Personal Injury Questions

Personal Injury Law Questions

Have you recently suffered injuries because of a personal injury such as a slip and fall? You don’t have to suffer ongoing pain and deal with a loss of income on your own. Personal Injury Lawyer Tim Louis will fight for a fair settlement and the compensation you deserve. When you get injured due to someone’s negligence, you need the best advice possible from an experienced lawyer.

In the last month, I have received a number of questions about personal injury. Here are just a few of these questions with the answers I provided.

“Are personal injury claims taxable?”

The good news here is that personal injury claims are not taxable. However, you should be aware of the fact that if you are compensated for past loss of income (income you did not receive because of the personal injury) the defendant is only liable to you for what your net income would have been. Your net income is your gross income minus all deductions, including income tax.

“How to hire a personal injury Lawyer?”

One of the best ways to choose the right personal injury lawyer is to see what previous clients say about that lawyer. It is next to impossible to fully assess a lawyer’s ability to serve you during an interview. On the other hand, former clients who have been represented throughout their entire claim up to and including settlement or trial, will be able to give you a much more complete and well-rounded assessment of the lawyer you are considering.

Once you have selected a lawyer, you will meet with her/him for an initial appointment at which the lawyer will obtain from you all the information necessary to open your file, draft a contract between you and the lawyer and start the law suit.

“When do I hire a personal injury lawyer?”

There are very few situations I am aware of where the injured party did not require a lawyer. Even where liability is admitted by the at-fault party, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for the injured party to get full compensation without a lawyer. A lawyer will know how best to go about getting all of the necessary expert reports. These expert reports may not just come from the family doctor and other caregivers, but also from a vocational consultant and an economist.

If you have been injured, contact Vancouver personal injury lawyer Tim Louis at (604) 732-7678.

Tim Louis is a personal injury lawyer who represents your best interests, rather than a big law firm’s bottom line. With over forty years experience in Personal Injury Lawyer, he is your best choice for a lawyer when you get injured. Whether it is a dog bite, or you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve the guidance and support of and experienced lawyer who is ready to fight for your rights.

After the trauma of being injured, the last thing you want to do is deal with the stress of legal issues – Tim Louis is here to guide you through the legal issues, answer your questions and fight for you. Settling before a trial is the best way to get the compensation for a personal injury.

Tim Louis’ goal is to obtain for his clients an out-of-court settlement equal to what the client would achieve by going to trial. He does this by thoroughly preparing for trial, even though the goal is to settle before trial. In this way, he is able to get you the very best settlement.

Have more questions? Contact us at (604) 732-7678 or send us an email at timlouis@timlouislaw.com.

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Personal Injury: Understanding Whiplash

Personal Injury: Whiplash
Seek medical attention right away and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, like Tim Louis,
who has the background, compassion, and skill to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Personal Injuries: Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash is a relatively common personal injury caused by a sudden and forced rapid
back-and-forth motion of the head. Most people associate whiplash with a vehicle crash,
however, a personal injury like whiplash can also happen at any time, such as at the workplace, in sports, or from any type of fall or physical trauma. All forms of neck injuries can cause an intense flexing and extension of the neck — and usually involve the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons.

How Do You Know if You Have Whiplash?

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, observing your range of motion, and may order an
X-ray, MRI, or CT scan if they suspect you have whiplash or any other injury that has caused
damage to your spinal cord or if you have any other broken bones. In many cases, the injury
occurs within structures too microscopic to be visible on these tests, resulting in relying on
symptoms to tell if a patient has whiplash.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Many people assume that one must be hit hard from the front or behind to experience whiplash,
but in reality, it only takes roughly 5-10 mph speeds to get a jolt hard enough to give you a
serious whiplash injury. Thankfully, whiplash is not life-threatening, but for some several
symptoms can appear days, months, or even years later — leading to a substantially lowered
quality of life for those who suffer from a severe form of whiplash. Common symptoms may
include:

Dizziness
Fatigue
Jaw pain
Headache
Shoulder stiffness
Vision issues
Muscle spasms
Head and neck pain
Decreased range of motion
Back pain
Insomnia
Tinnitus
Issues with concentration

If you have been involved in an accident, ensure that you seek medical attention right away.
Even if you do not experience any of the above symptoms, it can take 48 hours or longer for
whiplash symptoms to present themselves after an injury. In more severe and chronic cases of
“whiplash associated disorder” symptoms may include:

Depression
Frustration and anger
Anxiety and stress
Possible drudge dependency
Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
Insomnia

How Long Will Your Neck Hurt After An Accident?

Most people recover from whiplash within a couple of weeks up to a few months. However,
there is no specific timeline with regards to how long symptoms will last after a whiplash or any
other personal injury. Everyone is unique, and healing times can depend on the severity of the
injury, and whether scar tissue has formed — leading to other chronic issues such as disc
herniation and lifelong pain.

While some people may never experience symptoms after an injury, others may live with excruciating pain for weeks, months, or even years. Any severe neck injury requires ongoing medical attention and care, which can get expensive and should be taken into consideration related to your injury claim.

How is Whiplash Treated?

Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers and or anti-inflammatories to manage pain and
inflammation. Ice is often recommended for the first 24 hours after injury, and later, applying
heat may help loosen up tightened muscles and knots. For more serious whiplash injuries,
physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and range of motion. Studies
have shown that stretching and rotating the neck muscles is a more effective form of therapy.
Medical professionals now recommend this form of controlled movement as opposed to
immobilizing the neck in a soft cervical collar, which was the recommended option in the past.

How Can Personal Injury Lawyer Tim Louis Help With Your Whiplash Personal Injury?

Patients with minor symptoms may find that whiplash pain goes away within days or weeks.
However, those with more severe symptoms may require medical attention and extensive
therapy for pain relief and recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering from whiplash, your injury
may be more serious than you expected. Seek medical attention right away and contact an
experienced personal injury lawyer, like Tim Louis, who has the background, compassion, and skill to help you
receive the compensation you deserve. Delaying your personal injury case may be detrimental
to your future.

Contact our team today by calling 604-732-7678 or email Tim Louis at timlouis@timlouislaw.com for a no-obligation, free consultation. We’re on your side.

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Surveillance: How You Can Lose Your Long Term Disability Compensation

How You Can Lose Your Long Term Disability Compensation

Have you applied for Long Term Disability coverage and have the feeling you are being followed while out in public?

If you have submitted an application for disability or are collecting disability compensation, your intuition may be accurate, as there is a good chance an insurer has hired a professional private investigator to conduct surveillance on you, seeking an excuse to save money and attempt to deny your claim.

Insurance companies, like all businesses, are profit-based and lose money if they approve too many claims — so it is in their best interest to prove that you can work without the need to receive compensation for your reported medical condition.

Disability claims are on the rise, and surveillance is an efficient way for insurance companies to gather evidence against you – intending to prove that you are fully capable of fulfilling your job duties and do not require financial support.

Surveillance May Work Against You

Insurance companies may hire a private Investigator, follow you, or set up surveillance in front of your home to observe your daily activities.

Suppose you applied for Long Term Disability due to back pain and then observed via surveillance moving or twisting your body in a way that contradicts what you detailed in your claim. In that case, your credibility may be diminished and lead to a denial of your Long Term Disability insurance benefits claim.

Be Specific On Your Application for Long Term Disability Compensation

Detailing your injuries and being specific about your abilities on your Long Term Disability application is essential. Provide context and be mindful about anything observed via surveillance that may be used against you.

Such that if you are observed merely walking down the street for a more extended period than you mentioned you were able to in your claim, you could be at risk of losing your Long Term Disability insurance coverage.

The same goes for mental health disability claims. For instance, if you claim that you are chronically depressed and unable to leave your home and then observed via surveillance leaving your home on a daily basis, you may be questioned and risk losing your coverage.

Why Surveillance is Not Reliable

Context is everything when it comes to surveillance with regards to Long Term Disability insurance claims. As mentioned in the example above, surveillance is not a reliable measure to understand one’s abilities.

Video evidence does not present the aftermath of the activity, such as the stiffness and pain you may experience immediately after or the next day resulting from specific activities such as reaching, carrying grocery bags, or shovelling snow.

Fighting Against Surveillance Evidence

Ensure that you are truthful regarding your disabilities and injuries from the start. Do not stretch the truth because you think it will be more believable.
Take extreme caution when posting on any social media channels. Any comments, videos, or images involving events, activities, sports, or vacations, can be used as evidence to affect your disability claim. Be mindful before you post.

Denied Long Term Disability Coverage? Hire an Experienced Lawyer

If you have Long Term Disability coverage, and if you’re suffering from a debilitating illness or injury, then you deserve compensation, and that’s where Tim Louis and Company can help.

When dealing with a Long Term Disability claim, it is essential that you have an experienced, reputable lawyer on your side that specializes in Long Term Disability cases.

Long Term Disability Lawyer Tim Louis has been representing those who suffer from LTD for over 25 years and has successfully sued some of the world’s largest insurance companies on behalf of deserving clients.

Contact Tim Louis and His Team Today

You owe it to yourself to explore your options. Contact Tim Louis and his compassionate and experienced legal team today by calling 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com for a no-obligation consultation. We will make sure to evaluate your situation and advise the best possible options for your unique situation.

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Anxiety and Long Term Disability Claims

Anxiety has become a far more common challenge for many in recent years. While the severity of symptoms may vary, many of us have experienced a certain level of anxiety at some point in our lives. For some people, anxiety and panic levels can interfere with daily activities — requiring professional help to cope and help manage the symptoms.

Below are the 5 most common types of anxiety disorders:

Panic Disorder

People who suffer from panic disorder experience sudden and ongoing intense feelings of terror and emotional control loss. Many symptoms are unique to each individual and can include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and numbness, to name a few. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are twice as likely to suffer from the condition.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A mental health disorder that affects individuals of all ages, OCD occurs when a person gets caught up in a pattern of sudden compulsions and obsessions. These obsessions (thoughts/images/behaviours are not welcomed by the person and can severely disrupt important daily activities.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD can be characterized by persistent, uncontrollable, ongoing worry about a wide variety of things and events. People who suffer from this disorder excessively worry and anticipate disaster — even if there is no reason to warrant this type of worry. Symptoms can include irritability, having a constant sense of danger, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep, fatigue, and increased rapid heartbeat, to name a few.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop after being exposed to a traumatic event such as a motor vehicle accident, natural disaster, war, assault, a threat with death, or witnesses who have experienced these traumatic events. People with PTSD feel a heightened sense of danger, causing them to feel fearful even when, in reality, they are safe. This is due to the natural fight-or-flight response, which is altered with those who suffer from the disorder.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme distress in social settings. Social anxiety is different from shyness, as it is more extreme, persistent, and debilitating. Symptoms can include nausea, rapid heartbeat, trembling, excessive sweating, worrying for days before a social event, excessive worry about embarrassment, missing school, or work because of anxiety. These are just a few symptoms that can take over someone’s life in a negative way.

Why Long-Term Disability Claims are Denied

Long-term disability claims may be denied because of the lack of regular medical care or treatment. Ensuring that you attend all medical appointments and any necessary prescribed medication from a professional specializing in mental health is essential if you want to reduce your chances of having a long-term disability claim denied.

Documentation is Important

Having all of the correct documentation in order and submitted on time is a must for any long-term disability claim submission. Hiring an experienced lawyer specializing in long-term disability claims can ensure that you have all of the correct documents submitted within the specified time frame and any other necessary details that must be sent with your long-term disability application.

Contact Tim Louis & Company Today

An anxiety disorder can have a lasting impact on one’s quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety and has been unable to work because of the condition, contact Tim Louis and his compassionate and experienced legal team today by calling 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com. We will make sure to evaluate your situation and advise the best options.

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Injured? Hire a personal injury Lawyer | Tim Louis and Company

Leading Accidents that Result in Concussion

A concussion is a mild form of Traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects brain function and usually caused by a blow to the head, bump, violent shake or any blunt force to the area. Concussions are usually temporary but are a common result of motor vehicle accidents or any other form of personal injury. It’s important to note that even a violent shake of the upper body can cause a concussion.

Most of those who suffer from a concussion, recover quickly and fully. However, in more serious cases, symptoms can last for weeks or longer.

Symptoms of a Concussion

It’s important to know that concussions don’t always present symptoms. If symptoms do show up, they may not present themselves right away and can last for days, weeks or longer. The most common symptoms of a concussive traumatic brain injury are amnesia (memory loss), headaches and disorientation.

Physical Symptoms of Concussion:

Ears ringing
Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears

Other symptoms may include:

The inability to remember the traumatic event that caused the concussion
Confusion
Feeling of dizziness / Confusion
Problems with speech
Sleep disturbances
Feelings of depression, nervousness and/or anxiety
Feeling isolated or alone

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention immediately if you or your child has suffered from a head injury – even if emergency care isn’t required.

Leading Accidents that Result in Concussion:

Motor Vehicle Related Injury

Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of mild or severe TBIs or concussions. These head injuries can occur from any head injury such as hitting the dashboard, driver window or another passenger.

Slip & Falls

When you think about a slip and fall injury, you probably imagine sprains, broken bones, bad bruises or pulled tendons. Head injuries though are very common – so common in fact that they are one of the leading causes of mild to very severe, life-changing forms of concussion.

Any of these slip and fall accidents can result in a mild to severe concussion:

Slipping on the wet floor
Falling in a store and knocking your head on the floor or against a shelf
Tripping over an obstacle or crack on the sidewalk resulting in a blow to the head
Falling in around someone’s residence and knocking your head

Assaults

It’s obvious that victims of any type of physical assault are at risk for having a concussion. Any blow to the head, twist and or fall can result in a mild to serious head injury.

Playing Sports

The Public Health Agency of Canada Reports that for females, approximately 20,000 (45%) of brain injuries result from sports and recreation. For males, approximately 26,000 (54%) of brain injuries result from sports or recreational injuries.

According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), Ice Hockey, Rugby and Ringette are the most common sports with the highest the proportion of brain injuries among children and youth 5-19 years of age, ranging from 27% to 44% of all injuries that happened while playing these sports.

According to the government of Canada, 1 in 2 Canadians has little to no knowledge about concussions. Since only 4 in 10 Canadians are aware of available concussion tools and resources, we have added some reliable and trusted sources below to learn more about the causes and treatment of mild or severe concussions.

Contact A Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered from a mild or severe concussion resulting from a motor vehicle collision, or slip and fall, Tim Louis and his compassionate and talented legal team can give you the reliable, trusted advice you require. Contact us today for a free consultation at 604-732-7678 or TimLouis@TimLouisLaw.com

Sources:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/concussion-sign-symptoms/concussion-sport-infographic.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15038-concussion

Personal Injury Claim for Your Kids | Tim Louis & Company Law in Vancouver

Personal Injury Claims for Children

For any parent or guardian, knowing that a child in their care has been injured can be a stressful ordeal. Of course, the number one concern after a vehicle collision is the child’s well being. However, if you are unsure about the next steps to take after an accident, we have gathered essential information necessary to ensure your child’s personal injury claim is filed. Note it is always best to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to alleviate the stress of dealing with a complex claim involving children.

Personal Injury Claims for Minors

Personal injury claims for children can be an intricate and complex process. As much as you may want to just focus on your child’s health during this difficult, stressful time, it’s important to be aware of the steps necessary to ensure that your child’s injury resulting from an accident is documented and a personal injury claim is submitted as soon as possible.

Start a Claim As Soon As Possible

It is always ideal to start a claim sooner rather than later. If a claim is submitted immediately, key evidence can be submitted before it is lost and any witnesses will still have clear details of the accident fresh in their mind — which will, in turn, help the claim.

Children do not always have the ability to articulate express their feelings – so documenting any changes in mood and behaviour is important. Children’s claims can span a number of years — another good reason to start a claim immediately and document every detail along the way.

How Long Does a Child Have to Make a Personal Injury Claim?

Another good reason to start a claim right away is the fact that there can be certain time limits to adhere to. As an example, if a child has been injured in a vehicle collision, he or she may be entitled to ICBC part 7 benefits (a no-fault portion of ICBC insurance coverage). http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/447_83_07

ICBC Part 7 Benefits include the following:

Medical and rehabilitation benefits
Funeral and death benefits
Disability (lost earnings) benefits

The most commonly known limitation for child claims is 2 years, which doesn’t start until the child turns 19. Another less common limitation in relation to ICBC is also 2 years, but begins right after the crash occurred – and can end as early as the 1-year mark after the accident occurred.

Compensation Settlements for Children

BC law recognizes that children under the age of 19 may be unaware of their rights and may not be able to fully understand the complexities of the situation and are unable to represent themselves. For this reason, minors are prohibited from representing themselves and require an adult to submit the personal injury claim on their behalf. There are 2 options available:

1. A litigation guardian can be appointed
(Typically a parent or close relative will pursue a claim on the child’s behalf)

2. The child may wait until their 19th birthday to pursue a claim. When this happens, he/she has 2 years in which to submit a claim (must be settled by his/her 21st birthday).

Speak to a Lawyer Right After Your Child’s Accident

Personal injury cases involving children are extremely complex. If you or your child has been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Metro Vancouver, Tim Louis and his compassionate and experienced team can give you the reliable and trusted advice you deserve, deal with ICBC on your behalf and ensure that the limitation for your child’s Part 7 ICBC benefits does not get missed. Contact us today for a free consultation and we’ll do everything we possibly can to get the personal injury settlement your child deserves. Contact 604-732-7678 or timlouis@timlouislaw.com. We’re here to help.

Sources:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/447_83_07

Repetitive Strain Injuries: What You Need to Know

When we think about workplace injuries, we often think about slip-and-fall accidents, injuries resulting from falling objects or the various back and neck strains that come with the territory within many workplaces. However, some work-related accidents are often far less dramatic.

A number of injuries occur over time, through constant repetition of daily tasks, which negatively impact the body causing strain to sensitive joints and muscle groups. These repetitive strain injuries, or RSI, can have a long-lasting effect on our health and daily life.

Injuries Resulting From Repetitive Motion

A Repetitive Strain Injury, whether it is temporary or permanent, will need rest or a change in daily habit that provides time to heal. It is crucial to see a medical professional right away to prevent any further damage to the muscles, ligaments, nerves or tendons through continuous, repetitive motion.

Most Common Repetitive Strain Injuries

typing Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) can result from a buildup of damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves from repetitive motion or strain on specific parts of the body. Repetitive Strain Injuries are quite common and may be caused by a variety of common work activities, including:

Using a computer mouse or trackpad
Excessive typing (data entry)
Swiping items at a supermarket checkout/cash register use
Grasping and manipulating tools
Working in an assembly line environment
Training for sports or other athletic activities

Some commonly diagnosed Repetitive Strain Injuries are:

Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon)
Pertendonitis (inflammation of the sheath of a tendon)
Trigger finger (difficulty bending or straightening any of the fingers which is caused by inflammation and thickening of the tendon)
Tenosynovitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath that surrounds a tendon causing joint pain and stiffness)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (numbness, tingling and pain in the hand or arm resulting from compression of the median nerve which is squeezed as it travels through the wrist
Epicondylitis (inflammation of tendons surrounding an epicondyle)
Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac which is common around the elbow, hips, knees and shoulder)

Repetitive Strain Injuries

What Are the Symptoms?

There are many possible causes of repetitive strain injuries and a wide range of symptoms that result. Tenderness or pain the affected muscle or joints are common, a throbbing or pulsating sensation in the affected area and or tingling in the hands or arms. Any other symptoms will depend on which part of the body is affected.

It’s important that you visit a medical professional for a proper diagnosis as soon as you experience symptoms to prevent any further damage over time.

Repetitive Strain Injury Prevention

The primary ways in which you can reduce the risk is to stop or limit the intensity of the activity. If the activity cannot be stopped, tips for reducing the risk may include:

Taking breaks: Taking regular breaks from any repetitive task may help reduce the strain on your body.

Stand up: Standing up, stretching and frequently moving your limbs may reduce the risk. Stretch your back, arms, fingers and legs regularly.

Vision break: Rest your eye muscles by looking up and staring for a moment at objects in the distance or simply looking around the room. The key is to give your eyes a regular break from screen time.

Overall health: Eat healthy and get regular exercise to keep your body as resilient as possible, and try to avoid smoking, as this reduces blood flow and oxygen in the body.

Posture: Try to keep yourself from slouching. Ensure your desk, chair and computer screen are aligned as much as you can in an ergonomic setting.

Wrists: Avoid bending or overextending your wrists, and keep the arms, wrists and fingers aligned when typing as much as possible.

Typing: Try to touch type as much as possible and avoid hitting your keys too hard.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Try to use keyboard shortcuts whenever possible, as this can reduce the amount of typing needed.

Mouse or Track-pad: Do not grip too tight or press too hard, and try to slow your speed in order to reduce muscle tension in your hand and wrist.

Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of your work area and regulate where necessary.

Phone Use: If you need to use a phone while working, try wearing a headset as this will keep you from needed to grip the phone for long periods or needing to clamp the phone between your head and shoulder.

You can trust Tim Louis & Company to ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury case

These common RSI injuries can have a lasting impact on one’s health and quality of life. If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury while on the job, contact Tim Louis and his compassionate and experienced legal team today by calling 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com.

Sources:
https://www.enjuris.com/workplace-injury/repetitive-strain-injuries-work.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-stress-injury

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/overuse-injury/art-20045875

The Most Common Personal Injuries During the Holidays & How to Avoid Them

During the holidays, we should all take the time to relax and enjoy the season. However, in reality – constraints on time, multi-tasking, or overextending ourselves and even bad weather all have the potential to lead to an injury.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common personal injuries that happen during the holidays and how you can prevent them.

Slipping Outside On Ice or Snow

We all know that ice and snow are common hazards. Wearing appropriate footwear with reasonable tread goes a long way. Take extra care going down steps or hills and be sure to hang on to any railings available to you if possible. Take your time and don’t rush! If you own property, it is your legal obligation to ensure snow and ice are cleared on the premise.

Driving in Bad Weather

Drivers in Metro Vancouver tend to have a sense of urgency during the holidays. Even when the weather is not optimal, which can be hazardous. Installing the appropriate winter tires is a give-in as well as practicing safe driving techniques, which include lowering your speed and planning your route ahead – allowing yourself extra time to reach a destination.

winter driving

Holiday Events

Tis’ the season for holiday parties and corporate gatherings – it’s an exciting time for many. However, since alcohol is offered at many of these gatherings, car accidents increase around the holiday season. Planning ahead and arranging a taxi ahead of time or having a designated driver accompany you is the simple solution to avoid drunk driving accidents.

Don’t Overexert Yourself

During the holidays we tend to overextend ourselves – whether it is at work trying to meet a deadline before the Christmas holiday rush or struggling to get those decorations set up for an upcoming Christmas party. Holiday shopping, cleaning, and even cooking can be a hazard if you rush through or overextend yourself to complete these tasks faster.

If you are lifting alone, remember to practice safe lifting techniques by bending your legs at the knees. Always have a spotter when climbing a ladder – you’d be surprised at how many people suffer from ladder accidents during the holidays.

Workplace Injuries

During the holidays, business booms, putting extra pressure on employees to keep up with additional work demands. Extended hours and an increase in customer demand can put employees at higher risk for slips and falls and general accidents. Overextension, extra lifting, and moving at a faster pace than usual can potentially cause injury to one’s back and or neck. While working at a quicker pace, employees can easily forget to practice safety procedures, resulting in a musculoskeletal injury.

Plan enough time to complete your tasks
Avoid rushing if possible
Practice safe lifting techniques
Always take extra care climbing ladders (have someone spot you)
Wear shoes with good traction
Be cautious – watching out for wet floors

If you do get injured at the workplace, ensure that you report it immediately and seek the proper documentation. Follow all procedures, and fill out any documentation necessary. If you need to visit a doctor, make sure you communicate all details of the injury to your doctor for documentation purposes.

Employers should provide a safe environment for their employees. Ensuring a safe workspace with no visible hazards and providing mandatory safety training is a proactive way to prevent employees from injuring themselves on the job. Practicing safety protocols year-round and planning ahead to anticipate the holiday rush – this can help lower the risk of employee injuries during the holidays.

wet floor sign

Ensure Gifts Are Safe

It’s important to ensure that toys given to our loved ones are safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls millions of toys each year. Take Justice Back published a list of the ten most dangerous toys of all time in 2012:

http://www.takejusticeback.com/news/10-most-dangerous-toys-all-time

Even today, there are still many products released that can be considered unsafe for children and adults. You can check an updated list of recalled items here:

https://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/index-eng.php

What You Should Do When Holiday Accidents Happen

Sometimes you can follow all safety precautions yet still get injured or find yourself involved in an accident. Always document your injury and seek treatment right away – this will ensure the process is as smooth as possible. If you find yourself involved in an accident with another party, make sure you document all details of the incident from beginning to end and seek medical treatment immediately.

If you find yourself in need of legal representation, contact a trusted, experienced personal injury lawyer who can provide you with the monetary compensation you deserve. You can trust Tim Louis & Company to ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury case. Contact us today (604) 732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com

sources:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/managers-supervisors/occupational-health-safety/worksafebc-reporting

Top 5 Mechanical Failures that Cause Car Accidents

car accidents

Mechanical Failures that Cause Car Accidents

With car accidents a regular daily occurrence, it is not always clear what the underlying cause is until a thorough investigation has been concluded. With a number of accidents attributed to excessive speed, driving under the influence, driver error or weather conditions – it can be easy to forget that some accidents are caused simply due to the neglect of routine maintenance — leading to vehicle complications or even mechanical failure if left unchecked.

Keeping your vehicle maintained can go a long way in avoiding accidents caused by mechanical failures. Here are a few of the most common mechanical failures and what to look out for to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape:

Prevent Car Accidents – Check Your Brakes

brake pads Brakes are an essential safety feature we use as drivers on the road. However, brakes can also be one of the most ignored when it comes to routine checks – often being left completely worn before a proper inspection or needed replacement. If your brakes are not properly maintained, you could find yourself braking harder on the road,
throwing off drivers behind you, or prevent you from stopping – injuring other drivers, pedestrians or yourself and your passengers.

Here are some early signs of brake wear to look out for:

Excessive vibration when applying pressure to your brakes
Reduced responsiveness while braking (spongy or soft brake pedal)
Noticeable pulling when applying pressure to your brakes
Frequent or infrequent squealing or screeching noises while braking
Loud metallic grinding noises coming from your brakes

Tires – maintain them to prevent car accidents

Your vehicle’s tires keep you moving – gripping the road through poor road conditions, ensuring that you arrive at your destination safe and sound. This is why it is crucial to conduct routine checks on your tires daily and before taking any extended trips – ensuring your tires are in the best shape possible.

Early signs that you may need to have your tires rotated or replaced can include:

Bulges, gouges, or cracks in the tire or tire sidewall
Significant and/or uneven tread wear
Tires losing pressure or deflating faster than normal
Excessive vibration while driving

brake light

Headlights/Taillights/Brake Lights

The lights on your vehicle allow you to see – and be seen. This makes them one of the most important safety features for your vehicle in terms of accident prevention while driving. However, lights do fail — which is why you should be conducting a routine inspection of all lighting systems on your vehicle before driving.

Signs that you may need to have your headlights or taillights inspected or replaced can include:

Significant dimming over time
Flickering or random fading
One or multiple bulbs going dark
Significant time passing (better safe than sorry)

Malfunctioning Windshield Wipers can Cause Car Accidents

Windshield wipers can make a big difference in overall driver safety and visibility — removing dirt, rain, and snow – while running for hours at a time to keep your view of the road clear at all times.

Unfortunately, windshield wipers do wear over time – often warping, cracking or even tearing from long-term use in heavy weather — this can cause them to lose their flexibility and even fail altogether. You should always keep an eye on your wipers and check them daily to ensure they are functioning properly.

Signs that you may need to have your windshield wipers replaced can include:

Streaking
Unusual noise or squealing
Skidding or Irregular movement
Ragged or distorted blades

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer

Drivers and passengers who are injured in accidents that are the result of mechanical failure may wish to contact a personal injury lawyer. Contact our compassionate and experienced legal team at Tim Louis Law & Associates. We will help build your claim for the compensation you deserve.
To book your free consultation, call 604-732-7678, or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com. We’re here to help.

Common Workplace Injuries

Prevent Workplace Injuries

When we think about workplace injuries, what often comes to mind are high-risk occupations in construction, manufacturing, or those dealing with hazardous materials – but the fact is, workplace injuries happen across all industries, in all occupations – and most of them are entirely preventable with proper care and preparation.

Workplace Injuries

Although the types of injury commonly sustained at work are as numerous as the number of jobs that can be listed – some of the more common and preventable injuries are:

Strains/Sprains

These types of injuries also referred to as “repetitive strain injuries (RSI)” or “musculoskeletal disorders” are very common workplace injuries due to the number of occupations dealing with repetitive tasks throughout the day.

Some of the more frequent causes of these injuries can include:

Repetitive or vigorous movement over long periods of time
Lack of movement/holding your posture or limbs in an unnatural position for long periods
Overusing a particular group of muscles
Poor posture or a non-ergonomically designed workspace

Back Injuries

back pain

Injuries related to the back are common among numerous occupations and can have an affect — both personally and professionally, long after the initial injury itself. Some of the more common factors resulting in back-related injury can include:

Repetitive lifting or moving of heavy objects, reaching or bending
Sustained whole-body vibration or jarring from the use of machinery
Poor posture, improper or inadequate back support seating in the workplace
Prolonged periods of inactivity

Head Injuries

A head injury can be serious and can lead to contusions, hematomas (bleeding in the brain), and concussions. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon in the workplace –, especially in manufacturing and construction industries. ‘Closed’ head injuries do not pierce the skull and “open” head injuries happen when an object has pierced through the skull, causing possible brain injury. Generally, recovery time may be longer than other common workplace injuries, although most people fully recover from minor to moderate head injuries.

Some of the more frequent causes:

Being hit by falling or flying objects
Slipping or tripping and falling
Falling from above such as tumbling down stairs or falling off a ladder
Walking into objects such as a wall, cabinet or glass window

Herniated/Bulging Discs

Both herniated and bulging discs can affect a person’s nerves, tendons, muscles, and joints. These are common injuries and can result from repetitive motion trauma and or soft tissue disorders resulting from a workplace injury. If you injure your back or neck, a spinal disc can move out of place and can bulge outward from between the vertebrae — putting pressure on spinal nerves. Sciatica (nerve pain radiating down one leg) is a
common symptom of a herniating disc injury, as well as numbing, tingling pain in the legs and weakness in the back and legs.

Some of the more frequent causes of these injuries can include:

Heavy lifting and overexertion
Hard blows to the lower back
Ongoing, repetitive motion
Sitting for extended periods of time in an awkward position
Slip, trip or fall

PREVENTION:

workplace safety

With a little care and consideration, most of the workplace injuries we’ve listed can be prevented with proper understanding and preparation. Some of the methods for preventing these common injuries are:

Proper lifting techniques
Make exercise a part of your daily routine
Listen to your body
Pay attention to posture and form
Proper protective gear such as helmets to protect the head from injury
Safety training, preparation, and education on behalf of the employer

These common workplace injuries can have a lasting impact on one’s health and quality of life. If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury while on the job, contact Tim Louis and his compassionate and experienced legal team today: 604-732-7678

Personal Injury Lawyer Vancouver

Personal Injury Law Questions

“Are personal injury claims taxable?”

“How to hire a personal injury Lawyer?”

“When do I hire a personal injury lawyer?”

If you have been injured, contact Vancouver personal injury lawyer Tim Louis at (604) 732-7678.

Client Reviews

Personal Injuries: Understanding Whiplash

How Do You Know if You Have Whiplash?

Symptoms of Whiplash

How Long Will Your Neck Hurt After An Accident?

How is Whiplash Treated?

How Can Personal Injury Lawyer Tim Louis Help With Your Whiplash Personal Injury?

Client Reviews

How You Can Lose Your Long Term Disability Compensation

Surveillance May Work Against You

Be Specific On Your Application for Long Term Disability Compensation

Why Surveillance is Not Reliable

Fighting Against Surveillance Evidence

Denied Long Term Disability Coverage? Hire an Experienced Lawyer

Contact Tim Louis and His Team Today

Client Reviews

Anxiety and Long Term Disability Claims

Panic Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Why Long-Term Disability Claims are Denied

Documentation is Important

Contact Tim Louis & Company Today

Client Reviews

Symptoms of a Concussion

When to Seek Medical Attention

Leading Accidents that Result in Concussion:

Motor Vehicle Related Injury

Slip & Falls

Assaults

Playing Sports

Contact A Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Claims for Minors

Start a Claim As Soon As Possible

How Long Does a Child Have to Make a Personal Injury Claim?

Compensation Settlements for Children

Speak to a Lawyer Right After Your Child’s Accident

Injuries Resulting From Repetitive Motion

Most Common Repetitive Strain Injuries

What Are the Symptoms?

Repetitive Strain Injury Prevention

Slipping Outside On Ice or Snow

Driving in Bad Weather

Holiday Events

Don’t Overexert Yourself

Workplace Injuries

Ensure Gifts Are Safe

What You Should Do When Holiday Accidents Happen

Mechanical Failures that Cause Car Accidents

Prevent Car Accidents – Check Your Brakes

Tires – maintain them to prevent car accidents

Headlights/Taillights/Brake Lights

Malfunctioning Windshield Wipers can Cause Car Accidents

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer

Prevent Workplace Injuries

Workplace Injuries

Strains/Sprains

Back Injuries

Head Injuries

Herniated/Bulging Discs

PREVENTION:

Contact Tim Louis & Company Law Firm

About Tim Louis & Company Law Firm

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