Drugs More Deadly Than Car Accidents, For Now
By injuheis on October 26, 2009
A recent Associated Press article revealed that the number of deaths caused by drugs is now greater than the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents in the state of Maryland. It has been speculated that more commonly prescribed painkilling opiates are to blame, and that doctors and physicians are prescribing the substances at a much greater rate than in previous years. According to an epidemiologist with the CDCP, “People see a car accident as something that might happen to them,” but may view drug overdose “as something that’s not going to happen to them.” With estimates labeling one in five U.S. adults as being prescribed an opiate of some kind each year, the question arises as to whether or not the number of motor vehicle accidents will eventually once again surpass the number of drug deaths, particularly since the likelihood of individuals driving while under the influence of prescription medication is bound to rise as the number of patients dependent on painkillers continues to increase.
The epidemiologist also added that the drop in traffic fatalities is “considered one of the great public health triumphs” in recent history, but such a drop certainly won’t benefit if more and more individuals find themselves able to easily acquire prescription painkillers. The issues of medical malpractice and reckless driving are both brought into question here. In one regard, while the vast majority of medical professionals prescribe painkillers because their patients do in fact need them, all medical personnel needs to more vigilant in deciphering between a need for medication, and an unnecessary dependency on it. Furthermore, lax judgment in regard to prescribing such medications needs to be addressed to ensure that the safety of not only the medicated individual, but of all other individuals in Maryland, is given careful consideration.
Consequently, while the number of traffic fatalities has thankfully decreased, the number of traffic accidents remains vulnerable to being negatively impacted by the increase of medicated individuals out and about on Maryland roads and highways. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol constitutes utter reckless, and all incidents that are deemed as such become the responsibility of those individuals that chose to exhibit and partake in such dangerous behavior. Any time one person is injured because of the negligent action of another, an experienced personal injury attorney in Maryland should be consulted to ensure that the rights of the injured party are upheld in a court of law.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, whether it was caused by an utter disregard for traffic laws or because the other party involved chose to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, don’t hesitate to contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” for a free evaluation of your case, and his experienced attorneys will ensure that your rights are upheld at all times. Please call us today for your free consultation.
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Maryland Motorcycle Accident Injures Man
By injuheis on August 11, 2009
A man was injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident on Mapleville Road, the Herald-Mail reports in an article. The motorcyclist was traveling south on Mapleville near Beaver Creek Road when he lost control of his 2003 Yamaha motorcycle, Maryland State Police said. He was thrown off the motorcycle and crashed into several trees and shrubs; however, he suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries – sometimes, injuries that can leave you disabled for a lifetime. Medical treatment for these injuries and long-term care, if it becomes necessary, can cost a lot of money. In solo crashes, it is important to look into whether there was a dangerous road condition or a mechanical problem or defective auto product in the motorcycle that caused the rider to lose control. Where there are other vehicles involved, it is critical to get all information about the other party, such as license plate, insurance, driver’s license number and witness information. If the other party is determined to be at-fault, then you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and loss.
Along with quality medical treatment and care, you also need to seek out and consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who has a sound understanding of Maryland motorcycle and traffic laws. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, please contact Maryland motorcycle injury lawyer, Steven H. Heisler, for a free consultation. He represents clients involved in a variety of motorcycle accidents that involve head trauma, defective auto products and defective helmets. Steven H. Heisler will fight for your rights while remaining sensitive to special and unique issues you face as an injury victim. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Baltimore Proposes Speeding Cameras Near School and Construction Zones
By injuheis on August 4, 2009
A proposal that would allow speed cameras to be installed around school and construction zones in Baltimore, Maryland, received an initial stamp of approval from the City Council recently. If the measure passes, the cameras could be online and in use by October, the Baltimore Sun reports in an account. This is apparently part of the city’s effort to address the problem of speeding around schools and construction zones. The use of speed cameras was first proposed in 2007 as part of a traffic control plan. However the city needed approval from the General Assembly before these cameras could be used.
In May, Maryland legislators passed a law allowing the use of speed cameras within half a mile of school zones and road construction sites. If caught speeding, a motorist could receive a $40 ticket in the mail based on vehicle registration and license plate number. State law requires that signs be posted in areas where these speed cameras are in use.
Hopefully, these speed cameras will do to speeding motorists what red light cameras do to red light runners. Research and studies have found that at intersections with red light cameras, motorists are far less likely to run a red light, which often is the cause some car accidents in Maryland. Similarly, we hope that these speed cameras deter motorists from speeding especially in schools and construction sites where the probability of vehicle versus pedestrian collisions is much higher.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a speeding or negligent motorist, you would be well-advised to consult an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney who will fight for your rights. Maryland personal injury lawyer Steven H. Heisler has the knowledge, skill and experience it takes to get you the compensation your rightfully deserve in your auto accident case. Please call him today for a free consultation.
Maryland Police Warn Drag Racers after Recent Fatal Auto Accident
By injuheis on July 30, 2009
Police in Maryland are trying to take several steps including installing rumble strips, cameras and other devices to slow down street racers after two people were killed in what officials say was a fatal car accident in Maryland caused by illegal drag racing, according to this Associated Press news report. Two people were killed earlier in June and two injured when a car crashed into another vehicle on the Interstate 70 after an illegal drag race took place. Two other individuals, who were bystanders, were seriously injured.
Street racing has caused significant personal injuries and deaths not only in Maryland, but all over the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were reports of 135 fatal car accidents that involved street racing in 2001, a number that had almost doubled since 2000. Nationwide, statistics also show that 49 people are injured for every 1,000 people who participate in illegal street racing.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a negligent driver who has been speed racing, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical expenses, loss of wages and other related damages. If you have been injured in an auto accident, please call experienced Maryland personal injury attorney Steven H. Heisler to find out how he can help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and loss. We treat our clients with sensitivity and honesty – just as we would treat members of our own family. Please call us today for a free consultation.
Zicam Defective Drug Recall Begins
By injuheis on July 23, 2009
Matrixx Initiatives is issuing a product recall of several Zicam intranasal cold remedies a week after federal regulators told the company to stop selling its products that were apparently causing consumers to lose their sense of smell. According to a Reuters news report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to consumers that several Matrixx Zicam cold remedies, such as sprays and gels, were not safe to use because they contained zinc, which has the potential to damage a nerve that affects the sense of smell.
On June 16, 2009, the FDA warned Matrixx to stop selling these defective drugs after more than 130 reports of people losing their sense of smell after using the products. The FDA also urged consumers to stop taking the over-the-counter products.
There are a variety of state and federal laws, which govern the manufacture, production, labeling and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Drug makers are expected to exercise a certain standard of care that includes safe labeling, appropriate manufacturing conditions, and informing doctors about the risks of their drugs. However, brief testing periods and unsafe manufacturing conditions can lead to massive drug recalls, which can affect a drug company’s reputation and endanger the lives of innocent victims who can experience lasting and even deadly side effects. State statutes of limitations for filing pharmaceutical claims can be limited, so it’s a good idea to consider your legal options as soon as possible after sustaining injury due to an unsafe drug product.
If you have sustained injury due to a drug, it is best to contact an experienced Maryland pharmaceutical litigation attorney who can help you pursue your legal rights. The law offices of Steven H. Heisler specifically serve personal injury victims and can help you if you or a loved one has been injured by unsafe drugs including Zicam. If you’re interested in finding out more about how your pharmaceutical litigation can result in compensation, settlements and damages for your injuries, you need to speak with Steven H. Heisler. Each case consultation is free, confidential, and carries absolutely no obligation. Contact us today for more information on pharmaceutical litigation and your pharmaceutical injury.
Maryland Shopping Center Gas Explosion Injures Worker and Firefighters
By injuheis on June 9, 2009
Eight firefighters and a gas company worker suffered personal injury due to a gas explosion at a Forestville, Maryland, strip mall, according to a report. Firefighters were called to the shopping center in Prince George’s County after a gas company worker was hurt while working on a gas line. Two firefighters suffered burn injuries. All others were treated and released at local hospitals. Officials suspect that the gas leak may have been caused by recent renovations in the empty storefront.
Maryland workers who suffer injuries on-the-job are entitled to workers compensation benefits. There are a wide variety of work-related injuries from construction and industrial accidents or even auto accidents on the job. When you suffer a serious injury at work, you may end up having to stay away from work for weeks or even months until you recover completely and are able to physically return to work. Such work-related accidents in Maryland that are covered by workers compensation benefits include industrial accidents such as fires, industrial explosions, gas or chemical leaks, chemical explosions and fires, gas explosions and cancer-related chemical exposure.
Maryland workers who are injured on the job are usually entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses including diagnostics; lost wage benefits; payments for permanent impairment of body parts (also known as permanent partial disability benefits); and vocational rehabilitation benefits to help injured workers reenter the job market. If you have suffered an on-the-job injury and need skilled legal representation, please call Maryland’s skilled workers compensation attorney Steven H. Heisler for a free and comprehensive consultation.