Viadro Law, LLP Oakland Workers Compensation Lawyers | Personal Injury 2025-03-31T13:29:31Z https://www.butlerviadro.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1503439/2024/02/cropped-Viadro_Law_Logo_v2-32x32.png On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[Reckless driving is a leading cause of personal injuries]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50310 2023-01-07T00:47:28Z 2023-12-31T00:46:34Z What is reckless driving? Reckless driving happens when you operate a vehicle without consideration of other drivers and driving laws. Driving recklessly can include actions like:
  • Driving at excessive speeds
  • Weaving in and out of traffic
  • Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving
  • Tailgating
Many other actions can be considered reckless driving, including running red lights and stop signs, not driving in designated lanes and making illegal turns. All of these actions can lead to causing an accident.

Personal injuries associated with reckless driving

Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injuries. Injuries from reckless driving often result in more serious injuries because the driver was not in control of the vehicle at the time of the crash. Some of the more common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents that result from negligent driving include:
  • Head trauma including concussions
  • Neck and soft tissue injuries
  • Multiple broken bones and contusions
  • Internal injuries
  • Back or spine injuries

Staying safe on the road

The best way to stay safe on the road is to follow the rules of the road and always remain alert while driving. While this does not prevent other drivers from acting recklessly, it will increase your chances of avoiding an accident with these drivers.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[Back injuries in the California workplace]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50309 2023-01-05T16:21:51Z 2023-12-15T16:20:29Z Common workplace back injuries There are many potential causes of back injuries in the workplace. One common reason is lifting heavy objects improperly. This can put a strain on the back muscles and lead to injury. Other potential causes include awkward body positioning while working, repetitive motion and slips and falls. Injuries to the back at work can range from acute to chronic, resulting from traumatic events or overuse. Acute injuries can include sprains, strains, and fractures, while chronic injuries can include herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. Injuries in the workplace are often accompanied by back pain which can limit the sufferer's quality of life.

Creating a safe work environment

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment for their employees, including preventing back injuries from occurring. Some ways that employers can do this include:
  • Providing proper training on moving heavy objects safely
  • Ensuring that employees have access to proper equipment, such as dollies or forklifts
  • Making sure that workstations are ergonomically designed to reduce strain on the back
  • Encouraging regular breaks to allow employees to stretch and move around
Employees also have a role to play in preventing back injuries. Some things that employees can do to protect their backs include:
  • Using proper lifting techniques, including bending at the knees, keeping the object close to the body while lifting
  • Asking for help to lift heavy objects
  • Take frequent breaks to stretch and move around
  • Maintain good posture while working
If a back injury does occur, it is essential to seek medical attention and report the injury to the employer immediately. In addition, employers are required to provide workers' compensation benefits for employees who are injured on the job. These benefits can cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Preventing workplace back injuries

Preventing workplace back injuries is essential for the health and well-being of employees. By creating a safe work environment and adopting good lifting and ergonomic practices, employers and employees can work together to reduce the risk of back injuries and keep workers healthy and productive.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[How can you make warehouse positions less risky?]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50306 2022-12-02T20:30:58Z 2022-12-08T20:29:31Z Keep exits clear The Oaklandslide discusses how increased demand for warehouse workers put them in a uniquely advantageous position. Workers can also demand increased pay and safer working environments in return. To request safer environments, it is crucial to understand the major sources of risk in today's warehouse. Three of the main issues include blocked exits, electrical problems and heavy equipment. It is important to have a clear path out of a warehouse in the event of a fire or another disaster. However, many warehouses end up disorganized and disorderly. Obstacles and clutter can make it difficult or even impossible to locate or leave through the exits in an emergency. Employers need to have an escape plan and should also clearly mark all exits with lights and signage.

Mitigate electrical threats

Electrical issues can come in the form of cords, outlets and other surfaces that may carry an electric charge. To combat these risks, an employer must use a ground-fault circuit interrupter or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.

Train everyone for heavy equipment

Then, there is the heavy equipment and other heavy machinery like forklifts. In 2019, heavy machinery caused 79 deaths and 8,100 injuries in warehouses. Proper training of all people working in or around heavy machinery is crucial to combat these risks. Taking these steps can increase the overall safety of an entire facility.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[Can I claim workers’ compensation benefits if I get COVID-19?]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50304 2022-11-29T21:21:42Z 2022-11-29T21:21:42Z federal workers who have had COVID-19. For private businesses it depends on your state. The National Conference of State Legislatures suggests that common community-spread illnesses are generally not covered by workers' compensation. As the NCSL writes, states are in the process of working to extend workers' compensation insurance to various employees, including first responders and healthcare workers impacted by COVID-19. However, the outcome remains unknown because we are only now seeing the long-term effects of the pandemic. Twenty-eight states and Puerto Rico have made it possible for workers to claim workers' compensation insurance. Because workers' compensation laws vary state by state, it depends on each state's legislature whether employers and insurance companies must include COVID-19 in their list of covered illnesses. California has passed two bills granting coverage to frontline workers and is working on expanding legislation to cover additional people.

What about long COVID?

Long COVID is still under study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterizes long COVID as an "umbrella term for the wide range of health consequences present four or more weeks after infection with SARS-CoV-2.” The findings show that it is possible that as time goes on, state laws will continue to update to include both COVID-19 and long COVID in its list of covered diseases.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[How do doctors diagnose pediatric brain injuries?]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50302 2022-11-21T19:47:42Z 2022-11-22T19:46:55Z approximately 400,000 children suffer traumatic brain injuries annually. Sadly, TBI is a leading cause of permanent disability for kids in the U.S. When it comes to a child's prognosis, early diagnosis is often critical. Still, because many kids cannot speak or do not have large vocabularies, diagnosing pediatric TBIs can be tricky. So, how do doctors get the job done?

The history of the injury

One of the more important factors in diagnosing a pediatric TBI is the history of the injury itself. Therefore, when you see a pediatrician or emergency room doctor, you should give the doctor as much information as you can about how the injury happened. This may include describing the accident and any steps you took in its aftermath.

Your child's normal behaviors

You can expect your doctor to consider changes in your child's normal behaviors. After all, pediatric brain injuries can cause memory lapses, insomnia, too much sleeping or changes in eating patterns. A pediatrician also may want to compare your child's performance on cognitive tests to the performance of healthy children.

The severity of your child's injury

If the doctor suspects your child might have a TBI, he or she may order additional testing. Indeed, it is not uncommon for physicians to use CT scans, MRIs and other diagnostic tools to measure the severity of a child's brain injury. As you can see, diagnosing a pediatric brain injury can be a long, complicated and expensive prospect. Ultimately, you may need to pursue financial compensation to ensure your son or daughter has access to the medical care he or she deserves.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[Psychological recovery after your car accident]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50300 2022-11-11T15:11:31Z 2022-11-11T15:11:31Z Take time to grieve Grief is a common and oftentimes invasive emotion you might experience after a car accident. Sadness about physical pain or even property damage can create debilitating emotions that impair your focus and contentment. Take time to grieve. Allows yourself to feel and process your emotions.

Designate quiet time

Having quiet time could lower your cortisol levels and give you space to process the events you experienced. According to The Mayo Clinic, intentionally making time for self-care can build your resilience which can help you cope with tragic or traumatic situations such as a car accident.

Seek professional help

Coping with trauma alone can backfire. Ask others for help. Record the events of your car accident in writing. Getting your thoughts out on paper may help to alleviate angst. Rely on the support and encouragement of your family and friends. Seek the assistance of mental health professionals. They can introduce you to coping mechanisms, as well as help you learn about triggers and how to navigate complex emotions. A car accident can impact your life for months or even years to come. Spending some time on psychological healing can aid in restoring your confidence and comfort when you feel ready to drive again.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[Can your employer deny workers’ compensation coverage?]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50298 2022-10-25T15:51:00Z 2022-10-25T15:51:00Z Non-compliance Non-compliance is one reason why your employer can refuse coverage. Even if you did suffer an injury at work, non-compliance with your employer's policy can negate your benefits. For example, if you willfully participated in dangerous, negligent or illegal activity that resulted in your injury, your employer can deny your claim. A denied claim can also happen if you sought treatment out of the network of your employer's insurance coverage. Filing a claim too late, after the statute of limitations passes, for example, can also jeopardize your coverage.

Extenuating circumstances

If you suffer an injury at work and doctors find that a preexisting medical condition contributed to the circumstances, your employer may refuse to provide benefits. According to U.S. News, your employers can also deny your workers' compensation claim if your injury did not happen at work. Immediately after your injury, make it a priority to record your experiences. Articulate a timeline that describes what happened before, during and after your injury. Explain your injuries in detail and the likelihood of your recovery. Take pictures and ask for witness statements from anyone who may have seen what happened. With the right information and your diligence, filing a workers' compensation claim should result in relief for you while you recover and prepare to return to work again.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[How should I deal with vision loss?]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50296 2022-10-11T20:57:42Z 2022-10-11T20:57:42Z make adjustments in how you do everything from getting dressed to how you earn a living. It can be a major change, but if you take the right steps, you can learn to live with your new normal.

Get help

The first thing you have to accept is that you will need help. You will have to have someone assist you with daily tasks until you are able to do them on your own. It is also important to seek therapy. This situation is a major disruption of your life and it is a real loss that you will grieve. You need to talk to someone and work through the feelings you will experience. Do not be afraid or upset about needing help during this adjustment period.

Learn more

You should learn more about your injury. Find out more about living with vision loss. Arming yourself with information will help you regain some power and control over what you are going through. Knowledge really is the key to moving forward. Becoming involved with the community will enable you to find support and learn things that will help you to live a better life moving forward. Going blind due to an injury will disrupt your life. There is no getting around that. But you can rebuild and move forward. It is possible to have a full and rewarding life as long as you embrace the change and learn everything you can about your new situation.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[What are the dangers of eating and driving?]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50294 2022-09-28T20:49:54Z 2022-09-28T20:49:54Z crash as compared to those who do not eat.

What are the most common foods drivers consume?

It may surprise you to know that some foods are more dangerous to eat than others while driving. The most dangerous foods to consume while operating a car include tacos, soups, coffee, chili, fried chicken, barbecued food, powdered donuts, soft drinks and chocolate. Of course, just because your favorite snack is not on this list does not mean it is not dangerous to consume. Attempting to consume a Thanksgiving dinner while driving would be extremely dangerous, too.

How can I stop eating in the car?

The best way to prevent eating in the car is to plan your food consumption. Wake up a little earlier in the morning so that you have time to eat breakfast at home, rather than behind the wheel. For long car trips, try packing a picnic lunch and eating at rest stops. Not only will this prevent you from consuming food while driving, but it is also cheaper and healthier than drive-thru fast food.]]> On Behalf of Viadro Law, LLP <![CDATA[4 hidden dangers laborers face]]> https://www.butlerviadro.com/?p=50292 2022-09-28T20:48:07Z 2022-09-28T20:48:07Z 2,654,700 recordable cases of nonfatal workplace injuries. Knowing hidden dangers may help you avoid becoming one of those numbers.

1. Work zone visibility

While you focus on the task, what about the surroundings? With so much activity happening on a work site, it means an increased chance of an incident happening. Even if you work in an area with clear boundary markings, others may not pay attention enough to notice.

2. Loud noises

If you constantly work around heavy equipment, it puts you at risk for hearing loss. A typical construction site has equipment putting out 80 to 120 decibels. For humans, anything above 85 decibels has long-lasting effects on hearing.

3. UV ray exposure

While a perfect sunny day may make the work more enjoyable, it also means exposure to UV rays. No matter the time of year, constant exposure puts you at high risk for burns and skin cancer. Along with the skin, the sun’s rays also negatively impact your eyes.

4. Falling objects

If the worksite requires climbing a ladder or working above the ground level, you face something potentially falling from above. Even a small tool accidentally dropped from 15 feet may cause a severe or fatal injury. You have a tough job that requires skill and focus. Staying alert, beefing up your protection and checking the site for potential risks may help you avoid an injury.]]>