OSHA Approves Rule Protecting Workers from Silica
After over four decades of warning, new workplace limits for lung-damaging and omnipresent substance, silica, are going to take effect. Silica, which is found in rock and sand, poses a hazard when it is crushed into a fine dust and inhaled – which is a major problem on construction sites as well as an assortment of other work environments. This substance can trigger silicosis, a lung-scarring condition that kills by suffocation, in addition to lung cancer and kidney disease. Last week, OSHA released a new standard – which replaces a rule that was set in 1971. It now reduces the allowable exposure limit to silica to 50 micro-grams per cubic meter of air, which is five times less than the current limit for construction sectors. The new rule establishes two standards – one for general industry and maritime and one for the construction industry. Under the new standards, an estimated 2.3 million employees who work in fields like construction, brick manufacturing, and fracturing will be protected. In fact, most employers will be able to meet compliance by using equipment found at local hardware stores. Many groups that argued against the change claim the new rule is a “job-killer” that will cost much more than OSHA anticipates, however, worker-safety advocates have disputed this by saying that silica is a worker-killer and that the standard is long overdue. OSHA estimates that the new rule will prevent about 640 deaths per year and more than 900 new cases of silicosis. Read more here. Contact Us: If you or someone you know needs personal injury representation, contact David Singer and Associates...Spring Break Safety Tips
A week of vacation from college during the months of March and April is a long-established tradition. While spring break may provide a break from academics, often time’s adolescents and young adults take this time to drink, party, and experiment with drugs. It is important to stay safe and understand the repercussions that may be associated with these potentially dangerous activities. Below, find safety tips to stay safe and have fun during this upcoming spring break: Driving Tips: Take turns driving. Rotating drivers can help keep everyone rested and aware of their surroundings The person sitting in the passenger seat should stay awake to keep the driver company and alert – two drivers are better than one. Make sure all people driving the vehicle have a copy of their driver’s license and proof of insurance before driving off. Do not leave valuables in plain sight when leaving the car. Lock items in the trunk before reaching your destination. Never get in the car with someone you suspect may be intoxicated; there is always a safer alternative At ATM’s: Try to go to the ATM in groups When approaching the ATM, be sure to scan all of your surroundings and make sure you feel safe before you approach the machine While Drinking: Always keep an eye on your drink. If you go to the bathroom, take your drink with you. Do not drink and drive. This is always avoidable. Avoid binge drinking. Eat before drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause alcohol to affect you much faster. At the Beach: Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Use waterproof...Better Understanding the Personal Injury Law
We all know that accidents happen and no one is free from having to deal with an accident in their lives. Often times when accidents occur, the result may lead to pain and confusion from not only the victim but from the victim’s family and loved ones as well. There are many important facts and steps to follow after encountering an injury to ensure you are claiming your legal rights in the most advantageous way possible. Below are some things to remember about personal injury cases: What exactly is personal injury law? In laymen’s terms, a personal injury case may refer to any legal dispute resulting after a person was injured or harmed in any way because of an accident. Personal injury cases are filed when there is someone at fault and are legally responsible for the accident which has occurred. Cases are then processed by a civil court proceeding which seek to better understand and find who is at fault for the accident. Civil court proceedings may be resolved through a court judgment or through an informal settlement process. When issues are not able to be resolved informally, a lawsuit will need to be filed. What is a formal personal injury case? Formal personal injury cases, also known as “formal lawsuits”, are the result of a plaintiff filing a civil complaint against another person, business, corporation, or government agency. The plaintiff’s claim usually involves the defendant to be irresponsible and careless and therefore causing the accident to take place, resulting in harm and injury. Can a decision be reached without going to court? Depending on the outcome early...What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice refers to negligence by a healthcare provider or professional in which treatment that was provided was substandard, and resulted in harm, injury, or death to a patient. The medical malpractice or negligence typically involves a medical error, either in diagnosis of a patient, medical dosage, health management, treatment, or aftercare. The medical malpractice law is a way to provide patients with proper compensation from harms that may have resulted from sub-standard treatment from a medical professional. Below are some common questions and answers regarding medical malpractice lawsuits: Is Medical Malpractice Common? Unfortunately, medical malpractice is very prevalent in today’s society; diagnosis errors alone cause up to 160,000 deaths annually in the U.S. According to Johns Hopkins researchers, as reported in BMJ Quality and Safety, diagnostic errors are the most dangerous and expensive mistakes American doctors make, estimated to cause between 80,000-160,000 deaths every year. According to Health Affairs, nearly one in every three that is hospitalized in the U.S. is susceptible to encountering a hospital error. What Are Some Hospital Errors to Look Out For? Providing a patient the wrong dosage of medicine Giving a patient the wrong medication Leaving things inside a patient’s body following surgery Misdiagnosis Staph infections Pressure ulcers (bedsores) What Characteristics Should My Claim Have in Order for Malpractice to be considered? Failure to provide proper care Injury resulting from consequence of negligence Very damaging consequences due to injury What are the Elements in a Malpractice Case? The Plaintiff – this is the patient, or a legally designated person who acts on the patient’s behalf The Defendant – this is the party that...Nursing Home Abuse
Millions of elders living in nursing homes are victims of abuse every year and are not even aware of it. Elder abuse in nursing homes can be difficult to detect and it is not uncommon for cases to go unreported. Though many elderly residents in nursing homes are treated well and cared for in the manner in which they should be, abuse still continues and is much more prevalent that people wish to believe. Nursing home abuse is something that should definitely be of concern; seniors who have been abused have a 300% greater chance of death in the 3 years following the abuse than those who are not abused. Statistics show that nearly 1 in 6 nursing home residents are the victims of abuse or neglect every year, and although legislatures in all 50 states have passed anti-elder-abuse laws, nursing home abuse continues to occur. Nursing home abuse can include any of the following: Physical abuse – may be intentional such as hitting or pinching, or it may be due to neglect including overuse of restraints and lack of physical care Psychological abuse – this may be harder to identify, but it includes yelling, criticizing, humiliating or shaming of the patient. Sexual abuse – any unwanted sexual attention or exploitation Financial exploitation – may include taking advantage of access to patient’s financial matters, stealing, or otherwise compromising a patient’s financial status. Neglect – often times may be unintentional and a result of inadequate staffing, but nevertheless it is considered to be abusive. Instances of neglect may include, personal hygiene care not being met, not provided with food, clothing,...Have a question? Give us a call.
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