Julian

    Caquias Law Group, PLLC > Articles by: Julian

Premise Liability: Swimming Pool Accidents, Dog Bites, Amusement Park Accidents, Slip And Falls, Trip And Falls

November 22, 2019
Premises liability can stem from a range of incidents. It can be a restaurant or gas station. You can be injured from swimming pool accidents and drowning to dog bites, from amusement park facility and ride injuries to slip and falls and trip and falls at a business or residence. If you were injured by the negligence of a business or individual, seek counsel. Under Texas law, an owner or occupier of land has a duty to keep the premises under his or her control in a safe condition, thereby holding Texas landowners and business owners responsible for injuries and damages that occur to others while on their property.   Basically, anyone who owns the property, commercial or residential, and allows someone else to enter it owes that person level of a duty of care not to injure them. There are three different classifications of visitors on the premises.   Invitees Licensees Trespassers  These types of cases require certain questions to be answered: What circumstances brought the injured party onto the property; Was the accident foreseeable; What steps did the owner take to warn visitors of the danger; Was the danger known? If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a landowner or business owner’s negligence, call Caquias Law Group, PLLC.  If your claim meets the criteria to hold the landowner or business owner responsible, you may have a case.  Our legal team will fight for your rights and will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve. Call today for your free consultation. Read more

Motorcycle Crash: I Got Hit While On My Bike

November 15, 2019
Motorcycle accidents occur every single day on the roadways of Texas result in devastating injuries and even death.  In an instant, your life can change because of another person’s negligence. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Motorcyclist deaths occur 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other motor vehicles.  While it’s the job of motorcyclists to be alert and visible, it is the job of all motorists to be aware of their surroundings and watch for motorcyclists. Everyone must take part in ensuring safety for motorcycles out on the road by driving defensively and by staying alert.   CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS More often than not, it is the negligence of another driver that leads to a motorcycle accident. Although motorcyclists can be responsible for accidents and are sometimes involved in single-vehicle accidents.  The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include: Not seeing a motorcyclist; Not properly reacting to a motorcycle; Cutting off a motorcycle; Failing to yield; Speeding; Failing to leave enough space between vehicles and a motorcycle; Distracted driving or not paying attention to other motorists; and Driving under the influence. GET MOTORCYCLE CRASH HELP FAST Because motorcycle accidents often require more investigative actions than a four wheel vehicle accident, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash so that he or she can begin collecting evidence and information to support your claim for compensation. The investigation process will consist of the following: Gather evidence to provide insight into the events that led to the accident and determine who was responsible. This could be in the form of police reports, surveillance video from traffic cameras, photographs of the accident scene or accident reports from insurance investigators. Any piece of evidence we are able to collect will provide us with a better understanding of the accident that could be used in your favor. Interview witnesses who were present during the accident to provide a first-hand account of the events. These testimonies could be beneficial when building your case which may have to go to court, if necessary. Review your medical records from after the accident to prove your injury was the direct result of the accident. Consult with professionals who can recreate that collision and review your injuries. Accident reconstructions can provide a model of what happened during the accident, which can be important to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. Healthcare practitioners can provide a medical perspective on your injuries from the accident. Personally handle all insurance matters on your behalf. We will either negotiate and fight for your right to receive the compensation you deserve after the accident so that you can focus on recovering. SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES 101 The Department of Transportation’s Share the Road campaign encourages safe riding practices and cooperation from vehicle drivers of all types. The tips can help reduce motorcycle injuries and fatalities: Always check your blind spots; Stay in your lane. Weaving back and forth between traffic increases your chances of being involved in an accident; Take extra caution when pulling out before motorcyclists. Motorcycles may be closer than they appear – because […] Read more

Drunk Driving Accident/Texas Dram Shop Law/Social Host Accidents

November 13, 2019
Are you suffering from the loss of a loved one and/or did you or a family member get hurt by a drunk driver?  These situations can and should have been avoided, however, the fact remains that they do occur, and it is extremely important that you talk to a qualified attorney to immediately discuss the possibility of pursuing a  personal injury lawsuit or Texas Dram Shop case.  WHAT IS THE TEXAS DRAM SHOP LAW? Dram shop is a legal term in the United States referring to a bar, tavern or the like where alcoholic beverages are sold. Traditionally, it referred to a shop where spirits were sold by the dram, a small unit of liquid.  Dram shop liability laws hold alcohol servers responsible for harm that intoxicated of age patrons or underage patrons caused to other people (or, in some cases, to themselves). The statutory duty not to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to intoxicated persons applies to and is intended to protect, among others, the intoxicated patron. In Texas, Dram Shop Laws exist to protect the rights of Texans to live a safe and healthy life. The laws may protect you and your loved one’s ability to recover when harmed. Typically, a dram shop statute is only applied when it is proven that an establishment continued to serve alcohol when they knew that a person was visibly or obviously intoxicated.  Talk to your legal counsel if you believe that you may have a Dram Shop case.  LEGAL ALCOHOL LIMITS IN TEXAS Liability of the Drinking Establishment The legal blood alcohol content (“BAC”) limit in Texas is .08%. A person exceeding this limit statistically has a much higher chance of causing an accident. At the same time, alcohol-fueled accidents tend to be more serious than those which don’t involve alcohol. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system which in turn slows down a person’s reflexes, making it harder to react and avoid an accident. What’s the alcohol limit in a bar? The limit is “obvious intoxication.” Many signs of intoxication are clear and obvious. Things such as slurred speech, droopy or red eyes, cloudy judgment, lack of inhibitions, aggressiveness and poor balance all point to the fact that a person is obviously intoxicated. The number of drinks served to a customer can also be an indicator of whether or not the individual is obviously drunk. Drinking establishments are NOT ALLOWED to serve alcohol to anyone who is already obviously intoxicated. If a bar employee notices that they’ve over-served a patron, they may opt to call a cab for the drunken individual in order to ensure that no one is harmed in a DWI accident. However, being responsible from the get-go by not serving an individual past the point of obvious intoxication should always be their first course of action. SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY LAWS In addition to dram shop laws, Texas also has a social host liability law. This law allows injured parties to seek damages from hosts aged 21 and older who served alcohol to minors who then caused injuries to another person because of their intoxication, if under § 2.02 […] Read more

AVIATION and HELICOPTER Related Injuries

November 4, 2019
If you have lost a loved one or have suffered injuries, damages, or death as a result of an aircraft-related injury (ie. planes, helicopters, passengers of an airline), you may want to speak with a lawyer. “Every day, the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) provides service to more than 44,000 flights and 2.7 million airline passengers across more than 29 million square miles of airspace.” https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers/ Airplane and helicopter travel has become normal within the business community, as well as, the means of transportation for hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis. The number of these aerospace travelers will only begin to increase as ride-sharing companies begin to use drones and other unmanned vehicles.  There are many different factors that can cause or contribute to the cause of an airline accident. Some of the most known factors at issue in aviation accidents include: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation violations; Defective Design and/or materials; In-flight Instrument or Avionics Failure; Negligent Maintenance or repair (faulty equipment); Pilot error; In-flight icing; Fueling errors; Problems in the design of the aircraft; Bird Strikes; Flight servicing employee negligence; Negligent behavior of a third party; FAA air traffic controller negligence; HELICOPTER ACCIDENTS Helicopters are widely used in a number of areas for travel including the military, private transportation, oil industry, news industry, air ambulance, offshore transportation, and tourist attractions. Many helicopter related accidents have revealed that helicopters can be very difficult to maneuver, especially for a novice pilot.  An added factor to difficult maneuvering is the fact that helicopters are non-fixed wing aircraft, making them able to land in various locations which are closer to on-ground dangers such as radio control towers, utility wires, mountains, or tall buildings. As a result of the powerful impact forces involved in a helicopter crash, the likelihood of those occupants sustaining severe and disabling injuries and fatalities is great. Due to the severity of helicopter crashes, there are obviously many different situations that can lead to a crash or flight complications.  Some of these factors include: Pilot error; Mechanical malfunction;  Electrical malfunction; Product design; Maintenance deficiencies; Poor helipad designs; Improper flight inspections; While there can be one or numerous reasons for airplane and helicopter crashes, the urgency to retain a competent attorney is of the utmost importance.  When retained, counsel will start an immediate investigation into the causation of the incident that includes but is not limited to: Retaining experts; Searching the NTSB database; Searching the FAA records; Investigating the pilot’s experience and qualifications; Obtaining information retrieved from the black box; Obtaining the daily weather report; Obtaining air traffic control records; Locating witnesses and obtaining statements; Obtaining the airplane or helicopter maintenance records; etc. These events are highly complex cases and require an in-depth knowledge of aviation law. The Caquias Law Group, PLLC obtains the services of aviation experts from throughout the country to prove difficult personal injury cases on behalf of our clients. The Caquias Law Group, PLLC has the human and financial resources and experience to use top aviation experts to obtain justice for victims of helicopter crashes, commercial airline crashes, or personal aircraft crashes. If […] Read more

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

October 28, 2019
A Traumatic Brain Injury (“TBI”) as defined by the Center for Disease Control is “a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.” The CDC further explains that, “everyone is at risk for a TBI, especially children and older adults.” Approximately 20% of traumatic brain injury emergency room visits for persons in age groups 15–44 years, are caused by assaults, slip and falls, and car crashes. Id.  For this reason, seeking medical attention promptly is very important when you or your loved one has sustained an injury to the head.When involved in a car crash, the CDC reports that among all age groups, motor vehicle crashes and traffic-related incidents result in the largest percentage of TBI-related deaths (31.8%). Many brain injuries go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Your well being is important to us, this is why here at the Caquias Law Group, PLLC we tell our clients to #seekcounsel WHY HIRE A BRAIN INJURY LAWYER? If you believe that you or your loved one has suffered from a brain injury or you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury caused by the negligence of someone else, call Caquias Law today. Speaking to legal counsel wit professional experience in the effects that a brain injury can have on a person long term is vital to the strength of a personal injury case. When seeking compensation for your damages it is important to have all of the facts. It is even more important that all of those facts are presented and properly articulated to a jury at trial.  The reality is that TBI’s can be very serious, can result in long term damage that will lead to other health concerns and even death. THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN YOU HIT YOUR HEAD: Do I have a brain injury? – Some symptoms to look out for … Did you suffer loss of consciousness? Do you suffer from dizziness, headaches or nausea? Do you have ringing in the ears? Do you suffer from fatigue and/or sleepiness? Do you suffer from loss of memory after the accident? Sudden onset of Depression and/or suicidal thoughts? Do you suffer from headaches that do not go away? Do you have trouble waking from sleep? Do you have dilated eye pupils or sensitivity to light? Slurred speech (or other sensory problems such as having a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell)? Convulsions or seizures? Loss of coordination and/or balance? Repeated vomiting or nausea? Numbness in a certain part of your body or numbness in the arms and legs? Confusion, agitation and/or other unusual behaviors? Chronic headaches? Temporary memory loss? Short term memory loss? LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW CAQUIAS LAW CAN HELP. If you were involved in an accident and/or sustained an injury to the head, look out for some of the signs. Seek immediate medical attention in order to be properly diagnosed with the severity and type of injury that you sustained. And, do not hesitate to reach out to the Caquias Law […] Read more

7 Things To Ask About Your Car Insurance Coverage

October 28, 2019
Scenario: It is 5 pm, you just got out of work and you are headed down the same roads you take everyday. You pull up to an intersection when that new song you like just starts playing on the radio and BOOM! Someone slammed into the back of your car. They smashed your rear bumper and now, your muscles and back are tense with pain. You are hurt. You are scared. You need help. You were just in a car accident.   WERE YOU HURT IN A CAR ACCIDENT? First thing is first, (1) call the police, (2) seek medical attention, (3) document everything. When you are involved in a car accident it is important for you to take your own notes of what happened, pictures of the vehicles and scene, and record of the other driver’s license plate and (if possible) insurance and VIN number.  You might not be in pain immediately, but it is always wise to see a medical doctor or go to the emergency room for your safety and wellbeing.   CAR CRASH STATISTICS IN TEXAS: Most injured drivers are unaware of what their insurance policy coverage includes until it’s too late. In the great state of Texas, there were 551,971 reported vehicle accidents in 2016 with an economic loss totaling an estimated $38,600,000,000.  It is pretty safe to say, that all of these drivers did not have car insurance which adequately covered the economic losses sustained when in a car accident.   Car Wrecks By Region: Austin (Travis County) – 20,038 Dallas (Dallas County) – 55,797 Houston  (Harris County) – 112,728 Rio Grande Valley (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy County)  – 23,598 San Antonio (Bexar County) – 52,633   When selecting an insurance policy here are 7 THINGS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE.   Does it include: Underinsured motorist coverage steps in when you’re in an accident with an at-fault driver whose liability limits aren’t enough to cover post-accident damage or medical expenses. Uninsured motorist – coverage can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages of policyholders, authorized drivers, and passengers when the accident-causing driver is uninsured. No bodily injury insurance or not enough bodily injury – When you are found legally responsible for a car accident, bodily injury liability coverage is the part of your insurance policy that pays for the costs associated with injuries to the other person or people involved. This coverage also provides a legal defense in the event that you are sued for damages. Medical payments coverage covers accident-related medical expenses (including funeral expenses) for you, other drivers on your policy, and passengers. As cycling has become more popular, it’s important to note this also offers coverage if you’re struck by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist. Towing and labor coverage offers towing assistance and other roadside service fees, which can add up quickly. We have seen towing expenses as high as $5000 for one of our clients. Rental car coverage coverage reimburses you for the cost of your rental car if your insured vehicle is unavailable due to an accident. Reputation of insurance company Not all […] Read more

Wisdom in Counsel

October 28, 2019
Just the other day I consulted with a business owner whom had been suffering to his financial detriment for over 3 years from the actions and antics of another member of their limited liability company. The business owner did not want to sue the other member and so the business owner waited for years before ever stepping into a lawyer’s office to seek legal advice. The business owner had all of the standard agreements and paperwork in order as required by the Texas Secretary of State, but he did not understand what any of the documents meant or what his rights were because he had simply paid an online legal forms website to open up the company, draft the documents, and pay the fees. He thought that talking to a lawyer simply would be too costly and unnecessary because he could just fill in the blanks online and press send. But, just the opposite happened. He had built a business without competent legal counsel, entering himself into a relationship with a “business partner” whom he thought he knew and trusted without ever understanding how his relationship would work if things didn’t work out. Well, throughout that relationship, that business partner was taking advantage of the business owner’s lack of knowledge and good heart which ended up costing the business owner unnecessary lost time, sleep, and profits. BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH LEGAL EXPERTS ON YOUR TEAM EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Many people today believe that there isn’t a reason to hire an attorney unless they are being sued, they have been arrested, or they are going to sue someone, and so they wait until things get bad before they get a lawyer. Don’t be that person. Seek counsel. When you involve experienced legal counsel in good standing with their state bar, you mitigate your risk of failure, lawsuit, loss or damages, and other complicated issues. Involve your attorney early in the game so that they can guide you through your situation and thoroughly explain to you the legal implications of each action you are planning to take. The Caquias Law Group, PLLC represents businesses, start-ups, inventors, and entrepreneurs at every stage of the business growth cycle. Contact us today to learn more. Read more

What To Do After You Are Involved In An Accident

October 16, 2019
Look around, are you in a safe location?   Are you blocking the traffic?  Are you in an area where you can be hit again? When to Move Your Vehicle The Texas Department of Transportation recommends that if you are in a collision and no one was injured, don’t wait for the police before moving your vehicle. If the car can be driven safely, Texas law requires you to move it out of the flow of traffic. If there is damage to the vehicle, stop and exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle identification numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, insurance information and driver’s license information with the other driver. If you hit an unattended vehicle (a parked car), find the driver or write your name and address on a note explaining what happened – write down the license plate and take photos (was the vehicle properly parked?). You must also include the owner’s name and address if the vehicle you are driving doesn’t belong to you. Note the location of the crash and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. If the vehicles cannot be moved, protect the scene by setting up flares or raising your hood. While most insurance companies cringe when the police report indicates that the vehicles were moved, it is your safety that should come first.   Call 911 – Call the police Call 911 and report your accident; Give the 911 operator your name, provide the year, make and model of vehicles involved; If you have reason to believe that the person who hit you was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, assure that you advise the investigating officer of same; If you believe the other driver was distracted, texting, or on the phone, be sure to let the investigating officer of those facts If you believe you sustained any type of injury request an ambulance to assure that you are evaluated by a paramedic (sometimes the shock of the accident will raise your adrenaline and despite being injured, you do not feel any immediate pain); If you are transported to the emergency room, assure that you make contact with the investigating police officer to assure that your version of the accident is included in his police report; If any person or person(s) come to your assistance and state that they witnessed the accident, make sure you get that person’s name, address, email address, and telephone number. (This may be the most important thing to remember.); and If you can have a friend or family member take pictures of the scene of the accident, debris from the accident, skid marks and the property damage of all the vehicles involved. Your Police Report should be made available to you within a few days after the accident. If the report is incorrect for some reason, a request to amend the police report can be made to the investigating officer. 18- Wheeler, Semi – Truck, Commercial Vehicle or a Company Owned Vehicle  Were you involved in an accident with an 18-Wheeler or a company-owned vehicle?  These accidents are handled differently because various investigative steps must be done […] Read more

Boating, Jet Ski, And Water Sports Accidents

October 15, 2019
Oceans, lakes, rivers, and beaches can be beautiful places to visit, play, and relax. They can also be great places to fish for sport and recreation or work.  Did you know that Texas has more inland water than any other state in the United States? According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, there are more than 580,000 boats in Texas.  https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/boater-education/additional-resources/boating-facts  With all the planning that goes into the perfect outing, families tend to forget to be cautious of the potential dangers that can cause death or serious injuries while on the water. THINGS TO REMEMBER to help avoid accidents and injuries on the water: Driver qualification and experience in operating a boat; Assure that your boat is equipped with visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, and working navigation lights; DON’T forget your life jackets.  Make sure you have enough life jackets for every person on the boat; DON’T drink alcohol  while operating a boat; DON’T forget your flares; Assure that your boat is equipped with a marine radio; Make sure that your boat is properly maintained to assure that it will not break down; Stay alert to your surroundings; Be aware of the weather hazards and current patterns; Maintain extreme caution;  Most common boating accidents are preventable. Some of these common factors include the following: Failing to have a valid driver’s license to operate a boat; Driver inexperience; Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol; Driving inattention to the surroundings; Failing to keep a proper lookout for other boats in the vicinity; Failing to maintain a safe distance between your boat and any other boats in the area; Failing to yield to other boats; Failing to travel at a safe speed in high traffic areas; Failing to have a designated spotter; When water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing or other water sport it is extremely important that the driver of the boat stays alert and in the proper boating lanes.  This is critical when towing a water skier since the skier will be in the water and may fall victim to other boats who are unaware that the skier is down. Many water skiers are injured or even killed when a boat crossed the tow rope or runs over them.  Driving a jet ski or waverunner requires driver attentiveness and caution.  A common cause of injury on water sport vehicles involving jet skis or waverunners is the collision with other water sport vehicles or other boats. Another common cause of jet ski or waverunner injury involves jet injuries caused by poor maintenance of the vehicle, product liability issues and misuse of the vehicle. These injuries can include orifice injuries, broken limbs, head trauma, skin injuries, and even death.    While all boating use carries the same inherent risk of injury or death as the use of any type of vehicle, all water sports have the additional danger of drowning. As such, proper warnings, safety devices, training, and supervision should be properly explained and used. Furthermore, all State and Federal laws should be followed. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE HURT AFTER A BOATING ACCIDENT? Assess for fatalities or injuries. If you […] Read more

What Types Of Car Insurance Coverage Are There?

October 2, 2019
Hindsight is 20/20. As a personal injury law firm, you can imagine that many people ask what kind of car insurance they should carry. Sadly, many people only begin to question the type of insurance, if their insurance company has quality customer service and the injured party’s best interest, and if they (the “insured”) has enough insurance coverage if they are involved in a wreck until after they or a loved one have been injured in car crash.  Well, at this point you may be asking yourself, “what does my insurance premium really include?” You may be thinking that you have “full coverage” and so you are completely covered for all of your losses and that you can get back to work and on the road without any hassle. Many times, that is not the case. Many times, injured people have to fight to get the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay the damages. Even more aggravating, many times the injured party not at fault has to fight their own insurance to cover their damages or excess damages not covered by the 3rd party insurance.  Here is a list of various insurance coverages you available: Liability Insurance.  The coverage that is likely required by the State.  This will cover claims filed against you when you are at fault. Texas limits are 30/60 for “bodily injury” and $25k for property damage.  Which means that it will pay $30,000.00 for one person and up to $60,000.00 for other passengers. Higher limits are available; however, they will only be paid to people involved in an accident in which you are at fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP).  The limits available are $2,500.00, $5,000.00 and $10,000.00.  This coverage is for protection to you and anyone who is with you at the time of the accident.  This coverage can be used for your medical bills and up to 80% of your lost wages. It does not matter if you are at fault or not;  Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage (UM/UIM).  This coverage is to protect you if you are hit by a person who is not insured or if the person who hits you has a minimal insurance policy and your injuries and damages are higher than their policy limit.  This coverage is for you and your passengers who are injured. In order to file a claim against Uninsured Motorist Coverage, you cannot be at fault. The Texas limits start at 30/60 and can be as high as you want to insure yourself and your passengers. Be sure to ask your insurance person to verify and explain all of your types of coverage; Full Coverage.  This coverage will only contain Liability (for the people in the other vehicle), comprehension and collision.  This coverage is required by your lienholder as it will only assure that your vehicle is repaired. This coverage will not pay for any medical bills incurred if you or your passengers are injured.   Medical Payments (Med Pay).  This coverage is also for you and your passengers, however, if you are able to recover from the at-fault party, you must reimburse the insurance carrier for any money paid.  Many […] Read more

Oil Field Injury Accidents

September 29, 2019
While the oil industry is booming and striving in Texas, the fact remains that the job sites are inherently dangerous for the employees.   Oil rig workers can and do get killed and/or seriously injured as a result of preventable accidents.  Investigations into these accidents often reveal that the employers are violating state and federal safety regulations by failing to implement comprehensive safety and training programs placing their profits in front of the workers’ safety. These findings are alarming because accidents are occurring on a daily basis.  Some of the most common accidents can stem from the following: Oil truck accident; Falls and rigs collapsing; Crane failures; Derrick accidents; Fires and explosions;  Electrocution; Defective machinery; Toxic fumes exposure; Compressor stations; Pump jacks; Work jacks; Blowouts; Job Site Deaths A Year – Across Industries  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), 5,147 workers died on the job in 2017 [https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.nr0.htm] (3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers) — on average, more than 99 people die from work-related / job site accidents per week.  In the United States, MORE THAN 14 PEOPLE DIE FROM JOB-RELATED DEATHS A DAY. https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html  COMMON CAUSES OF OILFIELD ACCIDENTS Without understanding the underlying causes of oilfield accidents, employers can and should take steps to reduce risk on a job site. Some of the most common contributing factors for oilfield accidents include: Inadequate training; Inadequate safety measures; Inadequate supervision of employees; Carelessness; Faulty equipment; Unanticipated environmental hazards; Human error; OIL FIELD DEATH AND INJURIES Unfortunately, these types of accidents are often so significant that either the employee loses his/her life or sustains serious and permanent injuries.  Common Oil and Gas Rig Injuries: Traumatic brain injury;  Amputation of limbs;  Crushing Injury Burns;  Loss of vision; Loss of hearing; Respiratory illness from chemical inhalation and exposure; Nerve damage; Spinal injuries; Internal injuries; Fractures; Disabling injuries; and Permanent disfigurement If you lost a loved one or if you were injured while working at the rig site, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.      Here at the Caquias Law Group, we have our engineers and other experts that will investigate the facts surrounding your injury to confirm what safety rules were violated, to determine if it was caused by faulty equipment and determine who caused or contributed to your accident.   Call 210-996-2237 today to schedule your free oil rig injury or death consultation. We are here to help and serve clients injured on the oil field nationwide. Read more

Construction Related Death Or Serious Injury Claims

September 18, 2019
Hundreds if not thousands of construction workers are seriously injured or killed each year as a result of dangerous conditions or hazards that exists at a construction site. In fact, work injuries are so common that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published a “Construction’s ‘Fatal Four.’” (continue reading for figures) In 2017, 4,674 workers died on the job site while working for a private company, 971 or 20.7% of those workplace deaths were in construction — that is, one in five worker deaths last year were in construction.  “The leading causes of private sector worker deaths (excluding highway collisions) in the construction industry were falls, followed by struck by objects, electrocution, and caught-in/between. These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half (59.9%) of the construction worker deaths in 2017, BLS reports. Eliminating the Fatal Four would save 582 workers’ lives in America every year.”  Falls – 381 out of 971 total deaths in construction in CY 2017 (39.2%) Struck by Object – 80 (8.2%) Electrocutions – 71 (7.3%) Caught-in/between* – 50 (5.1%) (*This category includes construction workers killed when caught-in or compressed by equipment or objects, and struck, caught or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material) See More Stats: https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html COMMON QUESTIONS: What about the injured workers that have immigration issues? Can I file a claim for a work injury or wrongful death if I am not a United States citizen? Will filing a claim in court affect my immigration status? Many injured workers may feel intimidated by their employers and the risk of losing their jobs if they file a claim, others may be scared to get a lawyer for the fear of being deported because of their immigration status. Because of these fears and assumptions, injured workers don’t get the help that they need to recover and so they continue to work through their suffering. Don’t be that injured worker, seek counsel. Caquias Law Group has helped many injured people in this situation. Call today for your free injured worker consultation. YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A CLAIM. Don’t let your immigration status be a factor in not standing up for your legal right to recover for injuries and damages sustained while in the course and scope of your employment.  Some of the most common situations that lead to these types of claims include: Defective products; Defective construction equipment; Premises liability and dangerous conditions; Defective building materials; Dangerous condition deadly falls; Defective product electrocution; Misuse of cranes; Falling objects;  Dangerous generators; Asbestos products; Defective tires; Defective Cranes; Defective forklifts; Hidden holes,  Lack of proper lighting; Improper design of stairs; Improper security; Negligent use of construction equipment; Hazardous and/or hidden traps; Electrical problems; Dangerous defects; Negligence and careless actions; Negligent co-workers; Negligent construction companies; Negligent subcontractors; Other dangerous conditions; Toxic Exposure Claims- includes Dangerous chemicals; Chemical solvents; Explosive agents; Toxic waste;  Blackwater sewage; Insecticides; Mercury; Asbestos products; and  Petrochemicals When a family member is killed or seriously injured as a result of a hazardous work environment, hazardous work equipment, hazardous work-related activity or the negligence of a person or persons […] Read more