Don’t Fall This Fall!
Every day in Texas, an average of 43 people are seriously injured in car crashes. Last summer, our client, Sara Orozco, was one of them. In early July, she was driving through the city at about 50 miles per hour when a truck and trailer speeding in the opposite direction crossed multiple lanes of traffic and slammed into her Audi head-on. “My car was totaled, completely turned around,” Sara remembers. Police officers and firefighters rushed to the scene, and that’s when things got strange. “The person who hit me claimed they were not driving even though all of their wounds were suspiciously in line with someone who was,” Sara says. Her accident was considered a hit-and-run because of that deception — at least, it was until police discovered the other driver was both driving and on the phone at the time of the crash. A friend of Sara’s rushed her to the hospital, where she was treated for a broken left hand and other injuries, including substantial bruising that made her look “like Barney the dinosaur.” Those injuries turned Sara’s life upside down. Her computer-based job was much harder with one hand, and her condition made caring for her 9-year-old twins challenging. Fortunately, a friend of Sara’s recommended she reach out to us for help with her car crash case! She did, and we went to bat for her against the reckless driver’s insurance company. We quickly secured the funds she needed to pay her medical bills, compensate for her pain and suffering, and get back to a normal life with her family. Packard Holds a Reckless Driver Accountable
3 Tips for Fall Prevention
September marks the start of fall , but it also serves as an important reminder about falling .
Falling is one of the greatest dangers seniors face. As adults age, take more medication, and lose some mobility, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay upright or regain balance — even when tripping over the smallest object. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of 5 falls cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Falling can also increase a senior’s chance of falling again.
But for as common as it may be, falling doesn’t have to be your norm. You can lower your risk of falling and injury with a few simple steps.
MOVE MORE
Your body was designed to move! When you don’t move your body enough, which can happen when you age, your muscles and joints can become weak and stiff. The best way to strengthen your reactions and improve your balance is to move your body. A physical therapist can help you develop a routine that targets your balance while strengthening your muscles and joints.
“I was happy that Packard worked with me so well, helped fix the situation quickly, and helped guide me through it,” she says.
IMPROVE YOUR HOME
Sara worked closely with the Packard legal team, including paralegals Mercedes Perez, Danna Teague, and Paula Cary.
Your home just might be your biggest threat when it comes to falls, so improve it with a few changes! Install grab bars and railings on steps and in the bathtub for extra support. Grips on the bottom of the bathtub and on slippery surfaces can give you a secure footing, while lighting along the hallway and in stairwells can better illuminate walkways. Even something as simple as moving a table or decor item out of the hallway can be beneficial!
“They were total rock stars!” she says, adding, “The medical portion of my case was coordinated with Paula, and I loved working with Paula so much. … She was very good about hearing me out and really listening to my feedback.”
Sara, it was a pleasure to fight for you and give you peace of mind — we wish you the best!
REVIEW YOUR MEDICINES
Sometimes medication can influence balance and movement. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of your medication and adjust accordingly. You may need to consider alternatives, but if that’s not possible, physical therapy can provide assistance. It’s designed to help you improve your balance and get stronger — which can lower your risk of falling.
You can learn more about fall prevention and risks online at CDC.gov.
2 PACKARDFIRM.COM
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator