Nursing Home Negligence

Signs of nursing home neglect or abuse:

• ü  Bed sores
• o   Residents should be turned every two hours if they are unable to do so themselves. 
• ü  Dehydration or Malnutrition
• o   Residents may not have family and friends to assist at mealtime.  The nursing home should be well staffed and have an adequate number of trained and supervised staff to assist the residents stay hydrated when they are properly positioned.
• ü  Bruises or Abrasions
• o   As people age, their skin gets thinner and bruises can occur more often.
• ü  Frequent Falls
• o   If your loved one is at risk for or has a history of falls, bed rails should be in place.  The nurse call button should be at a close distance so they do not have to reach for it and risk falling.
• ü  Over Medication
• o   Know what medications and dosage your family member is prescribed.  Regularly check the medications especially if your loved one has lost or gained weight and the dosage may no longer be appropriate.
• ü  Dirty Bed Linens
• o   It is important to make sure your loved one’s bed linens are being changed on a regular basis.

Nursing home residents are not always aware of what is happening to them.  Some residents may be bullied and are experiencing emotional abuse or are too scared to speak up. 

You are your loved one’s voice.  You have to speak up for them.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Driving Safely in the Rain

Keep both hands on the wheel at all time. You need to be prepared if you happen to hit a puddle of water. You will have better control over the wheel and can prevent your car from hydroplaning.  Turn on your headlights. It is much easier for other cars to see you with your head and tail lights turned on.  Be aware of the distance between you and the car ahead of you. If you give yourself two to three car lengths distance between you and the car in front of you, you are less likely to have a collision if they happen to slam on their brakes.  Drive the posted speed limit or a little below.  Wet brakes need more time to slow down. If you maintain a safe speed while driving, you are less likely to get into a motor vehicle accident.  Don’t attempt to cross flooded roads.  If a road is covered in water and you are unsure of how deep the water is, turn around. Do not cross flooded roadways. Flood water can sweep you and your car away in a matter of seconds.

Taking these cautionary measures will help you to stay safe while driving in the rain.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, reach out to Clark & Smith Law Firm for a free evaluation.  Please call our office at 478.254.5040.

Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Middle Georgia will be experiencing freezing temperatures this week. With the cold front bringing in the low temps, heaters will be working extra hard!  Have you had your heater inspected this season? Is your heater working properly and not releasing toxic gas?  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas, that when inhaled by humans, can be deadly.  Carbon monoxide is usually leaked into the air by malfunctioning water heaters, room heaters, generators, fireplaces, and ranges.  You can also be exposed to CO2 if you leave your car running in a garage with doors shut and no ventilation and should remove your car from the garage, if you decide to leave it running.  Symptoms of low to moderate poisoning are similar to the flu; headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.  Symptoms of high level CO2 poisoning include mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death.

Here are some tips for keeping your family safe from carbon monoxide exposure:

• Do not start your car or leave it running even if attached garage door is open.  Make sure you back your car out of the garage and into the driveway before you decide to warm it up.
• Do not have a generator running indoors or outside near a window that is open.
• Make sure your fireplace is properly vented and do not heat your house with a gas oven.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors if you do not already have them.
• Replace batteries in your carbon monoxide detector on a regular basis to make sure it is working properly.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been exposed to carbon monoxide, seek immediate medical attention. 

WATCH OUT FOR BIKES!!

As the winter months come to an end, you may notice more bicycles on the streets than usual. Here are some tips car drivers and bicycle riders should keep in mind to avoid serious injuries.

Bicycle riders be sure to check your bicycle thoroughly. Is the chain clear of debris? Are your tires inflated? Do your brakes work properly?  Be familiar with your surroundings.  If there are road defects, like pot holes, or water on the road, or construction you want to be aware so you can avoid a possible accident with a car that involves a serious injury.  Make sure you wear brightly colored clothing and do not wear dark colors especially at night. A reflective vest and flashing lights are easy ways to help you stand out.  If you are riding at night, add reflector tape to the front and back of your bike, your pedals, your shoes and even your backpack.  Don’t forget to put your helmet on.  It is illegal in some places to ride a bike without a helmet. Even where it is not required, wearing a helmet is still a good idea because head injuries are the most common fatal injuries.  Keep your eyes protected.  Sunglasses or bicycle safety glasses are a great way to keep dirt, pebbles, and even bugs out of your eyes.  Ride in the direction of traffic. Riding against traffic is illegal.  Do not listen to music or wear headphones while riding a bike.  Loud music in your ears makes it impossible for you to hear cars, sirens or people. 

Car drivers be on the look out for bicyclists.  Cyclists are considered automobiles and obey the same traffic rules as motor vehicles.  Automobile drivers must allow at least 3 feet when passing.  Also, be mindful of side streets where bicyclists may enter the road.

Whether you are a cyclist or driving a motor vehicle, stay alert to your surroundings to avoid a potential car wreck and serious injury.

Road Safety During Spring Break

Road Safety During Spring Break

Spring is here, and with the warmer weather come much needed breaks from school and work. Whether you’re just staying at home, heading down to the beach or going to Disney World with your kids in tow, spring break is a perfect time to enjoy yourself and relax from your job or your studies. While on vacation, it’s typical for people to drive more than usual, from day trips in their communities to long hauls along the highway. Clark & Smith Law Firm, LLC would like to offer drivers a few simple tips to keep their spring breaks as safe (and fun) as possible!

If you’re going on a long trip, make sure to take turns driving to avoid getting sleepy behind the wheel. Although taking less-traveled roads can save you time, it’s safest to stay on busier highways: being lost is a hassle and can also decrease your vigilance as a driver. It’s also a good idea to get your car checked out by a mechanic before you begin your trip. If you’re using an unfamiliar car, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the dashboard and the different controls, such as the headlights and windshield wipers.

Even if you’re not planning a long trip, there are still countless things you can do to ensure your safety while driving in your community. For example, you can minimize driving distractions by using a spill-proof cup or mug, avoiding putting on makeup/looking in the mirror, and asking a passenger to adjust the radio or GPS for you. Should the need arise to use your cell phone or consult a map, always pull over in a safe place before doing so. If you’re driving with young children in the car, make sure that each child is strapped in to an appropriate car seat (always in the back of the car, never the front seat).

And most importantly, if you do plan on drinking this spring break, always arrange a safe mode of transportation beforehand - drunk driving kills thousands of Americans every year. 

Safe travels! And don’t forget the sunscreen.

For more safety tips, visit safespringbreak.org and bacchusnetwork.org.