Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C., Legal Blog

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By: Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.

Latest from Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C., Legal Blog - Page 2

In personal injury claims, compensating the claimant for physical and emotional distress is an important aspect of the case. These are noneconomic, general damages that people often refer to as “pain and suffering.”

These intangible general damages are challenging to quantify because they do not have a direct monetary value. Still, the courts, insurers, and legal professionals apply certain standards to calculate a fair sum.
The meaning of pain and suffering
Pain and suffering include various forms of distress…
Continue Reading How do Wisconsin courts calculate damages for pain and suffering?

Teachers play a key role in shaping the future by educating and inspiring students. However, their job can also come with its own set of risks and challenges, including workplace injuries.

It is important for teachers to review workplace injury risks and tips on how to stay safe.
Musculoskeletal and vocal injuries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 120,000 elementary and secondary school teachers suffered a job-related injury or illness during 2021. One of the most common…
Continue Reading Teachers and work-related injuries

Wind is a powerful force of nature. In fact, it can have a significant impact on driving conditions and the likelihood of traffic accidents.

It is very important for motorists to understand the various ways in which wind can affect driving.
Vehicle stability and visibility
Strong winds can create hazardous conditions for drivers by affecting the handling and stability of vehicles. High winds can cause vehicles to sway, drift, or even lose control, especially for larger vehicles like trucks,…
Continue Reading Understanding the link between wind and traffic collisions

When an injury occurs at work, knowing the steps to take immediately can ensure your safety and protect your rights.

There are several things you should do right after a workplace injury.
Seek medical attention
The first priority is to get medical help. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to have a professional assess your condition. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms but could have serious long-term effects.
Report the injury
As soon as possible, report…
Continue Reading Steps to take immediately after a workplace injury

Alcohol use and large truck accidents are a dangerous combination. Sadly, this can have serious consequences on the road and many people lose their lives in these crashes.

Understanding how alcohol impairs driving abilities and the risks associated with driving large trucks under the influence is very important.
The effects of alcohol
Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely by affecting coordination, reaction time, judgment, and overall cognitive function. Alcohol can slow down the brain’s ability…
Continue Reading Alcohol and large truck accidents

Have you ever felt groggy and exhausted after a night of tossing and turning in bed? Many people have experienced the effects of poor sleep, but did you know that it can have serious consequences when it comes to driving?

Drowsy driving is a major issue on the roads, leading to countless accidents and injuries each year.
The effects of insufficient sleep
When people don’t get enough quality sleep, their bodies and minds suffer. Lack of sleep can impair…
Continue Reading Poor sleep and drowsy driving collisions

Some employees suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their duties. Worker’s compensation can offer financial assistance and medical benefits that help them.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one common condition affecting workers. Other repetitive stress disorders are bothersome, too.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist, hand and arm. It occurs with the compression or squeezing of the median nerve. This nerve runs from the forearm into the hand. The compression can lead…
Continue Reading Can you get workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome?

All sorts of accidents can happen on the job with varying consequences. Even when wounds are not external, an injured person could be dealing with severe and life-threatening issues that are going on inside the body.

An example of such internal trauma is organ damage. This can happen for various reasons, and sometimes, the signs are not immediately obvious. Being aware of the various signs can help a worker catch potential issues early on and seek appropriate medical treatment.
Continue Reading Signs of possible organ damage after an accident

Close-up hide border collie puppy dog looking at camera. Isolated on yellow colored background

If you suffer a dog bite, it can be a distressing experience. Because of the potential for serious injury and an expensive recovery, it is important not to simply brush the incident off.

When there are dogs in your neighborhood, take time to educate yourself about dealing with the aftermath of a bite.
Seek immediate medical attention
After a dog bite, be sure to prioritize your health. Seek immediate medical attention, no matter how minor the bite may seem.
Continue Reading What to do if a neighborhood dog bites you

Truck accidents are among some of the most dangerous motor vehicle accidents. While commercial trucks are also invaluable to American infrastructure, passenger vehicles must understand the dangers of sharing the road with trucks.

One danger is the risk of cargo spilling into the road.
The hazards of sharing the road with commercial trucks
Large trucks account for approximately 9% of fatal crashes. Given their size, they pose a unique danger to other vehicles on the road, which is…
Continue Reading Truck accidents and the hazard of cargo spills

Suffering a personal injury is a challenging experience, and the first settlement offer may seem like a lifeline.

However, before accepting it, it is important to carefully reconsider for several reasons.
Assessing the full extent of injuries
One key reason to reconsider the initial settlement offer is the need to fully understand the extent of your injuries. Often, immediate medical expenses are evident, but some injuries may not manifest immediately. It is important to give yourself time to assess…
Continue Reading Is the first settlement offer the right move for your claim?

The trucking industry plays a key role in transporting goods across the country.  However, there is a growing concern within the industry as marijuana use among commercial truck drivers is increasing.

Understanding the implications of this trend is important for ensuring road safety and the well-being of those who rely on the transportation of goods.
Increased accessibility and changing attitudes
Factors contributing to the rise in marijuana use among commercial truck drivers include its increased accessibility and changing attitudes…
Continue Reading More commercial truckers using marijuana on the job

Workplace injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health. As people learn more about worker’s compensation, it becomes evident that the toll on mental well-being is part of the fallout from a workplace injury.

There are many challenges individuals face as they navigate what to do next.
Shock
Following a workplace injury, shock and trauma may lead to a range of emotional responses. Anxiety and fear about the severity of the injury, financial concerns and worries…
Continue Reading How can mental health change after a workplace injury?

Workplace injuries not only cause physical pain but can also take a significant toll on mental health. The emotional aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming, often leaving individuals grappling with various challenges.

People should address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
Uncertainty and anxiety
One issue individuals face after a workplace injury is uncertainty surrounding their future. The sudden shift from a routine, physically demanding job to potentially prolonged periods of rest can cause anxiety. Concerns…
Continue Reading How can you struggle with mental health after an injury at work?

Navigating the roads can sometimes be risky, especially when it comes to encountering drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Many serious accidents result from this challenging public health issue.

Protecting yourself from intoxicated drivers involves taking proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents and stay safe on the road.
Remain vigilant
Maintain awareness of your surroundings when driving. Watch for signs of erratic behavior in other drivers, such as swerving, abrupt lane changes, or inconsistent speed.
Continue Reading Ways to avoid accidents with impaired drivers

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from various accidents. TBIs can have a severe physical, cognitive and emotional impact. They require prompt medical attention and treatment.

Knowing the signs of a TBI allows you to seek appropriate care for yourself or a loved one.
Loss of consciousness
One clear sign of a TBI is a loss of consciousness. However, note that someone may have a TBI even if they remained awake and alert after a head impact.
Persistent headaches…
Continue Reading Do not ignore the signs of a traumatic brain injury