Mordeduras de Perro en Texas: Lo Que Debe Saber

Si usted o un ser querido es mordido o atacado por un perro, puede ser una experiencia muy traumática. Si bien muchos perros se portan bien y están a la altura de su apodo de “El mejor amigo del hombre”, algunos perros pueden ser bastante violentos, especialmente cuando se sienten amenazados. Si es atacado por un perro que está desatado, es importante que esté familiarizado con las leyes de correa para mascotas en Texas para que sepa sus opciones en caso de que desee emprender alguna acción legal. Esto es lo que debe saber si es mordido o atacado por una mascota desatada en Texas.

Deberes legales de los dueños de perros-
Los dueños de perros en Texas deben hacer algunas cosas para mantenerse a salvo, a los demás y a sus amigos peludos. Cuando salgan con su perro en un espacio público que no sea un parque para perros designado, el perro debe llevar la correa. Además, deben enseñar a su perro a curarse o quedarse y proporcionarles un bozal si resultan ser especialmente peligrosos. Los perros pueden estar sin correa cuando están contenidos por una cerca en una propiedad privada o cuando están en un parque para perros designado con otros perros y dueños de perros. La responsabilidad del dueño del perro es saber si su mascota es violenta o peligrosa y actuar en consecuencia cuando se la lleve en público.

¿Cuándo debe emprender acciones legales?
Si usted o alguien de su familia es atacado por un perro desatado, es posible que tenga derecho a una compensación de una demanda por mordedura de perro. Contratar a un abogado con experiencia en lesiones personales es clave en estas situaciones. Debe demostrar que el dueño del perro fue negligente al permitir que su perro no tuviera correa en un área pública. La ruta de la demanda puede ser complicada si estuviera en un espacio privado propiedad del dueño del perro y permitieron que su perro estuviera sin correa allí. Sin embargo, si sufrió una lesión realmente grave y se le pidió que buscara atención médica, puede valer la pena consultar con un abogado de lesiones personales para que pueda conocer sus opciones.

The post Mordeduras de Perro en Texas: Lo Que Debe Saber appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/mordeduras-de-perro-en-texas-lo-que-debe-saber/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com

Dog Bites in Texas: What to Know

If you or a loved one are bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog, it can be a very traumatic experience. While many dogs are well-behaved and live up to their moniker of “Man’s Best Friend,” some dogs can be quite violent, especially when they feel threatened. If you are attacked by a dog that is unleashed, it is important to be familiar with the pet leash laws in TX so that you know your options should you want to take any legal action. Here’s what to know if you are bitten or attacked by an unleashed pet in Texas.

Legal Duties of Dog Owners
Dog owners in Texas must do a few things in order to keep themselves, others, and their furry friends safe. When they are out with their dog in a public space other than a designated dog park, the dog must be on the leash. Additionally, they must teach their dog to heal or stay, and furnish them with a muzzle if they prove to be especially dangerous. Dogs are allowed to be off leash when contained by a fence on private property or when they are in a designated dog park with other dogs and dog owners. The onus is on the owner of the dog to know whether or not their pet is violent or dangerous, and to act accordingly when taking them in public.

When Should You Take Legal Action?
If you or someone in your family is attacked by an unleashed dog, you may be entitled to compensation from a dog bite lawsuit. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is key in these situations. You must prove that the dog owner was being negligent by allowing their dog to be off leash in a public area. The lawsuit route can be complicated if you were in a private space owned by the dog owner and they allowed their dog to be off leash there. However, if you suffered a truly serious injury and were required to seek medical attention, it may be worthwhile to consult with a personal injury lawyer so that you can be educated on your options.If you or a loved one are bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog, it can be a very traumatic experience. While many dogs are well-behaved and live up to their moniker of “Man’s Best Friend,” some dogs can be quite violent, especially when they feel threatened. If you are attacked by a dog that is unleashed, it is important to be familiar with the pet leash laws in TX so that you know your options should you want to take any legal action. Here’s what to know if you are bitten or attacked by an unleashed pet in Texas.

 

The post Dog Bites in Texas: What to Know appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/dog-bites-in-texas-what-to-know/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com

Workers’ Compensation For First Responders Who Contract COVID-19 in McAllen

First responders in McAllen and elsewhere in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley may be answering emergency calls with a little less confidence about their employers having their backs this month. This is because several local government leaders hedged recently when asked about providing workers’ compensation to emergency responders who contract the COVID-19 coronavirus.

KRGV 5 News contacted several cities to ask whether workers’ comp would protect their police officers after Corpus Christi police officer Charlie “Chuck” Williams died due to complications related to the coronavirus and his family was denied compensation. His workers’ compensation insurer claimed his illness was not related to his job.

What News 5 found is that it remains in doubt whether workers’ compensation will pay the medical expenses of essential workers on local government payrolls if they become sick or die due to COVID-19.

“McAllen offers its officers life insurance, but the city could not specify whether they pay benefits to a police officer’s next-of-kin if they die due to an illness related to the job,” the report says.

Public employers in Texas are obligated to insure their employees, but providing workers’ compensation insurance has been voluntary in Texas for over a century. Workers’ compensation typically pays medical expenses and income supplements to covered employees, and survivors’ payments when covered employees die from occupational illness or injury.

Providing workers’ compensation shields an employer from being sued for any negligence on their part that led to an employee’s illness, injury or death. The lack of workers’ compensation opens an employer to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, which can seek compensation far beyond what workers’ comp pays.

At Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. in McAllen, we can advise any South Texas worker or their family about their legal options after a workplace injury or illness claim.

Coronavirus Status in McAllen and Hidalgo County

As of this writing, McAllen and Hidalgo County are in Phase III Re-opening status, which authorizes most businesses and services to re-open if they commit to certain protections for employees and customers. In late June, Gov. Greg Abbott lifted or loosened several occupancy limits for businesses and government services.

Effective July 3 with some exceptions, Abbott ordered every person in Texas to wear a face mask inside commercial establishments or other buildings open to the public and when in outdoor spaces where it is not feasible to maintain 6 feet of social distancing from others. Counties in Texas may seek an exemption from this order if they have 20 or fewer active COVID-19 cases.

As of August 25, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services reported:

• 2,484 active cases of COVID-19
• 675 new cases
• 410.6 cases per day on average over the previous 7 days
• 405 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
• 152 COVID-19 patients under active ICU care
• 132,636 people tested
• 25,169 total confirmed cases
• 21,584 patients released
• 1,101 COVID-19 deaths.

As of August 25, the county reported 3,818 total cases of COVID-19 in McAllen, directly affecting 2.66% of the city’s population.

First Responders, Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19

McAllen, Texas, provides each city employee life insurance coverage at no cost worth twice their annual salary, up to a maximum of $100,000. Employees can enroll themselves, their spouses and dependents in supplemental life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment.

McAllen also offers the opportunity to buy short- and long-term disability insurance. The maximum benefit duration for short-term disability is 13 weeks, with coverage beginning either 8 or 16 days after an accident or illness, depending on the policy. Under long-term coverage, the maximum benefit duration is either 2 years, 5 years or up to age 65 depending on the plan selected, with each requiring the employee to be disabled for 90 days prior to collecting benefits.

Some states are ensuring workers’ compensation coverage for first responders and health care workers impacted by COVID-19, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) says. A common approach is to amend state policy so that COVID-19 infections in certain workers are presumed to be work-related and covered under workers’ compensation. This presumption places the burden on the employer and insurer to prove that the infection was not work-related, which makes it easier for those workers to obtain benefits.

In total, 14 states have taken action to extend workers compensation coverage to include COVID-19 as a work-related illness, the NCSL says. Many more have pending legislation, executive orders and other administrative policy changes that directly address workers’ compensation coverage of COVID-19. Texas is not on the list, however.

In 2019, a bill in the Texas legislature was designed to make it easier for first responders – Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, firefighters and police officers – to receive promised health care benefits. It would have allowed self-insured cities to be sued and for the Division of Workers’ Compensation to assess penalties against them if the city committed an administrative violation by not covering a filed claim. However, the measure died in committee.

First responders who are employed by cities that insure employees under the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML-IRP) may be able to obtain assistance. A TML-IRP advisory about COVID-19 says, “For first responders that have been on duty and who contract COVID-19 during this time, TML-IRP will pay for any medically recommended testing and provide all workers’ compensation benefits provided to first responders under the workers’ compensation statute and the presumption statute (Chapter 607 of the Texas Government Code).

At Sec. 607.054, the presumption statute refers to “tuberculosis or any other disease or illness of the lungs or respiratory tract” (COVID-19, we would argue) as presumed to have been contracted on the job and making the first responder eligible for benefits.

Contact Herrman & Herrman in McAllen

We expect first responders and their families to face a fight whenever they seek workers’ compensation or other insurance benefits for the COVID-19 coronavirus contracted on the job, regardless of what their employer has promised. Our experienced workplace injury and wrongful death attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Our legal team will do everything we can to pursue full and fair compensation for you.

Contact Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. in McAllen at (361) 882-4357 as soon as possible for help obtaining benefits. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not owe us a fee until we recover compensation for you. Call us today.

The post Workers’ Compensation For First Responders Who Contract COVID-19 in McAllen appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/workers-compensation-for-first-responders-who-contract-covid-19-in-mcallen/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com

Understanding San Antonio Electric Scooter Laws

While electric scooters offer fun and inexpensive transportation in downtown San Antonio, riding an e-scooter comes with responsibilities. In addition to following all scooter safety measures, riders need to know San Antonio’s local laws governing e-scooter use.

San Antonio officials tightened electric scooter ordinances last summer after what was criticized as a “light touch” on enforcement of scooter violations since their arrival in town a year earlier, the San Antonio Express-News says. It’s dangerous for scooter riders to start down the street on these motorized vehicles without understanding how they are supposed to be used.

A study in Texas found that 20 individuals were injured per 100,000 e-scooter trips during the study period. Of 190 injured riders, nearly half (48%) had injuries such as fractures or abrasions to the head. Over a third (35%) of the injured riders sustained a bone fracture.

Scooter accidents can cause injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Electric scooter users who do not follow the law and cause accidents can expect to be held accountable for the injuries and losses of those they harm.

What is Considered an Electric Scooter?

An electric scooter is a two-wheeled device that has a floorboard designed for the rider to stand upon while riding. An electric scooter is designed to transport one person at a time and has a rechargeable electric motor that can power it to speeds up to about 15 mph.

“Dockless” electric scooters are rented through a smartphone app. Once the rider is finished, he or she can leave the scooter parked anywhere within a defined geographic service area. Teams of contractors hired by scooter companies retrieve the vehicles with the help of GPS devices each night to recharge them and re-deploy them for use the following day.

The City of San Antonio first allowed more than 14,000 electric scooters on city streets as a pilot program in 2018. Electric scooter companies, such as Bird and Lime, have typically deployed fleets of scooters in urban areas unannounced, leaving city leaders to play catch-up to a growing local fad.

In September 2018, the first known death of a dockless electric scooter rider in Texas was recorded in Dallas.

By June 2019, more than 2 million e-scooter rides had been taken in San Antonio, according to the Express-News. More than 155 people had been injured in scooter accidents, according to San Antonio Fire Department records. The records include only calls to 911 and do not include lesser injuries handled by 24-hour emergency clinics. There were undoubtedly more scooter accidents and injuries than the records reflect.

Electric Scooter Laws in San Antonio, TX 

The San Antonio City Council amended local ordinances addressing the use of “motor-assisted scooters” and electric bicycles in May 2019.

Under San Antonio law, electric scooter riders:

• Must be at least 16 year old.
• May not have any passengers.
• Must obey all state and city traffic laws.
• Must always yield to pedestrians.
• Must use bike lanes when available.
• May not use a cell phone or portable wireless communication device while operating a scooter.

“The wearing of a helmet is encouraged but not required,” the ordinance says.

Under the ordinance, riding on sidewalks is prohibited in certain circumstances. But, in the absence of a bike lane, riders may ride on streets that have a speed limit of 35 mph or less and on sidewalks, including sidewalks adjacent to roads that have a speed limit over 35 mph.

On a sidewalk, riders must maintain a distance of 2 feet from all pedestrians.

Scooter riders may not ride on trails, creek ways, plazas, and parks, including the Riverwalk, Alamo Plaza, La Villita, Main Plaza, and Market Square.

But scooter riders may ride on public streets and sidewalks that intersect parks and plazas.

Violation of San Antonio’s e-scooter ordinance is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine, though a warning is a more likely result.

Scooter rental companies typically instruct riders to wear helmets and stay off sidewalks.

In May 2019, the Texas Senate voted to ban scooter riders from sidewalks statewide, but the measure did not emerge from a House committee and did not become law.

Under Texas law, riders do not need a driver’s license, registration, or insurance to operate an electric scooter.

In December 2019, the San Antonio City Council lifted a ban that had prevented scooters from operating between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., which had been in effect since the previous February. The ban was not popular with Council or scooter companies, John Jacks, director of the Center City Development and Operations Department, told Texas Public Radio.

At the same time, the Council awarded three exclusive electric scooter contracts to Bird, Razor, and Lime, which took several companies’ scooters off of city streets and reduced the total number of scooters in San Antonio to 3,000.

How a San Antonio Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Anytime a person in San Antonio is injured in an accident caused by someone negligently operating a motorized vehicle, the injured individual has a right to seek compensation for their losses. At Herrman & Herrman P.L.L.C., in San Antonio, our experienced personal injury attorneys help those who have been unjustly injured by others’ negligence pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering and more.

If we handle your personal injury claim, we can handle your automobile property damage claim free of charge. We will take care of the vehicle damage appraisals, the paperwork, and the negotiations with the insurance companies, so you can stay focused on your health.

Contact a San Antonio scooter injury lawyer at Herrman & Herrman at (361) 882-4357 today or online. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not pay any legal fees unless we obtain money for you.

 

 

The post Understanding San Antonio Electric Scooter Laws appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/understanding-san-antonio-electric-scooter-laws/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com

Consejos Para Evitar Puntos Ciegos en Vehículos de 18 Ruedas

Conducir por la autopista puede ser liberador y divertido, especialmente si estás en un viaje por carretera con amigos que se dirigen a un lugar exótico o relajante. Sin embargo, las cosas pueden volverse abrumadoras cuando te encuentras con numerosos vehículos de 18 ruedas y no estás seguro de si tu coche está o no en sus puntos ciegos. Hay formas de saber si se encuentra en un punto ciego de uno de estos vehículos, y conocerlos lo convertirá en un conductor más seguro. A continuación se ofrecen algunos consejos para evitar esos traicioneros puntos ciegos de semirremolques o camiones de 18 ruedas.

No se acerque demasiado a un camión grande ni siga demasiado cerca
Esto debería ser evidente, pero no encienda un camión grande de 18 ruedas. Acercarse demasiado a un vehículo grande casi garantizará que usted será invisible para el conductor y aumentará sus posibilidades de tener un accidente con un semirremolque. Además, conducir demasiado cerca de cualquier tipo de vehículo hará que le resulte más difícil detenerse o reducir la velocidad cuando sea necesario, lo que podría provocar más colisiones por alcance.

Deje suficiente espacio cuando pase
Para muchos de nosotros, conducir al lado o incluso cerca de un camión de 18 ruedas puede ponernos nerviosos. Por tanto, en ocasiones es necesario adelantar a un vehículo grande como este. Asegúrese de que cuando rebase, o si lo hace, le dé al camión suficiente espacio en todos los lados. Unirse demasiado rápido delante o detrás del camión puede hacer que entre en el punto ciego del conductor, lo cual no es bueno ni para usted ni para el conductor del camión. Tome nota mental de mantener siempre al menos un auto y medio de distancia entre usted y el camión para permitir cualquier frenado repentino o aceleración.

Tenga cuidado con el radio de giro
Muchos semirremolques necesitan más espacio para girar tanto a la derecha como a la izquierda. Si desea mantenerse fuera del punto ciego y lejos de la amenaza de cualquier tipo de accidente, asegúrese de darles a los camiones suficiente espacio para girar y no intente viajar junto a ellos mientras lo hacen. Esto garantizará que tanto usted como el vehículo de 18 ruedas puedan girar de forma segura.

The post Consejos Para Evitar Puntos Ciegos en Vehículos de 18 Ruedas appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/consejos-para-evitar-puntos-ciegos-en-vehiculos-de-18-ruedas/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com

Tips For Avoiding 18-Wheeler Blind Spots

Driving on the highway can be freeing and fun, especially if you’re on a road trip with friends headed to an exotic or relaxing location. However, things can turn daunting when you’re encountered with numerous 18-wheeler vehicles and you’re not sure whether or not your car is in their blind spots. There are ways to be in the know about whether you’re in a blind spot of one of these vehicles, and knowing them will make you a more confident driver. Here are a few tips for avoiding those treacherous semitruck or 18-wheeler blind spots.

Don’t Tailgate or Follow a Large Truck Too Closely

This should go without saying, but don’t tailgate a big 18-wheeler truck. Getting too close to a large vehicle will almost guarantee that you will be invisible to the driver, and will heighten your chance of getting in a semi-truck-involved accident. Additionally, riding too close to any type of vehicle will make it more difficult for you to stop or slow down when it is called for, which could lead to more rear-end collisions.

Leave Enough Space When You Pass

For many of us, driving next to or even near an 18-wheeler truck can make us nervous. Thus, it is sometimes necessary to pass a large vehicle like this. Make sure that when or if you do pass, to give the truck enough space on all sides. Merging too quickly in front or behind the truck can cause you to enter the driver’s blind spot, which is no good for either you or the truck driver. Make a mental note to always keep at least a car and a half’s length between you and the truck to allot for any sudden braking or speeding up.

Be Aware of Turn Radius

Many semi-trucks need more space to make both right and left turns. If you want to stay out of the blind spot and away from the threat of any kind of accident, make sure you give trucks enough space to make turns and don’t try to ride alongside them while they do so. This will ensure that both you and the 18-wheeler vehicle can make turns safely.

The post Tips For Avoiding 18-Wheeler Blind Spots appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/tips-for-avoiding-18-wheeler-blind-spots/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com

Consejos de Seguridad Para Cuando Los Tejanos Vuelvan a La Carretera Después de Una Pandemia

En todo el estado, los tejanos están volviendo a la carretera durante la pandemia de coronavirus. Al comienzo de la respuesta texana al COVID, las calles y carreteras casi se vaciaron. Las millas de conducción se redujeron en más del 40% en marzo al comienzo de los pedidos para quedarse en casa. Desde entonces, se ha recuperado. Aunque en algunas partes puede parecer que la amenaza COVID-19 ha desaparecido, no lo es, y debe continuar actuando alerta mientras se pone al volante para conducir por el estado, a través del país o incluso por la calle. Si se encuentra en una situación en la que debe conducir una larga distancia mientras la pandemia aún amenaza al país, hay algunos consejos de seguridad que debe tener en cuenta y seguir siempre para mantenerse a sí mismo y a los demás protegidos.

Conoce tu destino
Antes de salir a la carretera para conducir hasta su ubicación prevista, debe conocer su destino en el contexto del coronavirus. ¿Esta ubicación o estado ha experimentado un aumento en los casos recientemente? ¿Los hospitales y los ciudadanos han tomado las precauciones adecuadas? También debe leer sobre las restricciones y regulaciones de viaje, como los períodos obligatorios de autocuarentena cuando proviene de ciertos estados. Asegúrate de cumplir con todas las regulaciones estatales para mantenerte a ti y a los ciudadanos de esos estados seguros.

Piense en su situación de vida
La siguiente precaución que debe tomar es pensar en su situación de vida actual y tomar la decisión adecuada cuando decida viajar. Si vive en casa con un pariente mayor o enfermo, se consideran personas de alto riesgo. En este caso, debería considerar posponer el viaje o reevaluar sus planes de viaje para ver si son realmente necesarios.

Trae el equipo adecuado
No importa a dónde viaje, es importante llevar todo el equipo adecuado para protegerse y proteger a los demás de los gérmenes y la propagación del virus. Lleve muchas mascarillas de tela lavables o desechables de grado médico para usar en todo momento en público. Además, lleve abundante desinfectante para manos y toallitas desinfectantes para limpiarse las manos y todas las superficies con las que entre en contacto. Esto puede parecer excesivo, pero especialmente si se encuentra en un lugar nuevo alrededor de gérmenes nuevos, es importante estar alerta.

The post Consejos de Seguridad Para Cuando Los Tejanos Vuelvan a La Carretera Después de Una Pandemia appeared first on .

from Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/consejos-de-seguridad-para-cuando-los-tejanos-vuelvan-a-la-carretera-despues-de-una-pandemia/
via https://www.herrmanandherrman.com