On behalf of Campbell & Associates | Feb 26, 2020 | Personal Injury
Head injuries are a common problem after slip-and-fall accidents. Even a mild concussion can make a victim feel pretty miserable for a few days, due to the associated headaches, nausea and dizziness that’s common. But what if you don’t get better in a few days? While the symptoms of most mild concussions fade away over the course of a week or so, some victims experience problems that go on and on — often for months.
If the above description sounds familiar, you may have post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome isn’t associated with the loss of consciousness or anything else that might be an obvious trigger, but it can quickly become a debilitating set of symptoms that affect your ability to work or enjoy life. Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:
- Head pain, especially tension-type headaches
- Dizziness and ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision and light sensitivity
- Loss of memory and problems concentrating
- Anxiety, insomnia and irritability
- Decreases in your ability to taste or smell
- Fatigue and other unusual problems
Nobody is certain why post-concussion syndrome strikes some people and not others, although older adults experience it more often than younger people. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with it than men, but that may be simply because they’re more likely to seek medical treatment for their health concerns.
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen almost anywhere. One minute you’re walking down the stairwell of your apartment, the next minute you’re nursing your wounds at the bottom of the landing. A frayed rug, a broken curb or spilled ice in a store can cause you to tumble and suffer a serious injury. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, find out if you have a premises liability claim.
On behalf of Campbell & Associates | Feb 25, 2020 | Personal Injury
Spring is right around the corner, and east coast residents are itching to shed off their winter gear and embrace warm weather once again. However, with the beginning of spring comes the aftereffects of winter weather on New York highways and roads.
According to AARP, drivers should anticipate several potential hazards before exploring the warmer conditions this spring.
Wet conditions
Spring is known for its rainy weather and slippery roads. It’s critical that drivers compensate for slippery conditions by slowing down and increasing the distance between you and other vehicles on the road. You also may notice large puddles on residential streets, so avoid those to prevent hydroplaning and brake issues.
Increased traffic
There will be more motorists on the road as the temperatures start creeping upwards, so you will need to be more diligent to avoid accidents, distracted drivers and other hazards on the highway. You may also need to be more aware of pedestrians in highly-populated areas such as cities or neighborhoods.
More Potholes Present
In the winter, it’s challenging to identify potholes with layers of ice or snow covering the roads. However, potholes are fully on display during the springtime, and drivers do not want to hit deep potholes if possible. When you hit a large pothole, it’s possible to ruin your tires and your car’s alignment. Your best bet is to avoid them whenever you can.
Animal Activity
Along with more motorists, you will notice more animals in rural areas and highways. Most animals are particularly active in the spring and may try to cross roadways or roam around, so watch out for furry critters (especially in the early morning and at dusk).
All these hazards could be a potential damper on your springtime activities, especially if it causes a motor vehicle accident. In those incidents, make sure to seek the right representation to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover medical bills and lost wages.
On behalf of Campbell & Associates | Feb 11, 2020 | Dog Bites
Dogs might be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t always mean they are safe to be around. As such, it’s important to know what breeds of dogs may be considered dangerous and what you should do after a dog bites you or a loved one.
According to a 2019 study, the most reported bites were from pit bulls and mixed breed dogs. Further, larger dogs and dogs with heads that are wider than they are long tend to cause the most severe injuries. German shepherds, terriers, and rottweilers also ranked among the top dog breeds to be cautious about. That said, every dog is capable of biting and causing injuries.
What should I do if a dog bites me?
It can be scary to receive a dog bite, no matter your age. Be aware of the steps you should take so you can ensure your safety.
- Get medical help at once. No matter how small or large, it’s essential you seek medical attention after a dog bite. Dog bites can cause bleeding, infections, and other more serious conditions such as rabies if the dog in question has not received vaccinations.
- Exchange contact information. Get the dog’s owner’s name, address, phone number and record other relevant details about the dog and the bite. It’s important to have this information in case you choose to pursue legal action.
- File a report. You should report the incident with the police or animal control within 24 hours so they can conduct their own investigation and determine the dangerous nature of the dog in question. If you choose to pursue legal action, you have three years to file a case under New York law.
While dog bites may not sound like a daily cause for concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 4.5 million dog bites occur per year. Being aware of the kinds of dogs that cause the most harm and remembering the steps to take after a dog bite can help you stay safe and prepared.
On behalf of Campbell & Associates | Feb 3, 2020 | Firm News
The most recent issue of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association’s publication ‘Bill of Particulars’ includes an article by NYSTLA President Michele S. Mirman, Esq. about the deficiencies in New York’s wrongful death laws.
New York was actually the first state in the Union to enact a wrongful death statute. The law, passed back in 1847, finally allowed the families of deceased victims a chance to recover for the losses caused by that death.
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much, if any, progress since then. Today, New York is one of only six states that limits recovery for wrongful death to pecuniary injuries (i.e., economic loss) and the victim’s conscious pain and suffering. The loss and anguish experienced by survivors is not compensable under New York’s laws.
This means that huge swathes of the population, including children, stay-at-home parents, and the elderly – basically anyone who isn’t actively earning money – just are not as important under the state’s current wrongful death laws. The worst tragedy imaginable would be to lose a child due to someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct. But under the current draconian law, the parents of such a child would have no right to make a claim for their immeasurable suffering.
Please contact the Governor’s office (1-518-474-8390) and your state representatives to let them know that you agree that the current law is unfair and should be changed. If you have questions concerning this or other personal injury matters, you can always call Campbell & Associates at (716) 992-2222, or send an email to [email protected].
