Texas Trial Lawyers » Safety http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:13:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Preventing Heat Related Deaths http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-heat-related-deaths/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-heat-related-deaths/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:22:47 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1379 As we see every year when a heat wave strikes Texas and elsewhere across the country some people will die from heat. In the desert of Arizona the federal government launched a campaign to get workers and companies to become aware of the dangers of heat related illness and death.

The theme of the campaign is Water Rest Shade. It really comes down to watching your self and to using common sense. Another common attribute is to be aware of how you feel and let someone know if you feel dizzy, nauseous or have a headache. If you’re on the job, tell your employer.

Families should be exercising extra caution with children particularly those participating in sports such as soccer, football or baseball and make sure of the children are adequately hydrated well in advance of the event and also continued to stay hydrated during the day.

It is a good idea to investigate sports drinks and additives meant to rehydrate and add necessary electrolytes in addition to plenty of water. There are ready-made drinks and also several different makers of additives to be put in water solely to help in the rehydration process.

Also remember for these young people to take a break and cool down often. In the news just this week was a football player who died after practice and at this time no one knows if he was a factor or not at this time.

The old saying better safe than sorry comes to mind. No one expects something like this to happen so please use this story as motivation to ensure your children get plenty of water, shade and rest.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston wrongful death attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/preventing-heat-related-deaths/feed/ 0 Buying a New Car–Check Out The Crash Test Ratings http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/buying-a-new-car%e2%80%93check-out-the-crash-test-ratings/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/buying-a-new-car%e2%80%93check-out-the-crash-test-ratings/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:00:32 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1362 Consumers today have a wealth of information to make educated choices regarding which vehicle is best for them. Style, gas mileage and practicality for the intended uses are all things most of us consider when selecting a new car or truck.

In addition, I suggest that it is a good idea to look to the crash test rating of the specific vehicle you are considering choosing to determine whether it is right for you.

The crash test data is available to everyone with an Internet connection. You can go to http://www.safercar.gov/ to see the safety rating of new cars and trucks.

Not only can you search for safety data by model but also by the class or manufacture and can even search for crash test data and safety information on used vehicles from 1990 on. For many instead of asking for the Carfax maybe we instead should be asking for the star rating for the vehicle in question.

I encourage all consumers considering a new or used vehicle to check out the NHTSA website before buying a new car or pickup truck.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston auto accident attorney call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/buying-a-new-car%e2%80%93check-out-the-crash-test-ratings/feed/ 0 The Importance of Staying Hydrated http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/#comments Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:14:25 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1353 Most people underestimate the importance of staying hydrated and can end up suffering from a low degree dehydration. Water makes up the majority of the human body and in the heat of Houston in the summertime is critical that you stay hydrated.

Sport studies have long concluded that you must be adequately hydrated to perform at your peak athletic ability. If you do not drink enough water your athletic ability can drop as much as 20% in a short period of time.

Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay adequately hydrated.

1. Start each day with a glass of water–and drink the full amount before drinking any coffee tea or juice. Take bottled water with you in the car or to work.

2. Keep up with your fruits and vegetables and have some in every meal.

3. Replace Cokes and soft drinks with water or fruit juices.

4. When possible cook with sea salt instead of table salt.

These and other tips were provided by care2.com.

If you’re family has children participating in athletic events remember that hydration starts the day before and it is critically important. Here are some signs of inadequate hydration:

*Little or no urine or urine that is darker than normal

*Dry mouth

*Extreme thirst

*Lightheadedness

The best way to avoid dehydration is to stay hydrated and drink substantial water every day during the day. It can be difficult to know when you are dehydrated and an ounce of prevention is the proper remedy.

Greg Baumgartner is a Texas personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/feed/ 0 Distracted Driving http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/distracted-driving/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/distracted-driving/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:09:08 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1236 Distracted driving is a major focus of a variety of organizations around the country including textkills and focusdriven.

In a recent year 6000 highway deaths were attributed to distracted driving. The greatest culprit is the driver who attempts to receive and send text messages while driving. This single act has been found to have the same potential for deadly consequences as driving while intoxicated.

Thanks to good old American know-how one gentleman has actually created an application for the cell phone that will prevent a driver from texting or taking a call if they are behind the wheel! His motto is “stop the text killing” and it works this way. Called the SMS Replier, it operates in conjunction with a GPS unit to determine if a person is driving. If your cell phone rings with a call or a text while you are navigating down the roadway the phone is silenced and the caller receives a message that you are driving and cannot be disturbed!

No single subset of the population is more at fault than another. On any given day one can observe teens to ‘middle-agers’ looking away from the road to read or send a message – which, by the way, is becoming an increasingly illegal activity in many areas of the country because it is so deadly.

To learn more go to the website: textkills.com. This organization is devoted to ‘ending the madness’. You can sign a pledge that states you will not text and drive as well as find out lots of other information on the topic. Don’t text and drive. Also look at focus driven’s web site at www.focusdriven.org.

Greg Baumgartner is a Texas accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/distracted-driving/feed/ 0 Best Car Tips -Part One http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/best-car-tips-part-one/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/best-car-tips-part-one/#comments Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:39:17 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1095

Men’s Health published a very good story about the 100 best car tips for consumers. The list was so good I thought it was helpful to mention some of the better tips with a few of our own. Here they are — part one:

  • Replace your windshield wipers every three months
  • Reduce distractions — avoid multitasking and concentrate on the road
  • Turn your lights on for a decreased risk of accidents
  • Make sure your seat is properly adjusted
  • Look left and right and left again
  • Check your review mirrors to make sure we have adequate vision.
  • Do not drive in high water
  • Always wear your seat belt

Most of the items on this list are simply a matter of good sense, that is drive safely, drive defensively and keep your car in safe operating condition. A serious personal injury accident can happen in a fraction of a second little things like  those above can help prevent that action from happening in the first place. Remember, always check to make sure your passengers are wearing their seat belts as part of your pre trip routine.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/best-car-tips-part-one/feed/ 0 First Aid at an Accident http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/first-aid-at-an-accident/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/first-aid-at-an-accident/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:49:54 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=1014 If you are in an auto accident or truck accident – or witness one and as a Good Samaritan want to administer aid – then this blog’s for you. Remember, the suggestions that follow are simple and meant to offer immediate and simple help to victims. If you are not a trained medical professional then one of the most important acts you can perform is to call for help as quickly as possible.

The first thing to know is that when you see an accident victim – simply because there may be an absence of a wound does NOT mean that the person is unharmed. Conversely, some minor injuries may bleed profusely (such as the nose or a superficial forehead cut) so don’t panic. If you have a cell phone with internet access you can access important medical help advise quickly. Some new apps have even been credited with saving lives.

In fact, that is the best rule of thumb – DON’T PANIC. That will only complicate an already difficult situation. If you find a victim stuck in the vehicle, check to see if their air passages are constricted – if so then work to clear the airway so that the victim is able to breathe. If a person still does not seem to be breathing then apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This is done by taking a deep breath, pinching the victim’s nostrils and then sealing your lips around that of the victim’s so that no air will be able to escape. Empty the air from your mouth into theirs then remove your hands from the victim and watch to see if he or she begins to breathe on their own – repeat as necessary or until help arrives.

Other life saving help includes simply covering the victim with a blanket or something similar to help prevent shock and pressing a cloth firmly against a bleeding wound to help staunch the flow of blood.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston truck accident attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney in Houston call the Baumgartner firm at 281-587-1111 for a no obligation consultation.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/first-aid-at-an-accident/feed/ 0 OSHA Releases New Construction Accident Standard http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/osha-releases-new-construction-accident-standard/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/osha-releases-new-construction-accident-standard/#comments Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:30:01 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=990 At long last, OSHA has issued a new standard dealing with the use of cranes and derricks in construction projects. The new rules and regulations supplant a standard that had been outgrown by new construction techniques and technologies.

The new rules which recently took effect is designed to prevent fatal construction accidents on projects. Some of the new regulations include certification and licensing standards for operators, additional inspection requirements, coordination with other safety standards and certain powerline guidelines.

The new OSHA standards also make clear that employers must foot the bill for necessary safety training of the equipment operators who are employed at the time the standard took effect.

The Houston and Gulf Coast area has a large number of construction accidents and Crane accidents many resulting in fatalities. OSHA cannot with his current personnel adequately police or enforce its regulations. Normally, it is only after an accident that OSHA will investigate a safety violation. That is not a critique or criticism of OSHA simply the reality of inadequate funding for this necessary workplace safety authority.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston construction accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston construction accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm at 281-587-1111.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/osha-releases-new-construction-accident-standard/feed/ 0 Conroe Installs Red Light Cameras http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/conroe-installs-red-light-cameras/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/conroe-installs-red-light-cameras/#comments Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:48:10 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=968

Conroe has averaged almost 2500 car accidents each year for the last several years. Many of those car accidents happened as a result of drivers running red lights at major intersections.

In an effort to reduce the number of car accidents at red lights, Conroe has turned to red light cameras. Recently, Houston and the Woodlands have used red light cameras to make drivers more aware of their conduct and reduce intersection collisions.

With its testing of the red light cameras and at one intersection, South Loop 336 averages well over 100 violations per day. Many people do not like receiving a traffic ticket in the mail with a bill attached. It is clear though that red light cameras have a quelling effect on drivers aware of the cameras.

Currently, Conroe has 10 key intersections that have red light cameras and has been issuing warnings to violators instead of citations. On February 4, 2011 the city of Conroe will begin issuing tickets to those who violate the red lights at those intersections.

Greg Baumgartner is a Conroe personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a Conroe car accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/conroe-installs-red-light-cameras/feed/ 0 Bullying is Unacceptable in our Schools http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/bullying/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/bullying/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:27:04 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=908 Unfortunately, needless deaths occur across the country in all ‘arenas’ on a daily basis. Nowhere, however, is it more heartbreaking and frustrating than when it occurs in our tax-dollar supported public schools. More and more news organizations report incidences of bullying leading to harm or death of a victim.

In May of this year a freshman youth – a poignant and especially sensitive age and time of life – had recently moved to a nearby state and found himself the victim of badgering and bullying. The severity of it was beyond the young man’s ability to cope and in desperation he chose to hang himself rather than continue to subject himself to the situation.

A Houston Cy-Fair Middle School student recently took his own life and reports indicate the family believed bulling was a part of the youth’s problems and my heart goes out to the family.

There are cases that are reported with even younger students than this. In one case, an 8-year-old girl attempted suicide after being bullied in a school in Maryland. In another case, a fifth grade boy hanged himself after relentless incidences of bullying by his peers in Georgia and the examples go on and on and on…

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people age 15-24. Each year the number of deaths that can potentially be attributed to school bullies has increased – even as school districts have gained an awareness of and developed training modules to prevent this phenomenon.

As a parent, remain vigilant to your child’s moods and behavior – being sensitive to any changes. Stay involved in your child’s schooling also – proactive behavior is a valuable asset against a bullying situation. Most times in these tragedies no one anticipates what may happen.

If on the other hand you suspect your child is a bully, talk with him or her frankly about the golden rule- treat others, as you would have them treat you.

Greg Baumgartner is a Houston wrongful death attorney.

]]> http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/bullying/feed/ 0 Free Consultations on Injury Cases http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/free-consultations-on-injury-cases/ http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/free-consultations-on-injury-cases/#comments Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:17:25 +0000 texastriallawyers http://www.texastriallawyers.com/blog/?p=914

Baumgartner Law Firm 281-587-1111

Houston personal injury lawyer Greg Baumgartner offers a free consultation for anyone who has been seriously injured or has lost a loved one in an accident. The free initial consultation is a chance for potential clients and their families to discuss liability, potential causes of action, legal options and any obstacles that relate to their potential personal injury claim.

The Baumgartner law firm will be happy to answer questions on an accident case and even if it is a matter that the firm cannot help you with, they will try to point you in the right direction.

We offer telephone consultations, in office meetings and when potential clients cannot travel due to injury, home and hospital consultations are available.

If you have been seriously injured in an accident or feel you may have a wrongful death claim for the loss of a family member and you would like to know your legal options contact the Baumgartner law firm.

We are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your calls and answer your questions. There is no obligation for the free initial consultation.

Attorney-client relationships are only created by the execution of the written fee agreement signed by a potential client and a representative of the Baumgartner law firm.

To speak with a Houston personal injury attorney about an accident or wrongful death claim call us at 281-587-1111.

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