As the state of Connecticut continues to battle an uptick of Covid-19 infections, many families still want to have the right to enjoy and celebrate Halloween like they always have. Although the government cannot legally cancel the “un-official” holiday of Halloween, the state is strongly advising against large events, celebrations, and no trick-or-treating outside the household. CT officials have set guidelines based on the CDC safety recommendations. They are asking residents to follow these guidelines to keep all Connecticut families and communities safe from the spread of Covid-19.
According to the Connecticut State Department of Health website, we have listed below some of the guidelines to follow.
To comply with the safety guidelines, it is best to Avoid the following Events:
If you and your family are planning to trick-or-treat, keep in mind the following tips:
To view the entire list, visit the Connecticut State Public Health website: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Guidance/Connecticut-Halloween-Guidance#:~:text=Recommendations%20for%20Halloween%202020,while%20continuing%20to%20social%20distance
October has been associated with the color pink to represent National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You will see people wearing pink and showing their support with various charitable fundraisers to help raise funds and awareness. Jacobs & Wallace is committed to showing our support. Once again we are running a special social media campaign to raise funds and awareness for a local charity, called the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation. This outstanding organization has helped thousands of families who are financially struggling across five states (including Connecticut) with non-medical expenses, after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The campaign is running on the firm’s Facebook account during the entire month of October. We are giving $1 for each Facebook engagement (Like, Follow, Comment or Share) to the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation. The donation will represent the total number of engagements on our Breast Cancer Awareness posts and on our page throughout October. On November 1st we will share the total number of engagements and let you know the amount we are donating.
You can help make a difference by visiting our Facebook page and liking our page and post. Also by sharing it! Click here to visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JacobsWallaceLaw/
About the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation
The Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation (B.C.E.A.F.) believes no one should have to choose between chemotherapy and a roof over their heads. Since 2006, B.C.E.A.F.’s supporters and volunteers have helped over 3,400 patients throughout Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. B.C.E.A.F. focuses on providing financial assistance for the non-medical expenses survivors and families do not plan for after they are impacted by breast cancer.
Many patients cannot work or lose their employment while undergoing cancer treatments. Caregivers and family members may also have to quit their jobs to take care of their loved ones full time. When patients who are financially struggling are referred to B.C.E.A.F. by nurses, social worker, and other services providers, our team provides direct financial support in the areas needed most, including:
B.C.E.A.F. has helped thousands of survivors across the region, but their efforts are far from over. As hundreds of thousands of patients become newly diagnosed with cancer every year, survivors are in need of more support than ever before.
Jacobs & Wallace Gives Back To Breast Cancer Survivors
This year, our team at Jacobs & Wallace is thrilled to be joining B.C.E.A.F. in their mission to support breast cancer survivors. To help, we will be donating $1 for every Facebook engagement we receive to B.C.E.A.F. to go towards the countless essential services they provide.
From now until the end of October, every ‘Like,’ ‘Follow,’ ‘Share,’ or ‘Comment’ we receive on our Facebook page will equal a $1 donation. It only takes a few clicks to make a significant difference in a survivor’s life, and a couple ‘pokes’ at your friends and family to encourage them to do the same.
If you’re looking to get more involved with B.C.E.A.F., there are a few ways to provide your support:
For more information on how to get involved with B.C.E.A.F., check out their website to show your support.
Our team at Jacobs & Wallace is proud to announce that both partners of the firm have been recognized as 2020 Super Lawyers. Partner Adele Jacobs was named among the 2020 New England Super Lawyers, and Partner Andrew Wallace was listed as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
This is not the first year our partners have received this great honor. Adele Jacobs has been included on the list of New England Super Lawyers since 2007. Andrew Wallace has been a Rising Star since 2016.
Recognitions from Super Lawyers are not easily obtained. Super Lawyers must attain a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations of over 70 practice areas to highlight the elite lawyers in the industry. Only 5% of lawyers in New England are named Super Lawyers every year, and no more than 2.5% percent are listed as Rising Stars.
This honor is a true testament to our partners’ dedication to the firm and commitment to supporting clients seek the justice they deserve. Our team could not be prouder of your accomplishments. Congratulations to you both!
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), 675 children ages 12 and under were killed in car crashes in 2017. Sadly, approximately 40 percent of these deaths could have been prevented if the child was properly buckled up.
Child Passenger Safety Week is an annual safety initiative aimed to reduce child vehicle fatalities by spreading awareness about car seat safety. Created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.), this annual event provides parents with education and resources to help ensure their children are riding safely.
From September 20 to September 26, national and local organizations in Connecticut will be participating in Child Passenger Safety initiatives to help keep children safe. Ending the week with National Seat Check Saturday, residents can visit car seat check sites in their community to gain peace of mind that their child’s car seat is correctly installed. They will also have the possibility to consult with experts on tips for a better fit.
Children cannot protect themselves in the car. It’s up to every Connecticut parent to properly use a car seat and stay informed on how these products can reduce their child’s risk of injuries. To start, we’ve compiled a few of the best need-to-know safety tips parents can use when it comes to car seat safety.
Choosing a car seat is not as easy as it used to be. Recommendations for car seats are ever-changing as our understanding of vehicle safety continues to expand. Unfortunately, as fast as information is gained, it doesn’t always reach the people who need it most.
So many parents still do not know which type of car seat is best for their child. Designs become more complicated every year. The N.H.T.S.A. estimates that 3 out of 4 car seats are being misused.
Some of the most common mistakes parents make when choosing and installing a car seat are the simplest errors to correct, including the type of seat, placement, and installation.
Choosing your child’s car seat is one of the most vital steps to keeping them safe in the car. Mistakes parents often make when shopping for or choosing a car seat include:
When parents are shopping for a car seat, their child’s size and age will determine which seat provides optimal protection. Certain brands and styles are not right for every child, and not every car seat is capable of following a child as they continue to grow.
Car seats that are old, damaged, and subject to a previous crash may not provide protection in an accident. A car seat’s and safety features can become stressed and weakened over time, leading to malfunctions and injuries.
If you were to ask a dozen parents what the best position for a car seat was inside their vehicle, you would most likely get several different (and possibly dangerous) answers.
One of the most common errors parents make when installing car seats is flipping their child around too soon. In Connecticut, it’s the law that children must ride rear-facing until they are at least two-years-old, if not longer. Some safety experts have even suggested moving the age to five, stating that children are safer impact injuries in the rear-facing position.
Another mistake parents make when placing a car seat in a vehicle is putting a seat by the passenger side door. Safe Rides 4 Kids reports children are 43 percent safer when placed in the middle seat of a car. Passenger doors and windows increase a child’s risk for injuries if a car is struck on the side. The middle seat provides a lower risk for impact injuries, particularly in the case of direct collisions.
Car seats can save an average of 300 lives every year when used correctly. The N.H.T.S.A. predicts at least 59 percent of car seats are installed wrong when placed in a vehicle. Some of the most common installation mistakes highlighted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia include:
– Failing The ‘Pinch Test’: The ‘pinch test’ involves the harness’s tightness once the child is buckled in. If you can pinch extra material when your child is in the seat, it is not tight enough.
Connecticut has specific laws regarding children in car seats that parents and guardians transporting children must follow to help keep children safe:
State laws are not enough to encourage parents to use proper safety precautions for their children in the car and not due to a lack of trying. Children are all different. Parents and guardians should seek additional resources specific to their child’s size and capabilities before making any decisions pertaining to their car seats.
Car seats are expensive, and the price is one of the top reasons parents hold on to damaged and expired products. That’s why Target is offering a seat trade-in incentive to encourage customers to recycle old car seats and purchase a new model for a safer ride.
This year, Target is offering a 20% coupon to customers who trade in car seats now through 9/26. The program begins with customers dropping off their car seats in a designated box inside the store to receive a mobile coupon for future purchases.
To participate, you must download the Target App and scan the barcode on the drop-off box to receive the coupon. The coupon can be used on a new seat, stroller, or other select baby gear online or in-store.
In a 2016 study published by the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found nearly 95 percent of parents are making at least one mistake when installing and securing car seats. There is no harm in getting your child’s car seat inspected for safety. A quick and simple inspection could highlight even a small error that could save your child’s life.
With National Seat Check Day around the corner, there are several different inspection sites Connecticut residents can visit. Most sites are open to the public but will require calling ahead for an appointment to ensure each family is granted an appropriate amount of time for their safety inspection.
These are some of the Fairfield County car seat fitting stations available:
Bethel Police Department
49 Plumtree Road, Bethel CT 06108
203-744-7900
hburnes@bethelpd.com
Officer Heather Burnes
Residents only
Appointment Only
Bristol Police Department
131 North Main Street, Bristol CT 06010
860-584-3017 ext. 3168
rmarcham@ci.bristol.ct.us
Sergeant Russ Marcham
Residents Only
Use the online form on the PD website to make an appointment
Bridgeport Hospital Yale New Haven Health
267 Grant Street
Bridgeport, CT
203-200-KIDS or 203-384-4390
Appointment Only one Wednesday month
Brookfield Police Department
63 Silverman Road
Brookfield, 06804
Contact: Mitchell Heller
203-775-2575
mheller@brookfieldct.gov
Appointment Only
The Car Seat Crew LLC
Nick@thecarseatcrew.com
www.thecarseatcrew.com
www.facebook.com/thecarseatcrew
Serving Fairfield County
Fee-based service at your location or ours
Danbury Police Department
375 Main Street,
Danbury CT 06810
203-743-6314
j.antonelli@danbury-ct.gov
Sgt. Antonelli
Residents/Employees Only
Appointment only 1st 3 Mondays of the Month
Darien Police Department
25 Hecker Ave,
Darien CT 06820
203-662-5300 Ext. 5370
Open to Public
Contact Elizabeth Dilorio
Easton Police Department
700 Moorehouse Road,
Easton CT 06612
203-268-4111
daren@eastonctpolice.com
Officer Mark Pastor
Open to Public
Executive Livery, LLC
175 North St.
Goshen, 06756
Office: 860-491-3955
executivelivery@me.com
Appointment Only
Free Service No Charge
Greenwich Fire Department
15 Havemeyer PL
Greenwich CT 06830
203-622-8087
ctroths@aol.com
Firefighter Roth
Open to Public
Appointment Only
Fairfield Police Department
100 Reef Road,
Fairfield CT
One Saturday a month
Call Allison or check FPDCT.com for details.
Little Riders LLC
203-231-5907
LittleRidersCT@aol.com
www.facebook.com/littleriders
Serving Fairfield and New Haven county
Appointments at your home/office, evenings and, weekends.
Fee-based service
Special needs trained
Monroe Police Department
7 Fan Hill Road,
Monroe CT 06468
203-261-3622
Detective Buckley
Residents & Appointments only
New Canaan Police Department
174 South Ave,
New Canaan CT 06840
203-594-3555
carseats@newcanaanct.gov
Officer Thomas Patten
Appts must be made via email: carseats@newcanaanct.gov
New Fairfield Police Department
302 Ball Pond Road,
New Fairfield CT 06810
203-312-5701
DLNY@comcast.net
Officer Lange
Open to Public
Appointments only
Newtown Police Department
3 Main Street,
Newtown CT 06470
203-426-5841
william.hull@newtown-ct.gov
Officer Flynn
Residents Only
Appointment Only
Norwalk Police Department
Norwalk Police Department
1 Monroe Street,
Norwalk CT 06854
203-854-3005
jhaggerty@norwalkct.org
Appointment Only
Safe in the Car
203-868-8151
www.facebook.com/safeinthecar
www.safeinthecar.com
jodi@safeinthecar.com
Fee based service at your home/office
Serving all of Fairfield and New Haven counties and parts of Litchfield and Hartford counties
Special needs trained
Trumbull Police Department
Trumbull Police Department
158 Edison Rd Trumbull, CT
203-452-3854
CFitch@trumbull-ct.gov
Coleen Fitch
Residents only, call for appointment
Weston Fire Rescue
56 Norfield Road,
Weston CT 06883
203-222-2647
westonfirerescue@yahoo.com
Mark Blake
Open to Public
Appointment Only, Special Needs Assistance available
Westport Police Department
50 Jesup Road,
Westport CT 06880
203-341-6000
cproudfoot@westportct.gov
Officer Chris Proudfoot
Residents Only
Appointment Only
Wilton Police Department
240 Danbury Road,
Wilton CT 06897
203-834-6260
anthony.cocco@wiltonct.org
Officer Anthony Cocco
Appointments only, open to the public
Connecticut children deserve the best protection available when it comes to riding in the car. If your child has sustained a serious injury from a vehicle accident due to the negligence of another, you could be eligible for financial compensation to help out with any damages suffered. Our winning team of attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace are committed to fighting back for your family’s right to safe travels on Connecticut roads. Call us for a free case evaluation to review all of your options for seeking restitution for your child’s unnecessary injuries.
From September 14 to September 18, worksites across the country will participate in the National Safety Stand-Down to prevent fall accidents in construction. Created by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (O.S.H.A.), this safety initiative aims to spread awareness about the prevalence of fatal fall accidents in the industry and provide employers with the support they need to prioritize workers’ safety.
Falls are the leading cause of occupational death in construction. In 2018, O.S.H.A. reported 338 construction fatalities related to falls out of 1,008 total deaths that year. Fall hazards have also continually ranked as the number one safety violation witnessed by O.S.H.A. field agents. If workplaces do not act immediately to address fall hazards, 2020 results could be just as tragic.
As occupational safety and health advocates, our team at Jacobs & Wallace encourages all workplaces to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down to prevent workplace falls. Most falls resulting in injuries are entirely preventable. Holding a stand-down to address fall risks in your workplace could save someone’s life.
Stand-downs are terrific opportunities for employers to educate their staff on fall hazards and receive employee input on current safety concerns. These voluntary events involve putting down all job responsibilities to focus on discussing how to improve workplace safety. Stand-downs assure workers that employers are serious about their health and safety by demonstrating the importance of replacing all other tasks with a genuine conversation.
A stand-down does not have to be more elaborate than an open meeting with workers and managers on the importance of workplace safety. All industries pose an element of fall risks that can lead to severe and fatal injuries. In construction, the most common fall hazards include:
Fall prevention measures significantly reduce workplace injuries and are key elements to address during this week’s stand-downs. Other safety areas that can be addressed to reduce occupational falls include reviewing current safety policies and protective measures and establishing a safety goal for the company to achieve together.
O.S.H.A. encourages all employers who participate in a stand-down this week to share their stories and techniques. For employers who need more ideas on hosting a stand-down, O.S.H.A. provides free safety events to participate in and suggestions here.
Falls in the workplace are 100 percent preventable. It often takes more effort and financing to recover from an accident than it does to prevent the fall from happening in the first place.
This year, several national safety organizations have partnered with O.S.H.A. to spread awareness about the National Safety Stand-Down to fight back against fall accidents. Some of these supporters include:
This impressive turnout to increase fall prevention proves how prevalent fall accidents have become across all American industries. Every workplace has a role to play in reducing these preventable accidents. For more information on how to participate in National Safety Stand-Down, see what some companies have done in years past here.
Workplace accidents can be dramatically reduced when effective safety protocols are in place. Employers and contractors who do not prioritize safety put the lives of their workers at unnecessary risk. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident due to negligent safety practices, our team is here to support you in seeking the justice you deserve.
As Connecticut personal injury experts, we always have your best interests and safety in mind. Our aggressive attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace will help you fight back by providing a free case evaluation to explore all your options for seeking justice against reckless distracted drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your rights.
Connecticut police departments have been cracking down on distracted drivers this August with an uptick in enforcement efforts on the road. According to a press release published by Patch, Fairfield Police, Connecticut State Police, and municipal and state elected officials gathered earlier this month at the Fairfield Police Department to support the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. initiative. In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (N.H.T.S.A.) National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the safety campaign aims to reduce preventable traffic accidents caused by distracted driving by heavily enforcing the laws that hold drivers accountable for reckless behaviors.
Fairfield County officers will continue to progress efforts through August 31 to catch distracted and texting drivers before their actions lead to a crash. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more residents than ever are taking walks and exercising outdoors. Drivers who are not remaining vigilant to pedestrians could easily cause a fatal crash if distracted by something else behind the wheel.
Distracted driving accidents are 100 percent preventable, and it only takes a few seconds for a driver’s attention to lead to tragedy on the road. As safety advocates, our team at Jacobs & Wallace is in full support of preventing driving distractions that lead to catastrophic and fatal traffic accidents. All Connecticut motorists are responsible for reducing preventable harm to others on the road.
The N.H.T.S.A. reported over 400,000 injuries and 2,841 deaths resulting from distracted driving accidents in 2018. Among the fatalities were 1,730 drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians, and 77 bicyclists.
Distracted driving is defined as any item or action that takes a driver’s attention off the road, including, but is certainly not limited to, the following:
When a driver takes their attention off the road critical road hazards can be missed. Pedestrians on sidewalks, bicycles, motorcycles, or other vehicles can all become targets when a distracted driver looks away from the road.
Approximately 1 in 4 distracted driving accidents nationwide involve the use of cellphones behind the wheel. Connecticut State Law bans the use of all handheld cellphones while operating a motor vehicle, regardless of age or level of driving experience. If a driver is caught with a cellphone in their hand or to their ear, this is considered a violation of the law.
Penalties for getting caught on your cellphone while driving in Connecticut include:
These fines may include the accumulation of points which could ultimately result in a driver losing their license. Drivers whose cellphone behaviors lead to an accident resulting in an injury or death could also face criminal charges in addition to fines and points.
Fairfield and Connecticut State Police are urging drivers to safely operate their vehicles to help prevent distracted driving accidents in their community. With the start of school in Connecticut less than two weeks away, it’s more important than ever to stay alert and pay attention to the road.
Fairfield Police provide the following safety recommendations that all drivers should keep in mind before getting behind the wheel:
Get involved in your community to help end distracted driving. Teens, parents, educators, and employers can all do their part to help. For more information on how to get involved, visit the N.H.T.S.A. Distracted Driving page for resources.
Distracted driving is an epidemic in our country that has worsened over the past few years. There is no excuse for participating in distractions while driving that are known to take others’ lives.
As Connecticut personal injury experts, we always have your best interests and safety in mind. Our aggressive attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace will help you fight back by providing a free case evaluation to explore all your options for seeking justice against reckless distracted drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your rights for justice.
School districts across the state are still struggling to determine the best method to both educate and protect our students in a post-pandemic society. Some schools are going with a “play it safe” approach, continuing with an all-remote learning method for the first few weeks of the new school years. Other districts are opting for a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning, hoping that the balance will meet both the healthy and social interaction needs of students who miss their classrooms.
Fairfield County school district officials announced last week that the current plan for students will be to start the 2020-2021 school year off working part-time in the classroom and part-time remote learning from home. According to an article in Patch, elementary school students will be spending close to half of their instruction time in class, while middle and high school age students will spend two to three days depending on their schedule. If all goes well by September 25, the school district plans to reevaluate the option of full-time classroom learning.
With back-to-school only a few weeks away, it’s important for Connecticut parents to start preparing students of all ages for the many changes that the upcoming school year may bring. These are just a few of the topics parents can use to start the conversation about staying healthy and safe, regardless of which model of learning their children will be participating in this fall.
Connecticut school districts have gone back and forth since May 2020 regarding how much exposure is safe for students this school year. While it’s still unclear as to which methods will prove most effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19, knowing the basics of how each model works can help you prepare your students for which safety practices they need to concentrate on the most.
Schools following the in-person reopening model will be allowing students to return to school for the traditional five-day week in the classroom. This model has become popular among small districts and some private schools, where class sizes are kept at a minimum, and there is typically only one teacher per grade level. Schools choosing to go with only in-person classes at this time are typically choosing to reduce class sizes even smaller and eliminate the traveling of students to specialty classrooms.
Hybrid schooling has gained popularity in a number of districts who believe in the importance of both in-person and online learning. Students in this model will attend school two to three days a week with a small class, and continue the remainder of the week’s lessons at home remotely.
Cohort learning involves assigning a small group of students to one teacher who remains together as a class unit throughout the entire school year. This method aims to limit exposure to students and teachers to a small setting as opposed to large groups of students throughout the day. Some schools are utilizing this method in conjunction with the hybrid model, setting up cohorts of students in school on assigned days and gathering the same group of children in a home setting on remote learning days.
Schools that are continuing the all-remote model of learning will require teachers to distribute work and lessons via online sources or packets of information handed out to families prior to the beginning of classes. Several schools are adopting this model temporarily for the first month of school to give teachers and staff more time to adjust to the new norm of post-pandemic learning. Parents who prefer their children to participate in remote learning as opposed to returning to in-person class can apply for Voluntary Remote Learning directly through their school district. According to the Connecticut State Department of Education (C.S.D.E), school districts must provide the opportunity for voluntary remote learning and develop models for families interested in using this option.
Despite some confusion, remote learning and homeschooling are not the same models of learning. Parents who are officially choosing to homeschool are not upheld to the curriculums chosen by the district, or able to access the remote learning options provided. Homeschool can involve a range of at-home and community activities, online curriculums, and multi-media sources that are chosen by the parents and guardians as opposed to assigned by a teacher. Parents who are interested in homeschooling must follow the Connecticut Homeschooling Laws to ensure they are meeting the requirements.
The unpredictability of COVID-19 may require school districts to change learning models weeks or even months after the start of the school year. According to the C.S.D.E.’s Adapt, Advance, Achieve initiative, schools will be expected make class determinations based on the following statewide trends of virus activity:
The type of learning model your school is offering this year will determine the daily safety practices your children are expected to follow. However, parents participating in all learning models are advised to educate their children on how they can best reduce the spread of COVID-19 to others in their community.
The C.S.D.E. has issued new safety guidelines for all schools to follow in Connecticut to help protect students and teachers. In accordance with these recommendations, these are the topics parents should be addressing with their children before classes begin:
As safety and health advocates, our team at Jacobs & Wallace will continue to keep you updated on important changes and news covering schools reopening in Connecticut. We wish all families across the state a safe and happy start to the new school year!
It only takes a second to become a victim of negligence. If you or a loved has been injured in an accident due to the fault of someone else, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages suffered. Contact our experienced team of accident attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation and to explore your legal rights.
Connecticut workers who previously contracted COVID-19 may now be eligible to apply for workers’ compensation benefits!
According to a recent executive order issued on July 24 by Governor Lamont, essential employees who contracted coronavirus before statewide shutdowns ‘presumably’ became infected on the job. Similar to other serious work-related illnesses, the new order Executive Order NO. 7JJJ now qualifies COVID-19 as a condition workers may file a claim for in accordance with Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
Workers’ compensation benefits are vital to keeping Connecticut employees financially afloat when out of work due to an illness or injury, especially with an illness as unpredictable as novel coronavirus. For some patients, COVID-19 treatments range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Additionally, recovery requires a mandatory two weeks of self-quarantine and the possibility of more time to recover from life-threatening symptoms.
Executive Order NO. 7JJJ could be monumental in providing workers who have been financially crippled during the pandemic some much-needed relief. If you believe your COVID-19 case may qualify for financial assistance through workers’ compensation insurance, these are the details you need to know.
Employees who qualify for COVID-19-related workers’ compensation benefits under Executive Order NO. 7JJJ must have received an official diagnosis of COVID-19 between the dates of March 10, 2020 and May 20, 2020 that resulted in at least one missed day of work. It’s not necessary that the missed workdays be the result of hospitalization or intensive medical treatments to qualify; however, the period of work absence must be directly related to the adverse symptoms a worker experienced due to contracting the virus.
Other requirements workers must meet to qualify for benefits include:
Essential employees currently included in the executive order are primarily in industries that work directly with individuals with known positive cases of COVID-19 or who work for establishments required to remain open during statewide shutdowns. Essential businesses and workers, as defined by Executive Order 7H issued on March 20, include:
For a comprehensive list of who qualifies as an essential worker, find more examples here.
There is no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a number of businesses for a loop. Yet, that being said, there is no need for employees to suffer the burden of a company.
Employees must be aware that it is illegal for employers to discharge, discriminate, discipline, or deliberately provide misinformation to avoid paying a workers’ compensation claim. These types of behaviors against workers could constitute the need for further civil action to secure benefits such as the reinstatement of a job, payment of back wages, or the re-establishment of employee benefits that should have been active at the time an employee was wrongful discharged.
The Workers’ Compensation Act states that the Connecticut General Statutes is to provide benefits for employees who have become ill, injured, or have died as a result of work-related factors. While Executive Order NO. 7JJJ currently only addresses essential workers affected by COVID-19, non-essential employees whose illnesses were a direct result of their work environment may still qualify under the right conditions.
Workers who believe their illnesses do qualify for a COVID-19-related workers’ compensation claim should take the following steps to prepare:
Our attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace have over 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of Connecticut workers. If you or someone you love has contracted COVID-19 on the job and require assistance in filing for workers’ compensation benefits, our knowledgeable team of workers’ compensation attorneys is here for support. Contact our expert team today for a free consultation to explore your legal rights.
The weather is finally taking a warmer turn as we head into the second month of coronavirus quarantine in Connecticut. At this point, parents are likely looking for anything and everything to keep their kids busy. But if you were thinking of popping them up on a trampoline to bounce out all that energy, think again.
The Mayo Clinic estimates more than 1 million Americans are seen in emergency rooms for trampoline-related injuries every year, and most of them are children under the age of 16. In a time where going to the hospital is scarier than ever, health experts around the world are issuing a stern warning to parents to keep their kids off of these hazardous apparatuses. Not only will this precaution reduce their risk of injury, but staying away from the emergency room will protect the entire family from additional exposure to COVID-19.
Trampolines can be a parent’s worst nightmare. These monster jumping toys are made to lift kids high up in the air, with absolutely no guarantee of them coming back down safely.
According to OrthoInfo, the following scenarios are just a few of the ways kids most often get hurt on a trampoline:
Injuries sustained on trampolines can range from minor bumps and bruises to catastrophic fractures. Mayo Clinic reports that at least one-third of trampoline accidents involve a bone fracture to the lower or upper extremities. The most common of these injuries are fractures to the ulna and radius- the two largest bones located in the forearm. These fractures generally occur when children are reaching outward with their hands to brace themselves upon landing.
Additional trampoline injuries commonly reported, according to a study published in AAA News and Journals analyzing trends of both indoor and outdoor trampoline injuries, include:
Severe trampoline injuries can require intensive care and long-term treatment, some resulting in hospitalizations. However, even the most minor trampoline injuries can still require a visit to the hospital or local medical center for stitches and scans.
Additionally, most broken bones and trampoline injuries that require medical care will also need follow-up appointments that cannot be conducted via virtual doctor’s visits. These could include concussion screenings, X-rays, MRI’s, cast removals, or wound checks that all must be conducted at a medical facility that could be exposed to patients with COVID-19.
So many parents make the mistake of purchasing trampolines that include nets with the expectation that they will reduce injuries. Unfortunately, these massive nets do not always function properly and have been known to collapse on top of children or giveaway in some instances.
Even when trampoline nets do come without defects, children are very creative in finding ways to use them to accentuate the severity of their injuries. Thousands of injuries have been reported by children who purposely jump over trampoline nets, climb up the outside, bounce into the net to be “caught”, or use it as a sling-shot to bounce directly into another person. The safest way to jump on a trampoline this spring is to forget about it altogether.
Connecticut hospitals still remain available to help those in critical need of medical care, especially children. However, in a time when healthcare workers are working around the clock shifts to save patients diagnosed with COVID-19, we all have to do our part to reduce the number of preventable injuries that cycle through the emergency rooms.
Keeping kids active while staying at home all the time can be frustrating and stressful. And though a quick jumping session on a trampoline is tempting, the benefit won’t outweigh the risk if your child becomes injured. Here are some other suggestions for keeping kids busy and moving outdoors as the weather warms up:
Supervision and perpetration is key to preventing injuries while staying at home. Take a second to go around your house to kid-proof in the morning and throughout the day to remove any obvious hazards in reach that could cause injury. Always supervise your children when they are playing outside. The presence of an adult can sometimes reduce the chance of kids trying risky maneuvers that they normally would go for without your watchful eye.
There is no excuse for providing kids with an apparatus to play on that is known to cause serious and life-altering injuries. You may have a strict no trampoline rule at your home, but that doesn’t mean your child won’t take the chance to jump on someone else’s. Parents who neglect the safety of children by purchasing home trampolines can be held accountable if your child becomes injured in an accident on their premises.
If your child has been injured in a trampoline accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for damages suffered. Our attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace have extensive knowledge and experience with these types of injury claims. Contact our expert team of personal injury attorneys for a free consultation to explore your legal rights.
State officials in the tri-state area are taking extreme measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. On March 16, Governor Ned Lamont, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy held a joint press conference to address combined measures to prevent further contamination of high-risk populations. Social distancing has become the go-to recommendation for communities to reduce the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, this precaution alone is not enough.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, people are most likely to contract COVID-19 after touching contaminated areas such as tables, railings, door handles, or clothing. Studies have shown that different surfaces can host the virus for longer than others. COVID-19 can live on aerosols for up to three hours, copper for up to four hours, cardboard fo up to 24 hours, and plastic and stainless steel for two to three days.
Disinfecting procedures are found to be extremely helpful in killing the virus on surfaces. But with nearly 23 million residents living and traveling within the tri-state area, keeping up with these extreme sanitary measures can prove to be impossible.
To curve the spread of novel coronavirus, thousands of businesses, organizations, and institutions have made the difficult decision to temporarily close their doors to limit exposure. While some are still reaching out to consumers by means of pickup and drive-up services, others are taking the route of telecommunicating to continue necessary communication.
As we all continue to navigate through the many challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, our team is committed to keeping Connecticut residents updated and informed. Here is a compiled list of local closings to expect and what Connecticut residents can do to access services in the meantime.
Governor Lamont announced on March 15 that all public schools in Connecticut will be closed for a two week period in order to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus. State colleges have transitioned students to online instruction for the remainder of the school year. In addition, students are encouraged not to return to campus after the completion of spring break for better control of sanitization practices.
Sadly, school concerts, plays, sports activities, dances, non-essential events, after school clubs, and extracurricular activities are all subject to cancellation and postponement at this time. Because we still know little about this rapidly spreading virus, state health experts have deemed it in the best interest of all students and families to avoid large group activities and events at this time.
Some school districts predict to resume classes as of March 30. However, these dates are subject to change as circumstances continue to change. Students and parents are encouraged to check in with their district websites and officials frequently for updates. Click here for a full list of school closings and current statuses for each school district and university.
All schools should be issuing continuing education plans for their students to make sure they are not falling behind while schools remain closed. Thankfully, a number of educational institutions are also stepping up amid the COVID-19 pandemic to provide more access to learning resources for parents and students at home. Good Housekeeping has released the following list of educational apps and websites that are free, and some for a limited time:
Children who rely on school days to get one or more nutritious meals can still access free meals through their district. For anyone who needs assistance, find the contact for your county school consultant here to find meal distribution locations and services.
All bars and restaurants will be open for takeout and delivery only until further notice. Movie theaters, gyms, and casinos are temporarily closed as of Monday.
More than 8,500 eating and drinking establishments have been affected by coronavirus-related closures. Executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, Scott Dolch, encourages residents to continue ordering food without fear to support local businesses during this trying time. Most of these businesses doubled down on cleaning products in preparation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their customers. They are more than ready to safely serve customers via takeout, curbside, pickup, and delivery services.
It goes without saying that workers and businesses will be facing several challenges due to COVID-19 closings and restrictions. Employees will be struggling financially with the loss of wages and employment. Businesses will be struggling to stay afloat and to be profitable during the slump in business. For more information on what resources are available to workers and business owners, find more guidance and resources here.
Multiple community buildings and centers have announced closings and delayed services for the remainder of the month. Some of these include:
Daycare services have not yet been mandated to close, particularly ones that serve children of essential personnel. However, certain daycare centers that are school-based will be following the closing recommendations of the districts they reside in.
Find updated closing dates here.
Most religious services and activities have been postponed in Connecticut for a period of time. Some institutions are allowing only staff to enter churches and religious buildings. Churches that provide meals have announced brief closures until more information is released on the spread of the virus. Find a complete list of religious closings and delays here.
Religious communities across the state are still actively involving patrons through live streaming services online. Members of the New Life Church in Wallingford were able to sing along this weekend to service that was streamed with only staff present at the church to help reduce the spread. If your church has not already taken these steps to encourage ongoing connections between members, consider contacting religious your officials to get them started!
According to the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website, Federal and CT courts are still open and will remain open to the public. The Judicial Branch has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety of the public and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Under the terms and provisions of the Judicial Branch’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), commencing Monday, March 16, 2020, and continuing through March 27, 2020, the courts will schedule and hear only those matters identified as “Priority 1 Business Functions.”
The following matters are Priority 1 Business Functions:
Civil litigation proceedings and depositions are currently being limited and are not going forward. Workers’ Compensation hearings are also being postponed. All jury trials (civil and criminal), with the exception of jury trials already in progress and criminal jury trials necessitated by the filing and granting of a speedy trial motion, will be suspended for 30 days, resuming on April 13, 2020.
For more information about the COVID-19 trends and resources near you, visit the CT.gov.
As safety and health advocates, our team at Jacobs & Wallace will continue to keep you updated with any important changes or news. Our firm remains currently open for business, but we ask all of our clients to please refrain from coming to the office as we are committed to limiting exposure.
We are happy and available to communicate with you via email, phone, fax, and regular mail. Please be patient and understand that this situation is unprecedented for all of us—we are in this together. Contact us for a free consultation and to explore your options. Stay safe and healthy, CT!
