Hunter Law Group

5 Easily Prevented Workplace Injuries

Martin J. Stallone

Workplace injuries can sometimes be inevitable, but more often than not, it can be prevented with enough mindfulness and following safety guidelines. Prevention is ultimately better than cure since having an accident poses the risk of taking a few days off of work, or even losing the ability to do your job.

According to Hunter Law Group, a known personal injury attorney Tampa, there are many ways that workplace injury can affect your life:

  • Disruption of your daily routine – when you suffer from a major or minor injury, you may require hospitalization or days of rest. You have to take a break, and this may be disruptive to your usual flow of life.
  • Fixing medical bills and other documents – the hassle of completing all your documentation and filing your medical bills can be stressful. This adds to the already physical stress that you are experiencing during a workplace injury.
  • Inhibiting your body to perform certain tasks – some workplace injuries can allow you to fully recover, while some run the risk of having a permanent damage. Thus, it is better to prevent any form of workplace injury from the beginning.

What are some workplace injuries that can easily be avoided? Personal injury attorney Tampa company Hunter Law Group outlines these 5 kinds of injuries and how to prevent them.

5 Easily Prevented Workplace Injuries

 

  1. Being struck by an object

People who operate heavy machinery run the risk of having this type of injury. Being struck by an object can cause bruises, fractures, or worse, loss of a body part. To prevent this, workers must wear protective gear such as hard hats and vests. Additionally, they should also avoid standing by a location where an object could potentially strike them in case a malfunction happens.

  1. Sprains or strains

Another workplace injury that is quite common but easily preventable is sprains or strains. Muscle sprains are caused by overstretching, and it is usually caused by heavy lifting or full exertion of the muscle. To avoid this, people must practice the correct posture when lifting objects, such as using a 90-degree angle of the knees. They can also use common tools to distribute the weight, such as a wheelbarrow, a pushcart, or any item that takes the load off lifting the object.

  1. Slips and falls

Slips and falls are the common cause of death and injuries in the construction industry. When people slip or fall, they have the risk of fractures and traumatic head injuries which can be very debilitating. Slips and falls can easily be prevented by placing anti-slip mats and providing an ample amount of walkway for workers. The workers can also wear safety shoes which are designed to grip better even in seemingly slippery surfaces.

  1. Cuts or wounds

Cuts and wounds are quite common in the manufacturing and hospitality industry. This is because people commonly deal with sharp objects when workers get into the process of handling items. To avoid this, workers should be taught the proper tool handling, especially for new workers who may not have refined skills. Additionally, people can also wear protective gear such as gloves to prevent lacerations in the body. The simple act of paying full attention to the task can also help in preventing cuts and wounds.

  1. Auto or machinery accidents

Machinery accidents are either caused by human error or malfunction. When people operate machinery, it is important to check their mental and physical status. Some people may be too stressed or drowsy to drive a car or operate equipment. Workers should not attempt to operate any high-risk equipment if they are not in top condition. Same as cuts and wounds, machinery accidents can be prevented if people can learn to pay attention more.

These workplace injuries may be common, but they can be easily prevented with the right guidelines, equipment, and attentiveness.

 

Your Rights If Bitten By Someone Else’s Dog

Martin J. Stallone

Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, so an attack can feel like the ultimate betrayal. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you’re probably angry, hurt and confused, and you might not know what to do next. The legal team at Hunter Law P.A. has succeeded in helping many victims of dog bites in the state of Florida.

You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog: What Do You Do?

It’s important to stay calm and keep your wits about you. The first step is to contact the authorities. You might not think that your injuries are severe enough to require a 911 call, but this is a public safety protocol. If someone in your community has an aggressive dog that they’re unable to control, it’s a major threat to everyone’s safety, and the authorities need to make a report. If you allow the incident to go unchecked, the dog could continue to be a danger to the members of the community, including small children and other pets.

Another reason to dial 911 is to get medical attention as quickly as possible. A dog attack is a frightening thing to go through, which means you’ll be in shock afterward. You might not realize the severity of your injuries. You also might not realize the risk of contracting a disease from the dog bite. Getting the injuries cleaned and dressed by a medical professional and receiving other treatments right away will ensure you recover quickly as possible.

Lastly, you need to document your injuries in case you want to pursue a lawsuit in the future. The experts at Hunter Law P.A. have seen the difficulties that come from injuries going undocumented. Instead of risking a problem with your case, be sure to get everything on paper while you can.

Dog Bites in the State of Florida: What Are Your Rights?

In Florida, dog owners have strict liability, meaning they are responsible for what their dog does to others. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re attacked by a dog while trespassing on someone’s property, the owner won’t be considered at fault. If the owner has put up a sign warning of a dangerous dog, and you proceed into the area anyway, the owner may be released from any liability as well.

  1. Comparative Negligence

Every case is unique, and knowing you were at fault doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t speak with a personal-injury attorney. In some cases, both the dog owner and the victim are partially at fault, and you still might be able to recover some of your medical costs and other damages. This type of situation is known as comparative negligence.

  1. Negligence

The standard in Florida is for dog owners to be liable, but an additional level of liability can sometimes be established if the owner did something to contribute to the attack in addition to simply not controlling their dog.

  1. Negligence Per Se

This simply means that the owner violated a law that led to you getting attacked by the dog. For example, if someone is violating leash laws by allowing their dog to roam freely through the neighborhood, they will be found negligent if their dog causes an injury.

  1. Intentional Torts

This means that someone purposefully tried to get their dog to attack you, usually by shouting a command or working the dog into a state of aggression until it attacks. It’s terrible to think of someone using an innocent creature as a weapon like this, but it unfortunately does happen.

Statute of Limitations in Florida: How Long Do You have to File Your Personal-injury Claim?

You have four years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit in the state of Florida. However, waiting years to file will significantly reduce your chances of recovering damages. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t file if some time has passed, but if the dog bite is recent, and you’re going back and forth about whether you should file or not, know that the sooner you do, the better. Even if you got your injuries documented by a medical professional, it may prove to be difficult to get in contact with witnesses or others who could help back up your case after years have passed.

If you’ve suffered an injury as the result of a dog attack, and you aren’t sure what to do, please contact Hunter Law P.A. today. Their experienced legal team is ready to guide you through this tough time, providing you with qualified legal guidance and getting your case settled as quickly as possible.