Amtrak Accidents
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (better known as Amtrak) is a for-profit corporation that operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 States and the District of Columbia, in addition to serving as a contractor in various capacities for several commuter rail agencies. Rail service in Alaska is operated by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Amtrak was…
Safety Rail/Highway Tips & Rules
The Law and Railroad Crossing Signals In most states, motor vehicle laws read: "Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing and signals indicate an approaching train, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall not proceed until he can do…
What you need to know about neck, back and spine injuries.
Neck, back and spine injuries are the most common types of injuries that happen in auto accidents. For example, in a rear-end accident the victim’s head is often jerked back and forth rapidly. This sometimes forces the muscles in the neck and back to over stretch and cause severe swelling and pain. Although most strain…
“Slip, Trip and Falls: Injuries on Someone Else’s Property”
In Minnesota, property owners have legal responsibilities to people coming onto their property. However, the responsibilities owed are different depending on if that person’s a trespasser, guest, tenant or patron. In fact, the steps a property owner must take in order to protect you while you are on the owner’s property depends upon your reason…
Glossary of Truck Related Terms
Axle Structural component to which wheels, brakes, and suspension is attached. Drive axles are those with powered wheels. Front axle is usually called the steer axle. Pusher axles are not powered and go ahead of drive axles. Rear axles may be drive, tag, or pusher types. Tag axles are not powered and go behind drive…
Minimize Risk and Injury
There are many ways to minimize the risk of vehicle rollover, as well as reduce the risk of serious injury should one occur. Statistics prove that wearing a safety belt has the greatest effect on reducing the chance of fatality—occupants are 75% less likely to be killed in a rollover crash if they are wearing…
Common Defenses to Product Liability Claims
As with all personal injury claims, a person who wants to bring a product liability claim must file their action within the applicable time limit, or "limitation period." The failure to do so will give rise to a statute of limitations defense by the defendant(s). In addition, some states have "statutes of repose," which bar…
“Federal Employers Liability Act – F.E.L.A”
Article Author: Larry E. Stern What is the FELA? In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This law assures a railroad employee a safe work place and gives them and their families the right to recover compensation if injured is a railroad related accident. Many railroad workers have been led to believe…
Medical Errors Reported as a Leading Cause of Death
WASHINGTON — According to a recent report by the Institute of Medicine, medical errors are responsible for at least 44,000 deaths each year in the United States and possibly as many as 98,000 each year. This means that more people die from medical mistakes each year than from breast cancer, highway accidents, or AIDS, the…
Child Seat Safety
Automobile accidents kill more children each year than any major childhood illness. Tragically, 80 percent of the children who have died in automobile accidents would still be alive if they had been protected by child safety seats or safety belts. It’s easy to teach your children safety habits that will last a lifetime and may…
Pedestrian Crosswalks – How Safe Are They?
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s crosswalk policy is based on research conducted over a seven-year period by the City of San Diego. The San Diego approach to evaluating crosswalk needs, which resulted from that research, has resulted in that city being consistently ranked as the safest pedestrian city in the nation. The San Diego study…
Why Kids Are at Risk
“I can do it by myself.” Asserting independence is a natural part of children’s development, and parents often want to support their growing self-reliance. Yet when it comes to crossing the street, you might want to think twice before letting your children go solo. Very few children under age 10 can deal safely with traffic….
How Motorcycle Helmets Work – Protecting your Noggin
Ahhh – the sun’s out. There’s a gentle breeze. The road is calling you. The perfect day for a ride on your motorcycle. Your bike is all shined up. Your gas tank is full. You’re ready. Call up your riding partner ( either a fellow rider or a passenger) and away you go. But wait…
“Motorcycle Safety Tips”
Article Author: James R. Schwebel An average of 166,000 Americans are hospitalized as a result of a motorcycle accident and worse yet, nearly 5,000 will die in any given year. Numerous others will be crippled for life. There are three primary reasons have been identified: 1. Motorcycles are harder to see than a car. 2….
Minnesota Motorcycle Laws
STATUTE: Chapter 169. Traffic Regulations — Micellaneous Provisions. Section 169.974 Motorcycles, motor scooters and motor bikes. . . . : "Subd. 2. License requirements. No person shall operate a motorcycle on any street or highway without having a valid standard driver’s license with a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement as provided by law. . . . No…
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors
Medical errors are one of the Nation’s leading causes of death and injury. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. This means that more people die from medical errors than from motor vehicle…
What are the requirements to prove a medical malpractice claim?
ANSWER: Medical malpractice occurs when a physician, nurse, or other medical provider does something that violates the practice of other medical providers treating the same condition or fails to do something that other medical providers would have done. The correct method of practice is called the "standard of care," but not every bad outcome from…
Lead Poisoning
What is it and who is affected? Lead is a highly toxic substance, exposure to which can produce a wide range of adverse health effects. Both adults and children can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning, but childhood lead poisoning is much more frequent. Over the many years since we have known about the…
A Winning Strategy in Defective Products Cases
INTRODUCTION A product case is won or lost in the early days following the accident, when the preliminary investigation must be initiated. This article will offer some suggestions on how to proceed in order to increase the client’s chance of success. IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION The first priority is to call an experienced products liability attorney who…
Seat Belts in New School Buses
Students Are At Risk There have been at least 62,000 pupil injuries in reported school bus accidents in the period 1991 to 1996. There were at least 59 passenger fatalities. (Accident Facts, National Safety Council 1992-97 editions; Fatal Accident Reporting System) Research done by CNN shows that school bus passenger injuries have risen by 94%…