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Facial Reconstruction Surgery Following Devastating Car Accidents

Plastic surgeons perform almost a million reconstructive surgeries each year.  These types of surgeries often are performed for reasons other than to make someone look younger or to change someone’s appearance.  Reconstructive surgery is often performed on individuals who have been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.  If someone’s face or body has been disfigured in a collision, a plastic surgeon can perform reconstructive surgery and attempt to restore the person’s face or body to what it looked like prior to the auto accident.

Facial surgery is probably the most risky of any plastic surgery operations because the results are the most visible to other people and involves the eye, nose, and mouth, which all have to function correctly in order for us to be able to fully and properly utilize our senses.  When people are involved in a serious auto accident, one of the areas of the body that often endures serious damage is the face.  Airbags can cause lacerations, or a vehicle occupant’s face can strike the windshield or dashboard in the event the airbag malfunctions.  People ejected from their vehicle in a crash often experience severe facial disfigurement from impact with the road surface.

Motorists do not want excessive scarring to their face, so they will go beyond normal surgery to repair the damage.  Motor vehicle accident victims may undergo reconstructive surgery to return the facial features to as near as normal as possible.  The selection of a skilled plastic surgeon to perform this type of surgery is paramount to success, so a person needs to do his or her homework before moving forward.

Picking Your Doctor

Every surgery is risky and can result in complications, but a professional, accredited, qualified doctor will go to extraordinary lengths to minimize the risks to his or her patients.  Car accident victims considering plastic surgery should conduct research into their surgeon’s track record of surgeries.  Patients can contact their state medical board to confirm their surgeon has no record of discipline and the proper credentials.

The selection of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon can give you the best chance of having a positive experience.  He or she should be a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  They also should have hospital affiliations and work only in accredited ambulatory centers with board certified anesthesiologists.  Patients also might seek out a referral from someone that has had a similar successful surgery.

When Things Go Wrong

When undergoing plastic reconstructive surgery, there is a risk of experiencing complications. There are a number of reasons why complications can arise in a surgery procedure, such as:

  • Surgeon is using outdated techniques
  • Surgeon is poorly trained or lacks experience
  • Poor assessment of the underlying problem

When your surgeon botches your reconstructive surgery due to any of the above reasons, he can be liable for medical malpractice.  Not only can a bad surgery cause you embarrassment and mental anguish; the procedure also can seriously damage integral parts of your facial structure that could be critical to the use of your sensory organs.

Bad reconstructive surgery can result in damaged nerves, impaired muscles, excessive bleeding, and internal bleeding. Sub-standard plastic surgery can not only cause permanent disfigurement and scarring but also death.  Most patients who undergo a bad surgical experience end up having to go to yet another surgeon to have the mistake repaired.

Who Will Pay?

If you are undergoing reconstructive surgery due to a Mississippi car accident, then the insurance company should cover the cost of the surgery.  However, coverage disputes can arise due to the gray area that exists between the definition of cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.  Your surgeon will have to be in touch with the insurance company to explain the medical reasons for the surgery and give them details of the case.

If you or someone close to you has suffered disfiguring injuries in a motor vehicle collision, our experienced Mississippi car accident lawyers represent our clients in pursuing compensation to obtain the best medical care and rehabilitative therapy.  If you or your loved one is injured in a Mississippi motor vehicle accident, you are invited to contact the experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law to learn how we can help.  Our auto collision lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years.  We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy.  We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (601) 790-1505.  No Recovery No Fee!

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Mississippi Trucking Accidents Caused by Air Brake Failure

Defects and malfunctions are a factor in close to five percent of all fatal crashes involving tractor-trailers.  While there are many vehicle-related issues that can contribute to a trucking accident, unsafe brakes constitute one of the most dangerous types of malfunction that can cause a large truck to collide with other vehicles.

Since semi-trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, vans, and pickups, truck drivers require a much longer time to stop when confronted with a road hazard.  Because of their size and weight, large trucks are equipped with a different type of braking system than passenger cars.  Generally, large trucks come equipped with compressed air brake systems whereas passenger cars rely on hydraulic brake systems.

A compressed brake system is comprised of several components, including an air compressor driven by the engine, control panels, a compressed air storage tank, services brakes, and parking brakes.  When a truck driver pushes down on the brake pedal, pressure is generated and propelled into the brake chamber.  The air slows the rotation speed of the wheels of the tractor-trailer.  Although this type of braking system is more efficient at reducing the speed of heavier vehicles, air brake systems can fail without adequate and timely maintenance.  When air brakes on a large truck fail, the prospect of an 80,000 pound vehicle streaking down the highway out-of-control can be a terrifying sight.

The vast majority of tractor-trailers are equipped with a backup braking system designed to avert collisions when a big-rig cannot stop or slow properly.  Despite this form of redundancy and the general reliability of air brake systems, trucking accidents involving brake failure cause a significant number of motor vehicle accidents.  In most instances, the brakes fail on a large truck because the operator’s driving places too much stress on the brakes, or the driver fails to properly engage the braking system.

Even when problems exist with the air brake system, the brakes offer some resistance which allows the truck driver to gradually bring the vehicle to a stop.  However, mechanical or maintenance issues can interfere with the efficient functioning of the brakes.  If these problems are not detected and rectified prior to leaving on a route, minor errors by the driver can exacerbated stress on the brake system when an emergency occurs.

Commercial drivers need to anticipate that air brakes and backup brake systems will not functioning at full capacity all the time.  Drivers can reduce the risk of a trucking accident if they reduce the amount of stress and wear on the braking system by avoiding riding on the brakes on sharp inclines or stopping short.  Safe driving practices can prevent situations that necessitate placing excessive stress on the brakes, such as traveling at a safe speed, observing a proper following distance, and anticipating potential road hazards that necessitate slamming on the brakes.

Brake sensitivity also commonly is a factor in many large-truck crashes, particularly when drivers use too much force engaging the brakes.  This mistake is common among less experienced drivers who utilize excess pressure when activating the brakes.  When novice drivers must navigate wet and slippery Mississippi roadways, the risk of a jackknife accident caused by applying the brakes too quickly and rapidly increases significantly.

If you or your loved one is injured in a commercial trucking accident, you are invited to contact the experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law to learn how we can help.  Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years.  We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy.  We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (601) 790-1505.  No Recovery No Fee!

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Severity of Drowsy Driving Problem Might Rival Drunk Driving Epidemic

While most motorists are well aware of the inherent risk posed by intoxicated and distracted drivers, drowsy driving receives much less attention.  Despite the devastating impact of severe fatigue and drowsiness on the physical and mental skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle, the issue of drowsy driving has been largely ignored by lawmakers.  The expansive use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that promote drowsiness threatens to make the problem even worse.

Drowsy driving accounts for a significant number of serious crashes that cause debilitating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones/fractures, internal organ damage, and even fatalities.  According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 100,000 crashes occur every year that involve sleep deprivation as a factor.  The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep-deprived drivers account for approximately 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries annually.  The organization also reports the economic cost associated with these crashes exceeds $12.5 billion annually.

While this number is significant, the number of drowsy driving accidents might be significantly understated based on a number of factors:

  • Multiple Causal Factors: Sleep deprivation is often ignored as a secondary factor that plays a role in causing crashes.  Many drivers who have been using drugs or alcohol, for example, fall asleep behind the wheel, but substance impairment rather than fatigue is documented as the cause of the collision.
  • Inaccurate State Reporting Systems: While states have adopted fairly standardized techniques for reporting the causes of accidents, these systems are not effective for drowsy driving.  States tend to have different reporting systems for this type of unsafe driving practice with some states not even documenting sleep deprivation as a potential cause of an accident.
  • Lack of Objective Testing: When drivers are operating motor vehicles under the influence of intoxicants like drugs or alcohol, there are objective tests that can be applied, such as a chemical test of blood, breath or urine.  There is no comparable test to determine if a driver was falling asleep behind the wheel.
  • Inherent Self-Reporting Issues: Drivers cannot be expected to accurately self-report drowsiness as a factor in causing an injury accident or fatal collision because of concerns about civil and criminal liability.

Along with these factors that complicate attempts to get an accurate fix on the scope of the drowsy driving epidemic in the U.S., evidence from other countries with better reporting systems suggest the problem could be as significant as drunk driving.  A study that evaluated crash data involving collisions in a number of European counties found that drowsy driving could be a factor in as many as thirty percent of all collisions.  While this estimate might seem alarmingly high, a study conducted by the organization Sleep in America found that 27 percent of participants admitted to commuting to work when drowsy at least a few times per month.

If you have been injured by a drowsy driver, you might have the legal right to financial compensation for injuries caused by this unsafe driving practice.  At Barrett Law, our seasoned Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys understand car accident victims often feel overwhelmed, and we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding pursuing a car accident claim.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Remind Drivers to Look Out for Motorcycles

When a car collides with a person riding a motorcycle, serious injury and fatality are the likely results. One motorcycle rider in Mississippi died in a recent accident in which a car struck his motorcycle from behind. While all types of motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury and death, rear-end motorcycle accidents are some of the deadliest and most damaging motorcycle wrecks that occur. Riders simply do not have the protection that being enclosed in a vehicle provides, and the impact of another vehicle hitting their motorcycle can crush them or send them airborne.

The recent fatal motorcycle crash in Mississippi is still under investigation, and it serves as a tragic reminder that both riders and drivers must educate themselves about the risks associated with motorcycle accidents as well as how riders and drivers can safely share the roads.

Rear-end collisions are just one of the types of accidents that can occur while a person is riding a motorcycle. There are two main categories of rear-end motorcycle accidents. The first type of rear-end motorcycle accident occurs when a rider is stopped at a traffic light or for some other reason, and they are hit from behind.

The other type of rear-end motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcycle hits the back of another vehicle. This type of motorcycle accident is called a sudden stop accident. Sudden stop motorcycle accidents often cause death or permanent disability. During a sudden stop accident, the rider is often ejected from his or her bike and the bike often “cartwheels” or flips end-over-end. The rider can collide with moving or fixed objects as they fly through the air, and they can hit the ground with tremendous force. Unfortunately, an airborne rider can also land in the path of a moving vehicle.

Many motorcycle accidents can be prevented if drivers and riders operate their vehicles safely. Motorists can reduce the risk of hitting a motorcycle by looking twice in either direction before entering an intersection. Also, checking side and rear view mirrors when changing lanes, and navigating on and off ramps will greatly reduce the risk that your vehicle will enter the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

Both riders and drivers can reduce the risk of an accident by using turn signals to help each other anticipate the movements of their vehicles. Likewise, riders and drivers can prevent many accidents by simply giving each other enough space. Space between vehicles of any type gives drivers and riders a chance to respond to the movements of the vehicles around them. Many drivers do not realize that motorcycle riders need at least twice as much space as people driving other types of vehicles because of the way that they are designed to slow down and stop. There is a tendency for drivers to either treat motorcycles like cars and leave them the amount of space that a car would need (which is not enough) or to give them even less space than that because of the mistaken assumption that smaller vehicles need less space to maneuver.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving the Victims of Mississippi Motorcycle Accidents and Their Families

If you have lost a loved one in a Mississippi motorcycle accident or if you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to assist you. To learn more, please call our office today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule a free consultation.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss School Bus Accidents

Recently, sixteen Mississippi students and the bus driver were hurt in a crash which occurred when their bus flipped over. The accident was terrifying for the students who were on the bus, and for their parents, who waited nervously for word that their children were safe. This recent school bus accident calls into question the safety of something that is an essential component of many families’ weekdays – the bus ride to and from school.

Children all over Mississippi ride buses to school each weekday morning, and they ride them back home again in the afternoon. The parents of children who ride buses to and from school expect the bus drivers to get their children to school and back safely on a daily basis. Some children do not ride buses to school, but many families are not able to make rides to or from school in a parent’s car happen twice a day, five days a week. Many parents work on weekdays, making transportation on school buses the only real option for getting their kids to school on time each morning.

We realize that the recent school bus accident in Mississippi has got parents across the state wondering about the true safety of school buses. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration firmly believes that school buses are, in fact, the safest way for children to get to and from school. Statistics support the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s assertion, showing that riding to school on the school bus is seven times safer than riding to school in a passenger vehicle.

If you rode a school bus to school, you may remember that there were not any seat belts on the bus. In most places, there are still no seat belts on school buses. School buses are designed much differently than passenger vehicles are, so they keep passengers safe in a much different way. The padded, high backed seats in school buses serve to divide them into compartments. This compartmentalization reduces the amount of movement that each individual passenger experiences during a collision. Also, school buses are large, so when there is a crash, the force of the impact is dispersed across a large area.  When school bus accidents do happen, injuries are likely to be minor, but that does not decrease the scariness of the experience for the children on board the bus or their parents.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Representing School Bus Accident Victims across the State of Mississippi

School bus accidents can cause a variety of injuries.  If you or your child have been injured in a school bus accident in Mississippi, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We help accident victims pursue compensation for injuries, like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Call the compassionate and experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Report: Teen Killed in ATV Accident in Hancock County

Recently, a teenage Mississippi boy was killed in an ATV accident. The Hancock County Sheriff’s office reported that the accident happened shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 22.  The teen apparently ran a stop sign while driving his all-terrain vehicle and was hit by a truck.  The accident occurred at Hancock Drive and East Pike Street West in Waveland.  The Chief Deputy stated that the accident was still under investigation and the driver of the truck did stop.

Each year, about 700 individuals will die in accidents related to all-terrain vehicles or ATVs.  Mississippi is home to a number of such crashes, and teens are among the most common of all victims.

ATVs are popular among both adults and teens.  The vehicles are generally used for sport but can also be used to haul heavy objects.  While ATV riding can be fun and exciting, these heavy vehicles also lead to accidents and serious injuries.  It is estimated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that over 100,000 ATV accidents across the U.S. require emergency room treatment each year.  About a quarter of these trips involve children and teens under the age of 16.

ATV accidents often result from collisions with other vehicles, as in the Waveland accident reported, or the victim being thrown off the ATV.  Some of the most common injuries to result from ATV accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Facial injuries
  • Amputation
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Individuals injured in ATV accidents may have the right to recovery for their damages incurred as a result of the accident.  The first step to determining whether an ATV accident victim can recover will be assessing who was responsible for the accident.  For instance, if you were riding an ATV on a trial that had a dangerous slant and you became injured due to this slant, the owner of the trail might be responsible for your injuries and could be held responsible in a personal injury lawsuit.  If, on the other hand, you were hit by a car while driving your ATV, an attorney would examine the potential negligence of the driver of the car.  If you are a passenger injured in an ATV accident, the at-fault ATV operator may be held responsible for your injuries.  Finally, for accidents caused by a defective component or a defectively designed ATV, the ATV manufacturer may be liable for your injuries.

Every ATV accident is unique and accident victims will require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who will assess the crash and uncover your potential avenues for recovery.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Assisting in ATV and Other Accidents Across the State    

ATVs hold the potential to cause serious injury or death to operators and passengers.  All ATVs should be operated with parental supervision along with appropriate caution and must be maintained regularly.  If you or a loved one is injured in an ATV accident, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help.  Our attorneys understand the many factors that can cause an ATV accident, include manufacturer defects or negligent property owners.  Our skilled attorneys will fight zealously for your full recovery following an ATV or other accident.  Call the renowned personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Hundreds of thousands of individuals are injured in car accidents each year.  Back injuries are among the most common of injuries sustained following an automobile crash.  Even accidents that seem minor can inflict serious back injuries due to the jarring motion experienced by one’s body in a crash.  The spinal cord is not intended to absorb such a jar, even at low speeds, and this often causes damage.  Minor back injuries can impact your ability to perform daily living tasks, while major injuries can entirely debilitate, preventing you from performing work duties or self-care activities.

Types of Injuries Following a Crash

The human spinal cord can be divided into three different regions: the cervical vertebrae which comprises the neck; the thoracic vertebrae which comprises the upper back; and the lumbar vertebrae which makes up the lower back.  Each segment of the back contains ligaments, muscles, nerves, discs, and tendons that if injured will cause significant pain and sometimes permanent damage.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Some of the most serious car accident related back injuries involve the spinal column.  The spinal cord controls much movement and sensation and is a vulnerable part of the back.  Injuries to the spinal cord can vary from bruising to permanent damage.  Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or total paralysis, loss of feeling in certain regions of the body, and loss of reflexes.  Treatment for these serious injuries will include surgery, medication, and lots of physical therapy. Permanent disability often results.
  • Thoracic Spine Injuries: High speed crashes most often cause injuries to the upper back.  The upper back connects the spine to the ribs, making injuries to this region extremely dangerous.  Permanent nerve damage can result from thoracic spine injuries.
  • Herniated Discs: Discs act as cushions within the spine, separating the vertebrae and insulating the spine from injury.  A herniated disc occurs following a car accident when the disc is displaced.  This displacement places pressure on the spinal cord and causes intense pain along with numbness in the legs.
  • Lumbar Spine Injuries: The lower back is a vital area of support for the entire body, providing stability due to the many muscles located here.  A sprain or strain on the lower back can be extremely painful and slow to heal.  Fractures to this region can result in swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion.  These injuries will leave accident victims unable to perform work and living tasks.

After a car accident, your back injury should be evaluated to determine its severity and, in turn, its required treatment.  Back injuries can be diagnosed through an array of tests, including MRI, CT scans, x-rays, myelograms, and bone scans.  Most back injuries will require treatment with medication, rest, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.  More serious injuries may require surgery.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Fighting for Victim Rights  

Car accidents caused by negligent drivers can cause serious and sometimes permanent back injuries.  The back is a sensitive area of the body that is easily injured in a crash.  Back injuries usually require months or even years of treatment in order for hopes of a full recovery.  For some individuals, the back pain never subsides.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will fight zealously for you to obtain full compensation following a car accident.  For over 75 years, we have helped countless car accident victims find financial relief and we wish to offer the same excellence of legal services to you. Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Two Mississippi Paramedics Killed in Deadly Ambulance Crash

A tragic accident in Greene County, Mississippi on June 24, 2014 resulted in the loss of two local paramedics.  The paramedics were responding to an emergency medical call around 11 a.m.  While traveling on Highway 63 in the Sand Hill Community, an 18-wheeler hauling a bulldozer took a left turn in front of the approaching ambulance.  The 18-wheeler and the ambulance collided, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.  Both paramedics, Alan Smith and Dennis Rushing, died in the accident.  The driver of the 18-wheeler, who has been identified as 47 year old Charles E. Bexley of Beaumont, Mississippi, was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

While the accident is still under investigation, Brent Barfield of the Mississippi Highway Patrol has publically stated that the ambulance had the clear right of way because the paramedics were responding to a medical call.  The speed with which ambulances are able to make it to the scene of a crisis is extremely important to the individual 911 callers and the public as a whole.  Brent Barfield, Trooper 1st Class, knew the victims personally and emphasized the need to recognize the efforts and heroism of paramedics every day.

This Mississippi ambulance crash is sadly one of many that occur each year.  In 2010, over 250 ambulance crashes made the news.  With nearly 50,000 ambulances on the roadways each day, it is likely far more crashes occur that are simply not carried by the local news stations.  One major problem with calculating ambulance accident rates is the lack of a central repository for crash reports.  Neither the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require reporting.

            An analysis of the available ambulance crash data reveals that the following factors are most often involved in accidents:

  • Intersections: Over half of all ambulance accidents occur at intersections.  This is likely due to ambulances attempting to navigate through red lights while other drivers fail to yield or move out of the way.
  • Loss of control of the vehicle: A large portion of ambulance accidents involve loss of control of ambulances.  Often, these vehicles are traveling at high rates of speed in an attempt to reach the waiting injured or sick people.  Excessive speed can be a contributing factor to accidents as can overcorrecting of steering.
  • Road conditions: Slippery roads made slick by snow or ice cause several ambulance crashes each year.  Hydroplaning causes accidents most often but wind can be a factor as well.
  • Rear end collisions: Rear end accidents involving either a car or truck striking an ambulance, or vice versa, occur in high numbers.

If you have been injured in a large vehicle accident, whether it be a truck, ambulance, or other sort of commercial vehicle, contact a licensed Mississippi accident attorney as soon as possible.  Accidents involving these vehicles will have special issues of recovery and fault.  Your best chance of a full recovery will be to start the process early.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Zealous Representation for Truck or Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims

For decades, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC have provided aggressive representation for the victims of all forms of large or commercial vehicle across the state.  Our truck accident attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to obtain the results you desire.  Barrett Law, PLLC operates on a contingency fee basis and the first consultation is always free.  The attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC pride themselves on ensuring each and every client receives superior representation, with passion and zeal.  Call today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Devastating Knee Injuries Result from Car Crashes

There are many serious injuries that may result from a car accident, but the loss of mobility that comes from a knee injury is all-too-common.  Most people do not think about the impact that a knee absorbs every day until damage to the joint leads to an inability to carry out the most basic activities, such as taking your child to the park or driving to work.  When that harm is caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important to ensure that any settlement or award covers the lengthy recovery process and any future surgeries that may be necessary.

In a car accident, the impact forces of the crash may lead the driver or passenger’s knees to be thrust forward into the solid frame of the car, regardless of whether or not the airbags deployed.  Many different injuries may result from this violent action, including:

  • Fractured or broken bones – whether the bones of the knee or the surrounding areas, these injuries may require months of medical treatment and rehabilitation;
  • Hyperextension of the ligaments in the knee which leads to stretching, ripping, and tearing – a person who is twisted in the wreck may experience this type of harm.  There are two common types of ligament injury:
    • o   Damage to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – This is a very serious injury that causes the victim extreme pain and loss of mobility.  Surgery often is necessary with this type of injury and the person may never regain full use of the joint, even with intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy; and
    • o   Damage to the Posterior Collateral Ligament (PCL) – Connecting the tibia to the femur, this ligament at the back of the knee prevents the tibia from extending backwards too far.  Often, it is damaged when a person sitting in a vehicle with his knees bent impacts the dashboard.  A PCL injury is very painful and may lead to the collapse of the knee while the victim is walking, resulting in serious falls.
  • Ruptured tendons; and
  • Dislocation of the knee.

A victim of a car accident may be entitled to compensation for the harm that he suffered.  The types of economic losses that may be recovered include:

  • Medical expenses – These include the immediate costs of emergency medical treatment as well as the bills that come with long-term medical care and rehabilitation.  They should take into account the possibility of additional surgeries as the damaged knee joint deteriorates.  There also needs to be compensation for necessary equipment that must be purchased as a result of the accident.
  • Lost wages – A person may suffer from a loss of a paycheck as the result of time spent in recovery.  If the victim cannot return to the job that he held before the accident, then the settlement or jury award must reflect this changed circumstance, including the loss of reasonably anticipated future wages and benefits.
  • Miscellaneous costs – There are a myriad of additional costs that result from a severe crash, including alternative transportation costs and the need for professional help to assist the victim in doing things that he could have done himself prior to the crash.

In addition to these damages, a person who has suffered from extreme pain and the permanent alteration of his life brought about by a serious knee injury may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.  These are considered non-economic damages and are intended to cover at least some of the emotional pain that results from a severe injury.  Many times, people do not realize the devastation that a severe crash may bring until they cannot play with their children or climb the stairs without being in agony.

The victim of a car accident who has endured a debilitating injury needs attorneys who will fight on his behalf.  The hardworking and experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have the skill and commitment to get you the best results possible.  To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (601) 790-1505.

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Chevrolet Impala under Investigation for Brake Problems

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for investigating claims of dangerous faults in motor vehicles in the United States.  Over the past few months, there have been many different problems with vehicles on the road across the country that have been featured on the front pages of nearly every major print news source.  General Motors has faced a number of serious allegations after purportedly mishandled recalls that led to serious accidents and more than a dozen deaths.  Now, a consumer complaint has prompted the NHTSA to investigate potential braking problems in the Chevrolet Impala.

The consumer complaint that led to the NHTSA investigation was that the 2014 Impala has a defect that leads to the activation of the emergency braking system without warning.  The complaint states that the activation of the braking system led to a sudden stopping of the car when it was traveling at 40 miles per hour, which led to the vehicle being rear-ended.  The complaint prompted the NHTSA to investigate whether the defect is widespread throughout the more than 60,000 2014 Impalas on the road.  If the investigation does lead to a determination that there is a widespread defect, then the NHTSA can trigger a recall.

Generally, when the NHTSA has determined that there is a vehicle flaw that impacts many cars or trucks because of a design or manufacturing defect, it may determine that the nature of the hazard necessitates a widespread recall and issue an official order.  However, the auto manufacturer may challenge the NHTSA in a federal district court.  While the car manufacturer has the right to challenge the order, the NHTSA has the right to go to court to enforce the order and compel the recall.  Once a case has been filed by either the NHTSA or the car manufacturer, the burden lies with the agency to prove that there is a defect that warrants the recall because it poses a serious threat to the safety of consumers.  Depending on the circumstances, even though the auto manufacturer is contesting the finding of the NHTSA that there is a safety risk from the defect, they may need to send notice to all consumers in possession of the potentially dangerous vehicle about the alleged hazard.

            Although the NHTSA is empowered to order a recall if an official investigation reveals a defect that is present in many vehicles, the auto manufacturer may choose to recall specific vehicles based on its own findings without agency intervention.  The auto manufacturer should have learned the relevant facts through:

  • Internal testing protocols;
  • Vehicle inspection policies;
  • Analysis of information gathered through a number of data systems; and
  • Review of all facts in a comprehensive and organized process.

One of the problems with the handling of the GM ignition switch defect was that the executives at the company did not have the proper protocols in place to rapidly respond to the potential danger. 

The protocols and policies that control whether or not a recall will take place are fine for the auto manufacturer and the agency, but it leaves consumers at the mercy of the executives and the regulators.  Often, serious accidents occur while the battles are being played out.

The news is full of stories of the massive recalls by auto manufacturers for defects that could lead to dangerous crashes, severe injuries, and even death.  The compassionate and knowledgeable Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will work with you to help you understand what caused your accident and how you can get justice for the harm that you suffered.  In order to schedule a free case evaluation, please call us at (601) 790-1505.  We only receive our fee if we recover compensation for you.

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