Two of the Most Dangerous Highways in America are in North Texas

We drive on highways every day, but some are more dangerous than others. Whether it’s because of a high speed limit, the volume of cars traveling it, or the condition of the road, some highways consistently have more crashes than others. Every year, over 30,000 people are killed in road crashes in the United States.

The number of deaths on the 100 most dangerous roads accounted for 10% of the fatalities in the entire country from 2015 to 2019. There were 109.6 fatalities for every 100 crashes on the country's 100 deadliest roads.

TEXAS HIGHWAYS

I-20 ranks at No. 2 and I-35 is at No. 5 based on data gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the State Department of Transportation.

Interstate 20 and Interstate 35 are among the top five deadliest roads in the U.S. according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

IH 20 As one of the shortest highways on the list, I-20 stretches from West Texas to South Carolina, going through North Texas; Jackson, Miss.; and Atlanta, Georgia. But it records the second-highest rate of fatalities per mile. In 2019, the NHTSA listed 13.52 fatalities per 100 miles on Interstate Highway 20.

IH 35

I-35 stretches from Minnesota to South Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Last February, icy conditions lead to a major accident on Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth, Texas. At least six people have died and at least 36 people were taken to area hospitals.

The State Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new campaign, #EndTheStreakTX,to reduce traffic deaths.

Being aware of dangerous roads is the first step in making them safer. Every driver plays an essential role in maintaining the safety of our highways, and learning to practice safe driving principles behind the wheel — every time — is each person’s responsibility.

While certain roads are labeled more dangerous than others, the fact is, about 90% of crashes are due to human error.

Holiday Travel

The holiday season marks the time of year when more people are behind the wheel and have more distractions than usual.

Winter holiday traffic is full of its own risks. Although the rate of crashes typically declines slightly on the actual day of the holiday, the days around that holiday see an uptick in crashes as more cars crowd the roads. Whether people are traveling to see family, on their way to the shopping mall, or out for a holiday party; you’ll share the road with more drivers, which means you have to watch out for more driving hazards.

Avoiding Holiday Driving Dangers

Drunk Drivers
While New Year’s Eve is often assumed to be the holiday with the most alcohol-related crashes, Halloween actually has three times more fatalities than December, 31st. Numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that from 2009 to 2013, 43 percent of all fatal crashes on Halloween were alcohol-related.

Throughout the holiday season, as company and private parties occur on a daily basis, the risk of crashes increases. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, two to three times more people die in alcohol-related crashes than during the rest of the year, and an estimated 25,000 people will be injured in crashes attributed to drinking and driving.

Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is always a concern when you’re behind the wheel, but distractions can increase during the holiday season. In addition to drivers using mobile phones to call or text friends and family, they may be online shopping for a gift item or looking up directions to a store.

While distracted driving has become a bigger problem in recent years, during the holiday season it’s even more likely to present challenges for everyone on the road.

Drowsy Drivers
Drowsy drivers are also abundant during the holiday season. With an increase in activities, many drivers are overextended. Then there are the hangovers as a result of those holiday parties, which add to the feeling of fatigue and cause slower reaction times.

When drivers haven’t had enough sleep, they’re at a greater risk for a crash. A study from the NHTSA estimates that in 2017, 91,000 police-reported crashes involved drowsy drivers. These crashes led to an estimated 50,000 people injured and nearly 800 deaths, and industry experts say that collisions resulting from fatigued and sleepy drivers are on the rise.

New/Unfamiliar Drivers
Sometimes sharing traffic lanes with inexperienced or unfamiliar drivers can be frightening. They may not be familiar with driving in heavier traffic and may make sudden stops or other abrupt moves. Or, you may find yourself in traffic with out-of-towners who don’t know the area and make sudden turns, lane changes and exits.

With more people traveling across roads they’re not familiar with during this time of year, the likelihood for crashes increases.

Weather Hazards
In addition to the need to be aware of what other drivers are doing around you, the timing of the holidays brings its own set of challenges. The potential for ice and snow make winter weather driving more treacherous.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, about one-fourth of all weather-related vehicle crashes occur on pavement that is icy or snowy. About 15 percent of crashes happen when snow or sleet is falling.

More than 1,300 people die each year as a result of crashes on roads due to inclement weather. These conditions, combined with other holiday hazards, can make for dangerous driving situations. For drivers who must spend a large part of their time behind the wheel, learning how to prepare for and manage such situations can truly mean the difference between life and death.

ARRIVE SAFELY

Implementing these principles is an effective way to increase your odds of arriving safely at your destination this holiday season:

• Aim High In Steering: Look ahead at least 15 seconds (2-3 car lengths ahead) in traffic to see where you’ll be and anticipate what you might need to do to manage that situation
• The Big Picture: Although holiday traffic is well known for its bumper-to-bumper traffic, taking the time to adjust your “following distance” and looking for the safest position in traffic can provide you with the space you need
• Leave Yourself An Out: By creating a cushion of space around your vehicle, you can give yourself an “out” when an unsafe situation arises

CONTACT MILLER WEISBROD

Getting into a car accident can be extremely emotional and stressful experience. If you have been involved in an accident during the holidays, it is important to find legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Miller Weisbrod, we understand the stress accompanied by car accidents and are dedicated to taking a personalized approach to every case.

If you are looking to discuss your car accident case with a personal injury lawyer, Miller Weisbrod Attorneys At Law are here to help. Call us today at (888) 987-0005 or fill out the form on this page for a free initial case evaluation.

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Burn Injury Attorneys

Burn injuries are among the most painful of injuries and can take a long time for recuperation and rehabilitation. Although a burn injury can be non-life-threatening, depending on the severity of the injury, the damage caused by the burn accident can be permanent and require years for recovery. Unfortunately, not everyone involved in a burn accident, which includes chemical burns and electrical burns, survives.

Severe electrical burns can be a devastating lifelong injury, or extremely fatal. Even a nonfatal electrocution can have effects that last a lifetime. If you or a loved one suffered a severe burn in a fire, explosion, or electrical burns due to another's negligence, it may take experienced legal help to obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

An electrical injury is a physiological reaction caused by electric current passing through the body. The injury depends on the density of the current, tissue resistance and duration of contact. Very small currents may be imperceptible or produce a light tingling sensation.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 2019 had the most recorded fatal electrical injuries since2011 with 166. Nonfatal electrical injuries involving days away from work totaled 1,900 in 2019. The construction industry had the highest rate of fatal electrical injuries (0.7 / 100,000) followed by utility (0.4 / 100,000) in 2019.

Nearly 1,000 people in the United States suffer fatal injuries due to electrical injuries. 43% of all fatal electrical injuries were in the construction industry.

57% of fatalities occurred in service-providing industries while 43 occurred in good producing industries.

Contact with / exposure to electric current accounted for 3% of all fatalities in 2019, maintaining the same percentage as in 2018.

Construction Industry Electrical Injuries

Fatalities and serious injury because of electrocution most often occur when construction workers or their equipment comes in contact with high-voltage power lines. Contact with overhead power lines in particular cause more fatal electrocutions on construction sites than any other hazard, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Coming in contact with equipment that was not de-energized is the second leading cause of electrocution fatalities.

Electrical Burns (Many have entrance & exit wounds)
Entrance Wound: High resistance of skin transforms electrical energy into heat, which produces burns around the entrance point.
Exit Wound: Current flows through the body from the entrance point, until finally exiting where the body is closest to the ground.

Arc or Flash Burns
Arc Burns occur when electrical energy passes from a high-resistance area to a low-resistance area. No contact is required with an arc burn as the electricity ionizes air particles to complete the circuit.

A Flash Burn is a painful inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye. A flash burn occurs when you are exposed to bright ultraviolet (UV) light. It can be caused by all types of UV light, but welding torches are the most common source.

Thermal Contact Burns
A thermal burn is a type of burn resulting from making contact with heated objects, such as boiling water, steam, hot cooking oil, fire, and hot objects. Burns can also come from flames that arise when an arc flash ignites a worker’s clothing.

Electrical Shock Injuries
An electrical shock may cause burns, or it may leave no visible mark on the skin. In either case, an electrical current passing through the body can cause internal damage, cardiac arrest or other injury. Under certain circumstances, even a small amount of electricity can be fatal.

• Damage to the heart, central nervous system, and or other internal organs caused by contact with high voltage
• Fall injuries due an electric shock can knock a worker off balance

Electrical injuries on construction sites are preventable. The damage caused electrical injuries can result in severe damage. Construction workers who suffer electrical injuries can file a personal injury claim, or may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation for medical expenses and loss of income. If the accident was caused by negligence on the part of someone other than the employer, the worker may also file a third-party personal injury claim to recover additional damages.
Electrical Injury Risks:

• Overhead power lines
• Buried power lines
• Improperly grounded power tools
• Moving trucks and other heavy equipment
• Gas-powered combustion engines
• Working at heights
• Bad weather
• Defective equipment
• Exposed wiring and unfinished electrical systems
• Unsafe premises wiring

Workers may also suffer severe burns if sparks from electrical equipment ignite gas fumes emitted by generators or other combustion engines. Less serious burns may result from getting shocked by power tools that are not properly grounded. However, even a small shock can knock a worker off balance, which can result in serious injuries if the worker falls off a roof, scaffold, or ladder. Workers who get shocked while driving or using tools may also get injured if they lose control of their vehicle or equipment.

July 16, 2021: Lake Conroe, TX

One worker was killed and another suffered non-life-threatening injuries during an industrial accident at the resort at Lake Conroe.

Most Common Construction Sites Electrical Injuries

Burns are the most common type of electrical injury on construction sites, according to OSHA. Other types of common electrical injuries include respiratory arrest, heart attack, muscle spasms, and damage to the central nervous system and other internal organs. Electrical burns, in particular, often cause lasting harm that may not be immediately apparent. Examples of long-term or permanent damage requiring ongoing treatment include the following:

• Scarring and disfigurement from burns. Hands, head, and feet are the most common contact points for arc burns. Victims may require reconstructive surgery and ongoing physical therapy
• Electrical burns may cause tissue damage that is susceptible to infection, potentially leading to the need to amputate limbs
• Psychological trauma. Patients who have suffered serious burns often endure months of painful treatment, which can trigger anxiety and depression
• Impaired hearing or lung damage. Explosions from electrical arcs can create pressure waves capable of damaging the inner ear or causing lungs to collapse
• Damage to muscles and ligaments. Electrical shock causes involuntary muscle contractions, which may result in permanent damage

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is one type of muscular disorder that can develop as a result of electric shock. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD) is a disorder that causes lasting pain, usually in an arm or leg, and it shows up after an injury, stroke, or even heart attack. But the severity of pain is typically worse than the original injury itself. Also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), RSD occurs when blood vessels contract at an injury site but fail to reopen, causing ongoing feelings of pain and extreme coldness.

Preventing Electrical Injuries

Employers and employees can prevent electrical injuries on construction sites by doing the following:

• De-energize high-voltage lines or post barricades
• Ensure that low-voltage electrical systems are grounded
• Operate electric power tools away from combustion engines or other areas where there may be dust or flammable gas or liquids
• Inspect power cords to ensure they are not frayed or worn
• Provide and learn adequate lockout/tagout systems

Employees must take special precautions regarding power lines, which can act like a magnet and move toward metal objects nearby. Equipment such as cranes, front loaders, and backhoes should never be operated near power lines; neither should workers use metal ladders or scaffolds within 10 feet of power lines.

OSHA requires the use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) at construction sites. Workers must be trained in proper use of lockout/tagout procedures to make sure equipment is de-energized when it is undergoing maintenance and not in use. However, this is not always practiced on construction sites, as lockout/tagout regulations are among the most frequently cited OSHA violations.

§1910.335(b), OSHA requires employers to use alerting techniques (safety signs and tags, barricades, and attendants). . . to warn and protect employees from hazards which could cause injury due to electric shock, burns or failure of electric equipment parts. Although these Subpart S electrical provisions do not specifically require that electric equipment be marked to warn qualified persons of arc-flash hazards, §1910.335(b)(1) requires the use of safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags to warn employees about electrical hazards (e.g., electric-arc-flash hazards) which may endanger them as required by §1910.145.

Experienced Representation for Burn and Electrocution Victims

Miller Weisbrod is the recognized leader in plaintiffs' personal injury trial law. We have the experience, legal skill and resources to tackle a full range of serious burn and electrocution cases, including:

• Construction site fires and explosions caused by ignition of flammable gasses or aerosols caused by carelessness, improper disposal or faulty electrical installation
• Explosions caused by faulty industrial equipment such as air compressors
• Burns or electrocution caused by electrical contractor or subcontractor negligence
• Fires and electrical injuries caused by violations of National Electrical Association regulations regarding the installation of wires and breaker boxes

It is important to consult an experienced injury lawyer in a burn or electrocution case. The long-term nature of these injuries means that compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering may not be enough. There may be future medical expenses for physical therapy, rehabilitation and corrective surgery to consider.

Miller Weisbrod recovered a large settlement on behalf of a concrete worker who suffered severe burn injuries and amputations in a construction/worksite accident after contacting a power line with his aluminum concrete mop.

Our team of experienced burn injury attorneys serves the legal needs of burn and electrocution victims. If you need legal advice, caring support, and dedicated representation; please contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation. With locations in Dallas and Houston, we handle cases nationwide, and invite you to call us at 214.987.0005, or toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also fill out the form on this page to set up your free initial consultation.

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Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

A motorcycle crash is a complex event involving the interaction of human, vehicle, and environmental factors. More than 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. The motorcycle itself provides no head injury protection to the rider or passenger. Ejection from the motorcycle is a common injury. If a motorcycle comes to an abrupt stop and the rider is ejected, the rider will impact objects in the path as well as the ground.

MOTORCYCLE CRASHWORTHINESS

A motorcycle lacks the crashworthiness and occupant protection characteristics of a normal automobile. An automobile has more weight and bulk than a motorcycle. It has door beams, a roof, airbags, and seat belts. It is also more stable because it is on four wheels. What a motorcycle sacrifices in weight, bulk, and other crashworthiness characteristics is somewhat offset by its agility, maneuverability, ability to stop quickly, and ability to swerve quickly when necessary.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, despite less traffic on the road in 2020 and a 2% reduction in motorcycle crashes, safety officials are alarmed by a 17% increase in Texas motorcycle fatalities compared to 2019. On average, a motorcyclist is killed in a crash on Texas roads every day—last year there were 482 fatal motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists account for 12% of all traffic fatalities statewide.

In 2019, motorcycles accounted for 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And an estimated 84,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents that year.

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) reports that fatal crashes between motorcyclists and drivers often occur when drivers misjudge the motorcycle’s distance and speed and make left turns in front of an oncoming motorcyclist. Last year, almost one-third of Texas motorcycle fatalities occurred in an intersection or was intersection-related. TTI also points to driver inattention as a contributing factor to motorcycle crashes. Motorcyclists Killed & Injured | Fatality & Injury Rates: 2010-2019

Miller Weisbrod recovered $3,000,000 on behalf of a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of being struck by a truck trailer.

COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Several things can cause motorcycle accidents, including negligence on behalf of the motorcycle driver. However, most accidents are caused by the negligence of the other drivers on the road.

Vehicles Making Left-Hand Turns
Collisions between cars making left-hand turns and motorcycles are common, and often deadly. In 2019, NHTSA reported that in nearly half of all fatal crashes involving a car and a motorcycle, the car was turning left at the time of the crash.

Cars turning left typically strike oncoming or passing motorcycles in intersections. Common reasons for left-turn accidents include driver distraction, low visibility (it's often hard for drivers in cars to see and judge the speed of motorcycles), and speeding.

Drivers turning left must yield to other traffic. Motorcyclists might share fault in left-turn accidents if they speed, run a red light, or ride in the wrong lane.

Collisions
Motorcyclists are vulnerable when they collide with other motor vehicles and fixed objects (like trees, guardrails, fences). Unlike passengers in a car, bikers aren't shielded by a metal frame, or cushioned by airbags.

Motorcycles in Head-On Collisions
According to the 2019 NHTSA report, just over half of the 5,114 motorcycles involved in fatal accidents included another moving vehicle. In three-quarters of those accidents, the car struck the motorcycle in the front. (Only 7% of motorcycles were rear-ended.)

Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous kinds of accidents for riders because of the mismatched amount of force involved (cars weigh roughly four times as much as motorcycles) and the lack of safety features on motorcycles.

Collisions between Motorcycles and Fixed Objects
Motorcyclists were also more likely to die in collisions with fixed objects, compared with people in passenger cars in 2019. For example, motorcyclists can be severely injured or killed when they veer off a rain-slicked road and hit a tree, fence, or guardrail. Of the 5,114 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2019, 23% were collisions with fixed objects, compared to 16% for passenger cars, 13% for light trucks, and 4% for large trucks.

Road Hazards
The driver of a car may not notice things like uneven road surfaces, gravel on pavement, and railway tracks. But bikers need to be extremely aware of common hazards like these. Because motorcycles are smaller and less stable than a car, irregularities and unexpected objects in the road can cause a motorcycle to crash.

Lane Splitting
Lane Splitting is when a motorcycle snakes or weaves between a line of stopped or slowly moving cars. Lane splitting is a common cause of motorcycle accidents because cars do not expecting any vehicle to pass them in slowed or stopped traffic, and there is very little room for motorcycles to maneuver when they weave between cars.

As of 2021, only a few states allow lane splitting. If an accident happens when a motorcycle is lane splitting, there's a good chance the motorcyclist will be found at fault.

Riding Behaviors
Motorcyclists might not be able to control factors like road hazards, but they can control their own riding behaviors. Some motorcyclists are willing to break the law and violate safety rules when they ride.

Riding Under the Influence
Alcohol is involved in 25% of motor vehicle accidents. Intoxication can affect car driver’s ability to recognize motorcycle riders, and pedestrians.

• Impacting their distance and depth perception. This makes motorcycles harder to see from a distance.
• Lowering straight line driving performance by affecting steering wheel control. This is why drunk drivers can be observed swerving and crossing into opposite lanes, which is dangerous for lane sharing or splitting motorcycles.
• Limiting their vision. An intoxicated driver is less likely to see a pedestrian or rider until it’s too late.

Speeding
Light and more powerful motorcycles (like sport and super-sport bikes) encourage speeding and other high-risk behavior. 33% of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes in 2019 were speeding. Younger riders are even more likely to be involved in fatal accidents while speeding. Half of all riders in the 21-24 age groups who died in motorcycle accidents were speeding when they crashed.

Not Wearing a Helmet
One of the easiest things a motorcyclist can do to stay safe is to wear a helmet. The NHTSA estimates that for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had they worn a helmet.

In Texas, helmets are required for any rider under the age of 21. Riders over the age of 21 may forego wearing a helmet if they obtain the proper certification or insurance coverage.

Motorcycle Insurance: Texas motorcyclists must carry the minimum liability coverage: $30,000 bodily injury coverage for each injured person in an accident, $60,000 bodily injury coverage total per accident, and $25,000 property damage coverage per accident. This coverage is known as “30/60/25 coverage.”

In a motorcycles accident, the riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, so they are more likely to be injured or killed. The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2019, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 29 times the number in cars.

Because traumatic head injuries are common among fatally injured motorcyclists, helmet use is important. Helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths, and 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Only 18 states and the District of Columbia mandate helmet use by all riders.

Although the decision to wear a helmet is at the rider’s discretion if over the age of 21, helmets have been proven to save lives.

Our team also recovered $2,750,000 for another client injured in a motorcycle accident when another vehicle failed to yield.

OUR TEAM

Our motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to guide you through the process of a claim and a possible lawsuit.
Our experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys can assist with the following:

• Assist you in getting the medical help you need – Motorcyclists do not have the luxury of being protected by the frame of a car. As a result, they can suffer severe head, neck, back, arm & leg injuries. Our staff will work tirelessly to help you find the right doctor for your specific injury.
• File claims to repair or replace your motorcycle – Getting your motorcycle fixed or finding a new motorcycle may be your immediate concern.
• Investigating your crash – Our professional investigators can obtain and review the police report, analyze the accident scene, study crash photos and interview witnesses. We also consult with accident reconstruction experts who can explain why your motorcycle accident occurred and who was responsible.
• File a lawsuit in the proper court – If your case cannot be settled without litigation, we can file a lawsuit in the right venue and begin litigating your case. If needed, we can seek court orders to require the vehicle driver to provide information that he or she may be withholding.
• Negotiate a settlement or go to court – We prepare for all of our cases to go to trial. This gives us an advantage when seeking a settlement from the insurance company. We are aggressive at the negotiation table and persuasive in the courtroom. We aim to maximize your recovery.
• Collect your verdict or settlement – Even after a settlement is reached or a verdict is returned, steps must be taken to collect what you are owed. We will work diligently to collect and disburse the funds you are owed as quickly as possible so that you and your family can move on with your life.

CONTACT A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

If you or your loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. To help determine whether you may be able to file a claim against the other driver, contact the Dallas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys of Miller Weisbrod to discuss your accident.

For more information, we invite you to contact our offices in Dallas at 214.987.0005 to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced personal injury trial lawyers. If you are calling from outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area, please call toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by filling out the form on this page to schedule your free consultation.

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Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

WHAT IS A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk for getting a TBI or having worse health outcomes after the injury.

There were about 61,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States in 2019. That comes to roughly 166 TBI-related deaths every day. TBIs affect the lives of people of all ages. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk of dying from a TBI or experiencing long-term health problems after the injury.

While sports injuries, including repetitive concussions, are known causes of traumatic brain injuries, automobile accidents are another major cause of TBI’s. The most widely reported brain injuries from car accidents result from vehicle rollovers or occupant ejection. Car accidents are the second leading cause of TBIs, making up 17.3% each year, right after falls, which make up just over 35% of traumatic brain injuries. These often lead to catastrophic brain injuries, including skull fractures and other similar major traumatic injuries.

The majority of 18-wheeler truck wrecks will involve some level of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (“TBI”) occur when a bump, blow, or a jolt to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain.

Surprisingly, a much more common cause is from a rear-end collision. Most of these brain injuries do not involve obvious trauma like a skull fracture or facial wound. The serious whiplash of the head back and forth due to a violent rear-end collision can cause a life altering brain injury (physicians refer to this injury as a “contrecoup” injury (where the brain contacts the front of the skull and back of the skull due to the whiplash forces).

A contrecoup TBI can injure blood vessels in the brain and cause a slow bleed, which can create pressure that contributes to brain damage and even death. Or the bleeds and tears may be microscopic in nature, but nevertheless have serious consequences on the higher (executive level) functioning of the brain. Contrecoup brain injury involves a contusion remote from, and opposite to, the actual site of impact to the head. A Contrecoup brain injury is an injury mainly prevalent in truck accidents given the large force of a rear-end collision from a commercial truck or tractor-trailer.

These injuries cause the neurons (transmitters) of the brain not to be able to relay the electrical messages of the brain as efficiently or quickly—leading to problems with memory, problem solving, emotion control and impulse control. These injuries can have lasting consequences.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SYMPTOMS

Traumatic brain injury often occurs as a result of a severe sports injury, car accident, or 18-Wheeler accident. Immediate or delayed symptoms may include confusion, blurry vision, and concentration difficulty. Infants may cry persistently or be irritable.

Unlike other injuries, the full impact of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be fully known at the time of the accident or even at the time of treatment.

Symptoms may appear days or weeks after an initial diagnosis, and could result in additional − and often expensive − medical treatment. Therefore, if you or a loved one has suffered a head injury due to the negligence of another, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney right away to ensure all your expenses − both now and in the future − are protected.

Symptomatic Experiences:

• Cognitive: amnesia, inability to speak or understand language, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty thinking and understanding, inability to create new memories, or inability to recognize common things
• Behavioral: abnormal laughing and crying, aggression, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions
• Mood: anger, anxiety, apathy, or loneliness
• Whole body: blackout, dizziness, fainting, or fatigue
• Eyes: dilated pupil, raccoon eyes, or unequal pupils
• Gastrointestinal: nausea or vomiting
• Speech: difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Visual: blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Also common: persistent headache, a temporary moment of clarity, balance disorder, bleeding, bone fracture, bruising, depression, loss of smell, nerve injury, post-traumatic seizure, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to sound, or stiff muscles

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF TBI DAMAGE

• Headache - Dull or sharp pain within the skull. Can occur anywhere with the cranium including areas away from the point of injury
• Pain around or above the neck - Normally associated with whiplash. The head does not have to be hit for internal damage to occur. The brain tissue is harmed when hitting the inside of a person’s skull
• Bleeding or bruising to any part of the head - Most obvious sign of minor to severe TBI. This includes nose bleeds, cuts or deep bruising to the face, neck or head
• Hearing issues - People can lose hearing in one or both ears, hear ringing or high pitched noises that are not present
• Eyesight problems - Dizziness, Blurred vision, seeing spots or blind spots. People have a hard time focusing or experience changes to vision after knock to head
• Jaw pain - Normally occur from an act of violence or punch. A blow to the jaw can transfer force to skull resulting in damage to brain
• Nausea or Vomiting - Similar to motion sickness or seasickness effect. People feel off balance indicating internal damage to the head

MENTAL SIGNS OF TBI DAMAGE

• Confusion - People are easily confused or disoriented. They can’t remember basic information
• Changes in mood - Agitation and combativeness levels are higher
• Mental Status - Days and weeks after an incident a person’s normal behavioral patterns change. Become more aggressive, depressed or anxious
• Sensitivity to light & sound - Normal sounds and well-lit rooms cause irritation, headache or pain. Suffers of TBI will prefer dark quite rooms

TYPES OF BRAIN INJURIES

When a doctor's mistake (Medical Malpractice) or simple inattention allows a treatable medical condition to result in permanent brain damage, the Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys at Miller Weisbrod, Attorneys At Law are here to fight for full financial recovery for the victims and their families. Based in Dallas, we serve clients throughout Texas and nationwide.

Head injuries are categorized in three types - Mild, Moderate and Severe. These can have multiple symptoms in common.

Mild Brain Injury

• Concussion resulting in changes to your mental status
• Loss of consciousness from 0 to a maximum of 30 minutes
• Confusion, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss, mood changes and headaches
• Medical exams and tests (MRI & CAT Scans) may not show damage

Moderate Brain Injury

• Concussions and Mild symptoms will be present. These issues will last longer and get worse overtime
• Loss of consciousness from 15 minutes to 5 hours
• Same symptoms of mild injury but worse
• Medical exams and brain scans will be used reveal brain tissue damage

Severe Brain Injury

• Loss of consciousness for more than 5 hours
• Obvious swelling of head
• Results in permanent neuro-biological damage
• Results in a permanent lessening of cognitive abilities and sensory functions
• Medical exams MRIs & CAT scans will necessary to assess extent of and area of damage

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY TREATMENTS

Treatments for TBIs depend on the severity of symptoms. Treatment may involve rest, medication, or surgery.

MEDICATIONS
Medications include diuretics that help eliminate extra water from the body. It's also prescribed to treat high blood pressure.

SURGERY
Depending on the severity of the injury, a decompressive craniectomy may need to be performed. This is the surgical removal of part of the skull so that an injured brain can swell without being squeezed.

THERAPY
Rehabilitation is the retraining the brain's pathways to improve mental and physical functioning after an illness or injury.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.

Anger management therapy includes practicing mindfulness, coping mechanisms, and trigger avoidance to minimize destructive emotional outbursts.

Counseling psychology is a branch of psychology that treats personal problems related to school, work, family, and social life.

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you just can’t think clearly after a car accident, then seek medical attention immediately. You should also consult a personal-injury attorney as soon as possible.

CONTACT MILLER WEISBROD

Miller Weisbrod has dozens of million and multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients who have suffered all levels of TBI. Our demonstrated trial experience and proven record of results are just some of the many reasons clients continue to turn to us in their time of need.

Among other notable cases, Miller Weisbrod recovered $4,250,000 on behalf of a passenger in a truck who suffered a catastrophic brain injury as a result of being forcibly ejected from a truck in a serious motor vehicle accident as well as $1,500,000 for a client injured in a construction/worksite accident after falling from an unstable work platform.

To schedule a free case evaluation regarding your Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), please contact our office in Dallas at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005. You may also contact us by filling out the form on this page for answers to your questions or to schedule an appointment.

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Fatal Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Oilfield injury claims have increased as the demand for oil has increased. Crews are forced to work harder and faster, and often the proper safety measures are not in place. The oil and gas industry is a highly lucrative business that attracts hundreds of thousands of potential employees a year. There is a promise of hefty salaries with very little to no experience or training necessary. Oilfield injuries are extremely common.

Miller Weisbrod's experienced oilfield accident attorneys have handled all types of cases, involving:

• Pipeline explosions
• Electrocutions
• Dangerous Gases
• Equipment failures and collapse
• Improper Training

Fatal Oilfield Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of the 876 active rigs, a total of 69 fatal work injuries occurred in the oil and gas extraction industry in 2017. The three most frequent fatal events were transportation incidents (42 percent), contact with objects and equipment (24 percent), and fires & explosions (14 percent). Texas leads all states in fatal oil and gas incidents with 44.

Nonfatal Work Injuries

Oil industry workers often feel pressure to sacrifice safety for productivity. There are no clear training protocols when operating heavy machinery or navigating elevated rig decking. Workers also have to handle hazardous materials and often do not receive very much training to prepare for the dangerous affects.

Little to no training leads to dangerous situations. The most common type of oil rig injury is when a falling object strikes a worker, often from collapsing decking or work rigs. The next most common accident is workers getting caught in malfunctioning equipment, or sustaining a crush injury.

Common Oilfield Injuries:

• Finger or fingertip amputation
• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Burns, including chemical burns
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss

Dangerous Oilfield Gases

Oilfield injuries, like burns and chronic illnesses are less common. This is due to the likelihood that oilfield workers will need to handle a variety of hazardous materials, such as hydrogen sulfide gas. These gases are often highly combustible. Fires and explosions are more common. Oilfield workers are also subject to materials like airborne silica and diesel particulate matter. These materials are harmful to the skin, eyes, and lungs. If oilfield workers neglect the proper safety equipment when working with these chemicals, illnesses, burns, and even death can result.

Opening “thief” hatches of storage tanks can lead to the rapid release of high concentrations of hydrocarbon gases and vapors. Those may result in very low oxygen levels and toxic and flammable conditions around and over the hatch. Recent reports have documented fires or explosions, and described workers experiencing dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, and, in some cases, death while gauging tanks, collecting samples, or transferring fluids. Tank gauging, thieving, and fluid handling can be performed safely with proper precautions.

The Fast-Paced Oil Industry

The high demands of the oil industry push its employees to the very brink of their productivity. To meet these demands, workers may cut corners in order to increase productivity. Cutting corners is common on an oil rig. To complete tasks on time, workers may ignore safety procedures or proper safety equipment.

Inadequate Training

The oil industry draws many employees due to the high wages combined with the lack of training needed. Oil rig work actually requires a significant amount of training. Oilfield workers are responsible for an abundance of heavy machinery. If management does not maintain this equipment, or if the operator does not have proper training, this becomes dangerous. Many oil rig injuries result from malfunctioning or broken equipment.

Oil and Gas Industry Injuries and OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) collects information on oil rig injuries from many major oil and gas companies in the United States. Since 2015, OSHA requires oil and gas companies to report all severe injuries.

Before 2015, OSHA only required companies to report fatalities or catastrophic accidents that hospitalized more than 3 employees. OSHA uses this data to manage and evaluate oil rig injuries and implement better safety procedures. OSHA’s data is incomplete, as 21 states are exempt from reporting. This includes many states with huge oil and gas industries. Despite this incomplete data, OSHA makes it clear that the oil and gas industry’s high injury rate is due to the many safety hazards of the job and the lack of training against them.

Lack of Safeguards

Training is not the only safety measure available to oilfield workers. Safety equipment is also important, and though some safety equipment is present, it isn’t always adequate. For example, oil rig workers wear hard hats. In case of a fall, or a heavy piece of falling equipment, or an explosion, hard hats aren’t adequate. Because of this, traumatic brain injuries are common.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers shall furnish to each employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

To counteract these types of injuries, OSHA recommends the active monitoring of chemicals and equipment. OSHA also recommends proper head, eye, face, and respiratory protection. OSHA also recommends that oil rigs implement regular inspection of equipment. They should also have comprehensive maintenance plans. This includes utilizing safety control devices like tripwires, two-handed controls, and barriers such as gates and protective shields.

OSHA Regulation 1910.132(a) Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

Contact Miller Weisbrod

We understand that many oilfield injuries involve permanent damage that may impair your ability to ever work the same way again. We will make sure to include lost wages, future lost earnings, pain and suffering and all medical claims in our settlement demands. Miller Weisbrod's experienced Oilfield Injury Attorneys are prepared to take your case to court as well.

If you have suffered an oilfield injury or a loved one died in an oilfield accident, please contact our offices today at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005 for a free consultation. You may also contact us through the form on this page for answers to your important questions or to schedule an appointment.

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Structural Collapse

People expect the buildings and structures they enter to be structurally safe. Structure collapse accidents happen more frequently than most people realize. A collapse refers to the failure of a structure or component to maintain its structural integrity.

What is Structural Integrity?

Structural integrity and failure is an aspect of engineering that deals with the ability of a structure to support a designed structural load without breaking, and includes the study of past structural failures in order to prevent failures in future designs.

Structural integrity is the ability of an item to hold together under a load, including its own weight, without breaking excessively or deforming. Structural Integrity assures that the construction will perform its designed function during reasonable use, for as long as its intended life span. Items are constructed with structural integrity to prevent catastrophic failure, which can result in injuries, severe damage, or death.

Structural failure refers to the loss of structural integrity, or the loss of load-carrying capacity in either a structural component or the structure itself. Structural failure happens when a material is stressed beyond its strength limit, causing fracture or excessive deformations. In a well-designed system, a localized failure should not cause immediate collapse of the entire structure.

Whether the structure that collapses is large or small, the associated injuries tend to be serious, or even deadly. It’s not uncommon for building collapse victims to sustain catastrophic injuries, including head, brain, back, and spinal cord trauma.

In some cases, these injuries may require extensive medical treatment; make it difficult for victims to hold a job; or even necessitate long-term assistive care. The cost of medical treatments and rehabilitative services can add up quickly.

Types of Structural Failures

Structural failure can occur from many types of problems, most of which are unique to different industries and structural types.

• Strength - Structure is not strong and tough enough to support the load, due to its size, shape, or choice of material. If the structure or component is not strong enough, catastrophic failure can occur when the structure is stressed beyond its critical stress level
• Fatigue - Fatigue or corrosion, caused by instability in the structure’s integrity, design or material properties. These failures usually begin when cracks form at stress points, such as squared corners or bolt holes too close to the material's edge. These imperfections grow as the material is repeatedly stressed and unloaded, eventually reaching a critical stress point and causing the structure to suddenly fail under normal loading conditions
• Manufacturing errors - manufacturing errors, including improper selection of materials, incorrect sizing, improper heat treating, failing to adhere to the design, or poor workmanship. This type of failure can occur at any time and is usually unpredictable
• Defective materials - The materials may have been improperly manufactured or damaged from prior use
• Lack of consideration of unexpected problems - This failure can be caused by events such as vandalism, sabotage, or natural disasters. It can also occur if those who use and maintain the structure are not properly trained and overstress the structure

Types of Collapses

Structures that could collapse include buildings, bridges, balcony/porches, scaffolds and trenches. The collapse of structures such as trenches and scaffolds are among the most common causes of worker injury in the construction industry.

Building Collapse

A building collapse is the sudden structural failing, partially or entirely, of a building or parking structure, threatening human life and health. When internal load-bearing structural elements fail, a building will collapse into itself, and exterior walls pulled into the falling structure.

In building collapse cases, our experienced premises liability and personal injury attorneys examine the architectural and engineering standards of the building and help you through the complex legal issues that surround these types of premises liability claims.

Bridge Collapse

A bridge collapse is the abrupt failure of the basic structure of a bridge that impairs the ability of the bridge to serve its intended purpose and that damages a highway located on or under the structure.

If you’ve been injured in a bridge collapse, you do have options. Whether you were working at the time of the accident or just in the vicinity of a bridge collapse, you need to get in touch with our experienced personal injury attorneys about your case as soon as possible.

Balcony/Porch Collapse

Porch collapse or balcony collapse is a phenomenon typically associated with older multi-story apartment buildings that have wooden porch extensions on the front or rear of the building. The collapses have a number of causes, including overloading due to excessive weight from over-occupancy. (Deck, Patio, Porch, and Balconies)

Over the last several years our law firm has handled several cases where a balcony collapse resulted in a serious injury or death. Balcony and deck collapses have inpcreased by 20% since 2007.

Firm partner Clay Miller and associate attorney Warren Armstrong tried the case of Nohemi Campos vs. Loma Del Rey Apartments and A-Bar T Construction (162nd Judicial District Court). The case resulted in a $2,138,000 jury verdict.

Other cases our firm has litigated include balcony accidents due to rotten wood or corroded railings. Railing failures occur due to improper placement or corroded connection points. Many of our balcony cases have been successful due to quick investigation including obtaining temporary restraining orders to prevent destruction of key evidence and allowing immediate inspection of the balcony and remnants by our experts.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a deck, patio, porch, or balcony collapse, a lawsuit against the owner, contractor, or other party responsible for the construction, maintenance or repair may be the solution to obtaining the compensation you deserve. This may include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, or compensation for death. Contact Miller Weisbrod for a free consultation.

Scaffolding Collapse

Construction and industrial sites often use scaffolding to reach upper levels of buildings. While scaffolding is commonly used to allow workers to safely access high rise infrastructures, they can also cause severe injuries as there are several hazards associated with their use.

Many times, scaffolding is missing important items like bracing that prevents workers from falling. Other common problems causing dangerous scaffolding involves the failure to place the proper footing on the scaffolding allowing it to become unstable and even collapse.

Some specialty trades use scaffolding called “pump jacks” to reach upper levels of a building under construction or undergoing maintenance/repair work. These scaffolding must have the appropriate bracing in place on the support poles or they can collapse or tip backwards from the building.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the specific cause, there may be multiple parties who can share in the liability, including the general contractor, the subcontractor, the supplier and the manufacturer. Miller Weisbrod’s experienced investigators will assess the accident to determine the cause and the negligent parties in our efforts to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.

Our client, while working for the City, fell when the scaffolding collapsed due to faulty components. He is now paraplegic. Our Personal Injury Lawyers obtained a recovery of $5,500,000.00.

Trench Collapse

A trench collapses when its walls fail to contain the pressure of the tones of soil pressing on it. Even though this can be problematic in any depth, it can accelerate if other materials are piled at the edge. A single cubic yard of soil amounts to 4000 pounds which is the weight of a small pickup truck. When a trench caves in, unprotected workers are buried under that mass instantly which can prove fatal.

Miller Weisbrod, Attorneys At Law has a proven record of success in obtaining large financial settlements and jury awards for victims of negligence. Our lawyers have the experience, industry knowledge and legal skill to handle a wide range of trench accident cases, including:

• Broken natural gas lines leading to suffocation or explosion
• Trench collapse accidents caused by improper shoring and supports
• Water infiltration resulting in drowning
• Accidents in other enclosed spaces such as manholes, sewers, storm water drains and tunnels
• Any trench accident resulting in brain injury, spinal cord injury, other catastrophic injury or wrongful death

Contact Miller Weisbrod

Miller Weisbrod, Attorneys At Law serves the legal needs of structure collapse victims and their families throughout Texas, and nationwide. Our firm is a leader in plaintiffs' personal injury trial law. We have the experience, skills and resources to help you seek maximum financial recovery after a structure collapse accident resulting in catastrophic injury or wrongful death.

If you were badly hurt or permanently disabled or a loved one died in a structure collapse accident anywhere in the United States, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. Fill out the contact form on this page to schedule an appointment, or call us directly at 214-987-0005; toll free at 888-987-0005.

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Boppy Newborn Lounger Safety Recall

Boppy Lounger Recall

8 Infant Suffocation (asphyxia) Deaths have been reported in association with Boppy Newborn Loungers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the recall of about 3.3 million Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers.

The Newborn Loungers were sold from January 2004 through September 2021 at stores nationwide, including Pottery Barn Kids, Target, Walmart, and online at Amazon.com. The loungers pose a risk of suffocation to infants. The Boppy Loungers are an unsafe sleep environment for infants. If an infant rolls, moves, or is placed in a position that obstructs breathing–or rolls off the lounger onto a pillow or soft bedding that obstructs breathing—the infant could suffocate and die.

The mandatory safety recall illustrates growing alarm from regulators over the suffocation risks found in an expanding range of baby products. The CPSC recently required all infant sleep products meet federal safety standards by the middle of 2022, closing loopholes that permitted some potentially dangerous sleep surfaces to be sold.

Refund Information

Consumers should stop using these products immediately and contact The Boppy Company for a refund. Call toll-free at 800-416-1355, or visit the company’s recall page for more information.

• Share the UPC or Item Number and Date Code on your Lounger
  a. The UPC or Item Number can be found on the front of the Care Label toward the bottom
  b. The Date Code is stamped on the back of the second label and is formatted XX-XXX
• Provide a copy of your receipt if you have one, via email, text, or mail. This will help up determine the value of your refund
• Provide a photograph via email, text, or mail that shows the destruction of the Lounger by cutting it in half to make it unusable

Product Liability Lawyers

If your child was injured or tragically killed while using this product, Miller Weisbrod, Attorneys At Law can help. Our Product Liability Lawyers have the proven legal skill and experience to handle the complex evidentiary issues involved in a wide range of defective product liability litigation, including:

• Serious injury or wrongful death caused by products for infants and children
• Injuries caused by defective household products like power tools and ovens
• Explosions caused by faulty air compressors
• Exploding E-Cigarette and other Vaping Devices
• Exploding Cell Phones

The Product Liability Attorneys of Miller Weisbrod offer informed counsel and experienced representation to clients in Texas and nationwide. To discuss your case in a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer, please fill out the contact form on this page to schedule an appointment. You can also call us directly at 214-987-0005 or toll free at 888-987-0005.

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