Maryland Bicycle Accident Lawyers: Fatal Intersection Set for Improvements

An intersection on Maryland Route 75 in Carroll County is getting some much-needed improvements thanks to the efforts of one local woman. Five years ago, the intersection was the scene of a tragic accident that killed the woman’s husband, an avid cyclist. The 51-year man was bicycling on Route 75 in Union Bridge when he was struck and killed by a tractor trailer just after he crossed Shepherd’s Mill Road. The crash happened in the acceleration lane as the truck made a right turn onto Route 75. A follow-up investigation determined that the truck driver was at fault for the crash, but the man’s widow blames the fatal bicycle accident on what she believes was a flawed roadway design. The stretch of Route 75 where the accident occurred has a high concentration of heavy truck traffic, much of it coming from the cement plant on Shepherd’s Mill Road. Locals claim to regularly witness trucks rolling through the stop sign at the intersection when making a right turn onto Route 75 – t
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/10/maryland-bicycle-accident-lawyers-fatal-intersection-set-for-improvements/

Maryland Car Accident Lawyers: Tougher Penalties for Drunk Driving

Drivers who have had one too many will face tougher penalties under a new law that went into effect on October 1, 2015. The law, which passed unanimously in Maryland’s General Assembly earlier this year, follows a scathing review by WalletHub investigators, which ranked Maryland as the fifth most lenient state in terms of DUI enforcement. Drunk drivers involved in deadly crashes will now face a minimum license suspension of six months for their first offense and one year for subsequent offenses. First time offenders with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher will have their license revoked for one year. If these drivers are caught a second time, they will lose their license forever. The law also expands on existing penalties for intoxicated drivers involved in non-lethal vehicle wrecks. Drivers will now have their licenses revoked for up to six months depending on their level of intoxication and the number of prior offenses. Last year, 141 lives were lost on Maryland roads due t
http://www.bestmarylandaccidentlawyers.com/maryland-car-accident-lawyers-tougher-penalties-for-drunk-driving/

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers: Prevent Furniture Tip-Over Accidents

The danger of falling TVs, appliances and other furniture is one of the top hidden hazards in the home, especially for children under the age of 10. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), unstable and unsecured TVs and large pieces of furniture send a child to the emergency room every 24 minutes. Although many reported incidents involve minor injuries, over half cause catastrophic skull fractures, intracranial bleeding and other neurological problems. Tragically, many of these injuries result in death. The CSPC estimates that, on average, one child is killed every two weeks in tip-over accidents that are easily preventable. This summer, the CSPC launched the “Anchor it!” campaign to raise public awareness of the serious danger that unsecured TVs and furniture pose to children. The campaign was launched less than two months before IKEA admitted a design flaw in their Malm-style dressers made them prone to tipping over. Rather than recall the product, the compan
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/10/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-prevent-furniture-tip-over-accidents/

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers: Improperly Loaded Cargo and Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks are an integral part of our nation’s economy. An estimated 3.5 million truck drivers work in the U.S., delivering nearly 70% of all transported freight. Unfortunately though, the high number and large size of commercial trucks poses a serious threat to everyone they share the road with. Each year, nearly 4,000 people are killed and tens of thousands more are injured in collisions with large commercial trucks. In an effort to identify the primary causes and conditions of serious truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compiled data from approximately 120,000 serious injury or fatal truck crashes that happened over a period of 33 months. The study identified 19 factors most frequently associated with trucking accidents and separated them by those merely present at the time of the crash, and those that increase the risk of having a crash. By far, cargo shift was found to have the highest relative risk ratio. Truck drivers are responsible
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/10/28/maryland-truck-accident-lawyers-improperly-loaded-cargo-and-truck-accidents/

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Cancer-Surviving Model Lucky to be Alive

In a series of recent interviews, plus-sized model Elly Mayday says she feels lucky to be alive. Now in remission after battling stage three ovarian cancer, she credits trusting her instincts and questioning her doctors with saving her life. For more than two years, Mayday suffered extreme abdominal and lower back pain. After multiple trips to the emergency room, doctors repeatedly brushed her off, sending her away without a diagnosis and telling her she had nothing to worry about. On more than one occasion, doctors told the model that her weight was to blame for her pain. She was given prescriptions for painkillers and told she needed to exercise more to tone up her core. Mayday continued to persist. Finally, a doctor performed a CT scan that showed a cyst on one of her ovaries. A few days later, the 27-year-old was told she had stage three ovarian cancer. She began treatment immediately, undergoing three months of chemotherapy and four operations, including a hysterectomy. Mayday co
http://www.bestmarylandmalpracticelawyers.com/baltimore-medical-malpractice-lawyers-cancer-surviving-model-lucky-to-be-alive/

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Fire Fighter’s Death

Last year, a tragic set of events took the life of an on-duty Baltimore City fire safety officer. Following its investigation of the death, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released its official findings. The report includes a list of mistakes that were made as well as recommendations for the prevention of future tragedies. Account of the Event On November 12, 2014 fire fighters were called to a vacant row home where they encountered a fire on the rear stairway that extended up to the second floor. The Incident Commander at the scene called for additional engine and truck companies, and a second battalion chief and shift safety officer were sent. The fire was quickly brought under control and crews set about clearing the area of smoke using ventilation fans. Crews working inside the adjacent row home observed that the ground-level floor had been completely removed but did not report this hazard to the commander before exiting. At some point, the sh
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/10/26/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-fire-fighters-death/

Maryland Birth Injury Lawyers Discuss Hypoglycemia in Newborns

Neonatal hypoglycemia is marked by an unsafe drop in a baby’s blood glucose (blood sugar) level during the first few days of life. Glucose is a major source of energy for newborns. It is especially important for their brain, as up to 90% of a newborn’s glucose is consumed by the organ. Before birth, babies get glucose from the mother through the placenta. After birth, sources include breast milk or formula. Glucose is also produced in the baby’s liver. Most babies are born with blood sugar levels far below what an adult or older child could tolerate, yet most do not experience any ill effects. For example, in an older child or adult, a blood glucose level below 60 mg/dl is considered low. However, it is common for babies just born to have levels as low as 30 mg/dl, which gradually increase to 54 to 72 mg/dl. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends treating babies for neonatal hypoglycemia if their blood glucose level is 47 mg/dl or below. Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most
http://www.bestmarylandmalpracticelawyers.com/maryland-birth-injury-lawyers-discuss-hypoglycemia-newborns/

Maryland Car Accident Lawyers: New Speed Restrictions in Maryland

A law allowing Maryland drivers to travel at a higher speed on Interstate 68 has gone into effect despite safety concerns. The law, which raises the top highway speed to 70 mph, was voted in by Maryland lawmakers earlier this year. The increase follows a review of highway conditions by the State Highway Administration. Maryland joins 22 other states with a 70 mph maximum speed limit, including neighbors Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Studies on the effects of raising speed limits provide conflicting results. Though the majority of research suggests that a boost in speed limit is associated with an increase in traffic wrecks, there are some studies that indicate the opposite is true. Proponents for higher speed limits argue that they reduce speed variance – a key factor in speed-related accidents. Studies show that the risk of having an accident increases dramatically on roads where some drivers are going 55 mph and others are driving 85 mph. Traffic engineers generally recommend sp
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/10/maryland-car-accident-lawyers-new-speed-restrictions-in-maryland/

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers on Staying Safe This Halloween

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children and adults alike. But if proper safety precautions are not taken, accidents can happen, turning what should be a night of fun into a tragedy. Maryland personal injury lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton have outlined some ways that you can make this Halloween one to remember – for all the right reasons. Safe Halloween Decorating Use care when carving your jack-o-lantern. Every year, thousands of Americans visit the emergency room with lacerations and stab wounds sustained while carving pumpkins. The majority of those injured are under the age of 14. Encourage kids to paint their pumpkin instead, or have them choose a design or draw a face for an adult to carve. Consider using a battery operated candle or glow stick instead of a traditional candle to light your creation to avoid the risk of a fire. Never leave a lit candle unattended. Keep your walkways and doorstep well lit and free from debris or wires that could cause someo
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/10/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-on-staying-safe-this-halloween/

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Discuss Forklift Accidents

Powered industrial trucks, commonly called forklifts or lift trucks, are used in many work settings to lift, push and stack heavy materials. These powerful machines have become an indispensible piece of equipment in nearly every manufacturing plant, construction site, lumberyard, warehouse and dockyard across America. Unfortunately, they can also be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) estimates that 11% of all forklifts are involved in workplace accidents each year. Many of these accidents cause serious and in some cases fatal injuries. OSHA estimates that roughly 85 people are killed and nearly 35,000 are seriously injured each year in forklift accidents. The most common types of fatal forklift accidents include: ­­Forklift overturns, crushing worker underneath – 42%: Forklifts can have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping. Factors that may increase that risk include: speeding; imprope
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/10/21/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-discuss-forklift-accidents/

Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Offer Tips for Safe Driving This Halloween

With Halloween approaching, it is important to make the safety of children a top priority. One way we can do that is to commit to safer driving. Halloween is the deadliest night of the year in terms of pedestrian related car accidents. Studies show that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and fatally injured on Halloween night than on any other night of the year. Increased foot traffic is the main cause for the higher risk, but there are other factors to be aware of as well. Maryland accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are committed to protecting those in our communities. Below, we have outlined a few things that drivers can do this Halloween to keep our streets and children safe. Beware of Ghouls and Goblins Children’s’ costumes can make them difficult to see and be seen. Masks, wigs, helmets and other headgear can obstruct a child’s peripheral vision, making it harder for them to spot an oncoming car. Likewise, drivers may find it difficult t
http://www.bestmarylandaccidentlawyers.com/maryland-pedestrian-accident-lawyers-offer-tips-safe-driving-halloween/

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers: Zip Line Injuries on the Rise

Zip lining has become an increasingly popular activity for outdoor adventurists who want to experience the thrill of flight without having to parachute from a plane or bounce on a shock cord. The number of commercial zip lines in the U.S. has risen to more than 200 percent in recent years; joined by thousands more amateur zip lines at outdoor recreation camps, schools, and backyards across the nation. Unfortunately, the rise in popularity has also led to an increase in zip line-related injuries, and a new study reveals the problem is only growing. Study Overview Researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital analyzed data on zip line injuries from 1997 to 2012. During that time, an estimated 16,850 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for non-fatal zip line injuries. Perhaps more troubling, almost 70% of those injuries occurred in the last four years of the study. In 2012 alone, more than 3,600 people visit
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/10/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-zip-line-injuries-on-the-rise/

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: Proposed Transportation Bill

Congress is reviewing legislation that would expand the length and weight-hauling capacity of commercial trucks on U.S. roadways. The provision is part of the 2016 transportation funding bill. If passed, the bill could potentially override truck safety laws in 39 U.S. states, including Maryland. Nearly 4,000 Americans are killed and another 100,000 are injured every year in truck accidents and the problem only seems to be growing. The U.S. has seen a 17% increase in fatalities and a 28% increase in truck accident injuries over the past four years. The massive size and weight of large commercial trucks is a major factor in deciding who suffers the most in the event of an accident. Last year, passenger vehicle occupants, bikers and pedestrians accounted for 84% of truck accident fatalities. The proposed bill would add another 10 feet to the maximum allowable length of trucks that pull two trailers. Current federal laws cap the length of trailers at 28 feet. The proposed provision, dubbe
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/10/19/baltimore-truck-accident-lawyers-proposed-transportation-bill/

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers: Determining Liability in a Truck Accident

The process of determining liability following a truck accident can be much more complicated than in other accident cases. Unlike car accidents, which usually boil down to some combination of driver error, vehicle malfunction or road conditions, accidents involving large commercial trucks may have many other contributing factors that are unique to the trucking industry. For this reason, it is important for truck accident victims and their families to seek the advice of an attorney familiar with the more nuanced aspects of truck accident cases. In order to establish liability and recover compensation, it is first necessary to identify every possible person or business entity responsible for the crash. Potential defendants in a truck accident case may include: Truck Driver – Commercial truck drivers are responsible for following the same driving rules as all other drivers. This includes avoidance of dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving a
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2015/10/14/maryland-truck-accident-lawyers-determining-liability-truck-accident/

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Discuss Nail Gun Accidents

Construction workers, particularly those in residential construction, rely on nail guns as an efficient way to increase their productivity at work. These extremely powerful tools are most commonly used in framing and sheathing, finishing, roofing, flooring and siding. Nail guns are capable of driving a nail into a piece of wood, stone, steel or concrete in seconds and with minimal effort. They also can be extremely dangerous without proper precaution. Common Workplace Injury Each year, an estimated 37,000 people visit the emergency room with a nail gun injury. More than two-thirds of these injuries occurred on the job. Nail guns are responsible for more construction worker hospitalizations than any other tool. A study of apprentice carpenters revealed how common it is to have a nail gun accident. The results of the study included: two out of five workers were injured while using a nail gun during their four years of training; one in five were injured twice; and one in 10 were injured
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2015/10/13/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-discuss-nail-gun-accidents/

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers: Dunkin Donuts Settles Trip and Fall Case

A New Jersey woman has agreed to settle her lawsuit against Dunkin Donuts after she fell in a store parking lot and was burned by hot coffee. The woman accepted Dunkin Donut’s offer to pay her $522,000 in compensation for injuries she sustained in the fall. The resolution came just weeks before the case was set to go to trial. The accident happened on January 19, 2012 at a Dunkin Donuts in northern New Jersey. According to the lawsuit, the woman was carrying multiple cups of coffee she had just bought back to her car when she tripped over a spike protruding from a dislodged curb stop. Her fall caused her to spill the hot coffee, burning her face and neck. She also suffered cuts to her hand and knee as well as back and shoulder injuries that required surgery. The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment for her burn injuries. After seeking legal advice, she filed a claim against Dunkin Donuts, the franchisee who ran the restaurant, and the owner of the strip mall where the s
http://www.lthlaw.com/2015/10/maryland-personal-injury-lawyers-dunkin-donuts-settles-trip-and-fall-case/

Maryland Medical Product Liability Lawyers: FDA Investigating Birth Control Implant

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration held a day-long hearing to address concerns over the popular birth control implant Essure. A panel of experts and members of the pubic discussed the safety and effectiveness of the medical device, marketed as the first and only nonsurgical permanent contraceptive implant currently available. The hearing comes amid a wave of lawsuits filed against Essure’s maker, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. Essure consists of two tiny metallic coils inserted into the fallopian tubes that are designed to induce tissue growth and render the woman sterile. The procedure, which has been marketed as a safe alternative to tubal ligation surgery and other forms of birth control, can be completed in a doctor’s office in just minutes. Approximately 750,000 Essure devices have been sold worldwide since the device became available in 2002. Reports of problems began soon after Essure hit the market, but have surged in recent years as more women have opted for th
http://www.bestmarylandmalpracticelawyers.com/maryland-medical-product-liability-lawyers-fda-investigating-birth-control-implant/