If you wear a helmet on the job or on your motorcycle, you certainly understand the added measure of safety it provides. However, in some cases, even a helmet cannot protect you from injury. Whether you are in a car accident or an accident at work, an injury to the frontal lobe of your brain can be devastating and result in life-long struggles for you and your family.
Common behavioral changes
The frontal lobe of the brain sits directly behind your forehead and extends to the top third of your head. Although the brain is a complex organ that doctors are only beginning to understand, researchers say the frontal lobe controls some of the most complex and delicate functions in human life.
A blow to the frontal cortex, such as when your head strikes the dashboard or a heavy object falls from above, can result in changes in your behavior and personality, for example:
It is not unusual for victims of frontal lobe brain injuries to turn to drugs or alcohol since this area of the brain controls impulses and behavior. After you suffer this type of injury, it is possible that your loved ones may be unable to recognize the person you once were.
The aftermath of a brain injury
A frontal lobe injury may make it impossible for you to return to your old job. You may require surgical intervention immediately after the injury and ongoing therapy in the years to come.
Therapists may need to reteach basic skills and assist you in learning methods of dealing with the deficiencies you may experience. This can be a long and expensive process, and you will want to be certain your financial situation does not prevent you from accessing the resources you need. Taking steps to maximize the recovery of any compensation can be a critical part of your healing process.
]]>The man was working inside a building that was under construction. It was after lunch, and fellow workers found him unconscious. It appeared that a partially constructed wall had fallen on top of him.
The man was transported to St. John's hospital where efforts to save him were not successful. He was 57 years old. It is not known what caused the wall to collapse. There was no information available as to whether or not the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would be investigating the cause of the accident.
Losing the life of a loved one due to a fatal construction accident in New York can be a tremendous shock. The grieving family had no time to prepare, and even though the risks of construction work are known, no one expects it will happen in his or her own family. There is no way to reverse the clock and bring back the loved one. When a person dies on the job, there may be workers' compensation available to the deceased's family. A conversation with an experienced professional can help the family to understand what benefits may be available and provide information regarding the process to claim the benefits.
]]>Alcohol is a frequent guest at holiday celebrations, and on occasions, a person may not be aware of how much alcohol consumption can negatively impact his or her ability to safely drive a car. This can be particularly true of younger drivers who may not have as much driving experience as someone older. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye and can result in one facing serious charges.
A recent accident occurred on the holiday weekend that ended in a fatality. A driver failed to stop for a red light and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other car was taken to a hospital where she passed away as a result of her injuries. The driver who reportedly ran the red light was also transported to a hospital with minor injuries. He is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and DWI and allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test in the field.
Facing charges in the death of another person can be a terrifying way to end a holiday weekend. A person facing DWI charges in New York is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Proof of guilt falls to the prosecution and must be supported by the evidence.
]]>It was about 9:30 in the morning and the woman was on her bike and wearing a helmet when, according to witnesses, a truck hit her and did not stop. The woman was thrown up into the air by the force of the impact and landed a short distance away. Though she had been wearing a helmet, she suffered severe head trauma. She was transported to an area hospital but died as a result of her injuries.
The driver was detained a short distance from where the accident occurred. It is not known if speed contributed to the accident but witnesses claimed the truck was moving at a high rate of speed for the area. Sadly, deaths of delivery personnel who use their bikes for transportation is not a rarity. There were seven deaths in 2018 and to date there have been 10 in 2019.
A person in New York has the right to expect to go to work and be reasonably protected while on the job. People who observe safety procedures and wear proper equipment, such as helmets, believe they are doing their best to protect themselves. When other drivers fail to observe speed limits and other safety measures, tragic motor vehicle accidents can occur. A person who has lost a loved one in New York may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of the accident and help to determine if a civil suit is a viable option.
]]>A man was riding his motorcycle west on Route 5. A vehicle heading east made a left turn in front of the bike. The rider may not have had time to react to the car turning in front of him and he collided with the turning vehicle. Neither speed nor alcohol are currently believed to have contributed to the cause of the accident. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Emergency responders to the accident included the New York State Police, the Amsterdam Fire Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department. Paramedics administered aid to the motorcyclist at the scene and then transported him to Albany Medical Center where he later died as a result of his injuries. The driver of the car was transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam for treatment.
Motorcycles can be fun to ride and are an economic form of transportation in New York. As bumper stickers proclaim, they are everywhere and drivers should be on the lookout in order to avoid serious motor vehicle accidents. One doesn't think that a jaunt on one's motorcycle will be one's last, and a family who loses a loved one will be devastated. No one can turn back time and undo the tragedy that occurred but a conversation with a personal injury attorney can help one determine if a personal injury lawsuit is a viable option. A successfully litigated claim can provide compensation for medical costs, final costs and other verifiable losses.
]]>In most industries, a workplace accident results in claims to a workers' compensation insurer. However, to hold the railroad industry to stricter standards of safety, the law allows injured employees to file lawsuits against their employers following an accident that resulted from safety violations or negligence. If you are in that situation now, you may have many questions about the FELA process and the outcome you can expect.
The FELA process
Obviously, your first step after a workplace accident is to seek medical attention. If your accident was serious, you may have had no choice, and your employer may have called emergency responders to the scene. No matter the situation, you will then have to make a report to your employer detailing the accident, but it is also wise for your own benefit to write down every detail you can remember. The subsequent FELA claim process will generally follow these steps:
Sometimes, the discovery phase reveals information to one side that will prompt a second try at a settlement. You may also decide to take the matter to mediation or arbitration rather than going to court. No matter which path your case takes, you will want a skilled New York attorney who has extensive experience in FELA cases and who will zealously fight for your cause whether through negotiations or in a court room.
]]>An accident that happened Saturday afternoon near Clifton Park took the lives of two people and left three others with serious but not life-threatening injuries. The two people who died were both in their early 30s and were visiting the area from New York City. The couple were married in 2017.
The accident happened when the vehicle driven by the man accused of DWI crossed the center line and struck the oncoming vehicle. The two who died were pronounced dead at the scene. The three people who were injured were transported to Albany Medical Center. The driver faces charges of driving while intoxicated, aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Memorial Day weekend is a time for family remembrances and family celebrations. When a tragic accident mars the occasion, the pain felt by the family can be unfathomable. A DWI accident in New York can seem all the more tragic as it is easily preventable. A family struggling to cope with the reality of the situation may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the facts of the accident and advise the client as to what legal options are available.
]]>The alleged incident started early on a recent morning. A resident called in a burglary, and when officers responded, they found that a thief had apparently entered the home and searched it and then left after taking $52 in cash. A short time later, officers were called to an area high school and were told there was an ambulance on the lawn and that alarms were sounding. When the police arrived, they found chairs positioned in such a way that they may have been used to attempt to break a window.
Officers entered the school to investigate further and reportedly found the suspect asleep in a hallway. He was believed to be under the influence of an unknown substance. He was taken into custody about 7:00 a.m. The suspect was believed to have stolen the ambulance and then proceeded to burglarize a residence, and then attempted to rob the school. His cell phone was reportedly found in the ambulance.
Facing charges of burglary and theft in New York can be scary. A person who is arrested and charged with a crime is presumed innocent until and unless proved guilty in a court of law. A person in such a situation may wish to consult with an attorney who has experience practicing criminal law in New York. A knowledgeable attorney can assist a client with understanding one's rights and helping to ensure that those rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.
]]>For example, police arrested a man for driving while intoxicated one recent afternoon. The 61-year-old man drove his car up to a police officer and asked a question. The officer apparently suspected the man had been drinking and observed him as he drove away. Reports indicate that the officer noticed the man's vehicle swerving between lanes, so he pulled the man over to investigate.
The results of the traffic stop included charges for felony DWI. The stringent laws in New York make DWI a felony on the second offense. This driver apparently had a previous conviction within the past 10 years. Additionally, his blood alcohol content was significantly higher than the legal limit of .08, resulting in a second felony charge.
Facing felony violations means the possibility of mandatory jail time and thousands in fines. A felony DWI count can also complicate many other areas of a person's life. This is why it is important for those in New York facing any drunk driving charges, especially those that may be felonies, to consider obtaining skilled legal counsel to improve the chances of reaching the most positive outcome possible.
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