Blog | Page 3 | Dye & Russell | Personal Injury Lawyers

The Dye & Russell Difference

At Dye & Russell, we do more for our clients thanks to our unique and collaborative approach. We are highly respected because of our attention to detail, our focus on client service, and our collaborative approach. Working previously with insurance companies gives us the upper hand because we understand the ins and outs of insurance and how adjusters work. We can expertly assess cases, and we know how to quickly settle them for the right amount.

We have built an exceptional reputation for getting our clients what they deserve. Coupled with our wealth of knowledge in the insurance field, we also have incredible negotiation skills to ensure you are getting the best possible settlement.

When you work with Dye & Russell, we promise to focus on your physical, emotional, and financial needs as you work through your recovery process.

We take a collaborative approach with every one of our clients. We want to ensure that all parties are completely engaged in your case – this includes the client, families, health care providers and our exceptional legal team. We will keep you fully informed throughout the entire process, and updated on all developments. Unlike many other firms, Peter and John will personally oversee your case.

Our areas of expertise include:

You can count on Dye & Russell to fight for your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation and benefits you deserve. We are relentless in our approach to obtaining the maximum compensation for our clients. We are also here to help and support you on your road to recovery. We provide a level of compassion for our clients and their families that goes beyond most firms.

No one understands the laws that affect your rights to compensation better than us. With our legal experience in the insurance industry, we provide the right insight to ensure you receive the best results possible.

When you need a team of personal injury lawyers you can trust, contact Dye & Russell. Whether you have suffered a slip and fall injury or were in a car accident, give us a call for a free claim evaluation. As top personal injury lawyers, we are more than happy to guide you through the entire process and provide you with more information on the best course of action.

June 28, 2023 Uncategorized

Steps to Prevent a Traumatic Brain Injury

Discover the power of prevention: Safeguarding your children’s well-being at home and preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) is within your grasp. From simple precautions to comprehensive safety measures, learning how to protect your family and prevent a traumatic brain injury is essential.

There are several ways you can reduce your risk of experiencing a traumatic brain injury. These are a few of them:

Wear a Seatbelt

Wearing a seat belt in a vehicle is an essential safety measure that significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury in the event of a car accident. The human brain is incredibly vulnerable to sudden and forceful movements, especially during high-impact collisions. The seat belt acts as a crucial restraint system, distributing the forces of impact over the stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis, and preventing the head from striking hard surfaces within the vehicle.

Use a Helmet

Whenever you and your kids participate in activities, like riding a bike, or using a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, it is important to have and use the right helmet. You also need to use the right helmet for sporting activities like skiing, skating, skateboarding, baseball, football, horseback riding, and hockey. A helmet acts as a protective barrier, absorbing and dispersing the force of an impact over a larger surface area. By providing a cushioning effect, helmets help to mitigate the direct force that could otherwise be transferred to the brain, thereby reducing the risk of traumatic brain injury.

Reduce The Risk of Falling

To prevent slip and falls and reduce the risk of TBIs, several measures can be taken. Regular inspection and maintenance of walking surfaces to address hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or debris is essential. Installing adequate lighting and signage, implementing anti-slip measures such as non-slip mats or coatings, and ensuring proper handrails and guardrails are in place can all contribute to preventing slip and falls. Additionally, promoting awareness and providing education on the importance of being mindful of surroundings, using proper footwear, and practicing good balance and posture can help individuals avoid such accidents and mitigate the risk of traumatic brain injuries.

Increase Children’s Safety

A traumatic brain injury can have severe and long-lasting effects on a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent this from occurring. These include taking the right precautions during sports and recreational activities, wearing helmets and other protective gear, and wearing a seatbelt.

Additionally, there are numerous methods to ensure the safety of your children within the confines of your home. Install window guards to prevent young children from climbing out of windows and install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. Lay soft material under any playground equipment so your children can play safely.

If you have encountered a traumatic brain injury, contact the experts at Dye & Russell for a free consultation.

June 14, 2023 Uncategorized

Tips to Ride an ATV Safely

Now that the warm weather is here, there are so many outdoor activities to try like ATV riding. ATVs and other off-road vehicles (ORVs) can be a lot of fun, but there are rules to follow to ensure safe driving. ATVs do not have the same amount of safety features that other vehicles have so it is important to be aware of this.

ATVs, much like other motor vehicles, present their own set of risks. Driving an ATV is a very different experience than driving a car so it is imperative that you have the right experience for this type of vehicle. Depending on the type of ATV you have, some ATVs can reach highway speeds. However, ATVs are not built with the same safety features as cars and other motor vehicles like seat belts, crumple zones and airbags. All of these risks should be considered before you begin riding your ATV.

5 Safety Tips for ATVs and RVs

Follow local laws for ATVs or Off-Road Vehicles

Before you hit the road, it is important that you understand your province’s ATV or Off-Road Vehicle laws. It will cover everything you need to know including where you can ride and tips on how to ride safely.

Your ATV is not a toy

ATVs can be a lot of fun, but it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to prevent any potential injuries. ATV/ORV safety should be taken seriously to prevent any potential accidents.

Safety gear is important

One of the best ways to stay safe while riding an ATV is wearing the right safety equipment. Some of this safety gear includes helmets, goggles, long shirts and pants, and boots. Wearing the right safety gear will help to protect you if you get into an accident.

Maintain your ATV on a regular basis

There is nothing more important than staying on top of your ATV maintenance. Regularly maintaining your ATV is crucial in preventing breakdowns and avoiding potential accidents.

Steps to Take After an ATV Accident

If you have been in a collision or car accident, the steps you take afterwards are critical. Getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer that specializes in ATV accidents will help you determine if you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Practicing ATV safety is essential to ensure a fun and enjoyable riding experience. By following these ATV safety tips, including wearing appropriate protective gear, maintaining the ATV properly, and avoiding dangerous riding behaviors, riders can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. It is crucial to always prioritize safety while riding an ATV to prevent potential harm to oneself and others.

To learn more about ATV safety tips, contact Dye & Russell. Whether you have questions about slip and falls, car accidents or trauma, we can answer any questions or concerns you may have about staying safe on the road.

May 25, 2023 Uncategorized

Spring in to Cycling Season

One of the more popular past times when the weather starts to get nicer is cycling. Now that Spring has finally sprung, you can expect to see an increase in the number of people spending time outdoors. Cycling is a great way to stay healthy, remain active and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Among all the benefits cycling has to offer, there are also a number of risks. Here are our tips on how to stay safe as you kick off this cycle season.

Check your bike

Its been a while since your bike has seen the outdoors. Make sure you give it a once over before you take it out for the first ride of the season. Check for things such as tire pressure and whether the tire spokes are secure and undamaged. Do your brakes work? What about the chain, has it rusted? Determine what, if any, issues you have and what your next step is. Can you fix it yourself, or do you need to call a repair shop? If you are unsure, bring it in to a bike shop just in case.

Safety equipment

Hitting the road again after a long winter can be a bit nerve wracking. Taking things slow and following the proper steps to being safe on the road can help prevent injury later. We can argue that a helmet is the most important piece of equipment for a cyclist. It can help prevent against concussions and even brain injury. Other preventative safety measures can include adding reflectors and lights to your bike and wearing bright clothes. Keeping yourself visible is the key.

Hit the Road

At last, the time has finally come. Your bike has been through its version of spring cleaning and you are ready to go. Make sure you check both ways before you cross the street, brush up on your hand signals, and be careful around areas that can become slippery and dangerous when wet (e.g., wood, painted brick).

Even if you and your children are practicing safe cycling, sometimes you can still be injured by others. If you or someone you love has been injured by another party’s negligence while cycling we can help with their recovery journey

April 14, 2023 Road Safety

How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other serious injury, focusing on your recovery and getting the appropriate medical attention is important. If the injury occurred in a motor vehicle accident, at work or home, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. A lawyer can also help explain your options if your injuries were the result of negligence or malpractice.

There are many reasons why contacting a personal injury lawyer is in your best interest. Here are our top four:

1. A personal injury lawyer will help answer your questions.

Anyone that has been seriously injured or had a loved one struggle with a major injury undoubtedly has questions. Personal injury lawyers with experience handling serious injury cases can help answer your important questions, such as “What happened?” and “Do we have a case?”.

A personal injury lawyer will conduct a factual investigation through interviews, review of records, and through the experience of professional investigators/consultants to gain information leading up to and at the time of your injury.

The insurance companies representing any possible defendants will be conducting the same type of investigations. The experts at Dye and Russell have experience working with insurance companies and know how to get you the settlement you deserve.

2. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand why an injury may have occurred.

Individuals that have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as their families, may not recognize that other individuals or entities may have contributed to their injury.

A lawyer will be able to assist in identifying all the individuals or entities that may have been a contributing factor to your injury. They will also ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the full extent of the law.

3. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand your rights so you can make informed decisions.

Many serious injuries, such as a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), are often permanent and require a considerable number of medical treatments and/or ongoing care.

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, like the ones at Dye and Russell, will help preserve your right to civil action. Our experienced lawyers will work with you to understand your options and help you make an informed decision about moving forward with your case.

4. A personal injury lawyer will help ensure you are fully compensated.

We understand how injuries impact you and your family in the present and how you will be impacted in the future.

The lawyers at Dye and Russell will work to ensure you and your family receive the maximum settlement that you are entitled to for current and future medical expenses. A personal injury lawyer will also seek compensation for current and future pain and suffering, both physical and mental, as well as any loss of wages.

Consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer in the wake of an accident is in your best interest. A lawyer will answer your questions and help you understand your rights or why an injury may have occurred. They are there to make sure you receive the maximum settlement you deserve so you can make a full recovery. Contact the team at Dye and Russell today by calling 1-877-883-6171.

March 15, 2023 Safety

How to Stay Safe when Participating in Winter Sports

Participating in winter sports can be an exhilarating experience, however, those who do not take extra precautions to learn how to stay safe when doing so are at risk of turning a fun experience into a potentially fatal one.

Fortunately, Parachute Canada has shared some top winter sport-related safety tips:

Ice Skating

“Skates should give firm ankle support and fit snugly. For youngsters whose feet are growing, softer boots are better than hard, unyielding ones.

All skaters should wear CSA-approved helmets when skating because they are tested for falls on ice. Replace helmets every five years.

Check that skate blades aren’t dull or rusted.

Teach children to skate only in places you know are safe. Check that the ice surface is in good shape without bumps, water or slush. Check for skating hazards such as pebbles, rocks and branches.

Teach children to skate with friends – never alone – and always in safe areas, away from traffic and free of obstacles.

Ice hockey

Hockey players should wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet with a compatible full-face mask. This is mandatory in organized hockey.

Helmets should be replaced every five years. They are designed to withstand falls on ice and the multiple impacts expected during hockey play, but they have this recommended limit.

Other recommended protective gear includes gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, mouth guards and for boys, an athletic support.

Ensure all protective equipment is in good condition and fits properly.

Inspect helmets regularly. Do not use a helmet with a cracked or severely scratched shell or worn liner.

Never alter a helmet. It may affect its ability to prevent injury.

Stretching and warm-ups prior to each practice and game, as well as a cool-down routine, can help to prevent injuries.

Teach children to skate heads-up when approaching the boards to prevent neck injuries.

Take head injuries seriously. To prevent brain damage, organized amateur hockey in Canada requires that any player get a physician’s permission to return to play after suffering a concussion.

Downhill skiing

Beginners should take lessons from a certified instructor.

A ski helmet is recommended for children to prevent head injury. (Helmets are also recommended for racers and high-risk environments such as back-country skiing). In 2014 the CSA released a new standard for a multi-impact ski and snowboard helmet.

Skiers should follow the buddy system. Never ski alone.

Always check your child’s ski equipment to make sure it is in good condition and fits properly. Bindings should be checked at least once a year by a qualified technician or ski shop. Bindings, boots and skis which do not fit properly or are not properly adjusted are significant risk factors for young skiers.

Do warm-up exercises and stretches before each day’s skiing.

Skiers need to stay on marked trails and follow other rules of the slopes.

Skiers should choose runs or trails that best suit their ability. Before they start out, skiers should understand the signs used to indicate the level of difficulty.

Skiers should stay alert to hazards (such as rocks, trees, and ice patches) and changes in weather and visibility.

Skiers should dress against frostbite, be sure boots are not too tight, and wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection to guard against the sun’s reflection off the snow. They should also wear sunscreen to protect against sunburns.

Skiers should quit before they get tired and before it gets dark. Fatigue and poor visibility both lead to injuries.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding requires its own set of skills. Beginners should take lessons from a certified snowboard instructor. In 2014 the CSA released a new standard for a multi-impact ski and snowboard helmet.

Snowboarders should follow all the safety tips for downhill skiers.

Helmets are widely recommended for snowboarding.

Snowboarders should dress against frostbite and wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection to guard against the sun’s reflection off the snow. They should also wear sunscreen to protect against sunburns.

Snowboarders should only use boards with full-length steel edges and stiff secure bindings. The board leash should be securely attached. Children should use short boards (no more than chest high).

Snowboarders should quit before they get tired or it gets too dark. Fatigue and poor visibility can both lead to injuries.

Snowboarders should be aware that high speeds and aerial maneuvers carry a high risk of injury.

Snowboarders should keep inside designated areas and follow other rules of the slopes.”

By adhering to these tried and tested safety rules, you can ensure you will have a wonderful time participating in winter sports this year.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call Dye & Russell Personal Injury Lawyers at 1-877-883-6171. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

February 23, 2023 General surgery, Liability Claims, Safety, Uncategorized

Hit and Run Accidents – What You Need To Know

Hit and run accidents are a particularly unconscious act on the part of the driver who caused the collision. The urge to flee the scene may be caused by a variety of reasons; however, it is never the courageous or decent move to make.

According to dmv.org, if you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident, here is the information you need to know:

“What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident is any accident in which a driver intentionally leaves the scene without providing contact information.

Examples of hit and run accidents include:

A car hits you and speeds off.
A driver hits your unattended parked car and leaves no contact information or way of collecting damages.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

While you’ll likely be feeling immense stress if you are a victim of a hit and run, it will help to stay as calm as possible and gather as much information as you can.

Having more information:

Increases the chances that the police will catch the driver who hit you.
Helps your car insurance company make decisions about your claim.

First, get as much information as you can about the car that hit you, such as:

Model.
Make.
License plate number.

Also, look around for any possible witnesses to the accident, and ask for their names and contact information.

Finally, take the following steps before leaving the scene:

Write down the time and location of the accident.
Take pictures of the accident scene.
Take pictures of your car, especially if another car’s paint is visible on it.
This will help you prove that you are not attempting to defraud your insurance company.

If the hit and run occurred when you were away from your parked car, jot down as much information as you can, such as:

Time.
Location.
Damage. ”

Following the aforementioned steps will ensure that your claim is taken seriously should you go to the police.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call Dye & Russell at 1-877-883-6171. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

January 15, 2023 Driving, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries, Uncategorized

Preventing Slips and Falls at Work

While slips and falls can be a pretty common occurrence they can be much more dangerous than you think. When we were children tumbling and springing right back up was a regular occurrence but as we get older slips and falls can pose a serious danger to our health and well-being.

According to Statistics Canada falls are a leading cause of injury in Canada. They go on to say “About 63% of seniors and one-half of adolescents were injured in falls, as were 35% of working-age adults.”

Among working-age adults, the most common location of injury is the workplace.

Everyone should feel safe in their workplace, and employers should try to help employees feel safe. Keeping health and safety as a main priority at work is crucial for everyone to keep coming back to work healthy and safe.

Not to mention, maintaining a safe work environment not only protects employees but it helps protect employers and any customers that may be on company property. To make your business a safe place the Canadian Safety Council has created tips to help you prevent slips and falls at your place of work.

Safe floors

Treating the floors at your workplace with a non-slip treatment can help create a safer walking surface for employers, employees and customers alike. Floors that you should consider applying a non-slip treatment to are surfaces that can naturally become very slippery like tiles or polished untreated concrete. Also, if your workplace has high-traffic areas where people are travelling from indoors to outdoors there is great potential in those areas for falls. The tracking in of water from snowy boots or muddy/wet shoes can make for slippery high-traffic areas.

Busy kitchens or other high-traffic areas where employees work with oils can lead to a settling and collection of oils on the floor. A non-slip treatment to act against falls in both slippery high-traffic areas and places where oils can potentially settle on the ground would be a great help. But it doesn’t end there. It’s vital that floors be cleaned regularly and that clutter is removed in order to prevent slip and fall injuries.

Safe shoes

While it’s likely you can’t really control the shoes worn by customers on your property, you can control what you and your employees wear on your feet. What shoes you wear can make all the difference in preventing a slip and fall accident.

If special shoes are required for the job that is done in your workplace, consult the supplier you order your shoes from to determine the best shoes for the floor surfaces you work on. Encourage employers, employees and customers to wear shoes that will grip well on the floors in your workplace.

Shoes that often lead to slip and falls are heels, cleats and smooth-soled shoes.

The Government of Ontario also suggests the below administrative controls to help reduce the likelihood and frequency of slip, trip and fall accidents.

“provide wet floor signage
train workers to prevent slips, trips and falls
establish safe work practices
communicate a procedure for reporting hazards
ensure prompt maintenance
design jobs to minimize tasks requiring excessive pushing/pulling, line-of-sight obstruction and over-reaching
ensure shovels, mops and buckets are readily available
correct poor work practices
conduct joint health and safety committee monthly inspections
review slip, trip and fall incidents”

While you can take precautions to be safe in the workplace sometimes a slip and fall can still occur and leave you seriously injured. If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, give Dye & Russell a call. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

December 15, 2022 Liability Claims, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries, Uncategorized

5 Tips For Safe Winter Driving

Staying safe and following the rules of the road is always important. It becomes even more important during the winter months when roads and driving conditions are less than ideal.

It is during this time that our team at Dye & Russell Personal Injury Lawyers see an increase in vehicle accidents among other seasonal accidents such as a slip and fall.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in an accident is one of the first things you should do. The experts at Dye & Russell have experience working with vehicle accident claims and understand your frustrations. They are here to get you what you deserve and make recovery as smooth as possible.

If you plan on driving anywhere this winter, here’s what you should know.

Winterize your vehicle.

Prepare your vehicle for the Canadian winter by taking the necessary precautions.

Change your tires from all-seasons to winter tires.
Properly defrost windows and remove any obstructions like ice.
Update your car safety kit with winter items like an ice scraper.

Failing to equip your vehicle with the proper tires or performing regular maintenance could lead to an accident and potentially cause serious injury. In instances when an accident has occurred reaching out to an experienced personal injury lawyer can help answer many of the questions you will no doubt have.

Keep fluid levels topped up.

In addition to regular maintenance, it is important to keep your fluids (like gas and windshield-washer fluid) topped up. Condensation in the gas tank has the potential to freeze and cause problems and a lack of windshield-washer fluid can limit visibility when driving.

The lack of visibility is a serious risk while driving in winter conditions. It is easy for ice to build up and for a vehicle to spin out of control. Should you find yourself in this situation and an accident you have been involved in has caused injuries, you should contact an expert like the lawyers at Dye & Russell. They work quickly and diligently to ensure you receive the financial and physical compensation you deserve.

Wipe off your vehicle.

Wiping snow off your vehicle reduces the likelihood of snow sliding off and obstructing the view of drivers behind you. Drivers who have been involved in an accident because of the negligence of another person should speak with a lawyer immediately.

Have a cell phone.

In the event of an accident, having a cell phone will allow you to connect with help and emergency services (if needed). It also gives you the ability to connect with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. Helping you from the start is part of the Dye & Russell experience.

By no means should a cellphone be used by the individual while driving; drivers should pull off to the side of the road before making a call.

Adjust for the road conditions.

No matter what tips you follow, adjust your driving to match the road conditions. It is your responsibility to be a safe driver and take the necessary precautions.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact the experts at Dye & Russell Personal Injury Lawyers. Their team of professionals has years of experience in personal injury law and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call and book your FREE consultation today at 1-877-883-6171 or visit www.dyeandrussell.com.

November 15, 2022 Driving, General surgery, Liability Claims, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries

Can Social Media Impact the Outcome of your Injury Claim?

In the present day, it is no secret that anything you post online goes onto your digital permanent record. Deleted posts, while not visible to your friends or family, never fully disappear. Therefore, it is extremely imperative that those who enjoy sharing photos, status updates, and location information with their social media audiences be mindful of what they choose to post.

You would not want your boss to see your long-winded status update complaining about the new office policy, would you? Our guess is no. However, job security is no longer the only thing that can be threatened by social media – personal injury claims are too. Allow us to explain:

Inconsistent Images

Social media is not typically the most authentic place. Your feeds have given you the opportunity to present the most envy-inducing version of yourself to anyone who views them, and most people take advantage of that power.

Including defence lawyers.

If your life were dramatically altered after a car accident-related brain injury, chances are that you would not post or feel like posting when you were in the midst of dealing with painful side effects. Mental health issues caused by the accident will likely go unmentioned on your Facebook timeline, and details about the physical injuries you sustained will not be described in detail, if at all.

So how does it look to an opportunistic defence lawyer, when on the one evening you decided to go to your friend’s annual Labour Day barbecue, multiple photos were taken and posted online that made it appear that you were out and about, having the time of your life?

This is where many sufferers who are seeking compensation for their injuries misstep. If you are claiming the accident has dramatically affected your emotional life, but meanwhile, you are trying to portray a carefree and happy image on social media, the defence could use that as evidence to have your case thrown out.

Proper Protocol

If you experience a personal injury, it is wise to avoid posting anything on social media from the day you are injured until the day your case has been settled in court. Despite your abstinence from social media, friends and family still have the power to post updates and images related to you. Therefore, it is highly advised that you speak to those within your inner circle about the potential risks associated with your social media presence and ask them to avoid mentioning you online. Furthermore, while having airtight privacy settings is a good security step to take, the settings may not protect you from the defence gaining access to your posts.

Social media can be great fun, however, suffering after a personal injury is far from it.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you faced. Contact us to book your free consultation.

October 15, 2022 Driving, General surgery, Liability Claims, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries