Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ten-Year-Old Boy Struck by Car Still in Critical Condition
Friday, February 5, 2010
Top 10 Causes of Falls
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"What's the Difference Between First and Third Degree Burns?" And Other Facts About Burn Severity and Treatment
A week after being struck by a car while crossing I-85 near Church Street Elementary School, ten year old Artavius Hall was still in critical condition at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
The accident occurred when Hall attempted to cross the busy stretch of highway without the protection of a crosswalk and was struck by a driver. Hall was wearing dark clothes at the time, and in the early morning without the benefit of street lights, poor visibility may have contributed to the accident. Police say that while the accident took place about a mile away from a Riverdale elementary school, it is not entirely clear if the boy was walking there or not.
Hall was near a bus stop when he was hit, and Willie Heath Jr, the driver of the Chrysler sedan which struck Hall, claims to have pleaded with people waiting at the bus stop to help him perform CPR on the boy. Most of them got on the next bus, however.
"We're in a mean world," Heath said of the incident.
"I was begging for help," he said. "They got on their bus and left." Drivers passing by were equally callous, honking their horns and rushing by. Heath admits that he was afraid of being hit himself. While most of the people at the bus stop left the scene, two bystanders did help Heath and Hall in the end - one of them running to the nearby fire station to bring aid.
Heath, a religious man and himself the father of five, was both deeply sorry and upset by the incident when he spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
"I don't know if the parents are mad at me," he said. "I want to pray with them."
He also cites the lack of lights and sidewalks as contributing to the accident. While he said that he did not blame the government for not providing them, the conditions made it difficult for him to see Hall, and contributed to the accident.
As always, it is sad to hear about a child who is injured, and especially so critically. While I do not place blame on Hall, it is not always easy for drivers to see pedestrians, and he put himself in a more dangerous situation when he crossed without protection, and in clothing which made him difficult to see in the early morning light. According to reports, Hall was crossing the street with his brother at the time, who was luckily not hurt.
This is a reminder, without a doubt, of the importance of instilling good pedestrian etiquette in our children, so that situations like this are less likely. At the same time, it is a reminder of how easily a person can be critically injured by a car, and the importance of being alert for people walking in or along the roadways who might not be readily visible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
The accident occurred when Hall attempted to cross the busy stretch of highway without the protection of a crosswalk and was struck by a driver. Hall was wearing dark clothes at the time, and in the early morning without the benefit of street lights, poor visibility may have contributed to the accident. Police say that while the accident took place about a mile away from a Riverdale elementary school, it is not entirely clear if the boy was walking there or not.
Hall was near a bus stop when he was hit, and Willie Heath Jr, the driver of the Chrysler sedan which struck Hall, claims to have pleaded with people waiting at the bus stop to help him perform CPR on the boy. Most of them got on the next bus, however."We're in a mean world," Heath said of the incident.
"I was begging for help," he said. "They got on their bus and left." Drivers passing by were equally callous, honking their horns and rushing by. Heath admits that he was afraid of being hit himself. While most of the people at the bus stop left the scene, two bystanders did help Heath and Hall in the end - one of them running to the nearby fire station to bring aid.
Heath, a religious man and himself the father of five, was both deeply sorry and upset by the incident when he spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
"I don't know if the parents are mad at me," he said. "I want to pray with them."
He also cites the lack of lights and sidewalks as contributing to the accident. While he said that he did not blame the government for not providing them, the conditions made it difficult for him to see Hall, and contributed to the accident.
As always, it is sad to hear about a child who is injured, and especially so critically. While I do not place blame on Hall, it is not always easy for drivers to see pedestrians, and he put himself in a more dangerous situation when he crossed without protection, and in clothing which made him difficult to see in the early morning light. According to reports, Hall was crossing the street with his brother at the time, who was luckily not hurt.
This is a reminder, without a doubt, of the importance of instilling good pedestrian etiquette in our children, so that situations like this are less likely. At the same time, it is a reminder of how easily a person can be critically injured by a car, and the importance of being alert for people walking in or along the roadways who might not be readily visible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta accident lawyer, atlanta car accident attorney, Atlanta injury lawyer, avoiding car accidents, driver safety, pedestrian
It is not all that uncommon to trip and take a fall. Many of us stumble from time to time and shrug it off, thinking it just a random occurrence on any bad day. We might blame our own clumsiness, or a loose heel, or something else out of anyone's control.
However, falls are not always out of our control - or out of control of the individuals who own and maintain the places where these spills might commonly happen. They are also not always so very harmless. A fall might easily lead to injury, medical bills and potentially permanent consequences. Falls can lead to head trauma, nerve damage, and injuries to the neck and spine, all of which can be life changing or even potentially deadly.
Ten of the top common reasons for falls which may by the responsibility of the property owner include:
1. Improperly Maintained/Broken Stairways
2. Defective Sidewalks
3. Improperly Maintained Walkways
4. Uneven Walkways
5. Unsecured Wet and/or Waxed Floors
6. Broken Railings
7. Poorly or Improperly Maintained Lighting
8. Improperly Maintained Parking Lots/Structures
9. Unsecured Construction Sites/Scaffolding
10. Defective Construction Equipment
Home and property owners have a responsibility to see that their property is either secure from the public, or maintained for safety. Many of the items on this list can be hazards waiting for someone if left unattended.
Stairs, for instance, can be very dangerous since a small trip can lead to a dangerous tumble down to the floor or landing. Because of this, stairs should always feature some sort of nonskid surface. If they are carpeted, the carpeting should be secure. If the carpet becomes loose or worn, it should be repaired immediately to avoid an increased risk of falls. Uncarpeted stairs might have some nonskid surface on them, such as a contrasting nonskid tape, spaced at one inch intervals, or rubber pads. Stairs should have railings on both sides, and the railings also need to be in good repair.
A poorly lit stairway or a stairway which accumulates any kind of obstacles is likely to lead to accidents eventually.
Maintaining proper lighting is another important step that property owners should take to ensure that preventable falls are kept to a minimum. Especially in conjunction with other, higher risk areas such as stairs, or places where the floor or walkways are liable to be wet and slippery.
Areas under construction, or those being cleaned or waxed should always be marked clearly so that individuals who happen to use them are aware of the risk and know to be careful or when appropriate to find another route - otherwise, they should be secured entirely to prevent accidents and injuries.
If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured because of fall due to negligence on the part of a property owner, then contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
However, falls are not always out of our control - or out of control of the individuals who own and maintain the places where these spills might commonly happen. They are also not always so very harmless. A fall might easily lead to injury, medical bills and potentially permanent consequences. Falls can lead to head trauma, nerve damage, and injuries to the neck and spine, all of which can be life changing or even potentially deadly.Ten of the top common reasons for falls which may by the responsibility of the property owner include:
1. Improperly Maintained/Broken Stairways
2. Defective Sidewalks
3. Improperly Maintained Walkways
4. Uneven Walkways
5. Unsecured Wet and/or Waxed Floors
6. Broken Railings
7. Poorly or Improperly Maintained Lighting
8. Improperly Maintained Parking Lots/Structures
9. Unsecured Construction Sites/Scaffolding
10. Defective Construction Equipment
Home and property owners have a responsibility to see that their property is either secure from the public, or maintained for safety. Many of the items on this list can be hazards waiting for someone if left unattended.
Stairs, for instance, can be very dangerous since a small trip can lead to a dangerous tumble down to the floor or landing. Because of this, stairs should always feature some sort of nonskid surface. If they are carpeted, the carpeting should be secure. If the carpet becomes loose or worn, it should be repaired immediately to avoid an increased risk of falls. Uncarpeted stairs might have some nonskid surface on them, such as a contrasting nonskid tape, spaced at one inch intervals, or rubber pads. Stairs should have railings on both sides, and the railings also need to be in good repair.
A poorly lit stairway or a stairway which accumulates any kind of obstacles is likely to lead to accidents eventually.
Maintaining proper lighting is another important step that property owners should take to ensure that preventable falls are kept to a minimum. Especially in conjunction with other, higher risk areas such as stairs, or places where the floor or walkways are liable to be wet and slippery.
Areas under construction, or those being cleaned or waxed should always be marked clearly so that individuals who happen to use them are aware of the risk and know to be careful or when appropriate to find another route - otherwise, they should be secured entirely to prevent accidents and injuries.
If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured because of fall due to negligence on the part of a property owner, then contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta accident attorney, Atlanta accident lawyer, fall, Georgia accident attorney, Georgia accident lawyer, slip and fall, trip and fall
I blogged earlier this week about how common burn injuries are and the many different ways in which people can become burn victims, but that is not all there is to say about burns. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from burns every year in this country, and of them, only a fraction require hospitalization. What, then, is the difference?
The difference, in short, is the severity of the burn. Burn severity is determined by several different factors, including the age and overall health of the burn victim, the depth of the burn and the percentage of the body that it covers. Obviously, if a young adult in good health receives a small, shallow burn, that is an entirely different situation than if a small child is burnt moderately over much of his body, or if an elderly person receives deep burns to her hand and arm.
Many of us have heard terms like "first degree burns" or "third degree burns," but we do not know exactly what they mean, or what difference that makes when discussing treatment. Understanding the skin is the first step to understanding the different degrees of burn damage and how they are judged. The skin is made up of several different layers. The epidermis, on top, is the outer surface of the skin which we see. Underneath the epidermis is the dermis, a stronger, more durable layer. Unlike the epidermis, the dermis has its own blood supply and contains nerve endings which allow for sensation. Hair follicles and sweat glands are active in the dermis layer of skin. Below that is another fatty layer, which nerves and blood vessels pass through to get to the skin.
A first degree burn affects the first layer of skin, the epidermis, only. There may be redness, hotness, and some pain, but there is no swelling or blistering. A sunburn is an example of a very common type of first degree burn. First degree burns may be painful, but not intensely so. Many people would do no more than run this type of burn under cold water or apply a lotion or cream to it. Second degree burns are more severe and in most cases, substantially more painful.
Second degree burns involve both the epidermis and the dermis, and leave the skin blistered, moist or oozing. Second degree burns may call for medical assistance, depending on how much of the body they have damaged. Doctors recommend not removing clothing around the burnt area, and seeking medical assistance quickly in the case of many of these burns. It is not advised to put lotion, oils or creams on these burns on your own, as that may do more damage. Adhesive bandages are discouraged, also because of the risk of farther damage.
Third degree burns involve all the layers of skin, and so-called fourth degree burns involve all of the skin, as well as the muscle and bone underneath. In third or fourth degree burns, the affected area will no longer be familiar light red, but instead may be white, cherry red, black, yellow or brown. If someone has suffered a third or fourth degree burn, then 911 should be contacted immediately for quick medical treatment.
If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured in a fire due to negligence or product malfunction, then contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
The difference, in short, is the severity of the burn. Burn severity is determined by several different factors, including the age and overall health of the burn victim, the depth of the burn and the percentage of the body that it covers. Obviously, if a young adult in good health receives a small, shallow burn, that is an entirely different situation than if a small child is burnt moderately over much of his body, or if an elderly person receives deep burns to her hand and arm. Many of us have heard terms like "first degree burns" or "third degree burns," but we do not know exactly what they mean, or what difference that makes when discussing treatment. Understanding the skin is the first step to understanding the different degrees of burn damage and how they are judged. The skin is made up of several different layers. The epidermis, on top, is the outer surface of the skin which we see. Underneath the epidermis is the dermis, a stronger, more durable layer. Unlike the epidermis, the dermis has its own blood supply and contains nerve endings which allow for sensation. Hair follicles and sweat glands are active in the dermis layer of skin. Below that is another fatty layer, which nerves and blood vessels pass through to get to the skin.
A first degree burn affects the first layer of skin, the epidermis, only. There may be redness, hotness, and some pain, but there is no swelling or blistering. A sunburn is an example of a very common type of first degree burn. First degree burns may be painful, but not intensely so. Many people would do no more than run this type of burn under cold water or apply a lotion or cream to it. Second degree burns are more severe and in most cases, substantially more painful.
Second degree burns involve both the epidermis and the dermis, and leave the skin blistered, moist or oozing. Second degree burns may call for medical assistance, depending on how much of the body they have damaged. Doctors recommend not removing clothing around the burnt area, and seeking medical assistance quickly in the case of many of these burns. It is not advised to put lotion, oils or creams on these burns on your own, as that may do more damage. Adhesive bandages are discouraged, also because of the risk of farther damage.
Third degree burns involve all the layers of skin, and so-called fourth degree burns involve all of the skin, as well as the muscle and bone underneath. In third or fourth degree burns, the affected area will no longer be familiar light red, but instead may be white, cherry red, black, yellow or brown. If someone has suffered a third or fourth degree burn, then 911 should be contacted immediately for quick medical treatment.
If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured in a fire due to negligence or product malfunction, then contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta accident lawyer, Atlanta burn lawyer, burn injury, burn treatment, first degree burn, Georgia accident lawyer, Georgia burn lawyer, second degree burn, third degree burns
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