Liability Claims

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

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

11 Ways to Manage Your Chronic Pain

If there is one thing that makes day-to-day activities or tasks more difficult, it is chronic pain. That constant throbbing in your neck, sharp pains in your back or aching in your knees. So many people spend countless hours trying to relieve their pain or symptoms with no satisfaction. Common ailments linked to chronic pain can include injuries received in a motor vehicle accident, slip, trip or fall incidents or more severely as a result of a catastrophic or traumatic accident.

To give you a hand and to help bring you some relief, we are sharing WebMD’s list of 11 tips for living with chronic pain. Some of these you might be more familiar with, and some may be new, but everything is worth a try once.

Relax using Deep Breathing or Meditation Practices

When we are stressed, our muscles can become tense and tight. Practicing deep breathing or forms of meditation can reduce these symptoms and help you relax. Having a gentle massage or taking time to focus on clearing your mind are other ways to combat tension.

De-Stress

Did you know that feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger can increase the intensity of chronic pain? Learning to manage these types of emotions has been said to provide some relief. There are several ways that you can de-stress. For example, listening to calming music can uplift your mood or writing out your emotions in a journal.

Exercise

This is a popular way to deal with injuries. When you exercise your body naturally releases endorphins which help improve your mood. Exercise, in general, is good for your health, it keeps your blood pressure regular, and cholesterol levels normal and decreases risks for heart diseases. It also strengthens your muscles which, when strong, limit the chance of reinjuring yourself and reduces chronic pain symptoms.

Limit Alcohol Intake

When you deal with chronic pain, getting a night of proper restful sleep is next to impossible. Having a drink to take the edge off may seem like a good idea. However, unlike popular belief, alcohol can make sleep problems worse. Limiting how much you drink alcohol can help improve your quality of sleep.

Connect With Others

It is natural to associate with people who have similar traits to you or interests. Going to group meetings with others who have been in serious motor vehicle accidents or are now suffering from the side effects of others’ negligence keeps you from feeling alone. Connecting with people who are also suffering from the same or similar chronic injury or disease can evoke the same feelings of belonging. Others may also offer symptom relief methods or practices that you may not have tried.

Do Not Smoke

Reduced circulation levels are a known side effect of smoking. This can intensify any circulation conditions and further increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Track Pain Levels

Keeping your doctor informed about how you are feeling helps them provide the proper care. Between visits, track how you are feeling in a journal. Using a scale of 1 – 10 and listing out activities or things done that day can help pinpoint what triggers higher pain levels. Sharing this with your doctor can help in the management of chronic pain. This can also be useful if you have suffered an injury at work, such as a slip and fall, and need detailed documentation for medical appointments.

Try Biofeedback Therapy

This method of therapy is new to us. Biofeedback claims to allow you to control various body functions. Using sensors, you can “hear” or “see” different body functions. It is displayed on monitors as squiggly lines that you eventually learn to control these functions using your biological system.

Get a Massage

Quite possibly the most widely used form of stress and chronic pain relief. Massages alleviate the tension in your muscles and allow for complete relaxation. Those who suffer from back and or neck pain as a result of a slip and fall or motor vehicle accident find this method of relief a fantastic way to manage their symptoms.

Eat a well-balanced diet

Believe it or not, what you eat plays a part in how you feel. Eating a well-balanced diet keeps your digestive system running well, reduces the risk of heart disease and keeps your weight under control.

Get Distracted!

Get out and get your mind off things. Sitting around and thinking about your bad knee, cursing the sidewalk for causing you to slip and fall does not make things better, in fact, it does the opposite. Doing something you enjoy will take the focus off your pain and instead keep you preoccupied with the activity at hand.

If you experience chronic pain due to a motor vehicle accident, slip, trip or fall or other traumatic accident and are being treated unfairly, you might need legal assistance. Call Dye & Russell for a free claim assessment.

August 22, 2022 Cardiology, Driving, Liability Claims, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries, Uncategorized

Summer Pool Safety

With summer making its arrival in Canada, pool season has begun. Pool safety is an important topic this time of year. Parents, take note – for children under 10, drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death and children under five are the most at risk of drowning.

Before you, or your children, dip your toes into the backyard pool, it is important to review some pool safety tips.

Appoint a supervisor

Children of all ages require active supervision when in the pool. This means a parent/guardian who is placing their whole attention on the water. Accidents can happen quickly, and a rapid response time is critical. The attention of a parent/guardian can be the difference between life and death.

No diving in shallow pools

Most backyard pools are not deep enough for diving, no matter the age of the diver. This is a frequent cause of injury. Establish clear rules with your children about diving in the pool, especially in the shallower end. Some parents choose to put up signage, which is available from many hardware stores, as a reminder. Most importantly, talk with your kids and make sure they understand your family’s pool safety rules.

Ensure proper fencing

Small children’s curiosity can lead to drowning by falling into pools. Multiple items are available for purchase which can prevent unsupervised access to water by young children. Examples include latching gates and four-sided fencing. It’s important to comply with any local fencing bylaws in your area so make sure to research these before you open your pool for the summer.

Arms’ reach matters

For children under 5, it is important to keep them within arms’ reach when in the water. While supervision may be sufficient for older kids, younger children require the physical support and balance of a parent. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids the basics of swimming and create lasting memories.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call 1-877-883-6171 toll-free on your cell phone or visit us online to speak with a live agent. Your road to recovery is important to us.

July 5, 2022 Liability Claims, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries

Park and Playground Safety

Time spent at the park allows children to socialize, get some exercise, and explore and engage with age-appropriate challenges in a supervised environment. Even with an adult supervising the fun, accidents can still happen– bruises, falls, scraped knees and elbows, and other risks and injuries are all possible on the playground. According to the Canadian Public Health Association, “An analysis of playground falls between 1994 and 2003 estimated that each year 2,500 children below 14 years of age were hospitalized for serious injuries. Of this total, 81% had suffered a fracture while 14% were admitted for a head injury…”. Teaching kids about the importance of playing safe and the rules of the playground is critical in avoiding injuries and maintaining fun. Here are some things you can do to ensure your child remains safe.

Remain Alert

Enjoying the carefree energy your child has is important to healthy growth and development, but it can be dampened by an injury that could have been avoided. As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for remaining aware of potential risks such as unsafe climbing or running, arguments on the playground, and any dangers in the environment. If you or your child has experienced an injury obtained at a park or playground you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the professionals at Dye & Russell for your free claim assessment today.

Look For Potential Risks

Even if you keep your eyes on your kids as much as possible, an accident can happen before you have time to react. Preparing before enjoying the many fun activities, like the slide and swings, take a look at the playground park area for any potential risks. The play equipment and play spaces must meet the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) requirements for safety. Shock-absorbing materials such as woodchips, synthetic shredded rubber or sand should be used for a safer and softer area to play in. All equipment should also be free of breakage or sharp and dangerous areas.

Glass, nails, bolts, or bottles are all things that can be left behind by careless people and have the potential to injure your child. Take a thorough look around before playing in the sand or grass in the park and playground area.

Proper Maintenance

If you believe there are safety issues with a playground reach out to your park’s local operator. An unsafe play area can be avoided with proper maintenance– if you or your child has been injured due to negligence, contacting a personal injury lawyer like the ones at Dye & Russell is the right step on the road to recovery.

Review The Rules

Go over the rules of the playground and ensure your child understands the risks that come with playing on any park structures. Make sure they stay or play in age-appropriate areas that are meant for them specifically.

Looking after your child’s safety while they run around and enjoy the excitement of park activities is a hard job, and sometimes an injury can happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident at a park or playground, contact the professionals at Dye & Russell today for your FREE Claim Assessment and more helpful resources.

Reach us toll-free at 1-877-883-6171 or visit us online to speak with a live agent. Your road to recovery is important to us.

June 15, 2022 Liability Claims, Safety, Uncategorized

Important Steps to Take After A Slip and Fall

A slip, trip or fall accident can happen anywhere – to anybody – at any time. Since these types of accidents are not specific to one particular individual or location, knowing what steps to take after suffering from an injury is important.

This becomes even more true when an accident is not your fault. Legally, buildings, homes, parking lots and even walkways are required to be maintained to ensure pedestrian safety when in use.

The steps you take immediately following an accident can be critical. The lawyers at Dye and Russell want to make sure you know what steps to take if you find yourself or someone you love in this situation.

Get Medical Treatment

Seeking medical treatment is one of the first things that should be done after a slip, trip and or fall accident. Visiting the doctor and having your injuries properly documented is important, especially if you choose to seek compensation for your injuries.

There is a limited window of time to file a legal claim. Our lawyers will worry about the deadlines while you focus on recovery.

Report the Accident

Regardless of where the accident takes place (sidewalk, friends house, store etc.) make sure it is reported to a manager, owner, or landlord. You should request the details of what happened be put in writing. If there is no formal reporting process, ask the individual you report the incident to, to write their own account of what happened. Be sure to get a copy of this report for your own records.

This report will help a personal injury lawyer build your case if you choose to pursue legal action.

Collect Documentation

Gather the names, addresses, and contact information of any potential witnesses. If you decide to move forward with a legal claim, their statements may help prove your case. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the exact location the slip, trip or fall accident occurred. Capturing images of the surrounding areas, including stairs, icy areas, uneven walkways, or any other condition that may have played a factor in your accident.

Collecting as much information as you can, including images and written statements, will help our team navigate your case quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to get you the settlement you deserve so you can get back to living the life you had before your accident.

Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

The best person to have on your side when you consider taking legal action after an accident is a personal injury lawyer. Many slip, trip and fall accidents can be complicated and require the resources of a successful law firm. Our experienced legal team is here to take care of all the details so you can focus on getting better.

Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers have the skills needed to handle complex and hard to prove cases. Using our unique approach, we have been able to successfully secure top settlements for our clients. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a slip, trip, or fall, do not wait any longer. Call our team today and start your recovery journey with Dye and Russell.

May 6, 2021 Liability Claims, Safety

5 Common Liability Claims Faced By Homeowners

Home is supposed to be a safe place, not just for you but anyone that comes on to your property. You try to take care of your lawn & trim trees, shovel snow in the winter and fix uneven floorboards on your deck. Sometimes you’re better than other times.

Even with all that upkeep, there are possible hazards in your home and on your property that could cause (accidental) harm to others. A simple slip & fall could land you a hefty bill if a lawsuit is filed & your home insurance policy doesn’t fully cover you.

These are 5 common liability claims that a homeowners could face.

Dog bites
Did you know that most insurance policies cover damages or injuries that are caused by members of your household? Probably. But did you know that pets are often included in that coverage? Apart from some dog breeds, dogs that are at a lower (perceived) risk of biting are considered members of your household & therefore covered by your policy.

In the home or on the property
Accidents ranging from a guest tripping on a carpet that isn’t properly secured or falling through a broken stair are fair game. Even those door-to-door salespeople who come on to your property without your permission. Neglect on your part to clear a sidewalk or path to your front door could mean you’re left on the hook.

Guests under the influence
Hosting a party at home or an event at another location, the liability you have over your guests remains in place. When alcohol is involved and a person becomes intoxicated, any harm they may cause to another person or to property could be your responsibility. Hiring a bartender can help monitor the amount of alcohol guests are consuming.

Falling trees
The extra weight of snow and ice weigh down small trees and branches makes them prime candidates for snapping off and crashing into whatever’s below. It’s a good idea to trim trees and any overhang in the fall before things freeze.

Domestic workers
It is becoming more common for families to hire help around the home. From nanny’s to maintenance workers each person hired to work on your property increases your liability should that person get injured while at work. Sometimes workers can have workers compensation in the event of lost wages, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time.

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 28, 2019 Liability Claims