Karns & Karns Opening New Las Vegas Location!

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Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys Opening New Las Vegas Location!

We at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are pleased to announce that we are opening up a new location in lovely Las Vegas, Nevada. We have a history of working incredibly hard for our clients across California and getting them the maximum compensation they deserve. We’re excited to bring the same dedication and attention to detail to Nevada!

If you’ve been in an accident involving some serious injury, been harmed because of defective or dangerous products, or want your civil rights protected, you’re in the right place. We know how to lead our clients through every step of the legal process, and we may be able to alleviate any legal stressors in your life with our effective skills and practices.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada

When you’re harmed at no fault of your own, you deserve to be fairly compensated. We have successfully represented many clients in a multitude of personal injury areas.

Car Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been in a car accident, you might know how confusing or overwhelming it feels to deal with the aftermath. We have extensive experience in car accident law and defending victims who’ve been in these kinds of collisions.

Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one may feel troubling. While this process is likely to be challenging to deal with, we may be able to help make it feel less stressful and complicated. We want you to be able to return to a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible, as well as win you the compensation you deserve following the wrongful death you and your family have experienced.

Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

While rideshare accidents may seem highly similar to other kinds of collisions, the involvement of an employing company may make these types of incidents seem more confusing. In many cases, rideshare companies—including Uber and Lyft—may be responsible for paying the damages and we are the right law firm to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Brain Injury Lawyer

If you’ve endured a brain injury, the affect on your life will never be the same. Suppose you’ve been in an accident and you need compensation for your medical bills, property damages, lost wages, lost earning capacity, or any other aspect of your life or future that’s affected as a result of someone else’s negligence. In that case, you deserve top notch legal representation and a team of legal and medical experts to get you the most compensation.

Pedestrian Injury Lawyer

Pedestrians often go outside with the least amount of protection, at least in comparison to the other large vehicles that are driving all around them. Because of this, they may be at the greatest risk for severe injury. If you’ve been hurt as a pedestrian, we believe you deserve the highest possible compensation and we are always here to assist you.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcyclists are generally driving significantly smaller vehicles than those around them. While this often allows them the ability to better see what is going on around them, in some cases, it can lead to injury. If you’re looking for good legal representation following your motorcycle accident, you’re in the right place.

Slip and Fall Lawyer

Many places, including grocery stores and restaurants, allow customers to come in and exchange money for goods or services. However, there are occasionally hazardous spills and environments that, when left unattended, may lead to severe injuries. We may be able to assist you in receiving the necessary compensation and holding these businesses accountable for their negligent actions.

Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a truck accident, including one involving a big-rig, semi-truck, or 18-wheeler, we feel you deserve compensation for your injuries and damages, and are ready and willing to help. Truck companies and manufacturers are often to blame for these accidents, especially if they force their employees to work long hours or do not follow safety rules and procedures.

Our Other Practice Areas

We at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys also pride ourselves in assisting our clients in several other practice areas.

Other Personal Injury Cases

There are other circumstances where you might face severe injury, and they may include the following:

  • Boating accident
  • Bus accident
  • Burn accident
  • Construction site accident
  • Dog bite
  • Train accident

If you’ve experienced injury due to the fault of another party, you deserve to be fairly compensated and have the best legal representation.

Other Practice Areas

We also passionately and deliberately represent clients who’ve been harmed in other ways. Our legal team may be able to help you in some of the following areas:

  • Defective and Dangerous Products
  • Insurance Bad Faith
  • Federal and State Civil Rights Violations, including these common areas:
    • Police brutality
    • Excessive force
    • Prison abuse or neglect
    • Wrongful death by law enforcement
    • Sexual assault
    • School abuse and neglect
    • Mistreatment of children or the disabled

We have extensive legal experience, and are equipped to give you the assistance and compensation you need and deserve. If you’re planning on taking legal action for any reason, it’s strongly recommended you hire a qualified attorney in the appropriate practice area for your case.

Reach Out to Karns & Karns for Assistance With Your Legal Issues in Las Vegas, Nevada

We at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys may be new to Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean we’re lacking in legal knowledge. We’re award-winning attorneys, touting the title of “Top 100 National Trial Lawyers,” an Avvo rating of 10.0, and many other honorable accolades that prove our dedication to success for our clients.

We offer free consultations and have a track record of providing our clientele with the compensation they rightfully deserve. If you think we might be able to assist you with your legal issues, we’re patiently awaiting your call. You can reach us by calling 877-557-4221.

Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyer

rideshare of uber & lyft

If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, you may feel confused about what next steps to take. What should you do after a rideshare accident? How do you figure out who’s at fault and who’s paying for the damages? And how long do you have to file a claim in Los Angeles?

We at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are highly experienced in personal injury law, including car and rideshare accidents, and we may be able to give you the guidance you need. Allow us to break down everything you need to know about rideshare accidents in Los Angeles.

How Do You Calculate Fault After a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident?

In California, including Los Angeles, fault in a personal injury accident is calculated on pure comparative negligence. This means that in a rideshare accident, multiple parties might be at fault and responsible for paying damages.

In general, fault is calculated in percentages as determined by legal representatives and insurance companies. In order to calculate the damages a particular party is responsible for, you multiply their percentage by the total amount of damages.

If the driver of a rideshare vehicle is driving while texting and rear-ends the vehicle of a driver who is rubbernecking, both parties maybe at fault. Maybe the rideshare driver is considered 60% at fault, and the rubbernecking driver is responsible for 40% of the damages. If the total amount of damages is calculated to be two million dollars, the rideshare company and driver may be responsible for $1.2 million in damages.

Who Pays for Damages in a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident?

At-fault parties will need to pay the damages for a rideshare accident. In a typical car accident, these damages may be paid for by insurance companies. However, in rideshare accidents, the rideshare company itself may be held liable depending on the damages. Whether or not the rideshare company is responsible may also be determined by the driver’s status within the phone application used to manage the ride. This may include the Uber or Lyft apps, for example.

In a case where the rideshare driver does not have the application active on their device, they will likely be responsible for paying all of the damages out of their individual insurance or their own pocket. This is similar to being off the clock, as employers are typically not liable for accidents that occur while employees are off company property and not working.

However, in the case the rideshare driver has the app running and is waiting for work, the rideshare company will generally be held liable to a certain extent. In this case, Uber or Lyft will generally pay for up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident.

Suppose a rideshare driver is en route to pick up a rider or is on the way to a rider’s final destination. In that case, rideshare companies will often offer even more coverage: up to one million dollars. However, in some cases, rideshare drivers may be required to use their own collision insurance to pay for damages.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. A personal injury accident generally includes any accident where at least one party has been injured, and this may include your rideshare accident case.

What Can a Los Angeles Rideshare Lawyer Do for You?

If you’re considering taking legal action following your Los Angeles rideshare accident, you may want to hire a lawyer to assist you in your case. Your lawyer may be able to help you throughout the entirety of the legal process in many ways.

Referrals and Resources

Many lawyers may be able to offer suggestions for medical care facilities to visit, as well as, supply you with extra resources that might be helpful to your recovery. We strongly recommend visiting a medical professional following your accident if there is any chance you may have been injured.

Collect and Analyze Evidence

Your lawyer may also be able to assist with collecting and analyzing evidence for your case. This may include getting into contact with potential witnesses for statements, as well as, footage of the accident from nearby traffic cameras or private businesses.

Legal Knowledge

Your lawyer, especially if they are familiar with personal injury law and rideshare accidents, likely has the legal knowledge to aid you through your case. This may be useful in constructing arguments and analyzing evidence.

Adept Negotiation Skills

Lawyers are often considered to be adept negotiators. Your lawyer may be able to use their skills to lower your fault or increase your compensation, especially during settlement negotiations.

Maximize Potential Compensation

Your lawyer may be able to maximize the compensation you’re entitled to because of their unique situation. The combination of legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and understanding of your side of the story may assist them in effectively negotiating, decreasing your fault and obtaining the most compensation for you as possible.

Tailored Next Steps

Depending on the specifics of your case, your lawyer may be able to assist you further. You may be asked to avoid discussing your case, stay off of social media, or seek medical attention, for example.

Get the Help You Deserve From a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys

We at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys know how stressful a rideshare accident may feel, but we dedicate ourselves to fighting for our clients and maximizing their compensation. Our legal team is compassionate and confident, allowing our clients to feel supported each step of the way.

We only accept payment for our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis which means you don’t pay us, until you get paid, and we’re available to schedule a free consultation any time. If you think we may be able to help you, feel free to contact us by calling 877-557-4221.

Drowning Cases and How California Is Changing Safety Laws

child drowning in a pool

When it comes to accidental deaths among children, drowning is second only to motor vehicle accidents when it comes to children ages 14 and under. It is also the sixth most prevalent cause of unintentional deaths in the United States, among all ages. So even though you may not see news reports about drownings, drowning incidents occur on a regular basis. Victims of a drowning accident may be able to sue the party or parties responsible for their deaths.

How Many People Die by Drowning Every Year in California?

The following are the drowning accident statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • The number of people who drown in unsupervised pools and beaches is substantially higher than in controlled facilities.
  • In California, an average of 1.08 people die from drowning every year per 100,000 people.
  • The number of drownings rises throughout the spring and summer months because of the warm weather.
  • Beaches have a greater rate of drowning than swimming pools, on average. This is most likely due to the fact that there are more people swimming there on average.
  • The majority of drownings occur between 4 and 6 p.m., while the majority of them occur before midday.
  • Drowning is four times as common in men than in women.

What Has Been Done To Prevent Drownings in California?

To prevent drownings, the state of California has undertaken a variety of initiatives, including public education and awareness campaigns, provision of swimming lessons, and encouraging improved access to lifesaving equipment. In addition, the state has enacted legislation to improve water safety, including requirements for lifeguards at public pools and beaches.

The three major pieces of legislation guiding Californians are listed below:

1. Alex’s Law (Sb 722)

California SB 722, better known as “Alex’s Law,” was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2021. When children are engaging in or around a school swimming pool, an adult certified in CPR is required by the law to be present at all times. The regulation was enacted in the wake of the death of Alex Pierce, a 13-year-old student at the time, in a school pool during an after-school band party.

2. Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was passed in 2007 and was approved by Congress to require pool owners and operators to observe certain basic safety practices that assist to lower the danger of certain forms of drowning. A requirement of the legislation is that drains in swimming pools and hot tubs have safety coverings to keep people safe from the power of suction. Virginia Graeme Baker, age six, perished in a hot tub drain in 2002 after being sucked in so tightly that it took two men to extricate her, hence the legislation.

3. The Swimming Pool Safety Act of California (SB 442)

SB 442, the Swimming Pool Safety Act, went into force in 2007 to protect swimmers. Private and public swimming pools must be erected with an appropriate fence, wall, or other enclosure and furnished with an approved pool safety cover under the law.  The act is designed to increase safety at public swimming pools by implementing new regulations for both pool operators and pool users.

Among these new regulations are also requirements for pool operators to post warning signs, provide safety instructions, and maintain safety equipment; and requirements for pool users to follow the posted safety instructions and refrain from engaging in unsafe behavior. Exit alarms were also deemed necessary as there might be a need to evacuate the pool at a moment’s notice.

All of these precautions were put in place to protect less ardent swimmers and provide a rapid response to people who might have an urgent need in and around the pool area.

Preventing Drowning by Taking Precautions: What You Should Do

Individual Swimmers

  1. Swimming is a dangerous sport and you should never do it alone. It’s best to go swimming with a friend or a buddy. Observe one another closely. Even if there are other people or a lifeguard there, parents must constantly keep an eye on their children.
  2. If you want to go swimming or boating, avoid drinking alcohol. Reaction speed is slowed and judgment and balance are affected by alcohol.
  3. If you or someone you’re with has a medical condition like epilepsy, diabetes, or a cardiac ailment that might cause impairment or loss of consciousness while swimming, use particular caution. Changing or missing a dose of medicine might lead to devastating consequences.
  4. Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, you should be mindful of the dangers of rapid currents, deep water, or an abrupt drop-off in natural bodies of water.
  5. To save a life, you must recognize a drowning individual. A common misconception is that if a person does not ask for aid, they are safe. When someone is in danger of drowning, their primary concern is to keep their airways open, not to say anything. The individual may appear to be splashing or waving. Typically, the individual tries to maintain his or her head above water by flailing around in the water with his or her arms outstretched.

Boaters

  1. Wear a life jacket or other form of personal flotation device (PFD) for everyone, including infants, children, teens, and adults.
  2. Be wary of low-head dams and waterfalls in rivers, streams, and channels. There are a variety of low-head dams in existence, but the most common are constructions that are just six to 10 feet high. They can be particularly hazardous because of the presence of powerful backwash currents at the base of dams and waterfalls, which can pull people under.
  3. Make sure you’re aware of the current weather and water conditions before you go boating.
  4. If you’re a boat passenger or operator, don’t drink any alcohol.

If you need assistance after you sustained injuries in a California boating accident, the California boating accident injury attorneys at Karns & Karns can help.

Pool Owners

  1. Keep youngsters out of the pool unless an adult is there to supervise them. Homes with pools need to have a fence with self-latching, self-closing gates. The fence and hardware should be checked regularly for wear and tear and working order.
  2. For public pools, an alarm is required by SB 442, the Swimming Pool Safety Act. However, this is also invaluable for home pool owners. In this case, in addition to the pool, the alarm should ring somewhere else in the house, such as the garage. When a home’s doors or windows open straight onto the pool area, an alarm must go off.

Training for Swimming

Many organizations, such as the Red Cross and the YMCA, suggest that the best method to avoid drowning is to enroll children in swim lessons.

Children in these programs are required to master five skills: resurfacing after submersion, treading water, spinning 360 degrees in the water, swimming at least 25 yards, and rising out of the water without the assistance of a ladder.

The Red Cross also actively encourages swimming educational institutions to teach students never to go into the water when a lifeguard is not on duty, and never to go swimming alone.

Lawsuits for Drowning Victims

Accidental drowning victims’ relatives and survivors may be able to file a lawsuit against any negligent parties. A person or business may be held accountable for a drowning accident in numerous ways if:

  • When the event occurred, there was little oversight, according to the investigation.
  • The construction of the pool was not up to code.
  • Overcrowding at public beaches and private pools were not strictly enforced.
  • The officials “forgot” to post signs alerting visitors to the area’s potentially hazardous currents.
  • During an incident, there were not enough supervisors, such as lifeguards, on-site at all times (i.e. open business hours).
  • Lack of safety equipment or warnings.

Drowning victims can bring lawsuits against whoever they feel is responsible for their injuries. This could be the person who was supposed to be watching them (i.e the lifeguard), the homeowner that owns the pool, or even the manufacturer of the pool.

For assistance with a drowning lawsuit, a California personal injury attorney at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can provide effective legal guidance and support.

The goal of these lawsuits is usually to get money to cover the cost of the victim’s medical bills. It may also be to cover for pain and suffering, lost wages, wrongful death, and other expenses related to the incident. A successful lawsuit may result in financial compensation for the victim’s family to help cover the damages incurred as a result of the drowning.

Legal claims based on carelessness or wrongful death are common in most drowning accident instances.

Which Victims of Drowning Accidents Are Eligible for Compensation?

After a drowning accident, victims may be entitled to compensation. The family of a drowning victim might get compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and other damages, including pain and suffering if the victim died as a result of the accident.

A full settlement can include:

  • Expenses related to medical care (both past and future).
  • In the case that the victim was a spouse or loved one, the loss of financial and emotional support or companionship.
  • A victim’s inability to work in the future due to disability or other permanent injury sustained in the accident.

Drowning Accident Lawsuit Fault Determination

In California, the determination of fault in a drowning accident lawsuit is a complex process. Generally, the party who negligently caused the drowning will be held liable for the damages suffered by the victim. However, the plaintiff must first show that the defendant was negligent and then must prove that the negligence was a proximate cause of the injury or fatality. This can be difficult to do, especially in cases where there are multiple defendants or where the defendant argues that there was no duty or that the plaintiff was also negligent.

So, first and foremost the state safety standards will be considered. Did the defendant(s) comply with state law in managing the pool, beach, lake, etc? The defendants may be held accountable for accidents if they don’t follow the set rules.

Consult a Lawyer After a Drowning Incident

When a person drowns, their family may be left with many questions. What happened? Who is responsible? How can we prevent this from happening again? A lawyer can help answer these questions and more. They can help determine if the drowning was accidental or if someone should be held liable. They can also help families understand their legal options and what they may be able to recover financially.

We understand that suing someone for a drowning tragedy may be a challenging and stressful experience for all parties involved. However, it may make all the difference in the world if you had the help of a lawyer who has previously won these kinds of cases. The attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys understand the complex legal issues surrounding drownings and can provide you with the guidance you need during this difficult time. We have years of experience representing survivors and families of those who have drowned and are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome for your case.

For a free consultation, you may call the California drowning accident attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys at 877-557-4221.

How to Ride a Bike Legally and Safelyin Order to Avoid an Accident

Biking has grown in popularity in recent years, which is fantastic. It is a healthy and environmentally
friendly way to get around. The only downside is that biking through a city poses certain risks, and sometimes collisions between bikes and vehicles happen. The best way to avoid a dangerous collision is to learn how to ride a bike legally and safely.
Below is a review of both biking laws and best practices for staying safe while getting around on two wheels:

  • Always wear a helmet. Under Nevada law, children under 17 are legally obligated to wear an approved bicycle helmet while peddling, but it is a critical safety practice for riders of all ages. If you are knocked off your bicycle, you
    will appreciate the extra protection.
  • Do not ride on sidewalks. Bicycles are considered vehicles and are therefore held to the same laws and safety standards as cars. Bicyclists are not allowed to run red lights, and they absolutely should not be ridden on the sidewalk.
    Bicyclists are expected to ride with traffic and to signal all of their movements. Behaving predictably and signaling turns, slow-downs, and stops is the best way to avoid accidents.
  • Use the bike lane if you are driving slower than traffic. The bike lane protects both bikers and drivers, so utilize them when they are available.
  • Do not ride on freeways. Not only is this incredibly dangerous, but the Nevada Department of Transportation prohibits it.
  • Utilize the proper reflectors. Every bike in Nevada must be outfitted with a rear red reflector, a yellow or white reflector on each pedal, and white or yellow reflectors on the front of your bike and on each side of the back of your
    bike. It is also recommended that bicyclists wear reflective clothing and attach a headlight to the front of the bicycle. This helps drivers to see cyclists at night when visibility isn’t as good.
  • Never bike under the influence. If you are intoxicated, secure a different ride home.
  • Bicyclists are legally allowed to use cell phones while riding, but it is not recommended for safety reasons. Distracted driving can lead to some significant accidents.

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, contact Karns & Karns for help and support in Nevada.

Understanding Your Risk in the Workplace as a Black or Latino Worker

Sport Instagram Post

 

Most people in the United States spend 40 hours a week working. That is a lot of time to spend earning money, and considering how much time is spent in the workplace, it is understandable that workplace injuries are a risk to everyone. Unfortunately, the risk is more significant for some groups of people than it is for others. A recent study conducted by researchers from both the University of Southern California and Boston University found that Black and Latino workers are injured on the job more often than other workers. This is mainly due to the fact that Black and Latino workers are more likely to hold down riskier jobs, with construction work and labor trades being named specifically.

If you are Black or Latino, it is important to understand that you are at an increased risk of workplace injuries. Below are some tips for reducing your personal risk. Please read them and pass them on to friends and family.

How to avoid workplace injuries at a job that poses a greater risk of harm:

  • Do not be afraid to question authority. Suppose your employer is asking you to do something dangerous. In that case, it is fine to inquire about safety procedures respectfully, and it is within your rights to refuse to do dangerous work.
  • If you are dealing with a language barrier, make sure that you fully understand the instructions before performing a task with an increased risk of danger. It is ok to ask for clarification and for your manager to repeat their instructions until you understand.
  • Follow every safety procedure to the letter. Do not skip a procedure that you do not entirely understand; it is likely there for a reason.
  • Report all injuries to your employer. If you do not report your injuries, safety procedures cannot be updated for your own future safety or the safety of your coworkers.

It is deeply frustrating that certain groups of people are more likely to be hurt than others. The only way to begin to make it right is to identify the issue and take active steps towards making the workplace safe for Black and Latino workers. If you have been hurt on the job as a minority worker, you need legal representation. Contact the attorneys at Karns & Karns in Los Angeles. We have both the experience and cultural competency to help you win your case.

Understanding the Importance of Physical Therapy Following a Personal Injury Accident

Understanding the Importance of Physical Therapy Following a Personal Injury Accident

Accidents happen to everyone, but not everyone recovers fully. If you or a loved one are injured in a personal injury accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries are not noticeable right away and may take time to present themselves, which is why it’s important to see a doctor following any type of accident you are involved in. Physical Therapists specialize in the diagnosis of various injuries that we may not know exists.

Once the initial consultation and diagnosis are completed, and the road to recovery is ahead, it is important to undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of a professional. Physical therapists are medical professionals who specialize in helping people with physical ailments to regain strength and mobility. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the technical definition of a Physical Therapist is as follows: ” [a physical therapist is a] health care professionals who diagnose and treats individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.”

A personal injury accident can easily lead to limited function and ability. Whiplash, a broken bone, spinal injuries, repetitive motion injuries, and strains can all be treated by physical therapists. With dedicated time and effort, even patients suffering from the most extreme injuries can regain independence through physical therapy.

Here are some of the ways physical therapy can help you after a personal injury accident:

  • Physical therapy can help to reduce pain.
  • Physical therapy can help you to regain a full range of motion.
  • Physical therapy can help you to build up your strength following an injury, a lengthy period of rest, or deconditioning.
  • Physical therapy can help patients to avoid unnecessary surgery.
  • Physical therapy can help you to improve your posture and undo repetitive motion injuries.

Remember, healthcare doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. A good physical therapy regimen can save you from lifelong complications from your injury. If you have been injured in an accident and are looking for a physical therapist, contact Karns&Karns for representation and referrals. We are here to help you on your road to recovery, and we pledge to launch the best personal injury defense on the market. So, don’t wait, call today, and get us working on your behalf.

Sourcehttps://www.apta.org/

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

 

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are injuries that cause damage to the brain and can occur from a simple blow, bump, or even a jolt to the head. TBIs can be a common result of many different types of accidents such as slip and falls or motor vehicle crashes. It is possible to have a full recovery from a TBI however more severe TBIs can have a serious and long-lasting effect on one’s physical condition and change the course of the victim’s life forever. It is important for everyone to understand what TBIs are, be able to recognize the signs that someone is suffering from one, and what steps to take when they are.

Below is a brief overview of what can cause a TBI and how to recognize if you or a loved one are suffering from one.

TBIs can be caused by either a penetrating (open-head) injury or nonpenetrating (closed-head) injury. Here are the most common types of Traumatic Brain Injuries:

  • Skull fractures or the breaking of the bony skull
  • Contusions which are bruises or bleeding on the brain. These can lead to hematomas (blood clots)
  • Concussions
  • Lacerations in brain tissue

How to recognize a potential Traumatic Brain Injury:

  • The victim loses consciousness for several minutes or hours
  • The victim reports a persistent headache that may or may not worsen over time
  • The victim feels nauseous or even vomits
  • The victim experiences convulsions or seizures
  • One or both of the victim’s pupils are dilated
  • The victim experiences weakness or numbness in extremities like fingers and toes
  • The victim displays severe loss of coordination
  • There is clear fluid draining from the victim’s nose and ears
  • The victim is unable to awaken from sleep
  • The victim displays profound confusion
  • The victim is agitated, combative, or otherwise behaves in an unusual manner
  • The victim’s speech is slurred

What to do in the event of a Traumatic Brain Injury:

  • Seek medical attention. TBIs can worsen over time. It is extremely important to seek medical attention the moment you suspect you or a loved one are dealing with a TBI.
  • Keep a record of the victim’s behavior and health immediately following the accident. This can help doctors with their diagnosis of a TBI and help attorneys build a personal injury case.
  • If another party’s negligence caused the accident, then contact a personal injury attorney for help and representation.

Karns & Karns has a great deal of experience in representing clients who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and can help you as well. We understand the effect’s a TBI can have on our clients and their families and we will make sure any client of ours gets the settlement they deserve. TBIs are serious so don’t wait for your condition to get worse. Get our firm working in your best interests today.

What to do When You are Injured by a Defective Product

What to do When You are Injured by a Defective Product

 

When you think of a personal injury accident, you probably think of a horrific fall from a slippery wet floor or a traffic collision. But there is another type of personal injury accident that often goes overlooked. For instance, let’s say that you are frying bacon one morning in a brand-new skillet. Things are going fine until you go to remove the skillet from the heat. When you lift the skillet by its handle, the handle breaks, and the skillet goes crashing to the ground, splattering you with hot oil in the process. You are now not only dealing with a mess but a significant burn as well. Did your carelessness cause this injury? No. A faulty product caused it.

Most people do not think about how defective products can lead to injuries. Sadly, more than 3 million people are injured, and 22,000 die at the hands of faulty products every year in the United States. If you or a loved one are harmed by a defective product, there are several steps you should take to build a strong personal injury case against the manufacturer.

  • Take photos of the defective product. An essential part in building a strong case is understanding how the product failed. Based on the type of failure you are dealing with, it may not be easy to get pictures, but it is vital to do so if it is possible.
  • Seek medical attention and save your medical records. We are going to need a paper trail linking the faulty product to your injury.
  • Collect the receipt and purchasing information for the product.
  • Contact a personal injury attorney about representation.

Karns & Karns would be more than happy to take your defective product case. We have handled these types of cases for years and are experienced in dealing with large and complicated manufacturing companies. We won’t let a corporation get away with selling a dangerous product. We will not only help you to collect a settlement, but we can also help save future consumers from the same fate.

How to Identify Injuries That Don’t Immediately Present Symptoms

How to Identify Injuries That Don’t Immediately Present Symptoms

Accidents are frightening to endure and often lead to injuries. Most people don’t realize that certain injuries may not present themselves immediately following an accident but can develop over time. Injuries such as lacerations or broken bones can usually be recognized right away however injuries such as whiplash, concussion or injuries to the spine can take hours or even days to manifest.

Below is a list of four different injuries that are not immediately noticeable to the victim:

  1. Whiplash. Whiplash is caused by the swift jerking back and forth of your neck. It throws the neck out of alignment. It can take hours or even days for the symptoms of whiplash to present themselves. Those symptoms include persistent headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and even vision problems.
  2. Concussions. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is not visible to the naked eye. Suppose you are feeling pressure in your head, amnesia of the actual accident, dizziness or fogginess, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, or trouble keeping your balance. In that case, you may be suffering from a concussion. Concussions and whiplash often occur together.
  3. Spine injuries. Spinal injuries do not always present themselves right away, but if your spine continues to swell or bleed, it can lead to paralysis. It is vitally important to be evaluated for a spinal injury following an accident. The consequences of not catching it early can be dire.
  4. Internal bleeding. Any time your body experiences a significant force in a concentrated area, it can lead to internal bleeding. Bleeding in sensitive organs like your kidneys, lungs, and heart can be incredibly dangerous. If you experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or blood in your urine or stool, you may be suffering from internal bleeding.

Because many injuries can have a delayed presentation of symptoms, we urge every accident victim to seek immediate medical treatment. Medical professionals are trained to detect and treat injuries that may not be immediately apparent and the sooner this is done the better it will be for your overall recovery.

With that said, it is important not to comment on your physical condition at the scene of an accident even if you don’t feel you were injured at the time because that may not be true. In fact, you may have suffered a significant injury but the symptoms have yet to manifest themselves, and telling someone you are feeling “fine” can make it more challenging to seek damages for slowly presenting injuries in the future. For help and guidance following an accident, contact Karns & Karns today.

Did You Know that Government Claims Are Different From Regular Insurance Claims?

Did You Know that Government Claims Are Different From Regular Insurance Claims?

In the event of personal injury accidents, insurance claims can be made against the individual’s insurance policy, who was at fault. Most private insurance policies give victims one to two years to file a regular insurance claim which is nothing more than giving them information about the claimant and expenses. However, when a government entity, government employee or the government itself is responsible for the injuries, that falls under the Nevada Tort Claims Act, otherwise known as the Government Claims Act. This requires an injured person to give written notice to the responsible government entity within a set period of time or lose the opportunity to file a lawsuit and recover money damages potentially forever. So the major difference between a regular insurance claim and a government claim is that it is mandatory to present a written claim to the responsible government entity within a specified amount of time and the government entity must accept or reject the government claim. Most government claims must be presented within six (6) months of the injury or accident.

In addition to a short timeline to file a government claim, government entities are also protected from suit for a variety of claims based on “sovereign immunity.” This means that a government entity is not liable for any injury caused by its employees or the government entity itself.  There are some claims that are allowed against a government entity where a person can recover compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings and pain and suffering. Some claims allowed under the Government Claims Act are:

  • Car accidents;
  • Trip and Fall accidents (such as a sidewalk);
  • City or County bus accidents;
  • School accidents or injuries;
  • Assault and battery; and
  • Wrongful death.

If you have a claim and are within the short timeline to file a government claim, you have to properly file and present the government claim.  This means that your claim is complete and thoroughly describes you, the facts of the incident, the description of your claim, your injuries, names of all government entities or employees that may be at fault and amount of compensation you are seeking if it is less than $10,000.00. If it is more, than no dollar amount is needed. The government claim then must be presented to the correct government agency responsible for the injuries, which means ensuring that it is actually received by the clerk, secretary, auditor, or board of supervisors.

Many government claims are rejected and therein allows the injured party to file a lawsuit. The timeline to file a lawsuit depends on how and when the rejection was done.  So it is very important that any and all correspondence received from the government entity be carefully reviewed. Note that there are also certain instances where a government claim can be presented late or past the six (6) month deadline.

If you have a government claim that is timely or late, you are going to need a tough and experienced attorney on your side. Contact Karns & Karns for representation in these matters. We can help.