The Most Common Types of Elder Abuse & What To Do About Them

If you suffered an injury from a dog bite attack, you should be able to focus on healing. Our team at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton understands that, and we're here to advocate for you as you recover and seek compensation. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will listen to your story, evaluate your situation, and provide clear guidance on the next steps. We’ll work diligently to advocate for your rights, keeping you informed and involved at every stage. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, reach out today and tell us your story. We offer a free case review, and we’re ready to help you pursue justice and a financial recovery.

If you’ve suffered a head injury in a car accident, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes were the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States. After you or someone you love suffers a head injury, it’s crucial that you understand the severity of your situation. Our team at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton is here to help you do just that. From mild concussions to severe TBIs, we’ll cover the different types of head injuries, explain the key symptoms to look out for, and help you navigate the next steps. If you’re ready to secure strong representation after your car accident, our brain injury lawyers will be your advocate. We know how devastating a head injury can be, and we’ll work tirelessly to get you the compensation and justice you deserve, so you can focus your energy on what matters most: healing.

Every year, there are 15 million commercial trucks on our nation’s roads. These trucks transport over 70 percent of our country’s goods and help keep our economy running smoothly. Unfortunately, however, more commercial trucks on the road means more trucking accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, thousands of lives are lost each year in collisions involving commercial tractor-trailers. To combat the dangers on our roads, lawmakers in Arkansas and at the federal level are working diligently on laws aimed at reducing the number of trucking accident deaths. Despite all of our best safety efforts and regulations, commercial trucking accidents have increased by 20 percent in recent years.

Across the United States, there was an increase in the number of trucking accidents in 2016. That year alone, more than 119,000 trucking accidents occurred, causing injury to numerous passenger occupants. That same year the number of fatal trucking accidents also increased to 4,213. The vast majority of trucking accidents – 62% – involved two or more vehicles, and they occurred most often on rural highways and Interstates. A fully loaded big rig can weigh up to 80,000 lbs., while the average passenger car weighs just 3,000 lbs. Due to the sheer size and weight discrepancy between large semi-trucks and passenger vehicles, these accidents are often catastrophic. Injuries are usually severe and life-threatening. Sadly, even when accident victims do recover, they are often left with some form of permanent disability or disfigurement.  Due to the complexities of these accidents, trucking accident victims need a law firm on their side from the start. These accidents must be handled swiftly and efficiently to ensure that accident victims receive the money they need to put their lives back together again and pay for medical expenses now – and in the future. At Rainwater, Holt, & Sexton, our attorneys have successfully handled numerous trucking accident cases, and we have achieved favorable results for all our clients. While we realize that obtaining skilled legal representation from the moment you are injured is best, we also know that avoiding these accidents is even better.

Common Causes of Big Truck Accidents Sharing the road with large commercial trucks can be scary. After all, a fully loaded big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. These large trucks are typically carrying cargo, such as livestock, produce, or even hazardous materials. When traveling at 65 mph, a detached 60,000-pound trailer full of dangerous materials can cause catastrophic and fatal accidents. Sadly, trailers can detach from all types of vehicles, including large commercial trucks, big rigs, flatbeds, and pickup trucks. These trailers can cause a tremendous amount of damage to the vehicles around them and can result in significant injuries and fatalities. When a big rig truck is carrying hazardous materials, the injuries can be even more severe and can even affect residents who live in the community. Truck drivers are responsible for checking their trailer prior to driving. They must ensure that their trailer is secured, safe, and in working condition. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers perform these safety inspections properly. If they fail to perform the necessary and required safety checks on their vehicles, they can be held responsible for any accidents they caused. If you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident because of a detached trailer, we can help. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our truck accident lawyers know how to handle these complex and unique cases. Call us at [rainwater_tel] to learn how we can help you during this difficult time.

Dozens of companies are currently testing and developing self-driving trucks. These trucks are expected to hit the road as early as 2021. TuSimple, for example, is currently deploying tractor-trailers that will drive themselves from pickup to delivery without anyone on board. Currently, their fleet of 40 autonomous trucks has been hauling goods between depots throughout Arizona and Texas. If that sounds frightening to you — you’re not alone. Self-driving trucks may be the future, but there is something terrifying about an 80,000-pound vehicle cruising down the road at 70 mph without anyone on board. While proponents of self-driving and autonomous commercial trucks say that this will make the roads safer, not everyone agrees. What happens when a truck accident occurs? Who is to blame, and how will accident victims obtain the compensation they need?

Motorcyclists in Arkansas face a variety of obstacles, challenges, and risks when riding on the road. However, the most common risk they face is simply being on the road with other vehicles. Did you know that other drivers are responsible for the majority of motorcycle accidents on the road? That’s right! Other drivers simply do not take the time to look for motorcyclists who may be sharing the road — and the results are disastrous. Understanding what caused your Arkansas motorcycle crash is an important part of your claim. Your attorney will need to examine and investigate your accident closely to determine why your accident occurred and who is to blame for the crash. In many situations, multiple parties can share the blame — further complicating your injury claim.

In 2016, motorcycle accidents increased across the United States by 5.1 percent according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These accidents ranged from minor collisions to more serious and fatal motorcycle crashes. During a collision, the motorcyclist suffers the majority of serious injuries. That is because a motorcycle does not offer the rider any protection. There are no reinforced steel cages, no seatbelts, and no airbags to protect the rider from the forces of the crash. As such, riders are 28x more likely to suffer a fatal accident than passenger car occupants. In Arkansas, a motorcycle accident can occur at any time and to anyone. However, some places just seem to be the scene of more frequent motorcycle accidents. In general, the most commonplace for motorcycle accidents in Arkansas occur at intersections.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Arkansas, your life may never be the same. Trucking accidents are serious and complex - and they’re often life-changing. Trucking accident victims often face a long road to recovery, and many are left with permanent disabilities. But, the law is on your side. Negligent truckers, trucking companies and manufacturers can - and should - be held liable for your injuries and for the damages they caused. However, determining liability in a truck accident case is not as straightforward as it might first seem. Unlike a simple traffic accident, more players are involved including the driver, the owner of the truck, the entity that leased the truck from the owner, as well as many others. Sadly, due to the sheer size and weight discrepancy between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, these accidents are often fatal. When an 80,000-pound commercial big rig collides with a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle, the results can be deadly. Commercial accident victims and their families need an experienced and compassionate trucking accident lawyer on their side from the very start. Your lawyer can protect your rights throughout the legal process, no matter how serious the accident and injuries may be.

Common injuries from car, truck, workplace, and motorcycle accidents. Car accidents are often traumatic. Even when they occur at low speeds, they can cause injury to the delicate nerves, muscles, and tendons in the body. Even the mental trauma of being injured in a car accident can follow you throughout your life. When another driver injures you or someone you love, it is important to know where you can turn for help. If you suffered muscle damage after an accident, you might require more rehabilitation and therapy than you realize. That’s why it is important never to sign a settlement with an insurance company before first speaking to an attorney. An experienced Arkansas car accident attorney can protect your rights during this difficult time, so you can focus on healing.

Arkansas is home to more than 76,000 motorcyclists for good reason. Bikers here enjoy beautiful winding scenic rides during a large portion of the year. From the Arkansas Pig Trail to the Melbourne Run, there is no shortage of fun motorcycle rides in the “Natural State.” As a motorcyclist here in Arkansas, it is important to follow the rules of the road, as well as all applicable motorcycle helmet laws. Motorcycle helmet laws can prevent you from suffering serious injury and harm if you are involved in an accident. In fact, it is often your only form of protection during a crash. But are you required to wear a helmet at all times? What happens if you do not wear a helmet? Understanding Arkansas’ motorcycle helmet laws is an important part of staying safe out on the open road.

Common Injuries from Car, Motorcycle, Truck and Workplace Accidents Car and motorcycle accidents can cause devastating and fatal injuries to occupants in the Little Rock area and beyond. One of the worst injuries an accident victim can face is a spinal cord injury. These injuries can result in permanent disability, requiring a lifetime of care. In the blink of an eye, you could lose the ability to walk, play with your kids, and live an active lifestyle. Even if your spinal cord injury is minor, you may still find your future impacted in ways you cannot imagine. Spinal cord injuries are often debilitating and result in a lifetime of pain and disability. These injuries usually happen suddenly and unexpectedly in a car, truck, motorcycle, or workplace accident, even sometimes occurring during a slip and fall or abuse incident. Even partial spinal cord injuries can prevent an accident victim from working or enjoying life to the fullest. Accident victims and their families typically need maximum compensation to pay for lengthy rehabilitation, hospitalizations, and long-term medical care. As such, it is important to contact an experienced Arkansas car accident lawyer immediately after your accident. Your personal injury attorney will be able to protect your rights to full and complete compensation, no matter how serious your spinal cord injury may be.

Arkansas is home to more than 76,000 bikers. Bikers here enjoy beautiful winding scenic rides during a large portion of the year. From the Arkansas Pig Trail to the Melbourne Run, there is no shortage of fun motorcycle rides in the “Natural State.” As a motorcyclist here in Arkansas, it is important to follow the rules of the road, as well as all applicable motorcycle laws. Motorcycle laws can prevent you from suffering serious injury and harm if you are involved in an accident. Understanding and following Arkansas’ motorcycle laws is an important part of staying safe out on the open road. Adhering to the rules and laws of the road can also go a long way when seeking compensation in a potential personal injury lawsuit. Motorcyclists face an uphill battle when collecting damages because they have to overcome many unfair biases. Insurance companies may try to pin some of the blame on the rider or the other drivers may claim the motorcyclist was riding recklessly. Following the rules and laws of the state can help ensure that you are able to get the money you need to move forward in life after a serious motorcycle accident.

Common Auto, Truck and Motorcycle Accident Injuries Approximately six million people in the United States break a bone each year. These fractures range from minor breaks to more serious compound fractures. Any trauma can cause a bone to break; car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are some of the most common causes. Unfortunately, after a car or truck accident, injured accident victims do not always take fractures seriously. They may believe that their injuries are not that severe and that they will make a full recovery after the initial treatment is done. This is far from true. Many car accident victims lose range of motion or suffer from chronic stiffness and pain long after the injury has healed. While minor fractures may not pose any long-term danger, more serious fractures can result in significant complications, impairments, and a lifetime of chronic pain and suffering. This is why accident victims need an experienced Arkansas law firm and skilled car accident lawyer in their corner. Your personal injury attorney will be able to help you obtain the money you need to recover after a significant fracture.

Common Injuries from Car, Motorcycle, Truck and Equipment Accidents Every year, more than 1.1 million people in the United States seek medical attention because of a burn injury. Many result from car, truck, motorcycle, and equipment accidents. Some of these burns are serious enough to cause significant disfigurement, impairment, and even death. In 2016, more than 40,000 patients who suffered a burn injury needed to be hospitalized due to their injury. Even worse, 75 percent resulted in patients seeking treatment at a burn center. Burn injuries are some of the most painful and life-changing injuries an accident victim can suffer. Injury victims may need years of extensive rehabilitation and plastic surgeries. Sadly, even with extensive treatment, many burn injury victims will not recover fully from their injuries. This can result in a lifetime of pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Due to the traumatic nature of these injuries, burn injury victims need a trusted Arkansas personal injury lawyer in their corner from the very start. Your burn injury lawyer will need to fight aggressively for your future and your right to full and complete compensation.

You probably pass guardrails every day and never give them a second thought. However, guardrails are an important safety feature on the highway. Their primary purpose is to provide a layer of protection for motorists who have drifted off of the road. When a stretch of road has a steep embankment or a drop-off, a guardrail can be the only thing protecting drivers and passengers. They’re also great at keeping motorists from running into trees, or other structures, such as bridge piers or retaining walls. Unfortunately, while guardrails are intended to protect car occupants from serious injury, they can actually become the cause of it. In fact, guardrails are often ranked as the highest source of injury and fatality collisions in fixed-object crashes. The reason for many of these injuries and fatalities is the type of treatment used at the end of the guardrail facing oncoming traffic. Some end terminals have energy absorbing properties, however, some do not.

According to the CDC, more than a third of all adults do not get the recommended sleep they need to function properly. The results can be catastrophic when adults don’t get the recommended hours of sleep. Drowsy driving is one of the main causes of car accidents across the United States, accounting for at least 20% of all fatal crashes every single year. Even missing an hour of sleep can double your risk of getting into a crash. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, missing two or three hours of sleep increases the risk of crashing by 400%. When a drowsy driver injures you or someone you love, you need a law firm on your side with experience handling these cases. You need Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. Our Arkansas drowsy driving accident attorneys have decades of experience building - and winning - cases against drowsy drivers. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.

You're driving along the beautiful roads of Arkansas, having a fantastic vacation. Then, out of the blue, something unexpected happens—a car accident. Suddenly, all the fun and joy vanish, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Dealing with a rental car accident can be tough and confusing. Immediately after the accident, you’ll need to check that you and your passengers are safe, then document the scene and prepare to report the accident. If navigating the aftermath of a rental car accident in Arkansas sounds overwhelming, don’t worry — our Rainwater, Holt & Sexton team is here to help. We’ll walk you through the steps you should take before and after a rental car accident. Plus, we’ll help you preserve your right to compensation after an accident so that you can fully recover emotionally and financially. We have experience handling rental car accident cases across the state and strive to make it easy on you so you can focus on your recovery. We’re here to face this challenge alongside you.

Auto, Truck, Equipment, and Workers' Comp Accidents in Little Rock and Beyond The forces of an accident can be severe and can damage the delicate muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. The same can occur with trauma from a slip and fall, equipment accident, nursing home abuse, or assault. Due to the nature of these injuries, the full extent of damage is not always fully apparent right after a crash or other accident. However, in the hours and days following the accident, victims may begin to experience pain, stiffness, and numbness in their neck and extremities. Whether you feel all the effects of whiplash right away or start to experience them later, it is important to seek medical help immediately and then speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

If you are involved in an accident caused by a speeding driver in Arkansas, it can be difficult to get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and other damages. Insurance companies will often try to blame the victim for their own injuries, even if they are not at fault. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States and Arkansas. Unfortunately, excessive speeding can be a significant factor in many of these accidents. Studies have found that speeding is involved in about 30% of all fatal crashes. Sadly, many accidents would not occur if drivers followed the speed limit. If you were speeding at the time of an accident, it may complicate your ability to collect the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies will look to pin more blame on you if you were speeding, even if you did not cause the accident. That's where an experienced Arkansas car accident attorney comes in. A knowledgeable lawyer at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton can help you navigate the legal process after a car accident, fight for the compensation you deserve, and help you understand your rights and options to make the best decision for your future. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's speeding, don't wait to get help. Call us at [rainwater_tel] to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

Common Causes of Auto and Truck Accidents From the Ozark Mountains to the delta Arkansas is full of natural beauty. That’s why it is known as the “natural state.” However, this natural beauty comes with a price, and Arkansas drivers know all too well the perils of driving on rural roads in the state. After all, Arkansas is home to numerous wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, wild hogs, skunks, possums, and even black bears. Many of Arkansas’s most traveled roads cut through some of their natural habitats. As a result, drivers have an increased chance of encountering a variety of wildlife on the roads. In addition to wildlife, there are also numerous livestock farms and ranches across the state, further increasing your chance of getting into a collision with an animal. Hitting an animal on the road can cause severe damage to your vehicle and can even cause you to crash into another vehicle. If you’ve been injured in an animal collision in Arkansas, you may believe that there is nothing you can do. However, this may not be the case. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our animal collision lawyers know how to handle these complex and unique cases. Call us at [rainwater_tel] to learn how we can help you during this difficult time.

Imagine you have a loved one in a nursing home and start noticing signs of neglect and abuse. Maybe they have unexplained bruises, bedsores, or changes in behavior. Perhaps you have noticed staff members being rude or dismissive, or your loved one seems afraid to speak up. What can you do to protect them, and where can you turn for help? The elderly are one of our most vulnerable populations, and they deserve to spend their golden years being treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, sometimes the very people we trust to care for them are the ones that hurt them the most. Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect. It violates a vulnerable person's basic human rights and can have devastating consequences. If you believe your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, take immediate action to protect them by calling our law firm. The nursing home abuse lawyers at Rainwater, Holt, & Sexton can help you protect your loved one from suffering future abuse while getting them the justice they deserve.

Filing a Hail, Tornado, or Storm Damage Claim You’ve just gone through a severe natural disaster in Arkansas and seen your home ruined by a tornado. Yet, you’ve faithfully paid your insurance premiums for years, believing that your insurance company would be your safety net during times of crisis. But when you submitted your claim for the extensive damage incurred, the insurance company rejected your claim.  How can they do that? Most insurance companies step up and do the right thing when you’ve been through as disaster, but unfortunately, this story is not unique. Numerous policyholders face the harsh reality of insurance companies who refuse to handle storm damage claims promptly or ethically. When homeowners need them most, these insurers turn their backs and make the road even more difficult for families. Denied claims, lengthy delays, and inadequate compensation have become hauntingly familiar, leaving Arkansas homeowners stranded and their dreams shattered. Storms, hail, tornadoes, and severe weather events can wreak havoc on our homes and properties. Insurance policies are designed to provide financial protection in these situations. When insurance companies deny, delay, or underpay your storm damage claims, where can you turn for help? At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our storm damage attorneys are here to help you rebuild your life after a tornado, hail, or severe weather event. We know that some insurance companies don’t play fair. When they do, we fight back and stand up for homeowners throughout Arkansas and Tennessee. Contact us at [rainwater_tel] to learn how we can help you.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are devastating and can lead to long-term health problems and disability. In the blink of an eye, your whole world can get turned upside down when you suffer a brain injury. While some people will recover from their brain injury, others may face a lifetime of physical and mental impairment. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, it is essential to consult with an experienced Arkansas brain injury attorney. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our lawyers know how to fight insurance companies aggressively at every turn. We work with medical teams to identify how your specific brain injury will affect your life and future, and we use this to build a case for you and your loved ones. After all, we know that living life with a brain injury isn’t easy. It takes considerable resources to pay for medical bills, rehabilitation, and home care. That’s why we don’t back down when we negotiate with insurers on behalf of our clients. Our Arkansas brain injury lawyers will work to protect your future every step of the way.

The National Center on Elder Abuse recognizes seven different types of elder abuse. You can recognize when your loved one might suffer from abuse if you understand these differences. Many families are shocked and saddened to discover that their loved one is a victim of elder abuse. Elder abuse can take many forms, from physical violence to financial exploitation, and it can have a devastating effect on the victim. Families may feel angry, helpless, and overwhelmed when they learn of the abuse. It is important to remember that you are not alone and there are ways to get help. Elder abuse is a serious problem. By being aware of the signs of abuse and taking action to stop it, you can help keep your loved one safe. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Arkansas elder abuse lawyers fight tirelessly for victims of elder abuse and their families. We know how difficult elder abuse is to prove. That’s why we work quickly to gather the evidence needed to win your case.

Stage 4 bedsores are the most severe bedsores, leading to life-threatening infections in nursing home patients. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, over 60,000 deaths occur annually due to stage 4 bedsores. Unfortunately, these bedsores are often a sign of neglect and abuse in nursing homes. Elderly patients can develop these sores when caregivers do not reposition them often enough - a clear sign of neglect. Even worse, up to 40% of stage 4 bedsores never get reported to Medicare, even though the law requires it. If someone you love develops a stage 4 bedsore while in a nursing home or skilled care facility, you may have cause to file a claim. A nursing home abuse attorney will meet with you and help you and your family explore all your legal options. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers are here to answer your questions and help your family seek justice.

Serving all of Arkansas with offices in Little Rock, Springdale, Hot Springs, Conway, Bryant, and Jacksonville. About two million seniors over the age of 65 have been victims of nursing home abuse or neglect in the United States. This abuse can come in many forms, and its effects can be devastating. Even worse, most cases of nursing home abuse are never reported. Only 1 in 14 incidents are ever discovered, meaning that nursing home abuse is more common across the country than we think.

When you suffer an injury in an accident, it can seem like your whole world is crashing down around you. Life as you know it may never be the same, and you need someone on your side to help you navigate this new path. As you focus on your recovery and on rebuilding your life,... Read more »

When you suffer an injury in an accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to obtain the compensation you need. With the right personal injury lawyer on your team, you can typically get significantly more money for your accident and injuries. Your lawyer will work to negotiate the best possible... Read more »

The Impact of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes Between 2013-2017, Arkansas’s nursing home population reached nearly 3 million residents in total. During that time, there were 216 “significant” medication errors in nursing homes throughout Arkansas. These medication errors caused tremendous harm, pain, and suffering. In some cases, they even resulted in death. That is because elderly patients are vulnerable and at high risk for suffering severe injuries when given an improper dose of medication or the wrong medication. Sadly, Arkansas elderly residents are at a higher risk for suffering a medication error in nursing homes than other nearby states. Texas, for example, reported only 128 more serious medication errors in nursing homes during the same time period. This means that Arkansas has 19 times more reported “significant” medication errors, per capita, than does Texas. In fact, the average percentage of facilities cited annually in Arkansas is significantly higher than all the other states in the region, with 20.4 percent of facilities in Arkansas being cited for medication errors compared to 5.5 percent in Texas, 2.8 percent in Louisiana, and 5.4 percent in Oklahoma. When understaffed, overworked, or negligent caregivers make medication errors in nursing homes, they can cause grave harm to their patients. If your loved one suffered an injury because of a medication error, you have a right to justice. Nursing homes can – and should – be held accountable for the mistakes they make. An experienced Arkansas nursing home lawyer can help hold them accountable and get your loved ones the compensation they deserve. Contact Us for Free Case Evaluation

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse If you have an elderly or disabled loved one in a skilled nursing facility, the thought of that person falling victim to nursing home abuse is horrifying. Unfortunately, this kind of abuse does occur. The Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton Injury Lawyers are familiar with the laws... Read more »

 Arkansas Nursing Home Abuse Injury Lawyers Residents’ Rights Right to Dignity, Respect, and Freedom As the resident of a nursing home, one has the right to be treated with consideration, respect, dignity, and to be free from abuse and neglect. Right to Be Fully Informed Residents should be fully informed of service charges, facility rules, and regulations,... Read more »