In Salt Lake City, one man is struggling with the effects of a construction accident that happened five years ago. On October 13, 2008, the man was working on the Riverdale Road construction project. The construction worker was setting up traffic cones when a vehicle, traveling at 50 mph, struck him.
]]> Based on reports, two teenage passengers were looking at a picture on a cellular phone and the driver, feeling intrigued, leaned over in an attempt to see the picture. As a result, the vehicle drove straight into the work zone and struck the construction worker. The impact sent the worker flying for 70 feet.The construction worker suffered broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. The brain injury made everything difficult for the man as he is currently struggling with his memory and his everyday routine. In short, his brain injury hinders his ability to have a productive life. Workers' compensation has helped; however, that is not enough to cover all his expenses and thus, he drained his other resources.
In similar cases, a worker can file a workers' compensation claim to obtain benefits for treatment and medication. Aside from workers' compensation, the worker can also pursue damages in civil court by filing a personal injury claim against the responsible driver. A Salt Lake City lawyer can ensure that the brain injury victim obtains a settlement that will be enough to support the person's struggle with the condition.
Source: Ksl.com, "Injured construction worker pleads for safe drivers in work zones," Jed Boal, May 9, 2013
]]>In January 2013, two men from Salt Lake City, aged 44 and 51, and the pilot from Saratoga Springs, 49, died in a plane crash in Texas. The three men were in the plane owned by their employer, Utah-based Celtic Bank. A report released by the National Transportation Safety Board on January 22 stated that there were two witnesses; however, the details of the fatal accident remain a mystery.
]]> A new report pertaining to the fatal plane crash shows that the plane's rudder, a horizontal stabilizer, was lost after it took off. The rudder was found 30 feet away from where the plane crashed. The position of the plane also indicates that it spun clockwise before it hit the ground. After it crashed, the fire burned the fuselage, the right wing and the cockpit.The Celtic Bank didn't release the company's official statement regarding the latest updates of January's fatal crash. The investigators need to complete their investigation before they release their findings.
One of the probable reasons why the plane's rudder came off during the flight is lack of maintenance. Operators and owners of planes, just like any other vehicles, need to regularly check the condition of their vehicles to make sure that they are safe so they avoid any accidents.
In this case, the family members of the accident victims from Salt Lake City can consult a legal professional to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The victims' families may be entitled to compensation for damages like loss of companionship and pain and suffering if negligence can be proven.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, "Report cites lost rudder in Texas plane crash that killed Utah men," Kimball Bennion, May 5, 2013
]]>In a recent car accident, four teenagers were involved in a car-pedestrian accident in Payson, Utah. A report states that the teenagers were either walking on the sidewalk or crossing the highway when a vehicle struck them. As a result, a 13-year-old sustained broken bones and head trauma. Two of the other teenagers suffered leg injuries, but were later released from the hospital. Unfortunately, their last companion succumbed to her injuries.
]]> The 13-year-old passed away after she was taken off life support at Primary Children's Medical Center. One of the teenagers still remains in the hospital for treatment.The 17-year-old driver who struck the pedestrians didn't suffer any injuries. The Utah Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation, and it is uncertain whether the driver will face charges once the investigation is finished.
In this case, it is clear how devastating a car accident can be, by causing injuries as well as fatalities to the people involved. The surviving parents of the deceased may have a hard time coping with the loss of their loved one. Aside from the loss of their loved one, the family may be dealing with medical expenses due to the hospitalization of their child.
Compensation is very important for a family to cover medical and funeral expenses. Plaintiffs may acquire awards and damages once negligence is proven through a lawsuit filed in civil court.
Source: Slttrib.com, "Utah teen struck while on rural road dies of injuries," Bob Mims, April 29, 2013
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Personal Injury Law: Beyond the Basics II
Wednesday June 19, 2013
8:30AM-5:00PM
Law & Justice Center
645 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
7.5CLEs
~Agenda~
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Construction Site Liability: Road, Building Site, Workers Comp Issues (JK, DAC)
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Dram Shop Liability (JDE/EO)
--BREAK--
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM How to Prepare for Arbs and Mediation (RGG, Gary Johnson, and Judge Hanson)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM LUNCH/Ethics and Professionalism (JAC/Todd Wahlquist)
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM Liens/Subrogation Rights/Medicaid-Medicare (DAC)
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM MedMal Law update (JAC)
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM Ski Injury and Resort Liability Claims (RGG/DAC)
--BREAK--
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Legal Tech/Apps (JS)
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Litigation Tactics and Techniques: Ten Essential Practices (JDE)
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM How to Get the Most Damages out of your case (JDE/JK)
]]>The Utah Department of Public Safety reported that an accident involving a truck and another vehicle recently occurred on Interstate 15, causing traffic problems in both northbound lanes at 3300 South. Based on reports, a semi and a motorcycle were involved in the accident. The accident occurred after both vehicles applied their brakes, resulting in the truck jack-knifing and hitting the motorcycle in the process. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. It is uncertain whether the truck driver suffered any injuries.
]]> In this case, the motorcyclist may have to undergo a series of treatments, depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. This, in turn, may affect his finances, as not all medical expenses are covered by health insurance. Compensation is very important in order for an accident victim to be able to meet financial obligations.A personal injury attorney in Salt Lake City may be able to provide legal assistance to a truck accident victim. The attorney may want to conduct an independent investigation by looking into vital information, including trucking log books, driver training records and vehicle maintenance records. If negligence can be proved, the accident victim may be awarded compensation for damages that will help tremendously with recovery.
Source: Sltrib.com, "Traffic flowing again on I-15 after semi vs. motorcycle crash," Apr. 25, 2013
]]>While Salt Lake City is generally a safe place, a wrongful death accident can occur anywhere: inside hospitals (medical malpractice), on the roads (motor vehicle accidents) and in the workplace (construction accidents).
]]> For instance,, a construction worker recently died following an accident in an area in Indianola, Utah. Based on reports, a truck was hauling a piece of heavy equipment when the engine stopped as it traveled on a steep hill. The gravity started to pull the vehicle down and the driver jumped out. Unfortunately, the truck overran the driver, resulting in his death. The truck's passenger remained inside the vehicle during the accident and was unharmed.The state Medical Examiner's Office and the Utah Highway Patrol are investigating the accident.
In this case, the capability of the truck to haul heavy equipment as well as maintenance of the truck may be questioned. Based on the known facts, there is a likelihood that the truck suddenly stopped because of engine failure, which is another important matter to investigate.
The victim's family may be entitled to compensation through workers' compensation. Additionally, the family may also be able to sue the responsible party in civil court by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, "One dead in Sanpete County construction accident," Bob Mims, April 11, 2013
]]>People who recover from brain injury are very lucky because the chances for surviving from this type of serious injury are quite slim. Often, brain injury victims have to endure long-term effects, such as memory loss. Unfortunately, a young man from Huntsville has experienced the debilitating effects of brain injury firsthand.
]]> A 17-year-old boy who worked at a ranch to save money for college experienced a tragic incident. The boy, together with his boss, went to work on an attic inside a barn. The teenager became lightheaded and fell down 10 steps. He was airlifted to a hospital for immediate treatment.The CAT scan showed bleeding in the boy's brain and immediate surgery was required to save his life. The surgery lasted three hours and after four days, the boy was discharged from the hospital. The teenager has managed to recover from the accident but not without permanent effects, such as memory loss and depression.
Salt Lake City residents whose loved ones suffer from brain injury due to an accident may want to consider the possibility of legal options. Doing so can help to protect the rights of the brain injury victim and can pursue compensation, which is needed for accident-related treatment.
Source: standard.net, "After severe brain injury, Huntsville teen feels lucky to be alive to pursue Psychology," Jamie Lampros, April 9, 2013
]]>Ski resort owners also need to provide safe environments for their customers. Failure to do so can lead to recreational accidents that can injure and sometimes kill those on the slopes.
]]> A recent snowboarding accident at Brighton Ski Resort, one of the most popular ski resorts in Utah and one of the first in the country, recently claimed the life of a 26-year-old man from Sandy.According to a Unified Police Department official, a skier found the victim one night tangled in a tree. Emergency responders at the scene noted that the man had been wearing a helmet.
The snowboarder's body was taken to the resort's clinic where paramedics attempted to revive him. The official and exact cause of death is unknown and remains under investigation. The results of an autopsy conducted by Utah's Medical Examiner's Office have not been disclosed.
Ski resorts often require skiers and snowboarders to sign waivers that warn them of various recreational risks. That does not mean, though, that owners will not be held liable for personal injuries or deaths that occur on their properties.
Anyone injured in a similar accident or the survivor of someone killed may contest these waivers or disclaimers and proceed with legal action. Sometimes legal professionals are able to conduct investigations to determine whether resort management has been negligent. If so, a victim may be able to recover damages and receive compensation, depending on the extent and nature of the plaintiff's losses. Usually compensation will at least cover the costs of medical treatment and any required rehabilitation -- or funeral expenses if death occurs.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, "Police identify Sandy man who died snowboarding at Brighton," March 28, 2013
]]>Medical error is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. However, these cases may be prevented by exercising caution during surgical procedures and when administering medicine and treatment. Such losses can result in a lot of pain and suffering for the victims and their families.
]]> But how can doctors prevent error-related deaths? In a newly published article, a doctor and the author shared some points that can help in such situations. First of all, it is very important to understand the patients' rights and responsibilities. According to the article, doctors may have personal interests that prejudice them when it comes to their patients' health. In line with this, they may prescribe additional tests or procedures that are either not necessary or that may cause harm.A doctor may cause an injury if he or she attempts to treat a patient in an area of medicine that should be left up to a specialist. Patients should also consider their part to safeguard their health. However, a patient needs to feel that someone will care for him or her and that he or she is well-informed about the procedures and medication.
Healing is a shared process between a patient and a doctor. Although the patient is partly responsible, the doctor is more knowledgeable when it comes to health issues. If a doctor fails to practice medicine carefully, there may be severe legal consequences.
It is extremely important for a patient to be able to rely on the expertise of the doctor and to have peace of mind in knowing that the doctor will do everything possible to make the patient well. If the doctor is negligent and causes injury to a patient, he or she may be able to claim damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit. The compensation that a patient receives can help to cover many possible expenses and will help to ease the financial burden that he or she may very well experience.
Source: FOODCONSUMER, "Keep Away if Possible: 1 in Chance You'll Be Harmed at a Hospital," Dr. Mercola, March 24,2013
]]>The residents of Salt Lake City, Utah, should be aware of the promising developments in neuroscience regarding brain injury. A recent study on the comparison between people who have suffered brain concussions and those who did not was conducted in New York. According to the lead researcher, brain atrophy is more likely to happen to people who have suffered a concussion. Brain atrophy, also known as cerebral atrophy, happens when the cells in the brain are lost or when the connections in between the cells are lost.
]]> A person who received a concussion needs to see a doctor to have it checked. If there is persistence of symptoms after the concussion, the injured person needs to follow up with a doctor prior to engaging in any risky activities.Residents of Salt Lake City, Utah, may be at risk for a concussion from rigorous outdoor activities. Although there are instances when people are injured from something that they did themselves, an injury may also result from another person's negligence. The negligence of other people can contribute greatly to brain-related injuries. Brain injury can result in permanent disability. If a person is injured, the injury may require financial support for medical costs and long-term care.
The negligent party may be held liable for costs incurred as a result of the accident. A local legal professional may be able to help assess the situation and can assist the accident victim in filing claims to cover the costs that may be required by the medical condition. Together with a medical specialist, the legal professional can prove the extent of damage that was caused to the victim and help the victim to acquire the compensation that he or she deserves.
Source: RTT News, "Single Concussions Could Cause Lasting Brain Damage," Mar. 13, 2013
]]>Recently, a fatal accident involving a semi-truck and a boy on a bicycle happened southeast of Salt Lake. A Utah Highway Patrol official stated that the boy was riding his bicycle to a bus stop in Duchesne, Utah, when, at the same time, two semi-trucks were passing by. The official suggested that the boy may have noticed the first truck but he would not have seen the second truck because the first truck may have blocked it.
]]> The area around the accident had skid marks from the truck trying to stop and turning to avoid the accident. The boy was pronounced dead about an hour after he was rushed to the hospital.Truckers need to ensure the safety of other people on the road. While the family of the victim struggles emotionally, the accident also causes a financial burden because of accident-related expenses, which can be very high.
In a situation like this, it is important to prove negligence on the part of the truck driver. An experienced lawyer may be able to help assess the facts and prove who is at fault. The attorney may also help acquire compensation and process the claims faster. Although the death of a love one is sad and tragic, compensation may at least help to cover financial losses.
Source: ABC4.com, "Duchesne boy hit and killed by semi truck," Brian Carlson, Mar. 6, 2013
]]>Putting someone else's life in danger because of a driver's negligence is all too common in Salt Lake City, Utah. Recently, a 56-year-old man was killed in a car-pedestrian accident when he and his wife were walking on a sidewalk. His 56-year-old wife survived and was transferred to a Salt Lake City hospital. The accident happened in the town of St. George. The couple was on a side street when a car traveling south rear-ended another vehicle. The rear-ended vehicle then sped off the road and hit the man and the woman on the sidewalk.
]]> Officials are currently investigating the fatal accident. The officers handed out no citations, but there is a possibility that the driver of the car that rear-ended the other vehicle may have been distracted by a cell phone.This traumatic accident demonstrates the dangers of distracted driving. If the person causing the injury does not exercise caution while driving, it may result in a wrongful death. If a driver is distracted by a cellular phone while driving, he or she is not focusing on the road. In Utah, the law urges everyone to exercise caution while driving, and that includes paying attention to the road.
In a case like this, it is critical to prove that the driver was negligent. The driver may be held liable for compensation to the accident victim and the victim's family, have his or her license and registration revoked and may possibly end up in court. The victim's family should seek guidance from a legal professional to ensure that the most appropriate advice and guidance are given.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, "One of St. George couple hit in auto-ped crash dies," Bob Mims, Mar. 5, 2013
]]>According to an investigation, the car accident occurred when the westbound SUV was allegedly going to fast for road conditions on State Road 30. It collided with the eastbound pickup, causing it to roll off the road. Both father and son, who had been wearing seat belts, were pronounced dead at the scene.
]]> The SUV driver was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not designated as life-threatening.Deaths from driving during poor weather and road conditions are not unusual. According to the investigation, the car crash probably resulted when the SUV driver lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line. At that time, the roads were slick and covered in snow. Witnesses also told officers that the SUV had passed them moments before the accident.
Such fatalities leave families with pain, suffering and loss of support. Immediate surviving family members may ask for legal redress in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit in the aftermath of such an accident. Beyond the emotional trauma and grief, the financial difficulties resulting from accidental injuries and death are also burdensome and include medical costs, funeral costs and other losses.
The entire legal process takes time and can be complex. Professional legal assistance can help a family that may be mourning, frustrated and helpless in the aftermath of a loved one's death. In addition to whatever criminal penalties apply -- imprisonment, fines and revocation of license or registration -- the wrongdoer or his or her insuring party may be required to compensate surviving family members.
Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, "Father, son die in northern Utah car crash," Feb. 23, 2013
]]>Recently, a 49-year-old Mexican national struck a 69-year-old bicycle rider in a fatal accident in Provo, south of Salt Lake City. The impact sent the rider flying onto the tracks, where was hit by a FrontRunner train. The bicycle rider, who was employed at Brigham Young University, was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.
]]> The driver was arrested and put on federal immigration hold. Authorities charged her with a class A misdemeanor negligent homicide, class C misdemeanor failure to maintain a proper lookout and operation. According to prosecutors, the woman failed to remove the ice on her windshield; the winter staple was blocking her vision at the time of the crash. Her presumed negligence resulted in the death of a father of seven children.In a case like this, the surviving spouse may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver in this fatal accident. The driver may be liable to pay compensation aside from the criminal charges she's currently facing. Surviving family members of the deceased may be suffering from all sorts of losses, from the loss of companionship to the loss of peace of mind resulting from emotional trauma.
The family may also reimburse their economic losses for funeral expenses against the driver, if negligence is proved. Restitution and other awards can help alleviate the grief that surrounds family in times of tragedy.
As devastating as they are, fatal accident cases can remind Salt Lake City residents of the importance of professional help. Legal experts who are knowledgeable about wrongful death cases may assist a victim's family in obtaining the maximum compensation, which will help them with the barrage of accident-related expenses that emerge after a crash.
Source: Sltrib.com, "Driver charged in fatal crash involving FrontRunner train in Provo," Bob Mims, Feb. 21, 2013
]]>A head-on collision occurred between the tractor-trailer and the car. Unfortunately, the woman died at the scene of the accident. The tractor-trailer driver was sent to a local hospital for medical treatment.
This recent accident shows the tragic outcome of collisions between trucks and other vehicles. Truck accidents have claimed numerous lives in the state of Utah.
A fatal accident, like the one mentioned, can devastate the family members of the deceased. However, they are entitled to file a suit against the presumed negligent party to received compensation for accident-related expenses, including funeral expenses if the other driver was in fact negligent in causing the accident.
]]> While more details of this particular case are needed, immediate family members may be able to file a wrongful death suit against the tractor-trailer driver. Consulting a legal professional before filing a lawsuit can provide the proper guidance regarding potential claims. The legal professional will examine all of the pertinent information, including log books, driver training records and scheduled vehicle maintenance. This is essential to fully understand how the tragic accident occurred.The lawsuit may contain the names of the defendants and the compensation sought by the plaintiffs. Compensation may help with pain and suffering once the verdict of the case is decided. Compensation and restitution may continue over a long time period or until the plaintiffs have fully recovered from the tragic incident.
Source: The Spectrum, "Woman is killed in I-15 accident," Mike Donahue, Feb. 7, 2013
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