COVID Cases Surge While Protocol For Juries Remains Uncertain
What an interesting, unfortunate situation COVID-19 has put us all in, our era will be written about in history books. Things that you never thought would happen suddenly gone in an instant. People are hurting, both mentally, emotionally and physically. Though it may seem bleak, there is still good in this world and it comes in many forms, from modern science guiding us in the right direction, to realizing that family is of the utmost importance. This virus and its subsequent variants have changed our world as we knew it into something we are trying to call, the “new normal”. Knowing that family, friends and loved ones are of such importance, Siler & Ingber, your Long Island, New York area personal injury/accident law firm is viewing the legal system in a creative and proactive way. We keep moving forward, preparing every case to go to trial. This global pandemic has brought us all closer together and while the world waits for Law Firms, juries and the entire judicial system to acclimate to COVID-19 protocols, (vaccinations, mask wearing, social distancing, etc.), Siler and Ingber continues to be aggressive with other avenues of alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation and arbitration in resolving all client matters. With our clients’ best interest in mind, keeping them informed and in tune with their cases until the court system resumes to the best of its ability, we remain diligent in trying to book dates for trial. Pending cases are being left on hold, quite literally, as some attorneys and firms phone numbers cease to work. Hard working judges go into work every day following the proper protocols and their passion is to be commended, however, it is extremely difficult to commence a fair trial with a jury, given the current climate on where we are with COVID-19 and how Law Firms choose to bounce back from it. Siler & Ingber is not like every firm though. We do what is necessary for our clients, even in unprecedented times like this, by continuing to go to battle for each injury case to go to trial, with the knowledge that civil jury trials are of paramount importance. Preparation breeds success and we pride ourselves on that here at our firm. In doing research, there is no discrimination as to the size of a law firm when it comes to receiving the go ahead to schedule a trial date. It’s almost as though with each stride forward that we make in the fight against this everchanging virus, law firms are somehow no closer than they were a year or so ago to being able to book a date for their client to have a fair trial with a full jury. While few cases can be scheduled, delays and discrepancies in protocol is an undeniable cause as to why the rate at which they are moving forward has drastically decreased as this pandemic rolls on. Listen to this statistic – according to the New York Office of Court Administration, of the 2,000+ civil jury trials that took place in New York City in 2019, a mere 360 proceeded so far in this calendar year. There’s more to this than just numbers at first glance. When you truly analyze it, the trend is moving towards civil jury trials ceasing to exist. This is certainly not a given but is still a sad and potentially real possibility. Juries make It fair for our clients to receive what they deserve. Our personal injury attorneys have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims on Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients – we are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, 1-516-294-2666 or schedule an appointment online at any time. There is never a fee unless we recover money for you. Siler & Ingber refuses to rest and will continue to think outside the box and fight for our clients.
Falling Merchandise in Retail Stores
Have you wondered about getting injured by a stack of canned tomatoes at a store? Does it concern you that the personal injury caused by such an incident could lead to serious medical conditions? These questions might not concern a lot of shoppers who visit retail stores on a regular basis. But there are some people who have suffered from damages due to falling merchandise in a small or big store. In New York City, most big-chain outlets work as warehouses by storing a lot of products in huge numbers. In these retail stores, consumers pick and choose products according to their personal needs as and when needed. There are thousands of instances recorded in the Legislative Analyst Report – Warehouse Safety Standards that tell us about personal injuries caused by falling merchandise. Mentioned below are three key questions that you must note in order to safeguard yourself at a retail store. What are the common injuries caused by falling merchandise? When an individual is visiting a retail store to buy certain products for her/his official or personal use, they are supposed to get a safe environment. It is the legal duty of the brand to ensure that no personal harm is caused to consumers inside the store. The negligence shown by the staff members can lead to mild, as well as, serious medical issues listed below: Broken bones in the arms, neck, spinal cord, legs, etc. Herniated discs in the legs, neck, and back Bruises and lacerations in any part of the body Concussions and other forms of trauma in the brain Internal organ damage Fatal accident What are the safety rules that retail stores must follow? There can be situations where you visit a retail store to shop and face an accident. This can occur in various forms such as heavy tools falling on top of you, a pile of household appliances hurting your body parts, etc. The main cause behind such instances is the negligence shown by the store manager and staff members. People who suffer from injuries in retail stores due to merchandise falling on them have the right to get personal injury compensation. Safety rules that must be incorporated in retail stores are as follows: Standardized placement of heavy merchandise on lower shelves Secure stack of machinery, books, canned goods, etc., in an effective manner Regular inspection of racks and shelves to maintain safety within the store Avoid re-stacking items when customers are present at the premises Ensure that no products are hanging from the ceiling Proper training program from old and new staff members on safety management How do you get compensation for any personal injury? Even if you have not suffered from a personal injury caused by merchandise falling on your body, the chances of witnessing such an incident, at least once in your lifetime, are very high. Most of the time, people who get wounded at a store react in two ways. If the personal damage is not severe, they tend to brush off the matter. On the other hand, if their injury has led to serious medical concerns, then they demand compensation from the store. If you have come across a similar issue, it would be best to consult a personal injury attorney who will help you in proving the negligence shown by the retail store. Under the New York liability law, the store must provide compensation to the customer. 3 tips to keep yourself safe in a retail store: Being aware of your surrounding in a retail store is imperative for every individual. When you get wounded due to the negligence shown by the staff members, you will have enough proof to show in court. Here are three tips that you can take note of: If there are piles of canned goods or heavy tools placed in a dangerous manner, you must bring it to the store manager’s attention immediately. In case you face an injury due to merchandise falling on any of your body parts, it would be best to click pictures. However, if you are unable to do it yourself because of unbearable pain or loss of blood, ask your friend or family member to click photographs. Do not make a statement without the presence of your lawyer when the authorities get involved. An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted as soon as possible. Since it is the duty of a retail store to provide a safe environment for consumers, you must get compensation for any form of personal injury. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-LAW-4343, or schedule an appointment online at any time. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
Who Is Liable to Pay Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
When you or someone you love is injured in an accident, a personal injury claim can help you secure the monetary damages you need to recover. This compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care services, and more. Where does the money to pay these damages come from, and how does the court determine where liability falls? The answer to these questions will depend on the circumstances of your case; it is not a decision you have to make on your own. A personal injury attorney plays a vital role in examining every detail of your accident to identify possible liable parties and determine where they fall responsible for your injuries. It is then up to a judge to decide which parties should be legally obligated to pay for your damages and how the amounts are split. Types of Liable Parties in a Personal Injury Claim Under New York State law, every personal injury case must be able to prove two points: That your injury was a result of the accident caused by another party; and That your injury was a foreseeable risk that the other party could have prevented, but didn’t. Because each case is different, some personal injury claims may involve one party, while others may include several. These are the most common liable parties that can be responsible for paying damages in a case: Insurance Companies Almost every personal injury case will involve negotiating with insurance companies to obtain compensation for damages. Insurance companies exist to protect organizations and individuals from paying out-of-pocket for accidents they have caused. In most cases, your accident attorney will need to negotiate fair and complete payments to obtain the maximum benefits for your injuries. This must happen before any other parties are considered. Insurance companies are heavily involved in most cases, particularly car accidents, premise liability, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. Individuals Many personal injury cases involve proving negligence of a single person or smaller group of individuals liable for your injuries. Depending on your accident, this person could include an employer, a co-worker, a premise owner, medical personnel, or a driver. If the individual party deemed liable for your accident has insurance, damages will be collected from their insurance company first. It is then up to the personal injury attorney to determine an additional amount of damages with the client to claim required from the individual party. Companies Negligence, especially in the case of workplace injuries, is often a result of an error or oversight at the macro level. A company may be held liable for any accident or injury when their actions as a whole directly cause a preventable accident to occur. These actions may include negligent supervision and safety policies, dangerous working environments, product defects, or any other policy that the company is responsible for upholding to keep workers and consumers safe. Institutions While a company is an organization that is always working towards a profit, institutions are larger parties dedicated to education, culture, religion, or public services, including schools, universities, hospitals, churches, and public agencies. Institutions can be held liable for injuries that take place similarly to companies, with liability based heavily on their ability to create effective policies and procedures, hire adequate staff, and provide safe environments. Manufacturers In cases where individuals are hurt due to product malfunctions or defects, clients may file a claim against the manufacturer for negligence. Product injuries can happen at home, work, or in any other environment. If the manufacturer is found liable for a defect or error in production, they may be liable for paying monetary compensation outside of their insurance policies for your injuries. Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney Immediately You may not know exactly who will be responsible after your accident. Accidents involving injuries are stressful and can be chaotic in the aftermath. The first step to always take after an accident is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Focusing on your health is the most important factor and key to an optimal recovery. When your medical needs are met, the next step to take is to consult with a personal injury attorney about your accident. Knowing there can and may be multiple parties involved in your case can be overwhelming. A personal injury attorney will help guide you through examining the details to identify liable parties and provide support in gathering evidence to secure you the benefits you deserve. Long Island Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims on Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support that our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate the claim process, using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. Not afraid to fight, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment online at any time. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
Can I Sue My Gym If I Signed a Waiver?
Fitness centers may be hubs for health, but that doesn’t make them safe. Gym accidents cause thousands of serious injuries every year. While some result in minor damages, others can cause catastrophic injuries that lead to life-long health problems and exorbitant medical costs. Although every gym requires new members to sign a liability document to deter fault in the case of an injury, that doesn’t mean they are off the hook when an accident occurs. More often than not, gym accidents are caused by negligent practices and malfunctioning equipment. Proving a third party is at fault in these cases can be difficult, especially when liability waivers are substantial. By consulting with a gym accident attorney early and knowing the crucial steps to file a successful claim, you can recover the maximum damages you deserve to help get you back on your feet after an injury. Types of Gym Accidents Despite popular belief, gym accidents are not only caused by overexertion and excitement. Several risk factors lead to gym injuries every day, none of which involve a participant’s activity or error. These factors include: Slippery and unkempt surfaces; Defective equipment; Old and damaged equipment; Poor training instruction; Unstable equipment; Improper signage and warnings; and Negligence and dangerous actions by other members. Gym injuries range in severity, but accidents resulting from negligence are often the most severe. These accidents can involve thousands of pounds of displaced weight and forced mechanisms, leading to falls, crushing injuries, stuck-between injuries, and trauma by force. Common injuries we have seen diagnosed due to gym accidents include: Traumatic brain injuries; Spinal cord damages; Full or partial amputations; Soft tissue damage; Nerve damage; Severe fractures; and Death. Gym Waivers and Liability Forms All businesses must legally protect themselves from possible injuries to guests on their premises, especially when the facility involves dangerous elements. Gyms provide equipment and heavy free weights for their members, which can cause severe injuries when misused. Because of this, fitness facilities generally include a waiver in the new member paperwork that requires people to waive their right to a lawsuit in the case of an injury while working out. There are several types of liability waivers the gyms may require for new members: Total Liability Waiver– a blanket agreement that waives a member’s right to hold the gym responsible for all injuries that occur on the property. Intentional Acts Waiver- a disclaimer that addresses injuries that are caused by intentional acts committed by staff members, managers, or the owner of a gym. Negligence Waiver- an agreement to waive a member’s rights to hold the gym accountable for injuries caused by the negligence of the facility or its staff. In addition to liability waivers, gyms will denounce an accident claim by claiming Assumption of Risk. This legal defense is based on the idea that gym members voluntarily put themselves at risk when they sign up at the facility and control their own workouts. The two types of Assumption of Risk defenses include: Express– when a gym representative claims the member was told via a written and signed agreement of the possible risks. Implied– when a gym representative claims the member knew the risk of activity due to safety postings on the machine or in the area but continued. While legal documents can be intimidating for members, these waivers are not set in stone. Several holes in gym waivers can make them difficult to hold up in court, especially when the fault is clearly on the gym, gym manufacturer, another member, or an additional third party involved. Steps To Take After a Gym Injury Directly after a gym accident, report the injury to the staff at the facility. Do not leave the building and call later. Find a manager to document the incident. After reporting your injury, these are the crucial steps to take next that can make or break a case: Seek medical care for your injuries immediately, no matter how minor; Take pictures or videos of the accident, machine, or other equipment involved; Secure all medical records to prove the severity of injuries; Follow up with all suggested treatments and appointments; Secure witness statements when possible; and Consult early with a gym accident attorney to explore your rights. Contacting an experienced gym accident attorney early on will give you the best chance of securing maximum compensation for your injuries. These attorneys possess the resources necessary to investigate your case from all angles. They know the tricks that fitness facilities try to use to get out of paying a member’s claim, and they will build a comprehensive case to cover all damages that can arise from an accident. New York City Gym Accident Attorneys Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims in New York City. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support that our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process, using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured at a gym or fitness facility, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment online at any time. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
Avoid Parking Lot Accidents When Holiday Shopping
The holiday shopping season on Long Island has officially begun, and parking lots are already becoming more dangerous. Pedestrian accidents and vehicle accidents occur frequently when shopping rates surge. Between crowds of people and swarms of cars, it only takes a minor error for a catastrophe to occur. Millions of shoppers will be racing around in the next few weeks to snag everything on their lists. Despite the holiday cheer in the air, Long Islanders must be mindful of the dangers. A host of post-pandemic shopping factors this season, in addition to the annual madness, could increase parking lot accidents even further. Know the risks before you shop to help stay safe this December. Parking Lot Accidents Skyrocket Over the Holiday The National Safety Council (N.S.C.) reports that one in every five car accidents nationwide occurs in a parking lot, with higher rates during the holidays. Hundreds of people are killed, and thousands are injured in these accidents every year. Most crashes are caused by distractions, aggressive driving habits, and other preventable measures. Distractions Distractions are one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents across the country, especially when it comes to parking lot crashes. A distraction includes any activity or behavior that takes a driver’s attention from the road. Some may be more common than others, but all can result in severe and fatal accidents. In a volunteer distracted driving poll conducted by the N.S.C., drivers admitted to conducting the following distracted driving behaviors upon entering and leaving a parking lot: Programming GPS (63%); Sending a text (56%); Scrolling social media (52%); Emailing (50%); and Taking photos or videos (49%). Other distractions listed as major contributors to parking lot accidents included personal grooming, online shopping, talking to passengers, and rearranging items in the vehicle. Aggressive Driving Holiday shoppers can be ruthless. Parking spaces are often impossible to come by during peak shopping hours, and some motorists will do anything to get an open spot. Speeding, fast accelerations, hard braking, and drivers operating without turn signals are just a few of the behaviors that lead to tragic parking lot accidents. Other motorists can experience dangerous road rage episodes that can lead to catastrophic consequences in crowded environments. Pandemic-Related Shopping Dangers The stress of holiday shopping in 2021 is unlike anything Americans have experienced before. Last year, shoppers were wary about in-person purchases, still adhering to stay-at-home orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But with vaccination rates rising and people eager to celebrate the season, millions more shoppers are expected to visit the stores. In addition to the typical retail madness, several other factors will make this shopping season a little more chaotic than usual. Supply chain woes have complicated the process of finding many popular products, creating a larger crowd of daily shoppers hunting for products. According to The New York Times, supply chain operations have also affected product pricing, resulting in shoppers rushing to grab gifts at the risk of paying exorbitant amounts closer to Christmas. Despite more people being comfortable with in-person shopping, most retailers will still adhere to pre-pandemic policies this season. This means reduced store hours, long lines due to social distancing, and limited capacities. Crowded parking lots full of impatient drivers waiting their turn is a recipe for disaster. There is no predicting how many people will be waiting outside of stores but planning ahead could reduce your risk of sustaining injuries on your trip. How To Stay Safe In Holiday Parking Lots The best way to avoid parking lot accidents this season is to shop online whenever possible. Sure, shipping delays are possible, but risking your life or those of your loved ones to purchase a gift in person isn’t worth the risk. If you still want to brave the holiday shopping scene, have a plan. Know which stores you want to visit and route a path before arriving. Take public transit and arrange carpooling when possible to reduce the need to park. When you do need to drive, follow these simple steps to help reduce accidents: Obey all traffic lanes, stop signs, and no-parking notifications; Stay in lanes; Never cross across lots; Stay alert to pedestrians, strollers, and carts; Keep speeds slow; Use turn signals; Conduct 360-degree walk around your vehicle before backing out; Don’t rely solely on your review camera to avoid hazards; and Pull through to park when possible and safe. Long Island Parking Lot Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims on Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process, using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a parking lot crash, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1.516.294.2666, or schedule an appointment online at any time. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
Common Mistakes Accident Victims Make: Why a Free Consultation is Important
Hundreds of car accidents occur every day in New York City, and most we don’t even notice unless we’re involved. These accident scenes come and go quickly, cleared up as fast as possible to avoid any more congestion than New Yorkers already battle. For most motorists, the quick clearing of a traffic accident is a blessing, but for the victims of these accidents, this period can feel like a ticking time bomb. Several steps need to be taken directly after a crepresenting accident victimsar accident; if done incorrectly, an accident claim can be significantly affected. Even when it’s clear that liability falls on the other party, a lack of evidence can result in minimal compensation for damages from both your insurance company and a personal accident claim. At Siler & Ingber, LLP, our knowledgeable team has been representing accident victims for over 30 years in NYC. We’ve seen the pitfalls our clients frequently fall into that can jeopardize their chances of maximizing compensation after an injury. While every accident is different, here are the most common mistakes that car accident victims make and why seeking a free legal consultation early on can save your case. Failing to Seek Medical Care When you are the victim of a car accident, the condition of your vehicle is not the priority. Your health should always be number one, and seeking medical attention directly after an accident is crucial. By failing to seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, your actions show that your injuries may not be as severe as you claim, or that the cause of the injury could have been the result of something other than the accident. Insurance companies require medical records close to the date of the accident that prove your injuries were solely the result of the accident. Even if you experience delayed symptoms, it’s essential to get examined by a medical provider the day your accident occurs to evaluate your health. This way, when future problems do arise, you have the documentation to show that you have been diligent with your care. Detailed medical records provide the best chance of maximum coverage for future medical treatments. Have your doctor be as specific as possible in your treatment planning for all injuries. Lack of Accident Scene Evidence Lack of evidence and details about an accident can lead insurance companies to deny claims or pay out far less than the victim requires to cover damages. It’s essential to gather enough evidence at the scene before it starts to clear away. In NYC, this happens at lightning speed, and the act of getting into an accident is already disorienting enough, without adding injuries to distract you from collecting information. Before an accident occurs, make a list of all the information you need to collect to have ready when the time comes. The list should include information on the vehicles involved (license plate, model, make), the vehicle damages, witnesses present, the road conditions and surrounding hazards, and all the information from the other driver(s), including contact information and insurance information. Photos and videos are excellent ways to quickly document accident scenes and get witness statements if they consent. If you are too injured, make sure your emergency contacts know the information that should be collected so that they can act on your behalf. No Police Report Filed It’s the law in New York State that every car accident victim must file a police report with the police jurisdiction under where their accident took place. It doesn’t matter how minor the accident was, or if there were injuries involved. These reports are required for all accident claims as a record of the accident occurring. Without an accident report, the chance of recovering any compensation for your injuries is minimal to none. Admitting Fault Car accidents are traumatizing, and they can make victims say and do things out of character. One of the worst actions you can take after a crash is to admit any fault in the matter, especially to the other drivers involved. Making statements about who was to blame for an accident, why they were to blame, and what part you played in the matter is a significant mistake and can cost you the compensation you are eligible for under the law. Until you look at the whole picture, what caused a car accident is not always obvious. A driver who collides with another vehicle that they didn’t see may also not have realized the other vehicle was speeding or failed to use their turn signal. It’s essential to stick to the steps of what to do after a car accident, instead of trying to figure out blame on the scene. This way, you don’t admit to something that you had no control over. Posting On Social Media Yes, you should take pictures and videos of the accident scene after a crash. No, you should never post them on social media. Social media coverage of your accident can quickly turn toxic for your case. Accident victims who post about their crashes can later contradict themselves, share misinformation about the case, or cause negative comments to come back and hurt their claim. Social media content in New York is considered admissible evidence, meaning whatever you post (good or bad) can be used in court. Contact An Accident Attorney Early On When you’re the victim of a car accident, contacting an experienced accident attorney early on can not only help you avoid these common mistakes, but maximize your compensation in areas you can’t receive financial assistance for in an insurance claim. Some additional damages an attorney may file for in your accident claim include: Lost wages or employment; Pain and suffering; Future long-term medical care; Therapy (physical and psychological); Lack of income for basic needs; and Punitive damages. Ensure the accident attorney you consult with provides a free initial consultation and is experienced in car accident cases in NYC. Not all attorneys are the same, and NYC has different laws and
The Top Five Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in New York are an unfortunate reality. Reports from 2019 suggest that nearly 567 car accidents occur each day in New York. This amounts to more than 200,000 accidents every year, and subsequent injuries and fatalities. Most of the accidents are reported in Brooklyn (31.7%) followed by Queens (29%), Bronx (19.4%), Manhattan (15.5%), and Staten Island (4.2%). Moreover, one out of five accidents cause an injury. In 2019, 50 car accidents were fatal. Car accidents can occur due to many reasons but there are a few common causes. Here are the top five causes as observed by top car accident attorneys. Distracted driving – texting while driving or talking on the phone are some of the most common reasons of distracted driving. They take the attention of the driver away from the road and that often leads to accidents. Drunk driving: Drunk driving leads to loss of reflex and control that causes accidents often lead to serious injuries to the victim and the driver as well Driving under influence of drugs: Like drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs can be extremely risk and lead to accidents of varying degrees. Fatigue: A long day after work or late-night driving while tired is a leading cause of accidents as the driver is fatigued and may sleep on the wheel. Reckless driving: Driving too fast or missing stop signals can lead to serious accidents that can be fatal or cause severe injuries. Reckless driving also includes disregarding any rules of the road. In a car accident due to the above-stated reason, the injured party is owed a compensation for the negligence caused by the at-fault driver. A car accident attorney can help. When valuing your claim, they will make sure that the compensation you receive covers all of the financial expenses incurred by the wreck and the damage done to your quality of life including current and future medical bills for medical treatment, car repair or replacement costs, physical or emotional therapy, lost wages and income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and disfigurement, lost enjoyment of life If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Jeff Siler Named Top Lawyer in Personal Injury
Congratulations to Partner Jeff Siler on being named a Top Lawyer in Personal Injury by the LI Herald. This is the second annual award gala hosted by the Herald Community Newspapers, and organized by Richner Media, honoring esteemed lawyers from Long Island. Awards were given to a select group of Long Island attorneys in various practice areas who showed a high level of professional achievement and charitable work in their communities. This honor celebrates the legal minds of all honorees for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic and progressive involvement in legal policies that have emerged from these trying times. Our team at Siler & Ingber could not be prouder of Jeff on this outstanding achievement. This honor is a testament to his loyalty to our clients and passion for giving back to others in need. Keep up the phenomenal work Jeff!
How Can Social Media Impact Your Personal Injury Claim?
Social media has become an important part of our lives. From what we eat to where we travel, everything is online for our friends and family to see. Revealing details about our personal lives and ongoings on social media can have its pros and cons. In case of a personal injury or an ongoing settlement, the activity of the involved parties on social can be considered an important piece of information. Let us understand the impact of social media on a personal injury claim through an example. Let’s say that you’re a victim of a car accident seeking damages including medical expenses related to hindered or restricted mobility as a result of the accident. But the insurer of the at-fault party checks your social media and finds that you checked into a gym or health center. In such a scenario, this could work against you. Alternatively, your personal injury attorney may find that the at-fault driver had checked into a bar before the accident. This could come in handy to prove negligence. Here are some other scenarios you should know about social media and its impact on your personal injury case: Contradicting the testimony: As shared in the example above, it may so happen that while your testimony alleges a certain claim, it may be contradicted on social media through the posts made by you. Hence, it is imperative that you’re careful about you post especially in an ongoing personal injury case. Comments from friends: Often harmless comments by friends and family related to the personal injury case on your social media can have a negative impact on the settlement process Strengthening you claim: social media is not all bad, it can also come in handy and play a positive role by strengthening your testimony. Admissible evidence: In New York, social media content relevant to a personal injury claim is admissible evidence, that is, a personal injury attorney can use social media posts as evidence in a settlement case. While it is not possible to complete eliminate your life online, it is highly advisable to refrain from posting during an ongoing personal injury claim. Moreover, when you hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, make sure you allow them to access your social media history so that they are able to find any relevant information that could possibly have an impact, positive or negative, on your case. If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Accidents at the Workplace Involving Cutting Blade and Nail Gun
One of the common sites at any construction site are the use of machinery, cutting blade, and nail guns. This equipment is essential to carry out the day-to-day work at any workplace involved in construction whether it is related to building roads, maintaining public spaces, or constructing office or residential spaces. While being essential, accidents involving cutting blades and nail guns are very common. These accidents may be a result of worker negligence but can often be due to faulty equipment. A construction accident attorney can help you understand these aspects in more detail. Risks involved in using cutting blade Saws and cutting blades are of various types including electrical blade, chain saw, and a table saw. Moreover, saws and cutting blades are used to cut a variety of material at a construction site, such as concrete, metal, wood, plastic, etc. Considering the sharpness of the blade, there are risks that a worker can sustain devastating injuries that can even lead to lifelong conditions such as amputations, lacerations. In some cases, injuries can even be fatal. The cause of an injury due to a cutting blade is often because lack of safety features or faulty equipment. In many cases, if a safety guard is available to a worker, it can avoid serious injuries in case of an accident. At the same time, the worker should be properly trained in the safe use of a chain saw as well as its adequate maintenance. Training, provision of safety guard, and ensuring maintenance of a safety guard is the responsibility of the employer. Such failure is an OSHA violation and employer can be held responsible in case of any accident or injury. Risks involved in using nail guns Nail guns are a common sight at a construction site. Powered using electricity, they’re a heavy equipment that need to be used with utmost care and safety. Alongside the risk of a faulty nail gun also lies the risk of falling from a faulty ladder if a worker is using a nail gun at a height. Similar to cutting blade accidents, nail gun accidents also occur often due to faulty equipment or lack of maintenance. Nail guns should be used after proper training. Accidents related to nail guns can cause severe injuries to a worker such as lacerations, burns, etc. The responsibility of safe use, maintenance and training lies with the employer. Any violation is a failure to conform to OSHA’s rules and regulations. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving nail guns or cutting blade as a result of employer negligence, you’re owed a compensation that is above and beyond the workers’ compensation. It is important that you with a construction accident attorney. What to do if you’re injured at a work due to a cutting blade or nail gun accident? If you or someone you know has suffered an injury at a work site due to faulty equipment and you need the best injury attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
