3 Common Personal Injury Claims and How Gibbons Law Firm Can Help

Personal Injury Law has to do with situations where someone has suffered harm due to the actions of others.  The harm may be physical, emotional, or mental and is usually the result of negligence, meaning the harm was not intended.  But even if it is an accident, when the person who is harmed is facing medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, they need and deserve compensation from the person or entity that is responsible for the harm.

In the United States, statistics show that accidental injuries and medical errors (medical malpractice) are the third leading cause of death in the nation.  That is an alarming number and means that millions of people are affected by personal injuries each year.  At GibbonsLaw Firm, we advocate for those who have been injured to help them obtain the settlement they are entitled to.  If you would like to learn more about common personal injury cases, how to avoid them and what to do if you are a victim of one, and how a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can help, keep reading this blog!  We are going to talk more specifically about 3 common personal injury claims.

1) Car accident

Technically, this can include accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or buses, and who is at fault will be a central part of the case.  Sadly, many personal injury cases involving car accidents could have been avoided if the drivers had not been distracted by their phones, their GPS, the radio, eating, or even grooming.  It only takes a fraction of a second to change someone else’s life.  Paying attention is the best prevention.  If you are the victim of a car accident that was not your fault, and an insurance company offers you a quick settlement, it may be well below what you should receive, especially if your injuries are life-changing.  Having an attorney looking out for your best interests can significantly increase your chances of effectively proving who was at fault and being properly compensated by an insurance company.

2) Slip and Fall

When a property owner allows dangerous hazards to exist on their premises and those hazards result in someone getting hurt, the property owner can be considered negligent and be at fault.  It is not assumed that the fall was just clumsiness or not paying attention on the part of the victim.  The fall happened for a reason, maybe it was a slippery surface that should have been cleaned, or a broken handrail, a missing board on a walkway, inadequate lighting, etc.  Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents can be more devastating than some think.  They are actually a common cause of brain injuries and hip fractures as well as other injuries.  It is very important for property owners to pay attention to and correct any and all hazards with an understanding that they are responsible for the safety of others on their property.

3) Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice cases can result when health care professionals fail to provide the appropriate level of care.  Examples include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, pharmacy mistakes, birth injuries, and much more.  These types of injuries can have severe and permanent effects on the victims who have to live with them for the rest of their lives.  Medical malpractice suits are often more complex and technical and usually involve larger settlements.  Having an experienced medical malpractice attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks can greatly improve the chance of prevailing and receiving a proper settlement for you.  When it comes to avoiding malpractice, here are a few things you can do:

-Research your medical provider

-Ask questions and take notes

-Keep good records of everything

-Bring someone with you to listen and witness

-Provide the most accurate medical history you can for your medical provider

Gibbons Law Firm Can Help!

If you or someone you love is ever the victim of a devastating personal injury, don’t just accept an offer from the insurance company.  Whoever caused your injury will have professionals on their side to look out for their interests, and you should too.  As soon as you are able, consult a personal injury attorney in Mid-Missouri to find out what your legal rights are.  

Roger Gibbons has the background, experience, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve, as he has done for countless of his clients.  Give Gibbons Law Firm a call to schedule a consultation and give yourself the opportunity to achieve a successful outcome on your personal injury case today.  Your first consultation is free.  Just call us at (573) 348-2211.  To learn more helpful information about common legal issues, be sure to follow us on social media using the channels listed below! 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Things to Consider If You Are Involved in a Car Accident

At Gibbons Law Firm, we hope you never have to experience being in a car accident. Even a small car accident can be rattling when you are the one in it, and big ones can be devastating.  It only takes a fraction of a second, one wrong judgment, or a quick distraction for an accident to happen.  Here in the Ozarks, with winding roads and blind curves and no shoulders on many of the roads, conditions can be unforgiving.  

If you ever find yourself in a car accident at the Lake of the Ozarks, we just want you to have an idea of what to do.  We know it is hard to focus at the time of an accident so we thought we would share some things in this week’s blog to help you prepare proactively. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Feel free to call our Lake Ozark law office today at (573) 348-2211 for a free consultation.

1) Safety First

The first thing you want to do is make sure everyone is ok right after the accident, see if anyone needs help, and make sure all are safe.  That includes assessing the potential for causing another accident.  The sooner you can move the vehicle out of the road the better.  If you can drive it to the side of the road then do so.  If not, then call a tow truck right away.  While waiting for the tow truck, do not stay inside your vehicle if it is in the middle of a busy roadway.  Get out of your car and stand on the side of the road as far from traffic as possible in case there is another collision and be mindful of traffic.

2) Call 911

Of course, you will need to contact the police so they can come to the scene to evaluate and conduct an accident report.  It is also important to make sure anyone who is injured receives medical attention immediately.  If someone is hurt, calling the ambulance will get them the help they need as well as document their injuries.

3) Document

As soon as possible, you should start noting everything you can remember about the accident.  Take pictures of the scene, write down what happened or what you saw.  Notice any outside conditions that may have been factors such as weather, road hazards, other traffic, etc. Gather as much information as you can as soon as you can. You should also request a copy of the police report for your records.  It will likely take a few days for it to be completed, and it will be important to have for your insurance claim.

4) Insurance

Another step to take after a car accident is to call your insurance company.  Letting them know you have been in an accident will get the claims process started.  The insurance company will be able to direct you on what to do next.

5) Representation

You do not need to feel alone.  You may have a million questions about what you are going to do … how you will recover physically, financially, emotionally.  At this time, the most important thing for you to focus on is your healing and not the potential court battle that may be looming.  Our law office at the Lake of the Ozarks is well equipped to fight the cause for you and get you the compensation you need to cover your injuries and more.  Your first consultation is free. If you have been involved in a car accident and have questions, call us today to get answers. Gibbons Law Firm successfully represented many clients and is here to help you too.  For more tips and insight on legal issues at the Lake of the Ozarks, feel free to follow us on our social media channels listed below!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Avoiding Product Liability in Your New Business

As new businesses get up and running, there will be many different aspects of your business that has parts of your focus. If you manufacture or supply products or components of products to the public, you do have a responsibility to ensure the safety and duty of care to those who will be using them. Because product liability refers to “defective” products, generally, it’s important to make sure that you are guarding your business against these challenges ahead of time. Here are a few ways your new business can avoid a product liability lawsuit. We’ll also talk about how your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer can help you on the front end before you find yourself swimming amongst millions of dollars worth of damages or injury costs.

Start With Product Testing

Product testing is going to be your first wall of defense to help you be alert to possible defects in the manufacture or design of a product. If you do not perform the necessary product testing, it can result in a manufacturer’s negligence, or a failure to recall faulty or dangerous products. You will also want to always be able to prove that you have taken reasonable steps to avoid product defects, as well as implemented a safe production process.

Always Attach a Warning Label

It is your job as a company to provide the appropriate and effective warnings on a product label. This is necessary to allow the sale of otherwise dangerous good. Make sure that the warning is clear about potential dangers to avoid the major pitfall of a claim. Important disclosures on packaging will help protect you.

Review Suppliers

If you are a retailer, distributor, or business that will repair or make changes to a product, you really should put in place specific measures to review manufacturers’ procedures and processes. You want to be extremely comfortable with a supplier’s products or components. It also can’t be recommended enough that legal contracts are put in place to confirm that suppliers hold ultimate financial responsibility for all defects that are in place before your supply of the product.

Look Into Liability Insurance

This is not a mandatory step, however, any company that manufactures or distributes a product should be covered. This type of insurance covers the compensation that will be provided to the individual who is injured after a faulty product or design. It also helps to cover any legal fees that are incurred as well.

Don’t Be Afraid, Be Prepared

If you are starting a new business, it’s always a great idea to put together your business information and sit down with a knowledgable legal advocate at the Lake of the Ozarks. We can help you analyze the details of your company and take proper action now to protect the business that you will be pouring so many hours into. If you do find yourself amid a personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks, especially due to product liability, I would be honored to help you navigate the case. Visit my website to learn more about my law practice at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as give us a call at the number below for a FREE consultation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney

If you have a personal injury case on your hands, you may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions you will have to make moving forward. One of the most important choices you will have to make is what attorney you will hire to represent your case. Your personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help narrow down what factors are of importance, when selecting the right lawyer. While some lawyers may seem like the right fit, Gibbons Law Firm has provided some helpful ways to tell which one is best for you and your personal injury case near the Lake of the Ozarks.

Record With Personal Injury Cases

When choosing a legal professional to represent your case, find an attorney with a high success record for personal injury cases. Inquire about the law office’s previous cases to get a good idea of what range of services they offer. Try to find an attorney that has represented personal injury cases before and been successful!

Personality Check

It’s a great idea to schedule a consultation with the lawyer you intend to use. This is the ideal opportunity to ensure your personalities click and you feel comfortable sharing everything about your case in order for the attorney to best represent your side. You can also get a good feel for the type of law office environment in which they work. Try to find a legal professional who has adequate resources to fully research your case, giving you the best chance of success.

Personal Injury Case Experience

Don’t underestimate experience when selecting the right attorney for your personal injury case. Try to find someone who has a wide range of experience representing personal injury AND other cases in the area. As a seasoned lawyer and litigator, Roger Gibbons provides sound legal advice with a wide range of experience to back it up!

Objective Point Of View

When working with a personal injury case, it’s important that you are clear with your legal professional on what your goals are, when taking your case to trial. While working toward reaching your legal goals, ensure your attorney is being objective and working diligently to represent your case.

Great Negotiation Skills

The majority of personal injury cases settle outside of trial. Find an attorney to present your case who has a high level of negotiation skills. It’s important to get the most out of your case to help compensate the injury you’ve suffered. Hire an attorney who has negotiation experience to best represent your personal injury case.

Now that you know a few of the areas of importance, when it comes to choosing the right lawyer to represent your personal injury case, you’re prepared to make your selection. With a proven track record and the experience and skills you need to defend your rights, the team at Gibbons Law Firm is here for you! If you’ve experienced a personal injury and want to seek settlement, give our Lake of the Ozarks law office a call to schedule an initial consultation today!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.