Personal Injury

Back in 2001, a school in Jasper was closed down due to numerous safety violations. Among the violations was the presence of asbestos. Last month, 10 years later, the local fire marshall was informed that classes for special needs and alternative students were still being conducted at what’s now called the Marion County Academy.

According to reporting by The Republic, alternative students had been transferred to new schools by the first part of November, but the special ed students were still there until around three weeks later. Parents told local News Channel 3 that they were surprised and outraged when a document from the State Fire Marshall’s Office became available that showed the school in violation of over 20 safety regulations that had remained neglected since 2001. The Deputy Fire Marshal released a statement which mandated that the school part of the building “be removed” due to the serious caliber of the safety issues.

A number of parents have said they will consider taking legal recourse against the school system for its negligent handling of severe safety problems over the period of a decade, according to The Republic. Schools must adhere to stringent safety standards and provide safe learning environments for all students at all facilities and locations. Has your child been injured at a Tennessee school by an accident you believe resulted from the reckless neglect of school officials? Contact the Tennessee personal injury attorneys with Massey & Associates, P.C. at (423) 697-4529 for a free and confidential review of your case today.

The Fourth of July and the days surrounding it see thousands of Americans celebrating with picnics, parties, and traditional fireworks displays. Unfortunately, these days also see thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries from defective or improperly-used fireworks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Knowing the biggest risks can help keep you and your family safe during this year’s Independence Day.

Approximately 8,500 people each year are injured by fireworks, according to the CDC. Children and teens are injured more often than adults – nearly half of those fireworks-related injuries happen to people who are not yet twenty years old. Burns are the most common kind of fireworks-related injury, but people may also suffer lacerations or cuts, the loss of a finger or other body part, or even blindness or deafness if the firework injures an eye or ear. The families of people injured by fireworks spend over $100 million each year on costs related to the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, and bills for rehabilitation or therapy.

The best way to protect your family is to leave fireworks displays to the professionals. If you want to have a backyard display, the CDC recommends designating one adult to handle and light fireworks and one adult to keep the rest of the family or group at a safe distance. Keep a bucket of water handy to douse unruly fireworks, and never let children handle fireworks of any kind – even sparklers can burn at temperatures above 1000 degrees, which can cause serious injury.

If a fireworks injury interrupts your Independence Day due to another person’s negligence, seek medical care immediately. Then, consider contacting an experienced TN personal injury lawyer like those at Massey & Associates, P.C. For a free consultation, call us today at 423-697-4529.