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Recently d’Oliveira & Associates attorney, D. Robin Gouveia, obtained a combined $100,000 settlement from Safety Insurance and Travelers Insurance for a New Bedford man, who was injured in a car accident. Our client was struck by another vehicle that ran a red light. As a result, our client sustained head, shoulder and spine injuries, which required extensive therapy to remedy. Attorney D. Robin Gouveia said, “A demand for the bodily injury policy limits was submitted to the defendant’s insurance company because it was clear the case was worth these limits and more. We advocated and after several discussions, they offered the full limits we demanded.  We then pursued the Underinsured Motorist coverage of the client’s policy and secured an offer of these limits as well.  Having obtained the full exposure from all available insurance policies, we put together a settlement package for the client to maximize his net recovery. ” A skilled car accident lawyer knows how to get all the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. In some cases, like in this one, the at-fault driver’s insurance will not cover the entirety of the claim. It is possible for a motorist to either be underinsured or uninsured. If this is the case, the driver who was not at fault may be able to collect the underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage from the policy on the vehicle they were in when the accident happened. Your New Bedford car accident lawyer will know how to best guide you in this process.     Contact a New Bedford Car Accident Lawyer If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation such as medical bills, pain and suffering and lost earnings, among other losses. Our New Bedford Car Accident Lawyers are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies to get you the best possible settlement or award. Please call our New Bedford office at 508-984-8400 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

A Pawtucket, RI woman, obtained a $230,000 settlement from MEMIC Indemnity Company for a workers’ compensation claim. While at work, a heavy piece of machinery, weighing over 100 lbs., fell on her. This incident left her with injuries to her back and legs, which required medical attention. d’Oliveira & Associates remained jointly responsible with a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney, who settled this case with the insurance company.    Attorney Paul d’Oliveira said, “It is rare that you see a settlement this big for a workers’ compensation claim. The attorney who handled this case did a great job for this client.” Workers’ compensation is an employee program that is supposed to provide benefits to those who are injured at work, regardless if the employer was at fault or not. Workers’ compensation benefits covers things like lost wages, medical costs and, in some instances, one can collect a lump sum settlement.  Other benefits might include money for permanent scarring and job re-training. Contact a Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If you or a loved one were injured while on the job, you should contact an experienced Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to discuss all of your options and get you the best possible compensation for your injuries and losses. Please call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

For years we have heard of the dangers of distracted driving, but how about distracted walking? Could cell phone use lead to a greater risk of pedestrian accidents over other distractions? Studies conducted show surprising results. What do the Studies Say? A staggering statistic put forth in one study indicates that pedestrian accidents involving people walking and texting or engaged in social media on their phones have increased by 800%. Pedestrians, in this instance, were either struck by a vehicle or fell while using their phones. The study took into account phone activities, which include talking, texting, browsing the internet and listening to music. From the data they pooled, they found that 2 million of the pedestrian injuries reported were due to cell phone use. The majority of these cell phone-based injuries resulted from texting and social media browsing. Listening to music and talking on the phone was not as high on the list but still posed an increased injury risk to pedestrians. The study also states that 45% of pedestrians use their cell phones while walking, which contributes to the growing number of pedestrian injuries. In a different study, injuries to the eyes, face, head, neck and nose have all increased over 20 years. The age most associated with this increase are 13-29 and were due to cell phone use while driving or walking. In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that 2018 was the deadliest year for pedestrians within the last 30 years. Pedestrian fatalities have increased by 35% in the past ten (10) years.     What can I do to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents? If you are the driver: Be especially alert at crosswalks even if you have a green light Take note of bus stops where pedestrians may decide to cross the street right away Notice where children are walking and watch that they do not suddenly go into the street Slow down if you are in heavy rain or dense fog Never assume the pedestrian sees you If you are the pedestrian: Limit your cell phone use while walking Avoid walking across the street where there is no crosswalk Wear bright colors to be seen, especially if you are out walking at night Keep your children close to you Never assume the driver sees you Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you need a Rhode Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer with experience to help get you all the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other losses. We charge no fee unless you obtain a settlement or award. Call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

If you were injured while on the job, many things get called into question. You may wonder if you can continue working so you can support yourself and your family. Or you may ask how you will pay for your medical bills? This is where workers’ compensation steps in. Also referred to as workmans’ compensation, this employee insurance program provides benefits to employees if they were injured at work, regardless if the employer was at fault or not. Much like any personal injury case, there are things to bear in mind immediately following the accident. Here are three (3) of those important things:   Report the incident to your employer – Reporting the incident to your employer begins the process of putting the company on notice that a workplace injury has occurred. Without this initial notification, a workers’ compensation claim can never begin. Anyone can easily say days or weeks later that they were injured on the job. However, that would be your word against anyone else’s. Therefore, always make sure an appropriate person within the company has documented your accident the same day it occurs.     Get medical attention as soon as possible – Just like failing to report the incident to your employer, failure to get medical attention right after the accident puts your whole case at risk. Getting medical assistance continues the paper trail of how serious your accident is. Going at a later time runs the risk of the insurance company saying your injury could not have been that serious, or that you received your injuries from a separate incident. You owe it to yourself to get checked out immediately so you can be on the road to recovery and safeguard your workers’ compensation claim.    Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer – Even if you do everything you are supposed to do, things still come up that can make the situation complicated. It is for this reason that speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer is to your benefit. While you are on the road to recovery, your workers’ compensation lawyer can handle any legal issues that could arise from your claim What are some of our firm’s Best Workers’ Compensation Settlements?   With our firm’s vast knowledge of workers’ compensation cases, as well as acting as co-counsel, we have a proven track record of giving our clients the best chance at obtaining the compensation they deserve. Here are some of the best settlements received on behalf of our clients. $500,000 Settlement – While remaining jointly responsible with a Warwick, RI lawyer, this case was settled for a Warren, RI man who was injured while making a delivery. Read More $450,000 Settlement – Our firm maintained joint responsibility with another lawyer for a Rhode Island man who was injured while he unloaded a truck. Read More $200,000 Settlement – Attorney D. Robin Gouveia jointly represented a Pawtucket, RI man who fell on the job and injured his lower back, which required surgery. Read More Contact an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today!   If you were injured while on the job, you should consider hiring a lawyer to help you get the benefits you deserve. Whether you need a Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer or a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer, d’Oliveira & Associates can help you. There is no fee unless you obtain a settlement or award. Call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

A dog bite can be a frightening and painful experience, one that can leave both physical and mental scars. As trying as this may be, there are things you must keep in mind to best help a potential dog bite claim. Here are three (3) of those important things:    Obtain evidence from the scene of the dog bite – Make sure to gather the owner’s name, address and contact information. Make a note of what you were doing before the dog bite and where you were. If there were any witnesses, get their statements and contact information. If you are able to, take photos of the surrounding area and your visible injuries. The more information you have, the better it will be for your dog bite lawyer to help you.    Seek medical assistance right after – Never neglect this step! It is for your own health, as well as your claim. The doctor can check for diseases and infections that may have resulted from the dog bite. Going to the doctor also serves as a strong piece of evidence for your claim. Make sure to tell the doctor about the incident in detail so it can be appropriately documented. Speak with a dog bite lawyer – All personal injury cases, including dog bites, should be consulted with an appropriate lawyer. They will know exactly what to do to get you the best compensation for this traumatic event. While you can go at the legal process alone, it usually results in a lower settlement or award.     What are some of our firms Best Dog Bite Settlements?   As mentioned previously, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer for these kinds of cases. Our firm has obtained favorable dog bite settlements for our clients. Here are just a few of them: $250,000 Settlement – Attorney D. Robin Gouveia settled this case for a Portsmouth, RI woman who was attacked by a dog right before she was about to throw a ball. Read More $155,000 Settlement – Attorney Laura Cameron settled this case for a Warwick, RI woman who was bit on the arm by a dog without any provocation. Read More $130,000 Settlement – Attorney D. Robin Gouveia settled this dog bite case for a New Bedford, MA woman who had several lacerations and puncture wounds to her arm and leg. Read More Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today!    If you were bitten by a dog, you may be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. Whether you need a Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer or a Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer, d’Oliveira & Associates can assist you. Call us toll-free at 800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

Traffic has thinned out during “stay home” orders for the prevention of the COVID-19 virus. With restrictions beginning to lift, some reports state we could see well over the average traffic volume on roadways this summer.  In a report published by Urgently, there was 41% less traffic on roadways in April 2020. A staggering 316 million people from nearly all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico were told by their local government officials to stay home to prevent further spread of the COVID virus. The report goes on to state that this year’s summer driving season could well exceed the average. In fact, we could see spikes of up to 130% of historic volumes by mid-summer. These findings come from a survey asking what people’s plans were regarding travel this summer. Some of the statistics include: 22.8% stated they would use less public transportation Over 27% stated they intended to increase the use of their vehicle 33.5% plan to travel for summer vacation or holiday weekends 35.4% of these survey takers intend to travel at least 500 miles 21.1% of these survey takers intend to travel at least 1,000 miles As the traffic volumes begin to increase, the rate of car accidents will also inevitably increase. It is more important than ever to be as safe as possible, especially if you plan to travel long distance. If you intend to travel for summer vacation, make sure to: Have your car looked at by a mechanic to ensure it is ready for the long trip. Plot your trip in advance. Take frequent breaks from driving to rest your eyes. If there is another person able to drive, take turns driving. Be alert for erratic drivers and maintain extra distance to improve reaction time. Bring plenty of water. Even with an AC on in the car, the sun is still probably on you and you must remain hydrated. If your car breaks down, you will be happy you brought the extra water!   Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today!   If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings and pain and suffering, among other related losses. Whether you need a Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer or a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer, d’Oliveira & Associates is ready to assist in any way we can. There is no charge and no fee to you unless we win your case and you receive a settlement or award. Contact us toll-free at 800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. Sources:        www.geturgently.com/blog/urgently-predicts-higher-than-normal-automobile-usage-as-economy-reopens www.aboutlawsuits.com/coronavirus-traffic-study-173386/

Recently d’Oliveira & Associates Cranston personal injury lawyer, Laura Cameron, obtained a $125,000 settlement from Nationwide Insurance Company for a Cranston man, who was injured in a motor vehicle accident where he was hit as a pedestrian, causing him to sustain a fracture, which required extensive medical treatment. Attorney Laura Cameron said, “I was very happy to help this client and I am thankful that we got him a quick resolution for all of the available insurance. I feel he got a very fair settlement.” When someone is injured by a motor vehicle, people tend to think of car accidents involving two (2) or more motor vehicles. Sadly, those same negligent drivers also hit pedestrians. According to a 2017 statistic, there were nearly 6,000 pedestrian deaths caused by car drivers. While a pedestrian accident can occur at any part of the day, most pedestrian accidents happen in the evening, due to low visibility. The National Highway Safety Agency says 26% of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 P.M. and 9 P.M. Contact a Cranston Personal Injury Lawyer If you or a loved one were recently injured as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation such as medical bills, pain and suffering and lost earnings, among other losses. Our Cranston Personal Injury lawyers are experienced in working with insurance companies to get you the settlement or award that you deserve. Please call our Cranston office at 401-275-2039 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Recently, an associate attorney at d’Oliveira & Associates, D. Robin Gouveia, obtained a $125,000 settlement at a grocery store for a Fall River, MA woman. She slipped and fell on a wet floor with no signs or warnings posted and sustained a serious injury. Attorney D. Robin Gouveia said, “We used current case law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to prove liability against a grocery store chain in this slip and fall/premises liability case.  The insurance company ultimately accepted liability and argued the damages were preexisting. We argued the slip and fall trauma caused a severe exacerbation/aggravation of the underlying condition and advocated on behalf of the client to obtain a settlement to compensate for the suffering endured.” One of the most common places a slip and fall occurs is at a grocery store. Since the burden of proof is on the person who slipped and fell, there are things you can do to safeguard your potential slip and fall claim. Contact the store manager so they can become aware of the accident and so an accident report can be filled out. If you can, take photos and video of the area where the slip happened. Make sure you get the grocery store’s insurance information. You will want to document any and all expenses you have incurred as a result of this incident. As with any personal injury case, you will want to seek the guidance of an experienced slip and fall lawyer. Contact a Fall River Slip and Fall Lawyer If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident, you should contact a knowledgeable Fall River Slip and Fall Lawyer to discuss your options and get you the best possible compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, among other losses. Call our Fall River office at 508-677-0500 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

On February 28, 2020, a Rhode Island man filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island against Zantac. The lawsuit alleges that he developed bladder cancer as a result of taking the heartburn drug five (5) times a week for six (6) years. This product liability lawsuit joins the growing number of lawsuits being filed against the drug manufacturers after cancer risks have emerged. This case will likely join others in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where this MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) is being centralized. What Makes Zantac Potentially Dangerous? Since October 2019, after the FDA announced its finding on Zantac, the drug has been recalled for its link to causing digestive cancer. The main culprit is the drugs active ingredient, ranitidine. When mixed with water, ranitidine produces a substance called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is classified as a probable human carcinogen. NDMA is widely known to be hazardous, especially to a person’s bladder, liver and stomach. The crux of the issues stemming from these lawsuits is that the manufacturers of Zantac were allegedly well aware of these risks and did not warn anybody. There was research in the past that showed this very clear link between ranitidine and NDMA. Yet despite the research shown, manufacturers chose not to disclose this information to the public or the government. Now, many others have filed similar suits stating their cancer was a result of taking Zantac. Along with bladder cancer, others have claimed to have developed colorectal, esophageal, kidney, liver and stomach cancer.   Contact an Experienced Zantac Lawyer Today!   If you or a loved one took Zantac and was later diagnosed with a form of digestive cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and other related losses. We work with experienced Zantac Lawyers around the nation who charge no fees unless you receive a settlement or award. Call us toll-free at 800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

A motorcycle accident claim can be hard to prove since the other person’s insurance company usually states that their driver was not entirely at fault. The other driver may try to say they never saw the motorcycle coming which adds to this denial of fault. It is imperative to follow these three (3) important things to best help your motorcycle accident claim.    Take evidence from the scene of the accident – If it is possible, make sure to gather the information from the other driver including name, contact information and insurance. Take pictures from the scene of the accident including your property damage and visible injuries. If there were any witnesses in the area, get statements from them as well as their contact information. All of these will be useful to your motorcycle accident lawyer.     Get medical attention right after – Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. Even if it does not appear that you were seriously injured, you should still get checked out as some injuries do not manifest until days or even weeks later. This step will also be evidence you can present for your motorcycle accident claim. Give all of the details to your doctor about how you were injured so they can document everything properly. Speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer – Especially since these accidents can be difficult to prove, it is to your benefit to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to assist you. If you follow the above two (2) steps, you will make this a very smooth process for your lawyer. Let them focus on your case while you focus on what is important; your recovery. What are some of our firms Best Motorcycle Accident Settlements?   Hiring a lawyer for your motorcycle accident case will increase the chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. d’Oliveira & Associates has been successfully handing these types of cases and getting favorable settlements for our clients. Here are just a few of our best settlements:    $300,000 Settlement – Attorney Laura Cameron settled this case for a Warwick, RI man who was cut off by a driver who turned in front of him. Read More $250,000 Settlement – Attorney D. Robin Gouveia settled this case for a Portsmouth, RI man who sustained serious injuries after he was thrown from his motorcycle after a car collided with him. Read More $100,000 Settlement – Attorney Cara Gallucci settled this case for a Woonsocket, RI man who needed multiple surgeries after has was hit by a car. Read More Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!    If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. Whether you need a Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer or a Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, d’Oliveira & Associates is ready to evaluate your case. Call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.