Personal Injury

Work-Related Nursing Home Injuries Explored by North Carolina Research Institute

April 26, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

In 2004, the Research Triangle Institute in Durham, North Carolina collected data from nursing home aides and certified nursing assistants regarding their work schedules, training, and overtime. The purpose of the data collection was to determine if there was a link between those variables and increased injuries on the job in nursing homes.

The data was then compiled into a study and analyzed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study is entitled, “Work-Related Injuries Among Certified Nursing Assistants Working in US Nursing Homes” and it was written by Galina Khatutsky along with three others.

The study found that risk of injury was significantly associated with three factors: (1) mandatory overtime; (2) multiple jobs in the last 5 years; (3) being 30 years old or younger. Those aides who received more training and who were required to work less overtime were less likely to be injured on the job. There was also come connection between the numbers of reported injuries and whether the aides worked in environments where they felt respected. If there was some level of respect for the aides, the aides were less likely to report being injured by the patients in the nursing home.

Most of the injuries suffered by the aides came from patients who were aggressive. Some of the injuries were also associated with having to lift those patients who cannot lift themselves. Most aides, however, reported having access to lifting equipment and being able to use the equipment regularly to assist them in their jobs.

As a result of this study, the researchers are recommending that certified nurse assistants (CNA’s) receive more comprehensive training and more support during the first few months on the job. They also recommend that CNA’s be extensively schooled on how to handle difficult patients as these seem to be the primary cause of the injuries to the workers and also that nursing homes reduce the amount of overtime that the employees are required to work.

Authorities Cracking Down on North Carolina Truckers with Sleep Apnea

April 24, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

A recent report by TruckingInfo.com has revealed that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is recommending that there be increased standards for evaluating whether a driver has sleep apnea. This announcement comes after two advisory panels recommended that the evaluation standards be more aggressive. The panels recommended that if the agency identifies a driver with a body mass index of 35 or more that driver should be sent for a sleep apnea evaluation. The agency has asked for public comment on the proposed regulation.

The panel also recommended that some circumstances immediately disqualify a driver. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel or if the driver is involved in an accident because of fatigue, they will be prevented from driving until they have been evaluated for sleep apnea and are undergoing treatment for the condition.

Evaluation and treatment for such a disorder is especially important for drivers. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is caused by airflow obstruction during sleep. One of the primary symptoms of sleep apnea is fatigue and sleepiness during the day. For those individuals who drive for a living, success on the job depends on being able to remain alert. It is important that those in the transportation industry, such as truckers, are aware of the problem and attempt to reduce injuries to employees and others. According to a professor at Harvard Medical School, a person with sleep apnea is at a 242% greater risk of having a crash while driving than someone who does not suffer from the disorder. Numbers like that are scary and should be taken very seriously indeed.

Car Accident with Train in Charlotte, North Carolina

April 17, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

According to a recent report by WBTV.com, Charlotte light rail train riders received a shock last week when one of the trains was involved in an accident with a car. On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, all traffic on the rail lines was halted due to the accident. There were no reported fatalities, but six people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The accident happened at the crossing at Remont Road and South Boulevard, at 8:30 p.m. There was a car sitting at the crossing, waiting for the train to completely pass by. All of the safety measures and lights were in working order that evening, or at least no one has reported that there was a malfunction with any of the warning signals. While the car was waiting for the train to pass, a Jeep approached the car and it through the protective arms onto the railroad tracks. As a result, both the lead car and the Jeep were in the train’s way as it was coming down the tracks.

The authorities are being quiet about the cause of the accident. The police are not yet saying whether alcohol was involved in the accident or whether there was some other cause of the accident. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) personnel are talking, however, and a spokesperson, Jason Leier, revealed that three passengers and the engineer were taken to the hospital. The engineer was not injured, but company policy requires that a doctor see the engineer after an accident.

Also, the car that was hit by the train was carrying three people. They were all taken to the hospital as well and treated for minor injuries. As yet there has been no word on when the injured parties will be released from the hospital. If these minor injuries turn into major injuries, the driver of the vehicles that caused the accident may be facing significant legal liability.

North Carolina Firefighter Injured in Car Accident

April 10, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

In Huntersville, North Carolina, a firefighter is recovering from being injured by a car while doing his job. According to a recent article published on WCNC.com, on Saturday, April 14, 2012, the fireman was getting back into his truck after fighting a fire on Beatties Ford Road. As he was climbing up into his truck he was hit by a car as it passed him. He was thrown off of his truck and hit the road. As a result of the accident, the fireman had abrasions, a concussion, and severe road rash. The fireman was immediately taken to Carolinas Medical Center for medical attention. Soon after being admitted to the hospital, the fireman was released and sent home to recover from his injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the car did not see the fireman as he was getting up into his truck. The flashing lights from the fire truck obstructed the driver’s view. Like every responsible citizen involved in a car accident, the driver of the vehicle stopped and remained at the scene. The driver cooperated fully with the investigation and will not be facing any charges related to the accident.

Although no criminal charges will be filed against the driver, the driver may still face possible civil liability for his involvement in the accident. The driver was clearly at fault for the accident. Because the lights from the fire truck obstructed the driver’s view, he could have slowed down to ensure that he avoided getting into an accident. The fire truck, which is a clearly marked emergency vehicle, had all of the lights and sounds going so that everyone on the road and in the neighborhood knew that the vehicle was being used for emergency purposes.

Charlotte Woman’s Beach Accident Should Raise Concerns for North Carolina Sunbathers

April 5, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

A Charlotte woman’s Florida vacation turned into a nightmare. Rinda Mizelle was enjoying her vacation on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida when her time in the sun was ruined. She was run over by an Ocean Rescue pickup truck. She was sunbathing on the beach around 3:00 PM. She was laying on the sand with shorts over her face to keep the sun out of her eyes. The next thing she felt were tires roll across her body. Lifeguards rescued her and she was immediately transported to Broward General Medical Center. She was treated for her injuries and released. After this incident she filed a lawsuit against the city of Fort Lauderdale alleging negligence.

The city has responded by reevaluating its policies concerning vehicles on beach. The mayor, Jack Seilier, said, “I can safely say we’ll evaluate that policy… We want to make sure that people have the best possible experience on our beaches. And if there’s some issue with the safe use of vehicles on the beach, then we need to address it.” The driver of the pickup truck has been placed on administrative leave until an investigation is conducted into the accident.

Opinions regarding large trucks on the beach are split. Some believe that such large vehicles prevent drivers from seeing people who are laid out on the beach. Others believe that they are necessary to carry the lifeguard’s equipment from one end of the beach to the other in a timely manner. In some emergency situations, lifeguards and safety personnel need boards, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment necessary to save someone’s life.

Emergency officials in Fort Lauderdale are saying that having a sunbather run over by a beach vehicle is unheard of, but there have been other similar incidents in Florida, in both Miami and Volusia County. Mizelle’s attorney, John M. Phillips, finds it extremely troubling that this has happened to more than one sunbather on Florida’s beaches.

North Carolina Toddler Suffers Severe Injury in Fall from Balcony

April 3, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

A very small child is recovering from injuries suffered after the toddler fell from a second story balcony, according a report by WCNC.com. The accident happened on Saturday, April 14 2012, at the Colonial Grand at Beverly Crest Apartments. It is unclear from reports how the toddler managed to fall off of the balcony. The first responders on the scene informed WCNC that the child’s injury could potentially be life threatening.

Immediately one begins to think that the parents may somehow be responsible for the child’s injuries. However, WCNC learned from investigators that the parents of the toddler would not be charged with any wrongdoing. Police, investigators, and medical professionals are keeping a tight lid of the toddler’s condition, leaving the public to only speculate about how bad the child’s injuries are and whether or not the child will survive.

This unfortunate accident highlights several important issues for both the owners of apartment buildings and the tenants who reside in those apartment buildings. It is always important for tenants to do a thorough inspection of the premises when moving into an apartment complex. Any areas of concern should be immediately reported to the manager of the building. Once the problem areas have been brought to the attention of the proper authorities, then the tenant is less likely to be contributorily liable for any injuries that happen as a result of the problem area. In the case of the toddler, if the parents reported a problem with a broken or loose portion of the balcony to the building superintendent, it could explain why no charges have been filed.

If the balcony was faulty to the negligence of the building superintendent or the owner of the building, then both could be potentially liable for the toddler’s injuries. Owners of apartment buildings have a duty to keep the premises safe for the tenants. If the owner failed to keep the premises safe, it is a breach of his duty and he could be sued for negligence. If the owner hired a management company to ensure that the building was keep in decent working order for the tenants, both the management company and the owner of the building could be liable if there is negligence involved. Until the investigation is complete, however, no one will know who, if anyone, is responsible for the toddler’s injuries.

Poop Pours Onto North Carolina Highway

March 22, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

Drivers on Interstate 70 in eastern North Carolina were not prepared for what they were going to endure on that early morning drive Monday morning. As drivers were on their morning commute, they were accompanied by a truck carrying an unlikely substance. None of the drivers knew what the unsuspecting truck was carrying until something malfunctioned and the contents of the truck ended up splattered on the road in front of them.

WCNC.com reported that the truck was carrying human waste from a sewage plant to be used as fertilizer. Something went wrong and the truck opened up while the driver was on the interstate. The waste came pouring out of the truck onto the highway. One lane was blocked and about 300 feet of waste spilled out on the road. While no injuries were reported, at least two cars ended up sliding around in the mess before the lane was closed off to further traffic.

Charlotte Construction Company Faces Lawsuit in Tennessee Sewage Plant Accident

March 1, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

According to a recent report by the Charlotte Observer, a Charlotte construction company is now facing a lawsuit in connection with the deaths of two employees at a Tennessee wastewater facility. The accident happened back in April of 2011. Two employees of the Veolia Water North America plant, John Eslinger and Don Storey were killed when the wall of the equalization basin suddenly collapsed against the pressure of heavy rain. The wall fell onto the top of the building that Eslinger and Storey were in at the time. According to plant officials, Eslinger and Storey were in the process of making adjustments to valves to deal with the heavy downpour that had recently happened.

Eslinger and Storey’s families have filed two wrongful death complaints in the Sevier County Circuit Court in Sevierville, Tennessee, naming as defendants the City of Gatlinburg, Vaugh and Melton Consulting Engineers, Middlesboro, KY, Carpenter Wright Engineers, with offices in Knoxville and Nashville, TN, and Crowder Construction Company of Charlotte, NC.

The equalization basin was actually built by Crowder Construction. The suit is alleging that the both the design and the construction of the basis were defective. A state inspection in October revealed that there were not safety violations at the plant and the lawsuit is not alleging that there was negligence on the part of the plant itself. Instead the suit is claiming that the engineers who built the basin and the construction who fabricated the basin did so in a manner that was defective. The suit also claims that the wall should have been modified because it was deficient, but it was not. After the original wall of the basin was completed in 1996, it failed under stress in 1997. Subsequent to that failure, a portion of the basin wall had to be rebuilt, which was a contributing factor to the failure in 2011. The suits seek $17 million in damages each.

Another man was killed at the plant while working on the demolition of the deficient wall. Michael Wells was killed when he was hit from behind by a chunk of rock or dirt that fell from an earthen wall behind him. The Eslinger and Storey suits were filed just one day after Wells died.

Several Car Accidents in Charlotte Area Due to Bad Weather

February 21, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

Drivers should have been cautious after winter weather hit the Charlotte area over the holiday weekend. Things, however, do not always go as planned. As drivers began their morning commute on President’s day, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were called to several car accidents due to the treacherous road conditions. The winter weather left behind patches of ice on the interstates, which proved to be difficult for Charlotte drivers.

There were four major accidents reported to the police in the Charlotte area, with two of those accidents being on major interstates. Just after 7 a.m. on Monday morning, police responded to the scene of an accident on I-85 where a vehicle flipped over several times. Road crews spent most of the morning clearing the accident scene to try and spare the rest of the morning commuters a traffic standstill. Snow began to fall late Sunday night and as temperatures continued to drop, the moisture on the roads began to transform into ice.

These kinds of road conditions require that drivers be extremely cautious. The best advice for driving in the snow and ice is not to drive at all. You are safer at home than you are driving on an icy road.

However, if you must go out there are several things that you can do to make sure that you reach your destination safely. First, decrease your speed and give yourself plenty of room to stop. This also means that you may have to leave home a little earlier to make sure that you make it in a timely manner. Second, apply pressure to the brake gently to prevent the car from skidding. If you feel the car begin to skid at any time, release the brake. Third, make sure that you keep your headlights on and your windshield clean so that you have the maximum visibility. Fourth, do not attempt to pass snowplows or sanding trucks. Doing so will drastically decrease the visibility, which is the last thing you want to happens when the roads are dangerous. If you want more tips on how to drive in snow and ice, consult the Weather Channel’s website.

Internal Affairs Clears Cops in North Carolina Teen’s Injuries

February 16, 2012 | AS Personal Injury Lawyers

According to a recent report by WBTV, the police have been cleared of any wrongdoing for injuring teenager Tanisha Williams. Williams was taken into custody after she was arrested for shoplifting at a CitiTrends in west Charlotte. When Williams was placed in the back of the cruiser, she repeatedly beat her head against the window. She also wrapped a harness around her neck. As a result of her actions, Williams suffered severe brain damage and is now brain dead.

The Internal Affairs Division conducted an investigation into the conduct of the officers and concluded that they were not at fault. After the officers observed Williams banging her head against the window, they went to retrieve a restraining device from another police officer in the area. When the officers returned to the cruiser that Williams was in, she had stopped banging her head against the door and they did not need the restraining device. The report revealed that it only took Williams 13 seconds to wrap the harness around her neck. The officers did not see the harness at first because it was dark and because Williams’ hair was obscuring the officer’s view of the harness.
Officers asked Williams on several occasions if she was ok. Although she never responded, according to the officers she was still breathing when they asked her. When the officers discovered the harness, they immediately cut if off of her and Williams received appropriate medical attention. Williams is currently on life-support in the hospital and is receiving around-the-clock care.