Duke & Heath, Attorneys at LawCarrollton Personal Injury Attorney | Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Law2024-02-27T02:46:18Zhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=480852024-02-21T02:47:14Z2024-02-27T02:46:18ZIcy pathways
One of the most common winter hazards is icy pathways. When temperatures fluctuate, melted snow can refreeze overnight, creating slick surfaces that are treacherous to walk on if property owners do not clean them up. These icy patches often hide amidst the snow.
Snowy stairs
Snow-covered stairs pose a significant risk during the winter months. While the snow may appear harmless, it can quickly become compacted underfoot, turning into a slippery slope. Without proper maintenance from property owners, stairs can become a hazard for anyone attempting to ascend or descend them.
Poor visibility
Winter weather often brings reduced visibility due to snowfall or foggy conditions. Diminished visibility not only makes it harder for pedestrians to see potential hazards but also makes it more challenging for others to see them. When property owners fail to install lights in an area, individuals can trip and fall, seriously injuring themselves.
Winter's icy grip presents a surprising amount of slip and fall hazards that can lead to severe health complications for individuals. By taking proactive measures to reduce them, property owners better protect individuals during the winter months. These owners play a role in promoting safety during the coldest season of the year.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=480282023-12-21T16:37:53Z2023-11-25T20:03:18Z1. Distracted driving
Distracted driving is among the primary culprits. When drivers divert their attention from the road, accidents become more likely. Common distractions include texting, adjusting the radio or engaging in conversations. A split second of inattention can have dire consequences, making it imperative for drivers to stay focused on the task at hand.
2. Speeding
Excessive speed is another significant contributor to motor vehicle accidents. When drivers surpass posted speed limits, they reduce their ability to react to unexpected situations. Speeding not only increases the severity of accidents but also decreases the effectiveness of safety features like airbags. Adhering to speed limits is a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of collisions.
3. Impaired driving
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a prevalent hazard on our roads. Impaired drivers exhibit diminished coordination, slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making accidents more likely. Strict adherence to sobriety when behind the wheel is a must to ensure the safety of all road users.
4. Reckless driving
Reckless driving encompasses a range of risky behaviors, such as tailgating, aggressive maneuvers, and disregarding traffic signals. Such actions significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. Maintaining a calm and composed driving demeanor, along with adhering to traffic rules, can go a long way in preventing reckless driving-related incidents.
In 2022, 384,527 crashes occurred on Georgia roads, 150,032 of which resulted in injuries. For people dealing with severe injuries, they have options to receive fair compensation.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=480192023-09-14T21:03:26Z2023-09-14T21:03:26Zwrong medication or dosage can significantly harm you. If you are allergic to the drug, it could lead to a serious reaction and side effects. In some cases, you could face lingering health effects. It might also interact with other medications you take.
How do I know if negligence is to blame?
Your medication dictates the type of reactions that might occur. It is essential to identify the error as soon as possible. However, since many mix-ups are honest mistakes, it can often be hard even to know it happened unless something seriously goes wrong with your health and prompts further investigation. Experienced legal guidance may be necessary to determine if the error amounts to medical malpractice.
You need to be aware of the medications you take and that are given to you. Always check the names and dosage on the label. Make sure that you keep a record of when you take prescriptions and how much. Always double-check before ingesting your medication to help stop mistakes before they occur.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=480172023-07-06T19:55:59Z2023-07-06T19:55:59ZIncreasing traffic and distracted driving
More cars on the road often mean more risk for pedestrians. Georgia's growing population has led to increased traffic, particularly in urban areas. Along with more vehicles, distracted driving is a significant issue. Drivers who use their cell phones, eat or engage in other activities while driving pose a significant risk to pedestrians.
Poorly designed roadways and lack of pedestrian infrastructure
Another contributing factor is the design of Georgia's roadways. Many streets lack sufficient sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signals. This lack of pedestrian infrastructure puts walkers at a disadvantage and increases the risk of accidents.
Inadequate lighting and visibility issues
Accidents also frequently occur due to poor lighting and visibility issues. Many streets in Georgia lack adequate street lighting, making it hard for drivers to see pedestrians. Moreover, pedestrians often wear dark clothing, further reducing visibility.
Alcohol and drug use
Alcohol and drug use contribute to the increase in pedestrian accidents as well. Impaired drivers have slowed reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Pedestrians under the influence also face a higher risk as they may not make safe decisions.
Steps to improve pedestrian safety
Despite these challenges, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when available, make yourself visible by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing and avoid distractions while walking.
Understanding the causes behind the rise in pedestrian accidents in Georgia can help you take proactive steps to protect yourself. Increased awareness and safe behaviors are essential for reversing this troubling trend.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=479292023-03-02T16:07:20Z2023-03-03T16:07:02ZTry to avoid them altogether
Ideally, the following can help drivers avoid car accidents altogether:
Slowing down
Yielding to others
Not tailgating
Looking both ways at intersections
Signaling
Stopping at red lights
Additionally, only driving when sober can help individuals avoid car crashes.
Take the right steps
First things first, see if there are injuries. If anyone suffered injuries, help them. Then, move the cars out of the road, where the drivers involved in the motor vehicle accident can swap information. While doing this, be sure to get the information of any witnesses who stopped to help. Finally, if the vehicles are unmovable, set up flares to make the scene safer.
Call the police
Because the insurance company can be challenging to deal with without a police report, always try to call the police. However, drivers must contact the police if there is an injury, they cannot move the cars, one driver is drunk, has no insurance or flees the scene.
Move the vehicles
If there are no injuries, move the cars immediately. When cars are still drivable, moving them out of the driving lanes is safer. If there is vehicular damage, get pictures of the scene before pushing the cars anywhere.
State laws demand drivers have car insurance. If the driver who caused an accident does not have car insurance, the police can fine them and hold them responsible for the damages. If they do, prepare to fight the insurance company for proper compensation.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=479282022-11-28T20:47:02Z2022-11-28T20:47:02Zthese mistakes only happen in about one in 112,000 procedures, but you should still understand what can happen.
Wrong-site surgery
When a surgeon mistakenly identifies another part of the body as the correct one in their mind, they might end up operating on the wrong thing. The AHRQ reported that 59% of these mistakes happen when a surgeon focuses on the wrong side of the body. This type of error can have devastating consequences.
Wrong-patient surgery
There have been cases where a surgeon confuses one patient for another. For instance, a surgeon may grab a kidney intended for one patient and put it in you, or they may mix up your blood type with someone else's. These mistakes are very serious, as you could wind up undergoing the wrong procedure.
Surgical mistakes happen, but they are rare. To minimize the risk of experiencing one, be sure to do your research before going under the knife. When searching for a surgeon, do not just look at their accolades; ask to see their malpractice record, as well. The more you know going into the surgery, the better off you should be.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=479162022-09-14T16:42:28Z2022-09-14T16:42:28ZHow to prepare your home for Halloween
Visitors may slip and fall when approaching a front door. Remove hazards from walkways to lower the risk. Be particularly mindful of electrical cords, which deliver the wrong sort of shocks. Install motorized frights several paces away from main paths.
Jack-o-lanterns are iconic; still, lit candles present a risk of fire. Open flames threaten princesses sporting flowing dresses and superheroes dragging capes. Opt for a battery-powered alternative instead.
Spooky revelry may trigger dogs into feeling agitated. Enclose them in back rooms so they cannot attack. Supply them with toys and blankets. Play soft music to drown out potentially distressing boos and cackles.
How to react if someone gets an injury at your home on Halloween
Even with reasonable precautions, there is the possibility a reveler will become hurt. Responsible actions lower the odds of a lawsuit.
Comfort the victim by removing your mask and turning on the lights. If necessary, dial 911. Have a first aid kit nearby. With one, you can help staunch bleeding and reduce discomfort until paramedics arrive.
Document the situation. Besides scribbling down observations, photograph the scene. Speak with everyone present and request individual versions of events. Use an audio recording app to preserve initial narratives.
One night per year, there is the expectation that strangers will step foot on your premises. As a responsible homeowner, it remains incumbent on you to learn how to create a safe environment for all.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=479132022-07-27T00:22:05Z2022-07-27T00:22:05ZDuty of care
Anyone injured on someone else's property could sue the homeowner because of standards of duty of care. If you have someone at your home, you have an obligation to maintain a safe space that is free from hazards, whether they are intentional or not. You even owe trespassers some degree of duty of care.
Negligence
For someone to file a claim against you, they have to prove that you breached that duty of care by being negligent or intentional. Negligence includes not dealing with hazardous situations and not making the visitor aware of unsafe conditions. Commonly, dogs bite trespassers. This could make you liable for the trespasser's damages unless you posted warning signs or had your yard fenced off.
Correlation
To have a valid claim, someone must prove that your negligence led to an injury and that the injury was enough to cause damages. Typical damages in a premises liability case include incurred medical bills, lost time at work and pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages are more difficult to prove because they are non-economic, but with the right lawyer, they could seek this compensation. You could even face punitive damages that are purely designed to punish you.
All Georgia homeowners can know what to expect after someone gets injured on their property if they understand what makes a valid premises liability claim.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=476392024-01-03T10:40:23Z2022-07-14T02:17:14ZMisdiagnosis statistics to know
The Johns Hopkins study suggests that misdiagnosis is a factor in 40,000 to 80,000 deaths in U.S. hospitals annually. Each year, an additional 80,000 to 160,000 patients may experience serious harm due to misdiagnosis.
The “big three” conditions
The research team found that three conditions seem to account for the majority of serious cases of misdiagnosis: infections (13%), vascular events (22%) and cancers (37%). Researchers found that these “big three” conditions are present in nearly three in four misdiagnosis cases that result in serious harm to the patient. Specific conditions commonly associated with misdiagnosis include:
Lung, breast, prostate and skin cancer
Endocarditis, stroke, venous thromboembolism, aortic aneurysm and heart attack
Encephalitis, meningitis, spinal infection and sepsis
Misdiagnosis and doctor error
The Johns Hopkins study also found that faulty judgment on the part of clinical providers is by far the most common cause of misdiagnosis, accounting for over 85% of cases.
Whether due to a failure to order necessary tests or a lack of communication between general physicians and specialists, too often a diagnostic oversight results in serious harm to patient health. Patients and loved ones who have experienced harm due to a missed, delayed or mistaken diagnosis should know that the law may entitle them to the compensation they need to cope with the damage done.]]>On Behalf of Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Lawhttps://www.dukeheathlaw.com/?p=475382022-07-13T09:57:46Z2022-06-29T01:11:03Z1. Produce sections
Produce that falls to the floor can easily create a trip or slip hazard. Additionally, misting equipment can create slippery, wet floors if rubber safety mats are missing or improperly positioned.
2. Refrigerator and freezer aisles
Stores often also place rubber mats near refrigerators and freezers to keep floors safe. If equipment fails, water from the system may pool on the floor and create a safety risk.
3. Exits and entryways
Missing, bunched or poorly positioned floor mats in entryways can also be hazardous. That is especially true during severe weather conditions when water, mud or other debris can build up quickly.
4. Parking lots and sidewalks
Walkways and parking areas can become treacherous without proper maintenance. Cracked or uneven sidewalks, potholes and poor lighting in parking lots are all potential sources of injury.
Even a “simple” slip-and-fall incident may lead to serious physical harm, including fractured or broken bones, traumatic brain injury and spinal damage. Older adults are especially vulnerable to severe injury after a fall.
That makes it essential that store owners and employees monitor areas with known risks and address issues promptly. Those injured due to unsafe conditions should know that compensation may be available to help with medical bills, lost income and more.]]>