Polinsky Law Group, LLCPolinsky Law Group, LLC2026-06-10T16:13:46Zhttps://www.psp-law.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1401870/2021/03/cropped-PLG_FAV-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Navigating workers’ comp: What to do after a car accident on the job]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479502025-05-11T18:02:55Z2025-05-11T18:02:55Z“Course and scope” of employment
The workers’ compensation insurer will look at whether the crash occurred while within the “course and scope” of your employment. For example:
Were you driving from one worksite to another?
Were you driving other employees for work purposes?
Were you doing something your boss directed you to do?
Were you working from a different location than usual and being compensated for additional mileage?
Generally, if you’re involved in one of these or similar activities, you should be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits – regardless of whether you or another driver was responsible for the crash. Fortunately, in Connecticut, nearly all employers are required to provide workers’ comp coverage to full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.
When is a crash-related injury not covered?
If the crash occurred while you were deviating from the route you needed to take for your work-related travel to do something non-work-related, like pick up your child from school or stop at the grocery store, your workers’ compensation claim might not be accepted.
Workers’ compensation insurance also typically doesn’t cover injuries suffered in accidents that occur while an employee is commuting to and from work or going somewhere on their lunch or dinner break. This is called the “coming and going” rule.
Filing a third-party claim
Whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for a car crash or not, you may still be able to file a claim against another driver if they bear the majority of responsibility for the crash. Unlike workers’ compensation benefits, which may cover medical expenses and lost wages, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages from an at-fault driver (or their insurer). It may be possible to get workers’ compensation benefits as well as seek third-party damages to recover losses not covered by workers’ compensation.
If you were involved in a car accident on the job, is important to file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible and to determine whether you can file a third-party claim. Seeking legal guidance can help ensure that you explore all available options for compensation.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Understanding the long-term impact of car crashes]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479302025-03-12T19:23:31Z2025-03-12T19:23:31ZLong-term physical consequences
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of severe injury in the United States. Crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They can cause spinal cord injuries, amputations and crush injuries that produce permanent symptoms.
Not only do those involved in crashes need to think about the immediate care costs of their injuries, but they may also need to consider accommodation costs for their homes and vehicles. Their injuries may also mean that their long-term care needs during their golden years are more intensive and therefore more expensive.
Long-term emotional consequences
Motor vehicle collisions can put people in fear for their lives. Those who sustain major injuries or who witness serious injuries to others may be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have a hard time getting back behind the wheel again in the future.
Others might be at risk of developing anxiety symptoms after a car crash. They may become very nervous whenever they drive, which could have a negative impact on their performance in traffic.
In scenarios where other people sustained injuries because of a crash, the person driving may also experience a profound and challenging sense of guilt related to the incident. Guilt can lead to depression and lower self-esteem.
Long-term financial consequences
As mentioned above, people may experience long-term medical consequences. The cost of medical care and psychological support can quickly become overwhelming. Those with long-term injury symptoms could also face a noticeable reduction in their long-term earning potential.
A drop in wages and less generous employment benefits can put a lot of financial pressure on the person involved in the crash and their family members. People who sustain injuries in car crashes may need help estimating the financial consequences of the crash and securing an appropriate amount of compensation.
Personal injury lawsuits are sometimes necessary to supplement the compensation provided by insurance coverage. Discussing the circumstances surrounding a recent car crash can help injured people evaluate their options. With the right support, it may be possible to recoup the financial costs of a crash by pursuing compensation from the party at fault for the wreck.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Why seeing a doctor after a wreck is a smart call]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479252025-01-19T15:52:21Z2025-01-19T15:52:21ZSome injuries take time to develop
The main reason that people may need to see a doctor after a crash is to rule out or diagnose invisible injury. Internal injuries can be very difficult for people to identify after a car crash. For example, traumatic brain injuries often start with bleeding or inflammation inside the skull.
As the bleeding or swelling continues, pressure on the brain builds. Symptoms that didn't exist immediately after the crash can suddenly arise, seemingly without any explanation. People who may have sustained internal injuries to their chest or abdomen may be bleeding internally and do not realize it yet. By the time they have symptoms of extreme blood loss, their lives could be at risk.
Medical professionals have access to testing systems that can quickly validate the presence of internal injuries. They can provide interventions that prevent those conditions from worsening. Additionally, their diagnostic records can help the injured person pursue compensation later.
Delayed symptom onset might mean that individuals go days or possibly more than a week after a crash before realizing that they have injuries. They may have already agreed to an insurance settlement. Worse, insurance providers might raise questions about whether the crash was actually the underlying cause of their injuries.
People who receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible after a crash have the best medical prognosis, as treatment can help them avoid scenarios in which their injuries worsen. They are also in a better position to recover their medical expenses and lost wages because they have medical records affirming that their injury was a result of the wreck.
Knowing what steps to take after a motor vehicle collision can help people better protect themselves and their loved ones. Rather than focusing on immediate convenience, the focus should be on long-term protection and optimal recovery.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Why parking lot pedestrian crashes are increasingly a major concern]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479202026-03-06T06:06:45Z2024-11-11T15:16:56ZDistraction is a major risk factor
Many drivers know that using mobile devices while on the open road is dangerous. However, they may feel less anxious about texting or posting to social media when they don't have to maintain high speeds on public roads. More drivers admit to texting in parking lots than on surface streets and freeways.
They may view the lower speeds and reduced vehicle density as an indicator that distraction is less dangerous. Despite that perception, they can very easily end up striking a pedestrian because their focus is on their mobile phones.
Even at low speeds, bigger vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks and crossovers can cause severe injury to pedestrians. Parking lot pedestrian crashes can even prove fatal in some cases.
Distracted drivers may be liable for causing crashes
When a driver strikes a pedestrian, they may have legal and financial responsibility for how their actions affected others. They may have to provide insurance coverage to the injured pedestrian. If the insurance coverage isn't enough given the medical costs and lost wages generated by the incident, then the injured pedestrian or their surviving family members may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the distracted driver.
Recognizing common risk factors can empower people to seek justice after preventable pedestrian collisions. Distracted drivers are particularly dangerous for pedestrians even when they drive at slower speeds in parking lots.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Orthopedic trauma is not uncommon after a truck accident]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479122024-09-08T13:49:04Z2024-09-08T13:49:04Z73% of those injured and over 70% of those killed in collisions involving trucks were occupants of other vehicles.
These injuries, due to the weight and size of commercial trucks, can be catastrophic. Oftentimes, they involve what doctors call “orthopedic trauma.” This refers to injuries involving bones, nerves and/or joints.
What’s involved in treating orthopedic trauma?
Many crash victims are first taken to a Level 1 trauma center for treatment. The first priority is saving a person’s life and getting them stabilized. This may involve emergency surgery to address life-threatening injuries.
This is often just the beginning. Depending on the type(s) of injury, a patient may require additional surgeries and an extended hospital stay. They’re typically watched closely to prevent infections and additional complications. Even after an initial hospitalization, a patient may require time in a rehabilitation facility followed by physical and occupational therapy.
What is complex polytrauma?
The term “complex polytrauma” is sometimes used when referring to orthopedic trauma. Complex polytrauma, as the name suggests, is when a person suffers serious injury to at least two parts of their body. This can occur in a truck crash, for example, if someone suffers fractures and serious burns or a traumatic brain injury and damaged kidneys. Two types of fractures that are particularly serious are axial skeletal fractures, which involve the vertebrae from the head down to the back, and pelvic fractures. The latter are common in high-impact accidents like truck crashes.
Extremity nonunion and malunion are two types of injuries that doctors who specialize in orthopedic trauma treat. Both can result in lifelong mobility problems if not treated properly. Extremity nonunion occurs when a fracture doesn’t fully heal. Malunion is when a fracture heals in a way that causes deformity.
Anyone who has suffered orthopedic trauma or has a loved one who has is dealing with an overwhelming situation. The prospect of hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and other costs can make it tempting to accept what may look like a large settlement from a trucking company or another at-fault party. It’s crucial, however, not to agree to a settlement without getting experienced legal guidance to better assess the long-term economic and non-economic damages at issue. Otherwise, victims could be left responsible for costs that should rightfully be shouldered by others.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[Why can’t most injured workers sue their employers?]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479102024-07-17T19:42:43Z2024-07-17T19:42:43ZWhen workers suffer injuries on the job, their initial reaction might be to consider suing their employer for damages. However, in most cases, injured workers cannot directly sue their employers due to how the workers' compensation system in Connecticut operates. The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide timely and certain benefits to injured employees while limiting employers' liability. To compel employers to invest in workers’ compensation coverage, the state largely shields them from the risk of being sued by their injured employees.
Workers’ compensation is usually an “exclusive” remedy
One of the fundamental principles of workers' compensation laws is the "exclusive remedy" provision. This provision states that workers' compensation benefits are the only remedy available to employees injured on the job, outside of lawsuits aimed at holding third parties other than employers accountable for harm. This means that workers cannot sue their employers directly for workplace injuries. However, they may be empowered to sue anyone else whose negligence or intentional conduct contributed to the cause(s) of their harm. The fact that workers’ compensation is largely treated as an exclusive remedy in workers’ compensation cases serves several purposes for employees and employers alike. They include:
Prompt compensation: It helps to ensure that injured workers receive timely financial support and medical treatment without the delays traditionally associated with litigation.
Predictable costs: It provides employers with predictable costs for workplace injuries, as they pay insurance premiums rather than facing the risk of unpredictable jury awards.
Minimized litigation risk: It reduces the burden on the court system by handling most workplace injury claims through an administrative process.
With all of this said, there are some exceptions where an injured worker may be able to sue their employer directly. They include scenarios in which an employer intentionally harms a worker, and when employers fail to invest in legally required workers’ compensation coverage. The exclusive remedy approach is not a perfect system. As such, it is understandable that many injured workers have questions about their rights and options. Thankfully, seeking personalized legal feedback is a good way to gain informed clarity.
]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[3 hazards in stores that can lead to slip-and-fall injuries]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479052024-05-15T12:50:39Z2024-05-15T12:50:39ZMissing or poorly-maintained entrance rugs
Dark-colored, heavy rugs are a staple at most business entranceways. They help absorb rainwater or snow melt tracked in by visitors. They can also collect dirt and dust. A lack of rugs could lead to puddling and dirty floors that affect visitor attraction. Rugs that come loose or that are dirty and saturated can be dangerous to visitors as well.
Unattended to spills and leaks
Maybe there is a drip coming from the ceiling near the customer service counter due to a leak. The failure to consistently clean up the resulting puddle as it develops during rainstorms could lead to people getting hurt. Perhaps there is a refrigeration unit that has issues with the condenser, causing puddling on the floor nearby. Customers even sometimes cause spills by dropping items on the floor. When employees don't promptly respond to spills, leaks and puddles, people can easily end up slipping and getting hurt as a result.
Obstacles in aisles
Leaving items on the ground in areas traveled by consumers is a dangerous practice at a retail establishment. A half-empty carton of unshelved cans abandoned by a worker could lead to someone tripping. So could a power cord used to supply electricity to a freestanding refrigeration unit. Trip-and-falls can be as problematic as slip-and-falls, and they are equally easy for businesses to prevent if they are proactive about keeping pathways within the business clear.
If a slip-and-fall incident occurs due to improper facility maintenance, the injury victim may have grounds to request compensation for any injury-related expenses they incur. Pursuing a premises liability claim after a slip-and-fall injury can potentially help someone cover medical expenses and lost wages. Those who understand that businesses are liable when negligence hurts patrons can assert themselves after getting hurt at a public location.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[3 common traffic habits that can contribute to a heightened crash risk]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479032024-03-18T12:48:19Z2024-03-18T12:48:19ZConsistent speeding
Quite a few people view the speed limit on a road as the lowest acceptable speed. However, the truth is that the speed limit should be the maximum rate of speed someone maintains. Many drivers make a habit of operating their vehicles somewhere between five and 10 miles over the posted limit. They may continue to do this even during times of heavy traffic or bad weather. Speed can diminish control over a vehicle and increase the severity of a crash if one occurs. Speeding has become such an issue that Connecticut has begun using cameras to catch those speeding and running red lights.
Inconsistent turn signal use
Using a turn signal is the simplest way of communicating with others in traffic. While it only takes a fraction of a second to start and stop a turn signal, many drivers don't bother to indicate their intentions to others. They merge into other lanes of traffic or turn at intersections without using a signal first. When others nearby don't know that someone plans to turn or merge, they cannot adjust their own behavior for optimal safety.
Getting too close to other vehicles
Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely is a dangerous practice. Those who regularly speed or who drive aggressively may be more likely than others to frequently tailgate in traffic. Someone too close to another vehicle may not be able to stop quickly enough to prevent a crash. Tailgating can be particularly dangerous in situations where the vehicles involved are of significantly different sizes.
Drivers who are aware of factors that increase their motor vehicle collision risk may have an easier time reaching their destination safely. Identifying and correcting unsafe traffic habits can diminish someone's chances of causing or otherwise being involved in a severe collision.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[What dangers do shoppers face when visiting stores?]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=479002024-01-20T01:28:58Z2024-01-20T01:28:58Zpotential shopping hazards is essential for shoppers and store owners to better ensure a safe shopping experience.
Slip and fall hazards
One of the most common dangers in stores involves slipping and falling. These incidents can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose mats or cluttered walkways. Wet floors might stem from cleaning, spills or tracked-in rain or snow. Stores are responsible for maintaining clean and dry floors.
Falling merchandise risks
Falling merchandise is another significant hazard in stores, particularly those with high shelving. Items that are improperly stacked or insecurely shelved can pose a risk of falling and injuring customers. This is especially true in stores selling heavy or bulky items. Store employees should ensure merchandise is safely positioned and avoid overloading shelves.
Dangers in crowded environments
Rowdy crowds, especially during sales or special events, can also create unsafe conditions. In a rush to grab discounted items, shoppers can be pushed, shoved or trampled. Store management should manage these events by implementing crowd control measures and ensuring adequate staffing to maintain order.
Inadequate lighting in parking lots
Parking lots can be very unsafe. Inadequate lighting makes it difficult to see any cracks or uneven areas in the parking lot, which could lead to trips and falls. It also increases the likelihood that attacks in the parking lot may occur. Adequate lighting and having security present may prevent issues.
Ultimately, the onus is on the store owners and management to ensure shoppers have a safe experience. When a shopper is injured, they may need urgent medical care. They should alert the store employees of the injury and seek medical care. They may choose to file a personal injury claim against the store. This must be done within a specific time set by Connecticut law, so promptly working with someone familiar with these matters is important.]]>On Behalf of Polinsky Law Group, LLC<![CDATA[3 serious injuries often associated with pedestrian crashes]]>https://www.psp-law.net/?p=478272023-11-16T18:07:41Z2023-11-16T18:07:41ZLeg injuries
When a motor vehicle strikes someone, the force of impact can very easily do damage to their legs. Most bumpers will hit people in the thigh, possibly leading to broken bones or injuries to the joints in the way, including the knees. Broken bones in the legs can necessitate weeks away from work and surgery. Severe leg fractures could lead to amputation in the most stream cases.
Hip injuries
Taller vehicles or shorter individuals might lead to a hip injury during a pedestrian crash. In some cases, people could end up with a dislocated femur. They may have to take time off of work while they recover from their injury. Older adults past the age of 55 are at elevated risk of a hip fracture in a pedestrian crash scenario. Hip injuries can affect people in a variety of different professions and could lead to expensive treatment, possibly including surgery.
Brain injuries
Often, the force of a collision leads to them falling. They may collapse forward onto the vehicle or backward onto the pavement. Blunt-force trauma to the head can cause bleeding and bruising inside the skull. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may slowly worsen over time if people don't receive immediate treatment. TBIs can cause symptoms ranging from memory loss and motor function issues to changes in personality and issues with sensory perception. These injuries may cost quite a bit in medical care and could also affect someone's earning potential.
Pedestrian crashes may result in a total price tag that far exceeds what insurance will cover. Those involved in a car-pedestrian collision might need to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. As a result, seeking legal guidance promptly after a pedestrian crash is generally wise.]]>