The Consequences of Failing to Secure Wheelchair Users in Transit in Buffalo, New York, Ambulettes

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Battle-Tested Litigators Strive to Provide the Finest Personal Injury Representation to Our Clients. Please Contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. if You are Serious About Obtaining the Maximum Compensation for Injuries Resulting from an Ambulette Attendant Failing to Fasten Your Wheelchair in Buffalo, New York.

People that contend with disabilities, old age, incapacitating injuries, and other mobility issues are often forced to rely on wheelchairs. Currently, there are an estimated 3.3 million wheelchair users throughout the country. That number is expected to continue rising every year as aging baby boomers face more disabilities. Along with the increase in wheelchair users comes the need for specially equipped vans to transport them. Consequently, countless ambulette service providers and wheelchair transport companies have sprung up throughout Buffalo, New York. Many of these companies, like Buffalo Transportation, Inc., work with various nursing homes, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and residential communities throughout Western New York to provide professional medical transportation.

One of the most important determinants of the quality of life for wheelchair users is having the freedom to go where they choose. While there are a variety of ways for those with disabilities to get around, wheelchair passengers may still face various barriers in the transit network. Additionally, many wheelchair users do not want to have to rely on family or friends for their daily needs. That is why ambulette companies have rapidly increased in popularity in recent years. These wheelchair transport services are geared towards getting passengers back and forth from their destinations safely. Regrettably, ambulette drivers do not always perform their duties using reasonable care. When transport employees haphazardly strap passengers inside vehicles, wheelchair users are extremely susceptible to suffering overwhelming injuries.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s highly qualified team of attorneys is passionately devoted to meeting and exceeding each client’s expectations. Our seasoned lawyers have the expertise and knowledge necessary to make certain that ambulette companies and their employees are held responsible for their negligence. Our ultimate ambition is to get the highest possible compensation so that you and your family do not have to worry about being able to afford the necessary treatment. You may be entitled to compensation for all present and future hospital bills, physical therapy, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, lost earnings from missed work, loss of enjoyment, and much more. Allow our decades of practice fighting against negligent wheelchair transportation providers, ambulette services, and non-emergency medical transportation companies to help you in achieving justice. Negligent parties and their insurance companies have compensated Jed Dietrich, Esq.’s clients at least $1,000,000.00 or more 44 times for their injuries. Our caring attorneys are here to guide you through the entire personal injury process. Please call our veteran team now at (716) 839-3939 to find out more about how you can benefit from our legal services. Do not worry if you are unable to visit our local office; our leading lawyers would be happy to come to you.

When ambulette drivers negligently or carelessly transport wheelchair passengers, avoidable mishaps are likely to occur. While numerous issues can significantly increase the risk of wheelchair users suffering injuries, attendants failing to properly secure passengers inside of ambulettes is one of the biggest safety concerns. In many cases, physically impaired individuals in need of wheelchair transport services are dealing with various health-related issues. Unfortunately, if an accident causes a wheelchair to tip or flip over, the passenger could be extremely vulnerable to getting hurt. Some common devastating harm that unsecured wheelchair accidents cause to victims include:

1. Maxillofacial injuries, such as damage to the orbital sockets and jawbone fractures;
2. Lacerations and contusions;
3. Dislocated joints and torn ligaments;
4. Broken bones that lead to diminished bone strength;
5. Internal bleeding and damage to vital organs;
6. Crushed limbs and amputations;
7. Herniated or ruptured discs;
8. Blunt-force head trauma, severe concussions, and traumatic brain injury;
9. Subdural hematomas or brain bleeds; and
10. Wrongful death.

Given the vulnerable states of many ambulette passengers, even minor no-strap wheelchair accidents can have overwhelming impacts on victims. More severe injuries often require major operations and extensive physical therapy to overcome. Not to mention, victims who are incapacitated for extended periods may endure significant deterioration in their health, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, blood clots, and loss of muscle tissue. Many of these issues can lead to decreased quality of life and shortened life-spans.

According to Section 505.10 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations, an ambulette is a special-purpose vehicle fully equipped to provide non-emergency transportation that can carry wheelchairs, stretchers, or disabled individuals. These services are primarily designed to transport those with disabilities to or from facilities that provide medical care. Regardless of where an ambulette is taking its passengers, the fundamental objective should be helping wheelchair users to reach their destinations safely. For the protection of passengers, transport services have a responsibility to properly train their attendants. Ambulette drivers should be proficient in wheeling passengers to vehicles, using wheelchair lifts, properly strapping chairs to the floor, and buckling passengers safely into their wheelchairs. Before starting the vehicle, attendants should confirm that every passenger is adequately secured. While restraining both wheelchairs and passengers in place will help prevent a majority of accidents, drivers must still preclude from taking abrupt turns, speeding, or slamming on the brakes. Finally, it is essential for attendants vigilantly inspect all restraint systems to make certain they can protect passengers at the beginning of each shift.

Over 65 percent of all wheelchair injuries treated in emergency rooms are caused by individuals being ejected from their chairs or tipping. Please assist Jed Dietrich, Esq., in ensuring that this kind of carelessness never traumatizes another victim again! No one understands the dire harm that your injuries could have on your life better than we do. For this reason, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s top rated attorneys vow to fight to obtain the maximum compensation for all of your losses. We will develop the most effective legal strategies to ensure that we surpass your expectations. Contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his leading lawyers now at (716) 839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form. We are available 24/7. Do not wait a moment longer to schedule your confidential, free case evaluation and consultation with our battle-tested team! Kindly read our client reviews and see for yourself why our former clients say that Jed Dietrich, Esq. is the finest personal injury lawyer.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!