The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker » Worker’s Comp

Tragedy at Baxter International plant in Atwater Village

larryhparkerinc — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:58:24 +0000

Two men were seriously injured and one man was killed last Friday in a tragic workplace accident at the Baxter International plant in Atwater Village. Two workers were cleaning a tank used to store blood when they were overcome by ethanol fumes. A third worker called 911 and attempted to rescue his co-workers, but also was overcome by the fumes. The worker who called 911 perished in his attempt to help his co-workers.

The Baxter International Los Angeles plant has been operating for more than 50 years, according to the company. The California Occupational and Safety Health Administration notes that the plant had no major health or safety violations, with only one small fine for a minor violation in 2005.

This tragedy reinforces an uncomfortable truth. Accidents in the workplace happen. Workplace injuries are too common, even when following all safety guidelines and regulations. As a law firm that helps work injury victims, we know how frequently injuries at work occur, even of the magnitude seen in the Baxter plant tragedy. If you or a loved one has been injured at work, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today. Our team of workers compensation attorneys can help give injured workers and their families peace of mind.

Nurses Experiencing Higher Risk of Workplace Injury

larryhparkerinc — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:22:20 +0000

As hospital budgets are slashed across the country, assaults on nurses and other hospital staff have seen a marked increase. An under-reported side effect of the economic downturn, many states are closing hospitals, reducing staff levels of mental health specialists, and eliminating substance abuse programs entirely. With these cuts, many more patients prone to violent outbursts have been arriving in understaffed emergency rooms.

Over the recent years, there has been a 25% increase in unstable patients visiting the ER, including psychiatric patients and those under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This has driven a 32% increase in incidents of violence against nurses and hospital staff. Many people don’t think of the nursing profession as inherently dangerous. Some nurses are working to change this public assumption.

Have you been injured at work?

Nurses deserve our respect and admiration for the difficult and dangerous job that they perform in the sole interest of the public’s well-being. Workers’ compensation laws exist to protect workers such as nurses, hospital support staff, doctors, and anyone else working in a hospital. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker offers legal support to persons seeking assistance in their workers’ compensation claims. We can help you navigate the tricky California workers’ compensation laws. Contact our offices using our contact form or by phone at (800) 333-0000 for a free, no obligation consultation today.

The Rainy Season is Approaching

larryhparkerinc — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:44:34 +0000

It’s not a closely held secret that many Southern Californians simply don’t know how to drive in the rain. The winter months see more auto accidents, longer commute times, and jam-packed freeways anytime the clouds open up. Being prepared for the rainy season drive, and rainy season drivers, can help you and your family stay safe.

Edmunds, the automotive information company, provides a very good resource for driving in the rain on their website. Following these guidelines (highlights and analysis below) can go a long way to ensuring a safe commute.

The first rain is the most dangerous rain
Dirt, oil, dust, and all manner of slippery substances accumulate on the roads and freeways when there is nothing to wash it away. The first rain after a prolonged dry spell can make the roads extremely slick. Use extra caution during the beginning hours of a rainfall.

Don’t follow as close
It takes longer to stop when the pavement is wet. Allow some extra space between yourself and the car in front of you, so if you have to make an emergency stop, you can.

Brake earlier, and brake longer
Not only will this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, but it allows drivers behind you know your intentions. Using your turn signal will also help other drivers stay aware of your actions.

Take curves at a slower speed
It is much easier to lose control of a vehicle when the road surface is wet. Staying at a manageable speed can greatly reduce the risk of single car accidents.

Use your headlights
California and many other states’ laws read that if you have your wiper blades on, you must have your headlights on, even in the daytime. Not only will turning your headlights on in the rain save you a ticket, it will also promote safety by announcing your presence to other drivers.

Do NOT break or move the steering wheel when hydroplaning
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, slowly release the gas pedal and steer straight ahead until the vehicle regains traction with the road. If you need to brake and do not have anti-lock brakes, continuously press and release the brake pedal. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes can have the brake pedal continuously depressed.

Check your windshield wipers
Being caught in a strong downpour with damaged windshield wipers can be extremely dangerous.

For a complete list of safety tips for driving in the rain, visit the Edmunds Safety Tips webpage.

If the unfortunate should happen and you or a loved one is involved in an auto accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at (800) 333-0000. We provide 100% free, no obligation consultations and can help you determine your best course of action. And, as always, you won’t be charged a dime if we don’t get you any money. We’ll fight for you!