2012 February Archive

A new study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute suggests that laws banning handheld cell phone use or texting while driving may not considerably decrease the risk of traffic accidents, according to Cnet.com. Experts instead suggest dealing with the problem of distracted drivers in general. The research for the study was collected in New York, California, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and other neighboring states that do not have cell-phone related bans for comparison. The study concluded that auto accident rates did not change after the bans were put in effect, which was the same for nearby states without bans as well.

Essentially, the study determined that distraction, and not cell phones specifically, are the cause of accidents. Examples of distracted behaviors include: changing the radio station, having a conversation with another passenger, eating, or programming a GPS. Any of these distractions can increase a driver’s chance of being involved in a serious crash. A spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) echoes a similar sentiment stating that even though more than 89% of Americans have cell phones and usage has exploded over the last few years, “there has been no uptick nationally in the number of car accidents.”

The IIHS spokesman says targeting specific technologies is not the answer to combating the problem of distracted driving, and feels there are more effective ways to prevent dangerous traffic accidents rather than simply passing laws banning cell phone use behind the wheel.

This study shows that laws regarding cell-phone use may not be significantly effective in preventing distracted driving and traffic accidents, so it is ultimately up to Maryland drivers to avoid distraction when driving to lessen the risk of being in a motor vehicle crash. However, a negligent driver may still pose a danger to innocent motorists. If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident, the Annapolis distracted driving accident lawyers with Alpert Schreyer will work to obtain the compensation you need to recover from any at-fault parties. Please call (866) 444-6363 to discuss your case with one of our legal professionals.

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a number of household product recalls for the month of February. Each recalled product poses different personal injury risks to users, so all Maryland consumers should immediately stop use of these particular products and contact the manufacturer for either replacement parts, repairs, or refunds.

1. Improvements Catalog Adjustable Ottoman Bed: This product from an Ohio-based company poses a fall hazard to consumers when the ottoman is converted to a bed and weight is placed on it. The product was sold through Improvements and Sky Mall catalogs and websites from May 2011 to August 2011 for between $150 and $190. Any Improvements store can be contacted so customers can receive a full refund. For questions regarding the recall, consumers can call (800) 985-6044 or visit www.improvementscatalog.com.
2. Bosch Fire Alarm Control Panel: Bosch Security Systems, Inc. has recalled their Fire Alarm Control Panel as it can fail to sound the alarm if a fire occurs either when the alarm verification feature is turned on or if the loop for the fire alarm system is broken on systems with 50 or more reporting stations. Distributors and installers have been sent technical bulletins for repair, but consumers can contact Bosch for more information at (800) 289-0096 or by visiting http://www.boschsecurity.us/en-us/.
3. BSH Tassimo Single-Cup Coffee Makers: Affecting 835,000 units in the U.S., BSH Home Appliances Corp. has issued a recall for Tassimo brewers with the Bosch brand name and Tassimo Professional brewers. The T-Disc that holds the coffee or tea poses a burn hazard to users as it can burst and spray hot liquid, coffee grounds, or tea onto anyone near the product. Users should immediately stop using the product and order a free replacement disc holder by calling (866) 918-8763 or going to www.tassimodirect.com/safetyrecall.

Manufacturers have the responsibility of producing safe, hazard-free products for consumer use; however, if products, especially household products which are used daily, are not thoroughly tested for safety, innocent consumers may pay the price with serious injuries. The Annapolis product liability lawyers with Alpert Schreyer are dedicated to helping Maryland consumers obtain compensation when injured by a defective product. To see how our legal team can assist you with your product liability claim, call (800) 489-1577.

According to Businessinsurance.com, a part-time bailiff for the Baltimore City District Court was denied workers’ compensation, or workers’ comp, for a car accident that occurred during working hours. The man arrived to work one day in June of 2006 only to realize he was wearing a Christmas tie, which did not comply with the court’s dress code; specifically, bailiffs are required to wear a light or dark blue tie. Later that morning, after also spilling coffee on his shirt and tie, the man had gone home to change his clothes. On the way back to the courthouse, a truck collided head-on with his vehicle. The crash caused the worker to be hospitalized for a month due to the serious work-related injuries he endured.

The MD worker applied for workers’ compensation benefits because he was required to change his clothing for work, and he was driving back to his place of employment at the time of the accident. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Committee initially granted the workers’ comp benefits to the injured worker, but the Circuit Court for Baltimore County later reversed the decision, largely because the man’s clothes-changing commute fell under Maryland’s “going and coming rule.” This rule excludes workers from receiving benefits if they are injured while leaving or returning to their workplace. In addition, the decision was also made because the bailiff did not receive permission from his supervisor to leave work.

This decision was unanimously upheld by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals on February 9.

Though a Maryland worker who is injured on the job may know they have a valid workers’ compensation claim, receiving benefits is not always simple as the complex rules surrounding workers’ comp may leave a worker with no benefits at all. The skilled Waldorf workers’ compensation lawyers with Alpert Schreyer are committed to helping injured workers receive the compensation they need to get back on their feet after a work-related injury. For a free consultation with a member of our legal team, call (800) 489-1577.

CBSLocal.com reports that the jury has now heard all of the evidence in a wrongful death case against a Frederick County Sherriff’s deputy and has determined that the defendant is not liable. The sheriff in this case was facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit following the death of a 20-year-old Maryland man who was Tasered by the Corporal and subsequently died.

The incident occurred in November of 2007 when people in the victim’s neighborhood believed they heard a fight and called 9-1-1. Though this report does not specify if the 20-year-old was involved in the fight, it does state that when police arrived, they ordered the 20-year-old to get down on the ground and shocked him. The young man fell to the ground after the first Taser shock, and after the man was unresponsive to the officer’s commands, he issued a second shock to the victim. He died in the middle of the street.

Eye witnesses and the family of the deceased feel the Corporal had no reason to fire the Taser as the young man was complying with the officer’s demands, both physically and verbally. The federal jury’s ruling said the officer used only enough force to protect himself, concluding that the officer’s use of the Taser was appropriate. The wrongful death lawsuit, which was filed by both the mother and father of the victim, was asking for a total of 145 million dollars for alleged “excessive use of force.” More than 10 MD residents have died in Taser-related incidents, including the young man in this case, which prompted the state attorney general’s office in 2009 to recommend more stringent training on the use of the devices.

The sudden death of a loved one is extremely devastating for family and friends, but when the death may have been caused by another’s negligence, the family of the deceased may be rightfully entitled to compensation. Though no monetary award can ease the pain of losing a loved one, it can help with the unexpected financial costs that may arise. The wrongful death attorneys in Maryland with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer are dedicated to helping families obtain compensation and hold any negligent parties responsible for the individual’s death legally accountable. Please call (800) 489-1577 for a complimentary review of your case.

A tragic intersection accident claimed the life of a Largo woman on the morning of February 9, according to the Bowie Patch. Police reports indicate the 28-year-old woman entered the intersection of Governor’s Bridge Road and Maryland Route 301 and her black Honda Accord collided with a flatbed tractor-trailer that was traveling northbound on the state route. The Largo woman was immediately taken to the Bowie Health Center for treatment, but was later pronounced dead. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is continuing the investigation and asking any witnesses of the accident to call the Maryland State Police at (301) 568-8101.

Despite improvements in features like road design, safety laws and regulations, intersection safety is still a serious problem. According to information from the U.S. Institute of Traffic Safety Engineers, the number of fatal crashes at traffic signals is rising faster than any other type of fatal crash in the nation. In 2002, an estimated 3.2 million intersection-related crashes occurred, which represented 50 percent of all reported crashes. Though intersection accidents are extremely dangerous, when a motor vehicle collides with a large truck, regardless of the location of the accident, the passengers in the car are often the ones to suffer serious or life-threatening auto accident injuries due to the immense size of the commercial vehicle.

Any Maryland resident who has been involved in a truck accident deserves compensation if the collision was caused by the truck driver’s negligence. The skilled Bowie truck accident attorneys with Alpert Schreyer are dedicated to helping truck accident victims get the compensation they need to recover from their injuries and get back on their feet. For a free consultation with our legal team, please call (866) 444-6363.

Slip and fall, or trip and fall, accidents are the second leading cause of accidents that lead to personal injury (motor vehicle accidents are first). This type of accident can permanently alter the life of the victim, causing serious injuries such as broken bones, fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries.

As most slip or trip and fall accidents are preventable, the best way to avoid a potentially serious accident is to be attentive to your surroundings and the surface you are walking on. However, slip and fall accidents are extremely common and are often not the fault of the pedestrian, so the following are some of the more typical factors in slip, or trip, and fall accidents so those on two feet can be aware of these potential dangers:

• Wet or slippery surfaces: These are a major cause of slips; highly polished floors, such as terrazzo or ceramic tile, can be very slippery, even when dry. Other areas have a high risk for causing accidents as well, including kitchens or food preparation areas.
• Insufficient lighting: Lighting that is insufficient or inadequate makes it difficult to see any obstacles or changes in the walking surface.
• Environmental Conditions: Slippery surfaces caused by winter ice and snow can be treacherous and can increase cold weather-related injuries.
• Stairways: Nearly half of all falls occur on stairs, so keeping stairs in good condition is essential to prevent a serious accident.
• Elevation Changes: Changes in the elevation of surfaces are a major cause of trip accidents, as even a small change can cause a trip. This can include curbs, cracks in the sidewalk, or ramps.

These causes of slip and fall accidents are frequently preventable as property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe, hazard-free premises at all times. If a property owner fails to do so, negligent parties can be held responsible for any accidents that may occur as a result. The skilled slip and fall accident lawyers in Waldorf with Alpert Schreyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries if injured in a slip and fall accident. Call (800) 489-1577 to speak with a member of our legal team about your claim.

On the job injuries are unfortunately very commonplace and happen to people in all different kinds of professions. According to the informational website Workers-comp-news.com, more than 4.1 million people in the United States suffer from a workplace-related injury or illness each year, and more than 2 million endure severe enough injuries that they are forced to miss work and need ongoing medical care. In order to increase awareness of occupation-related injuries among U.S. workers, the following is a list of four of the most common injuries-at-work so individuals can try to avoid them:

1. Lifting Injuries: Any worker is at risk for a lifting injury, but those who work in manufacturing and transportation jobs may be at the highest risk. Lifting injuries can cause severe back and muscle pain, and nearly a third of all workplace injuries are the result of lifting, which can cause musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Falls from Heights: Falls are one of the most common workplace injuries and a leading cause of work-related deaths, particularly among workers in mining, construction, and agricultural fields. Falls often result in painful sprains, strains, or tears, and can cause head injuries, knee injuries, fractures, and broken bones.
3. Automobile Accidents: Any person who uses a vehicle for work is at risk for a job-related auto accident, such as a pizza delivery person getting into an accident during delivery. Most may find it surprising that automobile accidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the U.S.
4. Heavy Equipment: Numerous jobs, such as in the construction or manufacturing fields, require employees to use heavy equipment, which can be very dangerous if not properly maintained or used.

Being aware of some of the more common on-the-job injuries that can happen to employees around the country can certainly may help you avoid a dangerous accident and painful injuries. However, if an employer fails to maintain a safe working environment for employees or properly educate workers on how to stay safe, he or she can be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result. The Annapolis work injury attorneys of Alpert Schreyer can help injured workers in MD obtain compensation for their injuries to help recover from an on-the-job accidents. Please call (800) 489-1577 for a complimentary consultation.

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a type of injury that occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.5 million people suffer from a traumatic brain injury each year in the U.S., with 50,000 people dying and 85,000 suffering long term disabilities as a result of TBI. Young adults and the elderly are the highest risk groups for suffering from a TBI. There are a number of diverse causes for traumatic brain injury, but the top three are: falls, firearms, and car accidents in Maryland and throughout the United States.

In addition, there are common mechanisms that are recognized as the highest causes of TBI. The following are the mechanisms which are frequent causes of a traumatic brain injury:

• Open head injury: This involves penetration of the skull, such as from a bullet wound.
• Closed head injury: This injury can occur as a result from incidents such as an auto accident or slip and fall.
• Toxic/Chemical: This occurs when harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide or lead poisoning, damage a person’s neurons.
• Deceleration injuries: Occurs when the brain is slammed back and forth inside the skull during a collision with a stationary object.
• Hypoxia (lack of oxygen): This can result in severe cognitive and memory deficits and is caused by a variety of different things, such as a heart attack or respiratory failure.
• Stroke: Loss of blood flow and injury to brain tissue can cause brain damage.
• Tumors: Tumors, or pressure from an enlarged tumor, can cause direct brain damage.
• Infections: Bacteria and viruses can cause serious, life-threatening diseases of the brain, such as meningitis.

The consequences of a traumatic brain injury are severe and can affect all aspects of a person’s life. When the injury occurs as a result of another’s negligence, an experienced Waldorf traumatic brain injury attorney can help a TBI victim obtain compensation to aid in his or her recovery and help with costly medical expenses. For a free consultation regarding your case, please call the law firm of Alpert Schreyer at (800) 489-1577.

According to a 2006 Washington Post report, at least 1.5 million Americans are sickened, injured, or killed every year due to avoidable prescription medication errors. These often dangerous prescriptions errors can effect: product labeling and packaging; dispensing of medicine; education; monitoring and use; compounding; and prescribing.

In addition, mistakes in administering drugs are so common in hospitals that, on average, a patient may be subject to a medication error each day he or she is in a hospital bed.

Prescription/medicine errors can seriously endanger the life of a patient, but there are ways to protect yourself against a potentially life-threatening medical mistake. Medicinenet.com offers these tips:

• When a physician gives you a prescription, have them tell you the name of each drug and explain to you what it is used for and the correct dosage.
• Make sure you clearly understand the directions on how to take the medicine and how to properly store it.
• Each time you are given a new prescription, it is important to tell your doctor the names of any drugs you are currently taking, whether it is over the counter or an herbal supplement, to help avoid any dangerous drug interactions.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your health is one of the most important things you have, so asking questions if you’re unsure of something (like the directions) or if something seems suspicious (such as a pill looking different to you) may help prevent a major error later.

Being an empowered patient and taking an active role in your medical care by doing things such as asking questions and keeping track of important information can help prevent a serious prescription/medication error from occurring. However, you cannot always prevent a physician or healthcare provider from making a careless mistake that can endanger your health and well-being. The Maryland prescription error injury attorneys with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer can help anyone who has suffered any health problems or injury due to a prescription error. Please call (800) 489-1577 for a consultation with our law team.