Monthly Archives:' September 2013
Sprains and Strains in the Atlanta Workplace
Sprains and strains are similar yet very different conditions. They can occur independently or concurrently of one another. An injury of this nature can impair your ability to work and is a valid workplace complaint.
Although they can occur in any joint, sprains are most common in ankles and wrists. A sprain is an injury in a joint, caused by the ligament being stretched beyond its own capacity. Ligaments are tough fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones.
There are three classifications of severity for sprains; Grade I, Grade II, and grade III. Grade I (mild) sprains involve a tear in only a few fibers of the ligament. This injury doesn’t result in joint instability and the injured person is not functionally affected. Grade II (Moderate) sprains involve a tear of part of a ligament, from a third to almost all its fibers. It will result in bruising, pain and some swelling. Some function is lost in the injured joint. A Grade III (severe) sprain is a complete tear of the ligament. This type of sprain most generally causes severe pain, bruising and swelling. Immobilization and sometimes multiple surgeries are required. The joint is typically weakened which can increase the risk of future sprains of the injured joint.
A strain, commonly referred to a pulled muscle, is an injury to a muscle or tendon where the muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching. A strain is the equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. The most common areas for strain to occur are the back and hamstring muscles. Strains can be one of two types; chronic strains and acute strains. Chronic strains are caused by a repetition injury, where the muscle or tendon is overused and insufficiently rested between uses. Acute strains are a result of a direct blow to the body causing the tissue to overstretch or contract in an excessive amount.
Neglecting a sprain or strain could cause long-term complications, it is best to be evaluated thoroughly if either injury occurs to you. If you are unsure or have questions about your injury and who is responsible, an experienced lawyer should be contacted for consultation immediately.
Shoulder and Knee Work Injuries in Atlanta
Shoulder and knee injuries are common occurrences in the workplace, especially if the work is physically demanding. It is important to have a clear understanding of the injury you are dealing with and seek appropriate medical attention. Injuries to shoulders and knees can be classified in one of two categories: acute injuries and overuse injuries.
Acute injuries occur suddenly, like from a direct blow, a fall or abnormal twisting or bending. Some common acute injuries to the knee include sprained or strained ligaments or tendons, torn meniscus, torn ACL or MCL, fracture and dislocation. A few common acute shoulder injuries include bruises, sprained or strained muscles, ligaments or tendons, injured nerves, separation, torn rotator cuff, fracture and dislocation. These injuries can be very painful and usually cause bruising and swelling. Acute injuries must be evaluated by a medical doctor immediately. An untreated injury can lead to long-term complications.
Overuse injuries to the knee and shoulder are often associated with the workplace. Many jobs require repetitive movements which can damage joints. With overuse injuries the symptoms come on gradually. Some common overuse knee injuries include bursitis, tendinitis or tendonosis, plica syndrome, patellofemoral pain syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome. A few examples of overuse injuries to the shoulder include bursitis, tendonitis or tendonosis, strained muscles, frozen shoulder and impingement syndrome.
A wide variety of symptoms are associated with both types of knee and shoulder injuries. As with acute injuries, overuse injuries also require a professional medical diagnosis. A medical evaluation usually consists of a physical examination and usually an x-ray or MRI. Issues or injuries with these two major joints should not go unattended or will lead to possibly permanent, life-long problems and will likely worsen over time. To find out if your injury is the responsibility of your employer you should contact an injury attorney today.
Carpal Tunnel Work Related Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be very painful and debilitating. CTS is a medical condition where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist causing pain, paresthesias (the sensation of tingling, tickling, prickling or burning) and muscle weakness in the hand and forearm. The median nerve passes through a canal, the carpal tunnel, in the wrist. A decrease in the size of the canal or an increase in the size of the contents, or both can cause the median nerve to be compressed.
Most people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome have symptoms that gradually increase over time. The first symptoms of CTS may appear when sleeping, and typically include numbness and paresthesia. Usually these symptoms occur at night because most people sleep with their wrists bent which further constricts the canal. Symptoms of progression include difficulty gripping and making a fist, dropping objects and weakness.
CTS generally develops due to increased hand use or activity. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is aggravated by repetitive activities such as grasping and manipulating objects. Some common activities that are believed to contribute to and induce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
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Using power tools on a regular basis
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Computer keyboarding or typing
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Any activity where hand use is routine and vigorous (typists, dentists for example)
Many treatment options are available. The decision is based on the severity and cause of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some of the options for treatment include immobilizing braces, localized steroid injections, prioritizing hand activities and ergonomics, medication, and carpal tunnel release surgery. Most carpal tunnel workers’ compensation cases are controversial and sometimes tricky to prove. Contact an attorney immediately if you believe you are suffering from CTS and are entitled to benefits covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Knowledgeable legal counsel is available and dedicated to making sure you receive the benefits you are entitled.
Invasion of Privacy Laws in Atlanta
Invasion of privacy is the intrusion into someone’s personal life without permission or just case. Invasion of privacy can give the person whose privacy has been invaded a right to sue the person or entity who invaded it for damages. Infringements of personal privacy are often damaging, upsetting and distressing. Some examples of this include workplace monitoring, internet privacy, data collection, and other means of disseminating private information.
A non-public individual has a right to privacy from:
1. Intrusion on one’s solitude or into one’s private affairs.
2. Public disclosures of embarrassing private information.
3. Publicity which puts him or her into a false light to the public.
4. Appropriation of one’s name or picture for personal or commercial advantage.
The Supreme Court has ruled that there is a limited constitutional right of privacy from government surveillance into an area where a person has a “reasonable expectation of privacy”. However, records such as financial records or telephone records that are held by a third party are typically not protected unless there is applicable, specific federal law in place.
Criminal voyeurism statutes mandate that a person should have the right to privacy in a place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile intrusion or surveillance. In other words, a place where one would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. In instances of a hidden camera in a certain location may be grounds to sue for negligent infliction of emotional distress.
A number of laws prohibit employers from intruding into their employees’ lives outside of work. Georgia law constitutions specifically provide for the right to privacy, preventing employers from looking into what their employees’ are up to when they are off-duty. Georgia also has laws prohibiting employers from taking any job-related action against a worker that is based on the worker’s conduct off the job.
It is illegal for an employer to intrude into the “seclusion” of the employee. Seclusion refers to the physical areas in which an employee has a reasonable expectation of privacy. These areas are off-limits to employers. An employer is never allowed to physically enter an employee’s home without consent for any reason including searching for allegedly stolen property belonging to the employer.
Atlanta Workplace Back Injuries
Back Pain at Work
Back injuries and back pain from related injuries make up the majority of workers’ compensation claims. Back pain is often times the result of a work-related injury caused by lifting something the wrong way or falling. Sometimes injuries to knees can upset the injured worker’s gait causing them to lose their balance. An aching back can be very frustrating and exhausting. Below are a few tips to help you manage and/or prevent back pain while at work and limit the use of narcotic pain medication.
Do Not Slouch! Whether standing or sitting, be aware of your posture. Sitting for sustained periods of time puts too much pressure on the discs and joints in your back. It is recommended to get up from your chair once an hour, walk around every half-hour. Stretch your arms to the ceiling, do some lunges and limber up, roll your head from side to side to stretch your neck and shoulders.
It is recommended sitting back at a 135 degree angle allowing your muscles to relax. Position your monitor so you can hold your head straight with your feet resting lightly on the floor.
Use caution and sense if your job involves heavy lifting. Be conscious of the way you are moving your body. When you bend or lift something, use your knees and stomach muscles, hold the object close to your body and lift with your leg muscles. Look up at the ceiling and lift straight up using your leg muscles making sure to not bend forward.
Train your core muscles to support themselves therefore reducing the stress on the injured muscles. Gym machines and exercises that target the back and bikram yoga area are necessary to strengthen the muscles needed to support the spine.
Back injuries can linger and become very discouraging. Preventative care to avoid back problems is always ideal, however If you, like so many workers, suffer from a back injury or back pain it is important to seek professional treatment before it gets worse.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Incidents of medical malpractice, or negligence, in the medical field are, unfortunately unavoidable. Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses and medical staff have the responsibility to treat and heal us to the best of their ability when we require medical attention and care. In the healthcare field, a widely accepted standard of care is expected of healthcare providers. When a healthcare provider deviates from this standard, it is referred to as medical malpractice. This type of professional negligence occurs by either act or omission, either by pe
rforming the wrong procedure or by failing to do something necessary. In either case, the provided treatment falls below the accepted standard of practice. Results of medical malpractice and error can range from a reversible inconvenience to death or permanent disfigurement or damage. A few examples of errors made in hospitals and other medical facilities include: administering the wrong dosage or wrong medication; leaving surgical objects inside the patient’s body after surgery; misdiagnosis (one of the most common); operating on the wrong part of the body; staph infections, which can potentially be fatal; and pressure ulcers (bedsores).
According to the American Association of Justice, deaths caused by medical malpractice or preventable medical errors, rank number six in the list of leading causes of death in America. Proceeded only by heart disease, cancer, stroke,
respiratory disease and unintentional injuries resulting from accidents. It is estimated that as many as 98,000 people die each year due to preventable medical errors.
Litigation of medical malpractice cases are generally considered some of the most difficult to handle. Whether they are the result of poor communication, bad practice or even neglect, their inherent complexities, from a legal standpoint, require extensive knowledgeable and familiar with both medical and legal matter. Celia Sunne and her team of experts are eager to help you and your family through this difficult matter. Contact Sunne Law, Superhero Lawyers today for FREE Initial Consultation.