Klein & Carney Co., L.L.C.Klein & Carney Co., L.L.C.2026-05-16T22:46:59Zhttps://www.kleinandcarney.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1303717/2020/10/cropped-Favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Online research can help prevent construction season headaches]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=498682026-05-16T22:46:59Z2026-05-16T22:46:59ZOhio discloses road construction in advance
Ohio state authorities maintain a website that outlines all of the major road projects underway in the foreseeable future. People can check for projects that could disrupt their commute, making them late for work.
Avoiding road construction can limit the risk of encountering road rage motorists. People often lose their cool when others do not know how to zipper merge or when traffic slows to a standstill because of nearby construction work. Road construction creates numerous other hazards, including the visual distraction generated by road crews and the increased density of vehicles. Drivers who check their routes in advance can plan alternate routes to their primary destinations.
They can also estimate their drive time to ensure they leave early enough to reach their destination on time despite the delays. Unfortunately, even those who plan carefully and drive safely can end up in crashes caused by others who succumb to road rage, fail to merge properly or get distracted in heavy traffic.
Those involved in serious construction zone crashes may need help filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury compensation through a lawsuit. Reviewing a crash report and other evidence with a personal injury lawyer can help those hurt in a motor vehicle collision assert their right to financial recovery.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[New Law in Ohio could crack down on drivers causing pedestrian accidents]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=498672026-05-01T14:11:31Z2026-05-01T14:11:31ZIt is not a secret that Ohio isn’t a particularly walkable state. Many – if not most – cities in Ohio were founded, planned and constructed long before the concept of walkable spaces accessible by both individuals on foot and motorists alike became the norm in parts of the West. Partially as a result of this reality, far too many pedestrians and cyclists are struck by motorists in Ohio.
A bipartisan bill being considered by the Ohio House aims to minimize the risks that pedestrians face when they attempt to get from here to there. Many lawmakers hope that if the state recognizes a new criminal offense specifically concerned with motorists who cause pedestrians or cyclists serious physical harm as a result of their negligence, fewer motorists will behave negligently.
What does the bill do?
House Bill 714 classifies this new criminal offense as a second-degree misdemeanor. However, under certain circumstances, that classification could be escalated to a first-degree misdemeanor. For example, if a motorist causes harm while driving with a suspended license, the ordinary second-degree misdemeanor classification would be enhanced to a first-degree misdemeanor offense. When a crash does not involve an aggravating factor – like a suspended license – offenders will face up to a $750 fine and a maximum of 90 days in jail. When an aggravating concern escalates the charge, offenders face a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum of 180 days in jail. The bill would also increase the state’s existing penalty for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. At present, this offense is classified as a minor misdemeanor. House Bill 714 would escalate this offense to a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Offenders would face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $250. As reported by local media, “So far in 2026, there have been nearly 400 pedestrian-related crashes, including 27 fatalities and 94 serious injuries, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.” While this new bill would not solve this problem entirely, it could certainly start inspiring a shift in these statistics in a more positive direction. ]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Hurt at an Airbnb property? Here’s what to do]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=498082024-08-04T23:18:39Z2024-08-04T23:18:39ZPremises liability applies to Airbnbs
Airbnb rentals are not exempt from premises liability laws that mandate that property owners must maintain safe and secure environments for guests. Therefore, travelers who sustain injuries at these establishments can potentially hold the owner responsible for their negligence. Properties offering short-term rentals should maintain various features of their establishment, including:
Flooring and carpeting
Stairs
Lighting
Plumbing and electrical systems
Keeping these structures in good condition can help minimize the risk of injuries for travelers. Suppose one or more of these elements are in disrepair and cause injury; the visitor can file a personal injury claim against the property owner.
Security measures and safety standards
Aside from helping to ensure the structural integrity of their property, owners of Airbnbs should also implement necessary security measures to help ensure the safety of guests. Some essential precautions can include:
Lockable doors and windows to alleviate security concerns
Functional smoke detectors to alert guests in case of a fire
Security cameras to prevent unauthorized access
The absence of the necessary security measures gives guests ammunition for a personal injury claim in case of an accident.
Differences between Airbnb and traditional rentals
It helps to note the difference in liability between conventional rentals and short-term rentals like Airbnbs. While landlords are responsible for common areas apartment complexes, the liability within private residences can vary. For example, in Airbnb rentals, liability can extend to the entire property. This broader scope of responsibility means that guests have more leeway to pursue compensation for their injuries in case of an accident on a particular premises.
Guests who get injured at an Airbnb property due to a property owner’s negligence may wonder if they’re entitled to compensation. Thankfully, premises liability laws protect guests by allowing injured guests to hold property owners accountable for failing to maintain safe and secure environments. Guests can benefit from learning about their rights and seeking legal guidance to explore their options for compensation.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Signs of negligent premises security]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=498072024-06-20T16:40:08Z2024-06-20T16:40:08ZThe Ohio Revised Code, Section 3752.07, requires enterprises to secure their establishments against unauthorized entry.
Of course, what constitutes adequate security can differ based on the particulars of any particular facility. What does it look like when a property owner or manager fails to implement adequate measures to help protect people and property from foreseeable criminal acts or hazardous situations?
Untrained security personnel
Hiring security personnel is an essential element of premises security for most private and public establishments. However, this wouldn’t make that much of a difference if the security guards weren’t properly trained to contain hazardous situations or intercept foreseeable criminal acts. Inadequate training can lead to avoidable mishandling, potentially increasing the risk of harm to individuals and property.
Lack of surveillance equipment
Various establishments can benefit from installing security cameras to monitor and deter unauthorized activities. Yet, many property managers overlook this security requirement completely or neglect to replace damaged or malfunctioning cameras. Properly functioning cameras can be essential for premise liability cases because they capture real-time footage and provide evidence in the event of an incident.
Malfunctioning alarm systems
Alarm systems should be a must-have for most public and private facilities because they can detect and respond to unauthorized entries. Systems are automated but require regular maintenance to help ensure they’re functional. Unfortunately, some facilities neglect to repair broken alarm systems. As a result, these useful systems can no longer detect break-ins or alert occupants during fires or other hazardous situations.
Inadequate fire safety measures
Fire safety should be one of the most fundamental components of a facility’s overall security plan. However, some facilities continue to operate with missing or faulty smoke detectors and fire alarms. Such oversight can have devastating consequences in the event of a fire. Regular inspections and maintenance of fire safety equipment are essential to help ensure the safety of occupants.
Faulty locks and inadequate lighting
Lockable doors are the first lines of defense against unauthorized access. Doors without locks, with broken locks or with easily bypassed locking mechanisms are clear signs of negligent security. Additionally, inadequate lighting around the premises, especially in entryways and parking areas, can create opportunities for criminal activities.
Improper handling of security keys
Lockable doors and security keys go hand-in-hand. Failure to manage security keys properly beats the purpose of having advanced locking mechanisms. Unauthorized duplication of keys, failure to retrieve keys from former employees or lack of a proper key management system can lead to unauthorized access and potential security breaches.
When a premises owner or manager exposes occupants to danger due to negligent security practices, they can be held liable for premises liability. Victims who were put in harm’s way can benefit from learning more about how the laws apply to their situation.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Survey – distracted driving has become more of a problem]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=497972024-05-03T20:28:55Z2024-04-30T20:28:08ZRoad deaths are rising
An increase in reckless behavior like distracted driving may be the cause of a recent surge in traffic accident deaths. Accident fatalities rose by 10.5% in 2021, and they have remained high ever since. Distracted driving accidents claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but may road safety experts think that figure is far too low. The advocacy group End Distracted Driving believes that 27% of all accidents are caused by distracted driving.
Phone calls and text messages
A survey conducted by an online auto insurance platform seems to support ENDD’s claims. More than 60% of the respondents admitted to regularly using handheld devices to make phone calls behind the wheel, and 47% of them told researchers that they use their phones to read and type text messages while driving. When asked how dangerous this kind of behavior is, 71% of the respondents said that sending text messages while driving was as likely to cause car accidents as getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
Distracted driving penalties
There are laws on the books that prohibit using cellphones while behind the wheel, but many drivers ignore them. If these laws were enforced more rigorously and the penalties for breaking them were more severe, road deaths in the United States might start to fall.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[The danger of truck accidents caused by flying wheels and tires]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=497882024-04-17T03:45:11Z2024-04-17T03:45:11ZUnderstanding flying wheel and tire accidents
One of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents involves wheels and tires flying off of commercial trucks. When on a highway or freeway, the speed limit is higher, which makes this potentially deadly. An affected truck can crash while its wheels or tires fly behind it and land on the vehicle behind or on the road in the path of a car. Either situation can cause a multi-vehicle accident and catastrophic injuries and deaths.
Causes of these accidents
Usually, a flying wheel or tire truck accident occurs when there’s a defect present or the part was improperly installed. If a wheel or hubcap is screwed on too loosely, it can cause disaster and put everyone on the road at risk. Accidents can also occur when an axle deteriorates and corrodes or a tire wears down.
Liability for flying wheels and tires
Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties could be liable for truck accidents involving flying wheels and tires. Truckers and trucking companies are responsible for proper maintenance to ensure everything is in good working condition. If this is lacking, it means they have violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration laws and the truck is unsafe for travel.
A mechanic or manufacturer may also be liable for these types of big rig accidents. The former must perform repairs when necessary while the latter is liable if defective parts cause a crash.
Not all truck accidents are avoidable, but you can reduce your risk. Practice defensive driving and remain alert at all times.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Femur fractures resulting from car crashes]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=497792024-04-05T04:53:27Z2024-04-05T04:53:27Zcar accidents are more common than others, and one of the more serious commonly experienced are fractures of the femur bones. Femur fractures can cause dangerous complications and impact your life in several ways.
Femur fractures resulting from car crashes
The femur bones are the bones within your thigh, with the femur head being the strongest bone in your body. Under normal circumstances, it's extremely difficult to fracture the femur due to its density.
But collisions unleash tremendous amounts of force, especially ones resulting from vehicles traveling at high speed. With such forces traveling into the human body, even a bone like the femur can fracture or even snap entirely.
Motorcyclists and pedestrians are especially at risk, given that they lack many of the protections car passengers benefit from. A high-speed collision involving a motorcycle or pedestrian can often result in multiple serious injuries, and a fractured femur is frequently one of them.
Why femur fractures are so serious
It's nearly impossible to fracture the femur without the application of tremendous amounts of force. And when this happens, it's likely that other parts of the body will also be injured. Surrounding bones, muscles, tissue, blood vessels and ligaments will also often be damaged by an impact that fractures a femur.
This means that a fractured femur is often only one of an assortment of problems you'll encounter should it happen to you. If the accident was severe enough to break the femur, you'll likely need urgent medical attention for more than one reason.
But the femur fracture itself is a major medical emergency in its own right. In less severe fractures, you may get away with only a cast and crutches along with a period of rest. But more severe fractures can require metal rods and screws and extensive rehab and physical therapy.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Head-on collisions are the deadliest truck accidents]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=497652024-04-02T04:03:40Z2024-04-02T04:03:40ZWhat causes head-on truck accidents?
Drivers sometimes stray into the path of oncoming traffic because of mechanical failures, vehicle defects or treacherous road conditions, but the majority of head on collisions involving tractor-trailers are caused by passenger vehicle or truck drivers who are impaired, fatigued or distracted. When truck drivers cross the center line, investigators are usually able to determine what caused them to lose control of their vehicles.
Truck accident investigations
Deadly big rig accidents are investigated thoroughly. When injuries are serious or lives are lost, tractor-trailers that crash are rigorously inspected, their drivers are subjected to toxicology testing and electronic information including hours of service records is scrutinized. Investigators may also obtain a truck driver’s wireless service records if they believe distraction may have caused a commercial vehicle collision.
Avoiding head-on collisions
Unfortunately, there is little passenger vehicle drivers can do to avoid being seriously injured or killed by tractor-trailers that cross into the path of oncoming traffic. Using the rightmost lane and staying away from the center line could give drivers an extra second or two to react, but that may not be enough time to avoid a collision. Investigators are usually able to find out why trucks involved in head-on collisions strayed out of their lanes, and their findings can provide accident victims with valuable evidence.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[The 4 common construction site accidents in Ohio]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=497522024-03-19T23:07:55Z2024-03-19T23:07:55ZFalls from heights
Ladders, scaffolding and roofs account for most construction site falls in Ohio. If you are not properly secured with fall protection systems, such as harnesses and guardrails, you could suffer catastrophic injuries. Additionally, the ladders, scaffoldings and any other equipment you are using to get to higher heights must be in their best condition to avoid slipping or tripping.
Machinery accidents
Forklifts, cranes, bulldozers and other heavy machinery always require trained and licensed operators. There are instances where these machines have crushed, run over or even fatally injured workers due to avoidable errors. Fatigue, negligence and poor maintenance are among the leading causes of such accidents on construction sites.
Electrocution
If your workstation has exposed power lines, faulty wiring, or improper grounding, electrocution is bound to occur unless someone does something about it. You can get electrocuted when you accidentally come into contact with live wires or if water, metal objects, or tools conduct electricity from an exposed power source.
Struck-by incidents
Falling objects, swinging loads or moving equipment can strike you while working on a construction site. This can happen due to inadequate securing of materials, poor communication with other workers, or blind spots around heavy machinery. Injuries from such accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe head trauma or even death.
What to do when hurt
In the event of an accident, taking immediate action is crucial. Seek medical help in a reputable facility to get proper treatment and prevent any further damage. Report the incident to your supervisor or manager, and document all accident details. Afterward, you should file for workers' compensation, which provides medical benefits and a portion of lost wages.
Safety in the construction industry is predominantly about creating a culture of vigilance and preparedness. Recognizing the potential hazards on-site and understanding how to act in any situation can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.]]>On Behalf of Klein & Carney Co., LLC<![CDATA[Some common Ohio truck accident injuries]]>https://www.kleinandcarney.com/?p=497532024-03-05T22:08:40Z2024-03-05T22:08:40ZMost common large truck accident injuries
The force of a collision can cause head and brain injuries. That’s one reason these types of injuries are common during truck accidents. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can affect memory, cognitive ability and mobility.
Spinal cord injuries can also occur due to the impact caused by a large truck. Getting crushed or receiving a blow to the back can hurt the spine. Damage to the spine can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
Less severe truck accident injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common as well but are generally less severe than spine or head injuries. Soft tissue injuries include injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments. For example, whiplash is a soft tissue injury common following a truck accident. Although these injuries are usually not life-threatening, they are painful and require recovery time.
The high impact of truck accidents can also result in broken bones. Minor fractures to the hands or feet are common. However, fractures are sometimes serious. The more serious broken bone injuries often include the ribs, pelvis or legs.
Internal injuries
Internal injuries to the chest and torso are life-threatening. Severe damage to the lungs, ribs and other internal organs can result in death. These injuries typically involve internal bleeding and require immediate medical attention.
Any part of the body can get injured during a truck accident, but the injuries discussed above are some of the most common. If you’re in a truck accident, consider seeking medical assistance even if you feel fine.]]>