The Helms Law FirmValdosta GA Injury Attorney | Homerville Workers' Compensation Lawyer2024-03-15T13:01:53Zhttps://www.helmslaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1200725/2019/09/cropped-SiteIcon_Helms-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475152024-03-15T13:01:53Z2024-03-15T11:46:59ZThere's a saying that goes, "No matter the job, do it well." This is especially true for people who work in nursing homes. These individuals look after those who can't fully care for themselves, like your loved one. Every aspect of their care should be handled with respect and diligence.
So what if they experience mistreatment but are too scared to say anything? This fear, known as fear of retaliation, is a serious issue that needs addressing.
Staff members may abuse their authority
In a nursing home, staff members have considerable authority over residents. They assist residents with meals, personal hygiene and medication administration. These responsibilities naturally create an unspoken hierarchy that can intimidate residents. This intimidation can escalate into fear when residents experience improper care or abuse.For example, a resident who has experienced mistreatment might be scared to report it. They could worry that doing so might lead to even worse treatment. They might fear being ignored, spoken harshly to, or even denied essential care.When there is fear of retaliation, residents may not report the mistreatment, which allows the cycle of abuse to continue.
How you can help your loved one
If your loved one shows signs of distress or expresses fear of retaliation, it's crucial to act immediately. Start by reporting your concerns to the nursing home administration. The response you receive should be respectful and show a commitment to resolving the issue. They should take your concerns seriously and promptly start an investigation.However, if they don't address the issue properly, you can escalate your complaint to your local or state health departments. A legal professional can be beneficial in this situation. They can guide you through reporting to the proper agencies and protect your loved one's rights in the process.Never forget that your loved one deserves good care. Any form of mistreatment is not ok, and fear of retaliation should never stop anyone from reporting such incidents.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475142024-03-14T14:46:32Z2024-03-14T14:46:32Zcasing of the adapter to fall apart and expose electrical writing, which can pose electrical shock risks to users.
The adapters were sold bundled with Yamaha’s analog mixing console models. The company also sold them individually as replacement parts. Yamaha noted that it’s only recalling the PA-10 AC Power Adapter model.
Yamaha said it had not received any reports of injuries related to the defect. It has advised consumers who own the adapters to call the company for a free replacement.
The risks of electrical shocks
The severity of electric injuries depends on the type of current, current strength, how much time you’ve spent touching the open line, and more. Some possible injuries include:
Burns
Cardiac arrest
Muscle pain and contractions
Respiratory failure
Nerve damage
Brain injury
Hearing loss
If you’ve suffered an injury from an electric shock, immediately let go of the electric source. Contact local emergency services or have someone call for help. Move away from the electric source if you can but avoid any unnecessary movement until emergency services arrive.
Product liability rights
You may be able to seek compensation if you’ve suffered an electrical injury from a defective product. To pursue a product liability claim, you need to prove that the product was defective and caused your injury, despite you using it as intended. This will involve collecting evidence, your medical reports and witness testimonies.
An experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you through the process of filing a lawsuit. They can help gather and present evidence, negotiate with companies and insurers, and if necessary, represent you in court.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475132024-03-08T18:57:42Z2024-03-08T18:57:42ZWhy do nursing homes use restraints?
In theory, nursing homes should only use restraints when doing so is medically necessary for the protection of staff members, struggling residents and other people living at the facility. If someone becomes a threat to themselves or others, then nursing home workers can use physical restraints to prevent them from harming themselves or leaving a room.
They might also use chemical restraints, including sedatives, to calm someone down so that they do not pose an immediate threat of injury to themselves or others. Of course, the person could have an adverse reaction to the medication administered or may hurt themselves with the restraints themselves.
Nursing homes should make every reasonable effort to minimize the use of both physical and chemical restraints because of the risk involved. Restraints should only play a role in emergency scenarios and are not tools for controlling or punishing uncooperative residents.
Staff members need to develop a rapport with uncooperative older adults and find ways to support them without drugging them or physically restraining them in a manner that could lead to worse outbursts and severe injuries. Unfortunately, expediency and convenience often win out over best practices in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Family members may learn after someone ends up physically injured or sickened by medication that the nursing home has engaged in the inappropriate use of physical or chemical restraints. It may then be necessary to move that older adult into a different facility. In some cases, it may be possible to take legal action against a nursing home that used restraints in a manner inconsistent with best practices.
Understanding that physical and chemical restraint should be the last option might help people more easily recognize such signs of injuries caused by nursing home abuse.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475122024-02-27T15:18:57Z2024-02-27T15:18:57ZCommon sawmill injuries
Here are some of the more common injuries that sawmill workers may incur in their line of work. They include:
Cuts and lacerations: Sawmills are full of sharp blades and moving parts, making cuts and lacerations common. These injuries can be severe and may require surgery.
Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises in sawmills can cause permanent hearing loss.
Back and spinal injuries: Sawmill workers often lift heavy logs and equipment, leading to back and spinal injuries. These injuries can be severe and may require surgery or physical therapy.
Traumatic amputations: Sawmills are hazardous, and workers may suffer amputations due to accidents with moving parts or equipment.
Eye injuries: With woodcutting happening all around, it’s not unusual for sawmills to be full of flying debris and dust, which can cause eye injuries.
Respiratory problems: Sawdust and other particles in the air can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.
If you’re a sawmill worker and suffer any of these injuries, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately and report it to your employer. As you receive medical treatment, workers’ compensation may be able to help with the financial burdens associated with your injuries.
Key benefits for injured workers
The workers' comp system in Georgia offers several types of benefits. They are:
Medical benefits: Coverage of all authorized medical bills, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
Income benefits: Compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work or are on light duty with lower pay.
Permanent or partial disability benefits: Benefits for lasting disabilities, calculated based on the affected body part and severity of impairment
But before an employer or their insurer can pay these benefits, the worker must accomplish and submit a claim for, which must be approved.
A sawmill employer or their insurer can deny a claim for several reasons. Perhaps the claim form wasn’t properly filled, or the worker filed their claim too late. The employer might even argue that the worker’s injuries resulted from a non-work factor or that the worker isn’t as disabled as they claim to be.
If you face a claim denial for any reason, keep in mind that you can still appeal the decision. An attorney with workers’ comp experience may be able to represent you before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and help you make your case.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475112024-02-14T12:35:12Z2024-02-14T12:35:12Zcan cause an electrical spark or “arcing,” which can ignite gas inside or near the unit.
The Swedish manufacturer said it had received 12 reports from the U.S. of the trimmer catching on fire, causing sparks or arcing. Two of those reports involved property damage, and one report involved a user suffering burns on their arms and legs after attempting to extinguish the flames.
Home and garden stores nationwide and Amazon.com sold the string trimmers from October 2021 through November 2023. Consumers should take note of the model number and SKUs of their trimmers and contact Husqvarna for a free repair.
Your rights if you suffer a string trimmer burn
Georgia law protects consumers from the dangers of defective products. Per state rules, product liability claims can be filed when a product is found to be defective or not reasonably safe when used as intended. This law covers design defects, manufacturing defects, and failures to warn.
If you've been injured by a defective gas string trimmer, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The path to compensation involves proving that the product was defective and that this defect led to your injury. Evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of the defect are crucial. It's important to act promptly, as Georgia has a statute of limitations that limits the time to file a claim.
A knowledgeable legal professional may also be able to walk you through the process of filing a product liability lawsuit. An attorney can review your case and determine whether it’s strong enough for a lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475092024-01-31T14:29:51Z2024-01-31T14:29:51ZThe usual cause of staff burnout
Nursing homes with insufficient staffing can lead to staff exhaustion since the existing staff likely covers more residents than is ideal to provide proper care. This can lead to longer hours, increased responsibilities and less time for each resident.
Connecting staff exhaustion to nursing home neglect
Continuous work under such conditions can lead to physical, emotional and mental burnout. Accordingly, burnout can reduce a caregiver's ability to provide attentive and compassionate care.
Moreover, exhausted staff are more prone to making mistakes, forgetting critical tasks and failing to notice changes in a resident's condition. This can lead to medical errors, missed medication doses or delayed treatment.
Overall, staff burnout affects the quality of care they provide, the consequences of which the residents suffer from. This neglect manifests in residents in forms of physical injuries, such as bed sores and broken bones from falls, and emotional injuries, such as depression and anxiety.
Keeping your loved one protected
Addressing staff burnout in nursing homes is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable residents. If you suspect your loved one to be suffering from neglect due to their facility’s staff exhaustion, consider consulting a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your options and protect your loved one's rights and well-being.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475082024-01-23T13:53:31Z2024-01-23T13:53:31Zserious health risk to the patient, potentially resulting in infection, discomfort and organ damage. Patients may require additional surgery, subjecting their body to more stress. In addition, affected patients could lose their trust in the healthcare system.
Risk factors of retained surgical bodies (RSB)
Complex procedures that involve the use of more surgical instruments increase the risk of RSB, such as in the case of obese patients and trauma surgeries. Unexpected developments that occur during the procedure and emergency operations can also contribute to foreign objects being left in the patient.
Among the many objects found in patients are sponges, retractors and other surgical instruments. What makes it challenging to detect is that symptoms of RSB do not always manifest immediately. It can be months or even years before a patient realizes that a surgical item inside them is causing their pain.
The prospect of undergoing surgery is a stressful enough experience. Patients must entrust their well-being to the surgical team. Should a patient later discover a foreign object left inside them from the procedure, they may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475072024-01-11T20:25:36Z2024-01-11T20:25:36ZErgonomic strain
Sitting in front of your computer might seem harmless, but a poorly set up workstation can put undue stress on your body. A computer screen that is too high or too low can strain your neck and shoulders. Meanwhile, a desk that is too high can make it uncomfortable to type for long periods.
Over time, poor ergonomics can cause you to develop musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and lower back injuries. If you often feel discomfort from doing work at your desk, consider adjusting your work equipment.
Slips, trips and falls
Every year, over 700 workplace fatalities result from slips, trips, and falls. Among the common culprits are wet floors, loose wires, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting and lack of warning signs, which are common in poorly maintained office environments. If left unaddressed, employees may lose their balance or be unable to spot and avoid dangers.
Repetitive strain injuries
Doing the same tasks repeatedly without rest can strain your muscles and joints over time, potentially causing repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Performing activities frequently, such as lifting, pushing or even typing, along with poor posture and ergonomics, may raise the risk of an RSI.
Workplace stress
Excessive workloads or the constant pressure to meet tight deadlines may lead to stress. Chronic stress from work might aggravate existing health conditions or cause new ones to emerge. Chronic pain, high blood pressure, and tense muscles are just a few examples. Severe anxiety and depression may also indicate stress.
What can you do if you get injured at work?
In Georgia, employers with at least three workers must carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If you sustain an injury on the job, you may be eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits. This can provide financial assistance to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
However, filing a claim is not always easy, as there are procedures and deadlines to follow. Familiarizing yourself with the process is crucial to securing the benefits you are potentially entitled to.
Office environments are relatively harmless, but that does not make employees immune to hazards. Awareness of the risks around you can allow you to take proactive steps to protect yourself and contribute to a safer workspace.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475062024-01-08T01:53:22Z2024-01-08T01:53:22ZBedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They commonly occur in individuals who are bedridden or immobile, so nursing home residents are particularly susceptible to developing these uncomfortable – and potentially dangerous - conditions. Recognizing the link between bedsores and nursing home care is crucial in identifying and preventing negligence.
Formation of bedsores
When residents can’t change positions independently, they rely on caregivers for regular movement. The development of bedsores can indicate that a resident isn’t receiving adequate attention, particularly regarding repositioning and skin care.
Bedsores form when sustained pressure cuts off circulation to vulnerable body areas, typically where bone and skin are close, such as heels, hips and the tailbone. Without adequate blood flow, the affected tissue dies, leading to an ulcer. These injuries can range from mild skin reddening to severe wounds exposing muscle and bone, which comes with a risk of infection.
Indicators of negligence
Bedsores – especially those that are more severe – are often considered indicators of nursing home negligence for several reasons. They can develop rapidly, which indicates a lack of frequent monitoring and care. They are largely preventable with proper care, including regular repositioning, skin inspections and good nutrition and hydration. When bedsores occur, it may suggest that a facility isn’t meeting a proper standard of care for a resident.
Prevention and responsibility
Preventing bedsores is a crucial responsibility of nursing home staff. It involves regularly repositioning residents, monitoring skin condition, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration and using supportive devices like special mattresses or cushions to reduce pressure. Education and training of nursing home staff in these preventive measures are critical.
Bedsores are a severe concern in nursing homes and can indicate negligence in care. Residents who suffer from this type of injury due to negligence should receive prompt medical care. They may also opt to pursue a compensation claim to help offset the financial damages they have incurred due to the negligence of the nursing home.]]>On Behalf of The Helms Law Firmhttps://www.helmslaw.com/?p=475052023-12-29T10:52:18Z2023-12-29T10:52:18ZThey follow traditional or standard procedure
Medicine is an ever-growing field of study. Surgeons should embrace new procedures that are less invasive and learn innovative, practical alternatives. By doing so, they can give their patients the best and most effective treatments available. The problem is some surgeons refuse to learn and stick with traditional medical methods even when these procedures have proven to be more harmful to patients than helpful.
They prioritize financial gain over the patient’s wellbeing
Surgeons can earn much more from surgeries than prescribing medication or suggesting lifestyle changes to their patients. In one recent analysis of Medicare claims, the researchers discovered that several surgeons performed atherectomies on approximately 30,000 patients who may not have even needed the surgery.
Atherectomies are easy and very profitable procedures, and the surgeons who do them can charge Medicare tens of thousands of dollars for one office visit alone. One surgeon stood out because he amassed $45 million from Medicare for performing thousands of atherectomies. Quite a number of the patients who received the atherectomies only had a diagnosis for claudication. They received the aggressive procedure too early, meaning they might not have even needed it at all.
The surgeons warned their patients that without the atherectomy, they could lose their legs or arms. Instead, the patients who underwent the procedure were at a higher risk of amputation.
They fail to diagnose the patient accurately
If a surgeon misdiagnoses a patient’s condition, they could think the patient needs surgery even when it is completely unnecessary. A misdiagnosis is preventable had the surgeon ordered more tests or administered a more comprehensive medical examination.
A patient could suffer avoidable and often extensive damages when unnecessary surgeries happen. Fortunately, they can look to the law to provide financial relief.]]>