No one plans to visit the emergency room, let alone with their sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Although this holiday is not listed as a hazardous one, there are still common risks that can land you or your loved one in the hospital.
Millions of loving couples expect to celebrate by giving one another gifts on Valentine’s Day. If you are planning to give gifts like chocolates, candy, flowers or romantic candles, you may want to add a “warning note” with your loving gesture.
A Hot Night Can Lead To Flames:
Candles are ranked as one of the riskiest gifts to give. Although candles are great for setting a romantic mood, they also cause fires. According to the Safety Prevention Resource igot2kno.org. Candles cause an estimated 15,600 house fires, 150 deaths, and 1,270 injuries each year. A better candle option to use for your romantic night is LED flameless candles to avoid any accidents.
Food & Candy Allergies Can Be Deadly:
Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, candy, cakes and other treats are synonymous with Valentine’s Day. It is important to know the ingredients of the goodies you are giving to your loved ones. According to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization, over 15 million Americans experience some type of food allergy. Some common ingredients people are allergic to include milk, nuts and eggs, to name a few. A severe allergic reaction can be deadly. Consumption of an allergen can cause some people to go into anaphylactic shock. It is important to always read the labels carefully and ask about allergies prior to buying treats as gifts.
Pretty Flowers Can Hurt You:
Be careful when cutting flowers to place in a vase. According to a study from Beaumont Emergency Center data showed that, 350,000 people are injured by kitchen knives each year. It may be best to give flowers that are already placed in a vase. Also, flower-filled vases can slip out of people’s hands, causing broken glass on the floor. These types of accidents cause dozens of ER visits a year,
Driving After Having Too Much Bubbly:
For couples who plan to dine out and celebrate with a bottle of champagne or other alcoholic beverage, it is important to find another way home. The number of drivers on the road under the influence of alcohol usually increases on holidays. Valentine’s Day is no exception. To avoid accidents and injuries, if you and your lover both want to drink, consider taking public transportation, an Uber or another rideshare, or stay at home where you are safe from other drunk drivers.
The best bet to avoid injuries on Valentine’s Day is to use your best judgment and don’t sacrifice you and your lover’s safety in the name of love!
With the increasing national availability of Covid-19 vaccine variants, many are seeking information concerning when and where they will have the opportunity to become inoculated. Many people are wondering, will employers have the right to require employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment?
Who is Eligible for the Vaccine?
According to the state website, as of February 11, 2021, eligibility has opened up to all individuals who are Connecticut residents, specifically over the age of 65. Currently, plans to initiate Phase 1c vaccinations are being finalized and are expected to become available to the general public. More information on eligibility can be found at:ct.gov.
Can Employers in CT Require Employees to be Vaccinated?
The answer is yes, but there are some exceptions. Currently, the State of Connecticut has not mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for its residents. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOD) and the United State Justice Department have released guidelines for how employers should address vaccine-related issues. Employers may consider their work environment unsafe due to a high risk of exposure. In fact, employees can be required to be vaccinated against diseases that could compromise health and safety standards in the workplace.
Vaccination issues are likely to cause some degree of tension and controversy with employees at workplaces throughout the state. This is reflective of the various opinions and beliefs that people have on vaccinations. Differences between employees; some will not only want to be vaccinated but will also want the assurance that their colleagues are also vaccinated. While others, for a variety of reasons, will refuse to be vaccinated. Therein lies the heavy burden of employers to determine if the vaccine is a workplace necessity.
Let’s be clear; the state of Connecticut does not mandate any employer to vaccinate employees. However, employers can legally set requirements for their employees to be vaccinated and determine it to be a necessity if there is a bonified reason. Such as a “direct threat” to the business or its employees. Given how highly contagious the novel Coronavirus and the new variants have been, the nature of the “direct threat” may force many workplaces to require their employees to be vaccinated.
If You Refuse to be Vaccinated, Can You Lose Your Job?
Before terminating an employee, an employer must determine whether the employee is worthy of an accommodation and whether they would be protected by local, state or federal regulations and if union labor rules would apply. However, if no other possible accommodation can be made, an employer could potentially terminate an employee for refusing the vaccine.
If the vaccine, required by your employer has caused you harm, you may have a worker’s compensation claim against your employer. It is important to report to your employer what reaction you have suffered immediately and request necessary medical treatment.
For further information about the COVID-19 virus and vaccinations in the workplace, please refer to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website: https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this blog without seeking legal advice.
Our heart is one of the most vital organs in our body. Unfortunately, too many of us don’t always treat it as well as we should.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), heart disease remained the leading cause of death worldwide for the last 17 years. In the United States alone, over 655,000 people die every year from heart disease- the equivalent of one death per 36 seconds.
With February marking the beginning of American Heart Month, our team at Jacobs & Wallace is dedicated to spreading awareness about heart health in our communities. By encouraging even one person to make small changes in their heart health, we could all play a hand in saving a life.
Know The Facts
Heart disease is not a condition that appears instantaneously. A person’s risk of developing heart disease is increased over time, influenced by certain lifestyle choices and health conditions.
People with the following risk factors are considered high-risk for developing heart disease:
Heart disease is a term describing a range of conditions that can adversely affect the health of your heart. The most common forms of heart disease include:
Among these, coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. Coronary heart conditions involve narrowing the blood vessels and blockages of blood flow to the heart, responsible for more than 365,000 deaths every year.
Coronary heart conditions are the precursors for two of the most well-known and fatal heart conditions in history: strokes and heart attacks.
Heart attacks occur when a blood clot restricts blood flow to a part of the heart. If the clot is not removed, the part of the heart that is lacking blood begins to die, signaling the beginning of a heart attack.
Strokes occur when a blood clot disrupts the vessel that delivers blood to the brain. If the clot is not removed, the cells in the part of the brain that is lacking blood begin to die and can result in the loss of critical motor functions, such as walking or talking.
Know The Signs
Despite the fact that heart disease is the most fatal condition globally, so many individuals are unaware they have it until it’s too late. Heart attacks do not always follow the dramatic Hollywood interpretation: a person clutching their chest or left arm in pain. Symptoms of heart disease differ for every individual. This is especially true for women who are more likely to suffer from uncommon or abnormal symptoms.
These are the signs that could indicate heart disease that all Americans should be aware of:
Common
Uncommon
How You Can Make A Difference
It doesn’t take a lot to reduce your risk of heart disease. Here a few changes you can make this Heart Month to get your family on the road to a healthier heart:
According to the American Automotive Association (AAA), Connecticut has experienced an increasing number of distracted drivers, that have resulted in numerous pedestrian accidents. As a result of this growing issue, the Connecticut Transportation Committee has decided to take a strong initiative to keep residents safe.
Motorists are becoming more distracted on the road due to various factors. AAA has stated that the following are the top distractions drivers face that have led to accidents:
Not only is the rise in pedestrian fatalities caused by distracted drivers, AAA reports that speeding is also a factor.
A recent article written in Real Hartford, features a study observing pedestrian accidents. It found that in 2020 there were 52 pedestrian deaths from vehicular incidents. A recent survey done by AAA concluded that:
The Transportation Committee’s co-chair, Roland Lemar, is planning for an “aggressive” safety agenda that is set to be debated this year. Lemar’s agenda includes such laws that would give Connecticut municipalities the ability to set speed laws within their borders and governing sidewalks. Another goal Lemar has with his plan is to change state law governing crosswalks.
Initially, Lamar planned this safety agenda to legislate in 2020, however the plan was placed on hold due to the pandemic. It is now being revisited in 2021.
It is apparent that Connecticut is due for much safer laws, and it is up to the legislatures to enforce them. With the accessibility of our smartphones and advance technology in your cars, it is easy to be distracted. But, as always, remember to keep your eyes on the road, stay alert and avoid all distractions. Stay safe, Connecticut.
This Monday, the nation honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Known as a social activist and a religious leader, who peacefully fought for racial equality. He helped lead the Civil Rights movement and was a champion of the people.
Honoring the Memory of MLK
On Monday, January 18, 2021, the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Connecticut has organized several activities to honor this day in a safe manner during the pandemic. Please find below the various events that are taking place:
During a time when many Connecticut families are struggling to put food on their tables, five deserving families sat down to a fully-prepared holiday meal thanks to the kindness of Jacobs & Wallace, P.L.L.C, personal injury, medical malpractice and worker’s compensation attorneys located in Bridgeport, CT. The fully cooked meals were provided to families on Christmas Eve by partner Adele Jacobs and her colleagues. “Being able to help these families during this difficult year, was truly the best part of my holiday season,” says Jacobs. “It was a true reminder of what the holidays are all about.”
The firm is committed locally to giving back year-round, through several charitable initiatives and programs annually to raise funds and awareness for the needy and those struggling with illness, living in Connecticut. They partner with many charitable organizations to help make a difference, including CT Food Bank, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity, to name but a few.
This year, because so many families were struggling due to COVID, the firm created a holiday meal giveaway initiative on Facebook, asking for help in choosing five worthy families. Any resident of Connecticut could nominate themselves or another family, for a free fully cooked holiday meal. Out of the nominees, five deserving families of up to 10 family members each, were chosen. The meals, which included soup, turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, bread, and desserts, were provided to the families on Christmas Eve.
Partner, Andrew Wallace was pleased to be able to have the firm participate in this charitable effort this year. “We feel that the holiday season is a perfect opportunity for the firm to extend a helping hand to families who are in need, especially during the pandemic.”
One of the five families shared that they were faced with a very bleak Christmas if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Jacobs & Wallace holiday giveaway. “What your firm did for us was truly a blessing and we are forever grateful,” explains Tammy G., a mother of three teens, of which two have special needs. Tammy lost her job due to Covid-19, and was recently diagnosed with chronic congestive heart failure. Her fiancé is also dealing with health challenges and is awaiting a pending knee surgery. “We thought our Christmas was going to be as grim as this year has been for us. Thankfully, this meal gave my family hope, and it put the holiday spirit back into our home.”
Jacobs & Wallace, P.L.L.C.
Jacobs & Wallace has almost 50 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of people in the practice areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation. With an in-depth understanding of Connecticut state law, the firm’s attorneys have had proven successful results, fighting and obtaining fair and just compensation for people who have been injured at work or through the negligence of others.
2020 has undoubtedly changed many aspects of our lives, especially the way we celebrate. But despite the pandemic, the holiday season has arrived, and the roller coaster of holiday shopping has officially begun.
Online shopping will likely take precedence this year, making it difficult to foresee obvious hazards. Luckily, organizations like “World Against Causing Toys Causing Harm” (W.A.T.C.H) publish a list of the most harmful toys every year. Take a look at what not to put on your gift list for 2020:
W.A.T.C.H.’s 2020 10 Worst Toys
“Flocked Animals” are generally dangerous because they are seemingly attractive to young children; however, the small detachable pieces of this particular toy are a definite choking hazard.
This toy can shoot up to 75 feet and cause injuries to the face, eyes, pets, or others if misused. The small parts can also be choking hazards for young children.
This toy modeled after the Black Panther claws carries a warning not to swing or hit others or pets. It is being sold for children as young as 5, but the claws are plastic and rigid, which can be harmful. Watch for eye and face injuries.
On its throwaway tag, this plush toy warns of shedding and course material. Though advertised for as young as 12-month-old infants, the easily shedding material suggests otherwise. The fibers are long and course and could cause choking if ingested.
It is indicated that this toy should be used, accompanied by adult supervision. It is also made for children as young as 3, but it can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. Watch for blunt force, and impact injuries.
Children should always have adult supervision when slime. W.A.T.C.H. reminds and suggests reading all of the instructions and warnings on/with the box. This kit includes hazardous chemicals and ingredients that can cause severe irritations to the skin, eyes and can be harmful if swallowed.
The boomerang meant to play with friends has a propeller that can potentially cut or injure and possibly damage if misused. Warning labels urge keeping hands, hair, and loose clothing away from propellers.
This toy has a ripcord launcher for children to use with a stunt set but warns that it should not be used near the ears, face, or eyes. It has several other warnings, among them, a call not to aim at others or pets.
The mini baby dolls have small accessories, providing many potential hazards like choking and ingestion. Watch for small pieces, possibly occluding airways.
Children are meant to battle one another with sabers and swing at each other. But the labels warn not to swing, poke, or jab at people or animals. The rigid, plastic toy can cause injuries to the face and/or impact injuries.
Avoid Toys With Harmful Features
It’s impossible to know every single danger that your child could encounter. Still, it is possible to prevent injuries from befalling your children by simply keeping a keen eye on warnings.
The toy industry does not have harsh restrictions making it easier for harmful toys to reach your homes. However, as parents, your children’s safety always comes first. Here are some key features to look out for to make your holiday season a little safe:
While this may be a limited list of features to look for when shopping this season, it is a good jumping-off point for cautious shopping. Always shop with your child’s safety in mind.
Shop Safely This Season
Safely Shop Online: With Covid-19 as a major worry on everyone’s mind, online shopping is likely to be a safer way to buy holiday gifts this year. Since it is difficult to physically look at the toys online before a purchase, it’s always important to inspect the toys and their warnings before giving it to a child.
Shop Defensively: W.A.T.C.H. suggests parents use defensive eyes and minds when purchasing toys. It’s important to think of your child’s playing habits and remember how that will fall into how they play with a certain kind of toy. Always remain vigilant and cautious.
Search Recalls: The best way to be sure your child can enjoy their toys is to be proactive. Search for recalled products on your shopping list and those gifted by others before giving it to your child.
Box Warnings: Toys always come with some kind of warning. Read all instructions and hazard warnings that come with your toys to ensure proper safe play.
Follow Age Restrictions: Along with checking for warnings on the boxes, always be sure to check the age restrictions. Often, toy companies will have a set age limitation to avoid injuries to young children.
It’s recommended to shop from stores you are already familiar with, as well as making sure the online sites you shop from are legitimate. Some unfamiliar stores could be part of a scam or sell unsafe products. Shop smart and have fun!
Our firm has always been committed to giving back to the communities where we live and which we serve. During this holiday season, to help ease the pain some families may be experiencing this year, our team at Jacobs & Wallace will be providing five deserving families with a fully prepared Christmas meal this holiday. We need your help to find these five families by nominating a family you believe is deserving.
Nominating a Worthy Family
Any resident of Connecticut can nominate a family or themselves to be considered for a free Holiday meal (to feed up to ten family members). Jacobs & Wallace will choose five deserving, nominated families who have fallen on tough times and are in need of a comforting holiday meal.
Here’s how to nominate a family:
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT FORM:
Help Jacobs & Wallace give back this holiday season. Nominate a family today!
This weekend we set our clocks back an hour to end Daylight Savings time. According to the AAA Northeast, their statistics show that car accidents drastically increase around this time of the year. This could be due to darker driving times with shorter days and earlier sunsets. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should beware.
This week drivers must adjust to the changes of daylight when driving and keep alert of these changes. Pedestrians and cyclists are most at risk for injuries when the roads go dark. Preparing for these changes this week and throughout the fall and winter months can help keep people on our Connecticut roads safe. Here are some steps to help reduce life-threatening accidents on our roads.
Be Prepared For Shorter Days & Dark Roads
Setting clocks back an hour to end Daylight Savings time can be a shock to motorists who are not used to driving in the dark, both during morning and evening commutes. The sun in Connecticut will now set closer to 4:45 pm, putting millions of drivers on dark roads during their daily commute to and from work.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, driving in the dark is noticeably more dangerous than driving during the day. Motorists are three times more likely to get into a car accident at night, with the most deadly hours occurring between 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Nighttime driving can significantly affect the critical functions a driver needs to operate their vehicle safely, including visibility, depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision. Motorists can help combat the onset of nighttime driving hazards by taking the following precautions before they get behind the wheel:
With normal headlights, drivers on average are only able to see 250 feet ahead in the dark. Keep your speeds low for more control over your vehicle and the chance of reacting quicker to road hazards.
Be Aware of Driver Fatigue
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, when drivers have less than five hours have a crash risk comparable to a drunk driver. Data shows missing just one to two hours of sleep in 24 hours nearly doubles your crash risk. In addition, three in ten Americans admitted to driving when they were too tired to keep their eyes open at least once in the past month. Fatigued driving is extremely dangerous to both drivers and others sharing the road. Drowsy drivers are known for swerving, drifting, becoming distracted, or making risky decisions; all behaviors known for leading to accidents.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, at least 60 percent of adults report they often drive tired, and another 37 percent admit to falling asleep being the wheel – don’t be a statistic. Make sure to get enough sleep this week to make up for the hour time difference. If you feel too tired to drive, pull over in a safe location, and take a rest. Also, avoid driving later or earlier than usual until you have adjusted.
Keep Your Eye Out for Pedestrians and Cyclists!
Although it is colder out and it may be dark, pedestrians and cyclists are still on the road. Between children waiting for the bus, pedestrians walking home from work, and cyclists out enjoying a ride, all drivers will need to stay on high alert.
Speeding, failure to yield, and left-handed turns are the leading causes of pedestrian road accidents, and darker roads only escalate these risks. Pedestrians and cyclists can reduce their chances of becoming the victim of an accident by staying visible and alert to cars at all times. These basic safety steps can help get you started:
Avoid Distractions & Aggressive Driving
Distracted and aggressive driving are deadly habits on the road, especially at night. Drivers already have less time to spot hazards on the road. Adding in factors such as speed, risky lane changes, or distractions will almost always result in an accident turning fatal.
These are the dangerous road behaviors Connecticut drivers should be avoiding to prevent causing harm to others:
Our team at Jacobs & Wallace wishes everyone a safe start to the end of Daylight Savings. Bottom line, stay alert, pay attention, and follow the rules of the road to prevent accidents.
Connecticut Car, Motorcycle and Trucking Accident Attorneys
The time change is no excuse to behave poorly behind the wheel. Vehicle accidents caused by reckless driving are unacceptable. If you or a loved has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our winning legal team at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation to explore your options.
The season of Fall in Connecticut leads to a lot of unpredictable weather and road conditions that can be dangerous. It is important to prepare yourself and your vehicle for these hazards to stay safe and to avoid being involved in an accident. According to The American Automobile Association, drivers located in the North East of the country should be aware of the seasonal changes that can affect driving conditions. These changes include driving in the dark due to shorter fall days, visibility issues from glare on the roads and various safety risks from the everchanging fall weather.
According to the AARP they have identified nine Fall driving dangers and tips to stay safe. To view the full list, click here: https://www.aarp.org/auto/info-2016/fall-driving-safety-tips.html
Below is a summary of these nine areas:
1. Kids
Fall season means that kids are back in school. Throughout the school year, it is vital for drivers to be aware of driving school zones not only for kids walking, but also for young, inexperienced drivers leaving the premises and picking up friends or siblings. Also, be aware of sharing the road with school buses. Remember in Connecticut you must stop for a school bus with its red flashers on.
2. Darkness
As Daylight Saving Time ends in the Fall, days are shorter, and many more drivers are driving in the dark. It is important to stay alert, slow down to compensate for limited visibility and reduced stopping time.
3. Critters
Connecticut surely has its share of wildlife. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, you are 3.5 times as likely to hit an animal, especially a deer, in November as at any other time of the year. Deer are likely to be mating in November, and that’s why you see more of them.
4. Leaves
With the change in season and colder weather, leaves falling from trees litter the roads and cause slippery and hazardous conditions. Make sure you slow down on roads covered with leaves and give yourself more distance than usual when coming to a stop behind another car.
5. Tires
Your tire pressure will drop due to colder weather in the fall and throughout the winter. It is important to have proper tire pressure for your car to perform smoothly and safely. AARP advises you to check tire pressure for your vehicle model. It is also important to maintain and regularly rotate and balance your tires.
6. Dampness
Drivers are more at safety risks when roads are wet. Wet roads can put drivers at risk of hydroplaning. This is when your tires no longer have direct contact with the road. When driving in damp conditions to prevent hydroplaning it is best to reduce your speed, avoid cruising in the rain and avoid puddles and standing water.
7.Glare
During the day in the Fall and Winter seasons, usually early morning and late afternoon hours, sun glare can cause issues with visibility on the road. If you’re having trouble seeing it is important to take extra precaution, reduce your speed and prepare to slow down and stop with a large enough gap between you and the care in front of you.
8. Fog and frost
Fog and frost are two conditions many Connecticut drivers face in the Fall which causes poor visibility and distance perception. According to AARP, the use of fog lights that shine wide with low beams along the road and onto the edges of a street help with visibility. Also, when temperatures have been cold enough that moisture on the road turn icy in spots you must reduce your speed and pay attention to the distance of the vehicle in front of you. Also, it is important to clear your windshield and windows of your vehicle when frost is present.
9. Inexperience
From new drivers on the road due to youth or relocation from a dryer and warmer location, it is important that inexperienced drivers know the Fall risks and take precautions they need to avoid accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our expert team of personal injury attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation to explore your options
