Personal Injury
Jeremiah Ross
What You need to know if You are Injured on an ...

Amusement parks are cherished destinations where memories are made and thrills are experienced. By adhering to these regulations, amusement parks contribute to a vibrant and secure environment that allows visitors to embark on unforgettable journeys while knowing that their safety is in capable hands. Here is what you need to know if you are injured….

What You need to know if You are Injured on an Oregon Amusement Ride or Device

head injury

E-Scooters Are BACK! Six Statistics That May Keep E-Scooter Riders Safe.

Portland’s E-Scooters are back. The E-Scooters were taken off the streets over the winter, but the City of Portland recently permitted them to return. The return of the E-Scooters brings with them another convenient but dangerous mode of transportation. It is no secret that E-Scooter riders have suffered broken bones, muscle strains, head injuries, and even have been killed. A recent study of E-scooter crashes found that:

  1. 37% of riders claim they were going too fast on the scooters at the time of the crash;

  2. 24% of riders were travelling downhill while injured;

  3. 55% of riders were injured in the street;

  4. 33% were injured on the sidewalk;

  5. 16% were injured when colliding or swerving to avoid a car;

  6. 15% experienced a traumatic brain injury.

The statistics say a-lot. Speed and control seem to be large contributing factors to E-scooter crashes and injuries. Riders can likely reduce their chances of being injuries if they simply reduce their speed. The study also came to a rather obvious conclusion, “Studies have shown that bicycle riders reduce the risk of head and brain injuries by wearing a helmet,” the report stated. “Helmet use might also reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of an e-scooter crash.” It is not only a good idea to wear a helmet on an E-Scooter, but it is also the law.

The study conducted by The Centers for Disease Control and the Austin Public Health Department concluded that almost half of the injured riders had a severe injury. This included bone fractures, nerve , tendon, and ligament injuries, severe bleeding , and organ damage that required an extended stay in the hospital. These types of injuries, especially fractured bones, likely happen when the rider is traveling at a higher rate of speed, so they can be avoided if the riders slow down.

The recent Austin Texas study also claimed that the there are roughly 20 injuries per 100,000 trips taken on E-Scooters. This does not seem like that many injuries, but the report acknowledges, that it “likely underestimates the prevalence” of scooter'-related injuries.

If you or someone you know has been injured on an E-Scooter please call Portland Oregon personal injury lawyer Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658. Ross Law PDX is happy to provide a free personal injury case evaluation to persons that were injured while riding a e-scooter. Also, please remember that Ross Law PDX is not affiliated with the City of Austin or the Center for Disease Control.

Dealing with an Injury from an Ice Cycle and Falling Snow..

Portland Oregon's recent snow and ice is beginning to thaw.  As it does, snow and ice will begin falling from roofs, gutters, and awnings.  Falling snow and ice can be hazardous to pedestrians walking below.  Many people will not be seriously injured, but some people may be seriously injured.   Ice and snow falling on a person may cause head injuries and lacerations.  Insurance companies will often deny any person who claims to have been injured by falling snow and ice.   

What should you do if you, or someone you know, is injured by falling ice or snow:

  1. If seriously injured, immediately seek medical attention and/or call 911;
  2. If you are injured, or tending to the injured person, delegate someone to take photos and get information for you;
  3. Photograph the scene of the incident and any injuries;
  4. Try and get names and phone numbers of witnesses (ask them to send a text to your phone is the easiest way to do it);
  5. Try and obtain the address of the property where the ice or snow fell from;
  6. Have another person notify the property owner of the incident;
  7. Take photos of the ice or snow.  Use a finger or hand next to the ice or snow to provide some scale.
  8. Keep track of the medical bills
  9. Call an Oregon Personal Injury Attorney like myself at 503.224.1658.  An attorney is useful because they can notify the property owner, investigate the claim, and deal with the insurance company.  I don't charge for a consultation and work on a contingency fee in personal injury cases, so you don't have to pay for representation.

PLEASE CALL AN ATTORNEY AT 503.224.1658 IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!  I am happy to provide free personal injury consultations.  Please remember: THIS POST IS NOT INTENDED TO BE "LEGAL ADVICE" and may be considered "Attorney Advertising."  The law is constantly changing, so it is best to call a lawyer and not rely on this post to determine if you have a personal injury case. 

Injured on an Icy Sidewalk? Here is what you should do...

The Snow has arrived here in Portland.   The Metro region is blanketed in snow and ice.  This means roads are hazardous, but people often forget about the dangers posed by a slippery sidewalk.  The Oregonian recently reported that the snow and ice has resulted in an increase of people being admitted for fall injuries.  Most of these falls are caused by people slipping on ice or snow.  

Most people brush these falls off when they occur.  However, once costly medical bills arrive in their mailbox they properly question why they should be forced to pay for the medical bills if they were injured in a parking-lot or sidewalk that another person was responsible for ensuring it was maintained in a safe condition. 

First it is important to note, you may not be responsible for your injuries if you slipped on ice or snow. The law in many cities requires people to maintain their sidewalks and parking lots in a safe condition.  More specifically, if you live in one of the cities below and you don't remove the ice and snow on your sidewalk and/or parking lot you may be breaking the law:

  1. Beaverton Oregon, Title IV Chapter 42, 4.207-4.208
  2. Eugene Oregon, Eugene City Code 7.375
  3. Gresham Oregon 7.15.040 (5)
  4. Hillsboro Oregon Chapter 9, 9.16.010
  5. Lake Oswego Oregon LOC 42.06.310 and 34.02.035(20)
  6. Milwaukie Oregon Title 12 12.04.060
  7. Oregon City Oregon 12.04.030-12.04.031
  8. Portland Oregon Portland City Ord. 17.28.020 (A))
  9. Salem Oregon Chapter 78 78.220
  10. Springfield, Oregon Chapter 3.306
  11. Tualatin Oregon Title 02 Section 2-2-010 - 2-04

Many people do not make an insurance claim or seek out a lawyer, because they are under the improper assumption that because they fell they are solely responsible.  This may or may not be the case.  However, the law is pretty clear on these issues. If a person fails to maintain their sidewalk or parking-lot in a safe condition (removing snow and ensuring it is free of ice) then the property owner is responsible.  

If you were injured in a fall caused from ice or snow here are some tips:

  1. At the Scene: Once the area is safe, USE YOUR CELL PHONE to gather evidence: Take pictures of the area of the property where you were injured, the address of the property, witnesses, and any employees that assist you.  If there is ice or snow ensure you get pictures of the snow.  Try and get the depth of the snow.  If it is ice, ensure the photograph accurately depicts the ice. Call 911 if there is an injury and relay what the injuries are. Have witnesses text or email you their contact information from their phones. This way you can locate them later if needed. If you are not able do this because of your injuries, send someone to the property ASAP to gather information and photographs.
  2. Seek Medical Care: Immediately seek treatment if you are injured. Some businesses have no fault insurance that may pay $5,000.00 of medical bills. This does not mean you need to go to the Emergency Room, but you should schedule an appointment with a Doctor or Chiropractor to ensure you have not suffered serious injuries.
  3. Notify the property owner or business.  It is best to call a lawyer BEFORE you contact the property owner or business.  
  4. If you fell on Public Property remember to file a TORT CLAIM NOTICE.  
  5. Call A Lawyer at 503.224.1658: It won't cost you anything to chat, and you can learn about what you need to do next.

Falling on ice can be painful and can cause serious injuries. Many people initially laugh and are embarrassed only to later discover serious injuries. 

 

If you were one of the many people that reported to an Oregon Hospital for fall related injuries, feel free to call 503.224.1658 for your FREE personal injury consultation. Please remember these tips are not to be considered legal advice.  You may need to take additional steps to preserve your claim.  Also, the law is constantly changing, so refer to the actual law and do not rely on this post.   If you have additional questions click HERE.