<![CDATA[Columbus Ohio Personal Injury Law Blog]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2013-03-21:/blog/80691 2019-05-21T02:19:07Z Movable Type Enterprise <![CDATA[Your doctor could be liable for missing the signs of stroke]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3739579 2019-05-21T02:20:07Z 2019-05-21T02:19:07Z When someone suffers a stroke, their brain is abruptly deprived of the blood, oxygen and other nutrients it needs -- and brain cells can die within minutes. Timely treatment is essential. With the appropriate care, much of the damage from a stroke can be halted or even reversed. When that care is delayed because of a misdiagnosis or overlooked symptoms, however, the results can be catastrophic.

In 2014, researchers led by a specialist from Johns Hopkins Hospital noticed a disturbing trend after analyzing the government data available on stroke victims. Who you are may have as much of a chance of affecting your ability to get appropriate treatment for a stroke as anything else.

]]> The early signs of a potential life-altering stroke, including headaches and dizziness, drive tens of thousands of people to emergency rooms each year -- only to get sent back home again without a proper diagnosis because they're under the age of 45, female or part of an ethnic minority.

For example, if you're under 45 years of age, a doctor is seven times more likely to send you home from a hospital trip with a misdiagnosis or without treatment altogether when you're actually suffering from the early signs of a stroke.

Many potential stroke victims who are misdiagnosed are told that they have nothing more serious than an ear infection or a migraine -- if they're given any diagnosis at all. About half of those people will have their strokes within 48 hours of being dismissed without further concern from an emergency room.

If your pre-stroke symptoms were brushed off when you sought treatment at a hospital or your close relative suffered a stroke after such treatment, you may be entitled to compensation. A stroke can have devastating consequences on the remainder of an individual's life and leave permanent disabilities. Please continue exploring our site or contact our office directly for more information.

<![CDATA[Look out for these 3 workplace injuries]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3730176 2019-05-08T23:12:16Z 2019-05-08T23:11:16Z The workplace can be hazardous to your health -- but have you ever wondered what you should fear the most?

While each different kind of workplace has its own unique hazards, workers' compensation claims reveal the three most common on-the-job hazards today's employees face:

]]> Overexertion

This is the top reason for workplace injuries and the most expensive for both employees and their employers in terms of lost work days and workers' comp payments. Injuries related to exertion include back strain, shoulder strain and arm injuries from lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying and throwing items, especially when they're heavy or the action is repeated over and over.

Slips and trips

Second on the list of accidental dangers lurking around for the unwary worker are slip-and-fall injuries or injuries related to trips. You could catch your heel on a loose piece of carpet, fall over a tool that's been carelessly left on the floor or slip on spilled fluids. When employers enforce a culture of safety and employees remember to stay on their guard, those kinds of accidents are far less likely to happen.

Falling from a height

Fall from elevated spots on top of scaffolds, ladders, roofs and stairwells account for the third-most common type of injury in the workplace. Often, these types of accidents can be traced back to the improper use (or utter lack) of personal safety equipment designed to protect against falls. These can be some of the most catastrophic injuries workers can experience, leading to spinal trauma and traumatic brain injuries.

When you've suffered a serious accident on the job, you need an experienced attorney's assistance to make certain that your workers' compensation claim goes forward without trouble. Please explore our site for more information.

<![CDATA[Should Ohio teens wait longer to get their licenses?]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3717938 2019-04-27T21:47:00Z 2019-04-24T22:10:34Z Recently, Ohio lawmakers have proposed House Bill 106, which aims to increase how long teens have to wait to get their license after their permit and add additional parental supervision time at later hours.

This new proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Many believe it to be unfair considering how early teens could get in other states while others consider the dangers that teens face and cause while they are on the roads. While the bill isn’t passed yet, parents of upcoming teenage drivers should consider the benefits and downsides of their children getting their licenses at such an early age before the driving test is taken.

]]> The advantages

One of the most common arguments against the new proposal is how it would take away most of the conveniences that come with learning to drive early. Students become much more active in high school with their extracurricular activities and potential jobs, so parents wouldn’t have to worry about driving between school and their jobs so much if their kids don’t have a ride back.

Additionally, many parents believe that having children become independent drivers when they are younger means they will adapt to the road and driving by themselves at a much faster rate. Those who delay getting their license significantly could struggle to drive on their own when it becomes much more essential as they grow older.

The disadvantages

Car crashes are the leading cause for teen fatalities in Ohio. According to the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, crash rates are much higher for 16-year-old drivers, which is part of why local lawmakers want to raise the age limit to 16 and a half.

While some aspects of driving have gotten safer over the years, some have gotten worse. Using the phone behind the wheel is now the most popular form of distracted driving, and teens are guiltier of doing this than any other demographic. Even though more young drivers are aware of the issue, it still doesn’t stop thousands of motorists every year from sending a text while driving.

Regardless of whether you encourage your child to get their license early or not, you should remain aware that not every danger they face on the road is their fault. They aren’t the only inexperienced drivers heading to school every morning in Ohio. As more young motorists are occupying the roads, it is important that you review what legal options you have at your disposal in case you suffer from a major accident.

<![CDATA[What complications can follow a spinal cord injury?]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3717318 2019-04-24T12:06:08Z 2019-04-24T12:05:08Z A spinal cord injury is one of the most catastrophic types of events the human body can endure -- and the consequences generally last a lifetime. In fact, complications can continue to occur long after the initial accident.

Here are some potential complications of a spinal injury that victims and their caregivers should know about:

]]> Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (or the less severe osteopenia) is a loss of bone density that can occur over time. Contributing factors are steroid medications -- which may be used to treat swelling in spine injuries -- and a lack of physical activity. Osteoporosis can make a victim more likely to develop additional spinal fractures or other broken bones.

Blood clots

Blood clots are a serious concern with any victim who is unable to ambulate on their own, whether he or she is confined to a bed or wheelchair. The lack of proper circulation can lead to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs that can ultimately dislodge and travel to the heart, brain or lungs.

Blood pressure changes

Depending on the location of a victim's injury, his or her blood pressure can be affected by something as simple as a position change. Orthostatic hypotension is severe low blood pressure and autonomic dysreflexia is severe high blood pressure. Both are medical emergencies.


Victims who are paralyzed from the chest area down may have difficulty breathing deeply -- and that can contribute to problems clearing their lungs of mucus. A bacterial cold or virus can quickly turn into a serious respiratory infection that's life-threatening.

If you've suffered a severe spinal injury or care for someone who has, find out how you can recognize the early warning signs for these problems and mitigate their risks. The more you know, the more prepared you'll be to handle the problems that arise. Similarly, find out as much as you can about your legal options following an accident.

<![CDATA[2017 trench collapse death provokes Ohio wrongful death lawsuit]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3697978 2019-04-10T08:40:08Z 2019-04-10T08:39:08Z Trench collapses are one of a construction worker's worst nightmares. When they happen, it's often because the trench wasn't properly dug or maintained. Injuries are often severe -- or fatal.

Such was the case for one Mason, Ohio, construction worker who was killed in a 2017 trench collapse. The worker, a 25-year-old man, was buried nearly 16-feet deep when the walls of the trench he was in collapsed. It took over 150 workers 11 hours just to find his body.

]]> Now, his family is suing the general contractor, NVR Inc. (also known as "Ryan Homes") involved in the incident, the developer of the project and a number of subcontractors. The lawsuit alleges that the contractor ordered the workers to do a task at an unsafe depth, in soil that was poorly compacted and in a location that was clearly dangerous -- without the right safety equipment.

The lawsuit is asking for $20 million in damages -- including punitive ones that are designed to punish the contractor for not following safety regulations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has numerous regulations designed to minimize the risk of a trench collapse. For example, supportive trench boxes are supposed to be used in any trench that's more than five feet deep -- yet many employers fail to use them because they're expensive and slow down the work.

Other common issues that cause trench collapses are poor soil conditions (especially after heavy rains), and soil that's piled up too closely to the edge of the trench. Safety inspections are supposed to be carried out daily when trench work has to be done over several days -- before any worker steps foot inside.

If your loved one was killed in a trench collapse or other construction accident, you may be able to pursue justice through a wrongful death claim. Find out more about your legal options as soon as possible.

<![CDATA[What's the top cause of malpractice involving kids? Misdiagnosis]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3681784 2019-03-27T17:28:30Z 2019-03-27T17:27:30Z When you have a sick child -- or a child that is showing unusual symptoms that are worrying you and keeping you up at night -- you rely on your child's doctor to give you an accurate diagnosis.

Well, you might want to get a second opinion if you have any doubts about that diagnosis or the treatment your child's doctor ordered doesn't seem to be working.

]]> A study performed by The Doctors Company, which is the largest physician-owned malpractice insurance company in the United States, indicates that a wrong or missed diagnosis is the No. 1 reason behind malpractice claims involving children.

Why are wrong diagnoses and missed diagnoses so common with children? The Doctors Group says it's largely the fault of the physicians involved -- due to medical assessments that aren't sufficient. Poor communication between doctors and patients (or the patients' parents, depending on the age group involved) was a factor in up to 22 percent of claims. Other problems that led to lawsuits involved system failures -- such as when doctors were never notified of significant test results and, as a result, a patient was injured.

Brain injuries are the most common type of malpractice complaint involving children, according to the study. In addition, the younger the patient, the more severe the malpractice results tend to be.

As a whole, the study indicates that doctors need to do more to improve the way that they handle their young patients -- whether they are examining a newborn infant or a teenager. The need to communicate better with the parents of their young patients was also stressed -- especially when it comes to when to come back for additional care or signs of problems with a treatment.

If your child suffered an injury due to medical malpractice, you may have a right to take legal action. The money you receive can go a long way toward giving your child a better future, despite his or her condition.

<![CDATA[Which states have the worst drivers?]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3664018 2019-03-13T08:53:06Z 2019-03-13T08:52:06Z Which state do you suppose has the worst drivers?

Frankly, the answer to that question depends a lot on the metrics you use to evaluate people's driving habits. One way to draw comparisons between the drivers of different states, however, is to take a look at how many of those drivers get pulled over for repeat driving violations including things like accidents, suspended licenses, speeding and drunk driving.

]]> Guess what? Ohio comes in third, overall. The only two states with worse overall rankings are Iowa at No. 2 and North Dakota at No. 1. That's definitely not good news if you live in Ohio, and you're safety-minded and hope to avoid an accident.

Ohio gets such poor marks because there are a lot of drivers out there who have had their licenses suspended several times over. It's also fifth in the nation for speeding offenses and fourteenth for repeat drunk driving offenses. If you're in a car wreck in Ohio, there's also a pretty good chance that the person who caused it has been in that situation before. The state ranks nineteenth when it comes to repeat accidents.

In general, insurers say that drivers who speed tend to be the ones that are slowest to reform their behavior -- which is why they're most likely to re-offend. Since the consequences for speeding aren't that terrible, it probably doesn't make enough of an impression to get them to reevaluate their habits.

Use this information to evaluate your own driving habits. No matter how cautious you are, there's always room for improvement. If you are in a car accident due to a reckless or negligent driver, find out more about your ability to claim compensation for your losses.

<![CDATA[Northern Ohio could see increase in drug-related car crashes]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3652005 2019-03-07T19:39:00Z 2019-03-05T20:00:34Z The northern states may not get as much total crashes as some of the southern ones, but they do have a high percentage of repeat offenders. Ohio is no exception, as the insurance comparison website Insurify recently ranked the Buckeye State as having the third highest rate of repeat driving offenders.

They noted that a large portion of the northern states had dangerously high levels of repeat DUI offenders, with Wisconsin and North Dakota having some of the highest amounts. Unfortunately, a recent controversial law passed in Michigan may mean that some of the numbers won’t be going down any time soon. Residents in Ohio should remain cautious for the potential increase in intoxicated drivers in the near future.

]]> Border problems

Back in 2018, Michigan became one of the first Midwest states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Since then, the states that border Michigan are continuing to prepare for the effect this will bring on them.

Medicinal marijuana is legal in Ohio, but having a state with legal recreational usage means that residents may take a quick road trip to take advantage of their neighbor state or we could be seeing more Michigan drivers coming through with their weed. What makes matters worse is that studies last year indicate that states that have legalized recreational marijuana in the past such as Colorado saw a dramatic increase in car crashes in the following years after their legalization.

Where and when to watch out

Northern cities that are closer to Michigan’s borders are likely where you would find some of these negligent motorists in Ohio. Just like with drunk drivers, they often go out at night time and are especially dangerous in areas with minimal lighting and warning signs. Pay attention to see if the driver has any erratic movement or difficulty staying forward.

While the state’s police have likely prepared for the larger amount of intoxicated drivers bound to come into Ohio, they won’t stop everyone. If you took the necessary precautions and still ended up the victim of a major car crash as a result of someone’s drug misuse, consider contacting a personal injury attorney to help you in the recovery process.

<![CDATA[Depression and traumatic brain injuries: What victims should know]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3646761 2019-03-01T15:49:40Z 2019-03-01T15:48:40Z Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) come with a host of problems -- many of them physical and cognitive in nature. However, the emotional impact of a TBI cannot be overlooked.

Researchers have discovered that patients who have traumatic brain injuries suffer from depression about three times as often as people without TBIs. The more severe the injury, the more likely that the victim will eventually develop depression -- although it can take up to a year or longer for symptoms to develop.

]]> If you suffered a TBI (or your loved one has suffered from one), here are the signs of depression you need to recognize:

1. A loss of interest in normal activities

If you no longer take joy in your favorite hobbies, in the company of your friends or in the time you normally spend with your family, that's a huge indicator of a troubled emotional state.

2. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Everyone feels sad, depressed or just "down" from time to time, but it isn't normal to experience those feelings most of the time. If you often feel "empty" inside or have persistent anxiety, that's a sign of depression.

3. Irritability and restlessness

Are you snapping at people in a way that's uncharacteristic? Do you find it hard to concentrate, to settle down to watch a movie or even focus on a simple task? While a TBI can affect your mood and your ability to concentrate, you may also be experiencing symptoms of untreated depression.

4. Changes in your sleeping habits

Have you developed insomnia? Are you sleeping too much? Either can be a problem that points to a mood disorder.

If you recognize these symptoms, seek help. Depression can often be alleviated through a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy, although it may take time to see some improvement.

The long-term consequences of a traumatic brain injury -- and the costs of dealing with those consequences -- are why it is so important to get experienced representation when you're dealing with your legal claim.

<![CDATA[Don't give the insurance company a recorded statement]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3629524 2019-02-15T12:30:44Z 2019-02-15T12:29:44Z You've recently been in an auto accident that wasn't your fault. Shortly after you call to report the accident, a friendly insurance adjustor reaches you by phone and asks you for a statement -- on record. The other driver was cited, and it's clear that you're injured. So, what could possibly go wrong?


]]> You absolutely cannot forget that insurance company adjusters get paid to reduce the company's liability. They don't stay in their jobs very long if they aren't good at it. An adjustor's pleasant, concerned demeanor is often a facade designed to get injury victims to trust them and "open up." (After all, an aggressive-sounding adjuster might put your guard up and make you remember that they're doing a job.)

Here's what an insurance company may try to do with your recorded statement:

  • Make you sound confused. An adjuster might say something like, "I imagine the accident happened very fast. It might be hard to remember." If you agree, you're admitting that the details of the accident might be vague in your mind -- a fact the insurance company can exploit.
  • Goad you into making a statement that's against your interests. For example, a simple, "How are you feeling?" can provoke someone to reply -- virtually automatically -- "Oh, fine. How are you?" in return. What you see as a casual pleasantry, however, they see as "proof" that you aren't injured.
  • Compare it against any other statements you've made. Every word you say will be scrutinized against whatever you've told the police on the scene, witnesses, or doctors. Even tiny inconsistencies can be used to discredit your injury claims.

Generally speaking, it's always wise to have an attorney's advice before you give any insurance company a recorded statement after a car accident. That's the best way to protect your future interests. For more information, please explore our site or contact our office.

<![CDATA[Ohio hospital ignored 28 suspicious deaths]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3608182 2019-02-01T01:28:13Z 2019-02-01T01:27:13Z A physician in Ohio ordered fatal doses of painkillers 28 times, to 28 different patients. Nobody stopped him. Now the physician has been fired and his license suspended, and a slew of other medical professionals have been removed from patient care while the hospital completes its investigation -- but many people are asking how this ever happened in the first place.

Why didn't someone notice?

]]> All of the patients involved in this story were hospitalized at Mount Carmel West, a major hospital in Columbus, Ohio, between 2015 and 2018. All of them were in intensive care. Some of them were terminal. Some of them, like a 44-year-old man who wasn't in extremely ill health before he developed trouble breathing, seem like they should have survived their trip to the hospital. All of them received doses of fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, well in excess of normal amounts -- which led to their deaths.

Currently, at least six wrongful death lawsuits have been filed regarding the patients -- and more are likely to follow. The real mystery, however, is not what happened in this hospital, but how it happened. Everyone seems to agree that there are checks and balances in place that should have prevented even one overly-large dose going out -- let alone a few dozen of them.

Normally, when a doctor orders a drug, the prescription is reviewed by a pharmacist -- who has the power to stop the prescription from going out. It's then dispensed by an automated machine that should send warning signals that a dose is too high. The nurse who administers the drug also has the ability to prevent the drug from getting to the patient.

Internal records should have also raised a red flag once patient charts were reviewed. While errors can happen somewhere along the way, the sheer number of errors that took place indicates that the entire system was broken -- or that one charismatic doctor was somehow able to overcome it.

If you suspect medical malpractice in the death of your loved one, it's important to ask questions. The truth of what happened to your loved one is out there but it may take some effort to uncover.

<![CDATA[Don't underestimate the long-term costs of a catastrophic injury]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3586344 2019-01-17T22:32:41Z 2019-01-17T22:31:41Z An accident can leave you with nothing worse than a few bumps and bruises -- or it can cause catastrophic injuries.

What exactly makes an injury "catastrophic" in nature? Catastrophic injuries are the kind from which you never fully recover. To a certain extent, you can heal, but your life won't be the same as it was before you were injured.

]]> Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:

  • Burns, which can cause disfigurements, the loss of limbs, chronic infections and permanent disability
  • Spinal cord damage, like the kind that can happen after a fall from a ladder or a bad tumble on a gym mat, leaving the victim paralyzed
  • Traumatic brain injuries, including those from car accidents or the kind incurred during a rough game of football
  • Amputation, whether due to the accident itself or as a result of infection caused by someone's negligence
  • Birth injuries, caused by negligent medical care during pregnancy or delivery that can leave a child unable to develop normally

There are other types of catastrophic injuries, but these are some of the most familiar to people. All of them share one thing in common: They create a lifelong disability for the victim.

Any catastrophic injury is going to be expensive. Aside from the initial period of hospitalization, some of the usual expenses you can expect include:

  • Visiting nurses
  • Medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Counseling and psychiatric care
  • Adaptive medical equipment (beds, walkers, etc.)
  • Adaptions to the home and car for ease of use or access
  • Nursing home care

The expenses can be hard to imagine when you first start adding things up. For example, if a 25-year-old accident victim is left paralyzed, it's estimated that he or she will experience more than $2 million in lifetime costs associated with his or her condition. More than $500,000 will be incurred within the first year.

This is why it is so important to work with an attorney who understands the needs and long-term struggles of catastrophic injury victims as you seek compensation for your losses.

<![CDATA[Why do people react to similar injuries differently?]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2019:/blog//80691.3566387 2019-01-04T01:33:59Z 2019-01-04T01:32:59Z Imagine this: You and your co-worker both take a tumble on a loose tile on the office floor near the copier. You both land on your backs pretty hard. Your co-worker takes the rest of the week off, but comes back to work the following Monday morning and goes on like nothing happened. You end up needing physical therapy and have to file for disability because you're now having trouble walking, sitting and standing. Chronic pain has disrupted your entire life.

Why can two people experience drastically different results from nearly identical injuries?

]]> Even if you and your co-worker have identical x-rays after your falls, there's no guarantee that you'll have identical results as you heal. Risk managers like to sell the idea that your reaction to pain is largely "in your head" and all about your expectations. In other words, if you expect to be seriously injured and believe you are seriously injured, you will be. If you just remain nicely opened-minded, however, you'll be just fine.

That's nonsense. It's the kind of nonsense that insurers and employers like to push, however, because it puts all of the responsibility for an employee's condition back on the employee (instead of on the employer where it belongs).

Here's the reality of why two people with the same injuries can end up with drastically different experiences:

  • Your genetics vary. Gene mutations and normal variations alike can do strange things to the human body and science is just starting to work out why.
  • Your ages are different. Younger people are more sensitive to superficial pain than older people, who gradually lose some sensitivity in their peripheral nerve endings. However, older people are more sensitive to deep-tissue pain. Researchers think it has to do with the aging biological pain-control system in the human body.
  • Your emotional state. Depression can numb you down -- but it also reduces your ability to tolerate pain. And depression is a biochemical issue, not something you can just get rid of by changing how you think.

These aren't even the only factors that control the way your body responds to pain and injuries -- they're just the start.

If you've been injured due to a slip-and-fall accident or some other incident at work, don't try to "tough it out." Report the incident so that you can get the help you're entitled to receive due to a workplace injury.

<![CDATA[New Ohio bill bans selling and installing unsafe tires]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2018:/blog//80691.3557690 2018-12-27T22:18:00Z 2018-12-21T22:40:34Z Some major motor vehicle accidents are not the result of reckless driving, but rather negligent maintenance. Car owners need to check their vehicles every now and then to see if there is any deficiency that could lead to a loss of control. If your car fails to perform a specific function and results in someone getting hurt, the court could find you liable for the accident.

However, it could also be the fault of the person who checked or installed the vehicle part that lost function. One of the more frequent vehicle failures that leads to crashes are faulty tires that fall apart while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cars with worn-out tires are three times more likely to get in an accident. Ohio lawmakers have recognized that these types of tires have led to many people getting hurt, so they recently decided to pass a law to decrease the chances of that happening again.

]]> No more faulty tire sales

Senate Bill 223 will go into effect on July 1. The new law prohibits the sale and installation of unsafe used tires for all vehicles in Ohio. If the tire matches any of the following criteria, they cannot be installed in the vehicle:

  • It is worn to 1/16th of an inch tread debt or less
  • The reinforcing plies are exposed
  • It has repair in the tread shoulder or belt edge
  • It has an unsealed puncture
  • There is repair on the sidewall or bead area
  • The puncture repair is larger than 1/4th of an inch
  • A tire sealant was previously used without proper subsequent repair
  • The Department of Transportation ID number is damages or removed
  • There is inner liner or bead damage
  • There are signs or internal separation

If any of these show up shortly after a sale without the driver’s fault, the seller could misdemeanor charges and will be fined up to $1,000 for their criminal actions.

Overwhelming support

The decision to pass this law was met with approval from several major organizations. This includes the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the Property Casualty Insurance Association and the Tire Industry Association. These organizations believe that this law will be a major step forward in reducing a major threat to Ohio drivers.

Unfortunately, Ohio motorists will have to wait 7 months before the law comes into effect. Winter is an especially important season where drivers will require sturdy tires on their vehicle to avoid slipping and causing a serious accident. Some tire companies may continue to sell faulty used tires within the next few months and even after the regulations begin just so they can avoid losing money. If you or a loved one end up the victims from worn out tires from a dealership, you should consider what legal options are at your disposal so you can acquire coverage for your injuries and hopefully prevent more victims from suffering the same type of accident.

<![CDATA[Ice on the road in Ohio leads to accident, injuries]]> tag:www.abramsonoconnell.com,2018:/blog//80691.3556446 2018-12-21T11:25:30Z 2018-12-21T11:24:30Z Ice on State Route 26 near Marietta, Ohio, led to a crash that destroyed two vehicles and put four people in the hospital.

No one is entirely sure what caused water to cover the highway near the Broughton Foods plant, but the frigid temperatures in the area quickly turned the water into ice on Dec. 18. Before salt trucks were able to reach the section of the road that posed a danger, a man driving a Ford Ranger had already hit the ice and spun out.

]]> According to the Ranger's driver, a 19-year-old man, he simply overcorrected when he started to spin. That caused his vehicle to cross the center line and end up in a head-on collision with a Kia Sedona traveling toward town.

The woman driving the Kia and the Ranger's driver were two of the victims that had to be transported to a nearby hospital. Their passengers were also hospitalized. It's unclear how serious their injuries may be, but at least one victim had to be flown to a larger hospital in Columbus in order to receive adequate care.

We just recently reminded our readers that it pays to be cautious on winter roads when it's snowing -- but ice is another hazard that can occur even in the absence of snow. Ice on the road can be particularly dangerous because it can be almost invisible. Drivers may have no idea they've hit a patch until they start to spin.

A lot of serious accidents occur simply because drivers do overcorrect -- and panic -- when their vehicle begins to spin on ice. If you hit ice on the road, take your foot off the gas and gently steer toward the shoulder of the road. Don't make a sharp movement with the wheel. Otherwise, the momentum of your vehicle will likely carry you straight into the oncoming lane -- just like what happened to the young driver in the accident mentioned here.

If you've been injured due to another driver's rash reaction on the ice, you may be entitled to ask for compensation for your injuries. That may be the only real way to recover financially from your losses.