Posts by Charles M. Merkel, III
Parts of the Spine Most Vulnerable to Injury
The spine is one of the most important structures in the body. It supports the trunk, provides movement, and protects the spinal cord. When the spine is injured, the consequences can be catastrophic and long-lasting. Spinal injuries can be caused by accidents on the road, at work, or even while playing sports. The most common…
Read MoreInjured in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Here Are Your Legal Options
Being injured in a car accident is bad enough without dealing with the hit-and-run aspect. Yet, it happens often. In 2022, 859,421 estimated hit-and-run accidents were reported in the US. These cases can be more complicated because identifying the responsible driver may affect insurance coverage and liability. So, what are the options for victims injured…
Read MoreHow Long Does It Usually Take to Get Workers’ Compensation?
In Mississippi, injured employees are encouraged to notify employers within 30 days of the injury. The more prompt the notification, the faster the claims process can be completed. Once the claim has been submitted to the insurance company, the timeline should move quickly. There are times when this doesn’t happen. Delays or investigations may cause…
Read MoreWhy Are There So Many Shredded Truck Tires on the Highway?
Many of today’s trucks rely on tires made of rubber and metal mesh. And, to keep these tires sturdy and dependable, they often rely on several layers of this material. To reduce their expenses, some trucking companies add new layers to their tires. They do this by removing the worn-out layer and adding a new…
Read MoreVacation During Workers’ Comp Leave: Your Mississippi Rights Explained
You’re home recovering from a workplace injury. Workers’ comp is covering your medical bills and partial wages. But your family’s beach vacation is coming up—the one you booked months ago. Can you go? Will it affect your benefits? Should you cancel and lose your deposits? At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we’ve guided injured Mississippi workers…
Read MoreRobert A. Carson III Named to Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40”
The team at Merkel & Cocke is thrilled to announce that Robert A. Carson III has been named to the Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40.” The publication honored 40 leaders across the state who are under 40 years old at a luncheon in Jackson on June 25. Mississippi Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann provided…
Read MoreCan Tesla’s Self-Driving System Cause Accidents?
You’re driving, or maybe you’re not. The car is driving for you, guided by a web of sensors, algorithms, and software that promises to make roads safer and commutes easier. That’s the idea, anyway. But what happens when your self-driving Tesla doesn’t see a stop sign, swerves unexpectedly, or crashes? The truth is, “self-driving” isn’t…
Read MoreThe Role of Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Cases
Expert witnesses are crucial in medical malpractice cases, offering specialized knowledge and insight that can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Their testimony helps clarify complex medical issues, establish facts, and provide an unbiased opinion, making it easier for the judge and jury to understand the nuances of the case. What is an expert…
Read MoreLong-Term Complications of Severe Burn Injuries
Severe burn injuries usually go through all three layers of the skin and cause long-term complications. While some individuals undergo surgery, take medications, or obtain skin grafts to help them cope, adapt, or overcome their burn injuries, others may continue to experience complications that impact their daily routine and lives going forward. It is crucial…
Read MoreFiling a Claim Against a Radiologist for Radiology Negligence
One of the critical departments in any hospital or doctor’s office is the radiology department, where radiologists perform essential medical imaging and diagnostic tests as requested by physicians. However, even a minor error by a radiologist or negligence during a radiological procedure can lead to severe consequences. What types of medical imaging or diagnostic tests…
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