Bicyclist Killed in Maryland Truck Accident
By injuheis on August 27, 2010
A 51-year-old Carroll County, MD resident died recently after being struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle in Union Bridge, the Baltimore Sun reported. The cyclist was riding along Shepherds Mill Road when he was struck.
According to police, the accident occurred when the truck’s 37-year-old driver was making a right turn onto Route 75. The truck pulled out in front of the cyclist, hitting him. The Maryland State Police cited the truck driver for failing to yield to the bicyclist, who had the right of way. The cyclist died at the scene. The police do not believe alcohol, high speeds, or road conditions played any part in the accident.
Due to their large size, tractor-trailers often limit the driver’s ability to see road hazards clearly. They also require more time to stop, start, and turn. A truck’s large size also means it can do much more damage in an accident than a passenger car or bicycle. Even a small mistake on a truck driver’s part can result in tragedy for a bicyclist, motorist, or pedestrian unlucky enough to be involved in the Maryland truck accident.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Maryland tractor-trailer accident lawyer. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can help you protect your rights after a truck accident and seek the compensation you deserve, including payments for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses related to your accident. Call our office today at 1-877-228-4878 for a free and confidential consultation.
Hit and Run Driver Kills I-70 Pedestrian
By injuheis on August 19, 2010
A 20-year-old man lost his life after being hit by a driver on Interstate 70 recently, according to an article in the Frederick News-Post. The man was found at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, lying in the median on I-70 near Hagerstown. Although emergency workers were called to the scene immediately, they arrived too late to save the injured pedestrian’s life.
After interviewing witnesses, the Maryland State Police believe that the man was having an argument with his passenger while driving on I-70. Eventually, he pulled the car over, got out, and started walking down the median separating the westbound and eastbound traffic lanes. A vehicle traveling on westbound I-70 hit the man, but its driver did not stop. Moments later, the man was hit by a second vehicle and collapsed into the median. The state police are asking anyone with information about the Maryland pedestrian accident to contact them.
Although interstate highways are not designed for pedestrian use, drivers who hit pedestrians on busy freeways may also be liable for the pedestrian’s injuries. A driver may also be liable for wrongful death if, as in this case, the pedestrian does not survive his or her injuries. To avoid pedestrian accidents no matter where you drive, pay close attention to people and other cars on the road or walking near the road. Slow down at night and in inclement weather, so that you can stop or swerve to avoid a pedestrian if necessary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact an experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and loss, including payments for lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can help you understand your legal rights after an accident. Please call our office today at 1(877) 228-4878.
Forced Medications, Physical Restraints Are a Reality of Psychiatric and Juvenile Institutions
By injuheis on August 13, 2010
Disability Rights New Jersey, a patient rights organization, has filed suit in federal court alleging that New Jersey psychiatric hospitals consistently medicate patients against their will.
Believe it or not, New Jersey law only permits a psychiatric patient to appeal medication decisions to administrators at the hospital where they are confined. Most other states provide patients the right to appeal to the court system or decision- makers outside of the hospital. The lawsuit seeks to bring the state of New Jersey in the line with these other states.
New Jersey’s law allowing psychiatric hospitals to forcibly medicate patients is just one example of the dangers that lurk inside psychiatric and juvenile facilities across the United States. Another common place practice inside mental and juvenile institutions and boot camps is forced physical restraints on patients.
Forced physical restraints on individuals that are institutionalized often result in serious injury or death. Isaiah Simmons died on January 23, 2006 when the 17 year old was physically restrained by seven counselors for over three hours at a Maryland juvenile facility. Simmons was placed in a prone restraint and struggled to breathe before expiring due to cardiac arrest. Another youth, Martin Lee Anderson was killed at a Florida juvenile boot camp several years ago when he was beaten and kicked by several employees who forced him to inhale ammonia. He died of suffocation.
A psychiatric patient at Bridge Water Hospital in Massachusetts died in 2009 as a result of injuries he sustained when being placed in a four point restraint by facility employees. Joshua Messier’s death was ruled a homicide due to “blunt impact of the head and compression of the chest.”
Experts say that there are better and safer ways to control patients and students without resorting to forced physical restraints. Patients and students are needlessly injured and killed as a result. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a Maryland juvenile facility restraint injury or a Maryland psychiatric hospital restraint injury, please contact Maryland Psychiatric Hospital Restraint Injury Lawyer Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer”. Heisler has worked tirelessly on behalf of restraint injury victims and can help. Call 877-228-Hurt (4878) to learn more information on Maryland physical restraint injuries and your legal rights.
Drowning is a Silent Killer
By injuheis on August 12, 2010
When most of us think of a drowning, we think of a victim splashing and yelling for help, even though that is rarely the case, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Typically, a person may cry for help only at the very beginning of distress while swimming. The distress period usually lasts between 20 seconds and three minutes, although it is a much shorter period of time for children.
When a person is in serious trouble, they are usually silent. This is because the body begins self-preservation, which shuts down bodily functions. Usually, a drowning victim will not have the use of his legs, but will be able to move his or her arms. The victim’s mouth will be open and going above and below the water. A drowning victim often appears to be dog paddling.
Children must be very closely supervised when in or near water, especially if they are not strong swimmers.
A child who is drowning usually appears to be playing. Many children have drowned while their parents were nearby; sometimes even watching them swim, because the parents were not alert to the signs of drowning. According to the Center for Disease Control, there were on average, 10 deaths each day in the United States due to drowning in 2007. Twenty-seven percent of injury deaths to children age four and under were from drowning.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a Maryland swimming pool accident, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” today at 877-228-4878. As an experienced Maryland swimming pool accident lawyer, will help you obtain the justice that you deserve by standing up for your rights. Contact him for a free consultation.
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Ocean City Roller Coaster Accident Injures Three Children
By injuheis on August 4, 2010
Three children were hospitalized after an electrical malfunction on a popular Maryland roller coaster on Thursday, July 22, according to an article on ABC2News.com.
The Tidal Wave Roller Coaster, the most popular ride at Trimper’s Rides in Ocean City, malfunctioned around 10 p.m. The coaster made a loud popping sound and sent debris flying, which struck three children waiting in line for the ride. The children suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital.
Trimper’s, which has been in business for 120 years, had a good safety record prior to the accident. Trimper’s has hired engineers from Holland to examine the coaster. The Tidal Wave is closed and is expected to remain closed for several weeks. Trimper’s remains open.
Every year, thousands of Americans are injured by amusement park rides. These injuries range from very minor to very serious injuries or death. Statistics show that the majority of these injuries are to those under age 18. The most common types of injuries caused by amusement park rides are scrapes, body pain from the motion of the ride, and strikes to the body.
While you and your family are visiting amusement parks this summer, be alert. Check out the safety record of the park you are planning on attending in advance. Don’t force your children to ride any rides with which they feel uncomfortable. Watch the ride once or twice before boarding to make sure it is the type of ride you and your children would enjoy.
Have you or someone you know been injured in a Maryland roller coaster accident? If so, call Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer”, today at 877-228-4878. As a skilled Maryland amusement park accident attorney, Mr. Heisler is experienced in various types of accidents and will work hard to earn you the compensation you deserve.
Diabetes Drug Avandia Could Be Pulled from Market
By injuheis on July 27, 2010
On June 28, a study was released which showed a connection between Avandia, a diabetes drug made by GlaxoSmithKline, and increased risks of heart problems, strokes and deaths in older adults.
According to FoxNews.com, the study conducted a comprehensive review of over 200,000 Medicare patients who took Avandia. The study followed the patients, who were an average age of 74, for three years. The study showed that 100,000 deaths, strokes, heart attacks and cases of heart failure may be due to Avandia side effects. GlaxoSmithKline maintains that the drug is safe and claimed there were limits on the study which led to an improper result.
The study found that patients who used Avandia were 27 percent more likely to have a stroke, 14 percent more likely to die, and 25 percent more likely to have heart failure than individuals on Actos, a competitor to Avandia. The FDA plans to hold a hearing on Avandia, where it will hear testimony about the safety of the drug and decide what should be done. The drug could be pulled from the market or be required to display more warning labels.
Some dangerous prescription drugs can have deadly side effects, if not leave a patient with serious injury or newly developed health problems. If you or a loved one has been injured by an unsafe drug in Maryland, including Avandia, you should contact an experienced Maryland pharmaceutical litigation attorney immediately. A knowledgeable attorney can help you receive damages for your medical problems that arose because of the prescription drug. For a free consultation with Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” call 877-228-4878 today.
Legionnaire’s Disease May Be Living on Your Windshield
By injuheis on July 22, 2010
According to AOLHealth.com, the dirty water that comes off your windshield when the windshield wipers are on could be the source of 20 percent of Legionnaire’s disease cases. Britain’s Health Protection Agency found that the water is a breeding ground for Legionella bacterium, which can lead to pneumonia if it is breathed in.
The Agency found that professional drivers are 5 times more likely to catch the disease than the general population. As part of a study, people in England and Wales who had Legionnaire’s disease in 2009 were questioned. Researchers found that people who frequently rode in a van, typically through industrial areas with windows open, were most at risk to contract the disease.
The Agency then found that the bacterium which causes the disease was found on 20 percent of cars that did not have windshield wiper fluid, but no cars that did. The Agency is now encouraging all drivers to fill up with windshield wiper fluid, since it kills the bacteria.
Legionnaire’s disease is rare. Most of its victims are males over age 50. The early symptoms are very similar to the flu. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of patients with Legionnaire’s disease die from it. It is typically very challenging to find the source of the infection. However, there have been many instances throughout Maryland in which poorly maintained hospital or elderly care facilities exposed patients to Legionella bacterium, resulting in serious illness and even wrongful death.
If you or someone you know has contracted Legionnaire’s disease, and you believe it happened as the result of another party’s negligence, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer”, today. Mr. Heisler has significant experience with Legionnaire’s disease cases and can help you learn about your rights and obtain compensation for your illness. Call 877-228-4878 today for a free consultation with a skilled Maryland Legionnaire’s disease attorney.
Maryland Boy Killed in Jet Ski Accident
By injuheis on July 20, 2010
An 11-year-old boy from Springettsbury Township recently died as a result of his injuries from a jet ski accident earlier this month, according to the York Daily Record.
The boy was jet skiing in the Irish Creek and stopped on his jet ski. While he was stopped, he was struck by a 12-year-old boy who was with him at the time. He was airlifted to the hospital with brain injuries and tragically died later. The 12-year-old was not injured.
Jet skis can be much more dangerous than other types of watercraft, primarily because the rider is exposed. Some typical injuries to jet ski riders include chest or head trauma, drowning, spinal cord damage, carbon monoxide poisoning, and broken bones.
One major problem with jet skis is that they lack braking ability, and while jet ski drivers are coasting to a stop, they tend to lose the ability to steer. Some of the primary causes of Maryland jet ski accidents include operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, steering loss and speeding.
Jet skis can be especially dangerous for children. In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone under age 16 to operate a personal watercraft. According to the Coalition of Parents and Families for Personal Watercraft Safety, 50 percent of all jet ski injuries involving children are moderate to severe. In the year 2000, jet skis represented 19 percent of registered boats but 45 percent of boating injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski or boating accident, you may have claims against not only another person involved in the accident, but also against the jet ski or boat manufacturer. With the help of an experienced Maryland boating accident attorney, you may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To learn more about your legal rights regarding boating accidents in Maryland, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” for a free consultation by calling 877-228-4878 today.
Pottery Barn Kids Cribs Recalled
By injuheis on July 16, 2010
According to the Associated Press, 82,000 cribs “from popular retailer Pottery Barn Kids are being recalled over safety concerns.” The recall applies to all Pottery Barn Kids drop- side crib model numbers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is concerned that faulty hardware could lead to the drop-side rail on the crib detaching and potentially causing infants to suffocate or become entrapped. 153 young children in the past four years have died due to drop-side cribs.
While the CPSC’s decision to ban the cribs is good news, what took it so long? Close to two hundred children are killed by a particular type of crib and it takes the CPSC four years to take action? That’s not acceptable. The CPSC needs to do its job and move quicker to recall or ban potentially lethal defective products in the future.
Steven H. Heisler takes child safety seriously. If your child was injured in an accident, or due to a defective household product, or the negligence of another person, contact a Maryland child injury lawyer. Steven H. Heisler handles child injury claims and will make sure that your child’s rights are protected.
Maryland’s Campaign against Distracted Driving Wins Praise
By injuheis on July 7, 2010
According to WJLA, a new report shows that the fight against driving while distracted is working, but not everyone is engaging. Many drivers continue to text, place phone calls, and participate in other distracting behaviors instead of focusing attention on the road. As a result, local governments have passed stronger laws and education campaigns against distracted driving. In 2003, only 17 states collected distracted driving data if there was an accident. Today 43 states collect distracted driving data.
Maryland has made significant strides in its campaign to prevent distracted driving. It has a texting while driving ban. The governor recently signed into law a ban against using a cell phone without a hands free device. Drivers under 18 cannot use cell phones while driving, even with a hands free device. The Maryland Senate is also considering making it illegal to read a text message while driving. Maryland also has included distracted driving in its overall state safety program.
Tragically, in 2008, 34 residents were killed as a result of distracted driving in Maryland. Almost 6,000 people were killed in 2008 nationwide as a result of distracted driving. If you or someone you know was injured by a distracted driver, you have legal rights. The distracted driver may be liable for damages to your automobile, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
For an experienced auto accident attorney in Baltimore who is dedicated to helping automobile accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer”, at 877-228-4878 for your free consultation. As a Maryland injury attorney with years of experience handling car accident cases, Mr. Heisler has the legal knowledge you need to be successful with your case.