The Greene Law Firm PLLC The Greene Law Firm PLLC2025-07-15T13:13:18Zhttps://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1204388/2022/04/cropped-greene-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Posting injury stories on social media can be a costly error]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471442025-04-20T16:13:17Z2025-04-20T16:13:17Zhave even become addicted to social media use. They compulsively scroll and feel compelled to share details about their personal lives with their online friends and acquaintances to ensure regular interactions and digital feedback. The choices that people make regarding social media use can sometimes have unintended consequences.
People often share stories, videos and pictures of exciting and unusual occurrences. For example, they might want to take pictures of their visibly dramatic injuries or totaled vehicles after car crashes. While that impulse can lead to a surge of dopamine when others interact with the post, the person sharing about their misfortune online could unintentionally hurt their chances of obtaining compensation later.
Social media posts can become evidence
Anything that people share online can potentially work against them if they end up embroiled in a legal dispute. The other party involved in a legal issue can hire professionals who look into an individual's social media habits. Those professionals might create fake accounts to access an individual's content or may reach out to the people they have connections with online to ask about that person's behavior or injuries.
In some cases, the other party involved in a car crash could request discovery rights. In that situation, they may have access to all social media use records, including deleted content and information shared privately in non-public groups or direct messages. Even information that people attempt to delete, hide or otherwise remove can turn up during the discovery process.
It is typically beneficial to avoid sharing anything about a car crash and the injuries that result from it online until after the resolution of the compensation claim. Little decisions that people make immediately after a car crash can have major consequences.
Discussing a collision with someone familiar with personal injury law and insurance claims can help people avoid common mistakes. Keeping personal information off of social media may make it easier for people to hold the right party accountable after a motor vehicle collision.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Those with severe injuries may not notice symptoms after a crash]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471432025-03-21T12:58:42Z2025-03-21T12:58:42ZThe body hides injury symptoms
If an injury does not cause immediate pain or visible symptoms, an injured person may struggle to diagnose their own injuries. The way that the body responds to a car crash can make it difficult to notice the subtle early warning signs of potentially severe injuries.
After a traumatic experience, the brain may flood the body with certain chemicals as part of a stress response. One of the functions of the stress response is to suppress pain and increase energy levels. Some people refer to the stress response as the fight-or-flight response because the body's reaction can help people fight off a predator or flee a dangerous scenario.
The chemical response that could protect a human attacked by a predator can leave people at a disadvantage after a car crash. When they don't feel pain after a collision, they may assume that they did not sustain any significant injuries.
However, as the chemical reaction subsides, symptoms may begin to arise. People may notice later in the day or the next morning that they have significant pain due to a stable fracture, internal bleeding or a soft tissue injury like whiplash.
Symptoms don't always develop quickly
Another reason that people may overlook car crash injuries at first is that they may not have symptoms right away. Internal injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may be asymptomatic until the condition reaches a dangerous point. As bleeding or inflammation progresses, people may notice new symptoms that they did not have immediately after a crash.
The only way to ensure that those with car crash injuries don't overlook them is to seek out a professional medical evaluation after a collision. Medical doctors have the diagnostic training necessary to evaluate people for potential injuries. They also have access to testing systems that can validate the presence of a broken bone or internal bleeding.
People who receive appropriate medical evaluation after a motor vehicle collision may improve their chances of making a full recovery. Their diagnosis can also help them pursue compensation from the party at fault for the collision. Taking the right steps after a car crash can help to protect people both medically and financially.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[When car crashes break bones, surgery may be necessary]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471422025-02-19T13:37:57Z2025-02-19T13:37:57ZWhen the break damages the growth plate
Children and teenagers still have growing bodies. In some cases, that means they heal faster from traumatic injuries. In other cases, it may mean they are at risk of secondary consequences. If a fracture damages the growth plate, children may be vulnerable to imbalanced physical development in the future. Surgery may be necessary to treat fractures that cause growth plate damage in young people.
When the fracture is severe
There are several types of severe fractures that typically require surgical intervention in adults. Some people sustain open or compound fractures. The force that breaks the bone is so powerful that it pushes the broken bone through the muscle and skin. Such fractures create major health risks. People lose quite a bit of blood and can develop deadly infections. Surgical care is typically necessary when setting an open fracture.
Comminuted fractures also typically require surgery. Comminuted fractures occur when the bone breaks into many tiny pieces. Spiral or torsion fractures are a type of comminuted fracture. Doctors often need to operate to set the bone and to apply artificial reinforcements, including plates, pins or rods, to help the body heal.
When a broken bone requires surgery, the cost of treating it increases substantially. The recovery time required also tends to increase. Those healing after a car crash fracture may need help calculating their losses and pursuing compensation, and that’s okay. Holding the driver at fault accountable for expenses can help those with injuries move on after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[A slip-and-fall can cost far more than many people expect]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471412025-01-22T22:49:34Z2025-01-22T22:49:34ZThe cost of medical care
The age of the person who fell, their insurance coverage and the injuries they develop can all influence how costly their medical care might be. Broken bones require thousands of dollars in medical interventions. While having a cast put on is not necessarily expensive, the physical therapy required after the bone knits can be relatively costly. In cases involving spiral fractures or other comminuted fractures, the injured person may have to undergo surgery. TBIs can potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars or more in lifetime care costs as well.
The impact on earning potential
People with brain injuries, soft tissue injuries or broken bones may not be able to work after getting hurt. Broken bones often require a minimum of eight weeks to heal. TBIs could produce permanent symptoms that force people to change professions. The lost wages accrued while recovering and the lost earning potential generated by long-term symptoms can have major implications for an individual's income.
Property damage losses
When people fall, any items in their possession at that moment are at risk of damage. Most people have digital devices with them while they are out in public. Depending on the device, it could be worth hundreds of dollars or more. Replacing or repairing that device might just be the tip of the iceberg. People could also damage designer clothing and handbags when they fall. They could also destroy expensive wristwatches or damage their jewelry. Someone flailing their arms might lose an engagement or wedding ring worth thousands. People could also potentially damage expensive jewelry during a fall, knocking a stone out and losing it.
People who slip and fall often need to notify management at a business about what happened. They may also need to see a doctor to check for signs of internal injuries. Pursuing a premises liability lawsuit after a slip-and-fall incident can potentially help people defray their losses. A successful lawsuit can lead to compensation for property damage expenses, medical bills and lost wages.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[3 times a business could be liable for a car crash]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471402024-12-23T01:57:59Z2024-12-23T01:57:59Z1. When a driver was actively working
Employers typically have a degree of responsibility for the conduct of their workers while they are on the clock. If a delivery driver or other employee performing their job while driving causes a crash, the company may have vicarious liability for the collision. Under vicarious liability rules, employers may have to compensate those harmed by the negligence of their employees.
2. When vehicle issues are to blame
Sometimes, the underlying cause of a car crash relates to the performance of one of the vehicles. Perhaps the vehicle has defective components that fail on the road. A company that manufactures defective parts can be liable for crashes that occur due to their products failing.
Maybe the driver at fault for the crash had recently taken their vehicle in for repairs. If a mechanic makes negligent mistakes while fixing a vehicle, their business may be liable for crashes that occur because of their negligence or professional errors.
3. When a drunk driver is at fault
Occasionally, crashes occur because one of the drivers is under the influence. Intoxicated drivers are usually to blame for their own decisions.
However, state law makes businesses liable for drunk driving crashes when there are obvious violations of liquor laws involved in the situation. If a business serves alcohol to an underage patron or someone visibly intoxicated, the business may be liable for any drunk driving crash that the patron goes on to cause after leaving the establishment.
Filing a lawsuit against a business can potentially result in better compensation than a similar lawsuit brought against an individual. Those with major losses after motor vehicle collisions may need help evaluating their situation to determine what potential sources of compensation are available to them.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[3 ways people can protect themselves after a car crash]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471392024-11-21T14:24:25Z2024-11-21T14:24:25ZDocument the situation immediately
Drivers generally need to move their vehicles to allow traffic to flow around them. However, before they do that, they may need to use their mobile devices to capture evidence. Recording videos and taking pictures of the scene of the crash can help with crash reconstruction later. When there are questions about what exactly occurred, the placement of the vehicles and the debris in relation to other landmarks can help prove or disprove one driver's version of events.
Follow reporting requirements
There are many scenarios in which the driver who caused the crash may try to talk the other people involved out of filing an official police report. They might claim that they worry about losing their driver's license. They may make promises to cover vehicle repair expenses and injury costs directly. Without a collision report affirming that the crash occurred and who was at fault, taking legal action against another driver can be very difficult. Crash reporting is mandatory when people sustain injuries or there are significant property damage losses. Following the law and filing a formal police report is the best option available for those involved in a car wreck.
Know when to see a doctor
Some people know right away that they require medical care. They have clear injuries that are visible or painful. Others may have internal injuries that are invisible at first. The only way to ensure that they get the care that they require is to see a doctor for diagnostic support. Physicians can order testing that can affirm the presence of internal injuries. The records they generate can help people when they seek compensation through insurance claims or litigation later.
People who know what steps to take after a car crash can improve their chances of obtaining compensation later. Reacting appropriately after a wreck can help those involved limit the losses they would otherwise incur.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[How can people prove a business was to blame for a slip-and-fall?]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471372024-10-21T00:16:31Z2024-10-21T00:16:31ZOther reasonable people need to agree that the business did something unsafe or failed to do something necessary for customer safety. The injured visitor needs evidence about the slip-and-fall if they intend to hold the business accountable for their medical expenses, property damage losses and lost wages.
How can those involved in a slip-and-fall prove that the business where they fell is at fault for the incident?
Documenting the scene
Most of the time, a serious slip-and-fall is the result of unsafe premises. Numerous factors could contribute to someone losing their traction and falling. Maybe another customer spilled something, and workers failed to clean up or put a warning sign out to advise people of the hazard. Maybe the rugs by the front door were loose and became a tripping hazard. Using a mobile phone to take pictures of what caused someone to trip or slip and then fall can help them show that the business was negligent about maintaining its facilities.
Seeing a doctor promptly
Obtaining compensation for a slip-and-fall requires proof of losses. In some cases, there may be property damage expenses. Most of the time, however, the main expenses involve injuries. People who get hurt in a slip-and-fall might need to see a doctor for X-rays and bone setting. They may have brain injuries that require that they take time off of work. They typically need to see a doctor as soon as possible so that there is a clear connection between the slip-and-fall incident and their medical challenges.
Those who follow the right procedures may have an easier time pursuing compensation when they get hurt at a store. Filing a successful premises liability claim after a slip-and-fall can help people pay their bills and recoup their lost wages.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[How to keep your teen from driving while distracted]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471352025-06-27T18:27:04Z2024-09-20T16:25:03ZIt is now well known that distracted driving behavior is a leading cause of injurious and fatal accidents involving teenagers. This behavior poses a significant risk to their safety and the safety of others on the road.From texting and using social media to eating and adjusting the radio, numerous distractions can take a young driver’s attention away from the task of driving. If you are a parent of a teenager, it’s important to educate your child about the dangers of distracted driving and implement strategies to help them stay focused when they’re behind the wheel.
Set a good example
Even when they profess to want to be anything like them, teenagers often emulate their parents’ behavior. As such, it’s important to model good driving habits, even if you don’t think that your teen is paying any attention to your efforts. Avoid using your phone, eating or engaging in other distractions while driving. Demonstrate the importance of staying focused on the road by keeping both hands on the wheel and both eyes on traffic. When your teen sees you practicing safe driving habits, they will become statistically more likely to adopt these behaviors themselves.
Set clear expectations
It’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your teen about the dangers of distracted driving. Explain how distractions, even momentary ones, can lead to devastating consequences, such as accidents, injuries or fatalities. Make sure your teen understands that no text, call or social media update is worth risking their life and the lives of others.To that end, establishing a strict “no phone” policy while driving can significantly reduce the risk of distractions. Encourage your teen to put their phone in the glove compartment, back seat or trunk while driving. If they need to use GPS, make sure it’s set up before they start driving. Many smartphones have features like “Do Not Disturb While Driving,” which can silence notifications and send automated replies to texts, letting others know the driver is unavailable. Make use of these features to help your teen avoid the temptation of checking their phone while on the road.
Set up a contract
You may even want to consider drafting a family driving contract that outlines the rules and expectations for safe driving in your family, including a commitment to avoiding distractions. Include consequences for breaking the rules, such as losing driving privileges for a certain period. Having a signed agreement can serve as a reminder of their commitment to safe driving and make them more accountable.While no effort that you make guarantees that your teen will listen to you, doing all you can to help keep them safe will give you greater peace of mind -- and them a greater chance of arriving at all destinations safely. ]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[3 serious secondary medical consequences of a dog bite incident]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471332024-08-21T10:51:09Z2024-08-21T10:51:09ZMajor infections
Dogs are carnivorous animals, which means they have teeth intended to grip and tear. The long, tapered teeth of a canine can rip tissue. They can also push dangerous bacteria far down into a wound. Keeping deep, tapered punctured wounds clean can be quite difficult. People frequently develop significant infections after dog bite incidents. This is a particularly serious concern for people who do not seek out professional medical care after the initial bite. If such infections become systemic, the injured person may have a difficult time fully recovering.
Disfiguring and painful scars
The bite wounds that dogs cause can range in size based on the size of the animal and the age of the person. Many people suffer bites on their hands. Bites to the face and neck are also somewhat common. Significant scarring on the hands can sometimes affect people's motor function. They may find it difficult to use their hands as freely as they did prior to their injury. Even if scars don't cause immediate functional challenges, they could cause social and psychological issues if they are in visible locations.
Psychological trauma
Particularly in scenarios where people experience an attack by a large or aggressive dog or where the victim is young, significant psychological trauma may result from a dog bite incident. Victims may develop a fear of all canines or of certain environments, such as public parks. They may require assistance addressing their trauma so that they can heal. The cost of undergoing care for significant infections, problematic scarring or psychological trauma can be immense. Pursuing compensation after a dog bite incident may be the only way for people to cover the treatment costs the incident generates.
The owner of a dog may be liable for the damage they’ve caused, and their homeowners insurance policy might help reimburse an injured person. Those who look at their options for compensation can work to receive the care they need to more fully heal after a dog attack.]]>On Behalf of The Greene Law Firm PLLC<![CDATA[Beyond the phone: A lesser-understood driving distraction]]>https://www.thegreenelawfirm.net/?p=471312024-07-17T15:42:14Z2024-07-17T15:42:14ZTiny passengers, big distractions
While children are precious cargo, having them in the car can be a whirlwind because they constantly need an adult’s attention. When the only adult in the vehicle is the driver, they can easily be distracted by:
The crying of a baby
A toddler’s never-ending questions
Older kids bickering
Kids dropping their toys
This constant demand for attention can affect a driver’s focus on the hands-on task of driving. Trying to maneuver heavy traffic can significantly increase the risk of an accident if a driver is simultaneously:
Soothing a crying baby
Answering a toddler’s question
Handing out snacks to the kids at the back
Mediating disputes between siblings
These actions put the driver in an awkward position because they might have to:
Take their eyes off the road
Take one hand off the wheel
Mentally divert their attention from driving
Alarming research findings estimate that having children in the car can be up to 12 times more distracting to a driver than operating their smartphone behind the wheel. This highlights the importance of carefully planning car rides involving children. The driver can minimize the attention that the kids might need during the trip by:
Making sure each child is comfortable
Picking out entertainment before the trip
Utilizing mirrors to check on the kids during the trip
These strategies can allow the driver to keep their eyes on the road throughout most of the trip and mentally focus most of their attention on safely maneuvering traffic.
Motor vehicle collisions can happen due to a wide range of distractions. Having children in the car is just one of the many lesser-known distractions that many drivers may not be aware of. With proper legal guidance, survivors of car accidents can better understand how to hold a distracted driver accountable for damages caused.]]>