Showing posts with label Injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Injury. Show all posts

Work Accident Claim

Recovering some data that is still relevant.

Construction is still the sector responsible for most victims of fatal accidents. Let's take an example from the European Union: In Portugal, last year, the construction sector accounted for more than half of fatal accidents at work. Of the 280 accidents, 156 occurred in the construction industry.

The Labour Inspection points out, concerning the causes for this increase in accidents in 2001, that "many high-risk projects, especially bridges and overpasses, resort to the use of inadequate and / or in poor condition equipments, and projects are developed without the necessary quality using, in some cases, inadequate building techniques".

Already in 2002, there were 124 fatalities in industrial accidents, of which 58 occured in construction.

The major causes of death in this sector are:

- crushing;

- falls from height;

- burial;

But the high level of presented claims is not limited to construction. The branches of industry and transport are also causing many fatalities.

Now, you may be thinking, that's in Portugal. Well, it appears that despite the high rate of occupational accidents, Portugal is in the European average, with a "tax claims of around 93 injured workers for every hundred thousand". According to the study "The Social situation in the European Union 2002", the European average is of 90 accidents per hundred thousand workers.

Firms should not forget those who die from accidents at work, and those who do not. Even the ones who escape are often partially or totally disabled for life in the wake of accidents at work.

Haiti

Haiti

Our minds, hearts, prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Haiti, and also to those who are devoting their efforts to help them as best they can. Please be safe while saving others.

Dealing with serious injury

Personal injuries occur, on the most diverse work settings. As discussed in previous posts, the number and seriousness of work accidents can sucessfully be decreased by proactive prevention, but they still do occur sometimes. And when any kind of personal injury takes place, it is always a big deal, however light it may be: personal injury can mean a number of changes in the affected person's life, in some cases only temporary (like in the case of a broken finger), in others permanent (like chronic pain).

All of this is made worse, however, when serious injury occurs: massive life changes are usually required, often accompanied by a significant loss of quality of life. It usually also implies a great deal of adaptation from loved ones, as well. When a worker is seriously injured, there isn't only one victim, a variable number of significant others is also affected.

On this point, while browsing the Internet for information on that subject I came across a site (Serious Injury Law) that provides a set of free guides (a small online form needs to be completed before the download) on how to deal with a variety of elements related to such occurances. They can be found at these links: serious injury guides and spinal injury guides. I had a chance to read some, finding their contents interesting, as they cover information on relevant topics such as:

- Know what a serious injury solicitor can do for you, and how to choose one
- Compensation and case funding
- Information on the spine (a very vulnerable area)
- Planning in the event of spinal injury

The information they contain is presented in a clear, concise and informative style, and can be helpful if you are seeking professional services in those areas. As expected, it includes the firm's contact in case you wish to know more (initial discussions of personal cases seem to be provided free of charge, which is a plus).

In the case of severe injury, the intervention of professionals of multiple areas is always essential, to help people to better cope and start the path to the best possible recovery. The needs of both the victim and their loved ones should be taken care of, to ensure proper conditions.

Helplessness can easily set in after such events, making it hard to plan or act. Remember, five main things must be assured, when disaster does strike:

- Expert legal counsel
- Specialized psychological support for self and loved ones
- A proper rehabilitation plan
- Appropriate living conditions (which includes issues like mobility and communication)
- Favourable financial assistance, if necessary

Relevant things to think about, and useful information for reference, on a subject most people hope to never have to deal with. Prevention and good practices can save lives, in more ways than one; expert knowledge in key areas, in turn, can provide support in the face of what can no longer be avoided.