Common Neck Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Types of Neck Injuries Experienced in Accidents

Accidents of all kinds have a way of inflicting severe injuries to those involved. Injuries ranging from burns to mental trauma cause millions of dollars in damages every year and leave accident victims reeling. Among some of the most damaging injuries that accident victims can sustain are injuries to the neck. Our neck occupies a particularly integral space between two of the other most dangerous areas to be injured; the head and the spine. Like these other areas, neck injuries have long-term and permanent effects that can ruin a person’s life or at the very least, disrupt it significantly.

Clearwater Neck Injury Claims

Those that have suffered severe neck injuries in an accident such as a trip and fall or a car accident may be able to seek compensation for the damages that they suffered through a personal injury claim. When an accident is caused by a liable party’s negligence then an accident victim has the right to take legal action against that responsible party that caused their injuries. Neck injuries can cause damages such as extensive medical expenses to cover treatment and recovery, lost wages from time spent out of commission because of an injury, as well as pain and suffering caused by the trauma of the whole ordeal. These damages and more can be compensated with the success of a personal injury claim.

Personal injury claims involving neck injuries have the potential to take a massive amount of work and resources to successfully pursue. Attempting to handle a personal injury claim all on your own is strongly advised against since plaintiffs will be going in with little knowledge of the many pitfalls and tricks a defense may use to minimize the amount a plaintiff can get through a personal injury claim. Consider the lawyers of Dolman Law Group as your legal representation in this difficult time. We offer free consultations to those that have been seriously injured in accidents caused by negligence. To schedule your free consultation with Dolman Law Group you can either fill out an online contact form or call our Clearwater office at 727-451-6900.

Common Neck Injury Causes

Much like many other severe injuries, neck injuries can occur thanks to negligence caused by accidents of numerous types. Some of the most common types of accidents that cause neck injuries include the following.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Sports Injuries

Common Types of Neck Injuries Caused by Accidents 

Neck Sprain

A neck sprain is when the connective bands of tissue in the neck called ligaments are injured. This injury to the ligaments can come from extreme twisting of the neck, repeated stress on the ligaments, and overstretching of the joints in the cervical spine. Neck sprains can come in a variety of levels of intensity where the more mild instances of neck sprain recover after some rest and soothing of the neck with ice or heat and more extreme cases where a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Whiplash Neck Injuries

One of the most common neck injuries and injuries in general suffered by car accident victims is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a person’s head experiences a wild jerk in a direction as a result of deacceleration. This jerking movement has the potential to cause severe injury to the components of the spine in the form of intense strain and herniated discs that can affect spinal joints, spinal nerve roots, and even the spinal cord. This damage can sometimes go beyond simply causing pain and limiting a person’s neck mobility but can potentially affect someone’s nerves.

Herniated Disc

When someone suffers a herniated disc, the soft gelatinous substance contained at the center of the discs in your spine called the nucleus pulposus escapes. This jelly-like substance can leak out and touch a nerve root. When this happens a person can experience pain, discomfort, numbness, and burning sensation. Tears in the outer layer fibers of the disc can lead to herniation. These tears can occur because of repeated or sudden forceful stress on the spinal joint.

Neck Fracture

A neck fracture is a break in a cervical bone in the spine. These breaks are often the result of direct trauma suffered to the neck. A neck fracture can also occur as a result of degenerative conditions that wear down cervical bone to the point of breaking. Neck fractures have the potential to cause a number of issues to the cervical spine located in the neck. There is a chance for severe nerve damage as well as general damage to the mobility afforded by the neck.

Cervical Dislocation

The cervical bones located in the neck can sometimes move out of their position in what is called cervical dislocation. This cervical dislocation can occur because of degenerative conditions that weaken the ligaments holding cervical bones in place or because of direct trauma that damages the ligaments directly. Cervical dislocation can cause damage to the nerves in the cervical spine and even damage the spinal cord itself. 

Seek an Experienced Clearwater Personal Injury Lawsuit

Neck injury cases can be difficult to prove, and you want a lawyer on your side who can advocate for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. While money can never truly undo the damage that was done, it can serve to compensate you for your pain, suffering, inconvenience, loss of use, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

If you or a loved one suffered a neck injury as a result of an accident, consider speaking to the lawyers of Sibley Dolman about your legal options in seeking compensation. The skilled team of litigation attorneys at Dolman Law Group are as effective at the negotiating table as they are in the courtroom. Our compassionate lawyers can advocate for you throughout your case and work toward bringing your case to a favorable and profitable conclusion. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Clearwater catastrophic injury lawyer, please call us at 727-451-6900 or contact us online.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, Florida 33765

727-451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/back-neck-injury-attorneys/

Certain Motorcycles are More Likely to Cause Accidents

What Motorcycle Types Have Most Accident Risk

Every motorcyclist has to make the decision as to which motorcycle they will choose to ride. This decision is often made according to motorcyclist’s budget, personal tastes, and the kind of riding that they will be doing. When choosing a motorcycle, some riders may think about how safe a bike may be and whether some motorcycles may be more prone to accident involvement than others. There are absolutely some vehicles that have been shown to run a higher risk for a number of reasons. However, it is important to remember that motorcycle accidents can occur regardless of whatever type of motorcycle you ride. In fact, even the best riders with the safest motorcycle available can become involved in severe motorcycle accidents that cause significant injury. 

Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawsuits

Motorcyclists that suffer significant injuries in accidents can end up having their entire lives turned upside down. The experience of being involved in an accident can, of course, affect a motorcyclist’s health but it can also cause damages in other parts of their lives such as their finances, career, and general quality of life. Motorcyclists can seek compensation for these damages that they’ve suffered by filing a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit. In order to file a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit, a motorcycle accident victim must have been involved in an accident that was caused by a liable party’s negligence. This could be a driver, a motorcycle manufacturer, or even the government depending on the circumstances of the accident. Regardless of the liable party, a plaintiff must be able to prove that they were negligent and that the liable party’s negligence is what caused the accident that injured them. 

This can often prove to be an involved process requiring extensive investigation, analysis of evidence, and negotiation with the defendant. This can be quite difficult to undertake as someone who is recovering from a motorcycle accident injury and likely has little experience with the legal nuance of a personal injury case. That is why it is within a plaintiff's best interest to consider enlisting the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Dolman Law Group offers free consultations to those that have been involved in motorcycle accidents and want to know what their legal options are. To schedule your free consultation you can either fill out an online contact form or call the Dolman Law Group Clearwater office at (727) 451-6900.

Types of Motorcycles and Their Level’s of Accident Risk

Different types of motorcycles will all come with different levels of risk according to factors such as their speed, acceleration, stability, size, accessibility, and handling. One of the primary factors that contribute to an increased chance for motorcycle accidents is speed. It is one of the biggest reasons why motorcyclists end up in life-threatening accidents across the country. Accidents caused by high speed cause worse injuries and increase the chance of fatalities. When a motorcycle travels at high speed, the time to react to dangerous road hazards decreases and the maneuvering needed to drive defensively becomes all the more difficult. 

Street Bikes/Performance Racing Motorcycles

Easily the most dangerous type of motorcycle for someone to ride is a high performance “street bike” also known as a racing or supersport bike. These motorcycles are built to allow the rider to push the limits of speed which coincidentally is linked to increased motorcycle accidents and fatalities. It should also be noted that a high-performance motorcycle is one of the least accessible on the market with handling that takes a great deal of experience to drive with efficiently. New motorcyclists may be attracted to the flashy looks and promise of speed that comes with this type of motorcycle only to realize they are unequipped to handle them.

In 2010 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ran a study that compared the fatality rates between supersport bikes and cruiser style motorcycles. The study discovered that despite supersport bikes occupying a significantly smaller percentage of bikes on the road compared to cruiser bikes in the country, the number of fatalities associated with supersport bikes was significantly higher than cruiser bikes. Supersport bikes actually had four times as many fatalities as cruiser bikes per 10,000 registered riders. Even though supersport bikes are considered higher risk, cruiser bikes still make up a massive percentage of motorcycle accidents across the country thanks to their popularization in biker culture and their handling requiring experienced riders.

Starter Bikes

On the opposite side of the spectrum is beginner or starter bikes that present a significantly lower level of motorcycle accident risk. These motorcycles are generally lower in horsepower and speed with a much more standard configuration that allows riders ease of handling and learning. Despite the many benefits of these entry-level motorcycles, there is still a very high risk of accident involvement compared to cars. Motorcycles will always struggle with safety regardless of the type of bike so riders should always remember to take safety as seriously as possible to minimize this risk. 

Seek an Experienced Clearwater Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Riding is a lifestyle, one that not every attorney understands. If you are suffering from severe injuries, including brain injuries, road rash, spinal injuries, or psychological injuries, as the result of a Florida motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your case. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering if another driver was negligent, and you should not be afraid to contact a personal injury attorney and explain to him what you are looking for. 

Most personal injury attorneys do not charge you anything out-of-pocket. Take advantage of your no-risk, free consultation with the Dolman Law Group, your premier personal injury and motorcycle lawyers in the greater Tampa Bay area. They are here to fight for your right to compensation, and they can advise you as to whether you have a claim for personal injuries under Florida law. Contact them today online or at (727) 451-6900.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/motorcycle-accident-attorneys/

Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia Error Medical Malpractice

When someone seeks medical treatment for a health condition or injury they do so with the expectation that the medical professionals providing their treatment will do so with the utmost care to ensure that additional injuries are not suffered. Whether it is full blown invasive surgery or a more simple procedure, the use of anesthesia is common to help the treatment process go smoothly. Depending on the situation, patients may need anesthesia to ensure that they don’t feel the incredible pain that comes with certain procedures. The administration of anesthesia to patients is a very delicate and complex task that requires the utmost level of knowledge and professionalism gathered from years of schooling and experience. While many people that have anesthesia administered to them have the whole process go smoothly, there are some instances where miscalculations, a failure to check medical history, and negligence in general lead to the administration of anesthesia to cause severe injuries to the patient.

Anesthesia Injury Medical Malpractice Claims

Injuries caused by anesthesia errors have the potential to cause significant damages to patients. These damages can seriously affect the lives of those who have suffered as a result of medical error. Patients injured by anesthesia errors may be able to recoup the damages that they suffered as a result of their injuries. Filing a medical malpractice claim can not only get you the compensation you need to cover the costs of medical expenses and lost wages but can also help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable. Dolman Law Group is a law firm that provides specialized and experienced legal representation to those that have suffered injuries caused by medical errors. Allow us to help you in this trying time while you recover from your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with Dolman Law Group call (727) 451-6900 or fill out one of our online contact forms.

What is Anesthesia Error Malpractice?

The practice of administering anesthesia to patients before they go into surgery is a remarkably complex one. Every single patient is different and therefore requires different dosages, types of dosages, and mixtures of different drugs to be effectively put under and remain anesthetized effectively for the entirety of a surgery. Sometimes this is not done correctly because some members of the medical staff like the anesthesiologist, may end up being negligent in their duties resulting in an injurious error of some kind. Anesthesia errors are not always considered medical malpractice and compensable. In order for an anesthesia injury to be considered medical malpractice, it must satisfy several criteria, chief among them is a violation of the standard of care. The standard of care is the level at which the average, prudent provider in a given community would practice.

In the context of anesthesia, the standard of care is the level of professional care that is expected of a medical treatment provider. This is determined via comparison to other medical treatment providers in the same field. For example, if an anesthesiologist makes a medical error when administering anesthesia to a patient and it is found that the mistake was made because the anesthesiologist neglected to do something other anesthesiologists would do, then they would likely be considered guilty of medical malpractice. It is also important that the negligence on the part of the anesthesiologist also be directly related to the injury the patient suffered.

How do Anesthesia Injuries Occur?

Drugs are essential to the practice of medicine yet they also hold the potential to cause great harm. In anesthesiology, the use of drugs to render a patient numb and/or unconscious can cause injuries in a number of ways.

• The dosage of the anesthesia could be too little and a patient can regain consciousness during surgery.
• The dosage of anesthesia could be too strong and cause respiratory or neural injuries to patients.
• Patients could have a negative reaction to anesthesia because of an allergy.
• The type of anesthesia used could have a negative reaction to other drugs in a patient’s system and cause a wide array of health issues like clotting, hear issues, excessive bleeding, etc.
• A patient can be given the wrong anesthesia altogether and suffer complications.
• The timing of anesthesia administered to the patient can be incorrect and lead to a patient being rendered unconscious too early or too late so that they regain consciousness during surgery.
• Something can go wrong during the monitoring of anesthesia and the patient’s state during surgery. This could be because of faulty equipment or an anesthesiologist’s error when it comes to altering the dosage as needed during surgery.
• The patient may not have had the proper instructions given to them by their physician when it comes to not eating or drinking within a certain time of being given anesthesia.

Common Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Medical Malpractice

• Heart attack
• Hypoxia
• Tooth damage due to the placing of the breathing tube (intubation) during the operation
• Sore throat and/or damage to the larynx
• Allergic reaction from the anesthesia (known as anaphylaxis)
• Respiratory issues
• Pneumonia
• Birth defects with pregnant mothers
• Stroke
• Nerve Damage
• Post-operative pain
• Blood clotting
• Death
• Anesthesia awareness (the person regains consciousness during the operation).

Seek an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured because of the neglect of a healthcare provider, then do not hesitate to contact Dolman Law Group about receiving a free consultation on your claim. Our skilled lawyers have the expertise you will need to secure the settlement that you deserve. Allow Dolman Law Group to assist you in holding those liable for your injuries responsible while you recuperate.

Dolman Law Group is an experienced personal injury firm representing the Clearwater–Tampa–St Pete area, and all of Florida. We specialize in medical malpractice suits with a focus on helping clients to recover and rebuild. If you or someone you love has suffered due to an anesthesia error, contact us for a free consultation. One of our skilled malpractice attorneys will perform a free case evaluation to see to it that you get the justice you deserve. Call today at (727) 451-6900 or contact us here.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/medical-malpractice-attorneys/

Clearwater Pedestrian Killed by Car in Accident

Elderly Pedestrian Involved in Accident Results in Fatality

Friday night on May 10th a pedestrian was killed by a car while attempting to cross the street. Police have reported that the pedestrian named Jeffrey Bickel age 57, attempted to cross the street around the 2200 block of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard at around 9:50 pm. He reportedly attempted to make his way across the street without utilizing the crosswalk when he was hit by a car traveling eastbound. Upon being hit by the vehicle, Jeffrey Bickel was rushed via ambulance to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the pedestrian accident and died.

Pedestrian accidents such as these are growing more common in Florida. Many people every year find themselves in the street at the wrong time and place and end up being struck by a motor vehicle which results in them either being killed or suffering severe injuries. In certain instances, a pedestrian accident may be the fault of another party and cause significant injuries that can seriously affect the life of an innocent pedestrian that did nothing wrong. Someone in this situation may feel that they are entitled to some form of compensation for the injuries that they suffered at the hands of someone else’s negligence and they would be right. By filing a pedestrian accident claim, a pedestrian accident victim can seek compensation for damages suffered such as extensive medical bills, lost wages, disability, as well as pain and suffering to name a few.

Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Claims

In order to file a pedestrian accident claim, a plaintiff must be able to prove that they suffered a severe injury as a result of the accident, they must be able to prove that the party liable for their injuries were negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. While a plaintiff may know that an accident was another party’s fault because of some negligence, proving it is another matter altogether, as is dealing with the legal process, and negotiating all while recovering from a severe injury.

Therefore, it is within a pedestrian accident victim’s best interest to seek out an experienced attorney with a track record of successful pedestrian accident cases. Dolman Law Group has been handling pedestrian accident cases for years and has successfully recovered settlements that plaintiffs not only needed but deserved. Dolman law group offers free consultations to those curious about what kind of legal action can be taken after a pedestrian accident. To schedule your free consultation you can either fill out a contact form online or call us at 727-451-6900.

Recent Pinellas Pedestrian Accident Causes and Risks

Every pedestrian accident is unique although there are certain trends that have been observed when it comes to what tends to cause these accidents and what increases risk. Take for example the pedestrian accident that involved Mr. Bickel. In his case, there were several things that are common across many other pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Accidents Tend to Occur at Night

According to pedestrian accident statistics, the most common time for people walking to be hit by motor vehicles is at night between 7pm and 5am when there is the least amount of light to reveal pedestrians to drivers and vice versa. It is also speculated that night time is a setting for so many pedestrian accidents because it is when drivers will most likely encounter pedestrians that may be under the influence or vice versa. Naturally being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair you regardless of whether you are driving or walking and it increases the risk of an accident occurring. Which brings us to our next point.

Pedestrian Accidents Happen Away From Crosswalks

One of the most common places where pedestrian accidents take place is away from crosswalks and in the middle of the street. Crosswalks may be within sight but many pedestrians decide that they’d rather shave off a few seconds from their route rather than play it safe which often has serious consequences. It doesn’t even have to be a crosswalk. Many types of designated street crossings are neglected and pedestrians pay the price. It should be noted that ignoring crosswalks and jaywalking not only puts you at risk for being involved in a pedestrian accident but it can also have a negative effect on your claim.

Comparative Negligence and Pedestrian Accidents

In Florida, there is a policy called comparative negligence. This policy applies not only to pedestrian accidents but car accidents, motorcycle accidents, etc. and ensures that both parties involved are held responsible for their actions. Comparative negligence makes it so that a plaintiff in an accident claim has the amount of negligence that they contributed to the accident taken into account via percentage which is then deducted from the settlement they receive. For example, if a plaintiff in a pedestrian accident claim was jaywalking before the accident occurred, then that would be seen as contributed negligence and then be taken into account as perhaps 40% contributed negligence that would then be deducted from the possible settlement they would receive. In the end, they would only receive 70% of the money they possibly could have.

Seek an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one was a pedestrian struck by an automobile, motorcycle, or RV please call the Dolman Law Group for a free consultation. Our attorneys know the importance of staying up to date on the latest medical research involving TBI and its long-lasting effects. Dolman Law Group handles numerous cases involving those who have suffered a brain injury. Our team of attorneys and paralegals will work tirelessly to ensure your rights for present and future compensation are upheld.

Dolman Law has the skilled attorneys and the resources to achieve the maximum financial settlement for your case. We offer a free evaluation at our offices or even at your hospital bedside. Call us today or fill out the easy form on this site. Speak with a pedestrian accident attorney before the facts become harder to find. To schedule a free consultation with Dolman Law Group please fill out one of our online contact forms or call us at 727-451-6900.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

727-451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/pedestrian-accident-attorneys/

Common Boating Mistakes that Lead to Accidents

Florida Boating Accident Risks and Boating Accident Claims

Florida boat accidents are a growing problem across Florida. The many bodies of water located in the sunshine state serve as the settings of hundreds of injuries and deaths each year when something goes wrong during an outing of recreational boating. Those involved in these accidents often suffer severe injury and even death often because of a single act of negligence. Usually, there are several acts of negligence that are more common than others. These common boating mistakes are the usual suspects when it comes to establishing the fault of a boating accident.

Those that have been injured in Florida boating accidents don’t have to suffer through the damages caused by their injuries in silence. Boat accident victims who were injured as a result of a liable party’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for their injuries by filing a boat accident claim. By proving that a liable party such as another boat operator, boat rental company, boat part manufacturer, etc. was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident that injured you, a plaintiff can secure compensation for the damages they suffered. Consider Dolman Law group for your legal representation in your pursuit of compensation after a boating accident. Our lawyers have years of experience successfully securing the compensation plaintiffs need and deserve via boating accident claims. For a free consultation on your claim, you can contact Dolman Law Group online or call our Clearwater office at (727) 451-6900.

Boat Operator Distraction and Boating Accidents

Much like with motor vehicle accidents that occur on the road, driver distraction remains one of the largest contributors when it comes to boat accident causes. Boat operator distractions much like driver distractions can take on a number of forms. Boat operators can be distracted by conversations with their passengers, eating and drinking while operating the boat, rubbernecking while passing spectacles on the water like boat accidents, adjusting equipment, reaching for objects out of reach, smartphone use, etc. What all these behaviors have in common is their ability to draw a boat operator’s attention away from the task of piloting their watercraft. When someone engages in two activities at the same time such as boat operation and adjusting radio settings, their effectiveness at both tasks is significantly diminished. A boater that is going at high speed and looks away from where they are steering for a moment to do something else puts themselves, their passengers, and other boaters at risk since they will travel a significant distance blindly while they are distracted.  

Inexperienced Boaters Cause Accidents

Millions of tourists and visitors come to the state of Florida all year to partake in the pleasant climate and warm waters our state has to offer. Many of these tourists like to go beyond just enjoying the beaches, lakes, and waterways from the shores and rent boats out to take on the open water. Many of these people will little to no experience operating a watercraft and will likely not be aware of all the safety rules and regulations put forth by the state to help minimize accidents and injuries.

These inexperienced boat operators pose a serious threat to the safety of other boaters as well as themselves. It is imperative that all boat operators have at least a rudimentary knowledge of Florida boating safety obtained through a Florida boater safety class. Despite what many might believe, operating a boat is not at all like operating a car or other motor vehicle. Boats have to contend with a number of other environmental hazards and operate on different principles that affect maneuvering. One of the common things that many inexperienced boat operators may not know is how boats require more distance and skill to stop effectively. There are no brakes on a boat. Just a reverse, the ability to reduce engine speed, and hopefully an anchor. Inexperienced boaters often speed and misjudge how far they need to stop and slow down resulting in a boating accident.  

Boat Mechanical Failure Can Cause Accidents

It is important that all boaters thoroughly inspect their watercraft to ensure that it is in working order before they hit the water. A mechanical failure on a boat can be very dangerous and can cause a boating accident. In other cases, a boat can break down and end up stranded out on the water which is much more serious than being stranded by the side of the road. One of the most important mechanical aspects of a boat is its steering. Should a boat’s steering fail or become locked, it could steer the boat directly into the path of another watercraft or a static object that can cause an accident.

Alcohol and Drug Use and Boating Accidents

We are all familiar with how dangerous drunk driving is and how many people every year are killed because of someone’s irresponsible drinking. Boating is no different when it comes to the dangers of alcohol and operating a vehicle. Alcohol decreases motor skills, causes poor judgment, reduces perception, slows reflexes, and generally makes someone unfit to operate any kind of machinery. Drug use is also a less common but still dangerous factor for causing boating accidents.

Seek an Experienced Clearwater Boating Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one are injured in a boating accident, it is vital that you get immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, your injuries may be more serious than you realize. In particular, head injuries may not immediately show symptoms; however, serious complications can arise as time progresses.

If the injuries you or a loved one acquired in a boating accident are a result of another boater’s negligence, you should seek legal counsel immediately. Contact us online or at (727) 451-6900 to learn how our experienced attorneys have been able to help victims of boating accidents, and what compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/maritime-law-attorneys/boating-accident/

Clearwater Electrical Injuries in Construction

Workers Compensation for Electrical Construction Injuries

Construction sites are environments where the risk of accidents occurring is a constant safety concern that must be addressed. Construction companies should never underestimate the potential that construction sites have to inflict severe injuries when accidents occur. Workers can fall, have things fall on them, be struck by machinery, get exposed to toxic substances, and suffer electrical injuries. Construction more than any other industry actually has the highest number of on the job electrical injuries. These injuries are unique and also inflict significant damages on a victim.

Seeking Workers Compensation for Construction Electrical Injuries

Workers that suffer electrical injuries will often have to turn to workers compensation for any hope of recovering financial assistance to help cope with the damages they suffered as a result of an electrical on the job accident. Workers compensation benefits can help employees that suffer electrical injuries on the job with paying their medical bills, cope with the disability caused by an injury, and help stabilize their financial costs associated with an on the job injury. Employers are required by Florida law to have workers compensation coverage available to their employees in the event an electrical accident that injures an employee occurs.

Employees injured in electrical accidents will have to file a workers compensation claim in the aftermath of their injury to secure workers comp benefits. There is no need to prove liability like in a personal injury claim. A worker simply needs to report their on the job injury and then communicate the appropriate information regarding the medical bills and such.

Seeking Compensation Outside Workers Compensation

In certain instances, a worker injured by an electrical accident may actually be able to take legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit against their employer rather than file a worker’s compensation claim. A construction employee can file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer directly in the event that their employer exposed their employees to hazardous working conditions knowingly, caused the accident on purpose, or failed to provide adequate safety training and equipment to employees. Compensation could also potentially come from a product liability claim in the event that safety equipment failed or electrical equipment was dangerously defective due to manufacturer negligence.

What are Electrical Construction Accidents and How do They Occur?

Electricity poses a unique threat to construction workers. Unlike many other threats that can be found on a construction site, you usually cannot smell, hear, or see electricity. Typically, the only way to sense it is through touch and that is the last thing that you want to do. An electrical accident will usually injure a construction employee in one of three ways. There is the most obvious way through direct contact with a powerful electrical current that electrocutes the victim’s body. An electric current can also create a charge that may ignite chemicals or gases that are flammable. A loose wire is sometimes all it takes to create a gas explosion or burn an entire building to the ground. Electrictricity may also shock an unsuspecting construction worker and will not be enough to hurt them on its own but the shock can result in indirect injury by making a construction employee lose their balance and fall or drop dangerous equipment on themselves.

Common Electrical Accident Injuries

Electrocution is obviously the most common form of injury suffered in electrical accidents with the damage inflicted ranging from minor burns to outright death. When an electrical current passes through your body it carries with it an immense amount of energy that can inflict significant damage on your internal organs. This can take the form of heat that burns your internal organs or your skin, cardiac arrest from electricity traveling through your heart, or destruction of muscle tissue as electrical current travels through it.

Construction workers can also sustain broken/fractured bones if they fall as a result of electrical shock. These falls can also cause spinal injuries and even traumatic brain injuries. When an electrical charge ignites flammable materials and causes an explosion or fire then there is also a risk of severe burns being suffered as well.

Electrical Safety in Construction Sites

Construction sites are expected to adhere to the following safety guidelines in order to ensure that employees are kept safe to the best of an employer’s ability.

• Never allow any construction worker other than certified electricians to work on energized electrical systems.
• Make certain that all low voltage electrical systems are completely insulated and grounded before allow any construction worker other than certified electricians to work near those systems.
• Denergize high voltage lines when possible, and if not possible, then use barricades to ensure that workers or any conductive materials the workers may be touching stay at least 10 feet away from energized lines at all times.
• Ensure that all power cords are intact and secured in a manner such that they will not come in contact with liquids or be cut, pulled, yanked, or tripped over while in use.
• Lock and post warning signs on all low and high voltage fuse boxes and control panels so that only qualified personnel can gain access to them.
• Do not allow any electrical devices to be operated in areas where there is flammable or ignitable gas, vapor, liquids, dust, or fibers.

Seek an Experienced Clearwater Construction Injury Attorney

People who are injured in preventable accidents that occur at or around construction sites can often obtain compensation for their injuries and other losses. In some cases, this compensation may be obtained through the Florida workers’ compensation program while, in others, an injured party may be able to sustain a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for their injuries. Whatever the case may be, anyone hurt at a construction site should discuss his or her options with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

The attorneys of the Dolman Law Group have been protecting the legal rights of individuals injured at construction sites and in other types of preventable accidents. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Clearwater construction site accident attorneys, call our office today at 727-451-6900 or send us an email through our online contact form.

Dolman Law Group

800 North Belcher Road

Clearwater, FL 33756

727-451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/workers-compensation-attorneys/