Maryland Personal Injury Blog

Legionella Bacteria Confirmed at Playboy Mansion as Cause of Guests’ Illnesses

By injuheis on March 2, 2011

Los Angeles County Public Health Officials have confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria at the Playboy Mansion, also known as Hugh Hefner’s Holmby Hills estate. According to The Daily Mail Reporter, over 700 guests were at a party on February 3. Two days later, tons of guests complained of the same symptoms, some of which included fever, intense headaches, and respiratory problems. Those in charge of the conference that held the party at the Playboy Mansion noticed a trend and an official investigation was launched.

The article reports that four Swedish men who were at the Playboy Mansion were diagnosed with Legionellosis or pontiac fever, which is a milder form of Legionnaries’ disease caused by bacteria found in warm air-conditioning units. Legionella is frequently found in moist environments, and an atmospheric fog machine was used at the party. The LA County’s Director of Public Health has not dismissed the possibility that other illnesses may have contributed to the hundreds of people who became ill.

While there are tests and treatments for Legionnaires’ disease, a person who has contracted the illness can suffer potentially long-term effects such as confusion, short and/or long term memory loss, fatigue, and the onset of asthma. Other symptoms include problems concentrating, malaise, neuromuscular symptoms (joint pain and muscle weakness), cough, and shortness of breath when exerted.

In the most serious of cases when the disease is not treated or diagnosed properly, an individual is at risk of suffering respiratory failure, septic shock, acute kidney failure, and even death.

A person who has contracted Legionnaries’ disease due to a property owner’s oversight or another form of negligence may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. To learn more about your legal rights, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” at 877-228-4878. As an experienced Legionnaries’ disease attorney, Mr. Heisler has the legal knowledge and resources to protect your rights.

Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Legionnaire's Disease |

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.

Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Tractor-Trailer Accidents |

Avoiding Bicycle Accidents in Maryland

By injuheis on June 16, 2010

Once warm weather hits, increasing numbers of Maryland bicyclists take to the streets. Before you join them, be sure to follow standard bicycle safety rules. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 600 and 800 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. each year between 1998 and 2008.

The best thing you can do to prevent a head injury from occurring during a bicycle crash in Maryland is to wear a properly fitting helmet. In addition to fitting your helmet, adjust your bicycle to fit your body. Is the seat level high or low enough for you? Is the handlebar height the same height as the seat? You should also make sure all other bicycle equipment is working. Do your brakes work? Are your tires properly inflated?

It is crucial to remember that you should not ride a bicycle if you are under the influence of alcohol. It sounds like common sense, but tragically, alcohol was a factor in 37 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in bicycle fatalities in 2008 either because the bicyclist or a vehicle driver was drinking.

Another important way to avoid Baltimore bike accidents is to make sure you can be seen while you are on your bike. Wear neon or other bright colors when riding, even during the day. Also consider putting something reflective or bright on your bicycle, such as reflective tape or lights. Don’t assume a driver can see you just because you can see him.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a bicycle accident because of someone else’s negligence? You may be granted compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering with the help of an experience Maryland bicycle accident attorney. Contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” today at 877-228-4878 for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights as an injury victim.

Posted in Bicycle Accidents |

Maryland Bike Safety Warning for Spring Time Bicycling

By injuheis on April 23, 2009

With the spring and summer seasons fast approaching, pedestrians will be trading in their bus passes and vehicles for bicycles. Bicycle riding is more prevalent than ever these days and can be quite dangerous when the riding laws are not obeyed.

The Maryland Department of Transportation would like to refresh the memory of Maryland bike enthusiasts on all safety precautions and rules when riding. Some of these safety rules and warnings are:

• Bicyclists are not permitted to ride on the sidewalks to ensure the safety of pedestrians
• All cyclists should take the upmost precautions when riding in the streets with automobiles to help prevent car accidents in Maryland
• Cyclists should remember to ride their bikes along with traffic and obey all street lights and signs
• Even though the Maryland bicycle laws state that all cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding, it is wise for cyclists of all ages to wear a helmet to prevent injuries in the event of an accident

If you are or have been hurt in a bike accident or a pedestrian accident in Maryland where your rights were violated, a knowledgeable  injury attorney such as Steven H. Heisler can provide you with the legal advice that you need. Mr. Heisler has the experience and resources to help you get the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries or loss. For a free consultation with skilled Maryland personal injury lawyer, Steven H. Heisler, call him today at 877-228-4878.

Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Personal Injury |

MARYLAND BICYCLISTS BEWARE OF RIDING THROUGH CROSSWALKS!

By Steve Heisler on January 15, 2009

Lafayette, Colorado teenager Jaideep Mangat was seriously injured in September of 2008 when he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle through a crosswalk.

According to Michael Bluejay of Bicyclesafe.com, collisions involving cars turning right at an intersection and striking bicycle riders in crosswalks are very common.

“Cars aren’t expecting bikes in the crosswalk, so you have to be careful to avoid this one,” says Bluejay.

Bluejay adds that one study revealed that sidewalk-riding is twice as hazardous as road riding.

How to avoid this kind of collision? Bluejay recommends getting a headlight (in most states this is the law), riding slow enough so that you’re able to come to a complete stop if required, and don’t ride on the sidewalk to begin with.

“Crossing between sidewalks can be a fairly dangerous maneuver. If you do it on the left hand side of the street, you risk getting slammed. If you do it on the right hand side of the street, you risk getting slammed by a car behind you that’s turning right. You also risk getting hit by cars pulling out of parking lots and driveways. These kind of accidents are hard to avoid, which is a compelling reason to not ride on the sidewalk in the first place,” states Bluejay.

If you’ve been injured in a Maryland Bicycle Crosswalk Accident or have any questions, e-mail me at sheisler@injurylawyermd.com.

Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Injuries, Pedestrian Accidents |

CHICAGO BICYCLE DEATH ILLUSTRATES DANGER OF OPENED CAR DOORS

By Steve Heisler on December 26, 2008

What should Baltimore Bicycle riders do to avoid this from happening to them? Bluejay recommends that Baltimore cyclists ride far enough to the left of the curb so they will see any doors that are opened suddenly.

You may be worried about riding so far into the lane that cars can’t pass you easily, but you’re more likely to get doored by a parked car if you ride to close to it than you are to get hit from behind by a car which can clearly see you, says Bluejay.

Be safe when you bike and stay tuned to my next post about The Crosswalk Slam. In the meantime, feel free to e-mail me at sheisler@injurylawyermd.com with any comments or bike safety tips.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Injuries |

FATAL BALTIMORE BIKE ACCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS ROAD HAZARDS FOR CYCLISTS

By Steve Heisler on December 8, 2008

Fourteen year old Blaine Susnowitz of Middle River, Maryland was killed several weeks ago when he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle.

The Maryland bicycle accident occurred at the intersection of Martin Boulevard and Middle River Road and is still being investigated. As a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer, I’ve represented riders who have sustained serious injuries as a result of the negligence of themselves and other motorists. While riding on a bicycle will always be a risky venture, there are plenty of safeguards that cyclists can take to minimize the hazards.

Here are “Ten Ways To Not Get Hit” while riding a bicycle, according to Michael Bluejay of bicyclesafe.com. According to Bluejay, motor vehicles pulling out of a side road, parking lot,or driveway on the right is the most common way to get hit. He calls this “The Right Cross”. Bluejay recommends the following safety tips to avoid this type of collision:

1) USE A HEADLIGHT. A front headlight is a necessity at night AND the daytime. This allows other motorists to see you better. Bluejay proclaims that helmet-mounted lights are the best, “because then you can look directly at the driver to make sure they see your light”.

2) HONK. It sounds corny, but Bluejay suggest that cyclists use a loud horn when approaching a vehicle, especially on the right. “If you don’t have a horn, then yell ‘Hey!’ You may feel awkward honking or yelling, but it’s better to be embarrassed than to get hit”, he says.

3)SLOW DOWN. Bluejay says to slow down when approaching other drivers when eye contact cannot be made. “Doing this has saved my life on too many occasions to count”, he remarks.

4) RIDE FURTHER LEFT. Bluejay contends that drivers pulling out from the right are not focusing on the bike lane or the region closest to the curb, but instead are looking for cars in the middle of the lane. The farther left you are the better chance a car will notice you. “Using this method has saved me on three occasions in which a motorist ran into me and I wasn’t hurt, and in which I definitely would have slammed into the driver’s side door had I not moved left”, he quips.

Bluejay cautions to stay farther to the right on fast roads with few cross streets and farther left on slow roads with numerous cross streets.

My next blog post will cover more ways not to get hit while driving operating your bicycle.

Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Injuries |