The 25-year-old was driving on the freeway when he got into a single-vehicle wreck. Witnesses say that after the crash, the man stumbled out of his vehicle and wandered into a wooded area nearby.
]]> Police who responded to the crash searched the brush around the accident scene and claimed to look in a variety of other areas off the highway -- but to no avail.The 25-year-old never showed up for a funeral two days later, and his family immediately contacted police to tell him he was missing. It was another five days until police returned to the scene of the man's truck and found him, lying unconscious in the brush and likely in advanced stages of dehydration.
It is unknown how local police were unable to find the man during the first search effort. Given the 25-year-old's condition in the hospital -- he is on life support according to his sister - no one knows what happened during his seven-day ordeal.
An investigation will surely be launched into this odd accident, and while it is good to hear the man was found, we can only hope for even better news regarding the 25-year-old's health in the coming weeks.
Source: MSNBC, "Man found alive, but unconscious, a week after car accident," May 17, 2012
]]>All of a sudden, a hybrid or electric car -- seemingly out of nowhere -- clips you, resulting in some serious injuries. This car accident may change your life forever.
]]> Now, in this hypothetical situation, the old adage applies: the person should have looked both ways before crossing the street. However, being able to hear oncoming cars is a big part of recognizing your surroundings as a pedestrian, and according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, hybrid cars are far too quiet.In fact the NHTSA found that, at lower speeds, hybrid cars pose an elevated accident risk to pedestrians or bicyclists. Pedestrians have a 37% greater chance of being struck by a hybrid car at lower speeds than a traditional gas-guzzler, while bicyclists have a staggeringly higher risk rate -- 66%.
So what is being done to combat the issue of barely-audible electric vehicles? This summer, a "noise minimum" for vehicles will be established as part of the enactment of the Pedestrian Safety Act of 2010. That means there will be a legal standard that cars must meet to ensure pedestrians are able to hear approaching vehicles.
Source: Slate, "The Silent Killer," Paul Collins, May 15, 2012
]]>Reducing the number of car accidents as a result of distracted driving is the goal of such a ban, and it targets the person in control of physically looking at the text. But an interesting question is being posed in an out-of-state case that could set a precedent. If a person who crashes their vehicle is guilty of texting while driving, should the person who sent the driver a text be liable as well?
]]> In New Jersey, they are trying to answer this question. It stems from a 2009 incident when a driver admittedly took his eyes off the road to read a text. He swerved out of his lane and hit a motorcycle, catastrophically injuring both riders -- one had his leg torn off during the accident, while the other had to have a leg amputated due to the trauma the limb suffered. The negligent driver is being sued by the motorcycle riders.However, they are also suing the person who sent the text to the driver. On some level, you could argue that they do play a role in the accident and should share liability. But legally is an entirely different situation. The term "duty of care" means that a person has to provide reasonable care while doing something that could potentially harm others.
The attorney for the text sender in this case says "duty of care" does not apply here because the text sender has no control over the driver's actions. The judge will make his ruling on May 25.
Source: Daily Record, "Morris judge to decide if sender of text is liable if receiver crashes car," Peggy Wright, May 4, 2012
]]>As many people in Montgomery County, Maryland known, teens are the one of the highest accident risk groups on the road. According to the organization's data, this risk gets increasingly greater when teenage drivers give a ride to their friends.
]]> The study shows that drivers who are either 16 or 17 years of age see their fatal accident rate jump 44% when they have a single under-21 passenger in their car. When there are two under-21 passengers in the vehicle, that same teenage driver has doubled the likelihood that he or she will suffer fatal consequences in a car accident. The rate dramatically increases when there are three under-21 passengers in the car: the driver is four times as likely to perish in a car accident.These numbers were determined by comparing the circumstances to a 16- or 17-year-old driver that had no passengers in his or her car. There was some good news, though -- if a driver aged 16 or 17 has a 35-year-old passenger (or older), the teen behind the wheel is 62% less likely to get into a fatal accident.
Clearly parents have a big say in the safety of their children, but that seems especially true when it comes to driving. If you have children, discuss things with your son or daughter and let them know their attention needs to be on the road when they have friends in the car. Their focus needs to be on driving the vehicle, not talking with friends or driving fast to impress them.
Source: The Car Connection, "Teen Drivers More At Risk With Other Teens In The Car," Suzanne Kane, May 8, 2012
]]>There is a work crew in Prince George's County that may be feeling somewhat lucky that none of their number got hurt after one recent accident. Police say a 91-year-old man crashed his car into the Seabrook restaurant on Lanham Severn Road recently. The crash occurred just at the start of the likely lunchtime rush on April 18.
]]>A spokesman for the county police says the aged driver apparently had been at a bank across the street from the restaurant just before the wreck. As he left that business, he reportedly drove directly across the road and into Jerry's Seafood restaurant. Officials say there were no patrons in the restaurant at the time and fortunately all the employees were in the back. Had any of them been in the seating area, someone very likely could have been seriously hurt.
The only person who did suffer injuries, and they apparently were not life threatening, was the 91-year-old driver. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
The police say they don't know what circumstances led up to the accident. The restaurant apparently suffered significant enough damage that it required reconstruction. It was closed for several days.
Source: Gazette.net, "Elderly man crashes vehicle into Seabrook restaurant Wednesday morning," Natalie McGill, April 18, 2012
]]>Considering the number of births that have occurred over the span of human history one might think that the instances of injuries caused during birth would be nonexistent. The reality is that they do happen and medical malpractice often contributes to causing such birth injuries. Maryland-based attorneys with experience in this area of law are aware of this.
Nor is the scope of potential malpractice necessarily limited to just the delivery. The courts have found that there may be legitimate claims of birth injury made for a general failure on the part of healthcare providers in delivering adequate care throughout the course of a woman's 9-month pregnancy. Cases often settle out of court.
]]>That's what recently occurred in the case of a family in New York. Attorneys for the couple announced they reached a settlement of a suit for $5.3 million. The plaintiff's had alleged that the hospital staff had not provided adequate care to the mother during her pregnancy. The result was that she delivered a child with cerebral palsy.
According to documents related to the suit, the woman had been to the hospital several times for observation and treatments. Despite that, she delivered at 32 weeks, well short of what would be considered normal and the child was found to have quadriplegic cerebral palsy. The parents said more should have been done to prevent the premature birth.
It's important to know that the mere claim of malpractice isn't sufficient in and of itself. Such suits require proof on the part of plaintiffs that the injury was in fact caused by provider negligence in fulfilling an accepted standard of care. In this case that evidence must have been deemed adequate for the hospital to settle.
Source: Reuters, "NY Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settled for $5.3M," Stephanie Rabiner, April 13, 2012
]]>Those potential elements of an accident deserve to be be addressed and compensated for just as much as the aspects of possible personal injury or wrongful death. An attorney's assessment is one way to be sure full protection of victims' rights is achieved.
]]> What spurs this commentary is an accident that happened along New Hampshire Avenue in the White Oak area of Silver Spring Monday night. According to news reports, three people were injured in the multi-vehicle crash. They say one of the vehicles wound up piling into the front porch of a home as the residents were sitting down to dinner.The Montgomery County Police say that they've been told by those involved that a hit-and-run driver in an unidentified car struck a second car. The second car then ran into a third vehicle and that third vehicle caromed off the road and into the White Oak house. The couple in the house said they thought an earthquake had struck.
Authorities quote the driver of one of the two cars at the scene as saying that she saw the driver of the first car stop, get out of his vehicle for a brief moment to check the scene and then fled.
Police say they are now investigating and trying to find that vehicle.
Source: WTTG-TV, "Homeowners discuss experience after car crashes into their home in White Oak," Karen Gray Houston, April 24, 2012
]]>Such proved to be the case this morning in Silver Spring. Authorities say a multi-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer and two other vehicles on the Outer Loop left one person injured. Another person is dead in what could turn out to be a case of wrongful death. There is no word regarding whether any charges have been filed, or if any will be.
]]> The accident took place about 2 a.m. in the westbound lanes of 495 between Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue. A spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue says one person died at the scene. The second was taken to a local hospital with what are reported to be non-life-threatening injuries.The accident also resulted in a spill of diesel fuel which required a shutdown of traffic and the call-out of cleanup crews. All Outer Loop lanes were closed for the peak of rush hour, only finally opening at about 8:15 a.m. Despite the slowdowns and rainy conditions, no other accidents were reported.
Sudden loss of life and personal injury is a huge trauma for the victims and their families. The pain and suffering such multi-vehicle accidents inflict can be tremendous. The medical costs that can result can rock the financial foundations of injury victims and survivors. Contacting an attorney can help ensure that individual's rights are fully protected.
Source: WUSA-TV, "All Lanes Open On Outer Loop After Fatal Crash," Susan Phillips, April 23, 2012
]]>Discovering who is responsible for an accident can be a difficult job. But it's an important step in ensuring that those whose negligence caused an accident that resulted in serious car accident injury are held accountable. An attorney's help may be essential in this regard, too.
]]> Montgomery County police report that they are in the midst of just such an investigation following a two-vehicle crash last week on the Beltway between River Road and I-270. Officials say the accident occurred near the end of Friday's evening rush hour at about 6:45.They report that an SUV struck another SUV causing the second to overturn. Two people were thrown from the overturned vehicle and a third had to be rescued after being trapped inside. Emergency crews from both Montgomery County and Fairfax County responded to the scene.
Montgomery County Fire officials confirm that six people suffered serious enough injuries to warrant transport to area hospitals. Three of the victims reportedly sustained life-threatening injuries.
As noted already, officials are trying to determine exactly how the crash happened. Piecing together the specifics of such a tragedy can be a challenge. In instances where questions are left unresolved, insurance companies may balk at offering the compensation necessary to ensure the best outcome for an injured party. Contacting an attorney can help ensure that a victim's rights are protected.
Source: WNEW-FM, "Two Ejected, One Trapped When SUV Overturns On Beltway," April 13, 2012
]]>There is the odd chance of getting beaned by a foul ball. There is an even odder chance that someone could get clocked by a bat that flies out of the hands of a batter. What is perhaps a more common source of possible serious personal injury are spilled drinks. Everyone probably knows that wet floors mean slippery floors. If the spill happens on one of the ramps that are often part of a stadium's construction, the problem can be worse.
]]> Stadium operators, like all property owners, have an obligation to make sure that guests are as safe as they can be. If spills happen, there are usually policies in place that require staff to put out warning signs so that fans don't slip and fall. But policies can be overlooked as appears to have happened in Houston.A man there is suing the Houston Astros claiming the team failed to provide a safe stadium environment. His allegation stems from an April 7, 2010, disaster in which he slipped and fell on a wet ramp while he was trying to get to this seat for a game. According to his filing, a security guard came to the man's assistance after he took his tumble and apologized on behalf of the stadium staff. He said someone should have put up a sign to alert spectators to the hazardous conditions.
The man is seeking an undisclosed amount for damages and court costs.
Source: Houston Chronicle, "Spring man sues after slip, fall during Astros game," Glenna Herald, April 10, 2012
]]>In an effort to address computer-related injuries that employees suffer in this age of technology, companies are beginning to develop equipment that takes the user into account. Philips recently released a 24 inch LCD monitor with a built-in "ErgoSensor," to promote better ergonomics.
]]> The ErgoSensor is located where a standard webcam would be located on a regular computer screen. With the ability to track the user's position and distance from the monitor, the ErgoSensor provides feedback. For example, it might notify the user that he or she is sitting too close to the screen, that their neck posture is incorrect, and that it's necessary to reposition to meet the ergonomic standards of the machine.Employers are responsible for keeping employees safe by ensuring safe working conditions. A workspace should be free of defective equipment, dangerous products, or conditions that could cause injury. With millions of people sitting at a computer all day, is the ErgoSensor monitor the wave of the future? Philips, the maker of the ErgoSensor believes that "work should be suited to people, and not the other way around." Time will tell if employers feel the same.
Source: The Atlantic, "The Computer Monitor That Can Tell If You're Slouching," April 10, 2012
]]>As easy as it is for drivers to become distracted by cell phones, text messaging, and others in the vehicle, it's important to follow safety rules, especially in construction zones. According to state statistics an average of 2,600 work-zone crashes take place in Maryland each year. These accidents result in 1,400 injuries and 12 deaths.
]]> For a construction crew, a day at the "office," is often a day spent on the side of a highway with nothing but an orange vest to protect them from oncoming traffic. It's important for drivers to follow the work-zone speed limits and drive with caution in construction areas, not only for the safety of construction workers, but for their own safety as well. Four out of five fatalities in work-zone accidents are motorists.To decrease the number of such accidents, four Beltway work zone areas in the Baltimore area have cameras that have caught more than 1 million drivers exceeding the limit by at least 12 mph. The drivers caught on camera later received $40 tickets in the mail.
Ticket or no ticket, speeding in construction zones can result in accidents that put both drivers and workers at risk. If drivers follow speed limit laws, refrain from talking on cell phones, texting and other distractions, hopefully the spring construction projects ahead will be accident free for everyone.
Source: The Baltimore Sun, "Highway agency readies for warm-weather projects," Candus Thomson, April 10, 2012
]]>If there ever was a case of a misdiagnosis, one would think diagnosing a child as dead when she is not would be one of the more egregious cases on record. The mother had given birth 3 months early to a baby girl who showed no vital signs, according to an attending neonatologist and obstetricians and gynecologists. They had all reached the same conclusion that the baby was stillborn. One explanation given by the hospital's director was that hypothermia may have slowed the newborn's vital signs to an undetectable level.
]]> The odds of a premature infant born at 26 weeks surviving are not high, but it is possible if he or she receives immediate neonatal care. Since doctors could not find vital signs in the newborn they placed her in the refrigerated morgue at the hospital. The couple went to the morgue that night to take a picture of their daughter and when a worker opened the drawer they heard the baby cry and saw that she was alive.The mother fell to her knees when she saw the baby stretching her little body. Her baby had been in the morgue for more than 12 hours and had ice on her body. The baby was taken back to the maternity ward to receive urgent medical care. The hospital has since launched an internal investigation to learn how this almost fatal medical error could have happened. Doctors are amazed the baby survived.
The family is extremely happy their little girl is alive and well and getting stronger by the minute. This heartwarming story is proof that miracles do happen, and that doctors can and do make mistakes.
Source: The Christian Post: "Mother Finds 'Stillborn' Baby Alive After 12 Hours in Morgue," Sami K. Martin, April 11, 2012
]]>There is a new study out today from the American Cancer Society that is prompting new concern over one very common form of dental practice. The report appearing in the organization's journal "Cancer" indicates a link between some types of dental X-rays and meningioma, the most common form of brain tumor.
]]> While such tumors are rarely malignant, they can grow to a significant size and create pressures that can lead to headaches, vision issues and loss of speech or motor control.According to the findings, people who have had a bitewing X-ray sometime in their life doubled their chances of developing meningioma compared to people who have not had such an X-ray. It also found that those who underwent the more rarely used panorex X-ray were about three times more likely to suffer from meningioma than those who had never had that kind of X-ray.
The data was collected by capturing the self-reported dental X-ray histories of nearly 2,800 adults. All of their reported exposures to X-rays took place in the 1960s. Of the total pool, 1,433 adults had eventually been diagnosed with meningioma. The remaining 1,350 had not.
The conclusion from researchers is that ionizing radiation was the likely factor causing meningioma. And it so happens that the greatest source of artificial ionizing radiation exposure in the United States is through dental X-rays.
Dentists are urged to use X-rays judiciously. American Dental Association recommendations for the average patient suggest about one X-ray every one to two years for children; every 18 to 36 months for adolescents; and every two to three years for adults.
The ADA casts a shadow on the results by noting that they are based on memories which may be faulty. They also note that radiation exposure has been reduced over the years as technology has improved.
The author of the study agrees the findings don't warrant alarm. But she says they suggest patients should talk to their dentists about the findings.
Source: The Washington Post, "Study links dental X-rays to brain tumor risk," Jennifer LaRue Huget, April 10, 2012
]]>But all potential risks cannot be eliminated. If a college happens to be in a major urban area or is surrounded by major thoroughfares, students on foot face increased danger of personal injury or wrongful death. It can happen in an instant. The suddenness of such events can leave a community dashed.
]]> That's the feeling that seems to permeate the campus of Towson University in the wake of a student's hit-and-run death over the weekend. Officials say Ryan Bailey, 20, was crossing York Road near Washington Avenue at around 2 a.m. Saturday morning when he was run down by a passing car.As a pall hangs over the campus this week, Baltimore County authorities say they are trying to find out who was responsible for Bailey's death. They say they need the public's help.
The only information they say they have is a description from witnesses of an older model silver or white box style car. Officials say they're asking members of the public to speak up if they know of anyone who may have been driving in the area or if they know of a vehicle that fits the description of the hit-and-run car.
Crash investigators continue to work on reconstructing the details of what happened. Officials say they are also waiting for autopsy reports to determine if perhaps Bailey might have been drinking.
Meanwhile, students are holding vigils in Bailey's memory and his family mourns.
Source: WJZ-TV, "Police Continue To Investigate Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed Towson Student," Derek Valcourt, April 2, 2012
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