Van Law Firm Recent Posts

There are three basic forms of insurance that provide coverage after a slip and fall: (1) the injured party’s private insurance (usually through an employer); (2) the commercial liability policy of the premises in which the fall occurred; and (3) government insurance for individuals who do not have private insurance. Payments for medical treatments after a fall are not limited to the liability policy of the defending party but can […]

Highway hazards increase the likelihood that drivers will get into car accidents if said drivers aren’t aware of the hazard and how to appropriately respond to it. First, highways that are covered in water after a recent storm are slicker than usual due to two factors: (a) the water and (b) the oil that is lifted from the street by the water. Second, tire blowouts are another common hazard that […]

Insurance companies in Nevada require that motorists notify them when a crash occurs and there is property damage or injuries. Some people choose not to report accidents to insurers when there are no apparent injuries and the at-fault party is willing to pay out of pocket for property damage.Failing to report a crash, however, can be a costly mistake if injury symptoms appear later or property damage is more extensive […]

Comparative negligence played a significant role in how a BNSF Railway worker’s final injury award was determined. Although the jury returned a verdict of over $7.1 million, the worker only received almost $3.5 million for injuries he suffered while working at a rail yard because he was determined to have been 51% at fault for the accident. Unlike in traditional workers’ compensation cases where injured workers receive benefits regardless of […]

Adequate car insurance coverage is critical to protecting drivers and their families from financial catastrophes. Car insurance protects drivers from the financial exposure that results if the driver is involved in an accident. While comprehensive and collision cover the insurer’s assets, liability insurance protects people from losing everything if they are sued for damages. However, car insurance is not carte blanche coverage for any financial exposure – it is limited […]

Bumps or jolts to the head can cause TBIs that disrupt the normal function of the brain and can result in long term or permanent disability. The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can range from nausea or dizziness to more pressing issues like paralysis, numbness, or epilepsy. TBIs can occur in a broad range of activities including accidents during sports games (like playing football), falls, or car collisions. Mild […]

Cumulative trauma injuries accumulate over time and often result in severe injuries for railroad workers. Railroad workers operate in hostile environments where life-changing accidents are common, but cumulative stress injuries caused by repetitive motion, exposure to toxins, vibrations, loud noises, or sustained positions can be just as debilitating. Cumulative Trauma Explained Cumulative trauma refers to a series of small injuries or prolonged exposure to a hazardous environment or physically demanding […]

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an aggressive driver is anyone who places his own interest or time demands above the safety of others on the road. Likely, most people are guilty of becoming an aggressive driver at some point, but it is those who make it a habit who are most dangerous on the road. Aggressive drivers are involved in more accidents than defensive drivers. Who are […]

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, carry liability insurance to cover their drivers, passengers, and third-parties in the event of an accident. However, there are different types of coverage depending on the facts of the accident. Most major insurance companies offer additional coverage through policies for rideshare drivers in Nevada. Policy Limits The policy limits offered by Uber and Lyft insurance vary depending on the type of coverage that is […]

Arc flashes are a constant and potentially fatal threat to railroad workers. Arc flashes are concentrated bursts of energy that explode outward from electrical equipment. They are caused by a broad range of incidents including insulation failures and corrosion. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both recommend standards to prevent arc flashes. How Do Arc Flashes Happen? An arc flash occurs when two […]