Author: Scott Palumbo

There are numerous industries and professions where workers are put in harm’s way every second they are on the job. Construction workers, employees on a manufacturing line, auto mechanics and other individuals who work at jobs requiring physical labor often suffer from injuries caused by repetitive motion, falling objects, malfunctioning equipment and more.
Improper safety procedures and a lack of proper supervision or training can also lead to work related injuries in these types of professions. Office workers and executives are not immune from workplace accidents either.

 

Anytime an employee is injured while at work or during the course of performing his or her duties, workers’ compensation laws give that employee the opportunity to seek compensation. Employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance in the event their employees suffer a work related injury. This type of insurance helps cover medical expenses and loss of
wages. In some instances workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover all of a person’s accident-related expenses. When that is the case, filing a lawsuit against any third party whose negligence contributed to the accident may give an individual a better chance at recovering the compensation he or she is entitled to receive. Should an individual suffer
a temporary or permanent disability, he or she may also be eligible to claim disability insurance.

 

The lawyers at our firm are strong advocates for victims’ rights in workplace accidents. We understand how work related injuries can have a direct effect on a person’s ability to do his or her job and earn a living. Individuals who have suffered debilitating injuries may be unable to return to work or provide for their families. If you have sustained a work related injury, we advise you contact Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo and schedule to meet with a Phoenix personal injury lawyer at once. Our lawyers have more than 150 years combined legal experience and our firm
is recognized as one of the top plaintiff law firms in the United States. Each of our founding lawyers have an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and our entire firm stands ready to provide you with the legal representation you need to seek maximum compensation in your workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit. Call our firm right away to discuss your case and review
the options available to you.

 

Paralysis is a type of catastrophic injury that can have detrimental consequences to the injured victim. There are different names and types of paralysis depending on the location of the
body that is affected. Paralysis is an injury where a part of the body loses full or partial function. This occurs due to a blockage of messages between the brain and the body.
The nerves in the affected area are generally damaged to the point where the victim will not have any function in that limb or area of the body. Some injuries that can result in paralysis are
head injuries, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. All types of paralysis can lead to limitations in life and you deserve to receive full compensation for your current and future suffering. The various types of paralysis, include:

• Monoplegia: paralysis of one limb
• Hemiplegia: paralysis in one arm and one leg on the same side of the body
• Paraplegia: paralysis in both legs and often the pelvis/lower body region
• Tetraplegia/ Quadriplegia: paralysis in both arms and both legs and often
  the chest region

The most common injury that results in paralysis is a spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord can prevent the transferring of messages from the brain and muscles, but nerves above the point of injury may be unaffected and can work normally. The level of injury will depend on exactly where the damage occurs on the spinal cord. Knowing the specific level will help determine the muscles that can be affected. Paralysis can vary case to case and some victims may lose all control and sensation in their muscles, while others may lose control but maintain impaired sensations in the affected area. If you have suffered any type of paralysis, team up with a Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer from Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo. We can help you build a case and pursue compensation for your injury, contact us today!

 

If you have been seriously injured as a result of negligence, carelessness or irresponsible actions of a physician, nurse or other medical practitioner, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. When an individual goes to a medical professional in the field of medicine, it is reasonable to expect that a certain level of professionalism, as well as the accepted standard of care will be applied. In some cases, whether though doctor negligence, a medical error, surgical error, a wrong prescription or other mistake, serious injuries, conditions or illnesses
are the tragic outcome. 

Arizona law requires that specific evidence of negligence, neglect or intentional wrongdoing on the part of the medical professional exists before a medical malpractice lawsuit can be heard in court. In addition, an expert witness from the same area of practice must give testimony as to the validity of the medical malpractice claim. Essentially, a medical malpractice claim
must be carefully managed by a highly skilled lawyer to get a positive outcome. Our firm has more than 150 years combined experience serving as counsel for victims of medical malpractice, and has a record of success in this endeavor.

 

At Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo, we do not believe that individuals should suffer due to the negligence or incompetence of a physician or other medical practitioner, whether a nurse, nesthesiologist, dentist, surgeon, psychiatrist or other professional. We do not back down when the other side’s lawyers attempt to challenge the malpractice claim. We are aggressive advocates for the rights of all medical malpractice victims in the Phoenix area. Our dedication and commitment has earned us many recognitions and awards including being recognized as the #1 Plaintiff Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers in Arizona for the past 3 years.

 

We understand how physically and emotionally painful it can be when the doctor, nurse or other medical professional you trusted has caused you serious injury. When you contact our firm we treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve. We will listen to your concerns, analyze your case and advise you of the legal options. For information about whether you have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, contact a Phoenix medical malpractice lawyer at our firm.

 

Both an employer and a supervisor play an extremely important role in ensuring the safety of employees. A key duty of management includes maintaining a safe work environment in which the employees can perform their day-to-day tasks. Owners and managers are responsible for seeing that all employees are properly trained and receive the instruction necessary to do their assigned duties. Providing the correct equipment and taking the appropriate protective measures in each workplace environment is also a responsibility to which an employer or supervisor must attend. When an employer or supervisor is negligent in his or her responsibilities, it will often be the employees who suffer, with dangerous or deadly work-related injuries as a result.If you have been injured on the job or in a work-related accident, you may have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim to seek compensation for your injuries. To help increase your chances of receiving the maximum benefits, we strongly advise you contact our firm for counsel from one of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys. Our firm has more than 150 years combined experience helping people, just like you, recover all of the benefits available under law, including pursuing compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits when possible. We have an in-depth understanding of the workers’ compensation laws in Phoenix and throughout the state of Arizona. We are aware of the role a supervisor plays in the protection of employees the damage that can result when there has been negligence in performing that role.

Work-related injuries can lead to a myriad of problems including physical disabilities, emotional pain and suffering, loss of income, expensive medical and rehabilitation costs and more. If you intend to pursue monetary damages for the injuries you sustained as a result of supervisor negligence, we are here to help. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers, and we will do everything possible to help you obtain the maximum benefits possible. To discuss your claim, contact Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo and schedule to meet with a skilled Phoenix injury attorney today.

 

There are steps that every motorcyclist should take before getting on the road. First, it is important to make sure the tires on the motorcycle are in good condition. Then, check the controls to be sure the lights and turn signals are working properly. Be sure that you are current with maintenance for the oil, fuel and coolant. As you are about to get on the road, double check that your brakes are working properly. Do not get on the road until you are sure that your bike is ready to go. While on the road, it is important to drive defensively in order to avoid accidents. Being aware of your surroundings and driving accordingly is key to staying safe. Some other tips to avoid accidents on the road include:

• Using turn signals whenever necessary
• Not speeding
• Not tailgating
• Not weaving in and out of lanes
• Staying out of blind spots of trucks and other vehicles
• Being cautious on turns and curves in the road
• Avoiding lane sharing with other motorcycles

There are countless ways to lower the likelihood of an accident, but the risk is always present. Even the most cautious riders can get in an accident that is caused by another person’s negligence. If you are involved in an motorcycle wreck, you may be able to hold the negligent party responsible. Motorcycles are not cheap to repair and hospital bills can be very expensive after an accident. Team up with a Phoenix personal injury lawyer from Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo for help fighting for compensation. We fight to recover damages for our client’s physical, emotional, and financial hardships following an accident. We have more than 150 years of combined experience and work on a contingency fee. You do not have to pay us unless we win for you, call today to get started.

 

When an individual undergoes an accident, whether it is a car accident, a construction accident or an incident of medical malpractice, they may suffer injuries. If the injuries involve long-term or permanent disabilities or disfigurement, they may be considered catastrophic. There is not a full definition of what is catastrophic and what is not, but injuries that have a significant impact on the life and abilities of the injured person are most likely catastrophic. Some of the injuries we have seen to be considered catastrophic in cases, include:

• Brain injuries
• Organ damage
• Burns
• Back injuries
• Paralysis
• Quadriplegia
• Nerve damage
• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Loss of vision

 

These types of injuries generally do not heal in a day or two. Catastrophic injuries may require care for months, years or the rest of someone’s life. When determining the degree of injury someone has suffered, many factors are taken into consideration. One of the main elements is the debilitating nature of the injury. This means the effect that the injury has on someone’s
life, what limitations and restrictions has the injury caused in the life of the injured person. Another element is the extent that the debilitation is thought to continue. If the debilitation is significant and is expected to last for a long amount of time, it is most likely catastrophic.

 

Another factor looked at is the impact that the injury has on the injured victim’s life and livelihood. This involves elements such as preventing the person from earning a living or causing permanent disability. An injury does not need to be catastrophic in order for the victim to recover damages, but the damages are generally much higher if the injury is deemed catastrophic.
For help in your injury case, contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer from Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo.

 

Truck accidents can be caused by things that the driver does, mistakes of the loading company, the truck owner and the truck manufacturer. When proving fault in your case, pin-pointing a cause and having evidence makes the process easier and quicker. For help with this process, it is beneficial to have a Phoenix truck accident lawyer from Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo by your side.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) the top causes of trucking accidents include:

1. Driving under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs, making up
   26% of truck accidents
2. Speeding, making up 23% of trucking accidents
3. Unfamiliarity with the area, making up 22% of truck accidents
4. Driving under the influence of over-the-counter medication, making up 18%
   of truck accidents
5. Drivers forgetting safety training, making up 14% of truck accidents
6. Driver fatigue, making up 13% of truck accidents
7. Illegal maneuvers, making up 9% of trucking accidents
8. Distracted driving, making up 8% of truck accidents
9. Difficulty maneuvering trucks, making up 7% of trucking accidents
10. Road rage, making up 7% of truck accidents

 

Some other reasons that an accident may happen is due to the slow deceleration of trucks, the large blind spots, under-inflated tires and any truck equipment failure. If consistent maintenance and equipment checks are not done, the truck may malfunction and cause an accident. Mechanical problems that we have seen cause accidents include brake problems, defective tires, improper loading of cargo, overloading the cargo and skipping safety inspections. It is imperative to continuously check the performance of the truck to make sure it is prepared to go out on a trip. All too often, truck owners and companies do not take the necessary precautions. For help proving fault and finding the cause of your truck accident, team up with a Phoenix personal injury attorney from Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo. Call our firm today for a free case evaluation!