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What Type Of Injuries Can Occur As The Result Of A Car Accident?

What Type Of Injuries Can Occur As The Result Of A Car Accident?

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A motor vehicle accident can cause different types of injuries. A motor vehicle accident can cause both physical and psychological injuries.

This blog post will look at some common injuries that occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

  • Whiplash – because of the force of the impact of a collision, whiplash is a common injury. The head and neck are propelled forward or backward, causing neck strain. Whiplash injuries include pain, stiffness and in some cases dizziness and numbness which can spread to other areas. 
  • Spinal cord injuries- serious accidents can cause spinal cord injury, were a person can experience herniated disc, severed cord or damaged vertebrae. Serious injuries such as paralysis can occur as a result of car accidents. 
  • Traumatic brain injuries/head trauma can occur as the result of the head being jolted during a collision. A person may experience a mild traumatic brain injury such as a concussion, or more serious injuries can occur if the head hits the steering wheel. 
  • Chest injury – the seatbelt can cause injury to the ribcage and chest. In some cases, the force of the seatbelt, or airbag can break the rib cage or damage a person’s lungs. 
  • Back injury – many clients report low back pain as a result of car accidents, whether it is from degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc or the force of the impact causing a spinal cord injury. 
  • Foot and Leg injury – lower extremity injuries do occur as the result of car accidents. For example, a driver may strike his or her knee on the dashboard as a result of the collision, or the instrument panel. The feet and legs absorb the impact so these areas are susceptible to injuries. 

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of motor vehicle accident, we encourage you to contact the experienced Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673).

We offer you a free, no obligation initial consultation where we will review the legal process and your rights.

We understand that you may feel overwhelmed as a result of your accident and during the legal process and we strive to provide the best service possible and to help our clients in any way that we can. We will help you get your life on track and connect you with the right treatment providers, rehabilitation specialists and ensure your case runs smoothly.

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time. 

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

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After a car accident, slip and fall accident or any other type of serious personal injury, you want to hire a lawyer that is right for you and your family.

You want to hire someone who will be attentive, understanding and who will treat you with respect and like a person (and not just a file number). You want to feel that you can call your lawyer and ask him or her any question, without feeling embarrassed or fearing judgment.

Before the era of the Internet and social media, the common way to find a lawyer was word of mouth. Referrals from previous clients (family members, friends, co-workers) are positive proof that a firm provides excellent client service and results.

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Today, many people rely on Google searches when choosing a personal injury lawyer, and they gravitate towards the advertisements at the very top of the page or the side of the page. These are often paid advertisements, and are not indicative of a firm’s popularity or experience.

The best way to learn about a firm or a particular lawyer or firm is to read about them through reviews on the internet, and to visit their website, look to see how much experience the firm/the lawyer has in personal injury law, and what areas of law the firm/lawyer practices in.

A firm that practices in too many distinct areas of law, for example personal injury law, family law and estate law may not be the right firm for you. If you want a firm that takes your best interests into account, you will want a firm with experience and that focuses on personal injury law. A firm who solely practices personal injury law will be able to get you the best settlement and the most amount of compensation.

Something else to consider is, do you want a firm that represents both injured persons and insurance companies? Some personal injury firms also practice insurance defense. At Paciocco & Mellow, we only represent injured persons, as we believe that there is an inherent conflict of interest if a firm represents both sides.

Our lawyers have a unique perspective to offer clients. Prior to founding Paciocco & Mellow, Gino Paciocco and Jeffrey Mellow represented insurance companies in personal injury lawsuits. As a result, they have gained perspective on how insurance companies and their lawyers think and act when it comes to the different steps of a lawsuit and settlement. The lawyers at our firm can therefore provide their clients with realistic expectations about their lawsuit.

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow prides itself on its reputation of excellent service and client satisfaction.

We understand how client may feel overwhelmed during the legal process and we strive to provide the best service possible and to help our clients in any way that we can, be it a referral to a specialist, rehabilitation provider, help securing a litigation loan or providing reassurance.

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time.

If you have been injured and suffered a personal injury, please contact the experienced Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673). We will be there to assist you with a free, no obligation initial consultation.

What’s Sleep Got to Do With It?

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A new study from the University of Warwick found that chronic pain suffers were able to increase their levels of physical activity by improving the quality of their sleep.

The study authors found that engaging in physical activity is a necessary component to pain management.

The study showed that chronic pain patients were able to spontaneously engage in physical activity after sleeping well. The study showed that sleep helps pain-related insomnia and provided a means to keep chronic pain patients active. By helping chronic pain sufferers with pain-related insomnia and to become more active, the study has found methods to improve quality of life for chronic pain patients.

According to the study results, sleep was found to be the determining factor when it came to a person’s ability to participate in physical activity, as sleep has a naturally recuperative power, which is often overlooked in pain management.

Sleep quality was seen to be a “key driver” of physical activity over low mood and pain.

Chronic pain is pain that persists for more than 3 to 6 months. Many people develop chronic pain as a result of being involved in a car accident or slip and fall accident.  The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow has handled many cases for clients with chronic pain. If you have developed chronic pain, it is important to obtain proper treatment. If you have been injured as a result of a car accident, you can access treatment through Statutory Accident Benefits. If your benefits have been denied, our law firm will advocate for our rights and help you get the treatment you need.

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of a slip and fall or motor vehicle accident, it is important that you contact the experienced Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673). We can provide you with a free, no obligation initial consultation.

We understand that you may feel overwhelmed as a result of your accident and during the legal process and we strive to provide the best service possible and to help our clients in any way that we can, be it a referral to a specialist, rehabilitation provider, help securing a litigation loan or providing reassurance.

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time. 

The World Cup, Concussions and the Media

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Concussions and sports have been juxtaposed in the media for the past few years, with the revelation that repeated concussions and head injures in sports can lead to what is known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a disease whose symptoms mirror dementia. 

With the start of the World Cup, it is another opportunity to spread brain injury awareness, and of course, in Canada, June is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. 

An article posted on The Telegraph last week expressed concerns a British MP had about the media reporting concussions and how soccer players return to play too quickly after concussions. Specifically, the MP is requesting that broadcasters speak to World Cup commentators about “praising players” who return to the field after sustaining what could be a serious concussion. 

The concern is that commenters, by encouraging players to return to the field, are undermining brain injury awareness and education efforts. 

Our firm agrees that sports commentators in general should be aware about the potential dangers and risks associated with concussions and their long term effects. Athletes should understand that they do not need to be ashamed of “sitting one out”, because they are not sure of how serious that bump to the head was. Sports commentators and the media can help the public to become more aware about what concussions are, how they occur and the symptoms. 

Traumatic brain injuries have long lasting effects and need to be taken seriously by athletes, the media, the public and those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. A concussion is considered to be a form of a traumatic brain injury and there are long term dangers associated with ignoring concussions. There is also a condition known as post-concussion syndrome which can occur in some individuals who sustain a concussion and experience prolonged symptoms of headaches and dizziness for example. 

People may not be aware of their rights or obligations after sustaining a personal injury and may feel overwhelmed about the legal process. Personal injury litigation is complex and Paciocco & Mellow represents many persons who have suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries and other types of personal injuries. 

The Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow offer a free, no obligation initial consultation.  Contact our lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow (519) 915-SORE (7673). 

The Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow are here to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time.

Newer Form of Depression Treatment Gaining Acceptance

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Mental illness affects a significant number of Canadians. There are different forms of depression such as clinical depression, post-partum depression, seasonal affective disorder and bipolar depression. Depression can be treated with psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and various types of anti-depressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRIs (serotonin- norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), tricyclic antidepressants or antipsychotics. 

There are some people who have severe or persistent depression that does not respond well to conventional treatments. This type of depression can be referred to as “treatment resistant depression”. 

A newer type of treatment, called Transcranial Magnet Stimulation (TMS) is gaining acceptance as a viable treatment. It is seen as less severe an option than Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). 

TMS works by having magnetic pulses target nerve cells in the brain. A magnetic coil is placed on the head to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood. 

Depression is a serious condition. People can develop depression for a variety of reasons, including from a traumatic event or stressful situation, like a car accident or personal injury such as a slip and fall/trip and fall accident. 

If someone is suffering from depression, and has been involved in a car accident or other personal injury and is unable to work as a result, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. 

People may not be aware of their rights or obligations and may feel overwhelmed about the legal process. Personal injury litigation is complex and Paciocco & Mellow is a Windsor Personal Injury Firm that represents many persons who have been injured as a result of automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries and other types of personal injuries. 

We understand that you may feel overwhelmed as a result of your accident and during the legal process and we strive to provide the best service possible and to help our clients in any way that we can, be it a referral to a specialist, rehabilitation provider, help securing a litigation loan or providing reassurance. 

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time. Contact the Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673). We can provide you with a free, no obligation initial consultation.  

What you need to know about Long Term Disability Benefits

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Paciocco & Mellow can assist you with your long-term disability claims. We have successfully helped many clients with their long-term disability claims.

Our next post will discuss why it is important to have a lawyer represent you when you have a long-term disability claim. This post will provide you with a general overview of long term disability benefits (LTD benefits). 

 

What are LTD benefits?

LTD benefits are a form of insurance that pays you a portion of your income if you become disabled and are unable to work. LTD benefits can be paid for by your employer, both the employer and employee or a self-employed person can take out a policy.

LTD benefits can cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of your pre-disability salary.

LTD benefits can be paid up to age 65, unless the plan has a limited time frame that states otherwise.

 

Are LTD benefits taxable? 

It depends on who pays for the coverage.

If the employer pays for the policy in full, the benefit is taxable.

If the employee contributes to the LTD policy, the benefit is non-taxable.

 

When can I expect to receive benefits? 

It depends on your policy. There is an elimination period that can be up to 180 days (6 months).

 

What can I do until the elimination period is over? 

Some employers may offer short-term disability benefits. These benefits can be accessed after a shorter waiting period and can bridge the gap until you have access to LTD benefits.

If you do not have access to other benefits, you can apply for EI Benefits or EI Sickness Benefits which can provide up to 15 weeks of benefits.

 

How do I know if I qualify for LTD Benefits:

If you are unable to do all the duties of your current job, or substantially unable to do them, you may meet the test for disability.

You will need to consult your policy to find out what the exact definition of “disabled” is.

 

What does Completely Disabled mean? 

Some policies may use the term “completely” disabled or “totally” disabled, meaning that a person who was employed is no longer able to carry out their normal duties at work.

This does not mean that you are physically disabled per se, but means that due to illness or injury, you are unable to work and it makes no sense to continue working as you must focus on recovery.  It is more of a ‘common sense’ definition.

 

What do the terms Own Occupation and Any Occupation mean?

Most policies, for the first 24 months (2 years), use the “own occupation” test- meaning you are entitled to claim for long-term disability benefits under the policy if you are unable to perform the essential duties of your own occupation.

After 24 months, the test becomes “any occupation”- whether you are able to perform any occupation for which you are reasonably qualified or could be reasonably qualified for by way of education, training or experience.

It is important to review your policy, with your lawyer to determine at what point the “any occupation test” applies. Some policies may use the test from the outset.

 

Can my insurer deduct other benefits from my monthly LTD payments? 

If you are in receipt of other monthly benefits such as WSIB (Worker’s Compensation Benefits), disability benefits received from the government (EI, EI Sickness Benefits, ODSP, CPP Disability Benefits), Criminal Injuries Compensation Board Benefits or any wages from your employer (termination or severance pay), your insurance company will reduce your monthly payment by these amounts. 

Why? Because most LTD policies have clauses that allow them to do so- in other words, it is written in the policy that they can deduct these amounts from your monthly payment.  Most LTD policies are actually intended to “top up” your other disability benefits (if you have access to other benefits).

You should also be aware, that if you receive CPP Disability Benefits, and receive a benefit for your child/children, some LTD policies include this amount in what they are allowed to deduct from your monthly benefit.

With respect to CPP Disability Benefits, in many policies, it may stipulate that an insured person has to apply for CPP Disability Benefits.

Some insurers may be satisfied with an application that is denied, some insurers may require that an appeal be made. This is why it is important to have proper representation. The lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow can help you with your CPP Application.

Be sure to review your policy carefully and always provide your lawyer with a copy of your policy so they can be sure that you are receiving the proper  monthly payment. 

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow prides itself on its reputation of excellent service and client satisfaction.

A long-term disability claim is an overwhelming process and we aim to provide reassurance to our clients.

If you require help applying for long-term disability benefits, or if your long-term disability claim has been denied, please contact the experienced Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673). We will be there to assist you with a free, no obligation initial consultation.

The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time.

Personal Injury Lawyers Windsor Ontario

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Have you been hurt in an accident in Southwestern Ontario? Paciocco& Mellow, Personal Injury Lawyers Windsor Ontario, are available to help you. Accidents happen every day and can result in injuries that have life-long effects. However, not all injuries are that serious. You do not have to have broken bones, an injury that results in you being hospitalised or that causes you to miss extended time from work in order to have a claim. Even minor injuries can have a value and you may be entitled to more compensation than you think for your injury. It is important that you speak to an experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Windsor Ontario such as Paciocco& Mellow for a complete evaluation of your potential claim.

Unfortunately, some accidents result in the death of a loved one. The death of a close family member can have a devastating effect on a family, both emotionally and financially. The experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers at Paciocco& Mellow are available to assist you with care and compassion at this most difficult of times. If a family member has died as the result of an accident, you should not sign any documents or insurance forms without seeking the advice of an experienced lawyer. In your grief, you may not be thinking with a clear head and you may not have all the information to ensure that you are receiving the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Paciocco& Mellow will ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that you get the compensation you are entitled to.

Motor vehicle accidents involving trucks can result in especially severe personal injuries. The lawyers at Paciocco& Mellow are Truck Accident Lawyers. Paciocco& Mellow, Personal Injury Lawyers Windsor Ontario, is available to assist you in putting your life together following a truck accident.

It is important after any accident resulting in an injury to call the Windsor Injury Lawyers of Paciocco& Mellow at (519) 915-SORE(7673) as soon as possible. You can be sure that the insurance company for the person that caused your injury will put a team of professions to work as soon as they learn of your potential claim. The goal of the insurance company is to make sure they pay you as little as possible regardless of what you may rightly be entitled to. Paciocco& Mellow will work tirelessly to make sure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company and that you get every cent of compensation which you are entitled to.

Disability Claim

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iStock_000002803980_ExtraSmallA disability which prevents you from working and carrying on your normal activities can have a devastating impact on your life, both financially and personally. In order to lessen the financial impact in the event of a disability, many people have obtained disability insurance in one form or another, be it a personal disability insurance policy or one sponsored by an employer, union or trade or professional association.

Disability can arise as the result of an accident or a medical or psychological condition. The type of disability coverage available to you and the amount available will depend on the terms of your disability insurance policy. The rules for submitting a disability claim to your insurance company can be complicated and difficult to understand and when an insurance company denies a claim it can be difficult to know what to do next. The experienced lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow are available to assist you in getting the disability benefits which you are entitled to.

There are time limitations which limit the time which you have to make a disability claim. It is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, such as the personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow, as soon as possible following the onset of your disability or the denial of your disability claim. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow are available to meet with you at the time and location which is most convenient for you to explain the options which you have following disability or the denial of a disability claim. The initial consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyers is free of charge and without obligation. Please call (519) 915-7673 to speak with one of the experienced personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow today.