Safety Matters – Fourth of July Brings Fun, But Also an Increase in Safety Concerns

June 28, 2010

Although the Fourth of July is an exciting holiday involving family, food, and fun, it also can pose serious safety threats. An experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer has seen it all: warm temperatures and a day-off from work encourage increased alcohol consumption and careless behavior, making enjoyable activities such as water sports, driving, or igniting fireworks increasingly dangerous. The results of an accident on a special holiday could be devastating, causing significant personal injury or death.

As the recovering economy has provided the opportunity for more Michigan tourists this summer, the number of people out and about this Fourth of July is expected to increase a great deal. To protect yourself and your family this holiday season, be sure to keep the following safety tips in mind to prevent Michigan recreational accidents from occurring:

  • Supervise children at all times while sparklers are in use, as it is possible to cause severe burns to the extremities. Emergency room doctors interviewed by The Detroit Free Press stated that most firework injuries could be prevented if younger users were supervised by a sober and responsible adult.
  • Keep an eye on kids while swimming and diving in any body of water. Even better, make sure there is a trained lifeguard on duty. The more eyes on the kids in the water, the better.
  • Be honest about your child’s swimming abilities–if your child is an inexperienced swimmer, make sure that he or she is wearing an approved flotation device for their safety.
  • While driving or riding in any type of boat, it is important to have an approved life jacket for each person on board. Otherwise, boaters are subject to drowning.
  • If you are an adult boating or participating in any water-related activity, refrain from use of alcohol or drugs. Emergency situations in the water is not uncommon, and being intoxicated will greatly reduce a person’s ability to reach safety.
  • Under the same tune, driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is not only risky, it’s downright dangerous. An increased number of people on the roads will increase the chances of Michigan drunk driving accidents occurring.

Keeping these simple, but important safety tips in mind can help prevent disaster this Fourth of July. Failure to refrain from immense alcohol use or supervise young children can have horrendous consequences, including severe personal injury or death. If an accident does occur over the holiday weekend, the victim and their family will instantly be left with numerous questions regarding their options. For answers as well as tactical legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and assertive Detroit personal injury attorney immediately. Acting quickly can help make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for the medical and personal losses sustained in your accident.


Safety Matters – Accident Prevention Tips Every Michigan Boater Should Know This Summer

May 31, 2010

As the sun shines longer and the temperatures rise, several Michigan residents are flocking to the many lakes and rivers located statewide. Although boating is largely considered an enjoyable activity, more people on the water can greatly increase the likelihood of an accident occurring, resulting in serious personal injury or death. Therefore, as an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is important to update the public on safety tips that every boater should remember before going out on the water this summer.

  • According to the U.S. Coast Guard, it is important to devise a “float plan” before heading out on the water. This simply entails letting a friend or loved one know not only where you are going and when you plan to be back, but also what type of boat you are navigating. Should a Michigan boating accident occur, this information will greatly assist the Coast Guard their search.
  • Every vessel should undergo a safety inspection each year. Even the most experienced boaters may not catch all the internal mechanical programs that can occur on even the best-maintained boats. A low-cost and effective way to prevent this problem is to take advantage of the free vessel safety check program offered.
  • Because cell phones often do not receive reception every place you will likely travel on the water, it is a good idea to have a VHF radio on board. This way, if an emergency happens, you can alert other boaters of your situation.
  • Just like operating a motor vehicle, it is important not to drive any vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nationally, alcohol is the leading cause of death among boaters.
  • And last, but certainly not least: everyone aboard the boat should wear a life jacket at all times. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, about 90 percent of people who drown in boating collisions were not wearing a life jacket.

Following these simple, but important safety tips can help every Michigan boater on the water avoid crashes this summer. Emergency situations can happen at any time, and it is essential to be prepared. Otherwise, serious accidents can occur, resulting in serious personal injury or death, leaving the victim and their family with many questions regarding their options. For sound legal advice, as well as the best legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit boating accident lawyer immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure that you receive the best outcome possible for your personal injury claim.


MI Recreational Accident – UM Researchers Reinforce Diving Safety This Summer

May 29, 2010

As the temperatures in Michigan soar into the 80s, it is only natural that people would want to cool off by taking a quick dip in a body of a water, such as a swimming pool. Although this is commonly considered a fun and enjoyable summer activity, University of Michigan scientists, as well as experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers, are encouraging bathers to exercise extreme caution before diving into a pool–unknowingly jumping head-first into shallow water can have devastating consequences, including serious personal injury or death, that can permanently change a person’s life.

According to researchers within the Department of Neurosurgery at UofM, approximately 6,000 Americans under the age of 14 sustain significant injury each year in Michigan diving accidents. Of this number, roughly 20 percent of these incidents result in heartbreaking spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. According to neurosurgery resident Dr. Shawn Hervey-Jumper, one function of the spinal cord is to transmit signals from the brain to a muscle–these injuries are so severe because when the spinal cord is hurt, the brain’s signal to the body is blocked. Dr. Hervey-Jumper also explained that it is possible to be hurt in a diving accident without even striking the bottom. “The surface tension on the water  can be enough to injure the spinal cord.”

Although doctors can provide the highest quality medical care for these individuals,  chief of pediatric neurosurgery for UofM, Karin Muraszko, states that the best cure is advocacy and awareness. “We can provide these patients with top-notch, state-of-the-art care, but we’d much rather they are not hurt to begin with,” Muraszko explained. “We can’t put the spinal cord back together. So the best thing we can do is prevent these injuries.” To spread the word, the Department of Neurosurgery has launched a safety campaign through public service announcements and videos, set to air in movie theaters state-wide this summer.

The warnings issued from the UofM’s Department of Neurosurgery should be taken seriously by all residents across the state of Michigan. Before diving into unfamiliar or shallow waters, it is a good idea to jump in feet-first to prevent serious personal injury or death from occurring. Because the consequences of such an incident can be life-changing, a victim and their family will almost certainly have several questions regarding their legal options for injuries sustained. To receive answers, as well as aggressive legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit recreational accident lawyer immediately. Doing so shortly after an accident occurs will make sure that you receive the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim, receiving compensation for your medical and personal losses.


MI Safety Matters – Michigan Police Begin Seat Belt Enforcement Efforts Over Next 2 Weeks

May 26, 2010

Although it is possible to sustain personal injury in a car accident, the chances of walking away from it alive are much greater if a seatbelt is worn. In fact, it is against the law in Michigan not to buckle up–a practice that Detroit personal injury lawyers and police officers would highly recommend against. Not only could the consequences of an auto crash be significantly greater, but motorists can be ticketed for failing to wear a restraining belt in the car.

Traffic and highway statistics show that choosing to buckle up can be a life-saving decision. According to state police records, almost half of the people who died in Michigan car accidents in 2009 were not wearing a seatbelt. Despite safety warnings and alarming statistics, reports show that approximately 45 million Americans do not restrain themselves at all in the car.

In an effort to enforce safety belt use and traffic safety, Michigan law enforcement officials have stepped up patrolling efforts statewide. Areas where many crashes occur or where seat belt use is low will be heavily targeted by police–one officer serves as a “spotter,” who radios in about unbelted motorists, so that an officer ahead can pull over and ticket offenders. However, motorists will certainly be notified where a “safety belt enforcement zone” begins. Farmington Hills Chief of Police Charles Nebus reported to the Daily Tribune that portable signs will be placed along the roadway to alert drivers they are entering a heavily policed area.

Michigan state law requires that all front-seat passengers (including the driver), as well as any passengers younger than 15 years-old to be restrained by a seatbelt. Despite this, the shocking death toll listed above reminds everyone of how important driving safety is, including the use of safety restraints. As a dedicated Detroit car accident lawyer, I applaud the efforts made by law enforcement officials across the state to ensure the safety of all those on the road, particularly as the aftermath is often devastating. Following any accident, a victim and their family will almost certainly have several questions regarding their case. For answers, as well as the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Doing so can ensure the best outcome for your personal injury claim, getting the compensation you deserve for your medical and personal losses.


Safety Matters – Parents and Federal Regulators Alarmed, as Majority of Recalls are Baby Products

May 24, 2010

Because parenting a baby or toddler is not a breeze, many use a variety of products made to for easier supervision of young children. Although these products are well-intentioned, if not manufactured correctly, it is possible for an accident to occur resulting in serious personal injury or death. As a dedicated Detroit personal injury lawyer who sees many examples of injury stemming from product recalls, it is difficult not to notice an alarming trend: a majority of items called back are those intended for use by small children and babies, those who are the most defenseless against an accident.

According to Don Mays, the senior director of product safety, of the over 500 recalls made by the Consumer Product Safety Commission each year are for children’s products–not to mention additional recalls made by other institutions such as the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

For example, the CPSC warned parents earlier this year that only older and larger babies should be held in soft-sling carriers, as three young children died as a result of suffocation in 2009. Also included in the products recalled are Simplicity and Graco cribs, as well as millions of strollers. Both products have a history of malfunctioning, causing significant personal injury or death to several infants and toddlers.

Sparked by the many product recalls, like those listed above, federal regulators, manufacturers, and parents continue to debate how to make sure products are safe for use by small children and babies. Mays insists that federal institutions are doing all they can to respond to safety issues, he also acknowledged that “there are probably more unsafe products on the market in recent times than there have been in the passed." Although reasons for this vary, studies conducted by the Consumer’s Union reveal that over 80 percent of products recalled between 2007 and 2008 were made in China. Sending manufacturing overseas could be one problem according to Mays, as “sometimes the controls are not put in place to make sure the product is manufactured in a safe fashion,” he explained.

Because of a  great amount of unsafe children’s products on the market, it is essential that parents are proactive in protecting their children. Keeping updated with public safety announcements made by the manufacturing companies, the CPSC, as well as safety advocates can help prevent disaster in your home. If your child does sustain personal injury or dies due to a malfunctioning product, as a parent,  you must be filled with questions regarding your options. For answers, as well as the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, it is important to contact a hard-working and aggressive Detroit personal injury attorney. Doing so quickly will not only make sure your personal injury claim receives a positive outcome, but that your child receives compensation for injuries and losses sustained.


MI Safety Matters – Graduated Driver’s License Program Not Enough, Argues Youth Rights Activist

May 22, 2010

Upon flipping through the Detroit Free Press’ latest editorials, one instantly stood out. Initially, the piece did not seem to be one that most experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers would agree with–the author, Alex Koroknay-Palicz, generally argues that enforcing strict graduated driver’s license programs would be counterproductive and result in an increase in car accidents involving young adults. However, after reading on to discover the true message of the editorial, his emphasis on the importance of driver’s education is a point that all can agree with.

Koroknay-Palicz and many other teens statewide, he received his learner’s permit at 15 years-old. However, before learner’s permit holders can hit the open road, they must go through two separate sessions of driver’s training, including both classroom and on-road instruction. Additionally, extra hours behind the wheel are required with a licensed driver (generally a parent) to practice. Finally, after taking both written and on-road tests, a 16 year-old is granted a driver’s license allowing them to operate a motor  vehicle alone.

However, there are many teens who choose to wait until their 18th birthday to become a licensed driver–ultimately bypassing the important training received by those who undergo driver’s education. Although they do not have to sit through hours of training, those that skip driver’s education are more likely to be the inexperienced driver’s on the road, and ultimately become involved in devastating Michigan car accidents.

Recently updated legislation enforcing additional training and requirements before licensure, Koroknay-Palicz argues, only encourage more young adults to “skip the extra restrictions and extra instruction by waiting.” The number of licensed teens in Michigan have been decreasing over the past quarter century, meaning that fewer motorists receive driver’s educational training in their formidable years. “If all these laws accomplish is lowering the number of drivers who go through driver’s training, the GDL requirements, and the essential training period of having a provisional license, then this law is flatly counterproductive.”

To avoid this problem, the author argues that Michigan adopts systems similar to other states. Koroknay-Palicz suggests that enforcing the graduated drivers’ license program for every driver, regardless of when they start driving, can help ensure that each motorist undergoes the training period necessary to make them a safe driver.

Although implemented safety legislation is placed to protect those on the road, there can often be unintended side-effects. While it is important to be strict on drivers attempting to receive their license, it is also essential that each motorist receives the appropriate training and education necessary to be a safe driver. Inexperienced drivers are the ones at the highest risk for a serious car accident, resulting in serious personal injury or death. If involved in a crash, a victim and their family will almost certainly have numerous questions regarding the possible options. Contacting an aggressive and hard-working Detroit car accident lawyer can help ensure not only superior legal advice and legal representation, but also the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim.


MI Motorcycle Accident – Necessity of Proper Licensure Highlighted in Motorcycle Crash

May 16, 2010

Although driving a motorcycle is an enjoyable activity for many in the summer months, the utmost care must be taken while on the roads. Just like persons operating a motor vehicle, a motorcycle driver must undergo educational training and receive certification. In the opinion of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, this is required because a lack of experience could play a significant factor in causing accidents that result in severe personal injury. Such an example is seen in recent news, as a young Clarkson man was involved in a serious crash after losing control of his bike, after operating the machine without a cycle endorsement or learner’s permit.

Last week, Nicholas Marshall, 20, was driving a 1990 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he stopped at a traffic signal on Clintonville Road near Pine Knob Trail. According to a witness behind him, Marshall accidentally “popped the clutch” and unexpectedly accelerated. Unprepared, he almost immediately lost control of the motorcycle, crossing into the center lane before being hit by a Chevy Blazer traveling in the opposite direction. Although the 29 year-old driver of the motor vehicle was not injured, as a result of the Michigan motorcycle accident, Marshall was listed in critical condition at POH Regional Medical Center.

Shortly afterward, law enforcement officials discovered that Marshall did not have a cycle endorsement or a learner’s permit at the time of the collision. According to a Secretary of State spokeswoman, anyone operating a motorcycle must have either an endorsement or a temporary learner’s permit. Furthermore, anyone with simply a learner’s permit must ride only with a licensed biker. She also added that had Marshall received such training beforehand, the devastating crash might have been prevented.

The example of Nicholas Marshall highlights one of many important motorcycle safety tips that every person operating a bike should remember. Not only is it important to receive the proper training before driving, it is also important to wear a helmet, obey all traffic signals, and pay attention to the road at all times. Keeping these simple, but important safety tips in mind can help prevent critical injuries like that sustained by Marshall.

As the consequences of a Michigan motorcycle collision are so severe, any injured person will almost certainly have many questions regarding their case. For answers, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is important to get the highest quality help on your side. By contacting a hard-working and trustworthy Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer, you will help ensure the most positive outcome for your personal injury claim.


Social Disability Matters – Already Backed-Up Disability System Overwhelmed in New Claims

May 10, 2010

The legal career of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer generally revolves around assisting individuals who have been involved in a variety of accidents, including injured persons and senior citizens who have been denied Social Security and disability benefits. The dwindling economy has hit Americans hard, in several aspects of life including retirement. According to the Associated Press, almost two million people nationwide are waiting to find out if they will be granted Social Security benefits. Even if they are successful in their claims, it is almost certain that seniors will be waiting a long time.

Currently, the Social Security system in the United States is so backed up that a great number of American seniors must wait two years to receive any form of payment. Unfortunately, in the Midwest region and particularly in Michigan, it is often an even longer process. Because many people who previously worked despite disabilities are laid off in a bad economy, the number of applicants ultimately increases. The Associate Press reports that approximately 3.3 million seniors are expected to apply for Social Security benefits this year alone–significantly increasing from numbers recorded in 2007 and 2008.

Right away, about two-thirds of these claims will be dropped by state insurance agencies controlled by the Social Security Administration. In the United States, statistics show that insurance companies will wait an average of 111 days before denying 63 percent of the total applicants. Although most will choose to drop their Social Security claim, those that continue to fight must go through an appeals process that can last two years or more. However, those that do choose to pursue their claims through the Court of Appeals generally have a good chance of receiving payments, even retroactively.

This backlog is embarrassing for the Social Security Administration, and even their own officials admit it. Michael Astrue, Social Security commissioner, calls the delay “unacceptable.” He says this is especially true for individuals who have paid taxes for years to support the Social Security system, and now are unable to benefit from it when the help is needed the most. Even though Astrue has had minor success eliminating the backup in the past, the economy-linked spike in applicants threatens the flow of process already made. While Astrue maintains his dedication to solving the problem, he recognizes that it will take some time to fix. Setting the completion goal for 2013, he added “It takes longer to fix something than it does to break it.”

The information provided above is scary stuff, particularly for injured people and seniors who need the Social Security benefits the most. Because qualifying for and receiving compensation is so difficult, it is vital to have the highest quality representation on your side. An aggressive Detroit Social Security lawyer can not only provide sound legal advice, but help make sure that your claim moves through the application process as quickly and painlessly as possible. If you’ve been hurt and are unable to work, do not allow your livelihood to be directly affected–take the proactive decision and seek experienced legal counsel immediately.


MI Safety Matters – As Boater Safety Week Approaches, Michigan Boating Industries Reinforce Safety Tips

May 10, 2010

Warmer temperatures can only mean one thing in Michigan: boaters will be flocking to the many lakes across the State to enjoy time on the open water. Although this is a beloved activity for many in the Midwest, because more people are on the water (and sometimes using intoxicating substances, such as alcohol or drugs), the chances of a recreational accident occurring greatly increase. Therefore, as a dedicated Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is essential to update the public on important safety tips that could benefit them this summer, keeping families safe.

According to the Secretary of State, there are 921,773 registered boats on file in Michigan, while some estimate that 200,000-300,000 boats remain legally unregistered. This data makes it clear that many people across the state are invested in spending time on the water. Although annual boating statistics show that boating recreationally is generally a safe activity, Michigan recreational accidents can and do occur–in 2009, 36 people died as the result of serious boating collisions. The President of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, Van Snider, agrees commenting, “We are proud of Michigan’s safe boating record, but we must all continue to work to remind boaters the importance of safety and responsible behavior.”

Safety organizations across the country and within the state are putting emphasis on May 21st-28th, also known as National Safe Boating Week. Numerous groups including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Safe Boating Council, and local Sheriff’s Marine Divisions are making strides to show boaters how to not only enjoy themselves while on the water, but keep everyone aboard safe. It is recommended that all boaters perform boat safety tests before going on the water, including having the watercraft regularly maintained. Additionally, all persons on the water should wear an approved life-jacket and be sure never to drive a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failure to do so can cause gruesome accidents, resulting in significant personal injury or death.

Many officials, such as Snider, reinforce the importance of education before taking to the open water Signing up for a boating safety class is particularly important as it can teach both drivers and passengers alike the rules of the water and steps to take in case of an emergency. “Education and then applying what we learned is important,” Snider says. “By taking a boating safety course, wearing a personal floatation device (PFD) and acting responsibly, recreational boaters can reduce the risk of accidents and increase their level of enjoyment on the water.”

Following these simple, but important safety tips when boating this summer can not only help keep all passengers aboard your boat safe, but others on the water as well. Failure to follow easy guidelines significantly increases the chances of an accident occurring, causing serious personal injury or death. In such an instance, a victim and their family will undoubtedly have numerous questions regarding their claim. For answers, as well as the highest quality legal advice, it is essential to contact a hard-working Detroit recreational accident lawyer immediately. Acting quickly will help ensure superior legal representation for your personal injury claim, making sure you receive the compensation deserved for injuries sustained.


MI Safety Tips – Playground Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know This Spring

May 8, 2010

Spring is now fully underway in the State of Michigan, meaning that parents will be taking their children for much-anticipated trips to the playground. Although playing on a jungle gym is a beloved activity for youngsters, an enjoyable day at the park can easily turn into a nightmare in the emergency room. Throughout the legal career of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer, it is common to help children who have sustained severe personal injury in a variety of accidents, including those that happen on playgrounds. Therefore,a top priority is keeping Michigan parents updated on the latest safety tips that can help keep their children safe while having outdoor fun this summer.

There are several measures parents can take to prevent their children from sustaining personal injury in a Michigan recreational accident on the playground. According to Dr. Virginia Keane, an associate professor of pediatrics, parents should never allow kids to run in front of swing sets while in use, as it is possible to be kicked, pushed, or landed on. Additionally, before allowing children to go down a slide with shorts on, it is important to check the temperature of the equipment. Keane personally attested to this, as she has treated many youngsters for second-degree burns sustained from hot slides. Many health and safety professionals also recommend that children do not use slides until they can climb up the ladder on their own, and therefore are physically able to catch themselves at the bottom.

Most importantly, parents need to supervise their children at all times, before and during playtime. Before use, equipment quality should be checked, ensuring that it complies with safety standards. According to a 2009 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, between 2001-2008 over 2,600 recreational accidents occurred involving playground materials. Furthermore, the data revealed that 67 percent of these incidents occurred due to equipment failures, or falls on sharp or rough objects. While children are on the jungle gyms and swing sets, care providers should watch them at all times, if an accident does occur. Treating these bumps, bruises, cuts, scrapes, and burns quickly will help these minor injuries from turning into a more serious problem.

Keeping these simple, but important safety tips in mind this spring can ensure that time spent on the playground is injury-free. Because children run, jump, and swing through these areas, the chances of an accident occurring is greatly increased. If personal injury is sustained, a parent is immediately left with many questions about what to do next. The best step is to contact immediately a hard-working and aggressive Detroit recreational accident lawyer. Acting quickly can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, it can also ensure that your child receives the compensation deserved for injuries sustained due to malfunctioning equipment.


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