Blog: Personal Injury

Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions Causing Severe Injuries

Mar 17, 2016

More than 2.5 million Americans use electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, which use heated vapor to simulate tobacco smoke. What some users may not know is that an e-cigarette’s lithium-ion battery can fail on occasions, leading it to suddenly behave like a flaming rocket in someone’s hand, mouth or pocket and cause severe injuries. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is aware of at least 25 electronic cigarette-related fire and explosion incidents that occurred in the U.S...

Lifestyle Changes to Improve GERD Symptoms

Mar 14, 2016

Many people experience occasional heartburn and acid reflux, but these conditions are a chronic problem for some. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease involving the flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which irritates and damages the esophagus lining. Most people can manage discomfort related to GERD with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. Mayo Clinic offers a few tips including: Maintaining a healthy weight, as excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen and can...

Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing at Historic Rate

Mar 10, 2016

Pedestrian deaths are increasing at the fastest rate ever recorded. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has estimated a 10 percent increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2015 from the prior year. This first look at 2015 pedestrian fatality trends is based on preliminary data reported by highway safety agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The GHSA suggests that many factors could be contributing to this spike...

Underscoring TBI Complications during Brain Injury Awareness Month

Mar 2, 2016

About 137 people in the U.S. die every day as a result of a TBI-related injury. To help raise awareness and reach out to those living with the effects of TBI, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leads the nation in observing March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This year’s campaign theme is “Not Alone,” which provides an educational platform about the incidence of TBI and the needs of those affected. The campaign also aims...

When Can Injured Workers Sue for Pain and Suffering?

Mar 1, 2016

Workers compensation laws protect people who have been injured in the workplace. These laws ensure injured employees are given specific benefits to which they are entitled, such as lost wages and medical expenses. This is a claim for benefits, not a lawsuit and does not provide any compensation for pain and suffering. Below are a few benefits injured employees may be able to seek through a workers compensation claim. Medical care bills and related expenses for reasonable...

Injuries from an Indoor Slip and Fall

Feb 23, 2016

Property owners may be held legally responsible when they fail to take appropriate precautions or fix an issue that leads to a slip and fall injury. Below are a few conditions that can result in an indoor slip, trip and fall incident. Floors, Carpets and Mats When property owners mop, wax or polish their floors, they are expected to provide adequate warnings that the floors may be slippery. Barriers and warning signs may be used to alert...

Gifted Students’ Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

Feb 18, 2016

Pennsylvania is one of several states that makes gifted educational programs mandatory in public schools for all qualifying students. Despite the outstanding services available, there is still much work to be done. Last week, Anapol Weiss Partner Tracy Finken discussed the current requirements for gifted education and the state’s available services in The Legal Intelligencer. She highlights Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania Code, which mandates that school districts provide programs and services based on students’ unique...

Getting Justice for Bedding Fire Injuries and Deaths

Feb 17, 2016

Federal regulations have been established to protect consumers from being killed or severely burned by highly flammable clothing and household items. Tragically, hundreds of thousands of home fires continue to occur in the U.S. each year after items such as mattresses and bedding ignite. The victims, unfortunately, are often young children. The Flammable Fabrics Act was passed in 1953 to regulate the manufacture of highly flammable clothing. The Act’s coverage was expanded in 1967 to include...

What Does a Concussion Look Like?

Feb 4, 2016

A person can sustain a concussion any time he or she suffers a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that results in a quick movement of the head. It’s important that coaches and teammates look out for these injuries and any signs of a concussion that may subsequently occur. A player who sustains a concussion may appear dazed, confused or stunned, according to a concussion guide created by the Centers for Disease Control and...

Dram Shop: Understanding Alcohol Liability Law

Feb 4, 2016

Alcohol-related automobile accidents are all too common. Sadly, each year thousands of individuals are killed due to alcohol-related accidents. Individuals injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated person may be able to file a liability claim, also known as a “dram shop claim,” against business establishments that served that person too much alcohol. Pennsylvania law provides that establishments such as bars, taverns, restaurants and social clubs that served that alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual may...