by Staff Blogger | November 14th, 2018
Nursing homes aren’t just expensive for the families of the people who live in them—they’re also in charge of looking after every aspect of their residents’ care and well-being. There are many nursing home facilities throughout Middle Tennessee, and they all do their best to appear as though their staff members provide the utmost attention to all residents.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Most nursing homes are private businesses that are built to generate profits, and increasing profits sometimes means cutting corners by understaffing or hiring underqualified employees. That combination often leads to residents getting less-than-ideal care, and in some cases, it can even lead to abuse and neglect.
If your loved one is living in a nursing home and you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s important to contact an experienced Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer right away:
- Unexplained weight loss—Some medical conditions can cause weight loss, but residents shouldn’t lose weight if those conditions are ruled out. Weight loss can indicate that your loved one isn’t receiving enough food or that meals are being withheld.
- Bruises, bedsores, or other abrasions—Residents who have mobility issues must be frequently turned to prevent the occurrence of bedsores. If you notice bedsores, bruises, or other signs of damage on your loved one’s body, it can be indicative of abuse or neglect.
Other signs to watch out for include poor personal hygiene, anxiety or depression, and even fear of nursing home staff members.
Ponce Law is here to help if you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home. Call us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | November 12th, 2018
It’s an unfortunate reality for countless patients every year—they visit their doctors after suffering injuries or illnesses and are prescribed medications that are supposed to help them. But instead of making them feel better, the drugs cause new complications that can be disabling and even life-threatening.
Although both prescription and over-the-counter medications are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are required to undergo several rounds of testing before they’re approved, dangerous drugs can and often do slip through the cracks.
Those drugs can end up on pharmacy shelves and inside medicine cabinets for years before new information proves that they pose risks to the people who take them. And in many cases, the drug manufacturers were aware or should have been aware of the dangers, but instead chose profits over patient safety.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville drug injury lawyers believe that negligent pharmaceutical companies should be held liable for any health problems suffered by people who take their medications. We help drug injury victims like you by:
- Collecting evidence that proves the medication caused health problems—Drug companies and their insurers frequently deny that medications caused complications, but we can gather evidence that leaves no doubt.
- Negotiating to get maximum compensation—Even when drug companies agree to pay settlements, they frequently offer small checks to victims. We know what it takes to help you get the full amount that you deserve.
We’re not afraid to stand up to big drug companies and their insurers when it comes to protecting clients like you. Call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | November 7th, 2018
The aftermath of an auto accident is often a confusing, painful, and disorienting time for victims. Auto accidents are traumatic, especially when they cause drivers and passengers to suffer debilitating injuries. The most important thing victims can do after crashes is protect the health of everyone involved and protect their rights to compensation.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that accomplishing those feats requires acting quickly and taking three important steps:
- Call 911. First, you must alert law enforcement of the crash. In addition to fulfilling your legal responsibility, you’ll also dispatch an ambulance. When paramedics arrive, they can administer aid to you, your loved ones, and other victims.
- Get further medical attention. Whether you get treated at the scene or not, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. That’s because some injuries are internal and take time to show up. In addition, having a record of medical treatment can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
- Contact an experienced law firm. The insurance company will begin building its claim against you as soon as it finds out about the crash. Having a lawyer on your side can help you level the playing field and maximize your chances of getting compensation.
Don’t take your opportunity to pursue compensation after a crash for granted, even if it wasn’t your fault. Getting money after an accident isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a lawyer. But we’re here to help—call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | October 31st, 2018
The U.S. military makes all personnel swear oaths to their service branch and to their country for the length of their contracts. In return, each branch of the armed forces promises certain benefits and perks to service members, including disability benefits if they suffer service-related injuries or develop service-related illnesses.
But every year, countless veterans are denied the benefits they desperately need when they’re no longer able to do their jobs or serve their countries due to health conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees administering disability benefits, and it is notoriously strict when reviewing evidence and determining when applications are valid and worthy.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville veterans disability benefits lawyers know that first-time disability benefits applicants are often denied. In 2016, the New York Times reported that there was a sharp increase in the number of veterans who were denied benefits when they needed them the most. Many veterans believe that they can get benefits on their own, but the reality is that most veterans need help from someone who understands the claim and appeals process and who knows how the VA reviews applications.
Because you need veterans disability benefits, you shouldn’t have to worry about jumping through hoops just to have a small chance of your application being approved. Instead, you should focus on your recovery and spending time with your family. Leave the paperwork and the back-and-forth with the VA up to us. Call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | October 24th, 2018
People who own or manage properties are obligated to keep their premises free from hazards for guests and invitees. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.
If you or someone you love were hurt on public or private property due to unaddressed safety hazards, it’s important to get in touch with an experienced Nashville premises liability lawyer right away. Slip and fall injuries can be devastating and disabling. Victims often suffer from complications due to broken bones, head and neck injuries, and even spinal cord damage.
Without a lawyer on your side, you’ll be on the hook for paying for your medical bills out of pocket—all without earning the paycheck you and your loved ones depend on. Proving liability and negligence in slip and fall claims can be difficult, but the legal team at Ponce Law is up to the challenge. In fact, we’ve helped many victims just like you who were hurt through no fault of their own in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee for many years.
When you choose us to handle your claim, we’ll provide two invaluable services to you and your family:
- We’ll prove the property owner failed to uphold his or her responsibilities—Whether your injury was caused by a wet floor, a broken step, or a poorly lit walkway, we’ll leave no doubt that the property owner didn’t take the necessary steps to provide you and other guests with a safe environment.
- We’ll negotiate to get you maximum compensation—Insurance companies are in business to make money, and that means they offer lowball settlements to most claimants. We’ll negotiate to maximize your chances of getting the damages you need for your medical bills and lost wages.
We’re ready to fight for your rights. Call us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | October 17th, 2018
If you recently lost a loved one due to another person’s or party’s negligence, the last thing you want to deal with is a prolonged back-and-forth with the insurance company. But losing a loved one isn’t just emotionally devastating—it can also put you and your family in a major financial bind.
That’s why filing a wrongful death claim is important for your family’s future. At Ponce Law, it’s our goal to make the process easy for you. In fact, our Nashville wrongful death lawyers will handle every aspect of your wrongful death claim while you grieve, spend time with loved ones, and begin building a new life for yourself.
Families who file wrongful death claims are often eligible to receive a wide range of benefits, including money for things like:
- Medical bills and funeral costs—Funerals are more expensive than ever, and the medical bills your loved one may have incurred after his or her injury or illness may be too much for your family to bear. A wrongful death claim can help you recoup some or all of those expenses.
- Lost wages—You relied on your loved one’s income to support your day-to-day living expenses and lifestyle. Now that they’re gone, you should be eligible to be compensated for that loss—especially if your loved one’s death was due to negligence.
- Pain and suffering—Losing a loved one is one of the most painful human experiences. It forever changes survivors and families, and the emotional impact and trauma are often even worse when the death was preventable. You deserve to be compensated for all the ways your loss has and will impact your family.
This is a difficult and sensitive time for your family, and we’re here to help. Call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | October 10th, 2018
Even though most dogs are friendly and harmless to people, they’re still capable of causing serious injuries when they act aggressively. Dogs have long, sharp teeth, and when they bite, victims can be at risk for several complications, including profuse bleeding, nerve damage, muscle and ligament tears, and systemic infections.
Dog bites can range from small nips to full-blown attacks, but they all pose risks to victims. Many people who are hurt by dogs shrug off their injuries, even when they require extensive medical intervention like prescription medications, surgeries, or even prolonged hospital stays.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville dog bite lawyers believe that victims should treat dog bite injuries the same way they would treat any other injuries that were caused by negligence. In addition to expensive medical bills, dog bite victims also face long periods away from work. Some may never regain function or feeling in affected areas, causing them to be permanently disabled.
When dog owners fail to properly leash or enclose their animals, they can be held liable for bite-related expenses, including medical bills and lost wages. Our legal team has many years of experience investigating dog bite injuries and proving owners failed to uphold their legal responsibilities.
If you or someone you love were hurt by a dog, don’t let the injury slide. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for expenses that you incurred because of someone else’s carelessness. We’re here to help—call us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | October 3rd, 2018
There are many perks to riding a motorcycle for pleasure or to get around town. They’re fuel efficient, agile, and fun to ride. But there’s a significant downside to motorcycles that all riders are aware of: they have a very poor safety track record.
As a motorcyclist, you’re responsible for protecting yourself from injuries. That means riding defensively and wearing all the gear, all the time. But no matter how cautious you are, there’s still a chance you’ll encounter a negligent driver who can put your health and even your life at risk.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys know how serious motorcycle crash injuries can be—even for riders who are properly equipped. Riders who are hurt in accidents often suffer injuries that put them out of work for long periods of time, which can make it difficult to stay on top of living expenses, let alone big medical bills.
When you choose us to help you after a motorcycle crash, you’ll get a law firm that understands what you’re going through and knows how to help you get compensation. In addition to proving you weren’t at fault, we’ll also calculate how much money you’re owed for your accident-related expenses.
And while you’re focusing on getting better, you can count on us to handle all communication with the insurance company and all paperwork related to your claim. You shouldn’t have to worry about the small details while you’re recovering. Leave that to us. Call today for a free consultation to find out how we may be able to help you and your loved ones.
by Staff Blogger | September 26th, 2018
For your entire working life, you’ve paid into the Social Security Administration (SSA) via payroll deductions. For most people, those deductions are paid back when they retire. But for others, that money is needed sooner due to illnesses or injuries that prevent them from being able to work.
If you can’t work because of a disability, getting approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may be the most important thing you can do. Although the benefits won’t fully replace your lost income, they can help you keep up with your living expenses and provide for your family.
Unfortunately, getting approved for benefits is often a long and difficult process—especially if you don’t have a lawyer on your side. That’s because the burden of proof falls on the applicant, and the SSA has strict standards when it comes to approving claims and appeals. Even minor mistakes are often enough for the SSA to issue denials, and it can take months for applicants to hear back or begin the appeals process.
Having an experienced Nashville Social Security Disability lawyer on your side from day one can make the process much simpler. In addition to taking the stress of the application or appeal off your shoulders, you’ll also get peace of mind knowing that your paperwork will be complete, free of errors, and submitted on time. Finally, you’ll have access to a legal team that knows the ins-and-outs of the SSA’s inner workings, and that means your application may be processed faster and with a greater chance of success.
Call Ponce Law today for a free consultation, and let us put our experience to work for you.
by Staff Blogger | September 24th, 2018
There are more dog-friendly workplaces, restaurants, stores, and parks than ever before in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee. While many people welcome this change, it has increased the risk of dog bites—especially when owners fail to properly leash or enclose their dogs.
Cities in the mid-state area have leash laws and local ordinances that require all dog owners to keep their pets leashed, enclosed, or otherwise restrained to prevent them from biting or attacking other people. That’s because even dogs with no history of aggression can bite when they’re startled, anxious, or frightened.
Regardless of their size or breed, dogs have the potential to cause serious injuries when they bite. Victims can suffer permanent nerve damage and face traumatic levels of blood loss, especially when dog bites sever or nick arteries. In some cases, dog bites can even be life-threatening, as bacteria inside dogs’ mouths can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville dog bite attorneys are here to hold negligent owners responsible for the injuries their animals cause to other people. If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury due to an unleashed or unrestrained dog, we want to hear from you.
We know how to collect evidence that proves the origin and severity of your injuries, and we’re ready to fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills and lost wages. Call today for a free consultation.
