Crane Accident Kills Two Workers

On the afternoon of May 4, 2013, a crane collapsed killing two workers in Stark County, Ohio. The accident occurred at the Timken Company’s Faircrest Steel Plant around 12:45 PM. The workers were employees of Beaver Excavating and were rigging a load of wood onto a crane. Something within the crane snapped and the two workers were killed instantly.  The ages of the victims have not yet been released.

The plant is undergoing a multi-million dollar expansion so Beaver excavating is on site helping the project. Several cranes must be used during the project. Out of respect for those involved, the plant has halted all operations until Monday 8 AM.

Prevalence of Deadly Crane Accidents

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are approximately 125,000 cranes operating today in the construction industry. This number does not include the cranes used in general and maritime industries. Unfortunately, these cranes can lead to severe accidents and injuries when not maintained properly. According to OSHA, the major causes of all accidents involving cranes include:

•         Contact with power lines
•          Overturns
•          Falls
•          Mechanical failures

These accidents are so prevalent that crane accidents accounted for 8 percent of all fatal construction events from 1991 to 2002.

Reducing Crane Accidents

For construction workers, read the following tips in order to prevent crane accidents from happening:

·         Assess all construction sites in case a crane incident does occur. Be sure that the site is adequately prepared for lifting operations and any hazards that can result from a crane falling

·         Establish a crane safety plan for every lift. Be sure that the crane is strong enough to carry the weight. Every crane should also be inspected and maintained by the manufacturers’ specifications

·         Train all employers in safe crane operations. Everyone should receive the necessary training in order to operate cranes in a safe manner.

Workers’ Compensation Attorney

For those who have been injured on the job due to a crane accident, you should contact a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rightful compensation. A workers’ compensation attorney will work to maximize your compensation potential and benefits. Contact us today in order to protect your workers’ rights. 

WWII Veteran Struck, Killed by Bus

On April 7, 2013, a world war II veteran and prisoner of war was struck and killed by a MBTA bus. The accident occurred while the man was crossing the street in Melrose, Massachusetts at night. The man was 88 years old and was headed to his weekly VFW meeting just before the incident.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Franklin Street and Pratt Street. The Middlesex District Attorney’s office is still investigating what the cause of the accident was. Speculation is that the sun may have blinded the driver causing him to strike the man.

The accident occurred around 7 PM and the bus driver was moving at a speed of 20 miles per hour. Consequently, the driver is not allowed to operate a bus until the investigation is over.   

Fatal Bus Accident Causes

Today, there are numerous bus accidents injuring pedestrians, passengers, and even the driver. Bus accidents can occur for various reasons. Often times, these fatal bus accidents are a result of human error. In the story told above, the accident may have been caused the driver being blinded by the sun.

Other bus accidents are a result of:

•          The bus driver operating the vehicle at speeds too fast for current conditions due to weather and slick roads
•          The bus driver operating the vehicle while fatigued and drowsy
•          The bus driver becoming distracted by technology
•          The bus driver operating the vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication
•          The bus driver simply making a poor judgment call and causing an accident as a result

Seeking Legal Retribution

Bus drivers are trained and legally responsible to drive in a manner that protects their passengers and does not harm nearby pedestrians. If you or someone you know was recently injured by a bus driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. A personal injury attorney may be able to win you monetary compensation against the driver or the associated bus company for your injuries. Contact us today in order to seek legal retribution for your pain and suffering.  

Limousine Fire Claims the Lives of Five Women

On May 4, 2013, a limousine crossing the San Mateo- Hayward Bridge caught on fire killing five of its passengers. The Limousine was carrying a celebratory bachelorette party comprising of nine women. Of the dead was the 31 year-old bride-to-be.

The accident occurred Saturday night. The cause of the fire is unknown and still being investigated by officials. The Lincoln limousine is listed with California’s Public Utility Commission as legally able to carry eight passengers or less. However, the limousine was illegally carrying nine passengers.

Only four passengers were able to get out and suffered smoke inhalation and burn injuries. The only person to escape unhurt was the driver. At the first sign of danger, the women alerted the driver to pull over. The driver was first confused and thought they meant they would like to smoke. Once the driver realized there was trouble, he pulled over on the bridge.

Few of the women were able to climb through the partition to safety. It is believed that the other women may have been overcome by the smoke. By the time the firefighters arrived and doused the vehicle, the five women were dead. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but it is believed that the fire began in the trunk.

Tips for Limousine Safety

After the fatal limousine fire that took the lives of 5 passengers, it is absolutely vital to remember the importance of limousine safety. With upcoming proms and weddings, it is imperative to research the limousine before renting. While most customers are just searching for extravagance and luxury, customers must also be mindful of safety and security. Several tips to follow before renting a limousine include:

•          Research the company
•          Check the permit number to ensure that the limousine driver is genuine
•          Ask for a tour inside the limousine before choosing

Personal Injury Claim

If you or someone you know was recently injured while riding a limousine or bus, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately. An experienced personal injury attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Consider filing a personal injury claim if your injuries required medical care. Contact us today. 

Woman Dies after Falling Off Party Bus

On May 4, 2013, a young mother died after falling off a party bus and being run over by multiple vehicles. The accident occurred Saturday night around 9 PM on Interstate 35 in Kansas City. The 26 year-old mother fell out of a party bus and onto a highway where she was hit and killed by three vehicles.

On the party bus were 15 other friends who were celebrating a bachelorette party. Somehow, the young mother fell out of the bus through the emergency door. Out of the three cars that hit the 26 year-old, only the second car stopped. The driver of the second vehicle reported trying to dodge her, but could not do so in time. The 26 year-old just recently gave birth two months ago to a baby girl and was planning on marrying her fiancé next year and going back to school. Many are mourning the loss of the young mother.

Ultimately, investigators are still trying to determine what caused the emergency door of the party bus to open. Investigators are also searching for the two other drivers that hit the woman and continued to drive without stopping.

Party Bus Accidents

There are numerous factors that contributed to the death of the 26 year-old young mother. One significant factor was the exit door opening and causing the woman to fall out. Buses are intended to keep all passengers safe; however, many party buses have been proven to be dangerous. The combination of alcohol, overcrowding, and loud music can be difficult for any driver to handle and, thus, cause an accident. In addition, vehicle malfunction of the bus can an accident injuring many passengers and causing severe injuries for those not wearing a seat belt.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or someone you know was injured on a party bus, you should speak to a personal injury attorney immediately. The bus company or driver can be held liable for damages and injuries if they are at fault for the accident. Contact a personal injury attorney today in order to earn monetary compensation for your pain and suffering after a party bus accident. 

Woman Mauled by Pack of Pit Bulls

In Flagler County, Florida, a woman was mauled by five pit bulls while walking with her daughter near their home. The attack happened on April 5, 2013 around 8 PM in Bunnell near Mahogany Boulevard and Holly Lane. According to police officials, the 27 year-old woman was on a stroll with her 6 year-old daughter when five pit bulls attacked her.

The woman suffered numerous injuries, puncture wounds, and lacerations. She was taken to a nearby medical center for her injuries and was transported via helicopter. Luckily, the woman was able to protect her daughter from the dogs. Animal control officials took possession of all five dogs from their home.

How to Prevent Dog Bite Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Almost one in five of those bitten must require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries – that is equivalent to 885,000 people. Dog bites and injuries are much more common and severe than most people realize.

The best way to prevent dog bite attacks from occurring is to not approach any unfamiliar dogs. If you see an unfamiliar dog do not run from the dog or scream. Try to remain motionless like a tree if the dog tries to approach you and do not make any direct eye contact. If the dog does knock you over, lie in a fetal position.

For dog owners, the best way to prevent your dog from attacking strangers is to properly train and socialize your dog with other animals and people. Refrain from playing aggressive games with your dogs and seek professional consulting if your dog is aggressive and dangerous. Spend time with a dog before buying it as it can be unsafe and cause legal trouble for you.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Hopefully, this piece of advice can help prevent dog bites and injuries from occurring. For those who have recently suffered from a dog bite attack, you may want to speak to a personal injury attorney regarding your legal options.

Legally, all dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog. If you were attacked by a dog, you should contact a personal injury attorney as an attorney may be able to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. 

Woman's Nose Bit Off in Dog Attack

On April 28, 2013, a young couple was attacked by a 50 lb Labrador while walking their 9 year old beagle. The couple was walking their pet in rural Madrid that Sunday afternoon when a large Labrador retriever mix ran out of the yard and attacked them. The dog was impounded previously in 2012 for attacking another dog.

The dog ran into the woman and bit her right thigh and abdomen. The dog’s teeth punctured the woman’s skin. The dog then scratched at her eyes, breaking her sunglasses, and bit down on her nose, tearing it off. The woman’s husband tried to save his wife from the dog. He suffered a bite to his left arm. He finally had to bite down on the dog’s nose for the dog to let go of his wife.  

The couple’s injuries are extremely severe. The woman must receive a series of reconstructive surgeries to restore her nose. The bite wound on the husband’s arm has become infected and he must take time off from work as a heavy equipment operator. While the couple does have health insurance, the expenses from the surgeries that will be covered are unknown. Doctors plan on taking cartilage from the woman’s ear to rebuild her nose.

Dog Bite Injuries

Unfortunately, dog bite injuries are much more severe and common than most people think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bite injuries. Half of these victims are children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department.

Thus, it is extremely imperative to understand important tips to prevent dog bite injuries:

·         When approached by an unfamiliar dog, try to remain motionless.

·         Do not run from the dog and scream as that may further entice them to follow you.

·         Also avoid direct eye contact with a dog.

·          If a dog knocks you over, lie in a fetal position and remain still.

Hopefully, these tips will help to prevent injuries during a dog attack.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or a family member recently suffered injuries from a dog attack, you should speak to a personal injury attorney immediately. Legally, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries resulting from their pet. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today in order to seek monetary compensation for pain and suffering caused by a dog attack. 

Lawsuit Filed Against Surgeon for Operating on Wrong Side of Brain

On April 30, 2013, a woman filed a lawsuit against a health care center and a neurosurgeon for allegedly operating on the wrong side of her brain. The 53 year-old woman was supposed to have a left-side craniotomy bypass, but instead received a right-side craniotomy bypass. The woman received the incorrect surgery on April 4, and then received the correct surgery six days later.

Before the surgery the woman was able to speak and care for herself. Now that she received the wrong surgery she needs constant care for her basic needs and suffers from anxiety, depression, and distress. The patient decided to have the surgery due to recent strokes. The purpose of the left-side craniotomy bypass was to prevent future strokes from occurring.

Before the surgery her speaking ability became affected, but her family was able to understand her. Now, they cannot. Unfortunately, medical mistakes happen. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery, there have been 35 identified and documented cases of wrong-side craniotomies from 1996 to 2009 in the United States. This number does not include the cases that were settled and never brought to light.

Seeking Justice for Medical Malpractice

All around the nation, medical malpractice lawsuits are being filed against doctors and medical centers who have failed to take the proper precautions. The alleged mistake described above could have been easily prevented had the doctors and staff had taken the correct safety measures. However, now the patient must pay the price for their mistake. Certain surgeries are extremely delicate and a simple mistake can lead to a life of disability and co-dependence. Even just prescribing the wrong medication dosages can have a debilitating effect on a patient.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or loved one recently suffered due to the negligence of a doctor, dentist, or medical staff, you should speak to a personal injury attorney today regarding your situation. A personal injury attorney may be able to win you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us today to discuss filing a medical malpractice claim as you may be entitled to a large settlement.