Blog | Page 12 | Dye & Russell | Personal Injury Lawyers

Know your Liabilities at the Dog Park

For your precious pooch, trips to the dog park can be a weekly highlight. Chasing tails, competitive fetch, and sniffing new scents make off leash parks ideal places for owners to stop by on their daily dog walks to help socialize their pet. However, things can go south quickly if owners fail to monitor their dog’s activity and temperament.

You see, dogs are mans best friend – until they’re not. A dog bite, whether the victim is a human or another dog, can be extremely painful to deal with depending on the severity and location of the attack.

If you’re planning on heading to the dog park anytime in the near future, be sure to brush up on everything you need to know about dog bite liability:

Don’t Rule your Pup Out

Don’t think your dog will bite another dog or stranger at the off-leash park? Canada sees 500,000 dog bites each year, and all of those offending pups were certainly just as beloved to their owners as your animal is to you.

Unfortunately, most people do not understand the responsibilities they have as dog owners, and the legal troubles that they can face if their canine bites. Even the most well-behaved and diligently trained dogs can pose a risk – as humans can never fully understand the behaviour of animals when they’re placed in unfamiliar territory.

Regardless of whether or not your dog is always on his or her best behaviour around loved ones, always be aware that things can take a turn for the worse when owners become too lax about supervision.

Know your Responsibilities

If your dog bites another dog or owner, and there were witnesses to the event, the victim has the right to phone animal services. If contact is made, animal services job will then be to find out whether or not your dog is “vicious or dangerous.” This definition could mean any of the following:

A dog that has attacked, bitten, or caused injury to a person or has demonstrated a propensity, tendency, or disposition to do so.
A dog that, while running at large, has aggressively pursued or harassed a person.
A dog that, while running at large, has aggressively pursued or harassed a domestic animal.
A dog with a known propensity to attack or injure a person without provocation.

However, if your animal is found to be a threat, it doesn’t mean you will be ordered to put it down. In some locations, dog bite cases result in public muzzling rulings for the animal.

The Reality of Legal Proceedings

Although Ontario used to judge cases based on the “one bite” rule, that allowed dogs one bite before their owner could be found negligent, things have changed dramatically.

The Dog Owner’s Liability Act in Ontario rules that proving owner negligence is not required of dog bite victims when seeking compensation for their injuries. However, if your dog has bitten someone, the liabilities you may be asked to pay can vary depending on whether your canine was provoked or teased by the victim.

At the end of the day, domesticated animals rarely attack unless they feel threatened. Before taking your dog to the park, it’s imperative that they are already adequately socialized with other dogs and animals to ensure they don’t become overwhelmed and fearful when faced with a plethora of new furry faces. Even once the dog park is part of your basic routine, stay diligent and never take your eyes off your pet.

If you or your pet has been attacked at the dog park, seeking compensation for medical expenses can be an important step on the path to full recovery.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

August 15, 2016 Uncategorized

Who’s at Fault for Gym-Related Injuries?

Injuries can happen anywhere. Whether you’re doing something as simple as walking down the street, or engaging in a heated session of high-octane water sports – risk permeates all activities. In particular settings however, the presence of competitive rivalry can increase risk of injury due to the desire to out-perform.

No, were not talking about the sports field.

The location we are referring to is the one you go to after work to decompress, the place where you run for miles without even getting anywhere, that room where you physically challenge yourself and push your mental limits.

Yes, we mean the gym.

As much as the gym is a fantastic place to blow off steam, trim down, bulk up, and transition into a healthy headspace, it is also a place where injury occurrences are common.

If you’ve been injured at the gym, it can be tricky to get to the bottom of the case. Who is to blame? The manufacturer of the machine you injured yourself on? The gym owner who failed to maintain the machines? Or does the responsibility fall upon you?

Did you Sign a Waiver?

People injure themselves at the gym frequently due to dated and/or faulty equipment and careless management teams. However, most gym owners are aware of the risks that their facilities pose, and ensure that prospective gym members sign liability waivers that release them off any responsibility if an injury occurs. If you’ve been injured in an accident that was clearly the fault of your gyms’ slipshod management, but you signed a waiver, your case will be much harder to prove.

Furthermore, if you signed a liability form, your gym owner likely has no legal responsibility to provide you with the gym’s insurance information. However, it’s still wise to ask and try to get in touch with the company to see if you are eligible to receive a gym insurance settlement.

This is the optimal route to take, as gym-related injury claims are often dismissed before they reach trial due to the waivers that were signed by the injured before the accident occurred.

Don’t give up yet

Although gym-related injury claims can be hard to prove, loopholes residing in the waiver signed can often be the key to receiving the compensation necessary for your healing process. These loopholes can include:

Vague Language: When the waiver was too confusing for the prospective gym member to fully understand what they were signing.
Gross Negligence: When the gym owner displays zero care for the safety of his or her gym members to the point where it appears they are deliberately violating their right to safety. In order to win your case on a gross negligence claim, you must tie the injury you experienced to the negligent act that was committed by the gym owner.

Build your Case in the Moment

If you happen to become injured in the future at the gym, it’s imperative that you act quickly and strategically. Moments after the injury, if you are physically able, ensure that you take pictures of the cause of the accident. Furthermore, collect the contact information of any witnesses, so that you have them for testimonial purposes when the time comes.

While seeking compensation for a personal injury is a noble thing that sufferers can do for themselves after they have been involved in an accident, it is not always an easy path to retribution. Working with a personal injury lawyer who can assist them throughout the legal process, providing solid advice and strategies to win their case, is the best move to be made.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

August 8, 2016 Uncategorized

Why Wearing a Helmet is Non-Negotiable

Although cycling is a year round activity for some, every summer, many bicycles are dusted off and taken out of their winter hibernation to hit the open road. Cycling is a cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and physically challenging method of transportation.

However, biking does not come without its risks of injury. While a sprained wrist is one thing, bicycling-related brain injuries exist in an entirely different ballpark. In fact, up to 40 percent of all cycling injuries are brain injuries. Furthermore, this type of injury accounts for 45 to 100 percent of all youth related cycling deaths. Due to these startling statistics, it is vital that all cyclists take preventative measures to avoid suffering from a traumatic brain injury.

Despite being aware of the debilitating effects that brain injuries can have upon the lives of sufferers, many individuals still choose to forgo wearing a helmet. As personal injury lawyers, we at Dye and Russell have seen firsthand the aftermath of cycling related brain injuries. Here’s what you need to know if you’re committed to brain injury prevention:

A Concussion is a Brain Injury

The fact that a concussion is a brain injury is not widely understood. In fact, public knowledge surrounding the frequency and severity of concussive injuries is dramatically low.

When the brain experiences a concussive blow, its protective cerebral spinal fluid cannot absorb the shock. Thus, the gelatin-like brain moves around inside the skull, injuring the organ in the process. Additionally, repeat concussions can cause irreversible damage to an individuals’ cognitive function.

Since many concussions go undiagnosed, here are the symptoms that individuals often fail to recognize are due to a brain injury, according to the Mayo Clinic:

Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Amnesia surrounding the accident
Dizziness or “seeing stars”
Ringing in the ears
Nausea
Vomiting
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Appearing dazed
Fatigue

Some symptoms however, can fail to show themselves for hours or days after the concussive blow, such as:

Concentration and memory problems
Irritability and other personality changes
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances
Psychological adjustment problems and depression
Disorders of taste and smell

Wearing a Helmet is Non-Negotiable

It has been proven that in provinces that enforce legislation regarding helmet use for children, brain injury rates plummet.

So consider it logically: If your head hits the pavement unprotected, the severity of your concussion will be heightened due to the lack of shock absorption that a helmet would’ve provided.

How to pick out a Proper Helmet:

If you’re planning on simply biking recreationally, ask your local bike store staff to outfit you with a multi-use helmet. These lightweight helmets often come with a visor to protect your eyes from the sun, and are ideal for those who aren’t planning on taking their bicycle out into the mountains. Additionally, it’s imperative that you ensure your helmet is fitted to your head before you leave the store. Finally, if your helmet is dropped on the floor, or later becomes involved in a collision, it must be replaced immediately even if it appears to be totally intact.

Wearing a helmet is the number one thing anybody can do to take control of their personal health and safety.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

August 1, 2016 Road Safety

Summer Sports: How to Avoid Concussions on the Field

In today’s technologically driven society, the amount of time the average person spends outdoors has dramatically decreased. Children are foregoing playing games around the neighbourhood in favour of playing games on their iPads, and adults would rather count their steps with a fitness tracker than go for a Bluetooth-free stroll in the park. While the weather restricts people’s ability to spend quality time outdoors for many months of the year, summertime is when everything changes.

Summer sports leagues are hugely popular, and despite all the tempting technology out there, they remain one of the top ways for individuals to get fresh air and exercise. However, many outdoor sports pose the risk of concussions, and many individuals are not properly educated on what this means.

So what Exactly is a Concussion?

Think of your brain as gelatin. When you shake gelatin on a plate, it jiggles quite easily. However, the brain is a sensitive organ, and when you hit your head hard enough, your brain can physically move around the inside of your skull.

When this happens, a concussion can occur. These traumatic brain injuries are far more common than most people think, and can have devastating effects on the lives of sufferers. While they are mostly temporary, concussive effects can include headaches, memory problems, and concentration, balance, and coordination issues. Although most people recover fully from concussions, a person who has suffered multiple concussions, such as an athlete, may not.

Sports-related Concussions

Any blow to the head can induce a concussion, and that is why athletes must take great caution when participating in sports. For women, soccer players experience the highest risk, at a 50% chance of occurrence. For men, football is the sport that has the highest risk of concussion – at 75%. Due to the startling fact that 47% of athletes report no symptoms after experiencing a concussion, it is imperative that you check in with your body if you fear a concussive blow may have struck you.

Once an athlete has experienced their first concussion, the likelihood of sustaining another one doubles. Concussion reoccurrence is very common, in fact, if an athlete has had two concussions, they are 2-4 times more likely to sustain a third. Furthermore, if an athlete has experienced three concussions, they are 3-9 times more likely to experience a fourth. Each concussion leaves the brain more sensitive to future injury, and that is why preventative measures must be taken to avoid potentially permanent damage.

Minimize your Risk

Before hitting the field, ensure that you are aware of these effective strategies for minimizing your risk of sustaining a concussion:

Replace any old protective equipment with new gear. For example, if your helmet has fallen on the floor or been hit by another object, it needs to be tossed out for a new one, as helmets lose their effectiveness once they have suffered a blow.
Avoid head bumping the ball at all costs.
Sportsmanship is honourable. Don’t be overly aggressive because you may wind up hurt. In fact, 78% of sports-related concussions are sustained during games, when competitive rivalry is kicked into high gear.

Summer sports leagues provide the ideal opportunity for individuals to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. By educating yourself and implementing these preventative measures, you can participate in your favourite sports concussion-free.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

July 25, 2016 Uncategorized

Sharing the Road with Cyclists: What you need to Know

Despite common rhetoric, cyclists and drivers can get along just fine. Regardless of the fact that the road is a narrow place, drivers must be mindful that they are sharing it with their two-wheeled counterparts. When in a car, it can be easy to forget to keep your eyes peeled for bicycles. However, drivers of motorized vehicles must understand the vulnerable state that all cyclists ride in.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), each year, hundreds of cyclists die in motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, 7,500 cyclists are seriously injured while commuting. As a driver, it is your responsibility to keep the road safe for yourself, and every person around you, as bicycles and cars are both entitled to space on the road.

The good news is, you can expand your knowledge on how to safely share the road with cyclists with these helpful tips:

Know Their Rules

In order to know how to co-exist peacefully with cyclists on the road, you need to be aware of their rules of the road. Many vehicle drivers believe that cyclists are required by law to ride within a metre of the curb, however, this information is false. While cyclists do tend to stick near the curb in order to minimize their risk of accident, they are not required to when they are keeping the speed of surrounding traffic. Furthermore, just like cars, cyclists also need to change lanes. If a cyclist needs to make a left turn, he or she is permitted to do so from a left-turn lane.

In order for you to minimize your risk of colliding with a bicycle, you must be aware of the freedom they have to ride wherever they so choose. While most bikers will stay on your right, be cautious and always check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure you are aware if one is ever coming up behind you from another side.

Know Your Rules

In order to avoid a fine or collision, it’s imperative that you’re aware of the unique rules that drivers must follow pertaining to cyclists. When passing a bicycle on the road, you are required to maintain a minimum distance of one metre between where your car is driving and where their bike is riding. While many drivers, notably city ones, ignore this rule, you should not follow suit. Failure to comply with this law can result in a fine within the range of $60 to $500, plus two demerits on your record, and a dramatically increased risk of accident.

While car drivers have signals to communicate with one another what their next move will be, cyclists do not. You may notice some relying on arm movements to indicate the intent to turn, however, no bicycles have break lights to warn vehicles when they are slowing down or stopping. It remains crucial to everyone’s safety that you avoid following too closely behind any bikers due to this.

Intersection Caution

Intersections are a hotbed for miscommunication and accidents. In fact, cyclists are more likely to be killed or injured when moving through an intersection. You can do your part to keep cyclists safe at intersections a variety of different ways. On a right turn, signalling and checking your mirrors and blind spot can decrease your chances of cutting a cyclist off. On a left turn, be sure to wait for any oncoming cyclists to get by you before making your move. Finally, when driving through an intersection, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled not only for cars, but also cyclists who are turning left.

Everyone has somewhere to be, but unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents happen every day due to individuals rushing to arrive at their final destination. While cyclists have an enormous role to play in ensuring they ride safely, drivers must understand the susceptibility they experience to accidents.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

July 18, 2016 Road Safety

How to Stay Safe at the Beach

In the summertime, packing your bags in the car and heading out to the beach is a familiar past time. Building sandcastles on the sand, surfing in the riptide, and enjoying soft serve cones on the boardwalk are all important rites of passage. However, while the beach provides an ideal location to visit on a sweltering summer afternoon, it also poses a multitude of risks for those who fail to take proper safety precautions.

Here are our tips for staying safe at the beach that will ensure you only have fun in the sun:

Check the Weather

If you’re driving a significant distance from your home to head to the beach, it’s wise to check the forecast for your destination. Ensure that there are no traveling thunderstorms that could make their way over to your location, as being anywhere near water when there is lightning striking is immensely dangerous.

Find some Shade

Nobody enjoys going to the beach on an overcast day, however, although the sun is warm and mood enhancing, it’s imperative that you don’t spend too much time in it. The first step to proper sun safety is applying sunscreen to yourself and any children before you even exit the car. With all the excitement of the beach, sunscreen application can be easily forgotten. It’s not uncommon for individuals who forego sunscreen to end up with symptoms of sunburn or sunstroke such as swelling, blisters, fever, chills, nausea, headache, or overall bodily weakness. Unchecked sun exposure can cause third-degree burns in some cases, so it’s vital to be mindful of the dangers and find some shade.

Expert tip: Another tried and true method to combat the negative effects of excessive sun exposure is to stay hydrated. So make sure to pack ice cold water bottles in your beach bag!

Swim with Caution

Swimming at the local pool is one thing. You have smooth tiled floors, still waters, and a lifeguard but metres away. However, swimming at the beach requires much more intense concentration. If the water is choppy and you aren’t a strong swimmer, opt to participate in beach sports instead until the waves die down. Strong waves can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones, dislocated shoulders, and in some cases, spinal cord injuries and blunt organ trauma. When you are ready to get in the water, swim along the shore instead of towards the horizon, as the lake or ocean floor can drop off dramatically and leave you unable to touch the bottom, fatigued, and far from the shore. Furthermore, try to swim near the lifeguard station – as most drowning accidents occur in unguarded areas.

Beach outings are the ultimate weekend getaway activity, whether you’re simply looking to relax your mind with the sounds of waves hitting the shore, or get your adrenaline pumping with high-octane beach and water sports. By taking precautions beforehand and educating yourself and your loved ones about the risk factors of the beach, you can ensure that your trip is injury free.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

July 11, 2016 Uncategorized

How to Practice Campfire Safety This Summer

In Ontario, summertime is often synonymous with camping season. Each weekend, city residents hop in their SUVs and head out towards the water or woods for much needed serenity. Camping is a fun filled activity, and campfires provide the ideal location for family and friends to huddle together and enjoy one another’s company.

However, fire can be unpredictable, and it can take only a brief moment of absentmindedness for your entire weekend getaway to go up in flames. Unfortunately, only 1 second of contact with a campfire can cause a 3^rd degree burn, and many children are burned the morning after a fire due to the leftover heat from hot ashes.

If you plan to hit the campsite this summer for a little R&R, ensure that you consider these campfire safety tips to avoid injury:

Campfire Planning

Before you head out into the wilderness, it’s imperative that you conduct a little pre-planning. Double check that there are no open-air burning restrictions or fire bans. You should also ensure that you scan the weather forecast for indications of any unsafe conditions that can affect your campfire, such as strong winds. Furthermore, before any flame is lit, it’s important to have a fire safety chat with your family and friends, so that everyone can be prepared in the case of an emergency.

Once you’ve arrived

After your arrival, once you are ready to build your campfire, there is more to consider in terms of where and how to maintain it. Use an existing fire pit, and if this is not possible, use rocks to construct a fire ring. When choosing a location to build your fire ring, it’s crucial that you avoid areas near any tents, trailers, overhanging branches, or tall grasses, as these are all extremely flammable.

When starting your fire, do not burn aerosol cans, pop cans, garbage, or use flammable liquids to ignite it. While your fire burns, be sure to keep a pail of water and shovel nearby in case the flames begin to rise. Furthermore, any stacks of wood should be placed upwind, so that flying embers cannot ignite the woodpile.

Your fire should never be left unattended, and any horseplay should be discouraged within the vicinity of it. If you’re traveling with small children, keep them away from any matches, and restrict them from adding logs to the fire or stepping near it. Clothing should also be monitored, as the risk of children’s apparel catching on fire during marshmallow roasting is high.

Putting out the Flames

Leaving the wood from your fire to burn to ash is the best route to take, and all embers must be drowned in water before a fire can be considered put out. After you’ve doused your flames, stir the ashes and embers until the material cools.

While campfires are a classic bonding location, they also pose a high risk for burn injuries. It’s imperative that precautions are taken to minimize the risk of injury, and precaution begins with education. By educating yourself and your family members on fire safety measures, you can ensure that your weekend getaway is injury free.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

July 5, 2016 Uncategorized

How to Help your Children Avoid Swimming Related Accidents at the Pool

Whether you have one in your backyard or not, every summer, kids are going to find their way to the nearest pool. In a child’s mind, what’s not fun about going for a swim on a hot day? It provides them with the opportunity to splash, do fun tricks off the diving board, and use their new pair of water wings.

In the mind of a parent, however, pools can pose a serious risk to the safety of their child. Each year, nearly 1,000 children die from drowning. But this cause of fatality is far from the only risk plaguing pool-going kids. Slip and fall accidents caused by wet surfaces can lead to potential head injuries for young children.

Here are ways that you can reduce the risk of accident in your backyard pool:

Install a Fence

As a parent, the risk associated with taking your eyes off your kids is only exacerbated if there is a pool in the vicinity. If you have small children, it’s advised you consider surrounding your pool with a fence, to minimize the potential risk of them falling in. When choosing which type of fence you want to install, be sure to avoid the chain link variety, as children can easily maneuver their way over it by climbing. Additionally, pick a tall enough fence, so that your kids do not have the ability to unlatch the gate.

Watch out for Drains

Pool drains pose a risk to children due to their powerful suction. Warn your children to stay away from drains, and keep your eyes on them while they swim, as their small body parts and hair can easily get sucked into the drains and cause painful injury. In addition to these preventative measures, you can opt to purchase drain covers to limit the risk.

Safety Equipment

Don’t store your floatation ring and safety rope in the shed adjacent to the pool. In the event of an emergency, safety devices need to be conveniently placed in order for you to act quickly to prevent a potentially fatal accident. Furthermore, when you are lounging by the pool watching your children swim, ensure that your cellphone is nearby, in the event that you need to call emergency services.

Clean up Toys

If your children enjoy floating on inflatable objects or pool noodles, it is imperative that you do not leave them in the pool after swim time is over. Doing so can tempt a small child to reach for one of their toys when they aren’t swimming, which can potentially lead to them falling in unsupervised.

Constant Supervision

Just because your child is a strong swimmer doesn’t mean they can’t fall victim to slip and fall accidents, or even drowning. In addition to outlining pool rules that prohibit children from running near, or roughhousing in the water, you must remain vigilant and supervise them while they’re swimming.

Invest in a Safety Cover

Finally, purchasing a high quality, motorized pool cover to prohibit access to your pool overnight can also minimize the risk of your child falling in.

Summer days spent at the pool can provide hours of aquatic entertainment. Don’t take any chances with your child’s safety. By taking these poolside precautions and remaining attentive around young swimmers, you’ll dramatically reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

June 27, 2016 Uncategorized

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month – Everything you Need to Know

The arrival of the summer season isn’t the only notable thing that’s happening this June. In fact, the sixth month of the year is brain injury awareness month. This type of injury occurs in higher incidences than breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and HIV/AIDs put together. However, while brain injuries are strikingly common, they go largely unnoticed by the general public.

Within the brain disorder community, a heavy emphasis has been placed upon the importance that public knowledge has on reducing the incidences of these traumatic injuries. Therefore, organizations from the grassroots to provincial level have dedicated their time to work towards increasing awareness.

So what is a Brain Injury?

Aptly put, an acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain that is not caused by genetics. Since these injuries can be caused by lack of oxygen, traumatic blows to the head, and severe neck rotation or whiplash, even concussions are classified as brain injuries.

While concussions are a mild form of traumatic brain injury, the symptoms can have serious effects on the sufferer’s health. According to Brain Injury Canada, these include:

Amnesia
Confusion
Headache
Nausea
Sensitivity to light or noise
Dizziness
Impaired vision
Concentration and memory problems
Slowed reaction time
Loss of consciousness
Feeling foggy or lethargic
Feeling increasingly irritable

Just how Prevalent are they?

Approximately 1.5 million Canadians live with this type of injury, with 160,000 new sufferers each year, yet the public knowledge of brain injury related deaths and disabilities is low. In reality, there are 451 people who suffer from new brain injuries each day. Falls and motor vehicle accidents cause around 50% of these injuries, and it’s been reported that 30% are sustained by children. Brain injuries are additionally the top killer and disabler of individuals younger than 44-years-old. Furthermore, sufferers are two times more likely to be men, while the recovery process takes longer for women.

Seeking Treatment

Brain injury Canada advises that if you suspect you may be suffering from a brain injury, it’s imperative that you receive treatment as soon as possible. After a sudden sharp blow to the head, the brain requires time to recover, which can typically involve prescribed bed rest and limited stimuli.

However, brain injury Canada insists that identifying a concussion can involve a handful of steps. It’s typical for doctors to conduct a neurological exam that involves testing of the memory, concentration, balance, coordination, and vision. If additional tests are necessary, they may involve a CT scan or MRI to rule out any additional brain injuries.

In some cases, neuropsychological testing is necessary to pinpoint any subtle changes to memory function. Furthermore, additional balance testing can be helpful for sufferers.

How to Lower your Risk

Participating in high-intensity sports and recreational activities can increase your risk of brain injury. Therefore, it’s imperative that protective body and headgear are worn, so that your equipment, as opposed to body, absorbs the impact of any potential blow. Furthermore, it’s essential when playing sports, that you take all the necessary cautions to avoid any contact between your head and other objects and players.

In addition to sports-related injuries, many brain injuries are caused by motorized vehicle accidents. Due to this, ensure that you always wear a seat belt and that any children are safely secured in a booster seat in the back of your car.

Furthermore, slip and fall accidents pose a serious risk of injury. To prevent falls, you can install handrails on staircases and bathroom walls, discard any area rugs, adequately light your home, de-clutter your floors, place a non-slip mat in your shower, and go for regular eye exams.

If you have children, there are many ways you can lower their risk of injury as well. By installing safety gates by stairways, visiting playgrounds that have shock absorbing materials on the ground, and using window guards to prevent falls, you can dramatically reduce your child’s chances of suffering an injury.

This June, the work that is being done to raise brain injury awareness is crucial for the public understanding of this otherwise silent epidemic. Brain injury does not discriminate, and can occur to individuals across all cultural and economic backgrounds. Similar to many disabilities, brain injuries do not only affect sufferers, but can dramatically affect the lives of their loved ones.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

June 20, 2016 Uncategorized

5 Road Trip Safety Tips for the Open Road this Summer

During the summer months, many families choose to pack up their vehicles and hit the pavement for adventure filled road trips. Although car trips can induce a sense of freedom and possibility, they can also pose a serious risk when drivers fail to navigate the roads safely.

So before you embark upon your summer road trip, ensure that you’re aware of these safety precautions that must be taken to ensure a safe arrival at your destination:

Plan Ahead

First and foremost, it’s crucial to map out your route before you sit down in your vehicle. In doing so, you will learn ahead of time if you will be encountering any obstacles such as construction zones. In addition, planning ahead gives drivers the confidence of knowing how long the drive will take, so they can plan accordingly and avoid rushing through traffic to make it to their destination on time.

Double Check Items in Tow

It’s imperative that if you are towing a trailer, a boat, or any other item behind your vehicle, you ensure that it is secured properly. If it’s a trailer, double check that the lights on it are working, so that the traffic following behind you can see if you are about to pull over or turn. Furthermore, confirm that the trailer tires are in good shape, to avoid any potentially dangerous accidents on the highway.

Avoid Distracted Driving

The digital age has created the pressing issue of smartphone addiction. If you’re operating a vehicle, you should comply to a strict “no cell phone” rule, to avoid any temptation to check your phone. Distracted driving is a highly dangerous plague to the safety of drivers everywhere.

Luckily, Ontario law now deems it illegal for drivers to use their phones for communication purposes while on the road. Still, not everyone adheres to these laws, and those who use their cell phone behind the wheel are four times more likely to crash than those who focus on driving. Not only do you amplify the risk of causing your passengers harm by checking your phone, you further put the safety of surrounding vehicles in jeopardy.

However, if you’re on the road and desperately need to make a call, you are permitted to do so using Bluetooth technology and the hands-free function on your phone.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving entails driving with the sole intent of avoiding collision. This may mean remaining even-tempered when faced with aggressive drivers, maintaining a comfortable speed, and also a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. By having patience and practicing defensive driving, you limit the risk of injuring yourself, your passengers, and the people in surrounding vehicles.

Stay Focused

If your trips point a is a considerable distance from its point b, you’re going to need to ensure that you get the rest you require in order to avoid a fatigue related collision. You should not allow the excitement and anticipation of reaching your destination impair your judgment of when it’s time to take a break from driving. Furthermore, be sure to take frequent stops at gas stations, even if you don’t need to purchase anything, so that you can stretch and increase your alertness and blood circulation.

By taking these safety precautions on your road trip, you’ll dramatically lower your risk of getting into an accident on your journey.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

June 14, 2016 Driving, Road Safety

Know your Liabilities at the Dog Park

Why Wearing a Helmet is Non-Negotiable

Sharing the Road with Cyclists: What you need to Know

How to Stay Safe at the Beach

How to Practice Campfire Safety This Summer

How to Help your Children Avoid Swimming Related Accidents at the Pool

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month – Everything you Need to Know

5 Road Trip Safety Tips for the Open Road this Summer

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