Mancini Law Mancini Law2024-03-26T16:02:53Zhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503620/2021/12/cropped-Mancini-Site-Icon-min-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=472322024-02-28T16:53:28Z2024-02-28T16:53:28ZWork-related pain could worsen over time
Often, people choose to ignore pain symptoms when they don't experience some kind of dramatic precipitating incident. Blue-collar workers recognize that they have a responsibility to report equipment malfunctions or other major incidents that lead to injury. However, they may not speak up when consistently performing the same job functions is what causes their pain. Unfortunately, repetitive strain injuries related to someone's job functions could very well progress if someone does not receive a break from their job responsibilities and proper treatment.
Repetitive strain injuries can worsen to a point where the pain is persistent and debilitating. Employees who notice pain symptoms triggered by their work functions should not try to power through their shifts. Instead, they may need to speak to a supervisor and seek out medical evaluation.
Diagnosis is the beginning of recovery
When a worker receives a diagnosis of a repetitive strain injury, they can then potentially request workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation can pay for their treatment costs, possibly including surgery and physical therapy. If someone needs to take a leave of absence for their symptoms to improve, workers' compensation can provide them with disability benefits until they can return to work. It can also be easier for workers to request accommodations on the job when their employers are aware of their job-related health challenges.
Instead of just ignoring pain triggered by work tasks, employees may need to communicate about their issues and take action. Reporting what might be a repetitive strain injury can potentially help someone overcome their symptoms and can protect them from job loss caused by functional limitations.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=472312024-02-21T15:09:29Z2024-02-21T15:09:29Zsteps to take after a motor vehicle crash can help mitigate further harm, better ensure the well-being of all parties and facilitate a smoother transition into the recovery and claims process.
Check for injuries
The first and most important step following a motor vehicle crash is to check yourself and others for injuries. Contact 911 to have emergency services sent to the wreck site if there are any injuries. Because adrenaline can mask injuries, having a medical evaluation after the crash if there’s any indication that an injury might be possible.
Exchange information
Exchanging insurance and identifying information is critical after a crash. This can be as simple as taking photos of the insurance cards and obtaining phone numbers and addresses. The drivers should exchange this information, but getting witness information is also beneficial.
Document the scene
Snapping photos of the accident scene and damage to the vehicles can considerably help if you seek compensation. You should only do this if it’s completely safe to do so. Try to get photos from different angles if possible.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Everything you say will be used in the processing of the claim, so you must choose your words carefully. Obtaining the assistance of a legal representative may be beneficial since they are aware of how insurers may view certain statements.
Remain highly cautious
One important point here is to avoid saying anything that might be construed as an admission of fault. This includes general apologies about the accident occurring. Statements such as, “I’m sorry you got hurt” might be considered saying you’re at fault for the crash.
If another driver was liable for the crash, you may choose to seek compensation. This must be done swiftly because there are time limits for these cases in Connecticut. Seeking legal assistance may minimize your stress and maximize your compensation during this process so you can focus on healing.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=472262024-01-31T12:31:56Z2024-01-31T12:31:56ZWhy distraction affects parents
Most parents want to drive as safely as possible, but their children may fail to understand what that actually means. Children are hungry for the attention of their parents and often do whatever they think is necessary to get a little attention.
A vehicle is one of the few locations where a parent is a captive audience who cannot leave the situation. Children, especially younger children or those with multiple siblings, might therefore engage in all kinds of frustrating and distracting conduct on long drives or the daily commute to school. They fight with one another, throw their favorite toys, loudly demand a snack or complain about their uncomfortable clothing. Parents almost inevitably have to shift their focus to their children while driving, which can be more than just a momentary demand for quiet.
Researchers asking parents about transporting their children found disturbing trends. Roughly 70% of parents responding to survey questions admitted to feeding a child while driving and 40% reported picking up toys for a child while in control of a vehicle. Parents might make eye contact with their children in the rearview mirror or directly by turning their heads.
The more they attempt to discuss with their child while driving or meet their needs while operating a motor vehicle, the greater their chances of their distraction putting them at risk of a wreck. Recognizing how the demands of parenting can contribute to safety concerns in traffic may help people to more safely travel with their children.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=472042024-01-02T15:40:09Z2024-01-02T15:40:09ZProperty damage losses
Even low-speed collisions often lead to property damage. A crash can leave a vehicle unsafe to drive and damage other items inside the vehicle, including electronics or tools someone uses to perform their job. Any property damage directly related to a car crash may contribute to a compensation claim after the wreck. Even basic insurance policies include property damage coverage.
Medical expenses
Someone with a deep gash in their forehead after a crash may require stitches and then treatment to minimize the cosmetic impact of their injuries. More serious injuries may lead to more significant expenses, including trauma care costs at hospitals, surgical expenses and rehabilitation costs. So long as there is a clear connection between someone's injury and the car crash, they may be able to recover their treatment costs from the driver at fault for the crash. However, the mandatory insurance in Connecticut may not be enough to cover the medical expenses created if someone suffers a major injury.
Lost wages
Some people miss a few days of work because they require treatment and time to heal. Others may never work again. Both a temporary loss of income during a recovery or a permanent change in earning potential might justify a compensation claim against someone who caused a crash.
Looking into every option for compensation after a crash, including lawsuits against third parties, could be necessary when someone suffers significant losses as a result of a preventable collision.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=472022023-12-26T23:08:54Z2023-12-26T23:08:54Zat least one employee to carry this coverage.
Workers’ comp covers medical expenses, some lost wages, vocational training if necessary and more for employees who suffer an injury on the job or a medical condition caused by something that happened or that they were exposed to in their work.
Some injuries are obvious immediately – for example, if someone falls off a ladder. Others take time to appear – for instance, if regular lifting of heavy objects causes a muscle tear. The same can happen with illnesses. A nurse who is sprayed with blood from a patient with a highly dangerous, communicable disease may know right away that they could be in danger, for example. Whereas, some workers are exposed to toxic chemicals over a lengthy period of time and suffer consequences only after months or years on the job.
All of these conditions typically qualify employees to receive workers’ comp benefits regardless of their age, immigration status, how many hours they work and how long they’ve been with an employer.
No-fault insurance
Many employees don’t realize that workers’ comp is available in most cases even if they were at fault for their injury or illness. Maybe a person who fell off a ladder didn’t ask someone to hold it for them as they should have, for example. The injury victim is still entitled to benefits, even if they were in the wrong, unless the employee was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol when they were injured or another exception to their situation applies.
Workers’ comp is also available if an employee’s underlying medical condition made them more “predisposed” to suffer an injury or medical condition or aggravated a preexisting condition in ways that made it more serious.
When are injuries suffered during travel covered?
This blog has previously discussed the “going and coming” rule. This means that an employee typically can’t expect to get workers’ comp if they’re involved in a car crash on the way to or from work. If, however, they’re traveling somewhere as part of their work duties (whether it’s traveling to a conference or leaving a worksite to get supplies), that’s generally considered part of their job.
This is just a brief overview of when an employee’s injury or illness qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits. If you have questions or concerns about being able to apply for workers’ comp, if you believe you’ve been wrongfully denied the benefits to which you’re entitled or if you’ve suffered retaliation by your employer for seeking workers’ comp, it can be worthwhile to seek experienced legal guidance to better understand and protect your rights.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=472002023-11-29T00:52:30Z2023-11-29T00:52:30ZFear, stress or anxiety
A dog might feel threatened or fearful in certain situations, leading them to bite as a defensive reaction. This could be due to unfamiliar people, loud noises or specific environments that cause stress. For instance, dogs often bite unfamiliar children who run up to them suddenly, even if those children are just excited and they want to pet them.
Pain or illness
Dogs in pain or suffering from an illness might bite as a response to being touched or handled, especially if the affected area is touched or if they're startled. In some cases, a dog’s injury may make them feel vulnerable. The dog may be more likely to bite as it protects itself.
Protecting resources
Like humans, dogs can become possessive or protective of their food, toys or territory. When they feel their resources are threatened, they might resort to biting to defend what they perceive as theirs. This is often why dogs bite joggers who enter their territory – even if that’s actually the sidewalk in front of the house – and why they sometimes bite people who try to pet them while they are eating.
Misinterpretation of body language
Humans might unknowingly provoke a dog by misreading their body language or ignoring warning signs (growling, baring teeth, stiffening) that a dog is uncomfortable or stressed. Dogs may also misinterpret what humans mean. For example, people sometimes try to run from a dangerous dog, but that just causes the prey drive or chase response to kick in, and the dog may be more likely to bite them due to their movements.
It's essential to recognize that any dog, regardless of breed or background, may bite under certain circumstances. Responsible dog ownership involves training, proper socialization and understanding a dog's body language to prevent situations that might lead to biting incidents. When dog owners are not responsible, but are negligent and allow a bite to occur, the injured party may need to seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other costs.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=471952023-10-26T13:27:24Z2023-10-26T13:27:24Z6.3% of Connecticut drivers don't carry necessary coverage. What can happen if someone gets into a crash caused by one of those irresponsible drivers without adequate insurance?
Motorists in Connecticut may have planned ahead
Connecticut state law actually requires better insurance coverage than what drivers carry in many other states. In addition to basic liability coverage for property damage and injuries, motorists also have coverage for crashes caused by uninsured drivers and underinsured motorists. The amounts of coverage for uninsured collisions usually mirror the liability coverage that a driver carries. Someone hurt by a driver without insurance can potentially use their own policy to cover crash costs. Of course, doing so would mean that they will need to pay more for coverage in the future. Therefore, they may want to take the driver at fault to court.
People hurt in crashes can file civil lawsuits
Personal injury and wrongful death laws in Connecticut allow for civil lawsuits when someone causes a crash and does not have adequate insurance coverage based on the losses generated. The people filing a lawsuit can ask the courts to award them compensation for the full financial value of a wreck, ranging from emergency medical care that could be far more than $25,000 to long-term lost earning potential that could diminish their income for the rest of their lives. A successful personal injury lawsuit will diminish how much people require from their own insurance policies and can, therefore, help limit the long-term financial consequences they have to absorb because of the crash caused by someone else.
Understanding what rights and protection someone has after an uninsured driver causes a collision may benefit those recently hurt in a Connecticut wreck. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to obtain this clarity.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=471942023-10-18T22:00:08Z2023-10-18T22:00:08ZThe timeline depends on the case
The length of time someone needs to devote to a workers' compensation claim in Connecticut will depend on several factors. Considerations include the nature of someone's injury and the type of claim they pursue. For example, someone trying to negotiate a lump-sum settlement for a permanently disabling condition that affects a specific body part might require anywhere between 12 and 18 months, on average, to finish the negotiation process and obtain a settlement check.
However, those who need medical coverage and short-term disability benefits often find that the process is much faster. Some coverage is available immediately. When a worker requires medical care related to an on-the-job injury, particularly when they need immediate care, they don't have to wait for their employer or an insurance company to respond to their claim.
They are eligible for coverage right away. Since they will not yet have a claim number, they will need to provide details to the emergency health care provider about the origin of their injuries and how they intend to file a workers' compensation claim. That way, internal records at the facility will help someone get appropriate coverage later.
When it comes to disability benefits, a worker usually needs to miss at least four days of work for short-term disability pay to start. They will not receive coverage for disability if they miss less than four days. They may be eligible for benefits covering those first three days of missed work if they are unable to return to work for seven days or longer. If someone needs to file an appeal or negotiate a sizable settlement related to a permanent disability, such claims will usually take longer to navigate than simpler, lower-cost claims.
Although it is possible to file for workers’ compensation unassisted, it is worth noting that seeking legal guidance can better ensure that one’s claim is complete, fully supported and likely to be approved in a timely manner.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=471932023-10-09T21:07:26Z2023-10-09T21:07:26ZThe five most dangerous breeds
One consideration you can make when adopting a new dog is its breed's reputation for attacking people. Unfortunately, certain breeds seem to be more aggressive and prone to biting than others. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, the five breeds most often reported to have bitten somebody are:
Pit bull
Mixed breed
German shepherd
Terrier
Rotweiller
Some of these breeds are larger and more powerful than others, so their bite attacks are likely to be more severe.
Meanwhile, the five breeds least likely to bite are:
Dalmatian
Pointer
Great Dane
Pekingese
Spitz
Despite genetic predispositions among some breeds, there are no banned dog breeds in Connecticut. Injuries from a dog bite attack are not the dog's legal responsibility. Owners are liable when they negligently allow their animal to injure or kill somebody. For example, if an owner allows their dog to run free on the sidewalk and it attacks a child, the owner's negligent failure to keep the dog on a leash likely means they are to blame. Unlike some states, dogs in Connecticut don't get a free "first bite" before their owner can be held liable in a personal injury claim.
A successful dog bite claim can help compensate you for the physical and emotional injuries the animal caused yourself or your child.]]>On Behalf of Mancini Lawhttps://www.mancinilaw.net/?p=471882023-09-26T10:58:18Z2023-09-26T10:58:18Zhuman error. Other drivers are always a potential hazard. These are three of the most common mistakes that all drivers have the capacity to make that can, in turn, lead to the occurrence of serious collisions.
Distracted driving
Distraction takes many forms, but may include:
Texting: Sending or reading text messages while driving diverts attention from the road.
Smartphone Use: Checking social media, browsing or using apps on mobile devices.
Eating: Manipulating food or utensils can lead to accidents.
Grooming: Combing hair, shaving or applying makeup while driving takes one’s eyes and hands away from the task of driving attentively.
Conversations: Engaging in intense discussions that distract from driving.
When a driver is distracted, they are more likely to make mistakes and their reaction times will be worse.
Speeding
Speeding not only makes accidents more likely but also increases the odds that serious injuries will occur in the event that a collision unfolds.
Excessive Speed: Driving substantially faster than the posted limit or, even when adhering to the limit, going too fast for road conditions.
Racing: Engaging in illegal street races or aggressive driving.
Overtaking: Passing other vehicles recklessly and without proper signaling.
Reduced reaction time: High speeds make reaction times much worse.
Loss of control: Speeding makes it harder to control the vehicle, especially in curves.
Unfortunately, even drivers who follow the speed limit can be injured by those who do not.
Impaired Driving
Impairment can lead to serious mistakes that likely wouldn’t happen otherwise. For instance, it is the top reason for wrong-way accidents.
Alcohol: Driving under the influence of alcohol can impact coordination and impair someone’s overall judgment as a driver.
Drugs: Illicit drugs, prescription medications or over-the-counter substances can impair driving.
Fatigue: Drowsy driving reduces alertness and reaction time.
Medical Conditions: Seizures, strokes or sudden medical events can lead to accidents.
Lack of Sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation affects driving ability.
When individuals are harmed by other motorists who have engaged in negligent, reckless or intentionally dangerous conduct, they may be in a strong position to pursue compensation from those at-fault parties. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to explore one’s rights and options under the law.]]>