Adamson Law, PLLCAdamson Law, PLLC2026-08-12T20:41:50Zhttps://www.adamsonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504250/2022/11/cropped-siteIcon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[How long does a business have to fix a hazard in Kentucky?]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2565122026-05-07T13:02:10Z2026-05-07T13:02:10ZAfter an injury occurs on commercial property in Louisville, one of the most important questions that must be answered from a legal standpoint is how long the property hazard that inspired the injury at issue existed before the incident.
Kentucky premises liability law does not impose a strict, universal time limit for fixing a hazard. Instead, liability often turns on whether a business had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition and whether it acted within a reasonable time to address it.
Actual vs. constructive notice
Actual notice means that a business knew about a hazard before a particular injury occurred. This could happen if an employee saw a spill, received a customer complaint or created the hazard themselves. Once a business has actual knowledge, it is expected to take prompt steps to fix the issue or warn customers. Failing to act after becoming aware of a danger can strongly support a claim of negligence on the part of an injury victim.Constructive notice is more nuanced. It applies when a business should have known about the hazard at issue, even if no one can prove direct awareness. The law asks whether the condition existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have discovered it. This is where timing can turn the outcome of a case. A freshly spilled drink may not create liability if it occurred moments before a fall. But a hazard that remained for an extended period without attention may indicate a failure to maintain safe premises.“Reasonable” does not mean perfect or immediate in every situation. Courts look at the type of business, the nature of the hazard and how foreseeable the risk was. A busy grocery store, for example, may be expected to conduct frequent inspections of high-traffic areas where spills are common. A less-trafficked area may require a different standard. The key question is whether the business acted as a reasonably careful operator would under similar circumstances.Because there is no fixed deadline for fixing a hazard in Kentucky, premises liability cases depend heavily on facts and context. Establishing actual or constructive notice is often the turning point in determining liability. A skilled legal team can build a case that demonstrates whether a business had a fair opportunity to correct a dangerous condition before its client was hurt. ]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[What is the issue with driving while tired?]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564822025-09-22T00:30:42Z2025-09-22T00:30:42ZMost drivers have felt tired while driving on some occasions. Some drivers feel tired even before they get into their cars, like a night shift worker might do when they finally get to go home. Others feel fine at first, but tiredness creeps in as the minutes or hours of the journey tick by.
Feeling a little sleepy at the wheel is such an everyday occurrence that most people do not give much thought to just how dangerous it can be. Statistics show fatigue plays a role in about one in five crashes - so it is clearly something everyone should take more seriously.
How does it increase risk?
To understand why driver fatigue is such a danger, think back to the last time you talked to someone who was obviously very tired. Let’s say it was your spouse who was nodding off on the couch while watching television. Or perhaps it was your child, as you tried to get them ready in time to catch the school bus.The conversation was probably not that great. They might have punctuated it with lots of “What’s?” as they struggled to make sense of what you were saying, or where they were. Maybe your spouse failed to notice you leaving the room or taking the remote out of their hand. Maybe your sleepy child put their top on back to front or spilled their bowl of cereal all over the table. Would you feel happy if someone in such a state of confusion were behind the wheel of the car you are in? Of course not. You’d probably be terrified. However much a driver thinks they are fine to drive, if fatigue overtakes them, they could drift into a confused state, where they do not notice what is happening on the road, are slower to react and more likely to make an error that leaves others injured. If you've fallen victim to a fatigued driver and find yourself in need of compensation, it may be time to seek legal guidance.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[3 common causes of intersection crashes]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564792025-09-10T12:42:47Z2025-09-10T12:42:47Z1. Communication failures
Proper communication with other motorists is critical for safety when approaching an intersection or proceeding through one. Manufacturers have to install communication systems that allow drivers to indicate their intentions to others. Drivers have a legal obligation to signal the intent to turn or merge. Turn signals and brake lights play a critical role in helping others gauge what is likely to happen in an intersection. The failure to use turn signals or to maintain a vehicle when light bulbs burn out could directly contribute to a preventable intersection collision.
2. Inadequate surveillance
Many collisions occur because drivers don't pay attention to their surroundings. For example, many motorists think of a red light as an ideal place to check for text messages or send a notice of their upcoming arrival to another person. Drivers looking down at their phones or talking to other people in their vehicles might not notice the brake lights or turn signal of another vehicle. They may fail to notice vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians approaching the intersection. People trying to proceed through an intersection without monitoring traffic sufficiently can collide with other vehicles.
3. Failing to yield
Depending on when drivers reach the intersection and the type of signage or signals used, one driver may need to yield to another. Unfortunately, many people resent the obligation to wait for others in traffic. They may pull out into the intersection when another vehicle technically has the right of way. In some cases, they may not even come to a complete stop but may instead roll through a stop sign or a red light, leaving everyone at risk of a preventable wreck.
When another driver makes a mistake that causes a crash, those involved may have the right to seek compensation. Recognizing problematic behaviors can be the first step toward seeking justice after a motor vehicle collision.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[Understanding common driving distractions]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564772025-08-28T01:49:04Z2025-08-28T01:49:04ZDriving distractions lead to serious car accidents every day. Perhaps the most well-known distraction is simply texting and driving. This grew in prominence due to the development of the smartphone and texting culture in general, and lawmakers have now taken steps to prohibit using handheld devices in the car.
However, it is important to know that it is not just texting that can lead to distraction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stress that a driving distraction is “anything that takes your attention away from driving.” Texting and driving certainly fits, but so do many other common activities.
Eating and drinking
For instance, some people will get coffee on their morning commute into the office, or they will get food during their commute home at the end of the day. But eating and drinking behind the wheel is distracting, forcing the driver to pick up various items and take their hands off of the steering wheel.
Talking to children or passengers
Having other people in the car can be a significant driving distraction. A driver may be tempted to turn their head to talk to a passenger, or a parent may be pestered by a child who wants toys, snacks and drinks for the trip.
Using the infotainment system
Finally, many modern vehicles have large touchscreens that are used to run various systems, such as a GPS, the car stereo and much more. Any time that people spend using this technology is time that they are looking away from the road and focusing on a task other than driving the vehicle.This helps to show how driving distractions are a lot more common than many people realize. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[Does homeowner’s insurance cover dog bite injuries?]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564762025-08-21T03:02:09Z2025-08-21T03:02:09ZOwners are typically liable for dog bite incidents
State statutes impose strict liability on dog owners. In other words, unless the person attacked by the dog provoked the animal or violated the law when the incident occurred, the animal’s owner is legally and financially responsible for the harm the dog caused. Homeowner’s insurance typically covers dog bite incidents.
The injured party can seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage caused by the incident and even lost wages if they cannot work while they are healing. In some cases, however, the insurance company may not readily agree to a reasonable settlement. It is sometimes necessary for the victim to file a lawsuit to obtain appropriate compensation after a dog bite incident.
Documenting expenses and evidence of the attack can help people seek justice when a household pet becomes aggressive. Their records can help when negotiating with insurance providers or presenting the incident in civil court.
Premises liability lawsuits can potentially reimburse people for the expenses caused by a dog bite incident. Getting legal guidance can help those injured learn more and help them pursue compensation for medical costs and other expenses and damages.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[Did a doctor fail to diagnose a serious medical condition?]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564722025-08-12T01:41:44Z2025-08-12T01:41:44ZWhy do diagnostic errors occur?
There are many reasons that physicians may struggle to properly diagnose their patients. Pressure on a physician's daily schedule is often the underlying cause of diagnostic failures. Many doctors have to see dozens of patients each shift.
They do not have adequate time to interact with the patients, let alone to do a deep dive into their medical records. Physicians who rush through the diagnostic process may overlook key details that could have guided them to a more accurate conclusion.
Other times, personal bias can impact the diagnostic process. Physicians may let implicit bias or prior experience with other patients influence how they treat certain people. They may dismiss self-reported symptoms or downplay a patient's concerns.
When is a diagnostic failure malpractice?
Sometimes, circumstances do not allow for a physician to accurately diagnose a patient. However, many diagnostic errors are preventable if doctors follow best practices.
In scenarios where other physicians with access to the same information can reach an accurate diagnosis, the failure to diagnose a patient could constitute malpractice. Typically, the patient also has to have experienced consequences for litigation to be an option.
A successful medical malpractice lawsuit can compensate patients for the increased medical costs generated by a delay in diagnosis. They may also be able to seek reimbursement for lost wages.
Reviewing medical records can be the first step in the often complex process of pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit. Patients who did not receive an accurate diagnosis can sometimes hold doctors accountable for their professional failures.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[Still a deadly time of year for teen driving]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564712025-08-08T17:53:30Z2025-08-08T17:53:30ZMany school districts have started back, or soon will. But motorists should know that the 100 deadliest days of summer last through Labor Day next month
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “100 deadliest days,” it refers to the months that begin with Memorial Day weekend in May and end in September on Labor Day.
Why it’s so dangerous
The number of teen drivers on the roads for their first summer behind the wheel is a major contributor. But there are other factors, like the number of individuals and families that vacation during those months. There’s a reason high-season rates don’t drop until after Labor Day.
Other late summer hazards
Once the school year starts, one might think that kids will drive around less. But that’s hardly likely, with football games and bonfires heralding the new school year. Late summer, when schools resume, often catches drivers unaware of school zones that were unenforced for the past three months.
If a child gets injured in an accident
Regardless of the age of the at-fault driver, if your child gets hurt in a car accident, they deserve civil justice. Parents must be the advocates for their minor children in such situations.Prioritize getting them medically evaluated and treated so they have the best chance of fully healing. Learning more about how the personal injury laws of Kentucky work can help you decide how to move forward. Sometimes, there can be multiple defendants — some of which may have deeper pockets that can increase the eventual settlement or judgment.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[How can nursing homes prevent resident falls?]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564702025-07-24T23:49:55Z2025-07-24T23:49:55Zare at risk of falling and sustaining major injuries. Nursing homes should take appropriate steps to protect residents by limiting their chances of a major fall.
What actions limit fall risk?
Conducting a fall assessment when an older adult enters the facility can help identify their support needs. Nursing homes may have to help older adults acquire mobility devices, such as walkers and canes. They may need to arrange for rehabilitative support to help older adults learn to use those devices safely.
They generally also need to have enough workers on hand to tend to resident needs in a timely fashion. If people have to wait an hour to go to the bathroom, they may try to make the trip on their own. They may then fall and sustain injuries as a result.
If workers don't document changes in people's mobility to provide them with better support, older adults could end up injured. If nursing homes don’t keep enough workers on hand, that can also contribute to the risk of preventable falls.
Family members dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s fall may need help taking appropriate legal action. A nursing home negligence lawsuit can help cover medical expenses and other losses associated with an older adult’s stay in a nursing home that results in harm due to negligence or outright abuse.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[Kentucky teen driver’s permit: A guide for first-time applicants]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564692025-07-23T20:56:03Z2025-07-23T20:55:32ZA new driver's permit bill took effect in Kentucky on March 11, 2025. Under this law, 15-year-olds can start applying for a driver's permit, down one year from the previous age requirement of 16.
Whether you are a parent with a young teenager or someone who is trying to apply for your first driver’s license, understanding the steps and restrictions involved can help you manage your expectations. To get started, here are 3 key insights that you need to know about.
What are the requirements for getting a learner’s permit?
To begin with the process, a new driver must schedule a vision test and a written knowledge test at a Kentucky State Police testing center. If they pass the vision test but fail the written test, they can return the next day to retake it. After passing the two tests, they can apply for a learner’s permit. Here is the list of requirements:
Social security card
Original birth certificate
One proof of residency (confirmed by a parent or legal guardian)
Valid application form (if applying as a minor, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian)
Are there driving restrictions on a learner’s permit?
To ensure safety on the road, an adult age 21 or older with a driver’s license must accompany drivers using a learner’s permit. The other rules include:
Passenger restriction: Aside from the adult companion, they can only bring one non-relative passenger with them.
Driving curfew: The driver may not drive from midnight to 6:00 a.m. unless they are traveling to school, work or an emergency.
Driving under the influence: All drivers under 21 are subject to zero tolerance laws or the strict concept of “illegal to drink, illegal to drive.”
No cell phones allowed: The driver cannot drive while using a cell phone.
No moving traffic violation: If the driver gets a traffic ticket, they will have to restart the 180-day waiting period.
After holding a clean record for 180 days and turning at least 16 years old, drivers can book their next driving test and apply for the intermediate license.
How can drivers get an intermediate license?
To get an intermediate license, drivers must pass a road exam. A Kentucky State Police exam will supervise the driving test. If they pass, the examiner will attach an "Intermediate License" sticker on their existing learner’s permit. After driving with an intermediate license for 180 days and turning at least 17 years old, they must attend a “Driver Education Course”. There are three ways to take the course:
The classroom version: This version is free to Kentucky drivers.
The online version: This version is only available through Kentucky’s RightLane website and costs $12.00.
Through a high school: You can attend the driver education course offered at a Kentucky high school.
Once the teen has completed these steps, they will be eligible to apply for a full license.
Progression takes patience and determination
Underaged driving laws exist to help young drivers gain experience while honing their driving skills under safe conditions that limit the risk of a car accident. By acquiring knowledge of the best practices and getting familiar with the state’s driving laws, they can drive more confidently on the road.]]>On Behalf of Adamson Law, PLLC<![CDATA[How to properly respond to a slip-and-fall incident]]>https://www.adamsonlaw.com/?p=2564682025-06-29T15:59:49Z2025-06-29T15:59:49ZDocument the incident
To hold a property owner or business accountable for a recent slip-and-fall incident, there must be proof that an injury occurred and that the business was responsible. Slip-and-fall incidents may occur due to negligent facility maintenance.
Damaged floors, messy spaces or even a lack of rugs at critical locations could constitute negligence, as these factors are readily associated with poor slip-and-fall outcomes. People can use their mobile phones to take pictures of unsafe property conditions that caused the incident.
They can also file reports with managers or owners. Ensuring that there is documentation can help validate the claim that the fall occurred later.
Pursue a medical evaluation
Slip-and-falls can cause more serious injuries than people might expect. Slip-and-falls can lead to broken bones or soft tissue injuries. If people hit their heads when they fall, they might be at risk of developing a traumatic brain injury. They need to see a doctor to diagnose their injuries and treat them before they worsen.
In many cases, those with medical expenses, damaged property and possibly lost wages after slip-and-falls may also need to talk to an attorney. Having professional advocacy and guidance can help people pursue premises liability lawsuits after slip-and-fall incidents.]]>