Howell Law Firm, PCHowell Law Firm, PC2024-03-13T06:30:39Zhttps://www.southgalaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203817/2022/09/cropped-howell-site-id-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492672023-12-06T18:01:50Z2023-12-06T17:59:50ZListeria infection is rare but prevalent among pregnant women and newborns
Although cases of listeriosis are uncommon, its impact should not be underestimated. Those with compromised immune systems, such as pregnant women and newborns, are particularly susceptible to contracting it.
The primary cause of listeriosis is by eating contaminated food. Common sources include raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products, uncooked meats and ready-to-eat foods. A pregnant woman carrying the bacteria could pass it on to her fetus through pregnancy or newborn during delivery.
Its symptoms are deceptively mild and misleading, resembling those of the flu from headache to chills and fever. However, people infected with listeriosis often display no apparent symptoms at all.
Standard of care for diagnosing listeriosis in pregnant women
A fever of 38.1°C, accompanied by diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues in a pregnant woman, and with no other discernible cause, could be a sign of listeriosis. This set of symptoms warrants immediate attention. Doctors should entertain the possibility of infection and conduct testing.
Failing to provide a standard of care may result in devastating consequences. Complications due to listeria infection range from miscarriages and premature births to stillbirths. In the worst cases, it can even be fatal for both the mother and her child. Therefore, recognizing listeria infection and taking appropriate measures is crucial.
While no amount of money could truly make up for the death of a child or a life-threatening condition, seeking legal action could help mitigate the financial burdens that come with such a tragic incident.
Pregnancy is a tough but fulfilling journey. However, there are numerous threats that can interfere, many of which are not so obvious. The key to a safe and healthy pregnancy is to stay informed and to exercise caution.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492662023-11-24T10:05:38Z2023-11-24T10:05:38Zhazmat classes and their potential dangers can guide the trucking community to improve safety procedures that can prevent deadly crashes.
Hazmat classifications
Georgia’s hazmat rules and regulations involve extensive considerations on proper training, operation, licensing, certification, storage, labeling and handling of the following items as classified by the Department of Transportation.
Explosives: Dynamites, hand grenades, fireworks and blasting agents
Gases: Oxygen generators, or chlorine, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases
Flammable and combustible liquids: Gasoline, fuel oil, paints and perfumes
Flammable solids: Gun powder, match sticks, desensitized explosives and barium metals
Oxidizers: Potassium nitrate, benzoyl and hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium nitrate fertilizers
Poisonous or toxic substances: Arsenic, nicotine, pesticides and infectious wastes
Radioactive materials: Uranium, plutonium, nuclear fuels and other unstable isotopes
Corrosives: Lead batteries, and nitric, hydrochloric or sulfuric acids
Miscellaneous hazards: Carcinogens, specific dyes, lithium batteries and elevated temperature substances
Knowing these hazmat classes can help freight companies secure documentation and observe compliance applicable to their shipment.
Hazmat dangers
Despite knowing hazmat classes, negligent hazmat trucking, such as speeding, distracted driving or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, still happens and results in truck collisions with the following risks:
Physical: Fires, burns or explosions
Health: Inhalation of toxins or irritants causing skin, respiratory and other chronic conditions
Environmental: Road destruction, water contamination or wildlife disruption
Involved drivers and passengers must urgently evacuate the area to avoid these threats. If available, they must also wear protective gear. Once in a safe location, they need to call for medical attention and report the incident to the police.
Hazmat claims
While inherently dangerous, hazardous materials play a crucial part in human lives. Their vast uses range from fueling cars to disinfecting homes. Thus, truck drivers and their companies have a vital role in delivering hazmat to their destinations in a way aligned with state and federal laws. Unfortunately, despite utmost care, crashes still occur. When they do, injured parties can work with a legal team to protect their rights. Doing so can also help recover financial relief from liable parties.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492652023-12-16T22:13:40Z2023-11-21T02:26:12ZNeck and brain injuries
Many truck accidents result in injuries affecting the brain, neck and back. Whiplash, affecting the neck, is one of the most common. It occurs when the head moves suddenly with force in one direction and then back again due to the accident impact. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have a range of severity, correlating with the accident's severity. TBIs can be mild and include minor concussions that clear within several days to severe brain injuries that cause debilitating brain damage, leaving victims partially or fully incapacitated. Neck and back pain can develop after truck accidents, with the exact cause often tricky to diagnose. In such cases, doctors may need to run multiple imaging tests to discover the precise cause of the pain.
Causes of semi-truck accidents
Various factors cause truck accidents, including the driver's lack of sleep, high speeds, weather conditions and errors in judgment. In addition, these vehicles weigh much more than cars and SUVs, so the occupants have less protection and are more apt to suffer extensive injuries.
Recovering after your truck accident
Some victims take months or years to recover from personal injuries caused by truck accidents. Even seemingly minor issues may require prolonged courses of physical and occupational therapy so that an individual can resume normal functioning. Other victims may experience temporary or permanent disabilities if a catastrophic incident occurs and multiple body parts sustain injuries.
In the case of catastrophic accidents, insurance settlements often are not enough to cover medical bills. Victims may also be unable to work for long periods, compounding the problem. If you or a loved one have suffered catastrophic injuries in a truck accident, you may qualify to file an injury lawsuit. Victims can use successful claims to pay for medical treatments, living expenses and pain and suffering.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492632023-11-17T17:03:40Z2023-11-06T17:01:57ZATV accidents
ATV accidents can happen in a variety of ways. These include being hit by a driver who is operating an ATV too fast and loses control, having an accident with a driver who lacks experience or training in driving an ATV, or encountering weather conditions that make it difficult to stop the ATV.
Even though ATVs are designed to be driven off-road, you can also be hurt if you hit rough or uneven surfaces because these can cause the ATV to rollover. Mechanical failures can also cause an injury, specifically problems with the brakes or tires.
Finally, if an ATV driver is acting recklessly or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can affect their coordination and reaction time, causing a serious accident.
Injuries
Injuries can range from minor to severe, but there are some injuries that can affect you for life. These include a traumatic brain injury and a spinal cord injury. These can occur if you hit the ground or another hard surface.
You can also have internal injuries that cause bleeding and damage to your organs. These may not be immediately noticeable but can be very serious. You may be able to recover compensation from the driver who caused the accident.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492612023-10-25T08:43:15Z2023-10-25T08:41:13ZA deeper look into informed consent in Georgia
It is your doctor’s duty to inform you about the material risks involved with undergoing the procedure and explain to you why it is necessary for your condition. Your doctor must tell you the nature and purpose of the procedure. They must also disclose less invasive options or practical alternatives if applicable to your case. According to Georgia laws, the doctor must get the informed consent of any person before performing any of the following on them:
Any surgical procedure where the patient needs to be under general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or major regional anesthesia
An amniocentesis diagnostic procedure
A diagnostic procedure that involves the intravenous or intraductal injection of a contrast material (O.C.G.A. § 31-9-6.1)
However, a doctor does not have to obtain your informed consent in emergency situations. Informed consent is also unnecessary if the surgery or diagnostic procedure does not pose a material risk to you. Any doctor executing their duty with reasonable prudence should recognize when they have a legal obligation to get your informed consent. Otherwise, you may be able to file a claim against them for medical malpractice.
Why does a doctor need your informed consent?
Before undergoing surgery or a major medical procedure, you want to have full disclosure of the treatment and your diagnosis so you can make an informed decision. It is your life and your body on the line. If you do not know the material risks and are unaware of less invasive alternatives, how will you be able to decide what is best for you? You always have the right to accept or refuse any treatment.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492562023-10-10T08:45:42Z2023-10-10T08:45:42ZA recently passed law, House Bill 189, increases it to as much as 88,000 pounds for those transporting agricultural or timber goods.
Unfortunately, even if the trucking industry has strict federal and state regulations, some truck operators still do not comply and neglect overloading’s deadly consequences.
Why overloading can be fatal
The laws of physics explain that the center of gravity is an object’s balancing point. So, a shifting gravitational force due to extra loads can destabilize a truck and potentially result in rollover accidents. When the cargo spills over, it can strike the car behind. Further, if surrounding vehicles try to swerve rapidly to avoid falling debris, the scenario can become a multivehicle pileup.
Overloading also increases:
The wear-and-tear on mechanical components: The heavy weight’s pressure or force causes strained suspensions, and tire and brake failures
The time to slow down: The running momentum from carrying an excessive load makes it harder to stop instantly
The struggle to steer: The excess weight makes it difficult to maneuver and respond to sudden changes
Trucking companies often think that overloading their trucks can reduce operating costs and increase efficiency by cutting down on the number of trips. However, doing so only shortens their trucks’ service life and endangers their employee. It also exposes them to increased liability risks. Thus, they must observe safety and maintenance procedures to avoid unnecessary tragedies and lawsuits.
Why overloading is preventable
Overloading can harm trucks, loads, drivers, owners and other road users. In short, no one truly benefits from this hazardous practice. However, truck owners can prevent it by following payload capacity. Before their trucks hit the road, they can weigh them first. They must also check for signs of overloading, such as rears sagging or rear bumpers scraping the ground. But since it only takes a moment for a tragic crash to happen, affected parties must speak to a counsel who understands their legal concerns and helps them achieve favorable results.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492552023-10-03T11:26:43Z2023-10-03T11:26:43ZThe importance of food preparation and handling
Wrongful deaths often result from devastating car accidents, slip-and-falls and drowning incidents. But it turns out that the leading cause of unintentional death and injuries is poisoning. To make matters worse, there are many possible causes of accidental poisoning, such as lead in the walls, improper medication dosage and inadequately cooked food.
The presence of raw ingredients, changing temperatures, and human contact are just some factors that make restaurant kitchens and pantries breeding grounds for bacteria. Additionally, several food ingredients can be fatal if not cooked properly.
When establishments fail to adhere to proper food handling procedures, they might accidentally poison their customers.
When accidental poisoning results in death
Food poisoning usually lasts only a few days before a person fully recovers. However, it can be deadly or require extensive medical care in extreme cases.
Some might develop diarrhea and a high fever, while others experience severe stomach pain and vomiting. Sadly, a person's body may be unable to fight off the poison, resulting in death.
If a loved one succumbs to accidental poisoning, you may have the grounds to file a wrongful death claim. While no settlement can truly compensate for the pain and trauma you experienced, it can provide some financial relief and help hold the responsible party accountable. For a better understanding of wrongful death claims, consider speaking to an attorney.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492582023-10-16T06:33:39Z2023-09-22T06:32:36Zwas devoted to pedestrian safety with Pedestrian Safety Month. Despite the outreach and strategies it entails, pedestrians are in persistent danger. If an accident cannot be avoided, it is imperative to know what steps can be taken after it has occurred.
Georgia’s pedestrian safety statistics are worrisome
Safety advocates lament Georgia’s pedestrian safety record with it trending in the wrong direction. According to Propel ATL, the statistics show that pedestrians and bicyclists have a much higher rate of fatalities and being badly injured than others on the road.
Although only 2% of accidents involve these individuals, they comprise 12% of all fatalities and severe injuries in the state. For the past 12 years, the number of pedestrians and bicyclists who were killed in a crash rose by nearly two-thirds. More than 8,400 were killed in 2022.
Speed is believed to be a major factor in these accidents. Also, distracted driving seems to be getting worse even though the state has implemented laws to try and reduce its frequency. The month being dedicated to drawing attention to this problem is a positive, but many drivers will continue to behave recklessly and ignore the potential for accidents resulting in injuries and death.
Auto accidents lead to long-term challenges
When there is any kind of auto accident, those who suffered catastrophic injuries and families who have been left behind after a fatality need to think about the future. That includes the emotional impact, personal loss, financial contributions and medical expenses.
The ramifications are extensive and people need to understand their options. The scope of the injuries and the short and long-term impact must be assessed. Knowing what can be done to hold reckless drivers accountable and to help those who were hurt or lost a loved one is critical.
]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492542023-09-19T23:19:04Z2023-09-19T23:19:04ZTruck drivers are responsible for cargo
Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained and that items inside of it are properly secured. Therefore, a commercial motorist will likely be liable for damages caused after a wheel comes off the truck itself or if something comes out of an unsecured trailer. It's also possible that the operator of the truck or parties responsible for maintaining it can also be liable for damages in cases involving truck accidents.
Flying debris is almost impossible to avoid
The weight and speed of an item that comes loose from a truck means that it can produce a significant amount of energy when hitting a person or object. However, perhaps the biggest danger is that there is little that you can do to anticipate a wheel coming loose or other debris being launched from a truck. This means that you probably won't be able to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
What to do after an accident
If you are capable of doing so, you should call for police and medical assistance after being struck by debris. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to be transported directly to the hospital. Otherwise, you should make a point to see your doctor or visit an emergency room within 24 hours of the wreck. Seeking treatment quickly may result in better treatment as well as a paper trail that can be used during settlement talks or at trial.]]>On Behalf of Howell Law Firm, PChttps://www.southgalaw.com/?p=492512023-09-14T15:28:21Z2023-09-14T15:28:21Zsuspected medication errors. These types of mistakes can take a toll on your health and well-being. Thus, it is important that you speak out as a patient to avoid them.
1. Present your doctor with a comprehensive medication list
If you take multiple medications regularly, maintain a comprehensive list of each and the dosage amount. Keep a medical diary and note any prescription side effects you experience from taking any of these medications.
When you visit your doctor, always present an updated medication list.
2. Participate in reconciliation
You can reduce your risk of a medication error by participating in medication reconciliation. This process involves comparing the list of medications you take versus the list your doctor has. By doing so, you can prevent missing medications, dosing errors, unintended drug interactions and other problems.
3. Read your labels
It's easy to get confused when you're taking multiple medications. Check the label to be sure that you're taking the right type and in the right dosage.
Keep prescriptions in their original containers at all times. Due to the similarity in appearance, it is possible to take the wrong pill or tablet accidentally.
Consult your pharmacist if you are not sure how to take a new medication or have concerns, such as difficulty swallowing a specific pill. It can be unsafe to crush certain tablets and combine medications, so consult your doctor first.
Although your doctor is a great resource, taking an active role in your own care may provide even better results. This does not imply self-medicating, which is risky, but rather being involved in the treatment you are receiving. Taking the time to talk to your doctor about the medications you're taking and why might help you make informed decisions about your health.]]>