Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Maryland Car Dealer Settles With FTC

One of the nation’s largest used car dealers has agreed to settle with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that they failed to disclose important safety information regarding used cars for sale. The complaint named Jim Koons Automotive Companies, which has 19 dealerships in the mid-Atlantic region, including five locations in the Baltimore area. The FTC accused the dealerships of advertising cars that were subject to open and unrepaired recalls, all while touting their vigorous quality inspection process. The complaint alleged that some of the cars advertised on the dealerships’ website were subject to open recalls for auto defects that could cause serious injury. Defects included faulty ignition switches that can affect engine power, power steering, braking and airbag deployment, thereby increasing the risk of a crash and injury to occupants. At least one certified used vehicle had an open recall for issues related to the alternator, which can cause the vehicle to unexp
http://www.bestmarylandaccidentlawyers.com/baltimore-car-accident-lawyers-maryland-car-dealer-settles-with-ftc/

Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: Listed Impairment and Approval

When you have a disability that leaves you unable to work, the last thing you want to hear is that it might take months or even years to find out if you are eligible for Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, however, this is often the case. This is mostly due to the fact that the vast majority of disability claims are denied at the initial application stage. This forces applicants to go through several stages of appeals, which can significantly delay payment of needed benefits. Fortunately, you can increase your chances of being approved sooner by hiring an experienced Social Security disability lawyer to assist you. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must prove that you are totally disabled. While there are no medical conditions that are guaranteed approval, there are a few that make it easier to win than others. For example, if your health condition falls under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)
http://www.bestmarylandsocialsecuritylawyers.com/2016/02/15/baltimore-social-security-disability-lawyers-listed-impairment-and-approval/

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Communication Errors

Nearly one third of all medical malpractice cases can be directly linked to communication errors, according to a recent study conducted by CRICO Strategies, a division of the risk management group that insures Harvard-affiliated hospitals. The findings were based on analysis of more than 23,000 medical malpractice claims and lawsuits filed between 2009 and 2013. During that time, communication failures in hospitals and doctors’ officers contributed to the harm of 7,149 patients, including 1,744 deaths. The estimated cost to providers was $1.7 billion in medical malpractice payouts to injured victims and their families. There are several ways in which important medical information is shared and a breakdown in any one area can have devastating consequences. Whether shared face-to-face, over the phone or via a patient’s medical record, the information must be timely, accurate and accessible. When information is unreliable or not communicated effectively, there is a significantly high
http://www.lthlaw.com/2016/02/baltimore-medical-malpractice-lawyers-communication-errors/

Maryland Car Accident Lawyers: Automatic Brakes Reduce Rear-End Collisions

Vehicles equipped with front crash prevention have significantly lower incidents of rear-end collisions, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The study was based on police-reported crash data between 2010 and 2014. Researchers looked at 7,490 rear-end crashes involving Acura, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru and Volvo vehicles. All of the models offered optional front crash prevention. The crash rates of vehicles equipped with the technology were compared against the same models without the safety features. Researchers looked at two types of collision avoidance technologies and compared their effectiveness when offered alone and in combination with one another. Automatic braking, which brings the vehicle to a stop if it senses an imminent collision, was shown to reduce rear-end collisions by 40%. Front collision warning systems, which alerts the driver but does not brake, lowered the risk of a rear-end collision by 23%. In addition to crash prevention
http://www.bestmarylandaccidentlawyers.com/maryland-car-accident-lawyers-automatic-brakes-reduce-rear-end-collisions/

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Pre-existing Condition

If you are injured in a workplace accident, you expect your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover your injury-related medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. However, if you have a pre-existing medical condition or prior injury, you may be worried about how it will affect your Workers’ Compensation claim. While these factors do not necessarily preclude you from qualifying for benefits, they can make the process significantly more complicated. This is especially true if your pre-existing condition is medically related to your Workers’ Compensation claim. In general, only injuries or illnesses that arise as the result of your work activities are compensable under Maryland Workers’ Compensation law. Many of these injuries happen because of a sudden and unexpected event such as a fall or other workplace accident. Other common types of claims stem not from an isolated incident, but occur because of repetitive stress on muscles, tendons o
http://www.bestmarylandworkerscompensationlawyers.com/2016/02/04/baltimore-workers-compensation-lawyers-pre-existing-condition/

Maryland Birth Injury Lawyer: No-Fault Birth Injury Fund

For the second time in two years, the Maryland General Assembly will hear arguments in favor of creating a no-fault birth injury fund to help cover the costs of medical care for babies born with brain injuries. The idea of the fund is to allow more families to recover the assistance they need without having to prove that a medical mistake caused their baby’s injury. Those who are opposed to the fund claim it would prevent negligent doctors from being held accountable as well as restrict the amount of compensation families would receive. The fund would be modeled after similar no-fault funds currently in effect in Virginia and Florida. A Maryland task force, created by the state legislature, first introduced the idea last year but the bill fell flat amid concerns over financing. Hospitals would have had to pay $25 million into the fund – a figure based on actuary estimates that only around seven babies would qualify for benefits each year. Many argued that figure was far too low, a
http://www.lthlaw.com/2016/02/maryland-birth-injury-lawyer-no-fault-birth-injury-fund/

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers: Heavy Trucks Not Immune to Winter Road Hazards

As the remnants of this year’s first major winter storm finally begin to melt away, and with nearly two months of winter still ahead of us, now is a good time to remind drivers of the dangers of winter travel, especially when sharing the road with large commercial trucks. Driving through snow, ice, wind and whiteout conditions is dangerous in any vehicle, though these conditions may impact commercial trucks to a greater extent due to their size, weight and limited maneuverability. Poor weather reduces visibility and affects vehicle performance and stability, thereby increasing the risk of all types of truck accidents including:
http://www.bestmarylandtruckaccidentlawyers.com/2016/02/03/maryland-truck-accident-lawyers-heavy-trucks-not-immune-to-winter-road-hazards/