Common Questions Personal Injury Lawyers Get

Common Questions Personal Injury Lawyers Get

The field of personal injury law can be unclear and often leave people feeling confused and overwhelmed. There is emotional and financial stress that coincides with an injury and navigating the recovery process, both legally and health wise, can be daunting.

At Dye & Russell it’s our mission to help guide you and your family through the entire process, protecting your rights and fighting to make sure you receive what you’re entitled to. Big insurance companies don’t have your best interests at the forefront and aren’t going to fight to get what you deserve; they want to pay out as little as possible.

As personal injury lawyers, it’s important that our clients feel empowered and knowledgeable about their case; after all it’s their lives that are impacted. To alleviate some of the unknown, here are some of the common questions asked of our lawyers at Dye & Russell.

  1. Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?

Simply put, personal injury law is one of, if not the most, complex areas of law. It requires going after compensation from large insurance companies, all while navigating the elusive, ever changing laws and regulations. Having been in the industry for over 20 years, our personal injury lawyers have the experience and expertise to protect your rights and get you on the right path to a complete recovery.

 

  1. How soon after and accident or injury can I contact a personal injury lawyer?

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, it’s important that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. There are certain cases that require you to put the defendant on notice within a matter of days if you will be suing. If this doesn’t occur, the defendant can argue the claim is out of time & that you weren’t really injured, potentially barring your claim. Dye & Russell aims to protect your rights and provide you access to the treatment needed in the beginning stages of your injury. Acting quickly to collect and preserve necessary evidence to present your case makes a difference in receiving what’s fair.

 

  1. How do I pay for the legal services?

One of the common reason’s individuals don’t seek out a personal injury lawyer is the fear of what it will cost. Often their injury has prevented them from working so the thought of another expense is off-putting. At Dye & Russell we offer a free claim evaluation of your case, no obligation. When you do decide to have us represent you, you don’t pay until we’ve settled or won your case. We ensure you receive the proper funding for necessary treatment and do whatever it takes to properly assess and present your claim. Little things like this can help relieve some of the stress and financial burden that is tied to a personal injury case.

 

  1. How long does it take to settle my claim?

The amount of time it takes to settle a personal injury claim can change based on the complexity of the case. It isn’t uncommon for cases to range from 2-3 years before being resolved; although some are resolved much quicker. When you contact Dye & Russell we’ll happily explain the claim and litigation process, in addition to providing you with an estimate on how long it will take to resolve the claim.

 

If you feel you have been wrongfully injured in an accident due to the negligence of another or have had your claim denied, contact Dye & Russell.

January 26, 2020 , , , , ,
Skye OliverCommon Questions Personal Injury Lawyers Get
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Brain Injury Awareness Month: Preventing Injuries

Brain Injury Awareness Month: Preventing Injuries

June is an exciting month. Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. It’s also Brain Injury Awareness month and with that comes a number of opportunities to shed light on brain injuries and ways to help prevent them.

Did you know that more than 20, 000 people each year are admitted to the hospital with serious brain related injuries? In 2016 – 2017 alone approximately 46, 000 children went to the emergency room and were diagnosed with a concussion.

Making sure situations such as sports or recreational activities are safe for everyone helps reduce the risk of injury. The key being prevention and awareness. You’re the first line of defense!

Here are 4 things you should know about preventing brain injuries.

  1. Seat Belts

When you’re in the car, no matter how far the drive may be, wearing your seat belt is a top priority.  A significant number of injuries and deaths happen as a result of car accidents and about 50% are prevented thanks to seat belts.

  1. Reduce Distractions

Cell phones are the number one cause of distractions among drivers. When you’re behind the wheel staying focused on the road should be the only thing that’s important. Put the phone down, whatever it is can wait. Your life is more important than the text you just got.

  1. Child Safety

Kids are always getting hurt and bumping their heads on whatever is around. Take steps to prevent trips and falls by installing safety gates around stairs, using non slip mats in bathtubs or putting up window guards to prevent a potentially fatal injury.

  1. Helmets & Safety Gear

Both adults and children are susceptible to head injuries whether at work or during recreation. Make sure you wear a helmet during sports activities like baseball or football or the appropriate safety helmet on construction sites. Keeping your brain protected is one of the smartest things you can do!

 

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 22, 2019
Skye OliverBrain Injury Awareness Month: Preventing Injuries
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Spring in to Cycling Season

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’re 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’re 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.

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

April 25, 2019
Skye OliverSpring in to Cycling Season
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How self-care can help injury recovery

How self-care can help injury recovery

Self-care—it’s one of those buzz words that’s been floating around, entering the everyday and medical world. But what does it really mean?

The fact that self-care is very personal and situational can make it hard to define, but a general definition is that self-care is “any necessary human regulatory function which is under individual control, deliberate and self-initiated.”

Practicing self-care can be a valuable practice that can be catered to anyone’s recovery journey. While your individual injury and situation can dictate what you are capable of doing for yourself (and what will work for you), incorporating self-care into your life can be a key skill to aid in your recovery and adjusting to your new life post-injury. It can help you put yourself in charge of your recovery.

Physical Self-care

After an injury it is likely that your physical needs will change. Whether that’s how long you need to sleep for every night or your eating habits, talking to your doctor about the physical aspects of your life that you will need to adjust after your injury is key to equipping yourself with the knowledge required to make the life adjustments you need.

Making sure you are getting the appropriate amount of sleep can ensure that your body can get the rest it needs to help itself repair. Eating nutritious food that fuels your body is important to giving yourself what you need during and after recovery. Also doing activities within your abilities to energize your body can help you feel better, like stretching, swimming, running, doing yoga, etc.

Mental Self-care

An injury can bring a lot of stress into your life. While stress can be helpful by giving you the ability to deal with challenges and threats you face, lots of it over time can take a toll on you. What helps people destress is a very personal thing. If you already know things that help you destress make time for them in your life. But, if you don’t know what can help you destress, or if you are no longer able to do what used to help you relax before your injury try some new ways and see what works. Taking a long bath, starting a meditation practice, and/or finding a new hobby are all things that could help.

Emotional Self-care

Self-care can also help you cope with the emotional toll an injury can take on your life. Spending time to dedicate to your emotional health, like seeing a counselor, journaling, taking time to talk and spend time with people you love and/or writing down gratitude lists can help

you be with the range of emotional challenges an injury can force you to experience. Among them learning to adjust to your life post-injury can be difficult. Trying to write a new mission statement for your life going forward is a great way to frame your new perspective of success and fulfillment.

Self-care after an injury makes you an empowered member of your circle of care—the team that is there to help you on your recovery journey. Another important member of your circle of care is a personal injury lawyer that can secure the legal, financial and personal support necessary following an accident. That’s where Dye and Russell can be there for you following your accident.

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.

September 20, 2018
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Getting back to green: economic recovery after injury

Getting back to green: economic recovery after injury

Personal injury can seriously impair your personal finances. Injuries can upend all areas of life, including your career and finances. While much focus is given to physical recovery, financial recovery is crucial as well.

Your financial situation can tie into your mental and emotional recovery and, in turn, your physical recovery. Here are some tips for getting back to green after a personal injury:

  1. Consider a new line of work

An injury may make you unable to return to your past line of work (if it’s too unsafe or demanding). This can be very frustrating, especially if you were very passionate about your previous line of work or if you have been very successful in your career. However, there are other career possibilities ahead that may be better suited to you post-injury.

You may even find a new career that you love even more. If you’re able to work in any capacity it can do more than bring you increased financial stability and momentum. Working can also give you a new sense of identity, personal achievement, social contacts, skills development and a sense of structure—all of which can help with your mental health and in turn your physical health.

  1. Ask for help

If you have family or friends that would be able to help you financially consider asking them for help. You might be surprised by their willingness to help, especially if they have seen the effects of a personal injury on your life.

  1. Budget wisely

Recovering from injury can tighten up your finances. Budgeting is vital and can reduce risk of debt or insolvency. If this task seems monumental, ask for help from a family member or friend. Find unnecessary expenses, that you made prior to injury, and eliminate these.

Budgeting creates a solid financial basis for later success. It’s important, when budgeting, to assess your needs and wants differently and to be ruthless and honest with yourself and your finances.

  1. Get legal help

If you’ve been injured, damages may be owed to you. It’s crucial to ask for legal help. A personal injury lawyer can help you to navigate the best course of action. Further to this, they will be able to get you more money than an independent inquiry. These extra funds can be critical for seeing you through 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. Find out what you’re owed and start your journey back to green.

July 13, 2018
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Brain injury and memory

Brain injury and memory

Strategies to improve memory after a brain injury

Brain injuries can radically impact your quality of life. One of the areas that can be most affected by a traumatic brain injury is memory. Conversely, memory is a critical function for daily life.

“Memory is your brain taking in, keeping, recalling and using information,” says BrainLine. “A brain injury can affect any of these areas of memory. A brain injury can also make it hard to learn and remember things.”

If your memory has been damaged as a result of a brain injury, or a brain injury has exacerbated existing memory problems, how do you recover what was lost?

Here are three steps to strengthen your memory after a traumatic brain injury.

1. Write it all down

For some, this means keeping a journal or calendar and writing down detailed descriptions to help them throughout the day. For others, this is simply writing cues or prompts to help them remember tasks or objectives. It is helpful, however, to have all of your prompts concentrated in one place to guard against loss.

Other ways to use writing to help you throughout the day are creating checklists, labelling items in shared spaces, making ‘cheat sheets’ for your wallet or cue cards for where items are located.

2. Make smart purchases

If you take medication, a pill organizer can be hugely helpful for those with memory problems. Purchasing appliances that shut off automatically can be helpful to ensuring home safety. If you’re opening a bank account, specify automatic bill payment or authorize a protective payee on your behalf.

3. Use PQRST

PQRST is a technique to help attain and retain information. First, preview the material, casually reading it over to understand what it is about. Second, question it by making a list of queries that you need answered to fully grasp the subject. Third, read! Read the material over again carefully, referring back to the questions list you generated. Fourth, state it in your own words. This could be out loud or on paper. Would you be able to

teach someone this material? Fifth, and finally, test yourself or ask someone else to test you. Repeat as necessary until you are confident you have fully retained the information.

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

June 1, 2018
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For brain injury victim family members

For brain injury victim family members

6 tips to help ease your way through recovery

Brain injuries don’t just affect those who are injured, they can affect entire families. If a family member of yours has experienced a brain injury chances are it might have placed emotional, social or financial challenges in your path. Every family’s experience is unique but all can experience the same types of changes.

It can be helpful to take some guidance from experts who understand your situation. Thankfully the Ontario Brain Injury Association has created a number of recommendations for family members of those experiencing brain injury. Some of these six tips might work for you:

1. Share responsibility

If you are becoming the main caregiver for the injured person the massive life change that your loved one’s injury can bring to your life can bring a lot of stress as well as personal strain. Know that you are not alone. If your injured loved one is capable of helping you in any way, allow them to help around the home.

While it can be challenging living with someone who has sustained a brain injury, there are support networks around you to help, whether that’s friends, family, support groups, programs or organizations.

2. Ask the nurses

Knowledge is power. While caring for someone who is recovering from a brain injury it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about their condition. Your loved one might have medical problems specific to their injury. You’ll want to learn all you can about the problems your loved one will be facing and how to properly manage them. Nurses who are caring for your loved one can be a great resource to ask questions that you may not have been able to get in when talking to specialists or doctors and walk you through specifics so you are more prepared for providing care on your own.

3. Consider getting a neurophysical evaluation

A neurophysical evaluation can give you a better understanding of your loved one’s injury, including how their abilities will be affected by the injury. Knowing this can help you in a number of ways. Because a brain injury can have significant affects on your loved one’s cognition and behaviour, this can cause significant changes in their life going forward. It’s important to understand what your loved one is facing. Secondly, knowing what these challenges are can help you moving forward in being able to care for them and look out for their wellbeing. Knowing what specific challenges they face, and what they are capable of doing, can help you predict issues in upcoming situations as well as know what you can expect of them.

4. Join an organization

There are many organizations and groups available to offer you support and resources, like brain injury associations. The information and community they provide can help you to improve your loved one’s quality of life on the recovery journey ahead.

5. Push for what you need

It’s important to be a strong advocate for your loved one. You have the expertise in what they were like before their injury, as well as the knowledge you gain from daily interaction with them. Ask questions, learn about their rights, and be firm when it comes to having their needs met.

6. Consult a lawyer

Talking to an attorney should be an urgent priority. Make sure to talk to a lawyer experienced in representing brain injury victims, especially before signing any paperwork.

An experienced lawyer is valuable to brain injury victims for a few reasons. They can help guide you through your options after the injury and help you find valuable resources for yourself and your loved one. The help of a personal injury lawyer can remove a lot of the stress that comes when a loved one suffers a brain injury.

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.

February 23, 2018
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6 tips for adjusting to life after a brain injury

6 tips for adjusting to life after a brain injury

Most victims of brain injury and members of their family face a gamut of new and unfamiliar challenges on the road to recovery. Knowing how to navigate life and how to deal with the challenges recovery presents can be unbelievingly challenging. To help victims of brain injury Brainline developed a guide for adjusting to life after brain injury.

1. Redefine success

When your life changes after a brain injury it is likely your definition of success will also need to change. Comparing yourself and your progress to how you performed before your injury can be very limiting. Focusing on what you can do and how you can improve can help you change your definition of success. Explore ways you can be successful and set standards for yourself. No matter what state you are in you can improve yourself, enjoy relationships and live a meaningful life.

2. Ask for help

Asking for help can he a surprisingly difficult task. The fear of seeming like a burden or being turned away often stifles us from trying to get the help we need. But everybody needs help at some point or another. Don’t let a situation become a crisis before asking for help, and make sure to return a favour and thank those who have helped you.

3. Be kind to yourself

Immediately after a brain injury you begin your road to recovery. Taking time to heal and respecting the fact that your body needs time to mend itself mentally, physically and emotionally is very important. Being hard on yourself right now will only make things more difficult on you and those around you. Instead try to be kind and compassionate to yourself taking into consideration where you are in your recovery journey.

4. Set manageable goals

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the hurdles ahead of you in your recovery. To manage this, break down the large goals in your recovery into small reasonable steps—ones you can do day-to-day to accomplish those bigger goals. Focusing on what you can do today and tomorrow can make the prospects of achieving big goals much less daunting. Even beyond recovery, breaking down your life goals in the same way can make them more manageable to achieve.

5. Create a support system

Social interaction is extremely important for recovery. After a brain injury receiving support and understanding is extremely comforting and helps stave off feelings of loneliness. Reconnecting with friends who have become distant after your brain injury, helping those in your circle of friends and family, as always showing care is important to maintain those relationships. If you don’t feel like those around you are able to understand what you are going through perhaps consider joining a support group to meet people who have similar experiences.

6. Practice patience

Patience is an essential skill to have while recovering from a brain injury. You will likely need to be persistent over time to reach recovery, but it can be difficult to keep your cool when faced with a difficult journey to get there. When you feel yourself losing your cool or becoming frustrated find a way to take a step back and relax yourself, whether that’s taking a deep breath or repeating an affirmation. Find what works for you.

Navigating the road to recovery after a brain injury can be difficult. We help brain injury victims during recovery as a part of the Circle of Care.

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.

November 17, 2017
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How to practice self-care as a caregiver

How to practice self-care as a caregiver

5 simple steps to take back your well-being

When you become a caregiver, often it’s your own needs that quickly take a backseat in order to put those you care about first. However, taking care of your own well-being is essential to be able to continue caring for those who rely on you, and as we practice self-care the person you care for benefits as well.

Taking small steps to maintain your well-being is essential. Here are some simple steps from the Family Caregiver Alliance you can take as a caregiver to help keep you burning bright instead of burning out.

1. Reduce stress

Stress stems from many different avenues, and it’s important to be cognizant of stress in your life, the forms it takes in your actions, where it comes from and what part of those stressors you can change. Next, explore de-stressing activities until you find one that works for you. Meditation, taking a walk, regular exercise or chatting with friends are all things you can try.

2. Take care of your physical health

You’re so focused on others’ physical health it can be easy to forget your own. Give your body the fuel it needs by making a full night’s sleep and eating nutritious food a daily priority. Incorporating exercise into your routine is important as well, even if for just 10 minutes a day. In addition to daily actions to take care of your personal health taking time to see a physician when you need to is crucial. Make your appointments at convenient times and go prepared with all your questions.

3. Seek and accept support

Knowing when you need help is a sign of strength. When it comes to needing support with your caregiving, break down things you need help with into simple tasks so it’s clear and easy for others to understand how to help you, or what you’re asking for. For example, you’re overwhelmed and cooking takes up a lot of your time. You could ask a friend who offered assistance to help you with preparing meals once a week. Seeking emotional support is also important as well. There is no shame in reaching out to friends, counselors or support groups when you need someone to talk to.

4. Be cognizant of your feelings/mind set

Since caregiving can be a very emotional it’s important to recognize what you are feeling. You are allowed to have a range of emotions about your life as a caregiver. Recognize what they are and if they become overwhelming or intense seek support and reduce stress. Changing your mindset can have a huge impact on your emotions. If you have an overly negative view of your situation try to change it.

5. Set goals

Starting a journey of self-care is a positive change but a life change nonetheless. Whether you are starting from the very beginning, or you want to improve your existing self-care, the change you seek to make in your life can fall away from your attention if you don’t keep yourself accountable. Setting goals and sticking to them is a great way to do this. Break down your goals into smaller achievable ones that will help you get there.

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.

September 22, 2017
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June is Brain Injury Awareness Month – Everything you Need to Know

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