What Happens If A Work Related Injury Ends Your Career?
If a work-related injury ends your career, the consequences can be devastating both financially and emotionally. In New York City, where the job market is fiercely competitive and living expenses are high, losing the ability to earn a livelihood can have severe implications. Without a steady income, individuals may struggle to pay their bills or maintain their standard of living, especially in areas such as Manhattan or Brooklyn where housing costs are exorbitant. Being injured in a construction accident can have significant legal and financial implications. In such cases, you may need the assistance of a personal injury attorney or an injury lawyer who specializes in work-related injuries and workers’ compensation claims. Here’s what typically happens in such situations: Consultation: Your first step would be to consult with a personal injury attorney or injury lawyer who specializes in work-related injuries. During the initial consultation, you would discuss the details of your case, including the circumstances of the injury, the extent of your injuries, and the impact on your career. Evaluation of Workers’ Compensation: Your attorney would review your workers’ compensation claim to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate benefits and compensation for your injuries. They will also assess whether the benefits adequately cover the loss of your career and potential future earnings. Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the work-related injury to determine whether there were any violations of safety regulations, negligence on the part of your employer, or any other factors that contributed to your career-ending injury. Third-Party Liability: In some cases, there may be third parties (entities other than your employer) who could be held liable for your injury. For example, if a defective product or equipment caused your injury, you might have a separate personal injury claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for your career-ending injury. This compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and potentially a lump-sum settlement for your permanent disability. Social Security Disability: If your injury prevents you from working in any capacity, your attorney may assist you in applying for Social Security Disability benefits, which can provide financial support. Lawsuit: If negligence or intentional wrongdoing played a role in your injury, your attorney might advise you to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against responsible parties beyond workers’ compensation. Calculation of Damages: Your attorney will work to calculate the full extent of damages caused by your career-ending injury, which can include not only medical expenses and lost wages but also future earning potential, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Settlement or Trial: If negotiations with insurance companies or responsible parties do not lead to a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial to seek a favorable judgment from a court. Appeals: If the outcome of your case is not satisfactory, your attorney can guide you through the appeals process to seek a better resolution. If a work-related injury abruptly ends one’s career, it is crucial to understand the legal avenues available for seeking compensation and support. Irrespective of citizenship status, individuals can sue under Labor law 240 to protect their rights and interests. It’s important to note that every case is unique, and the legal process can vary based on factors such as the specific details of the injury, the jurisdiction, and the applicable laws. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney or injury lawyer such as Siler & Ingber will help you understand your rights and options and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your career-ending injury.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim? And How Do I File One?
Personal injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, resulting in physical, emotional, and financial challenges. In such cases, filing a personal injury claim can help victims seek compensation for their losses. This blog post aims to provide an overview of personal injury claims, including what they entail and the steps involved in filing one, and how important it is to consult a personal injury lawyer in such scenarios. Understanding the process can empower individuals to protect their rights and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. What Is a Personal Injury Claim? A personal injury claim is a legal process in which an injured individual seeks compensation for damages caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another party. Personal injury claims cover a wide range of accidents and incidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and product liability cases. The objective of a personal injury claim is to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions and recover financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses incurred as a result of the injury. Steps to File a Personal Injury Claim Seek Medical Attention: The first step after sustaining a personal injury is to seek immediate medical attention. It is of utmost importance to take care of your health and well-being first. Additionally, obtaining medical documentation will serve as evidence of your injuries in the claims process. Evidence Compilation: Gather as much evidence as possible for backing up the claim. This includes photographs of the accident scene, property damage, and your injuries. If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information, as their statements can strengthen your case. Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney: It is highly recommended to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in handling such cases. An experienced attorney can assess the merits of your claim, provide legal guidance, and advocate for your rights throughout the process. Determine Liability: Your attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury to determine liability. They will review the evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts if necessary. Establishing the other party’s negligence or fault is crucial for a successful claim. Calculate Damages: Your attorney will work with you to assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and potential future losses. This evaluation will help determine the appropriate compensation to seek in your claim. Negotiation And Settlement: In many personal injury cases, the parties involved may reach a settlement agreement without going to court. Your personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company or legal representation to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses. Litigation, If Necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf and proceed to litigation. This involves presenting your case in court, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome and the amount of compensation awarded. Case Resolution: Once a settlement is reached or a judgment is made, the case will be resolved. If you receive a settlement, you will sign a release, waiving your right to pursue further legal action related to the incident. Do not hesitate to consult us: Filing a personal injury claim is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail and legal expertise. By understanding the necessary steps involved, consulting with a skilled personal injury lawyer, and diligently pursuing your claim, you can increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses. To get a simplified description of the above, book an appointment with Siler & Ingber without further hesitation.
Injured On a Construction Site: What to Do?
You might not be surprised to learn that working in the construction industry is a very dangerous profession. Thousands of employees are hospitalized each year for accidents that happen on or near construction sites, resulting in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to deadly crush injuries. State and federal safety regulations have been implemented nationwide for the protection of construction workers as a result of the worrying injury rates for this group of workers. In addition to safety precautions to help prevent accidents, these regulations also offer suggestions for what to do in the case of an accident to safeguard your employee’s rights and well-being. Along with it an option for consulting a Manhattan construction accident lawyer at your convenience. How to Protect Yourself After an Accident It is crucial that the necessary actions are taken to protect the injured person’s safety and legal rights when you or a loved one is involved in a serious construction site accident. The sufferer is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits because the injury happened at work or as a result of performing work-related responsibilities. However, he must take specific actions to ensure his well-being and the viability of his claim in order to receive full benefits that pay for medical expenses and time off work. These actions comprise: Receiving health care. The first and most crucial actions to take following a worksite injury are to evaluate the damage and treat it. Before the injured person tries to return to work, a medical professional should diagnose and treat the injury, regardless of how minor it may seem. A bruised abdomen could be a symptom of internal problems, just as a modest bump on the head could conceal a concussion. Keeping a record of the location, time, and details of the mishap. If the accident victim is physically competent, he should be sure to note the important particulars of the incident, such as the date, location, and possible reason. These documents might eventually be cited as proof. Declaring harm. The injured person must without a doubt let his boss or superior know about the mishap as soon as feasible. The victim’s case notes will be updated with the name, title, and position of the person who accepted the report as well as the report’s submission date. Locating witnesses who can offer details regarding the accident. The injured person or his companions should, if at all feasible, compile all potential witnesses’ contact information. Making a quick account of what they witnessed could also be useful for later use as proof. Preserve any potential accident evidence. The scene of the accident, the victim’s injuries, and any items or equipment that were used should all be photographed. Try to keep as much documentation as you can. Obtaining medical records, paperwork, and images. The worker should make sure that all injuries are thoroughly documented, precisely recorded, and easily accessible before seeking medical assistance for the injury. Dates, medical professionals’ names, any care he received, and any medications that were prescribed should all be listed in the documentation. Contacting a qualified attorney. It might be challenging to establish a solid case for personal injury damages or workers’ compensation payments. Even if it is obvious that workplace negligence caused the injury, your employer could try to downplay your claim or outright deny benefits. In order to construct and simplify your claim, it is essential that you hire a Manhattan construction accident lawyer in cases of serious harm. Still, thinking about what to do? A well-known local law company called Siler & Ingber has long assisted many wounded workers in obtaining the compensation and assistance they require to heal. Isn’t it time you took use of his knowledge? For a FREE step to see how we can assist you secure a good claim, get in touch with our office right away. Here, we offer you a skilled Manhattan construction accident lawyer to handle every aspect of your case.
Drones Causing Injuries: An Emerging Trend In Personal Injury Cases
In the modern world, personal injury is not just related to workplaces, businesses, and auto accidents. Since drone photography and videography have become so popular, there have been stories of mishandled equipment accidents. Invasion of privacy has also been done using drones. Control loss: A broken controller, interference from other electronic devices, or simply failing to pay attention to the drone’s flight path can all lead to this. Operating a vehicle when intoxicated or high: The user of a drone must be sober and free from alcohol or other intoxicants in order to operate it safely. Crashes: Drones have the potential to collide with other things or persons, damaging or hurting them. Power outages: Drones are battery-powered, and if the power goes out, the drone may lose control right once and crash to the ground. Electrical Interruption: Drones can fail and crash because they are subject to interference from other electronic equipment. Collisions: Drones can collide with several things, including other drones, trees, and buildings. People on the ground or in the air may sustain injuries as a result of such collisions. Human-Interference: User intervention, like sabotage or vandalism, can also harm drones. Different Drone-Related Injury Types Injuries caused by drone accidents include the following: Cuts and lacerations: The sharp blades of drones have the potential to slash and lacerate skin when they come into touch with it. Depending on the extent of the cut and where it occurs on the body, these injuries can range from minor to serious. Bruises and contusions: If a drone strikes a person’s body hard enough, it can also result in these injuries. These wounds can be uncomfortable and take days or weeks to heal. Fractures: If a drone strikes a person forcefully, it may result in fractures or broken bones. A fracture can be a very serious injury that calls for immediate medical attention and other therapies including physical therapy. Trauma: When someone is hit in the head, they may experience concussion symptoms. The severity, duration, and types of care and monitoring needed for each concussion vary. Injury to the spinal cord (SCI): A drone mishap could result in a spinal cord injury for a person. The spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that extends from the brain through the back, plays a crucial part in the body’s numerous processes. Compensation Options for Victims of Drone Accidents The specifics of your case will determine the forms of compensation that may be available to you, but they could include the following: Medical costs: You could be able to get reimbursed for the price of any medical care or rehabilitation you needed as a result of your injuries. Lost wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages or salary you forfeited while you were recovering. Anguish and misery: A person may experience both physical and mental suffering as a result of an accident. Your drone accident injury claim could be eligible for money to cover some of your pain and suffering. Damage to property: In the event that the drone accident harmed any of your possessions, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged items. Who Is Liable in the Event of a Drone Accident? Normally, any injuries or damage brought on by a drone mishap would be the responsibility of the person or company controlling the drone. Any injuries suffered by people who are struck by the drone or collide with it while it is in flight would be covered by liability. Now ask a personal injury lawyer at Siler & Ingber Attorneys, and know about your legal rights and alternatives if you have been hurt in a drone accident and want to pursue a claim for damages.
How can an Elevator Accident Lawyer Help you?
Elevators can be seen in residential areas, malls, offices and mostly in all places with more than 2 to 3 floors. Millions of people use elevators on a daily basis as these make our lives much easier. Even though elevators are safe and mostly function properly but they can also be terrifyingly dangerous when they malfunction, causing serious injuries and even fatalities. In the city of New York, there are some set laws that govern the installation of the elevators, their maintenance and inspection, but then there are always a few cases where because of faulty or ill-maintained elevators numerous people get injured each year. There are quite a few scenarios which can cause elevator-related accidents. For example, a person can get caught between the doors of the elevator, can fall down the elevator shafts or even suffer serious injuries when an elevator platform collapses. In these cases, the common injuries could include back injuries, head injuries and broken bones. When elevator accidents do occur, those responsible for the manufacturing, upkeep and safety of the elevators, can be held responsible. If you or someone known to you has been injured in an elevator accident should get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who can help you get the rightful compensation for your sufferings. Types of Elevator Malfunctions & Defects The malfunctions and defects of the elevators can be very dangerous for its users. These defects could be due to:- Faulty elevator doors which create the risk of crushing or falling. Mechanical defects or breakdowns causing an elevator to drop suddenly. Improper maintenance Elevator control malfunction or faulty wiring which creates a risk of electrocution Inspection by negligent officials Who is Responsible for Elevator Accidents? To determine who is actually responsible for an elevator accident is not that simple. It typically depends on the nature of the accident. There are some rare times when even the passenger is at fault. If you or someone you know has sustained injuries in an elevator accident, it is important to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who can guide you in a proper manner in this complex world of elevator law in New York City. Here are some parties listed below that could potentially be responsible for an elevator accident that occurs. Elevator manufacturers and/or designers The owner of the property where the elevator caused the accident The subcontracted elevator maintenance companies Elevator attendant ( if there is one present) The Company that installed the elevators What is a personal Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in an Elevator Accident Case? Attorneys /Lawyers play a very major role in cases involving elevator accidents & injuries. With the help of a lawyer, you can maximize your compensation, get immediate medical attention and also assist in managing your ongoing medical treatment and care. Further, an elevator injury attorney can gather relevant evidence of the poor elevator safety. You can easily file a workers’ compensation claim with an attorney’s assistance. If all goes as planned and your attorney is successful in bringing a suit or claim, you can receive financial compensation for:- Lost Wages Pain & Suffering Medical Expenses Property Damage The attorneys at Siler & Ingber are one of the best at what they do. You can get in touch with them if you or someone you know has been injured in an elevator accident. Get in touch immediately and let us evaluate your case for free.
What Are The Types Of Damages that Can Be Recovered In A Personal Injury Case?
The initial step in every personal injury lawsuit is to establish negligence. The plaintiff must then establish the other party’s negligence directly caused their injury, which is known as causation. The injured party must then decide what damages they are attempting to recover in the settlement. There are two basic categories of recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit: compensatory and punitive. To determine if one (or both) will be able to satisfy a harm claim, plaintiffs must comprehend the differences between the two. Major Personal Injury Case Types Personal injury law, commonly known as “tort” law, aims to make amends for those who suffer losses as a result of the conduct of others. Typical personal injury claim examples include: Auto mishaps: The majority of personal injury claims and lawsuits in the US are related to auto accidents. When drivers break the law of the road, car accidents frequently result. Falling-off cases: A “slip and fall” case, sometimes known as a “premises liability” case, is another typical sort of personal injury case. Legal obligations require property owners to keep their homes and businesses secure. A person may file a lawsuit against the property owner for damages if they suffer an injury as a result of the unsafe property Product liability: People who sustain injuries as a result of a faulty or excessively dangerous product may bring a lawsuit against the product’s seller and maker. Accidents account for the majority of personal injury claims, but you can also file a lawsuit against someone who purposefully hurts you. Medical malpractice, dog bite injuries, defamation, wrongful death, and child sexual abuse claims are more instances of personal injury cases. Two Different Forms of Compensatory Damages They are meant to restore plaintiffs to their pre-injury state, to the extent that is practicable. Compensation damages can be split into two primary groups: special and general. Special Damages Special damages, sometimes referred to as “economic damages,” reimburse claimants for out-of-pocket costs associated with their injuries. Among exceptional damages examples are lost wages (past and future) medical expenses (past and future) the price of replacing damaged goods, cleaning services, and household expenses while the plaintiff is healing. General (Non-Economic) Special damages are easier to quantify than general damages, sometimes known as “non-economic damages.” They are designed to make up for plaintiffs’ intangible losses resulting from harm, such as Trauma and Stress (both physical and mental), bodily impairment or disfigurement, loss of reputation, loss of pleasure in life. Death by Mistake Damages The surviving family members of the victim may bring a wrongful death claim or lawsuit when the victim dies as a result of another person’s negligence or wilful wrongdoing. Damages for wrongful death include, for instance: burial and funeral costs Cost of the deceased person’s pre-death medical care, together with their pain and suffering, due to emotional anguish (called a “survival claim”) Loss of consortium as well as loss of the expected income and services that the deceased person would have given. The person in charge of the victim’s estate often brings wrongful death claims on behalf of the survivors. The precise criteria for someone to count as a survivor differs from state to state. Punitive Damages The purpose of compensatory damages is to make up for the plaintiffs’ losses. Punitive damages are something else. Punitive damages are intended to hold defendants accountable for their improper conduct. Punitive damages are typically only available in places where there has been purposeful wrongdoing, such as a serious battery, sexual assault, or massive financial fraud. Punitive damages are permitted in other states when there has been “gross negligence.” When defendants disregard the safety or life of others, they exhibit extreme negligence. Speak with a lawyer Speak with a lawyer if you’re considering bringing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. A lawyer can provide you with information and assist you in determining the worth of your settlement. From Siler & Ingber, find out more about selecting a personal injury attorney.
The Hazards of Black Ice While Driving
Drivers should be well aware of the necessity of checking the conditions on the road while driving. The majority of the time, drivers can see possible hazards and can easily avoid them. However, there are times in which the driver may not spot an approaching danger. Tragically, this can occur during winter weather with black ice. Definition and Formation Black ice isn’t really black; it’s clear and translucent when it forms. Unlike regular ice, which has an opaque coloring, black ice that is known to be more dangerous than regular ice. It is exceedingly challenging to notice and is often virtually unrecognizable. Black Ice forms on surfaces like roads, sidewalks and driveways after changes in temperature causes rain to freeze rain or due to some melting and refreezing of snow or ice. In spite of the fact that black ice can develop on any road, it is most frequently seen on bridges and overpasses because the air traveling beneath the structures can make the surfaces colder. Patches of black ice can also form on surfaces that are shaded by trees or other structures where the temperatures may be a bit lower than surrounding areas. How to avoid hazardous results while encountering Black Ice Black ice can be very difficult, sometimes impossible to see. Therefore, you may not be aware that you are driving onto an icy patch until its too late. As a precaution, adjust your speed, pay attention to other drivers, and leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you as you drive to account for the overall road and weather conditions. Tires on black ice will have almost no traction, in contrast to driving on snow, where there is still some traction. The best advice is to maintain your composure and let the car slow down on its own if you find yourself slipping on black ice. Avoid slamming on the brakes if you drive onto an ice patch and your car starts to slide. You can find yourself losing control of your car and skidding further. Instead, let off the gas to regain control and keep the car from veering off the road and into the slide. Precautions to keep in mind. Make absolutely sure your car is maintained properly. The best action you can take is to be organized. Recognize where and how black ice develops. You can drive safely if you keep a close eye on your surroundings when you think there might be black ice on the road. Maintain a safe distance from other motorists because, in actuality, they might not be as knowledgeable or well-prepared as you are. Keeping a safe distance from other drivers will improve your chances of avoiding being involved in their errors. Drive carefully. No matter where we need to go, the safety of you and those around us are always more important. When the roads are slippery with ice, take your time getting there, or try to stay at home until the situation is a little less dangerous. Steps to take in case of an unfortunate event You should get in touch with an accomplished personal injury attorney if you are hurt in an accident where you suspect black ice. At Siler & Ingber, we assist those who have suffered injuries in incidents on icy roads and other winter driving mishaps. We would be happy to talk to you about any accidents you may have had, the types of injuries you may have had, and any potential benefits you may be eligible for.
Can A Homeowner Be Liable for Contractor’s Injuries?
A contractor and his team’s job is tough and tricky. Every homeowner hires contractors to get repair work done in their home. There might be the renovation of the kitchen required or a leaking ceiling that needs repair. No matter if the project is big or small, you would need to hire professionals for the task and if god forbid during the process of the work the contractor gets injured, then, in that case, is the homeowner liable for the contractor’s injuries? The answer to this question is that ‘It Depends ’! Who is liable for the contractor’s injuries depends on the in charge of the site when the work was going on, the insurance cover of the contractor, and many other things which shall be covered briefly in this blog. Many homeowners do not realize that when they hire a contractor to repair or renovate their homes, they can be held responsible for all the injuries that happen on-site. It is a contractor’s responsibility to oversee the complete project and as a homeowner, it is their responsibility to warn the contractor of any dangers that might end up hurting anyone working at the site. If a contractor or a construction worker has been injured while working on a residential property without being aware of the potential dangers on the property, then, under the premises liability law a homeowner can be sued. There are certain situations when the homeowners can be held responsible for all injuries caused to the contractor. These situations are:- Homeowner’s Liability due to Premises Liability In case of a minor or serious injury to the contractor, they may file a claim quoting premises liability on the part of the homeowner who did not warn about certain pre-existing dangers on the property which were the cause of the accident/injury. The premises liability law establishes that every property owner has a duty of care towards individuals visiting their home for personal or business reasons. It is the homeowner’s job to ensure safe conditions on the property. In case there is a danger that the homeowner is aware of, they need to take proper safety measures for it. Homeowner’s liability due to Exercised Control Premises liability is a legal principle whereas exercising control can be open to any kind of interpretation. In case of an injury caused while working on a residential project, the contractor might file a claim against the homeowner arguing that the homeowner exercised control over the project. Exercising control may include oversight over the workers and also providing necessary instructions. Homeowners should refrain from offering any advice to the workers to avoid liability. It is best to let the contractor and workers do their job after you have discussed your requirements and pay rate with them. Get Help from an Experienced Attorney If you are a homeowner who has been sued by an injured contractor, you may want to know how you can get out of it. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and provide remedies for it. Siler & Ingber team has been representing many homeowners who have been sued by their contractors. Contact Siler & Ingber today to get genuine legal advice from the best attorneys in town.
The “Shocking” Truth behind Electrician Safety
The Human body is a strong conductor of electricity because it is mostly composed of water. An individual experiences electric shocks when a part of their body which includes the skin, muscles or even hair come in contact with an electricity source, causing the current to pass through the body. The shocking truth or the jolting fact about a worker working with electricity is that all of them have experienced a shock at least once while on the job and they consider this occurrence very normal. While electric shocks are a known hazard while working with live electric current, they are a signal that the worker is not taking adequate safety measures. Lack of training or one mistake with the electricity can be deadly & disastrous. Every electrician is well aware of the dangers they face each day while on the job, whether it is installing new electrical equipment or conducting maintenance. But should they be okay with shocks being a normal part of their job? No right!! Even a small episode of electrocution can cause injuries ranging from minor burns to life-changing wounds which can even be fatal. Reasons for Electrical Accidents Short Circuits Negligence and Carelessness Working from a high location Improperly installed equipment Unsafe work practices Inadequate isolation Injuries that can result from Electrical Shocks Electrocution When an individual experiences an electrical shock the high voltage can damage the internal organs inside the body. Electrocution is often fatal but even if the person survives, they will experience a damaged cardiovascular system and nervous system. Electrocution also causes broken bones caused due to the impact along with other injuries. Electrical Burns Every electric shock occurs due to a direct contact between the body part and the electrical current will result in an electrical burn. The burns depend on the severity of the shock experienced. There could be surface burns with only the skin or slight muscle damage or there could be enter-and-exit burn wounds which could be the signs of more severe internal damage. How to Prevent Electric Shocks Being an electrical worker is a tough job and it requires strong knowledge of electricity. When working with electric current, electricians need to be very careful and aware of their surroundings. In addition to that, the electrician should also be aware of the other employees working with them because a single mistake made by them when you are high up on a ladder or scaffolding, can cost you your life. Here are some preventive measures that electricians should take to keep themselves safe:- Working with wet hands is a complete NO Be aware of water lines, gas lines and other utilities under the surface where you are working Always wear gloves and use fiberglass tools Always turn the circuit off before working on an energized circuit. A chemical-type fire extinguisher should always be there around you in case a fire breaks out. Never experiment with electricity, get proper training. Get Help from an Electrical Injury Attorney To reduce your chance of experiencing a shock is to prevent them. At Siler & Ingber law firm we understand that an electrical injury can affect the quality of your life and create a lot of financial burden for you and your family. If you have been in an electrical accident which was caused due to the carelessness and negligence of someone else, then you have all the right to compensation. In an electrical injury case, it is critically important that you seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer who can get you fair compensation for all your medical bills, lost wages and suffering. Get in touch with Siler & Ingber team for a free evaluation of your case.
Preparedness, Precaution and Personal Injury During Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in New York began on June 1st and lasts until November 3oth. From summer to fall, weather conditions become ripe for storms to begin brewing in the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes thrive on warm ocean water temperatures (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and cooler air temperatures, which then combine to create convection easier. Being in Hurricane Season means that we need to take additional precautions to keep our families safe. The following sections outline hurricane statistics in New York, resources for hurricane preparedness, safety tips and what to do in the event of an injury or property damage. Hurricane Disaster Facts and Statistics Studies show that a total of 301 hurricanes have hit 19 U.S. states since 1851, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Coming in at #8, New York is the last northern state in the Top 10 states with the greatest number of hurricane landfalls. New York has suffered 15 direct hits from hurricanes, three of which have been Category 3 or higher. Storm surge, not wind, is the most dangerous component of a hurricane, according to the NOAA. Storm surge is water that is pushed onto land by tropical storm winds — a major hurricane can create a surge of up to 20 feet high or more, causing severe flooding and extensive property damage after landfall occurs. Certain areas of New York are subject to storm surge flooding. It’s important to know if your area is at risk of storm surge flooding and follow the designated evacuation routes. NYC – https://maps.nyc.gov/hurricane/ … You can also use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or call 311 Long Island (Nassau County) – https://nassau-county.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0bb83341f55f4df6842c957214890699 One of the most important factors to consider regarding hurricanes is the category of the storm. Categories 1 and 2 refer to dangerous storms with winds from 74 to 110 miles per hour. Such storms are likely to cause extensive damage, but homes can be protected against such storms. Categories 3-5, on the other hand, refer to storms with wind speeds from 111 to 155+ miles per hour, storms that are so devastating they can cause catastrophic damage. Hurricane Preparedness Resources New Yorkers must take the time to prepare. All residents should have a plan in the event they need to evacuate or ride out the storm at home. Develop a plan with your household members that outlines what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes. NYC – Use Ready New York: My Emergency Plan at NYC.gov/myemergencyplan. Long Island – Use BeReadyLI: https://www.bereadyli.org/ Protecting one’s business during a hurricane is also important. Brick-and-mortar businesses need to be set up to withstand major storms and potentially numerous days when one will not be able to return to their business due to flooding, blocked roads, long-term evacuations, etc. Try to Avoid Property Damage and Injury During a Hurricane If a hurricane is rapidly approaching and you don’t have time to evacuate or if you’re told by emergency personnel not to evacuate, the following steps should be observed: Stay advised with emergency alerts. Don’t walk, swim, or drive in floodwaters. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” It may be impossible to know how deep floodwater is, or if the water is in connection with an exposed electrical line, thus passing a potentially lethal current of electricity through the water. If trapped by flooding, go to the highest level or open roof of the building. Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or interior room that is protected from high winds. Some hospitals report that most emergency department visits they experience regarding a hurricane occur several days after the hurricane makes landfall. According to local doctors, workers responsible for post-storm clean-up are at risk of serious injury caused by chainsaws, wood splitters and other tools. The machinery can cause gruesome injuries, including amputation and deep tissue wounds to fingers and hands. Skin lacerations and punctures are also common during the cleanup, as are injuries caused by falls. Workers involved in post-hurricane cleanup can face serious risks to their health and safety. Therefore, it is important for everyone involved in cleanup efforts to be aware of the dangers they may face and understand what protections to take. Potential Worker Hazards During Hurricane Cleanup and Recovery Electrical Danger Wet Floors Mold Floodwater Carbon Monoxide Structural Damage Toxic Waste Falls and Holes in the Floors Asbestos All workers have a right to a safe workplace, even after natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Workers involved in post-hurricane cleanup can face serious risks to their health and safety. Therefore, it is important for everyone involved in cleanup efforts to be aware of the dangers they may face and understand what protections to take. If workers are injured at work, it’s important to work with an Attorney that will assist in recovering any losses and compensation. The experienced Attorneys at Siler & Ingber will be able to handle the case efficiently and effectively. We don’t get paid unless you win.
