February 3, 2012 | by MH

Fire in Deweyville Utah Reduces Recycling Plant to Ashes

A 7,500 square foot recycling plant in Deweyville Utah was reduced to ashes yesterday. It is believe that a welder’s torch caused the fire that engulfed the complex filling the air with thick smoke and many explosions.

Thankfully, no one was hurt or killed, but it does demonstrate just how quickly something small and relatively safe can lead to life-threatening danger. In the blink of an eye, life changes.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we work everyday with people who’s lives have been changed. Burn injuries can be especially traumatic and often require months or even years of intensive, painful medical and physical therapy, as well as extensive counseling to overcome mental trauma.

To learn more about burn injuries visit our FAQs.

January 30, 2012 | by MH

Chronology of a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When most people think of personal injury attorneys, they think of big-time trials like the McDonald’s Coffee Case. In reality, though, most personal injury claims are settled out of court without having to go through the ordeal of litigation.

If a case does have to go into litigation (always a last choice option), however, it’s course will be fairly predictable, and you can get an idea of what is likely to happen and how long it might take.

FindLaw.com has some excellent information about the chronology of a lawsuit, common concerns, and civil cases in general.

If you have questions about a specific situation, please contact us or give us a call at 866-599-0994. We’re available 24/7 and are happy to talk to you for free with no obligation.

January 27, 2012 | by MH

Utah Courts Performance Measures Keep Community Informed

At Siegfried & Jensen, we are true believers in the U.S. legal system. Our jury system allows average, everyday citizens to make sure that the court system reflects their community’s values and concerns for both criminal and non-criminal matters (civil trials). We elect our state and federal executives and legislators, but as jurors, we act directly as part of the judiciary.

Too many people don’t think about the legal system until they need it, though — when they’re forced to use it to protect their rights and hold wrongdoers accountable.

For example, what do you know about your state courts? Are they working well? How many people who are called for jury duty actually end up serving? How many cases are pending at any given time and how long does a typical case take? How fair are the outcomes?

If you live in Utah, you can easily find out. Beginning in 2004, the Utah Judicial Council began implementing a court performance measurement system. You can learn about things like access and fairness in the courts based on surveys of court users; the time it takes to complete different types of cases; and how well courts are at collecting restitution, fines, and fees.

This system was developed in part by the National Center for State Courts, and other states are using their own versions.

We encourage you to learn about the legal system and help keep an open, fair, efficient, and independent system of justice for everyone.

January 25, 2012 | by MH

Headphones and Pedestrian Injuries

Most people know about the dangers of distracted driving, but what about the dangers of distracted walking or jogging? It may seem silly, but a small study from the University of Maryland found 116 accidents between 2004 and 2011 in which pedestrians wearing headphones or ear buds were injured by vehicles — 81 cases resulted in death and 24 resulted in life-threatening injuries.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we work every day with clients whose lives have been forever changed by serious injuries. Obviously, 166 accidents isn’t an epidemic, but it does suggest that we should all pause and think before heading out into the world with our ears otherwise engaged. It just takes a second, and being aware of our surroundings can help ensure that an invigorating jog stay just that.

January 23, 2012 | by MH

Roadway Safety — Flat Tire Safety Tips

A tire blowout while driving can be deadly, so make sure you’re doing what you can to prevent tire problems and know how to respond if they happen anyway.

The National Safety Council and KidsHealth.org have some great basic road safety advice, including tips about tires.

To help prevent flat tires —

• Keep track of how old your tires are and replace them as recommended/needed

• Check the tire pressure at least once a month

If you do have a blowout —

• Do not slam on the brakes. Slow down slowly, steer out of traffic, and stop as far away from traffic as you can get.

• Once you’re safely out of traffic, put on your hazard lights (emergency flashers) and set out warning signs such as reflective triangles to alert others to your presence and situation. Raise the hood of the car and consider hanging a rag or t-shirt out of the window. These are both signals for help.

• Use your cell phone to call for help. Do not call 911 unless it is a life-threatening emergency.

• Stay with your vehicle unless you can see someone or something nearby that can help.

• Do not walk in or get near traffic and do not waive down cars. The faster traffic is moving the more dangerous it is.

• Only change the tire yourself if you can do so without being in danger from traffic.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we work with victims of auto accidents every single day and we’ve seen how injuries affect every part of our clients’ lives. We encourage you to learn about road safety and do what you can to avoid unnecessary danger.

January 20, 2012 | by MH

6 Out of 7 Hospital Errors That Harm Medicare Patients Go Unreported

It is estimated that in 2010 more than 130,000 hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries experienced one or more adverse events each month. In addition, physician reviewers determined that 44% of the “adverse and temporary harm events” were clearly or likely preventable.

Of course, no one want patients to suffer needlessly, so as a condition of participating in the Medicare program, hospitals have to have a Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program in place that “track[s] medical errors and adverse patient events, analyze[s] their causes, and implement[s] preventive actions and mechanisms that include feedback and learning throughout the hospital.” The goal is to minimize preventable problems and increase patient safety.

Despite this requirement, a 2011 investigation by the HHS OIG found that only one in seven errors, accidents, and other reportable events that harm hospitalized Medicare patients is recognized and reported.

It used to be that hospitals staff were afraid to admit mistakes, but today the problem seems to be that staff do not recognized when a patient has been harmed and/or do not think they need to make a report.

In response to the new findings, CMS will be developing a list of “reportable events” that clearly explains the types of problems that should be reported and will work with hospitals to make sure that staff understand the requirements.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we seen too many patients harmed by the very people and systems that are there to help. For this reason, we support any program that increases patient safety and helps physicians, nurses, and others give the best care possible.

January 18, 2012 | by MH

Space Heaters Can Pose a Fire Hazard

Winter is prime season for space heaters in homes, offices, and garages. But before you switch on, make sure the model you’re using hasn’t been recalled – like the Meijer Touch Point Oscillating Ceramic Heater.

The CPSC and SaferProducts.gov have information about heaters (and other appliances) that are known to pose dangers including smoking, melting, burning, and fire.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we’ve seen how devastating burn injuries can be. Take a moment to make sure your family is not facing an unnecessary risk.

January 16, 2012 | by MH

MLK Day — A Reminder of Community Service

Today our country remembers and celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. — a man who fought and died for civil rights. Check local papers for events in your area (e.g., in Utah).

But today is more than simply looking back. Today is also a national day of service led by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Visit them to find or start an ongoing volunteer service project in your community.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we believe in the power of community. We support the Utah Food Bank, Scouting for Food, the Utah Special Olympics, the Utah Drug Prevention Campaign, and the Utah Council for Crime Prevention. We encourage you to find and support causes you believe in, because strong communities benefit everyone.

January 13, 2012 | by MH

Make An Emergency Car Kit — Preparedness Is In the Bag

Bad weather. Flat tire. Overheated engine. Debris in the road. Rear-end collision.

At Siegfried & Jensen, we work with people everyday who have faced a serious car-related injuries. We know from their experiences that being prepared for problems increases safety, reduces stress, and gets the situation resolved faster. Having an emergency car kit is part of being prepared.

Recommended items include —

1.   Water: Going several hours without water can lead to dehydration which can leave you feeling tired and unwell in an already stressful situation. Always have a few bottles of water in the car, just in case.

2.   Food: In some roadside emergencies you may be far from anywhere or unable to leave your vehicle. Having food (e.g., energy bars) on hand will help make sure you have the energy and concentration you need to handle the situation.

3.   Light: Having adequate lighting is imperative in an emergency or urgent situation. Always have a flashlight in the car (check the batteries regularly). Consider carrying lightsticks, as well.

4.   First Aid Supplies: A standards first aid kit is a must for all vehicles. The Red Cross has information about what a first aid kit should contain.

5.   Safety Equipment: A fire extinguisher appropriate for a car can keep a small fire from becoming a devastating fire. Hazard triangles/cones and a help sign can help you signal your need for assistance without having to leave your car if it’s safest to stay or without having to stay with your car if it’s dangerous to do so.

6.   Tools: Car-related tools include a tire gauge, foam tire sealant, spare fuses, jumper cables, a jack and lug wrench, gloves, hand cleaner, rags/paper towels, windshield wiper fluid, oil, coolant, etc. In addition, consider keeping a good multipurpose tool containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, screwdriver, etc. in the car; it can take the place of a whole toolbox.

7.   Communication Items: Always carry your cell phone and have an adapter that allows you to charge your phone from your car. Even if you’re fully wired, keep a pen and paper in the car. They may seem old fashioned, but they’re useful for leaving notes as well as taking them. Also consider keeping a small disposable camera in the car that can be used to record damage (e.g., to your vehicle) in case of an accident.

8.   Information: Know where your insurance and registration cards are as well as any driver assistance/roadside assistance information. Having a consolidated list of emergency contacts, garages/dealerships, etc. will save you from having to located the information under pressure. It’s best to have copies of all of this in the car in case you aren’t with your vehicle when the emergency happens (e.g., your spouse or child is driving).

9.   Money: Keep $20 or so in small bills and change hidden somewhere. You never know when you’ll have to rely on a vending machine or need cab money.

10.  Weather Specific Gear: For cold weather, you should carry additional items including a windshield scraper, a blanket, hat and gloves, chemical hand warmers, a small folding shovel, kitty litter (or other form of instant traction), and tire chains.

This may seem like a lot of stuff, but most of it should fit into a bag that can sit in a corner of your trunk, and when —not if— you need it, you’ll be glad you made the room.

 

 

January 11, 2012 | by MH

MD. DO. Chiropractor. What’s the Difference?

At Siegfried & Jensen, we work with people who have been needlessly injured. Many of them are facing years of medical care, and they ask us about the differences and similarities between an MD, a DO, and a chiropractor, so we figure that many people have the same questions. In a nutshell, the answers are as follows:

An MD is a Doctor of Medicine. A DO is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are physicians who have completed medical school and years of additional medical training. MDs are often called allopathic physicians. DOs are known as osteopathic physicians.

The only real difference between the two is that a DO learns Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) — a hands-on approach to treat musculoskeletal problems. The techniques they learn are also used by other healthcare professionals such as physical therapists and chiropractors.

Chiropractors are not physicians but have obtained a professional degree in the field of chiropractic and have had a number of years of training. Chiropractic deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and is generally considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine.

MDs, DOs, and chiropractors are all required to be licensed in the state(s) in which they practice and must comply with continuing professional education (CME/CE) requirements.

Knowing what each of these professional fields brings to the table will help you choose which kind of professional is right for you and your family.