The John Price Personal Injury Law Firm Blog

Hit-and-run accidents are rising at an alarming pace on a national level, a 60 percent increase since 2009 according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In fact, AAA reports every minute in the United States, a hit-and-run accident takes place (682,000 crashes and 2,049 deaths in 2016). Unfortunately, they also found that pedestrians and bicyclists make up nearly 65 percent of hit-and-run fatalities. Keep reading to learn more about hit-and-run accidents and what to do if you or a loved one is an accident victim.

What is a hit-and-run accident?
Law.com defines a hit-and-run accident as “the crime of a driver of a vehicle who is involved in a collision with another vehicle, property or human being, who knowingly fails to stop to give his/her name, license number and other information as required by statute to the injured party, a witness or law enforcement officers.”

 

Where do hit-and-runs occur?

We certainly see these accidents on roads and highways, but that isn’t always the case. Allstate reports parked cars were involved in 69 percent of hit-and-run claims in 2010.

 

Why are the numbers climbing?

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports “hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2 percent each year since 2009.” Regarding the increase, Mary Wisniewski

for the Chicago Tribune cites several contributing factors after speaking with Kelly Nantel of the National Safety Council. The first being “the increased number of cars on the road, which has led to more crashes overall.” Also mentioned: distracted driving and the “ongoing problems of high speed and alcohol use.”

Where does South Carolina rank?

Cars.com reports South Carolina is ninth on the list of dangerous states for this type of collision.

 

What should I do if I’m the victim of a hit-and-run?

Your health and safety are your first priority. Contact the authorities right away and get the medical attention and legal documentation you need. The team at John Price Law Firm, LLC has been helping accident victims for the past 25 years. You may not have any way to track down the perpetrator, leaving you without compensation from their insurance company.  Look to us to gather the evidence needed to work with your insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage.

 

We’re Here to Help

Contact our personal injury firm if you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

Verbiage pulled/modified from hit-and-run page on John Price website

Additional Resources:

https://newsroom.aaa.com/2018/04/hit-run-deaths-hit-record-high/#:~:text=An%20average%20of%20682%2C000%20hit,percent%20each%20year%20since%202009.
https://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=869
https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-hit-and-run-crashes-getting-around-20190219-story.html
https://www.cars.com/articles/hit-and-run-deaths-are-way-up-how-dangerous-is-your-state-1420699813513/

National Child Passenger Safety Week is just around the corner, including National Seat Check Saturday (the week of Sept. 20, 2020). The John Price family understands just how critical child passenger safety is; we are doing our part to add to the conversation as we work together to end the suffering of children due to motor vehicle accidents. Please join us in learning more about this worthwhile campaign as prevention makes an enormous difference.

 

Statistics
The United States Department of Transportation reports “every 32 seconds in 2018, one child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash.” An alarming 37 percent of children who died from car accidents in 2017 were unrestrained. Adding to the tragedy is the reality that with proper car seat, booster and seat belt use, we could reduce the number of injuries and deaths significantly.

 

Finding the “Right Seat”

The right car seat saves lives! NHTSA designed a helpful tool for parents and caregivers at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat. In a matter of moments, it generates customized car seat results based on the child’s age, height and weight. Let’s delve deeper into the types of car seats and safety recommendations.

 

Car Seat Types and Safety Recommendations

There are four main types of car seats, which are further divided below. The NHTSA urges parents and caregivers to learn the types, follow NHTSA recommendations based on your child’s age and size, and then use their Car Seat Finder.

• Rear-Facing (infant, convertible, all-in-one)
• Forward-Facing (convertible, combination, all-in-one)
• Booster Seat (with a high back, backless, combination, all-in-one)
• Seat Belt

Life-Saving Reminders:

• Children under the age of one belong in a rear-facing seat
• Rear-facing is safest; NHTSA cautions caregivers to “keep your child rear-facing as long as possible”
• Children should be in booster seats longer than many perceive as necessary: “Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.”
• In a proper seat belt fit, “the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach.” Additionally, note the shoulder belt, which should “lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face.”
• Register your car seat with the manufacturer so you don’t miss information on recalls or safety or sign-up for car seat and booster seat recall alerts from the NHTSA

 

Car Seat Inspections
Visit the NHTSA website to search for car seat inspection stations in your area (most are available to help at no charge). For example, a quick search by zip code generated 25 results in one Charleston zip code (29412). We noted fire departments, EMS, city hall and hospitals on the list, to name a few. Be sure to search by your area to find the most convenient location for you.

 

National Seat Check Saturday
Mark your calendars for National Seat Check Saturday, coming up on Sept. 26, 2020. Note there is an option to narrow your NHTSA search to display Child Passenger Safety Week events in your car seat inspection station search.

 

We’re Here to Help

Contact our personal injury firm if your child has been the victim of an auto accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

If you’ve ever been rear-ended while driving, you know first-hand how emotionally jarring and physically painful it can be. Everyone’s experience is different; seconds may feel like an eternity or faster than milliseconds. When replaying the scene in your head, you may recall a host of sounds, such as tires screeching or metal being crushed. Depending on the severity of impact, you may have suffered a concussion, whiplash or worse. Today’s post on rear-ended collisions covers the statistics, prevention, reducing your risk and more.

Rear-Ended Collision Facts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports an estimated 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the United States each year. Of those collisions, there are an estimated 1,700 deaths and 500,000 injuries. The NHTSA found that rear-ended crashes are the most common collision type (nearly 29 percent). South Carolina drivers aren’t known for being safe; Andrew Shain for The State reports: “South Carolina might be in the heart of NASCAR country, but the Palmetto State has the nation’s second-worst drivers.”

Preventing a Collision
What can be done to prevent these types of collisions? Ashley Halsey III, transportation reporter for the Washington Post writes, “The NTSB estimated that 80 percent of the deaths and injuries resulting from rear-end collisions could be prevented by collision avoidance systems, which are available in some cars but not required on all of them.”

Reducing Your Risk

Although much is outside of your control regarding these types of accidents, Driver’s Alert has a few helpful pointers to reduce the likelihood of being rear-ended:

• When you are being tailgated by another driver, safely switch lanes
• If switching lanes isn’t possible, consider a short detour to let that driver move ahead
• Don’t slam on your brakes unless you absolutely must
• “Brake early and slowly” so that drivers behind you have ample time to slow down and stop

What to Do If You’ve Been Rear-Ended

Report the accident by calling the authorities and seek medical attention right away if you suspect you’ve been injured. It’s especially important to know the cognitive, physical, emotional and sleep symptoms of concussion and traumatic brain injury.  The signs range from “hard-to-see to quite obvious” according to the Brain Injury Association of America. A copy of the police report, photos of both vehicles and insurance information on both parties are also essential. Rear-end car crashes often involve multiple parties, multiple insurance companies, and perhaps even uninsured drivers, all reasons to consult a car accident attorney.
We’re Here to Help

Contact our personal injury firm if you or a family member has been rear-ended in South Carolina and suffered from an injury. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

Have you ever had a close call with another driver making the dangerous mistake of running a red light? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) describes red light running as the “leading cause of urban crashes in the United States,” often resulting in serious injury or death. As Stop on Red Week from the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) approaches this August 2-8, we’re highlighting the dangers posed by drivers who run red lights and sharing tips to reduce your risk of being a victim of this dangerous driving behavior.

How Common Is This Issue?
Medical Xpress reports that “even though 85% of drivers say that red light running is very dangerous, nearly one-third admit to going through a red light within the past 30 days when they could have stopped safely, according to the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index.” NCSR reports that “more than 3.8 million drivers received a red light running violation in 2016.”

 

Risks of Running a Red Light

IIHS reports 846 people were killed in 2018 from crashes related to running a red light. Nearly half of those who lost their lives were “pedestrians, bicyclists, and people in other vehicles who were hit by the red-light runners.” Additionally, red light crashes resulted in approximately 139,000 people being injured. Although Nolo.com reports running a red light or stop sign is a misdemeanor in South Carolina and means four demerit points on a motorist’s driving record, there is much more at stake. The report “depending on the situation, a red light or stop sign violation could also lead to a reckless driving conviction. And if one of these violations results in the death of another person, ‘reckless vehicular homicide’ charges are possible.”

 

Defensive Driving Tips for Intersections
Driving defensively is defined by AIG as “driving so as to prevent accidents in spite of the incorrect actions of others or adverse driving conditions, such as weather, traffic, lighting, vehicle or road condition, or the driver’s physical or mental state.” When it comes to intersections, they recommend driving as though others on the road may not obey traffic control devices, allowing yourself time and space to avoid the hazards this may create. Exercise even more caution after dark and look out for large vehicles approaching. Additionally, check to see that your lights and reflective devices are in working order.

 

We’re Here to Help

Contact our personal injury firm if you or a loved one has been the victim of an auto accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

 

Additional Resources:

https://www.iihs.org/topics/red-light-running
https://ncsrsafety.org/key-issues/red-light-safety/
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-red-deadly-common.html
https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/traffic-tickets/moving-violations/running-red-lights-and-stop-37

 

The National Heatstroke Awareness Campaign from the United States Department of Transportation runs from July to September of this year. Perhaps you’ve seen their public service announcements for Park. Look. Lock. As personal injury lawyers, we are all too familiar with injuries to children and would like to help spread the word about what parents and caregivers can do to help minimize the risk of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH). Keep reading for more about PVH as you take simple steps that may save a life and avoid a heartbreaking tragedy.

PVH Statistics
NoHeatStroke.org reports that since 1998, 857 children have died due to PVH (as of July 9, 2020). The lives of 53 children were lost in 2018 alone due to vehicular heatstroke, a high over the past 20 years. Sadly, these deaths were preventable, which is why it’s so important to be informed about safety recommendations concerning children and vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that “in just 10 minutes, a car can heat up by 20 degrees and become deadly.” They also note that “a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s.” When the core body temperature is around 104 degrees, heatstroke starts. The consequences are lethal at around 107 degrees.

Safety Reminders
The following safety reminders are highlighted on the NoHeatStroke.org website:

 

• “Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Not even for a minute!”
• “If you see a child unattended in a hot vehicle, call 9-1-1”
• Check to see that all passengers have left the vehicle when unloading
• Remember babies who may be asleep
• Lock your vehicle and keep keys and entry devices away from children
• Let children know vehicles are not play areas
• “If a child is missing, always check the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk.”

 

Other ideas shared include using a stuffed animal as a visual cue to remember your child. Putting another item out of reach such as a phone, handbag or briefcase may also be a helpful tool. They also remind parents and caregivers to adopt a “look before you leave” routine when exiting the vehicle. One more suggestion is to ask your child’s school or daycare to notify you if your child isn’t present.

Printable Visuals

NHTSA created an asset library with free printables with hangtags, window clings, stickers and more. Download life-saving visuals and display them in your vehicle. Share them with loved ones and help spread the word.

 

We’re Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if your child has been injured due to heatstroke in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

Most new parents are aware of the important task of baby proofing their home, carefully anchoring furniture, covering outlets, removing cords, installing baby gates, locking cabinets, and more. Sharp edges become a hazard and stove knobs pose a threat. Keeping your sweet baby healthy means everything and the extra precautions you take to provide a safer space for all to enjoy the comforts of home. Thankfully, there are plenty of checklists and resources available online. As little ones grow and become more curious and mobile, baby proofing becomes childproofing. With families spending more time at home due to COVID-19, taking inventory of your environment for potential safety hazards is critical. The focus of today’s blog is on keeping children safe around areas with water at home.

 

KidsHealth from Nemours reminds caregivers that water safety is more than pool safety. It’s areas of the home with water, such as the bathroom and kitchen as well as “things you might not think about — like catchment ponds, drainage ditches and runoff areas in your neighborhood.” The National Safety Council (NSC) reports “drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4 years and ages 10 to 14 years.” Dangers include children “falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub,” and NSC notes “bathtubs, toilets and even buckets also can pose a danger for very young children.”

Some helpful water safety precautions from NSC include:

• Stay with your child around water
• Enroll your child in swim lessons but remember “lessons do not make your child ‘drown-proof’”
• Keep children away from drains and suction fittings
• Have a first aid kit nearby
• Be trained in CPR
• Remember “if a child is missing, check the water first”

 

Bathroom Safety
HealthyChildren.org shares essential bathroom safety tips for parents and caregivers to keep in mind. At the top of their list is making the room “inaccessible unless your child is accompanied by an adult.” One method for this precaution is installing a door latch at adult height. Since children can drown in just a few inches of water, “never leave a young child alone in the bath, even for a moment.” Distractions in today’s world include the phone and doorbell. Monitor the temperature of water in the bath and adjust your water heater (no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit). They also suggest installing toilet lid locks and keeping toilet lids closed when not in use. Review the HealthyChildren.org website for more tips, including suggestions for medicine and toiletry storage and electrical appliances in the bathroom.

Precautions Around Pools

PoolSafety.gov emphasizes the dangers posed by pool drains, asking caregivers to avoid “a pool or spa that has a loose, broken or missing drain cover.” Be sure that compliant drain covers are present in pools and spas. Before entering a home spa, check for the emergency vacuum shutoff. They also detail the proper height for a pool fence, which should be at least four feet tall surrounding “the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children” (Norton’s Children recommends a self-closing gate with a childproof lock). Consider additional barriers or alarms as well, as they may save a life.

 

We Are Here to Help

Children often don’t see danger when playing near water. That’s why there are special laws to protect them.  Our personal injury attorneys have represented many child injury cases on behalf of young victims. Contact our personal injury firm if your child has been injured in a household accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

Are you planning an afternoon on the lake or the Intracoastal Waterway? During these unsettling times, an outdoor adventure complete with nautical breezes and sunshine provides a welcome respite from the worries of the day. Boating safety is always a priority when enjoying an outing on the water, but even more so during COVID-19. Today’s post covers safety basics and additional considerations in light of the pandemic.

 

Boating Safety Courses and Vessel Safety Checks
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that human error is the number one cause of boating accidents. Their website includes a directory of boating safety courses for all ages and experience levels. There are online courses available, including the South Carolina Boating Safety course through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Boaters are also encouraged to take advantage of a vessel safety check, which is offered at no cost thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons.

 

Life Jackets and Equipment
Troubling statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard: “76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning, and 84% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.” When ensuring a proper fit of life jackets, the goal is “comfortably snug” (check the label for age and weight ranges). Refer to this helpful infographic from the BoatUS Foundation. As for required equipment, the South Carolina Hunting & Fishing website provides an up-to-date list.

Review the Marine Forecast
Before finalizing plans, check the latest weather forecast. The marine forecast for your area from the National Weather Service details current conditions and hazards and also posts specifics for rivers and lakes. Here’s a look at Charleston’s Marine Weather, as an example. Know that changing plans to avoid possible hazards is always a good idea.

Safety and Surroundings
We covered being aware of your surroundings while boating in a previous post; look up for bridge clearances and power lines, and down for floats, swimmers, debris and divers flags.  Before making a turn, ensure you are clear on all sides and watch out for passing traffic. Be aware of your speed. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states: “In South Carolina, vessels may not be operated in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, wharf, pier, dock, or a person in the water. Vessels may not operate in excess of idle speed within 100 yards of the Atlantic coastline.” Your speed should allow you to take the appropriate steps to avoid an accident. We recommend you keep at least 200 feet between your vessel and another boat and avoid jumping other boats’ wakes.

Don’t Drink and Operate a Boat

Safe Kids Worldwide cautions boaters: “A large portion of boating accidents that occur each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers.” Given the effects of alcohol on the mind and body, we urge boating operators to steer clear of alcoholic beverages.

Maintenance and Recalls
The National Law Review appropriately describes boats as “high maintenance vessels.” Proper maintenance and inspections provide peace of mind and may help reduce unexpected issues on the water. You may think about recalls for your vehicles or household products, but they are also a possibility in the boating space. Search the recall list on the U.S. Coast Guard website.

 

COVID-19 Considerations
The National Law Review advises that by design, boating isn’t conducive to social distancing. For this reason, they recommend limiting boating excursions to persons who live in the same household. Richard P. Console, Jr. writes, “Failing to do so could risk you or somebody you love contracting the virus, which is not something you want to experience.”

 

We Are Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if you or a family member has been injured in a boating accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

Additional Resources:

https://www.safekids.org/tip/boating-safety-tips
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/how-to-stay-safe-boat-summer
https://www.uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php

Whether your motivation for riding a motorcycle is to save on vehicle and fuel expenses, for the camaraderie you share with other riders or simply a love of the sport, staying safe on the road is crucial. Before planning a summer ride, refer to today’s post for motorcycle safety tips. Being as prepared as possible will help you be more aware of the risks you face on the road while doing what you can to stay safe.

 

Find a Motorcycle Safety Course
No matter your skill level, we recommend taking a motorcycle safety course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a host of courses. Refer to their course library to narrow down which course is the best fit. They recommend their Basic Rider course for anyone who has made the decision to ride a motorcycle. The course includes motorcycle operating basics and mental strategies focused on safety. For those who haven’t been on a motorcycle in some time, their Returning Rider course fits the bill.

Wear the Right Helmet

The National Safety Council (NSC) refers to a helmet as “the most important equipment a biker can use.” When it comes to the prevention of fatal injuries, they report helmets are an estimated 37% effective. Wondering what type of helmet is ideal? The Motorcycle Legal Foundation reports that a full-face helmet is the safest option for riders. In an article on the safest helmets for 2020, Michael Padway writes, “The most important thing is that the helmet fits your head correctly and that the chin strap holds it on your head.” NSC recommends helmets with a DOT sticker, which means the helmet design “meets the safety standards required by law.” Stay away from second-hand helmets since you can’t be sure of their history.

 

Before You Ride

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has pulled together a list of precautions riders should take before getting on their motorcycle; refer to their “Before Every Ride” specifics. Some basics include checking your “motorcycle’s tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and fluid levels.” There are additional pointers related to cargo and carrying an extra passenger. As for your motorcycle gear, NSC suggests “bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles.” They also recommend motorcyclists use their headlights at all times.

 

Avoid Unnecessary Risks
Speeding presents a host of dangers to both the motorcyclist and others on the road, as does drinking and driving (avoid at all costs). In the summer, be mindful of the high temperatures outdoors, taking breaks and staying hydrated. Intersections call for extra precautions, where NSC reports “half of all collisions occur.” Driving defensively means adopting the mindset that you are invisible to others on the road, positioning yourself accordingly for more visibility. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports the death rates for “supersport bikes” are close to four times higher when compared to cruisers and standard bikes. A study published in their Journal of Safety Research found “certain motorcycle designs, particularly supersport motorcycles, are associated with increases in risky driving behaviors and higher driver death rates.”

We Are Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if you or a family member has been the victim of a motorcycle accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

As some restrictions lift and businesses reopen, you may consider meeting a friend or family member for a drink to catch up (while socially distancing). Before making plans, be sure to review the latest information from the CDC on going out, keeping in mind “the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.” If you have made the decision to venture out and enjoy one another’s company, today’s post includes tips on getting home safely in the midst of COVID-19.

Impaired Driving is Dangerous
The National Safety Council found that “impairment begins with the first drink.” More specifically, they report that “significant impairment occurs in the following ways among drivers under .05 alcohol concentration: visual acuity, vigilance, drowsiness, psychomotor skills and information processing.” Knowing that the risk of crashing goes up with just one drink means driving yourself home is never worth the risk.

Secure a Safe Ride Home in Advance
It’s always important to have safe transportation in place. In the past, you may have relied on a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to provide you with a way home. Uber and Lyft recently announced significant layoffs (as reported by the Washington Post). What does this mean for consumers who rely on rideshare services? With the demands for rides down, customers may have a more difficult time finding a driver when requesting a ride. Instead of waiting to request an Uber, use the app’s “scheduled rides” feature before heading out to nail down specifics. Their website states this option is available up to 30 days in advance. Lyft has a similar feature that extends up to seven days in advance. Other possibilities include a designated driver or making arrangements for a friend or family member who hasn’t been drinking to drive you home.

 

Reach for a Non-Alcoholic Drink

If you aren’t able to locate safe transportation, it’s possible to keep your plans. Instead of the cocktail or specialty brew you typically order, go the non-alcoholic route. You’ll still be able to share a laugh and great conversation, and the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you won’t have to worry about who will drive you home is worth it. There will be other opportunities for a beer flight or wine tasting.

 

We Are Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if you or a family member has been the victim of a drunk driving accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 632-5672.

When it comes to death in construction, falls are the top cause. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports “in 2018, there were 320 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,008 construction fatalities (BLS data)” and goes on to say “these deaths are preventable.” In their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “falls remain a leading cause of unintentional injury mortality nationwide.” Furthermore, countless other workers experience serious fall-related injuries every year. These are troubling statistics, especially considering they are preventable.

What steps must employers take to prevent team member falls, and what can workers do to stay safe? Keep reading to learn more, and contact us if you or a loved one suffered a fall from a ladder, scaffolding, roof or other heights in South Carolina. Trust John Price Law Firm, LLC to help you through the workers’ compensation process so you receive the fair compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages and more. Today’s post covers regulations to protect workers and shares safety guides, fact sheets and booklets available to help reduce the risk of falls. 

Regulations To Protect Workers 

OSHA urges employers to help prevent falls through safety planning, proper equipment and equipment training and has strict requirements in place for construction sites which include:

• Each worker on a scaffold that is more than 10 feet above another level must be protected from falling to the lower level.
• Adequate fall protection may either consist of a personal fall arrest system or a guardrail system that meets OSHA requirements.
• Employees engaged in overhand bricklaying work from supported scaffolds must be guarded against falls from all open sides of the scaffold (except where the wall is being laid).

Being Informed on the Job
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ Ladder Safety Guide maps out clear guidelines for ladder use. It begins with choosing the right ladder, giving it a careful inspection, following proper setup and using the ladder safely. Their working load chart and maximum work height chart are also important to note (pay attention to the ladder type, duty rating and working load). There are also ladder safety guidance fact sheets and booklets available from OSHA with specifics on extension ladders, job-made wooden ladders and stepladders. 

We Are Here to Help
John Price Law Firm, LLC represents construction site workers and others in South Carolina who have suffered from an on-the-job injury. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 604-3814. 

As summertime approaches and public parks and spaces reopen, parents and children may be visiting a nearby playground for some welcome fresh air and sunshine. At the time of this post, COVID-19 is also a reality that has changed daily routines and precautions taken for many families. Before heading to a local playground or taking your child to play on a friend or family member’s backyard playset, minimize your child’s risk of injury by reviewing the five tips below.

1. Developmentally and Age Appropriate Play Equipment
   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests looking for posted signs regarding the age requirements for play on the equipment. If you are at someone’s home, signs may not be present. The National Program for Playground Safety shares specifics for different ages and stages, breaking children into the following groups: 6 months through 23 months, 2 to 5 years and 5 to 12 years. Visit their website to review the kinds of developmentally appropriate play by age group. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that “openings between rails, bars, rungs and even ropes of cargo nets should be less than 3 1/2 inches or more than 9 inches.”
2. A Soft Landing Matters
   The CDC also recommends playgrounds are outfitted with soft material (think mulch, sand or wood chips). The extra cushion helps with shock absorption; the NSC calls for 12 inches around playground equipment. They also list pea gravel and safety-tested rubber as options. 
3. Leave at Home
   NSC cautions against strangulation hazards caused by attaching “ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines or pet leashes” to playground equipment. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests leaving “sweatshirts with drawstrings and necklaces at home.” Bike helmets shouldn’t be worn on the playground.
   4. Watch Out for Tripping Hazards and Dangerous Edges
   Also on the CDC’s list is being aware of tripping hazards, including stumps and rocks. Check for equipment points and edges that may be dangerous.
   5. Guardrails in Place
   NSC recommends guardrails or barriers for platforms higher than 30 inches. They report that “nearly 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls.” Additionally, in an investigation of 40 playground deaths between 2001 and 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found 15% of deaths were the result of falls. 

We Are Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if your child has been injured due to unsafe playground equipment in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 604-3814. 

When we think of wheelchairs, we may think about the added mobility and freedom they can provide to injured and disabled people. We don’t tend to consider the estimated 300,000 serious wheelchair-related accidents each year.

Sadly, there have been too many recent stories about collisions between automobiles and wheelchairs, some of them fatal. Often when this happens, the accident will be investigated like a motor vehicle accident.

Determining fault and liability for motor vehicle accidents can depend on statutory violations. For example, if a driver or victim broke the law, by driving drunk or running a red light, they may be more likely to be held liable for the accident. Courts may also look at more general principles of legal liability like whether one of the people involved in the accident acted negligently or recklessly.  They may look further into the nursing home staff or setting if such an accident occurred in a nursing home.

Could there be a Wheelchair Malfunction?

With so many electric and motorized wheelchairs, there are bound to be wheelchair accidents due to a defect with the chair itself. When a wheelchair malfunctions or functions in an unexpected way, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability law.

The three main types of product liability claims are based on:

Defects in Design: The product’s design is inherently flawed in a way that renders it unreasonably dangerous.
Defects in Manufacturing: The product is improperly manufactured in a way that departs from its intended design.
Defects in Warnings: The product lacked adequate instructions or warnings and the omission of the instructions or warnings renders the product not reasonably safe.
A wheelchair could be improperly designed, poorly manufactured, or lack the proper warnings and instructions, leading to dangerous or deadly accidents; in which case, the manufacturer could be liable for any injuries or damages.

If you’ve been injured in a wheelchair accident that may be due to nursing home negligence, contact an experienced personal injury law firm.  Contact the team of John Price Law today!