New London Connecticut Legal Blog

Car catches on fire, firefighter injured

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in personal injury on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

When you're involved in a car crash, there is always a possibility of getting injured as a result of the crushing impact. One kind of injury that isn't mentioned as often is the risk of burn injuries. Burn injuries are common when cars catch on fire or when there are chemicals leaking onto victims. In any case, the fire or chemicals have to be contained, and victims have to receive medical care.

Injuries don't always happen during a traffic accident; Sometimes, they're the result of someone trying to help the victims. In a case in New London, Connecticut, a firefighter has been left with injuries after trying to put out a car on fire.

Treatment is a necessity after a dog bite

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in personal injury on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

When a dog bites you, the initial reaction is to get away from the animal and to get help. That's a good thing to do, especially if you're badly hurt. However, it's also important to try to keep the dog in a nearby area. Only by identifying and trapping the animal can you be sure of its vaccinations and if you need certain treatments following the bite.

For example, if a stray dog bites you, it is wise to try to capture the dog. If it is microchipped or has a collar with tags, the owner may be identified and held accountable for the dog's actions. Tags on the dog could also help identify if it has received recent vaccines, which are necessary to avoid needing certain treatments, like those for rabies.

Government shutdown could affect disability applicants

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in social security disability on Thursday, December 27, 2018.

With the government shutdown, many people have been worried that they won't be able to receive the disability payments they're entitled to. For the most part, the people who are already receiving these benefits don't need to worry, because Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are part of required government operations.

For people who have not yet been approved to receive benefits, there's a greater risk of having to go without. While those who already have approvals for Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security Disability (SSD) will keep receiving their payments, those who haven't been approved are going to be faced with longer wait times.

What are the emotional stages of divorce?

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in Divorce on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

Every divorce results in some emotional changes in those involved. There are actually around five stages of emotions that people will go through.

The interesting thing about the emotional stages of divorce is that they are not always in order. Someone might start out angry at their spouse, for example, but later become depressed or deny that anything would have led to a divorce in the first place.

Fire team to appeal workers' compensation over rabies scare

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, December 14, 2018.

One thing people need to know is if there are instances when workers' compensation won't cover an injury. For example, if you have shoulder injuries from your job, they're likely to be covered. However, if your medical provider warns you about conditions you could develop, those likely won't be covered. They're called prospective injuries, and there is no coverage for them.

A good example happened in December 2018. A fire company reported to the scene of an accident during the summer. The driver of the vehicle that had crashed was having seizures and was foaming at the mouth. Both of those symptoms are suggestive that the driver was suffering from rabies.

Teen hospitalized after getting pinned in parking lot crash

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in personal injury on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Personal injuries can happen almost any time and anywhere. They're particularly shocking when they involve pedestrians and vehicles. Pedestrians don't have any protection against the weight of a vehicle. Even at slow speeds, pedestrians can be badly hurt if they're pinned or struck by a vehicle.

A serious collision occurred in Connecticut when a high school student was pinned between two vehicles. The Dec. 5 report states that the incident, which happened at around 7:18 a.m., occurred because a vehicle backed up into the pedestrian.

Are Connecticut roads prepared for winter?

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

Connecticut’s first winter storm of the season in mid-November caught many people off-guard, including the Department of Transportation. Snow blanketed many areas of the state just as people left work. Although the DOT salted the roads, it wasn’t enough.

Crashes and stuck cars closed three highways, causing major back-ups. A man from Florida died when he left his spun-out vehicle and another car hit him. Connecticut is no stranger to snow and winter driving, so what went wrong this time?

Can you work if you accept Social Security Disability?

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in social security disability on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Social Security Disability (SSD) is there for people who get hurt and can no longer work to support themselves. These individuals may be able to work a light amount, but it would be impossible, in many cases, for them to work a full-time job.

Disability benefits provide the protection people need when they're disabled. The benefits provide a monthly check that covers basic necessities, like a place to live. Combined with other benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other government programs, people on disability have what they need to live a financially supported life while recovering.

Steps to take after a car wreck

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in personal injury on Friday, November 23, 2018.

Some people mistakenly think that a fender-bender isn't capable of causing any injuries. Even if there isn't major damage to the vehicles, there is a still a chance that you might suffer some injuries. There are several things that you should do after a car wreck.

One of the first things that you need to do is to check yourself and the occupants of your vehicle for injuries. If there are injuries, you need to ask for emergency medical services to come to the scene. This can get hurt individuals the care they need as quickly as possible.

Plan for the first holidays after divorce

On behalf of Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law posted in Divorce on Friday, November 16, 2018.

There really isn't ever a good time to get divorced. For some people, this major life change comes during the winter holiday season. If you are in this position, you need to make sure that you are planning for the emotions that are likely going to come.

There is a "year of firsts" that comes with a divorce. This encompasses all the events in your life that come with that first year of being single again. For the first Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, you might find that planning ahead can help you enjoy the holidays.