Dog bites are the second common cause for children going to the emergency room. Did you know that 60% of the 4.7 million people bit every year are children? When a dog attacks someone it usually happens at the home of the dog or in a familiar place. If a person is bitten or attacked it is very important that they identify the dog that bit them. If they don’t know any information about the dog or what kind of dog it was they may have to be treated for rabies.

If you would like to read the full article please visit our library on our injury website at http://www.iowainjured.com/library/iowa-dog-bite-information.cfm

Workers compensation cases here in Iowa have laws that that apply to different types of injuries.  As an example shoulder injuries, brain, neck, back, nervous system, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and skin injuries along with some other medical conditions are considered to be unscheduled member injuries which are also known as an injury to your body as a whole.  This is compared to injuries to your foot, leg, toes, hand, arm, fingers, ears or eyes are generally considered to be scheduled member injuries.  The biggest distinction in these different types of injures is the amount of compensation that an injured worker will receive for permanent benefits under the Iowa workman’s compensation system.  Iowa's workman’s compensation laws can be complex and most people probably do not know about this important difference in Iowa law and how it treats these different types of work injuries.

Even though a worker with a hand injury may have the same permanent restrictions as a worker with a shoulder injury, the compensation for permanent benefits is very different.  Compensation for an injury to the body as a whole (also known as an unscheduled member injury) is based upon a percentage of 500 weeks.  The percentage is determined based on various factors such as: ×the ability to work ×permanent restrictions ×education and age ×whether surgery was performed and ×permanent impairment rating along with several other things. For example, if a worker had a shoulder injury and sustained 10% impairment to their arm converting to a 6% body as a whole rating, then generally they should receive a minimum of 30 weeks of permanent benefits. (This is calculated by taking the 6% body as a whole rating and multiplying it by 500 weeks)

 However, given the various other factors usually the amount owed is significantly higher than the impairment rating.  For example, if the injured worker could no longer return to work they had done for many years due to the injury, then the worker may be entitled to 20%, 30%, 40% or more depending on the various other factors.  If they were found to have sustained 30% disability then they would receive 150 weeks (500 weeks X 30%) of permanent benefits.   

To learn more including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if you are hurt at Work order a copy of my FREE Book entitled “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries”.  Why offer a Free Book?  I have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars.  Finally, you can learn about work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation.  However, quantities are limited so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and your rights Call Now (800)-850-6617, ext. 711 (24 Hour Message) or go to www.IowaWorkInjury.com.

It is deer season again in Iowa; drivers need to be more focused on the road and on the lookout all the time when driving on highways, interstates, and rural roads. The number of accidents caused by deer has increased 17% in Iowa from 2004, this is not as drastic as some states, but drivers still need to be aware. When a car hits a deer, the damage to the car is usually pretty significant. You shouldn’t try to swerve to avoid hitting a deer, because it tends to cause more damage to your car and you can get injured if you lose control of your vehicle or if you get into the path of another vehicle.

Here are some tips on how you can reduce your chance of hitting a deer:

Look for deer crossing signs- this is a good indicator that there may be deer in the area. You should pay extra attention to the road.

Deer are most active between 6 and 9 at night- During the fall/winter months it is dark out at this time; you should use your high beam headlights as much as possible so you are able to see more areas of the road and surrounding the road.

Stay alert- Do not let little things distract you, if you look down at a text message or are reaching for something, taking your eye off the road for a second could result in a deer-vehicle collision, they tend to appear out of nowhere and they are very quick!

Keep in mind that if you see one deer, there is usually more to follow- Deer generally travel in herds.

Remember that trying to avoid a deer might be worse than actually hitting it- You should not swerve or go into the other lane, because you never know how many deer might be crossing and you could lose control of your car.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident caused by someone trying to avoid a deer you may want to speak with an attorney before you talk to the insurance adjustor. You can protect your family by knowing your rights and what you should do in your car crash claim. Attorneys Corey J. L. Walker and Erik D. Bair of Walker, Billingsley & Bair practice primarily in personal injury cases and are dedicated to giving your case the personal attention that it needs. If you would like to learn more about car accident claims you can request a Free copy of our Injured Iowan Book by calling 1-800-707-2552 ext. 810 or visit IowaCarAccidentBook.com

Many Iowans enjoy riding motorcycles most of the year. It is a popular hobby, but riding a motorcycle can be risky and dangerous. As a motorcyclist in Iowa you are entitled to certain rights:  

The Right to Use the Roadway

• A motorcycle is just like any other motorized vehicle on the roadway and other drivers are required to respect your space on the road.

• Just like any other motorized vehicle, you must obey traffic regulations and laws

• Iowa is one of only a handful of states that does not require riders to wear helmets

• There is proof that helmets can help reduce brain injuries, however, there are also other studies that have found that wearing a helmet increases your chances of receiving a serious neck injury. 

• A doctor who has a good reputation with insurance companies and with the courts can add credibility to your claim.  On the other hand, a doctor with a bad reputation can literally destroy your claim. 

• Your family doctor may, or may not be, “The Best” choice, if the doctor has experience with accident cases, he/she could inadvertently do something that could hurt your case.  Effective personal injury attorneys know which doctors to use and which ones to stay away from.

The Right to Have Your Medical Bills Paid by Your Health Insurance Company

• Sometimes your medical providers will tell you that they cannot bill your health insurance company because there has been an accident.  Unfortunately, failing to submit your medical bills to your health insurance company may result in you being turned over to a collection agency, not having your medical bills paid and/or you receiving less compensation for your injuries.  You should insist that your bills be submitted to your health insurance company  

If Injured in an Accident You Do Not Have to Give a Recorded Statement

• The insurance company for the driver responsible for your injuries may ask that you give a recorded statement.  You have nothing to gain and everything to lose by giving the insurance company a recorded statement that they will most likely used against you later in your case 

• Keep in mind that the insurance company and their attorneys will eventually obtain all of your medical records and they will try use anything and everything against you. Therefore, if you give a statement and forget to mention something that comes up later in your medical records it can damage your claim

• It is recommended that you do not give a recorded statement, because it rarely helps your case.

Each year hundreds of Iowans are injured and killed in motorcycle accidents.  A new FREE Book reveals: ∙ the #1 Way to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident ∙ 10 Myths about Motorcycle Accidents ∙ 6 Things to Know before Talking to the Insurance Adjustor or Hiring an Attorney. To learn how to avoid an accident and costly mistakes Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 715 (24 Hour Recorded Message) for more information go to www.MotorcycleAccidentBook.com

Why offer a Free Book?  Iowa Personal Injury Attorneys Corey Walker and Erik Bair have represented hundreds of injured Iowans including many Iowans injured in motorcycle accidents.  They have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars.  Whether you or a loved one have been injured in an accident or just own a motorcycle this book is available to you.  Finally, you can learn about motorcycle accidents in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation.