Spring Safety Tips

Spring is finally here and we are getting out more and doing things. Many of us will be busy with yard and house work this spring and we wanted to give you a few safety tips. Let us know if they helped you. 

• Replace your Smoke Alarm and CO batteries as these alarms can save lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 2,400 people die each year because of unintentional home fire.

• Most hard surface cleaning can be done with mild products such as vinegar, lemons or baking soda. Never mix ammonia and bleach as it releases toxic gases. Keep all cleaning products out of the reach of small children and pets. You should always wash your hands before using cleaning products. Read the labels to make sure you are using the product for their intended purpose.
• Call the national Poison Help Line at 800.222.1222 if you have a poison emergency.

• Most people have coin or button sized batteries in their homes as they are used for remote controls, toys, games and other electronic products. These small batteries can cause life threatening chemical burns inside the body in as little as two hours. If a child has ingested one take them immediately to a hospital. Remember that even completely dead batteries have enough residual power left in them to cause serious injuries.

• If you own a trampoline remember to Zip, Cover and Scoot it. Zip up the surrounding enclosure; Cover the springs, hooks and frame in shock absorbing pads and Scoot the trampoline away from structures and trees.
• When working in your yard follow the directions that come with the equipment and other products you use. Do not be in a hurry and stretch your muscles before you do your yard work. When you use your garden hose roll it up and store it properly.
• When grilling do not leave it unattended as children and pets move fast. Keep your grill a safe distance from your home or any building. Do not use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire as they both can cause an explosion. Your mitts should be insulated and flame retardant and your sleeves rolled up.

To learn more about the representation we offer Mississippi clients who have been injured in an auto accident, a dangerous product or through a slip and fall, contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., we defend your interests and protect your legal rights. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer our clients the representation they need. 

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

          

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

A medical, psychological, or psychiatric impairment often leaves an individual incapable of working and earning a living. If you are unable to work and will remain unable to work for a continuous period of not less than 12 (twelve) months Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to disabled workers, their spouse and children. To be considered disabled for claiming SSDI you must have a condition that prevents you from earning a certain monthly income as a full-time worker, which is currently $1,090 before taxes. SSDI is designed for people who have worked and paid taxed into the Social Security system for years prior to becoming disabled. The number of years you are required to pay into the Social Security system varies by age.

Disability benefits in Mississippi are provided through a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration. Social Security uses both medical disability criteria and non-medical criteria to determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability. You must be able to prove that you are medically disabled. The Mississippi Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the office the makes the decisions on whether or not a Mississippian is disabled based on his or her medical record. The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is the office that handles all disability appeals.

It is not uncommon for SSDI benefits to be denied at the initial claim. Your next step would be to  file an appeal. We strongly suggest that all your medical information is in your file as many claims are denied because the medical record lacks adequate documentation that establishes the severity of your disability. If you have been denied do not give up. You should appeal as soon as possible as the sooner Social Security schedules a hearing the better chance for winning your claim and continuing with the process for your SSDI benefits. 

For experienced assistance with the SSDI benefit application, denial, termination or the appeals process contact our team at Hopkins, Barvie & Hopkins. We can guide your case through the SSDI process and assist you in receiving the SSDI benefits you deserve.

Call us for today for a free initial consultation at 228.864.2200 or email us online via our website at www.hopkins-law.com. With more than 68 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

                                                          

Distracted Driving Continues to be a problem!

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert the vehicle driver’s attention away from driving which can cause accidents and unfortunately, sometimes loss of life. A distraction while driving can be visual, manual or cognitive. A few examples are texting, reading, talking on the phone, eating, an uncaged or unharnessed pet and putting on makeup while you are driving. All distractions endanger the driver and compromise the safety of the passenger(s) and bystander(s) and those in other vehicles.

In the state of Mississippi there are currently three primary laws regarding distractions while driving. A primary law means that an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without any other traffic violation taking place. The three laws are as follows:

1. Ban on all cell phones use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers
2. Ban on texting for bus drivers.
3. Ban on texting for novice drivers. Mississippi defines novice drivers as drivers with a learner’s permit or provisional license.

Distracted driving is a growing problem and is responsible for many injuries and deaths that could otherwise be prevented. According to the website www.distraction.gov in 2012, alone 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes. An estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver; this was a nine percent increase from the estimated 387,000 people injured in 2011.

We urge you to educate yourself on the dangers of distracted driving. To practice safe driving habits and to speak out if the driver in your vehicle is distracted. The life you save could be yours.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a distracted driver you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C and we will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.

Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., we defend your interests and protect your legal rights. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer our clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

When you have been injured on the job call us BEFORE the problems start

Worker’s compensation exists in all states to protect workers who become hurt on the job or contact an illness as a result of their job. It is a state mandated insurance program and each state has their own laws and programs for it. A worker is covered and eligible for benefits as soon as they begin employment. Occupational illness and diseases are covered if job related as are work related deaths.

You have the right to compensation for lost wages and medical expenses regardless of who was at fault be it employer, employee, coworker, customer or third party. If the injury results in death the payment of benefits is to the surviving spouse and dependents and may continue for up to 450 weeks after the decedent’s death. The employer or its insurance carrier is obligated to pay up to $2,000 in funeral expenses and an immediate lump sum of $250 to the surviving spouse.

If you have been injured you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. There is no deductible to be paid by the worker for any of the benefits received under workers compensation.

You should notify and report your injury as soon as possible to your employer or supervisor. It does not matter how insignificant you believe your injury to be - always report it. You should also provide a list of witnesses if the injury was due to a specific workplace accident. It should include the date, time, how the injury occurred and where the injury happened. Remember to keep copies of all documents for your records.

In some cases your workplace injuries can be moderate to severe and your doctor and you believe your health will not return to the condition it was prior to your injury, you may be entitled to a “permanent partial disability” award.

You are entitled to obtain an attorney regardless of the circumstances of your worker’s compensation claim. If you believe you are not receiving full compensation let us help you. Or if you would like to dispute an adverse decision made by your employer, your employer’s insurance company, or your state's workers' compensation division regarding your workers’ compensation claim give us a call.

If you suffered a workplace injury or contacted an illness on the job, contact a worker’s compensation attorney at Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, who can help you make sure you receive the benefits you need and will represent your interests.

Call us for a free initial consultation at 228.864.2200 or email us online via our website at www.hopkins-law.com. With more than 68 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

Safety Tips Before We Light Up the Sky

Summer has become synonymous with barbecues, days on the water, parades and fireworks displays. Fireworks stands will be opening soon in anticipation of our nation's birthday. Before we celebrate the red, white and blue, here are a few safety tips pertaining to fireworks to consider:

• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass, buildings or vehicles
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

Fireworks also are responsible for thousands of home fires each year. The National Fire Protection Association reports that from 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks. These fires included 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 16,900 outside and other fires. The National Safety Council advises everyone to stay away from all consumer fireworks and to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals.

If you or someone you love suffers an injury from fireworks, contact our experienced legal team to fight for the compensation you deserve

Tips to Help You Enjoy the Summer Boating Season

With Summer on the horizon, boating season is heating up. As you prepare for another summer of fun on the water with family and friends, please remember these pointers to ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves safely.

·  Boater Safety Courses - Errors account for nearly 70 percent of boating accidents. Any person born after June 30, 1980 must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat. Locate and register for a course here. 

·  Registration - In Mississippi, recreational boats must be registered or the owner could face fines and penalties. For details on registration and renewal, click here. 

·  Boating Under the Influence (BUI) -Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. Marine motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray accelerate impairment. These elements cause fatigue, making a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time decline faster when using alcohol.  

·  Other points to remember:
 -  Be sure to bring lots of water and snacks! You can never have too much water on a hot day on the boat, and we all know that everyone is happier when they are well-fed.
-  Make sure another person on your vessel knows how to drive or how to call for help in case of an emergency.
-  Make sure your anchor rode and chain are not tangled prior to leaving the dock.
- Leave a float plan with someone on-shore.
- Check the weather early and often, and don't be afraid to change your plans.
- Don't forget the sunscreen! Nothing can ruin a fun weekend like a bad sunburn.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, or charged with a BUI and need representation, contact our experienced legal team today! 

Were You Impacted by These Products in 2016?

Most of us can agree that the year 2016 had its highlights, but also its shortcomings. But for those impacted by three major defective products identified by US Recall News as the worst defective products of 2016, there will likely be ongoing consequences into 2017 and beyond.

• Takata Air Bags  - According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the airbag recall is the largest in U.S. history, affecting one-in-seven cars. When defective Takata air bags deploy, they explode shooting shrapnel into the driver and passenger. So far, 11 people have been killed by the airbags and more than 100 injured.  It could be 2023 before all recalled airbags are fixed.
  
  
• GM Ignition Switches - At least 124 death and 274 injuries have been linked to the faulty switches. GM has already paid about $2 billion in penalties and settlements, and a ruling in July stated that bankruptcy did not shield the automaker from additional lawsuits, opening the company up to more suits with an estimated value of $7-10 billion.
  
  
• Talcum Powder - Johnson & Johnson has more than 2,000 pending cases involving women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder used for feminine hygiene.

If you or a loved one has been injured by any defective product, please contact the team at Hopkins, Barvie andHopkins, PLLC. Our team has the skills and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve!