The Maryland Court of Appeals ruling stems from a 2007 incident in which a 10-year-old boy was mauled by a pit bull. The young boy was seriously injured in the attack and required five hours of surgery, a 17-day stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, additional surgeries, and a year of rehabilitation. The parents of the victim filed a complaint against the dog’s owner and the landlord to obtain monetary damages, but the canine owner filed bankruptcy and the court ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to show the landlord knew the vicious nature of the dog.

The Court of Special Appeals reversed the decision of the lower court in 2011, and this recent decision is in response to the landlord’s insurer appeal to the Maryland Court of Appeals. The decision is already stirring up controversy between animal rights groups and organizations that advocate for stronger laws to protect people in the event of a dog attack, but the lawyer for the victim’s family states that in the end “pit bull owners and their landlords must be liable for the actions of these dogs.”

A dog attack can leave a victim with extremely serious injuries and costly medical bills for treatment and recovery, so it important that any responsible parties be held accountable for the harm caused. If you have been injured in a dog attack, Maryland dog attack attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” will work to ensure your rights are protected and obtain full compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation by calling our offices at (877) 228-4878.

Here are some more notable statistics from the Department of Labor report:

• The number of U.S. workers killed by a fire or an explosion jumped from 113 in 2009 to 191 in 2010.
• Construction-related fatalities decreased from 834 to 774, which may be attributed to the ailing economy and weak housing market in 2010.
• The fatality rate rose slightly from 3.5 fatal injuries per 100,000 full time workers to 3.6.
• Work-related transportation deaths also rose from 1,795 to 1,857.

The director of health and safety for AFL-CIO believes that fatalities for 2011 may also show an increase, which may possibly be because the economy improved and picked up some steam that year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the reality that an average of 12 U.S. workers die daily drives their work, and they will continue to enforce the laws that keep employees safe.

Workers’ compensation is a system in place to aid workers who have been injured on the job or suffer from an occupational-related illness. In the tragic event of a workplace death, this compensation can also help the dependents of the worker who relied on the person’s financial support. If you are in need of assistance with your MD workers’ comp claim, schedule a free consultation with knowledgeable Baltimore workers’ compensation attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer.” Call (877) 228-4878 to discuss your claim.

The new medical conditions added will officially take effect in August and include a variety of diseases, but cancers, rare diseases, and neurologic disorders are primarily covered. Several of the newly added conditions may also affect children who may also be receiving disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Annually, an estimated 3 million people apply for Social Security disability benefits, and those with conditions which fall under the Allowances Program benefit from this latest effort to speed up their claims through the disability review process.

Understanding the guidelines and qualifications for Social Security Disability can be difficult, and the application process can be frustrating. With assistance from a Baltimore social security disability attorney, the process can be made quicker and much simpler for a claimant. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is committed to helping those seeking disability benefits receive the assistance they need and will be by their side throughout the entire process. To discuss your disability claim, please call our offices at (877) 228-4878.

The lead author of the study knows that there are a number of positives for younger people joining the workforce, but that young employees are exposed to unsafe tasks and work environments with little supervision. Young workers are at risk in many ways, such as being burned at a fast food establishment or being cut by a sharp tool at a grocery store, but one of the most dangerous occupations is farm work. Young people working on farms are at risk as they frequently work with heavy equipment and utilize sharp tools, and often workers may drive and operate things like tractors underage.

The study’s lead author is now calling for improved safety standards for young workers, and is encouraging more research into workplace injury prevention for youths. Parental involvement is also important, but the author stresses that it is ultimately the responsibility of employers to keep workers safe.

Though young people are particularly at risk for a job-related injury, workers of all ages and in all industries may be vulnerable to an occupational injury, illness, or fatality. Fortunately, workers’ compensation is designed to aid employees while they recover. If you are a Maryland worker in need of assistance with your workers’ comp claim, Maryland workers’ compensation attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can help you throughout the entire process, from filing your claim to receiving payment. Call (877) 228-4878 to schedule a free consultation.

Steven Heisler has earned a reputation as a determined, reliable, and trustworthy attorney, a reputation which has earned him the privilege of previously being selected for inclusion on the list of Maryland Super Lawyers in 2007 and 2011.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of exceptional lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition. The aim of Super Lawyers is to create a credible listing of extraordinary attorneys that can be used by consumers searching for legal counsel, as well as for other attorneys. Selection for inclusion is based on an extensive process that involves peer reviews and nominations, in addition to independent research. The Super Lawyers magazine is published in all 50 states and is proud to reach more than 13 million readers.

If you are a resident in the state of Maryland who has been injured due in an accident, a skilled Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need to recover and get back on your feet. To see how Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can apply his years of experience to your case, call (877) 228-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

Long-Term Effects of the Spill

Though a U.S. Court has now agreed to oversee the paying of the Gulf spill-related claims, relieving Kenneth Feinberg of his duties (the man who has so far been handling the long, complicated process), an extraordinary number of claims are still being filed because the effects of the spill were felt by so many. According to The Baltimore Sun, seafood restaurants in Maryland still feel the effects of the 2010 spill as the fisheries’ shutdowns in Louisiana waters have “pinched off a major source of oysters and domestic shrimp, driving up prices in the process.”

In 2008, the Gulf supplied one-eighth of all shellfish and fish caught in the U.S., with Louisiana being one the country’s leading suppliers of domestic shellfish. Now, fisheries have been devastated because more than a fifth of the Gulf is closed to fishing as a precaution against the ruptured well off of Louisiana’s coast; as a result, the impact is being felt across the country. In MD, the effect is felt by businesses that rely on this southern region to meet their customers’ demand for fresh and frozen seafood when local fisheries are not in season or do not have ample supply.

Ultimately, area seafood businesses will have to pay more to get what is available, with one seafood company owner noting “wholesale prices [are] through the roof.”

Finding Proper Oil Spill Legal Representation in Maryland

The effects of the devastating Gulf oil spill had a significant impact to not only those living in the region, but those in other states who depend on this area’s rich products for their businesses and livelihood. Those who have felt the economic impact of the spill in Maryland, including seafood restaurant owners, workers, and wholesalers, may be able to obtain compensation for the damages and losses associated with the oil spill. Steven H. Heisler, a Baltimore Gulf oil spill attorney, is committed to helping those who continue to feel the effects of the 2010 spill get back on their feet. Call (877) 228-4878 for a complimentary consultation.

The state bill also asks that the Maryland Insurance Administration conduct an independent study to assess what financial benefits the fund has gained from the state; depending on the results, the fund would need to pay at least $50 million in surplus funds to the state. If this new state bill is approved, the legislation would take effect in October 2013. A separate bill would also require the $50 million be transferred from the Injured Workers’ Fund to the state’s general fund in June 2013. Earlier this month, the measure passed in the state Senate and is now being considered by a Maryland House committee.

Both the insurance industry and business groups have expressed skepticism over the proposed privatization, articulating concerns that it may mean a hike in workers’ comp rates. Privatization has already been implemented in a few U.S. states, such as Nevada and West Virginia.

Workers’ compensation in MD is designed to aid workers who have been injured or become ill while on the job and can help with medical bills and lost wages while the employee is not working. However, a workers’ comp claim can be denied for any reason an employer or insurer sees fit. In this case, a skilled Baltimore workers’ compensation lawyer can help. If you need assistance with your workers’ comp claim, Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” will work to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call (877) 228-4878 for a complimentary consultation.

This medical malpractice reform bill is opposed by a number of Democrats in the House, and also some conservative Republicans, who feel the bill may supersede state malpractice reform measures. The current piece of legislation pits business groups who favor limits on malpractice awards against attorneys who maintain the “threats of lawsuit ensure better medical care for all Americans.” Republicans in support of the bill hope to use the savings from the malpractice reforms to pay for another pending bill which would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board, a group created by the 2010 Affordable Care Act to keep Medicare-related costs down.

No matter which side of this debate a person is on, it is indisputable that any person who has suffered injury or health problems due to medical negligence or error deserves compensation from any responsible parties. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is a medical malpractice lawyer in Baltimore dedicated to helping medical malpractice victims obtain proper compensation to aid them in recovery from any injuries caused by the mistakes of a medical professional. To discuss your potential medical malpractice claim, call (877) 228-4878 to schedule a free consultation.

However, as alcohol is frequently part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this merry holiday can also become very dangerous if a partygoer decides to drink and drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 37 percent of St. Paddy’s Day motor vehicle fatalities in 2009 involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of .08 percent or higher, which is the legal limit on all states.

To combat the dangerous problem of drunk driving, which is especially prevalent during holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, the Maryland’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is teaming up with law enforcement across the state and encouraging St. Patrick’s Day revelers to celebrate responsibly and not drive drunk. Maryland law enforcement will also be conducting numerous sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols the entire week to crack down on impaired drivers. To avoid a potential brush with law enforcement and a dangerous Maryland auto accident, the SHA suggests MD partygoers follow these tips:

• Before drinking and heading out to celebrate, designate a sober driver and give him or her your keys. Or plan to use alternate means of transportation to get home safe and sound, such as public transportation or cab.
• Use the area’s sober ride services, such as Baltimore’s free Tipsy?Taxi! service or DC’s Sober Ride program. For more information, go to www.freecabrides.org or www.soberride.com.
• If you are out on the road and notice a driver who may be intoxicated, alert law enforcement immediately by calling 9-1-1 or #77.
• Watch out for the safety of other St. Patrick’s Day partygoers; if you see people trying to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home.

Following these tips can help you and friends celebrate safely on March 17 and all year as well. However, drunk driving accidents may still occur as others may not take their safety and the safety of others seriously and will negligently choose to drink and drive. If you have been injured in a drunk driving collision, a Baltimore personal injury attorney can help. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” can aid you in seeking compensation for your injuries and hold any negligent parties responsible. Please call (877) 228-4878 for a no-cost consultation.

With these astounding statistics, construction site and worker safety is imperative to prevent serious injuries and even fatalities. The following are some examples of common construction accidents that occur in Maryland and across the country:

• Fall accidents: The leading cause of injury at construction sites, common falls include roof-related falls, crane falls, and scaffolding falls.
• Scaffolding accidents: An estimated 2.3 million construction workers operate on scaffolding frequently, putting a large number of workers at risk.
• Electrical accidents: OSHA reports almost 350 construction workers die annually from electrical accidents, including electrocution, steam accidents, electric shock, and power line contact.
• Fires and explosions: OSHA determined fires and explosions at construction sites have killed more than 200 workers and injured more than 5,000 every year, making these accidents very dangerous.
• Unsafe or dangerous equipment: Over 1,000 workers die annually due to equipment and machinery mishap or failure.

It is a company’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their workers at all times, particularly at a construction site, which inherently has many more dangerous hazards than other workplaces. If a company is negligent in properly training workers, providing proper safety equipment, or maintaining equipment, the results can be catastrophic.

The skilled Baltimore construction accident attorney Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” is committed to helping workers recover from construction-related accidents by obtaining compensation from any at-fault parties. Call (877) 228-4878 for a free consultation.