The three fatalities were a 15-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. All three were dead at the scene. Four others were injured in the spectacular, plunging crash. The driver, a 37-year-old man of Phenix City and three other passengers were hospitalized. They were a 58-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy, and a 9-year-old boy.
]]> Although authorities don't yet know why the driver lost control, they confirmed that no other vehicles were involved. Barring the future revelation of any extremely unusual factors, it's likely that the driver negligently lost control and was at fault in causing the three deaths and four injuries. In that event, the driver is liable to compensate the estates of the deceased and the four injured survivors. The estates of the decedents are each vested with the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver based on the driver's negligence in causing the deaths.Under Alabama law in a fatal accident such as this, if compensation is insufficient for the decedents and the injured, they would next turn to their own auto insurance policies or policies owned by others in their household. If they have underinsured motorists' coverage, additional insurance proceeds are available. Sometimes, when a family has several cars their policies will 'stack' the coverage on all vehicles. This will allow collecting on the insurance for all of the other cars. However, in order to determine all of the available insurance resources and claims that may be available, an injured person or family representatives should meet with personal injury counsel for a precise evaluation.
Source: Columbus Ledger Enquirer, "3 teens killed in eastern Alabama highway crash," June 10, 2013
]]>Employers are usually familiar with these job-related injuries, and should where reasonably feasible reassign afflicted workers to non-repetitive jobs. During any period that a worker is out for job-related injuries, including carpal tunnel, he or she is entitled to collect workers' compensation benefits. This includes physical therapy treatments or even surgery to try and correct the problem.
]]> A recent study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that about 42 percent of workers at a South Carolina poultry plant showed signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. Gutting and cutting chickens is so repetitive that it's ruining the hands and wrists of those who work in that industry! The chicken plant studied had 213 of a total of 318 workers with carpal tunnel symptoms. They reported burning, pain and numbness or tingling in their hands or wrists. Two-thirds of the 213 reported waking up at night with pain and severe tingling.If you work in Alabama and contract medical problems with repetitive motions, the first prudent step is to report it to the employer. Keep everything documented so that there's no future attempt to say you didn't report it or you got it somewhere else. It's also necessary to get medical attention, and for that you must keep the employer informed so that all medical expenses are covered by workers' compensation. If the situation worsens or if you believe that the employer is not going to pay workers' compensation for these job-related injuries, then you may contact workers' compensation counsel for a consultation to learn your rights and the best way to handle the situation.
Source: MSN Money, "Your chicken craving is giving workers carpal tunnel," Jason Notte, June 7, 2013
]]>The complete circumstances surrounding the death of the young man are not yet known. According to police reports, the man was being pursued by officers from several local police departments in a car chase that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour. The chase ended at the Veterans Memorial Bridge where authorities state the man fell from the bridge into a local river. A search for his body ensued, and it was finally recovered in late April. Since that time, the family has been requesting further information as to what actually took place on the bridge, but say that so far none has been provided.
]]> While authorities report that the man fell from the bridge, family members believe he may have been forced off in response to intimidation by authorities. They have asked to view the dash cam video that the police cruisers would have had operating, but have been informed it is not available at this time. Once the body was recovered, they asked for reports from the medical examiner's office regarding the condition of the deceased, but have again been told that the information is unavailable while the investigation is still in process.There is an adage that states "There is more than one side to every story," and that is definitely a consideration for this Alabama family. They have so far received incomplete information from authorities that they say does not correlate with things that they know about the young man. The rules that govern the discovery phase of a wrongful death lawsuit will require authorities to fully disclose information obtained during the investigation to the plaintiff. Should that evidence support the allegations made by the family in the lawsuit, the local authorities and even specific officers may be found liable for his death. More information is expected to be released regarding this situation in the weeks ahead.
Source: whnt.com, "Family of Deonta Griffin to File Wrongful Death Lawsuit," Robert Richardson, May 28, 2013
]]>While alcohol use while boating plays a key role in many of the accidents and fatalities reported, other issues also play a part. Often, people do not think of boating as actually operating a moving vehicle, like a car. Very often, they will ignore or are not even aware of the rules of safe boating. In addition, since it is not their daily means of transportation, sometimes there is no liability insurance on the boat. When an accident with an uninsured vessel does occur, a victim's only recourse may be to seek recovery of damages through the civil court system.
]]> Injuries or deaths caused by another while operating a watercraft are similar to those caused by auto accidents. If the operator of the boat that was responsible for the accident is found negligent for the crash, they may be liable for injuries or damages resulting from the accident. However, the laws governing safe operation of a watercraft are different than those for cars, so it is important for anyone who has been injured or suffered a loss due to a boating accident to have the most accurate and detailed information available regarding Alabama's boating rules and regulations.Summer outings on the lakes and rivers of Alabama should be a fun time for all. Knowing the rules for safe boating and observing the laws helps ensure that it will be. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a boat owner and operator can help reduce the number of boating deaths and injuries in 2013.
Source: Montgomery Advertiser, "Memorial Day weekend no holiday for state's marine police," Kala Kachmar, May 25, 2013
]]>Nine vehicles were involved in a major crash May 28 with one driver being allegedly at fault. The 18-year-old driver of a black Ford pickup was reportedly travelling at a high rate of speed when he crashed into four vehicles, including one motorcycle. The driver failed to stop at the scene and caused another accident involving four more vehicles.
]]> The collisions resulted in eight people being injured and one fatality. The deceased victim was a ten-year-old girl who was declared dead at the scene. The driver's truck caught on fire, and he sustained serious injuries while trapped inside the vehicle. Authorities are still investigating the crashes and have not yet released what exact circumstances caused the accident.The death of anyone in an accident is always a tragedy. When that death is of a child, the family often goes through excruciating emotional turmoil. The family of the deceased in this case may wish to file a wrongful death claim against the driver at fault for the crashes. Others seriously injured in the auto accident may also wish to seek personal injury claims for financial expenses and other damages resulting from the auto accident. Seeking information on Alabama personal injury and wrongful death laws could be beneficial.
Source: al.com, "10-year-old killed in 9-vehicle wreck on Bailey Cove Road (updated)," Amethyst Holmes, May 28, 2013
]]>Initial details of the fatal accident were scarce. The crash site was near Hayden on County Road 7. The male operator was transported to a hospital, though the specific nature and extent of his injuries were not initially known. The female victim, said to be a 36-year-old Alabama resident, was later declared dead at the hospital.
]]> Authorities now have the task of reconstructing the motorcycle accident to determine exactly what occurred. It was not reported if criminal charges are pending or contemplated. Nevertheless, every time a passenger accepts a ride in or on a motor vehicle in Alabama, they do so with the expectation of arriving at their destination safely. That is as true with motorcycles as with any other vehicle, and each operator owes a duty or reasonable care to their passengers and others on the road.As the victim's family confronts the inevitable consequences of such a tragedy, they will surely follow the progress of the official fatal accident investigation. If the evidence suggests that the driver negligently caused the death of their loved one, legal options are available in the Alabama civil court system. Apart from any criminal charges that might arise from the crash, a wrongful death lawsuit may offer the family the opportunity to seek recovery of the financial damages engendered as a result of the tragic accident.
Source: cbs42.com, "Fatal motorcycle accident in Blount County claims life of Hanceville woman," Naquela Webster, May 26, 2013
]]>An SUV with eight occupants ran off an Alabama road then flipped before it hit a tree. Investigators noted that none of the passengers in the SUV were wearing proper safety restraints. The injured passengers -- all children ranging in age from 10 to 17 -- were taken to a hospital where they received medical care for unspecified injuries.
]]> The condition of the injured passengers is not known at this time, and the cause of the accident was not further detailed. It is not yet known if alcohol and/or drugs played a role, though it appears clear that the unidentified driver lost control of the vehicle. Investigators are hoping to uncover clues to what may have caused the tragic accident. It is not clear if any of the car occupants were related, though two of the deceased -- a 22-year-old woman and a 2-year-old infant -- bore the same last name.When an auto accident occurs, a negligent driver can be held responsible in an Alabama civil court for monetary damages that result. Those injured, as well as the surviving family of anyone that died, have the right to pursue claims for reimbursement of financial damages sustained. These claims may be made against a driver deemed negligent as well as any separate owner of the vehicle involved. As the victims that survived and the families of those that died struggle to move forward, they may benefit by gaining an understanding of their rights and responsibilities under our personal injury and wrongful death laws.
Source: wtvy.com, "Four Killed, Four Injured in Alabama Crash," May 16, 2013
]]>An example can be found in a recent car crash between a pickup truck and an SUV. The crash took place when one of the vehicles ran a stop sign. Police have not yet determined which driver is at fault in the matter.
]]> Both drivers were transported to local hospitals for emergency medical treatment, although injuries sustained in the crash were reportedly non-life threatening. However, the accident led to serious damage to the vehicles involved, one of which was overturned in the crash. Firefighters had to extricate one of the victims, which likely resulted in further damage to that vehicle.While both drivers will likely emerge from this incident without major medical concerns, there are still a wide range of financial losses that are connected to this car crash. Medical bills, ambulance services, towing charges and property damage are just some of the costs they will face. Both may have also lost time from work. For Alabama residents who are involved in minor car wrecks, it is important to understand that they have the right to pursue a personal injury suit against the responsible party in an effort to recover some or all of the financial losses experienced as a result of the crash.
Source: The Daily News Online, "Two injured in two-car crash in Alabama," Virginia Kropf, May 13, 2013
]]>An auto accident occurred that ended up sending four individuals to a hospital. The conditions of three of the people were listed as stable, and one was listed as serious. One of the injured parties was pregnant, but it is not clear if her unborn child was injured in the crash as well. No fatalities were reported.
]]> The auto accident happened when a van collided with an SUV. Investigators believe alcohol played a role in the resulting car accident, though the underlying details were not initially disclosed. The scene was secured, and an investigation into the matter is currently underway. It is not specified if any arrests were made or if any charges are contemplated at this time.When a negligent driver causes an auto accident, the driver can be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur. The victims of this collision may miss work due to injury or be without transportation because of vehicle damage. Personal injury laws in Alabama provide for the right of victims injured in an accident due to the negligent or reckless conduct of another party to seek financial relief through our civil court system. Victims can seek out information and resources available to ensure timely and accurate methods to protect their legal rights as they seek recovery of any monetary damages they have sustained.
Source: al.com, "4 injured in south Huntsville wreck (updated)," Jonathan Grass, May 09, 2013
]]>Recently, a collision occurred in Huntsville on South Memorial Parkway. A man that was in the midst of road work was struck by a passing van. Though he is expected to survive, the driver of the van was arrested on unspecified charges. The nature of the worker's injuries was not disclosed. Beyond the compensation benefits, the worker also has the right to pursue a claim for personal injuries against the accused driver, including any pain and suffering endured as a result of the collision.
]]> Many other Alabama construction site accidents have more tragic outcomes. In 2012 alone, some 21 people lost their lives in construction zone crashes. Moreover, there were close to 2,200 motor vehicle accidents in construction zones statewide. Distracted driving and diminished line of sight are just some of the reasons for these types of accidents. Clearly, driving in work zones requires greater attention to safety issues, and drivers should carefully follow the instructions of flaggers and law enforcement personnel when traveling through these areas.Alabama workers' compensation laws provide important insurance coverage in these situations. When someone on-the-job loses their life in a workplace accident, the surviving family typically has the right to claim death benefits to cover final expenses as well as provide a lost income package for any of the deceased worker's dependents. Any job site injury or fatality is a tragedy, and few people expect to suffer an accident while they are on the job. Nevertheless, it is sometimes a tragic reality, and those affected may take some solace in learning that most employees are entitles to workers' compensation coverage.
Source: waff.com, "Construction worker hit by driver," Lauren Morrison, May 9, 2013
]]>In the early morning hours of May 4, a 58-year-old Lawrence County resident was walking along Highway 157. At the same time, a resident of nearby Madison County was driving his car along the same stretch of highway. Unfortunately, the driver never saw the pedestrian, or if he did, it was already too late.
]]> The driver of the car hit the pedestrian and, sadly, by the time the emergency personnel arrived, it was too late. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the car escaped uninjured. The Alabama State Troopers are currently investigating the fatal accident in an attempt to determine exactly what happened.Since the fatal accident is still under investigation, no one knows what caused the driver to fail to see the pedestrian in the roadway. If the local authorities find that a negligent act, such as driving under the influence or speeding, caused or contributed to the accident, then the family of the victim may elect to file a wrongful death claim. Under Alabama law, the family of an accident victim may be eligible for monetary compensation if it is established that their loved one was killed due to the negligence of another party. While no amount of money can replace that loved one, it can sometimes ease the financial consequences of the tragedy.
Source: whnt.com, "Update: Pedestrian Killed Along Highway 157," Carri Walters, May 4, 2013
]]>Source: al.com, "Police identify Mobile man killed in DUI; suspect previously arrested with .16 BAC," Theresa Seiger, April 29, 2013
]]>The two Alabama men were trapped in a cave-like structure after a hole being dug by them collapsed beneath their feet. The first man rescued by the local fire department suffered serious injuries and had to be taken to an area hospital by helicopter. The second man was also injured and taken by ambulance to a local hospital. OSHA is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
]]> At any given time a worker can be injured on the job. Employers and employees alike may take as many precautions as possible, but accidents can still occur. Injuries stemming from these types of accidents can be as minor as a cut or as severe as losing a limb. Severe injuries can result in a permanent or temporary disability causing the injured worker to be out of work for an extended period of time.Workplace accidents sometimes cause physical, mental and emotional injuries to employees, and the injured parties may need time and professional care to recover. Injured workers are eligible to file a workers' compensation claim which will help cover the cost of treatment and cover at least a portion of the worker's living expenses. If the victim does not know where to begin or wants to ensure accuracy in filing and pursuing a claim, seeking a professional familiar with workplace claims may be a good place to start.
Source: waff.com, "Both trapped workers rescued from cave-in near Hope Hull," Donna Wallace-King and JoBeth Davis, April 25, 2013
]]>Many of these job-related deaths could have been prevented by simply following safety standards and protocols. Complying with the OSHA would largely improve worker safety, making many of the 4600 deaths preventable. Tragically, with such high numbers of work related deaths, it can be assumed that the number of work related injuries have increased also, even in Alabama.
]]> Some organizations that monitor worker safety claim that these deaths stem from an emphasis on financial gain rather than the safety of the employees. Most of these work related deaths are white males that are involved in transportation related accidents, including car accidents. There are several industries that are more dangerous than others, including agriculture, forestry, and jobs that require physical labor in outdoor environments.There is legislation being proposed that would increase the amount of penalties against companies that are found disregarding worker safety. This would include any blatant and obvious disregard for regulations and safety protocols. It is hoped that this would encourage employers to be more concerned with the safety of their employees.
Worker safety is of utmost importance and when that is disregarded by an employer, it opens the door for legal repercussions and workers' compensation claims. Those who are injured or become ill on the job are typically entitled to claim these important state-regulated insurance benefits. As other penalties increase for these employers, it is hoped that worker safety would increase also. Stricter penalties may mean safer workplaces.
Source: Alabama Public Radio, "On-The-Job Deaths Continue At Steady, Grim Pace," Howard Berkes, April 26, 2013
]]>Authorities noted that the woman who died was wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident. The exact nature and extent of her fatal injuries was not disclosed. According to reports, the woman had just left a family event when the accident took place.
]]> The driver of the second vehicle involved, a 48-year-old man, refused to be treated by medical personnel. Alabama State Troopers stated that the accident is still under investigation. So far, there are few details available about the accident or any factors that may have contributed to its cause. Reports do not indicate whether any charges will be filed.Alabama residents likely know that any car accident can be devastating and traumatic. Unfortunately, in fatal accident cases like this one, the trauma may go beyond the loss of a loved one and extend into the victims family life. In many cases, a loved one who has been killed in a car accident is a significant source of income and support for a family. When that loved one is killed, the surviving family may suffer financially as well as emotionally.
Fortunately, Alabama has personal injury laws in place, which may help the surviving family to gain a bit of solace in the face of their grief. Under these laws, the family of a fatal accident victim who was killed due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, may be able to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one, their pain and suffering, lost wages, funeral and other expenses. In this accident case, it is too early to tell whether such claims may be properly made, though the surviving family will likely want to gain an understanding of their rights under the law as the official investigation proceeds.
Source: al.com, "Authorities release the name of the Athens woman killed in a 2-car wreck Tuesday night," Kelly Kazek, May 1, 2013
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