Jul 24, 2022 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

Brain Injury Resulting from Medical Negligence

Cases involving brain injury are among the most challenging issues to resolve simply because brain injuries are not visible, especially when medical negligence is involved. Unfortunately, brain injuries complicate the lives of both the injured person and loved ones. As a result, most people consult a Bakersfield brain injury attorney to help their loved ones get justice. In the medical industry, the code of conduct is how medical practitioners are guided. According to the principle of conduct, medical negligence is considered gross misconduct. Medics understand that the consequences of gross misconduct can render them jobless, and that’s why they deny medical negligence complaints raised by patients. The good thing is that a Bakersfield’s brain injury attorney can help to obtain the justice deserved during this challenging time. Types of Medical Negligence-Related Brain Injuries The brain is a critical organ in the body because it controls and regulates various body functions, such as breathing, mobility, thinking, and much more. The common types of brain injuries resulting from medical negligence include: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Traumatic brain injuries are the most common and take a long time to heal. Sudden, violent bumps or jolts cause traumatic brain injuries to the head. TBIs occur when blunt objects hit the skull or sharp objects pierce through the skull and reach the brain tissue. A doctor might accidentally injure a patient while performing head surgery, but the problem is refusing to accept responsibility for the mistake. Not taking responsibility can potentially set the doctor up for legal action. On the other hand, recovering damages facilitates rehabilitation and provision of standard care to brain injury victims. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Acquired brain injuries often occur during birth, but they can also be caused by a brain hemorrhage, heavy blows, infections, tumors, stroke, oxygen deficiency, Etc. In addition, ABI patients experience migraines, loss of memory, and fatigue. I’m sure you’ve heard of cases where a negligent midwife was sued for mishandling women during birth, thus injuring a newborn’s brain. Hypoxic Brain Injury (HBI) Hypoxic brain injury is caused by lacking oxygen in the brain. Lack of oxygen in the brain causes gradual impairment because the brain cells die every second. A patient can be deprived of oxygen carelessly when specific procedures are performed on them. Hypoxic brain injuries cause temporary or permanent brain impairment, depending on the severity of the damages. Therefore, victims of HBI should file a brain injury claim against the negligent doctor or their medical facility’s employer. Prerequisites for Filing a Brain Injury Claim Wondering if you qualify to be compensated for a brain injury?  Individuals are eligible for brain injury compensation if: The expected standard of care provided was below par. In other words, the doctor breached their duty of care. The brain injury resulted from the negligent acts of a doctor or medical facility You are within the provision of statutes of limitations. If you or a loved one is a brain injury victim because of medical negligence, you should immediately consult a brain injury attorney to assist you in obtaining justice.

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Jul 19, 2022 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

Personal Injury – Negligence Pt. 2

When an individual wants to prove fault in a car accident, they often rely on the legal theory referred to as negligence. This article will discuss the legal theory of failure and how it affects your injury claim. According to the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [Negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)], negligence is defined as “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. The behavior usually consists of actions but can also omit when there is a duty to act.” In other words, negligence can refer to a person’s careless actions or conduct that results in harm to another. To understand how negligence impacts your case, speak to Bakersfield auto accident lawyers.  To establish negligence, the plaintiff in a case must prove the following four elements: Duty of care: The first element involves the duty of care. This legal term refers to an individual’s responsibility to avoid harming another person or causing harm to another. In the case of a car accident, a driver must drive the vehicle using reasonable care. Such responsibility includes the driver considering numerous factors while driving, such as the conditions of traffic, road visibility, and the weather. Each state has its vehicle and traffic codes that define the legal obligations of a driver and provide prohibitions regarding specific driving conduct. Breach: The second element involves the breach of duty of care. For this element, the plaintiff must show precisely how the defendant driver breached their duty of care. For a car accident, proving there was a breach in duty of care will require evidence that the defendant driver committed a traffic violation or drove negligently, thus causing the accident. For example, the defendant driver abruptly turns to the left in front of oncoming traffic, causing another driver to swerve into another vehicle. Collecting physical evidence, such as camera footage, helps demonstrate a violation of the duty of care. Damage or injury: The third element of negligence involves the plaintiff proving that they suffered some form of injury or damage due to violating the duty of care. Damage can be in respect of property damage, such as a broken windshield to the vehicle involved in the accident. Further, injury includes the accident’s physical, mental, and emotional effects. Therefore, a near-miss does not qualify as damage or injury. Causation: The fourth element involves establishing whether the injury or damage suffered by the plaintiff is a direct result of the breach of care by the defendant. For example, in a car accident where vehicle A rear-ends vehicle B, the driver in vehicle B hits their head on the steering wheel and suffers a concussion. This injury directly results from vehicle A’s impact on vehicle B.

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Jul 19, 2022 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 3 minutes | Safety

Why You Must Consider an Injury Lawyer in Accident Claims

It is difficult to go through severe challenges on our own, especially when those challenges involve being in an accident. When it comes to solving accident lawsuits on your own, it becomes straining and stressful. However, pursuing justice for your injuries does not have to be stressful when you reach out to a personal injury lawyer to help your case. There is no need to worry about the cost and fees as it will not be an issue in some cases due to specific instances where payment is not obliged until the case has been resolved and compensation is received. Don’t risk your compensation, consult a Bakersfield injury lawyer to make the process and fight worthwhile. Our Bakersfield Injury Lawyers help their clients hold liable parties accountable for the negligent acts that have caused injuries and ensure their client’s compensation. Regardless of the complexity of your situation, our legal professional injury attorneys will assist with your case. A legal representative will always fight for your case until compensation is ensured. Don’t struggle alone as an accident victim; reach out to an experienced injury attorney to fight for your justice. Below will be the following benefits of hiring a Bakersfield accident attorney. Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer Injury Lawyers are experts behind cases of work; hiring a Bakersfield injury attorney to assist in filing a lawsuit for compensation only will they understand the specific legal procedures to do so. There may be instances where hiring a legal professional is not required. However, in terms of being involved in an accident, it is only wise to search for a personal injury lawyer to help resolve your case. Additionally, one must consider some requirements before searching for an injury attorney. Legal Knowledge Injury lawyers require the skills to handle legal issues of accident lawsuits accordingly. Therefore, when representing your case, it is essential to search for an attorney with the practical knowledge of law procedures and judicial systems. A knowledgeable accident attorney will only benefit and legitimate your case moving forward through the filed lawsuit. Experience Experience is crucial when searching for a personal injury attorney; this will determine your case’s organizational and ambiguous skills. In addition, having set experiences with different accident cases portrays the case’s chances of success or failure before the trial begins. Finally, remember that lawyers might have come upon a case similar to your own, which means they will be familiar with the following procedures. Legal Counsel Since lawyers are the experts here, they’re the best people to turn to for legal counsel, for which given advice should be considered seriously and positively. A lawyer can help you understand how the law impacts your situation and recommend the appropriate legal options for your case. Lawyers understand Court Protocol You must conduct yourself in a certain way in courts, meaning you can blunder here if you do not have a legal background. Filing a case can also be challenging considering the paperwork clients must have completed beforehand; a procedural mistake can infuriate the jury and adversely impact your case. Legal Connections Lawyers have networks of professionals they turn to for various reasons, such as investigators, doctors, accountants, and others. In addition, experienced lawyers understand the psychology of the jury they work with, meaning they know what works for the jury. Qualities of a Competent Lawyer The quality of good lawyers includes: Competent lawyers are compassionate to clients. A lawyer must be an excellent communicator. Your lawyer should be widely experienced. You should hire a lawyer after evaluating their success rate in past assignments.   Overall, accident claims made by the client should be approached cautiously. The best way to handle accident claims is by consulting an injury lawyer.

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Jul 19, 2022 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

Steps for Resolving Accident Lawsuits

Who should compensate victims of accidents for injuries or damaged property? Personal injury is a body of law that facilitates amicable resolution of accident lawsuits or personal injury claims. The legal process begins with hiring a Bakersfield accident attorney. The goal is to hold those parties liable for negligence while recovering damages. Personal injury attorneys are experts and have the required knowledge in personal injury law. If you or a close relative has been involved in an accident in Bakersfield and you are not quite sure about your next steps, begin by contacting a Bakersfield accident attorney. The following are the steps in how an accident lawsuit is resolved. Steps of Resolving Accident Lawsuits Accident claims are resolved through personal injury laws and include the following: Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney The statute of limitations in personal injury can vary by state, but the average is 2 to 3 years in most jurisdictions. The statute of limitations refers to the legal window within which a plaintiff can initiate legal action against a defendant. Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations automatically denies the plaintiff the right to recover damages against the defendant. It is important to note that the legal timeframe does not necessarily commence when an accident occurs. However, the timescale can start when a plaintiff discovers injuries or discovers that their injuries resulted from the negligence of another person, entity, or organization. Initiating Legal Action After identifying an attorney (refer to step 1 above), they will evaluate your case and file an official legal after which the accused is summoned. The defendant should respond within 30 days. The defendant’s response can be a denial or admittance, or they could cite insufficient information in response to admittance or denial. Fact-Finding & Discovery A competent attorney gathers facts and relevant documents to build a case. Requests to admit or deny specific facts of the case are a powerful tool that can add credence. The discovery stage is called the interrogation stage, involving the production of critical documents associated with the issue and depositions. A deposition is sworn under oath, and it’s admissible in court. A reasonable attorney can influence the course of a case by asking questions that substantiate their claims. A reasonable attorney can also poke holes in the defendant’s claim and discredit their story. Pre-Trial Negotiations Sometimes lawsuits are dismissed before trial due to the following factors: Lack of subject matter. Lack of jurisdiction. Wrong venue. Failing to state a legal claim. Pre-trial motions can result in out-of-court negotiations or end a case if the parties are not in dispute. Settlement Most cases do not go to trial to avoid litigation costs, public exposure, and the complexities associated with court trials. However, in some instances, the issue can return to court if an out-of-court resolution fails. Personal injury claims can range from auto accidents to slip-and-falls and much more. An attorney can help you initiate a legal process to recover damages for injuries besides holding the faulting party accountable.

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Jun 21, 2022 | By Young Wooldridge | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

Summertime Swimming Safety Tip

Every year at about this time, we take to the swimming pool to try to beat the rising temperatures. Many who take advantage of the pool are children out of school for summer vacation. Encouragement of safe recreational outings is something we all, as parents, provide with activities that involve swimming. We support this traditional activity at the Law Offices of Young Wooldridge LLP, located in Bakersfield, CA. As personal injury lawyers, we would like to create a reminder to families the understanding of unanticipated accidents which occur annually in swimming pools to prevent and reduce these accidents. The most frequent cause of injury accidents that occur within swimming pools is leaving children unsupervised. Children left unsupervised create vulnerability to causing an accident not only to themselves but to others. In this regard, our Bakersfield injury lawyers have gathered several valuable tips to reduce the possibility of a swimming pool accident among children occurring again. First, encourage children to swim within the designated areas that are supervised by a swim and first aid competent adult. Never trust or rely on another child to assume the responsibility of acting as a “lifeguard” when an adult is absent. Keep gates and fences secured around pools, particularly when not in use. Do not rely on floatable water devices as life preservers to substitute for an adult’s presence. If a child is missing, CHECK the pool first, remember that these seconds within searching can prevent an injury or worse. Teach children the importance of pool safety. As a family, there can be much done to encourage a safe swim experience for all by understanding and discussing the importance of pool safety. Children as well are required to demonstrate a competence of what they had learned through adult observation and accountability. One quick and easy way adults can to begin learn about pool safety practices by visiting the American Red Cross Swimming Safety website which is devoted to swim safety at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/swim-safety.html What is convenient about the American Red Cross site, is that there are several on line training courses that can be completed for a safe summer swim!  

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Nov 9, 2021 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

Gaps in Treatment and Compensation

If you have suffered injury as a result of someone else’s negligence then you may be eligible for compensation by way of a personal injury claim. This article will discuss how gaps in your medical treatment can affect the value of your claim. After an individual is injured in an accident then they are likely to make some visits to the doctor. It may be that such visits are carried out often in the first few months and then decrease as time goes by. Such doctor visits may include tests and follow-up visits, all these are designed to track your injuries and determine your healing progresses. It must be noted that keeping up with your appointments is of the utmost importance as this greatly benefits you and has a strong deciding factor in a personal injury claim that you may file. Any gaps in your treatment are likely to devalue [Devalue Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com] your claim and compensation amount. Speak to car accident lawyers in Bakersfield  for more information on getting compensation in your personal injury claim There are two noted gaps in personal injury claims: (1) between the occurrence of the accident and when you start getting treated for the injuries sustained from the accident, and (2) when you see a doctor for injuries and then allow a few months to go by before seeing the doctor again. It is important to note that the insurance adjuster dealing with your case is looking for any way to devalue your claim. As a result, if the insurance adjuster sees any gap in your medical treatment it will be used as evidence that your injuries are not as bad as you say they are. For example, if there is a six-month gap between the time you had a car accident and then sought medical treatment it likely will be used as evidence that your injuries were not severe at all. Hence the need and importance to visit your doctor after the accident. In addition, work at keeping a journal documenting your doctor visits, symptoms and pain. It must be noted that there are times where there is a good reason for the existence of gaps in treatment. A presence of a gap does not necessarily mean that an individual is not injured; it is likely that the individual was not experiencing any pain or problems. Thus, it is impossible to avoid a gap in such cases. In other circumstances, it may be that the individual was sick and unable to make the appointment or they were out of town for whatever reasons and thus could not make the appointment. It is important though that the individual informs their attorney about such gaps and the reasoning for them so the gaps cannot be used against the plaintiff. While gaps may be an issue, it is of the utmost importance that the injured individual follows the doctor’s orders. Not only is this important for the individual to achieve full recovery, but that may be the deciding factor as to whether an injury heals or becomes a permanent problem. Therefore, it is in your best interests to follow the treatment provided by your doctor.

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Aug 17, 2021 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

Was Negligence the Cause of Your Car Accident?

In any car accident incident, the most common question asked is who was at fault. This is a key question as the person who is at fault for the accident is required by law to compensate for any losses suffered by other parties involved in the accident. This article will discuss vehicle accidents that are caused by negligence. One of the most common legal concepts relied upon when proving fault in a car accident incident is that of negligence. According to the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute [Negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)] negligence is defined as “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. The behavior usually consists of actions, but can also consist of omissions when there is some duty to act.” So, to put it into context negligence is any careless conduct or behavior which results in the harm of another person. When looking at an accident involving a vehicle a person may be said to have acted negligently if s/he did something that s/he should not have done. For example, if a driver runs a red light or speeds. Or, it may be where the driver failed to do something that they should have done. For example, failing to yield or not switching on the headlights while driving at night. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyer to understand negligence in your case. Another important aspect of negligence is the issue of using reasonable care; this is necessary in order to avoid injury to other road users; that is passengers, pedestrians, and motorists. In instances where a driver fails to use reasonable care and another person is injured as a result, that driver can be held financially liable for the individual’s injuries and any other losses. The legal concept of negligence is used when there is a dispute with regards to who was at fault for a car accident. This is applicable whether the car accident claim is part of an insurance claims process or is being handled in court. It must be noted that the person making the claim, that is the plaintiff, has the burden of proving that the defendant was negligent. With regards to a car accident lawsuit, the plaintiff needs to establish the following: There exists a legal requirement for the defendant to be reasonably careful – driving law requires that drivers use reasonable caution while operating their vehicles. The defendant was not careful – It must be established that the defendant violated their duty under the law of being careful (i.e., breach of the duty of care). Determining this point evaluates what a reasonable person would have done under the same circumstances in comparison with the driver’s actions. The conduct of the defendant caused the plaintiff’s injuries – There must be evidence that the plaintiff was injured as a result of the defendant’s actions. Near misses are not considered in a car accident claim. Damages–The victim   of the accident must have been injured in some way to receive compensation.

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May 26, 2021 | By Young Wooldridge, LLP | Read Time: 2 minutes | Safety

How Do I Negotiate My Car Accident Claim?

If you have been involved in a car accident, you will definitely need a reasonable settlement. This doesn’t come easy; you will need to negotiate with the insurance company. Negotiating a car accident claim requires a person to have a car accident attorney who has dealt with insurance adjusters and knows the best strategy for compensation. It’s better to negotiate and save yourself time and the cost associated with going to trial. However, if you cannot agree on the amount of compensation, the best thing would be to file a lawsuit. Negotiating Your Car Accident Claim Negotiating with the at-fault driver insurance company is not easy; you need to have an experienced lawyer who can advise you on what to say or not say to an insurance adjuster. Remember, whatever you say can be used against you, which could significantly reduce your settlement value. Also, you need to be sure that you’re not to blame for the accident and that you received appropriate and reasonable medical treatment. There are ways you can position yourself for a successful claim. These include: Get an organized demand letter: A well-crafted demand letter is a critical element for an injury settlement. The demand letter should have precise content of the nature of your claim and the sum value you think you deserve. Always ask for more than what you want in settlement. Having an experienced lawyer will help you get more information on what to include in your demand letter. Don’t take up the first offer:Instead of accepting the first offer, request the claim adjuster to respond to your demand letter. An insurance adjuster will have offered you a lower settlement than what you will have included in your demand letter. This is to start up the negotiation process. That way, you get a chance to counter the offer. Refusing the first offer shows that you know what your claim is worth, and you are ready to negotiate for a better settlement. Another way to show you know what you deserve is to request the claims adjuster to explain the low offer. Generally speaking, the insurance company will do all it can to offer you a lower settlement. But, you don’t have to accept such an offer. The best way to maximize your total damages is by getting the correct and reasonable medical care, by including any lost income, and by having a repair estimate for your car damage. Your compensation should include economic losses, such as lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and property damage. Your general damages will include any pain and suffering, trauma or other loss that cannot be assigned a dollar value. Negotiating your car accident claim becomes easier when you retain a lawyer who can help you: Document your injuries by showing the nature and extent of such injuries Argue for higher amounts for your pain and suffering Show the insurance company you are serious Prove the extent of your property damage The above helps you look organized, and it may only take up a few phone calls to have your claim settled. Getting Compensated A lawyer equips you with the proper settlement amount in mind as he/she will have discussed how much your claim is worth. If you have agreed with the insurance company on what the at-fault driver has to pay, the settlement should be in writing too-stating what you expect in payment, and the date to receive such payment.

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Sep 18, 2019 | By Young Wooldridge | Read Time: 3 minutes | Personal Injury Lawyer

Car Seat Styles and How to Install Them Safely

Personal Injury Lawyer | Car Seat Styles and a Guide to Installing Them Safely For parents, the safety of their children is of paramount importance at all times. From sports to toys, food to illnesses, we keep a close eye and shepherd them through their younger years. One of the most crucial places for child safety is in the car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 325 children were saved by car seats in 2017. If you and your family are in a car accident, being properly secured in the right car seat is your child’s best chance of avoiding personal injury. Personal Injury Lawyers who can help to ensure you get the care and compensation you may be entitled to in the event of an accident. This guide will introduce you to three different car seat styles and will explain how to install them. However, while this is meant to give you an overview, you should always be familiar with the owner’s manual for your car as well as the car seat as the best installation can vary. Infant Car Seats Infant car seats have a harness and are designed to move with your child, cradling them to reduce the risk of injury to their fragile frame. Infant car seats generally come in two pieces: the base and the bucket. The bucket, or actual seat part, is portable and unlatches from the base. Often parents have more than one base for easy pick-up and drop-off duty sharing. Infant car seats are rear-facing only and should never be installed facing the front. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you keep a child rear-facing as long as possible. It is the best way to keep them safe in the event of a crash. Children should be rear-facing at least until their first birthday. It is important to install the base securely in the vehicle. When possible, use the anchor hooks and attach them to the anchors between the seats of your vehicle. Cinch the seat snuggly to the car using your knee to simulate the weight of the bucket and child. If your car does not have anchors, follow the manufacturer and car recommendations to install the seat using the seat belt. Be sure that every time you place the portable bucket into the base, that it latches completely. Forward-Facing Car Seats Forward-facing seats use a harness and tethers to limit your child’s movement during a crash. They come in convertible, combination and all-in-one styles. Each of these can be used rear-facing until your child is big enough to move to a forward-facing position. It is recommended that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible, up to the age of three. To install these seats you can use either the anchors or the seat belt strap. If using anchors, use a top tether until your child reaches the recommended weight to do without it. If you choose the seat belt strap method, guide the seat belt through the channel indicated on the seat and latch it securely. Make sure the seat belt isn’t twisted during installation and ensure that it is completely extended and in the locked position. Children should stay in the forward-facing seat with harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight and height for the seat. Often, they can transition between ages four and seven. Booster Seats Booster seats are designed to redirect and position the car’s seat belt so that it fits properly over the child. Various models of boosters exist, including the previously mentioned convertible car seat which may transition from a forward-facing to a booster. Additionally, there are boosters that are simply the bottom seat part and boosters that also have a high back. Boosters can be used until the age of 12. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing seat, it is ok to move them to a booster seat. However, they should still ride in the back seat. This is the safest place since deployed airbags can cause additional harm to children. Installation of these seats is simple. Make sure that the seat sits properly on the car’s seat cushion and use the seat belt to secure the child in. When using a high back booster, guide the belt through the shoulder channel and then across the lap through the armrests. The seat belt should fit across your child’s shoulder and not their neck. The lap belt should tighten snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. Use NHTSA’s helpful car seat finder to feel confident you’re choosing the correct seat for your kid. If you are not confident or comfortable installing your child’s car seat, you can find a Certified Carseat Technician in your area. Usually, your local fire department will have someone on hand to help you. Many communities host periodic “Check The Seat” events where they will provide information for parents and inspect to make sure they are installed properly. Protect your kids by keeping them secure any time they’re in the vehicle. If you, or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact The Personal Injury Department at Young Wooldridge, LLP. A personal injury lawyer at Young Wooldridge, LLP can inform you of legal options you may not know you have.

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Jul 25, 2019 | By Young Wooldridge | Read Time: 2 minutes | Personal Injury Attorney

Beat the Heat: Smart Ways to Stay Cool This Season

Personal Injury Attorney | Bakersfield, we are officially in a heatwave! While we are used to July being the hottest month of the year, the last week has combined hot temperatures with higher than average humidity resulting in some very uncomfortable outdoor conditions. What’s worse is that the current heatwave will likely be followed by an even hotter heatwave. During these extreme weather conditions, it’s important to take proper precautions to beat the heat. Heatstroke and heat-related injuries can be extremely dangerous. With effects ranging from lethargy to brain damage, heat illnesses left unchecked can escalate quickly. In 2017, 87 people died from exposure to excessive heat. Anyone can be vulnerable to heat illness. However, infants and children up to four years are at the greatest risk. Other risk groups include: People aged 65 and older Individuals who participate in strenuous outdoor sports or activities Those who work in extreme weather conditions People with chronic health conditions or who are taking certain medications Individuals in poor health No one can stay inside all summer. And who would want to? But there are ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries and still have fun outdoors this season. Kern County Public Health has issued the following tips to help you stay cool during these hot, summer days: Never leave infants, children, elderly or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to rise to levels that can kill. Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.  Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun. Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications which increase the likelihood of dehydration. To prevent overheating, use cold compresses, misting, showers and baths. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, you feel delirious or have a body temperature above 102 degrees. Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts. Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours – sunscreen may reduce the risk of skin cancer. The County of Kern will open Cooling Centers when temperatures are forecasted by the NWS to exceed certain highs. For more information on Cooling Centers hours and locations, click here. By keeping these guidelines in mind when you spend time outside in this extreme heat, you will dramatically reduce your risk of heat-related illness or injury. If you or someone you love has suffered a heat-related injury due to negligence, contact The Personal Injury Department at Young Wooldridge, LLP. A personal injury attorney at Young Wooldridge, LLP can inform you of legal options you may not know you have.

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