat to Do If You’re Hit by a Driver with Minimal Insurance
You followed the rules. You drove responsibly, watched your surroundings, and didn’t take chances. Then someone else made a reckless choice and crashed into your world – literally. Unfortunately, you’ve just learned that the driver who hit you carries the bare minimum required insurance. At Oxner and Stacy Law Firm,...
Continue ReadingReporting a Hit and Run Accident in Georgetown
Hit-and-run crashes are unique. One minute you’re driving through Georgetown like it’s any other day. The next, you’re blindsided – and the driver who caused it has vanished without a trace. The impact isn’t just physical. It leaves questions, confusion, and a lingering sense of injustice. You did nothing wrong,...
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Negligence in Georgetown Car Accident Cases
Car accidents happen every day across South Carolina, and in many cases, they could have been prevented if drivers exercised more care on the road. When careless behavior leads to a crash, it falls under the legal concept of negligence. You may have the right to pursue compensation if you’ve...
Continue ReadingProving Liability in Personal Injury Cases in Williamsburg County
An injury can turn your life upside down, especially when it isn’t your fault. Medical bills pile up, time off work can cause severe financial strain, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming. One of the first questions many injured individuals ask is, “If someone else caused my injuries, will...
Continue ReadingShould I Use My Cell Phone to Take Pictures at the Scene of the Accident?
Smartphones have changed how car accident attorneys prove personal injury claims in South Carolina. For the first time, most drivers now have phones capable of taking detailed photos and videos immediately following a crash. Photographs cannot tell the whole story, but in the hands of the right lawyers, one photo...
Continue ReadingBest Practices for Handling Insurance Claims After a Kingstree Car Crash
Contract law controls your obligations to your auto insurance company. If your contract requires you to report all accidents and file claims within 30 days, you must generally do so or risk forfeiting your benefits. South Carolina does not set a deadline for filing insurance claims after an accident, but...
Continue ReadingAre There Special Licensing or Training Requirements for Drivers of Logging Trucks?
Yes, truck drivers who man massive logging trucks face special requirements in both licensing and training due to the immense risk involved. Logging trucks are some of the heaviest vehicles, so accidents they are involved with are some of the deadliest on our roadways. If a logging truck driver’s negligence...
Continue ReadingFiling a Claim Against a Commercial Logging Truck Drivers Insurance Company
If you are injured by a commercial logging truck, you can seek compensation for your losses by filing your claim with the company’s insurance provider. Employers are responsible for covering the damage that their employees cause while on the job. Accidents involving logging trucks are hazardous, which makes working closely...
Continue ReadingWhat Types of Damages Can I Recover after a Car or Truck Accident?
Car and truck accidents are as dangerous as they are common. If another driver’s negligence injures you, recovering compensation is important to your future. In the aftermath of a violent traffic accident, it is not unusual to be at a loss regarding how best to proceed. Still, the good news...
Continue ReadingWhat Is the Role of a Lawyer in a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accidents are – without a doubt – among the most dangerous accidents on our roadways. The sheer size and weight of the semis that roam our highways ensure that the occupants of the other vehicles involved in any truck accidents are far more vulnerable to severe losses. Our experienced...
Continue ReadingSuing for Pain and Suffering Damages in a Car Accident in Georgetown, SC
Suppose another driver’s negligence injures you in a car accident. In that case, you can seek compensation for your entire range of losses, including your physical and emotional pain and suffering, in a car accident claim you file with their insurance provider. However, if the insurance company is not interested...
Continue ReadingWho Can Be Held Liable in a Logging Truck Accident?
Logging truck accidents are hazardous accidents often based on the driver’s negligence. Because truckers who drive logging trucks often drive for logging companies, the companies are generally liable for any ensuing logging truck accidents. If the logging truck driver who caused you to be injured is an independent operator, you’ll...
Continue ReadingWhat Is the Impact of State Laws on My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Suppose you’re injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another motorist’s negligence in South Carolina. In that case, you can pursue compensation through a motorcycle accident claim, and state laws will directly affect its outcome. Motorcycle accident claims involve complex legal intricacies, and working closely with an experienced motorcycle accident...
Continue ReadingWhat if I Was a Passenger in the Car that Caused the Accident?
If you were injured as a passenger in a negligent driver’s car, the situation is confusing, and you may not know where to turn for the help you need. The good news is that you can seek compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses by filing a claim with...
Continue ReadingWhat Should I Do Immediately After a Logging Truck Accident?
With the logging industry being integral to South Carolina’s economy, logging truck accidents are becoming more prevalent each year. Given that a logging truck can weigh up to 88,000 pounds, the speed of a collision can result in devastating consequences. If you have been involved in an accident with a...
Continue ReadingHow Do Motorcycle Accident Cases Differ from Car Accident Cases?
Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury or death than motor vehicle drivers. Studies have shown that a bike rider is 27 times more likely to die in a crash than a motor vehicle occupant. Since a motorcyclist must balance on two...
Continue ReadingCan I Still Recover Damages if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Helmets decrease the risk of death by 37%, making it wise to wear one while taking your afternoon leisure ride. Although South Carolina has no mandatory helmet law for adults, you reduce your risk of severe injuries and other losses if you wear a properly fitted helmet. However, failure to...
Continue ReadingWhat Should I Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney for My Logging Truck Accident Case?
Logging truck accidents in Georgetown, SC, result in devastating injuries due to the overly huge size and weight of these vehicles. These accidents often involve both state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. Additionally, the involvement of powerful trucking companies can make seeking compensation a challenging process. In such...
Continue ReadingWhat Information Should I Collect from the Other Driver?
It is estimated that a car accident occurs every 60 seconds. If you have recently been in a car accident, you probably felt overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Worse yet, dealing with the insurance company is often a nightmare, with claims adjusters insisting you send additional documentation to...
Continue ReadingWhat Are Your Rights as a Passenger Injured in a Car Accident?
The IIHS reported that in a recent year, passenger vehicle occupant fatalities accounted for 61% of the 42,514 motor vehicle crash deaths. This highlights that passengers bear the brunt of these crashes, and those who survive should be aware of their rights if injured as passengers. While drivers often think...
Continue ReadingSteps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident
Following a truck accident in Georgetown, your immediate steps are key in protecting your rights. This is especially true if you plan to pursue a claim for damages. The steps you take have the potential to affect your recovery physically, financially, and legally. With guidance from a personal injury lawyer...
Continue ReadingCommon Causes of Logging Truck Accidents
Logging truck accidents are often complex events that require detailed investigation to uncover the specific factors leading to the crash. Unlike typical car accidents, the huge size and weight of logging trucks mean that even a minor incident can result in severe injuries not only to the truck occupants but...
Continue ReadingCan I Sue the Auto Shop for Negligence?
You can sue an auto shop for negligence if their poor work causes damage to your car, which leads to injuries. Negligence includes not fixing the issue, causing new damage, or using incorrect parts. You must prove the shop’s negligence directly harmed you. If you or a loved one experienced...
Continue ReadingDo I need a police report to file a claim?
You don’t always need a police report to file an insurance claim, but it can make the process much easier. Further, you might need a police report to comply with the law. In Georgetown, you must call the police if someone is injured. However, you should file a report if...
Continue ReadingHow Often Do Elder Drivers Cause Accidents?
Elder drivers, usually 65 or older, have higher accident rates than middle-aged drivers, but might be less often at fault than younger drivers. After age 75, the risk of at-fault accidents increases due to slower reactions and reduced vision. Other common causes include confusion at intersections, failing to yield, and...
Continue ReadingHow much will my insurance go up after a car accident?
After a car accident, your insurance rates could increase, depending on factors like who was at fault, the severity of the accident, your driving history, and your insurance company’s policies. Typically, for minor at-fault accidents, rates may go up by 20-40%, while major accidents can cause increases of 40-150%. If...
Continue ReadingDo I need a police report to file an insurance claim?
You don’t always need a police report to file an insurance claim, but it can make the process much easier. Further, you might need a police report to comply with the law. In Georgetown, you must call the police if someone is injured. However, you should file a report if...
Continue ReadingHow Do You Prove Your Medical Team Made a Mistake?
Medical malpractice in the State of South Carolina refers to medical professionals and teams who deviate from the standard of care set by the profession, which generally means taking actions or failing to take actions that don’t align with what other medical professionals would do under similar circumstances. If you...
Continue ReadingSteps to Take Immediately after a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you should know that feeling at a loss is not at all unusual. While every car accident is unique to the specifics involved, there are several primary steps that every victim should take. One of...
Continue ReadingDo I Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim?
No. You don’t necessarily need a police report to file an insurance claim. However, having a police report can help speed up the insurance claims process because it will include specific facts about the accident. It will also strengthen the validity of your claim. It’s also worth noting that insurance...
Continue ReadingHow Often Are Elder Drivers At Fault in Accidents
While it’s not clear how often older drivers are at fault in accidents, studies show that for every 1,000 individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents, 96.61 of those involved older drivers. The likelihood of being involved in a collision increases the older the driver is. In fact, drivers who are...
Continue ReadingWhat If I am a Passenger in an Uber Who Hits a Pedestrian? Do I Have a Claim If I Get Hurt?
Yes. As a passenger, you have a claim against Uber if you suffer injuries, including physical or emotional injuries, in a crash and the driver hit a pedestrian. Uber must carry specific auto insurance coverage policies to comply with South Carolina law. However, getting compensation for your losses can be...
Continue ReadingWhat if the Car that Hits Me Does Not Have Any Insurance?
If the driver who causes you to be injured doesn’t carry the liability insurance every car owner is required to purchase in the State of South Carolina, it leaves you in a serious predicament. In this situation, you’ll turn to your own car insurance policy to address specific losses you...
Continue ReadingIf I Get into an Accident on My Motorcycle, Should I Get a Lawyer to Help Me?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, the road toward recovery is likely to be long and difficult, and the legalities of your motorcycle accident claim will be challenging. One of the most important first steps anyone in your situation can...
Continue ReadingThe Driver Who Caused My Accident Was Uninsured – Will I Still Be Compensated?
Being injured by another driver’s negligence puts you in a challenging position, but if they don’t carry the liability coverage that is required by law, things become that much more difficult. Fortunately, as an insured driver, you have options that include turning to your own insurance coverage. If you’ve been...
Continue ReadingShould I Sue A Doctor Or The Hospital?
Depending on the facts of your medical malpractice claim, you may be able to sue the doctor, hospital, or both parties. It can be challenging to determine which party is at fault and liable for your damages. In most cases, it’s clear that the doctor is at fault. However, there...
Continue ReadingWhat Are The Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims?
Of all the personal injury claims, medical malpractice claims are among the most complex, time-consuming, and costly. The most common medical malpractice claims based on a doctor’s failure to accurately diagnose a health condition, medication errors, birth injuries, and surgical errors can be extremely daunting and stressful to navigate. Medical...
Continue ReadingA Car Door Opened Into Me As I Was Riding My Bike. Do I Have A Claim Against The Driver?
Yes. You may have a claim against the driver that hit you. This is especially true if you followed the state’s bike laws and still get hit: Ride in the proper lane, follow the traffic flow, and obey traffic rules. Stay on the rightmost side of the road as much...
Continue ReadingCan Anything I Say to the Police after My Car Accident Be Used against Me?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence and you’re feeling completely confused about what you should or shouldn’t do, you’re not alone. The aftermath of a violent car crash can leave you completely befuddled, and you might not know what to...
Continue ReadingSteps to Take Immediately After I Have Been Hit
If another driver hits you and leaves you injured in a car accident – or if you’re hit while on foot or on your bike – you face a challenging path forward, and the steps you take now can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. While...
Continue ReadingCan I Still Recover Damages if I Was Not Wearing a Seatbelt at the Time of the Car Accident?
Like other states, South Carolina has a law requiring motorists – and everyone else in their vehicles – to buckle up. If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, the fact that you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time can affect how...
Continue ReadingWhat Information Do I Need to File an Injury Claim?
If you’ve suffered an injury due to another person or entity’s negligence, you may have no idea how best to proceed in terms of protecting your rights and supporting your most complete recovery. A personal injury claim allows you to seek the compensation to which you’re entitled through the at-fault...
Continue ReadingIf I Ride My Bike at Night, Am I Required to Have Lights on My Bike?
South Carolina has bicycle laws, and these include specific requirements regarding lights on your bike when you choose to ride at night. The state takes the safety of everyone on the road very seriously, and bike laws are designed to protect cyclists from the often fatal impact of traffic accidents...
Continue ReadingHow is a Car Accident Settlement Calculated?
Being injured in a car accident puts you in a difficult position, and if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, the matter can be that much more challenging. In order to recover compensation for your losses, you will file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance...
Continue Reading4 telltale signs of nursing home abuse and neglect
Putting a loved one in a nursing home may be the right choice for your family, but you likely still have concerns about abuse and neglect. The National Council on Aging states that among Americans 60 and older, at least one in 10 have experienced some form of abuse. Identifying...
Continue ReadingBedsores are often an early indicator of nursing home neglect
If your elderly mother, father or grandparent lives in a nursing home, you rely on staff to provide adequate care. After all, your loved one likely needs some assistance managing both everyday tasks and medical conditions. Unfortunately, though, nursing home neglect may be more common than you suspect. The National...
Continue ReadingTurning down your music may save your life
Thanks to an aggressive South Carolina Department of Transportation campaign, most Palmetto State motorists recognize the risks of distracted driving. Maintaining focus, though, is about more than stashing your smartphone until you reach your destination. Researchers have found a link between music volume and car wreck risk. To boost your...
Continue ReadingCar wrecks and back injuries
Were you injured in an auto wreck? You are not alone. Approximately 3 million Americans each year are seriously injured in car crashes. Some of the most severe injuries involve the neck and back. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial loss of nerve or motor function, even paralysis. The...
Continue ReadingNursing home abuse, neglect cases often go unreported
Even as the number of elderly adults in the U.S. continues to rise, recent studies show that cases of neglect, abuse and financial manipulation by caregivers remain all too common. Last summer, a study by the Department of Health and Human Services revealed that an estimated 1 in 5 emergency...
Continue ReadingFiling an insurance claim after a car crash
There are many steps to take after a collision, which can be confusing and overwhelming. This is especially true if there were injuries involved or if there is some confusion as to who was at fault. South Carolina residents may wonder how best to communicate with their insurance companies after...
Continue Reading3 tips for staying active after an injury
Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence in South Carolina is devastating. If you are the type of person who stays active, your injury downtime can be frustrating. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to find ways to stay active and keep in shape...
Continue ReadingTips for making your motorcycle more visible
Riding a motorcycle comes with a fair share of risks. One of these dangers is the fact that drivers often do not see you. Motorists tend to only look out for other cars or bigger trucks. Many times, they do not notice motorcycles. This can easily lead to collisions, which...
Continue ReadingFederal data shows many nursing home staffing shortages
One of the biggest reasons for nursing home neglect is not that the staff doesn’t care. It’s that they just do not have enough people on staff. Try as they might, they can’t get everything done and they can’t offer proper care to every single person in the nursing home....
Continue ReadingWhen you’re driving, don’t think about anything else
Have you ever gotten home in the car with no memory of the drive there? Have you ever zoned out behind the wheel and then suddenly realized that you passed your exit and you don’t know where you are? It happens all the time. You’re supposed to think about driving,...
Continue ReadingHow many falls are on the same level?
Many people assume that you need to be at a height to get injured in a workplace fall. This is a myth. You can get seriously injured in a slip-and-fall accident on the same level. Some people have even passed away from their injuries. Do not assume you do not...
Continue ReadingStudy links car color and accident risks
Your odds of getting into an accident may all come back to the color of car that you buy. A study found that specific colors saw higher or lower accident rates, indicating that drivers may be unknowingly putting themselves at risk when they pick out their next vehicle. The study...
Continue ReadingExamples of disabilities after a car accident
When they get involved in a serious car accident, the first thing that many people ask the medical professionals is how long it will take them to recover. They want to know when they can get out of the hospital, when they’ll feel like normal again and when they can...
Continue ReadingMalnutrition can have a serious impact on the elderly
If your loved one is getting neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility, they may not be getting all of the nutrients that they need every day. This can lead to malnutrition, which can have a drastic impact on their health. Depending on their mental and physical capabilities,...
Continue ReadingWhat is ‘microsleep?’
When a driver dozes off for even a second, catastrophic consequences can ensue. They can swerve into another lane or fail to stop when the vehicle ahead of them does. They may not see a pedestrian or bicyclist entering their path. There’s a term for brief episodes of dozing off,...
Continue Reading4 infants injured when car crashes into day care facility
Not all car accidents involve a collision between vehicles or even with a pedestrian. People going about their day at home, work or elsewhere can become the victim of a careless or reckless driver. Earlier this month, a woman ran her car through the wall of a Columbia day care...
Continue ReadingFast-food workers face violence, many other dangers
People who work in fast-food establishments are on the front lines — literally. They regularly interact with customers (and non-customers) at the counter and in drive-thru lanes. Most of these interactions are unremarkable. Too often, however, they are violent. Just this month, surveillance video captured a young McDonald’s employee being...
Continue ReadingAre assisted living facilities safe for people with dementia?
As the American population ages, there’s been considerable growth in the assisted living industry. Approximately 40 percent of the people in assisted living facilities have dementia. Unfortunately, the people who work in many of these facilities aren’t trained or equipped to properly care for them. This can be dangerous for...
Continue ReadingWhat are ‘social host liability’ laws?
If you’re involved in a car crash with a drunk driver who’s returning from a holiday party, can you hold the hosts of the party responsible along with the drunk driver? Fortunately, South Carolina has “social host liability” laws that apply to both adults and minors. This means if someone...
Continue ReadingProgram seeks to cut hospital readmissions by nursing homes
The federal government is taking steps to try to reduce the number of nursing home patients who return to the hospital within 30 days after their previous stay with a program they’ve recently implemented. Based on readmission rates over the next year (from Oct. 2018 through Sept. 2019), nursing homes...
Continue ReadingDo dementia patients live longer in care facilities or at home?
If you have a loved one who’s suffering from dementia, it’s likely becoming increasingly more difficult to care for them and ensure their safety at home. They may wander away — sometimes even taking the keys to the car and driving hundreds of miles — if they aren’t watched constantly....
Continue Reading13 injured when South Carolina school bus goes down embankment
A field trip ended in multiple injuries on Oct. 19 when a school bus went off the road as it was headed southbound on U.S. 25, about 4 miles from Ware Shoals. The bus reportedly struck a fence and utility pole and then fell down an embankment. Twenty-nine children were...
Continue ReadingChanges in reporting shed light on nursing home staffing issues
All of us who have loved ones in nursing homes are concerned about the staffing levels. We know that patients in an understaffed facility are more likely to suffer injuries because someone isn’t always available to help them when they want or need to move. There are more likely to...
Continue ReadingHow social media can derail your workers’ compensation claim
Workers’ compensation is a crucial benefit for workers who are injured or sickened on the job and for their families. Workers’ comp provides income while they are getting medical treatment, recovering and unable to work. Obviously, employers and insurers have a vested interest in making sure that people receiving this...
Continue ReadingNursing home evacuations during storms — stressful but necessary
If you have a loved one in a nursing home in the path of a storm, you want assurance that they’ll be safely evacuated if necessary. However, those evacuations can be highly stressful and frightening to elderly people. Further, the accommodations in the facilities to which they’re moved are often...
Continue ReadingTips for driving in a school zone
Drivers always need to be cautious in school zones. However, now that the school year has started again, it’s particularly crucial not just to obey all posted signs and crossing guards, but to keep your eye out for kids who might run into the street unexpectedly. According to Safe Kids...
Continue ReadingThings you can do to avoid becoming a pedestrian statistic
Pedestrians rarely come out on the winning end of a pedestrian-versus-vehicle encounter. As pedestrians, we can’t control drivers who are reckless or negligent. You may have been taught that pedestrians always have the right of way. However, don’t count on drivers always giving you that. Nonetheless, there are a number...
Continue ReadingWhat should you look for when choosing a nursing home?
Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Unfortunately, some people don’t take the time to adequately research their options. A hospital may inform you of the imminent discharge of an elderly family member who will need care you can’t...
Continue ReadingHow parents can reduce distracted driving among teens
All new teen drivers know that using their phones to text, talk, check social media or post photos or videos is dangerous. They need to keep their attention on their driving and their eyes on the road. However, many of them use their phones while driving anyway. In fact, in...
Continue ReadingReport: Nursing home staffing levels have been overstated
If you have a family member in a South Carolina nursing home, you’ve likely been concerned at times about whether there were enough qualified staff members available to provide the level of care and personal attention your loved one needs and deserves. A recent study by The New York Times...
Continue ReadingFamily sues nursing home for death of elderly man after fall
The family of a World War II veteran is suing the Cherryville, North Carolina, nursing home for his death in January 2017, a week after suffering a fall in which he broke his leg. The 98-year-old grandfather, who had once been a Teamsters union leader, had been living in Carolina...
Continue ReadingHow do you treat a ruptured disc?
There are many kinds of back injuries that can take place on the job, but understanding the most common and how to avoid them could help you significantly. From herniated discs to strain from overworking the joints, back injuries can happen at almost any time and to anyone. One of...
Continue ReadingProving a slip-and-fall case in a nursing home
Leaving a loved one in a nursing home is hard enough, but realizing that there was danger you didn’t know about is devastating. When you place a loved one in nursing care, you expect him or her to receive care and to be monitored for safety. You don’t expect to...
Continue ReadingSummer driving: The risks you face each day
Summer is a great time to go out and have fun with family and friends, but it’s also a threat to those on the road. Summer driving isn’t just dangerous because there are more people on the roads. The addition of teens with new licensing, the possibility of dehydration and...
Continue ReadingOffice hazards: A potentially dangerous environment
Even though an office seems like safe environment, there are still some hazards that could lead to you suffering serious injuries. Yes, some parts of an office-based life are more comfortable than working in construction or industry, but in some ways, an office is just as dangerous. Take for example...
Continue ReadingWoman files lawsuit after nursing home misses infected wound
Nursing homes have an obligation to keep their patients safe. When they do not, they’re violating more than just the promises they’ve made to families. They’re violating the law. Take, for example, this case involving a man who passed away in May 2015. He had fallen and had to be...
Continue ReadingIs distracted driving very dangerous?
You may not believe that distracted driving is very dangerous, but it can become a life-threatening risk in just moments. As of April 1, 2018, 189 people have been killed as a result of distracted driving in South Carolina. The good news about this is that it’s 59 fewer deaths...
Continue ReadingUsing social media the right way to avoid nursing home abuse
It can be fun to use social media to share your life with others. It’s important, though, to realize that what you share isn’t always legal or allowed. For instance, if you are working at a nursing home and want to share a picture of a resident, it’s not legal...
Continue ReadingAgent blows the whistle on dangerous training site
Even in retirement, this former Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) agent is pushing for a South Carolina training site to be probed for potential health hazards. According to the March 11 news, he wants to see a deeper investigation that would look into the number of health hazards law enforcement...
Continue ReadingReporting injuries helps keep workplaces safer, so you stay safer
Workplace accidents happen all the time, but many of them are avoidable. Imagine if placing a single guardrail could prevent someone from falling into a piece of machinery or if a sign could alert someone to danger. Just changing one thing in the workplace could be the difference between life,...
Continue ReadingAmtrak will likely pay out for latest crash
If you recall the recent news, you may remember an Amtrak train that collided with a freight train parked on the tracks in South Carolina in early February. This train crashed as a result of being routed incorrectly, but still, Amtrak is facing scrutiny. According to the news from Feb....
Continue ReadingSlip-and-fall accidents can harm nursing home residents
Although you probably think of nursing home accidents as problems with getting the wrong medications or injuries as a result of falling on the way to the restroom or getting out of bed, the truth is that slip-and-fall accidents happen everywhere in these facilities. From front entryways where residents and...
Continue ReadingDrivers: Beware of pedestrians to prevent injuries and deaths
Pedestrians are in a difficult position. When they’re on the roads, they typically have the right of way. They also have no protection against vehicles. As a result, even if they are in the right, a traffic accident can cause serious or fatal injuries. In 2013, there were 4,735 people...
Continue ReadingRecognizing elder abuse is vital to protecting your loved one
Identifying elder abuse is the first step to stopping it. Elder abuse isn’t always easy to identify. Sometimes, the elderly are unable to communicate about the abuse. Other times, they don’t want to reach out to others for help or to feel like a burden. When an elderly person goes...
Continue ReadingCancer could develop after exposure to chemicals
You’ve worked in the industrial sector your entire life. Yes, you’ve come into contact with some dangerous chemicals during that time. You’re familiar with some of the risks in the workplace today, but you didn’t always know as much as you do now. In some jobs, there’s a risk of...
Continue Reading22-year-old man killed in highway accident on Interstate 85
Traffic accidents are common, and it’s not unusual to see vehicles on the side of the road with rescue workers working hard at the scene. It’s a tragedy that people focus on things other than the drive when they’re behind the wheel; it puts them and others at danger. Many...
Continue ReadingWhat should the air quality be like at work?
Indoor air quality is of the utmost importance in work environments. When there is poor air quality inside a workplace, employees could suffer from illnesses or diseases as a result. Indoor air quality doesn’t just refer to the number of toxic chemicals or particles in the air. The quality of...
Continue ReadingMultiple people hurt when pickup hits local hayride
Imagine going out on Halloween night to enjoy a local hayride. You and your kids pile into the ride, not worried about a thing. Then, out of nowhere, a vehicle collides with you. Everyone is thrown from the trailer, and now the once enjoyable night has become the scene of...
Continue ReadingThe elderly are at their mercy; hold nursing homes accountable
The elderly are easy targets for those who would abuse them. They are dependent on those around them in many ways, which means that they’re easy to take advantage of. The most common form of abuse is medical abuse, in which the medical providers or caregivers don’t give the right...
Continue ReadingYour heart attack may be compensable under workers’ compensation
It was a busy day at work, and you were on your feet much more than usual. You normally take it easy on the job, because you haven’t been feeling well lately. With the added stress of the upcoming holidays, you figured you just felt unwell because of stress. It...
Continue ReadingBe aware of the way pressure ulcers form
There are many risk factors of bedsores you should be familiar with if you have an elderly or aging loved one in a hospital or long-term care facility. Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, develop when there is prolonged pressure placed on the skin. For example, if...
Continue Reading2 accused in crash that resulted in 2 deaths
Imagine driving down the road. You’re minding your own business, but that doesn’t stop a crash from taking place. Before you can move out of the way, a person on the opposite side of the road attempts to pass too closely to your vehicle. He hits you head on, causing...
Continue ReadingPreventing dehydration makes the elderly healthier
When your loved one is in a nursing home or hospital, it’s important that he or she is drinking enough fluids. If he or she is not, then the nurses or doctors there should be willing to use an IV to make sure that your loved one does not become...
Continue ReadingWorkers’ compensation or disability: Which is right for you?
Workers’ compensation is a benefit provided to you if you’re hurt on the job. It is designed to be an alternative to taking your employer to court and suing for damages. Workers’ compensation insurance instead pays for medical bills and other needs until you can work again, be retrained or...
Continue ReadingAre injured workers getting addicted to opioids?
If you get hurt on the job and require surgery or treatments for pain, you may be interested to know that the rate at which doctors are prescribing opiates has dropped. With a war on opiate abuse coming to a head in the United States, only those who truly have...
Continue ReadingAre adults with disabilities suffering from abuse?
Many adults with disabilities in South Carolina are depending on others for their daily living requirements. Some of these adults are receiving care at nursing facilities, and just like any other person at a nursing home, these adults are at risk of being abused or neglected. According to statistics from...
Continue ReadingThe deadliest days of summer are upon us in 2017
Once school’s out for summer, plenty of teens get behind the wheel and learn to drive or continue on their adventure learning what it means to hold a license. After Memorial Day, parents need to recognize and talk to their kids about the 100 deadly days of summer, the days...
Continue ReadingWatch out for these 3 signs of nursing home negligence
When you place a loved one in a nursing home, it’s important to know that he or she is being cared for. If you find that your loved one is not being taken care of, you may be in a position to file a medical malpractice or nursing home neglect...
Continue ReadingA South Carolina deputy is killed during boat training exercise
A 30-year-old Anderson county sheriff’s deputy died after being struck by a boat propeller in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 1, 2017. A captain with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said that the man had been participating in a training drill on Lake Hartwell at...
Continue ReadingWhat to do if you have an accident during Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day weekend is the first big summer holiday (even though summer hasn’t begun yet). Nevertheless, it is ubiquitous for road trips. AAA estimates that nearly 40 million people will travel at least 50 miles away from home over the weekend. With more cars on the road, drivers have to...
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