Posted on February 27, 2023 in Personal Injury

Inadequate insurance coverage can leave you scrambling for help when an emergency happens. Just having a policy is rarely enough. You will want to guarantee your auto, home or rental coverage aligns with your lifestyle.

Knowing the importance of reviewing and updating your policy can help you prevent costly oversights. Consider the following when looking over your current policies.

Needs

Prioritize your needs. Take a close look at your life and evaluate your lifestyle. These factors influence the type of medical and automobile coverage you need. Look at your home or apartment, including its location and whether you live in an area prone to natural disasters. Knowing exactly what your needs are will aid you in finding a plan that conforms to your circumstances and the unique risks you face.

Options

Understand your options for insurance coverage, including under which conditions you can use your insurance benefits. For example, you might consider umbrella coverage, but you should first verify that your provider offers that option before assuming your policy is exactly what you want. According to U.S. Bank, different insurance plans vary based on the ratio in which you split costs with your provider.

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 Posted on February 17, 2023 in Firm News

Follow these tips if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog.

When you’re out for a walk and you see an unfamiliar dog that is acting strangely, do you know what to do? What if your neighbor’s pet suddenly seems particularly agitated when you’re approaching?

Every year, around 4.5 million Americans are attacked by man’s best friend. Of those bitten, about 20 percent will suffer infections as a result.

It is easy to forget that any dog — regardless of size — could bite under certain circumstances. Even small dogs can cause significant harm. Therefore, it is a good idea to review some steps you can take to help protect yourself from suffering a dog bite in Connecticut.

Of course, the best way to avoid dangerous situations with an unfamiliar animal is to stay away from the dog. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to follow such simple advice. In some cases, unfamiliar animals will approach you.

In such cases, it is best to remain motionless when an unfamiliar dog is coming toward you. Be sure not to panic and run away from the animal, as it may only encourage the dog to chase you.

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 Posted on February 17, 2023 in Firm News

Many people in Connecticut and throughout the country have dogs as pets and companions. Although dogs are widely referred to as man’s best friend, they sometimes attack. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs across the U.S. each year. The wounds themselves typically heal for most people who suffer dog bites, but for some, there are long-term physical and emotional effects.

Physical injuries

The physical wounds are what come to mind when most people think about the effects of dog bites. Such injuries often require stitches and other medical treatments. Though, it is common for such attacks to leave scarring or disfigurement, even with medical interventions.

For some, these visible injuries may be improved or eliminated altogether. In other cases, however, they may be permanent and accompanied by mobility issues or paralysis or require amputation. These long-term effects may affect the ability of those who are attacked by dogs to work to support themselves and their families or otherwise interfere with their daily lives and activities.

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 Posted on February 14, 2023 in Personal Injury

One of the most alarming situations is a trip to the doctor that results in a life-changing diagnosis. If your symptoms were not caught in time, you could face a life-threatening outcome.

Regular health screenings provide critical protection against dangerous health problems. Drawing upon what you know about your health history and that of your relatives, you can take a proactive approach to safeguard your health.

Preventative treatment

Genetic health problems may leave you feeling uncertain about your own health. If you have a family history of heart problems, cancer or high blood pressure, for example, you may wonder what you can do to protect yourself against developing those conditions.

Regular health screenings might introduce you to preventative treatments or strategies that you can implement to protect yourself. Having the peace of mind that your health care provider is actively involved in watching for warning signs can also reduce anxiety and help you focus more on living a healthier and happier life.

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 Posted on February 03, 2023 in Car Accidents

Winter means snow in Bridgeport, which means snow-covered, icy roads after a storm. But slippery highways and surface streets are not the only way winter weather can cause a violent car accident in Connecticut.

Snow piles up on motor vehicles parked outside just as much as it does on the ground. In a good snowstorm, your windshields, side mirrors, roof and hood can quickly get buried. Responsible drivers brush off snow and scrape away ice accumulation before hitting the road. But you still see people trying to drive with mostly- or entirely-covered windows and mirrors.

Snow brushing law

Clearing snow off your vehicle is not just an important safety precaution. It’s the law in Connecticut. A state statute requires motorists to "remove any accumulated ice or snow from [their] motor vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof… so that any ice or snow accumulated on such vehicle does not pose a threat to persons or property while the vehicle is being operated on the street or highway of this state."

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 Posted on January 31, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

In Connecticut, residents have the right to sue corporations, companies or individuals if they feel they have been harmed or injured by them. One important thing to know is that there is often a statute of limitations that limits how much time can pass between an accident and a lawsuit.

A statute of limitations may be in place because evidence can deteriorate over time. The statute is often longer in criminal cases than it is in civil cases.

What is the statute for medical malpractice?

For those injured by the mistake of a healthcare professional, the effects can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the right to sue for compensation for those injuries does not last as long. In the state of Connecticut, residents have two years to file a lawsuit for a medical malpractice claim.

What is the statute for sexual abuse?

According to the Office of Legislative Research, the criminal statute of limitations in the state of Connecticut for sexual abuse changed during the 2019 legislative session. For civil cases where the victim is under the age of 21, there is no statute of limitations if the charge if 1st-degree sexual assault or 1st-degree aggravated assault. The changes give the victim until they are 51 to file an action against an abuser.

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 Posted on January 13, 2023 in Car Accidents

Car maintenance is important for so many reasons. Not only does maintenance help prevent costly repairs but also, it contributes to overall vehicle safety.

Unfortunately, not many people prioritize car maintenance. However, there are several reasons vehicle owners should do so.

1.    Prevent costly problems

According to Medium, one of the top reasons individuals should invest in car maintenance is that doing so can help prevent costly issues from cropping up. When vehicle owners ignore routine maintenance, small issues have the chance to develop into larger, more complex problems. As issues grow more complex, they become more difficult — and, therefore, expensive — to fix.

2.    Reduce fuel costs

Not many people know this, but well-maintained vehicles get exponentially better gas mileage than those with burgeoning issues. On the low end, individuals can increase their gas mileage by 4% simply by investing in routine care. On the high end, that increase can be as much as 40%.

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 Posted on January 09, 2023 in Car Accidents

At some point in your life, you or a loved one may, unfortunately, find yourselves dealing with the aftermath of a car accident. As you recover from injuries and notice the ever-growing pile of medical bills, you likely wonder who needs to pay them post-collision.

The person or entity responsible for covering the medical expenses depends on the specifics of the accident and the insurance coverage of those involved.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP coverage on your car insurance policy may cover your medical bills after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Drivers in Connecticut must carry PIP coverage, so most motorists will likely have it.

Health insurance

Additionally, your health insurance may cover your medical bills after a car accident. Check with your insurance provider to understand your policy and coverage specifics. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can likely apply those funds toward your post-accident medical bills.

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 Posted on January 05, 2023 in Car Accidents

The aftermath of a car accident may leave you confused and unsure who is accountable. You need to determine who is liable before you can file a lawsuit for restitution. Depending on the situation, there are several possibilities for liability.

Careful considerations about the details of the accident can help you determine who may be liable.

The other driver may be at fault

If you were in an accident with another passenger car driver, and the police report deems the other driver at fault, you can file a lawsuit against that driver.

Commercial drivers are liable for their actions

A commercial driver is responsible for any negligence that results in an accident. Whether the driver pushes beyond the permitted driving hours, drives distracted or tries to rush a delivery deadline, those actions create liability.

Businesses are responsible for their operations

Commercial trucking companies are responsible for making safe, responsible decisions and keeping their drivers safe on the road. Commercial drivers without CDLs, drivers forced to meet unsafe deadlines or vehicles that are poorly maintained are the company’s responsibility.

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 Posted on January 03, 2023 in Premises Liability

Falls happen all the time and can occur in any situation. You do not even have to fall from a high position to end up with serious injuries.

One of the common results of a fall accident is an injured back. Anyone who has back issues knows this type of injury can take a long time to heal and often becomes a chronic condition. Cedars Sinai notes there are a few typical back problems that result from a fall.

Disc issues

The discs in your back are soft cushions that sit between the bones in your spine. When they move out of place or otherwise suffer injury, they can leak spinal fluid or allow the nerves to become inflamed and irritated. The pain will often not just stay in your back but move into your extremities. Sometimes, surgery is the only fix for a disc issue.

Broken bones

It is also possible to break your back. This type of injury is not always easy to fix. It can lead to injuries to the spinal cord as well. There are a variety of ways a broken back could get worse. But it is worth noting some breaks are minor and will heal with no problem. Getting medical care right after your fall will help minimize the damage and could make it much easier to heal from this type of injury.

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