Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers: Challenges Faced by Victims of Trucking Accidents


The enormous size of commercial trucks can make them decidedly intimidating to the average driver. A fully loaded 18-wheeler may weigh as much as 30 times that of the typical passenger vehicle. But as anyone who has been hit by a truck knows, that size variance is often equally matched by the size of the trucking company’s legal team. For this reason, injured truck accident victims are highly advised to seek legal counsel from a dedicated truck accident law firm with the proven ability to take on large trucking companies and their insurers to achieve exceptional results. Maryland truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton have successfully handled countless truck accident cases. Here are a few of the defense strategies used by trucking companies that victims in pursuit of fair compensation may encounter: Blaming the accident on the victim – Maryland is one of only a few states that employ the very harsh rule known as contributory negligence. Under this rule, truck acci
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/09/29/maryland-truck-accident-lawyers-challenges-faced-victims-trucking-accidents/

Monday, September 28, 2015

Maryland Accident Lawyers: GM to Pay $900 Million for Faulty Ignition Switches


General Motors has agreed to pay $900 million to settle criminal charges related to the company’s failure to fix a deadly defect in millions of its cars. The problem involved an ignition switch that was prone to shutting off mid-drive, thereby cutting the engine and disabling systems like power steering and air bags. GM also admitted to covering up the defect for more than a decade. The faulty ignition switches have been blamed for hundreds of wrecks since GM first recognized the issue during pre-production testing of the Saturn Ion back in 2001. Three years later, the defect was again detected in the Chevy Cobalt. In 2005, GM acknowledged the flaw in a public statement, but said that it did not pose a safety threat. That same year, the company rejected a proposal to fix the problem, saying that it would be too costly and take too much time. Later, GM began performing its own internal investigations into the issue, all while the company fought back against lawsuits filed by bereaved
http://www.bestmarylandaccidentlawyers.com/maryland-accident-lawyers-gm-pay-900-million-faulty-ignition-switches/

Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Pill Mill Doctor on Trial for Murder


A Los Angeles doctor is facing a lifetime in prison for her alleged role in the drug overdose deaths of at least three of her patients. The families of the victims say that Dr. Hsiu-Ying Tseng should be held accountable for prescribing powerful and potentially lethal drugs to patients who did not need them. The case has drawn national attention and sparked debate about whether doctors should be held criminally liable for patients’ deaths. Prosecutors have charged Tseng with second-degree murder in the 2009 deaths of three of her patients. The three young men, all in their 20s, died shortly after Tseng prescribed them large quantities of powerful and addictive drugs. According to courtroom reports, the men were among countless others who sought out Tseng specifically because of her reputation for hastily prescribing potent painkillers and other drugs. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tseng wrote more than 27,000 prescriptions over a three-year period – an average o
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/09/maryland-medical-malpractice-lawyers-pill-mill-doctor-on-trial-for-murder/

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Chemical Commonly Found in Paint Stripper Dangerous


The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to issue new rules regarding a widely used chemical that can trigger sudden death in those who have been exposed. Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a volatile, colorless liquid commonly used in paint stripping, but is also used in various industries including pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, metal cleaning and degreasing and carpet cleaning and gluing. The chemical has been under scrutiny for decades for its cancer causing risks, but safety advocates now say that more needs to be done to protect people from another known hazard – sudden death. When inhaled, methylene chloride turns into carbon monoxide in the body, which in turn can starve the heart of oxygen and trigger a heart attack. The chemical can also act as a powerful anesthetic at high doses, causing the victim to stop breathing and eventually suffer brain damage or brain death. A recent investigation conducted by the Center for Publ
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/09/28/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-chemical-commonly-found-paint-stripper-dangerous/

Friday, September 25, 2015

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Concerns Over Increasing Drone Use


The recreational use of drones is becoming increasingly widespread in the United States. This is due in part to advances in technology that have made drones easier for manufacturers to produce and everyday hobbyists to afford. Commercial use of drones, though strictly limited now, is also expected to skyrocket in the coming years, especially with industry giants like Google and Amazon pushing for speedy and permissive legislation. Before long, our skies will likely be filled with the tiny, unpiloted aircrafts, transforming the way Americans do business and observe the landscape. Usages for Drones Drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) or remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) are equipped with a four-to-eight blade propeller designed to allow the aircraft to take off and land vertically. Most are remotely controlled by a person holding a handheld device, but some of the more modern drones can be programmed and operated using a built-in Global Positioning System. Industries
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/09/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-discuss-concerns-over-increasing-drone-use/

Monday, September 21, 2015

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Preparation against Back-to-School Injuries


As school comes back into session across the country, teachers and students are beginning to settle back into the old routine. However, the classroom may be a bigger risk of injury than most realize. Just like any other occupation, there are hazards that professionals need to be wary of in order to have a safe and happy school year. Teaching Injuries Educators are at risk for a number of repetitive stress injuries. Long hours of standing in front of a classroom or lecture hall can cause strain on the back, hips, legs and feet. School administration personnel may be working in front of a computer for most of the day, resulting in eye strain, neck and shoulder fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome. Unlike workplace accident injuries, these types of injuries occur over a long period of time; however, they are no less serious. Repetitive stress injuries can lead to chronic pain, or require surgery and time away from work. If not properly managed, repetitive strain injuries can result in perm
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/09/21/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-preparation-back-school-injuries/

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Maryland Birth Injury Lawyers | Birth Defect vs. Birth Injury


Birth injuries happen when something goes wrong shortly before, during or after the delivery process. Many birth injuries are minor and heal on their own, but others can cause lifelong health problems. One of the most dangerous birth injuries is hypoxia, which is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain and can lead to cerebral palsy, permanent brain injury and cognitive and motor deficiencies. Birth injuries can be the result of any number of medical mistakes made by doctors or hospital staff. Common causes of birth injuries include delayed birth, improper monitoring, excessive use of force during delivery and misuse of instruments during delivery. Defining Birth Defect According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect, some of which are serious enough to cause lifelong health complications. The biggest difference between a birth injury and a birth defect is the time that they occur. Unlike birth injuries that happen during the lab
http://www.bestmarylandmalpracticelawyers.com/maryland-birth-injury-lawyers-birth-defect-vs-birth-injury/

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers: Survey for Trucker Fatigue


Truck driver fatigue is a major factor in fatal trucking accidents. To combat this issue, the federal government has enacted strict laws that require drivers to take minimum rest breaks before and during their shifts. However, studies reveal safe and accessible parking areas are in short supply, potentially causing truck drivers to continue driving despite being too tired. Officials are calling the shortage of truck parking a national safety concern for both drivers and other drivers on the road. In 2012, Congress passed a bill that would provide federal funding for the construction and restoration of safe parking lots for truck drivers to rest. The law was created in response to the tragic death of a tired truck driver who, after failing to find a rest station, pulled into an abandoned roadside gas station to take a nap. While he slept, thieves attacked and murdered him. As part of the bill, the Federal Highway Administration conducted a nationwide survey of state highway and safety
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/09/16/maryland-truck-accident-lawyers-survey-trucker-fatigue/

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Maryland Accident Lawyers: Fatal Pedestrian Accident


A fatal pedestrian accident in Philadelphia involving a taxi cab claimed the lives of a young man and woman visiting the city in celebration of Labor Day. The accident happened early Monday morning at a major intersection in Center City, Philadelphia. The victims were crossing the street when the taxi struck them, sending them both flying nearly 100 feet before they landed on the pavement. The woman, a 25 year-old from Phoenixville, PA, was pronounced dead at the scene. The male victim, a 25 year-old from Baltimore, Maryland, was rushed after the crash to a hospital one block away where doctors were unable to revive him. An investigation has been launched into what caused the deadly crash. Witnesses report that traffic was very light at the time the two were struck. Reportedly, the driver of the cab had the green light but appeared to be travelling around 50 mph, double the posted speed limit for the area. The windshield of the taxi sustained heavy damage and the driver, who stopped a
http://www.bestmarylandaccidentlawyers.com/maryland-accident-lawyers-fatal-pedestrian-accident/

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers | Pesticide Poisoning


A 10-year old Florida boy remains hospitalized while his family seeks answers from the pest control company they say poisoned their son. The boy became ill shortly after the family was told by a Terminix subcontractor it was safe to return to their home, which had been tented and fumigated for a termite infestation. The boy is suffering from severe brain damage and is barely able to move or speak. The family says they all became sick just hours after returning to their home on the evening of August 16th. But while the parents and their seven year old daughter recovered, their son only got worse. He began having uncontrollable muscle spasms, was unable to speak or stand alone and his eyes were rolling back into his head. A doctor at a local clinic quickly recognized his symptoms as poison exposure, likely from the fumigation treatment. He was taken to a local hospital where he spent nine days in the ICU. He has since been transferred to a hospital in Miami and doctors there say he may
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/09/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-pesticide-poisoning/

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Workplace Violence


The horrific murders of a TV news reporter and photographer during a live broadcast last week have sparked a national conversation about the issue of violence in the workplace. The shooter was a former reporter with the Virginia news team and, during his two-year employment there, had gathered a reputation for clashing with coworkers. When the station fired him in 2013, he caused enough of a scene that the police were called to escort him out. Every year, tens of thousands of U.S. workers are seriously injured in violent workplace incidents; and an average of more than 400 people are victims of workplace homicide, making it the fourth leading cause of fatal workplace injury after motor vehicle crashes, slips and falls, and contact with objects and equipment. For women, the numbers are even more alarming homicide is the second leading cause of death in the workplace. According to the most recent data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22% of fatal workplace injuries to women w
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/09/15/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-workplace-violence/

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Deadly Defect in Keyless Ignition Systems


Ten of the world’s largest automakers are being sued over claims that the companies concealed a deadly defect in their keyless ignitions, leading to least 13 deaths and many more injuries. The lawsuit claims that the defect allows drivers to unknowingly leave their cars running inside enclosed garages, creating a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. More than five million vehicles are equipped with keyless ignitions. The device lets drivers start their vehicle by pushing an on/off button instead of inserting a key. The vehicle will only start if it senses that the electronic key fob is nearby. The driver pushes the same button to turn the vehicle off. The danger of keyless ignitions lies in a design defect that allows the engines to continue running, even after the driver and the key fob have left the vicinity of the vehicle. A driver may mistakenly believe that the car has shut off, when it in fact has not. This is especially common in cars that have quiet, smooth running engines; an
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/09/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-keyless-ignition-systems/

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Initiative to Reduce Sanitation Workers’ Injuries


The Mayor of Baltimore has announced plans to purchase new trash cans for every Baltimore household in effort to reduce sanitation worker injuries and control the city’s rat population. The move was made in response to the overwhelming success of a pilot program launched last year that provided 9,000 trash cans to residents in the Belair-Edison and Mondawmin area. The new 64-gallon trash cans can hold up to four regular-sized garbage bags and have two wheels along with a tight fitting lid. City garbage trucks will be retrofitted with lifts that will upend the receptacle, allowing the trash to slide out. This feature will reduce the amount of heavy lifting required of sanitation workers. Trash collection is difficult and often dangerous work.  A report issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health placed waste management workers in the top three job classifications to have the greatest risk of falling, and sixth in having the greatest number of fatalities in th
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/09/08/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-initiative-reduce-sanitation-workers-injuries/

Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyers: New Drug Screening Method


This fall, Congress will hear arguments regarding a new bill that will change the way many trucking companies screen drivers for drug use. The bill, named the Drug Free Commercial Driver Act, would direct the Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Health and Human Services, to issue regulations that would allow motor carriers to use hair follicle testing as an alternative to urinalysis to screen drivers for substance abuse. The tests would be used in pre-employment screening and random testing programs. The Act has the support of American Trucking Association (ATA) officials, who contend that hair testing is both more accurate and harder to beat than urinalysis. Additionally, hair follicle tests are able to detect drug use over a 90-day period, compared to only several days with a urine test.    Many of the largest trucking companies already use hair follicle drug testing to screen job applicants. However, because the method is currently not recognized by the Dep
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/09/08/maryland-trucking-accident-lawyers-new-drug-screening-method/

Monday, September 7, 2015

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss Deadly Defect in Keyless Ignition Systems


Ten of the world’s largest automakers are being sued over claims that the companies concealed a deadly defect in their keyless ignitions, leading to least 13 deaths and many more injuries. The lawsuit claims that the defect allows drivers to unknowingly leave their cars running inside enclosed garages, creating a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. More than five million vehicles are equipped with keyless ignitions. The device lets drivers start their vehicle by pushing an on/off button instead of inserting a key. The vehicle will only start if it senses that the electronic key fob is nearby. The driver pushes the same button to turn the vehicle off. The danger of keyless ignitions lies in a design defect that allows the engines to continue running, even after the driver and the key fob have left the vicinity of the vehicle. A driver may mistakenly believe that the car has shut off, when it in fact has not. This is especially common in cars that have quiet, smooth running engines; an
http://www.lthlaw.com/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-keyless-ignition-systems/

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Maryland Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Safe Travel This Labor Day Weekend


Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and as families gear up to begin a new school year, many will take advantage of the long weekend to get in one last trip away. AAA estimates 35.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this weekend, making it the highest national travel volume since 2008. Unfortunately, with increased road traffic comes an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Labor Day weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4th and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7th. During that time, the National Safety Council estimates 395 people will die in car crashes, and another 47,800 people will be seriously injured. As grim as these figures may sound, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe on the road by taking some simple safety precautions. By doing so, you can help to prevent a car accident and keep yourself and your family safe this holiday weekend. Safety Tips for Labor Day Driving Buckle up every time. Seat belts are the s
http://www.lthlaw.com/maryland-car-accident-lawyers-discuss-safe-travel-this-labor-day-weekend/

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers Discuss What to Do When a Loved One is Injured or Killed in a Truck Accident


If someone you love has been the victim of a serious truck accident, you likely are feeling hurt, scared and perhaps most of all, unsure about what to do next. Our Maryland truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton have helped countless families through this most difficult time. We fight to protect the rights and financial security of families devastated by a tragic truck crash. Do Not Do it Alone Truck accident lawsuits can have significant payouts. For this reason, trucking companies and their insurance carriers have teams of expensive attorneys and accident investigators on their side – all working towards the same goal of proving that the wreck was not their fault. If you or a family member has been a victim of a truck accident, it is likely that someone from the trucking company’s insurance carrier will contact you. It is important that you do not give any statements or accept any offers of money without first consulting an experienced Maryland truck accident law
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/09/01/maryland-truck-accident-lawyers-discuss-loved-one-injured-killed-truck-accident/