Illinois man says teen’s games of “ding-dong-ditch” caused emotional distress, weight loss, financial problems: lawsuit

This ding dong ditch was damn near deadly, a new lawsuit says.

An Illinois insurance agent has filed a $50,000 lawsuit against the family of a teen neighbor who allegedly rang his doorbell and ran away so many times the man suffered financial and health problems.

The suit from Shorewood resident John Wright accuses the 14-year-old ringer of obsessively targeting his doorbell for several weeks, according to Paste. The teen chose Wright, the suit says, because he works with the boy’s father.

The teen “repeatedly rang the doorbell at the Wright residence, then when (Wright) went to answer the door, no one would be at the door,” court papers say.

“(T)his is commonly known as ‘ding dong ditch.’”

The teen darkened the doorway so many times that Wright “suffered severe emotional distress, severe anxiety, sleeplessness, extreme and rapid weight loss, and required treatment medication in order to function in his daily living,” the suit says.

Wright also somehow lost $30,000 in income from the rampant ring, the suit says, though it does not specify how.

Wright eventually called the police over the doorbell games, and the teen confessed to cops that he rang Wright’s doorbell and ran off at least once.

The suit, filed in Wills County Circuit Court last week, names the teen as a defendant, as well as his parents, Rick and Sara Papp

Doctors Who Get Sued Are Likely to Get Sued Again

A New England Journal of Medical study found that one percent (1%) of all doctors account for 32 percent of all paid malpractice claims, and the more often a doctor is sued, the more likely he or she will be sued again.  Researchers poured over ten years of paid malpractice claims using a federal government database, the National Practitioner Data Bank, which includes 66,426 claims against 54,099 doctors.

The study noted that the distribution of malpractice claims among physicians is not well understood.  However, the authors concluded that if physicians who are repeatedly sued account for a substantial share of all claims, then the ability to identify them at an early stage could assist in efforts to improve care.

RESULTS

The study found that among physicians with paid claims, 84% incurred only one during the study period (accounting for 68% of all paid claims), 16% had at least two paid claims (accounting for 32% of the claims), and 4% had at least three paid claims (accounting for 12% of the claims).  Risks of recurrence appeared to vary widely according to specialty.  For instance, the risk among neurosurgeons was four times as great as the risk among psychiatrists, a statistic that makes sense given the nature of the work at hand.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that over a ten year period of time, a comparatively small number of physicians with distinctive characteristics accounted for a disproportionately sizeable number of paid malpractice claims.

Amazingly, a doctor who had two paid claims was twice as likely to have another as a doctor who had one, and a doctor who had six or more paid claims was 12 times as likely to have another.

As noted above, the study found that specialties matter: Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons were about twice as likely to have a paid claim as internists, while pediatricians were 30 percent less likely to have one.

Additionally, age and sex matter: After accounting for the number of years in practice, doctors under 35 years of age were one-third as likely to have a recurrence as older colleagues, and male physicians had a 38 percent higher risk of recurrence as female physicians.

Importantly, the lead author, David Studdert, found that, “Ninety-four percent of all doctors have no claims, but doctors who accumulate multiple claims are a problem, and a threat to the health care system. Identifying these high-risk doctors is a key first step toward doing something about the problem.”

KEY FINDINGS

  • The average physician spends nearly 11 percent of an assumed forty-year career with an unresolved, open malpractice claim.
  • The long time it takes for a case to be resolved is distressing for both doctor and patient.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Malpractice reforms also need to focus on the time required to resolve claims.
  • The think tank, Rand, found that the U.S. malpractice system is widely regarded as inefficient, in part because of the time required to resolve malpractice cases. Analyzing data from 40,916 physicians covered by a nationwide insurer, Rand found that the average physician spends 50.7 months, almost 11%, of an assumed forty-year career with an unresolved, open malpractice claim. Although damages are a factor in how doctors perceive medical malpractice, even more distressing for the doctor and the patient may be the amount of time these claims take to be adjudicated. Rand concluded that this fact makes it important to assess malpractice reforms by how well they are able to reduce the time of malpractice litigation without undermining the needs of the affected patient.

Sources: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1506137; http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP51278.html

What Leads to Medical Malpractice?

Medical technology has evolved in amazing ways that effectively extend our lives.  However, with that technology sometimes comes risk, and there are over 225,000 patients who die while receiving medical treatment due to malpractice.  This renders medical malpractice as one of the top ten causes of death.  There are several types of medical malpractice, as explained below. shutterstock_1772386

Negligence

Medical malpractice cases constitute a specific type of negligence claim. In such cases a plaintiff needs to prove: there was a duty for the medical practitioner to care for the patient; there was a breach of that duty; the actions or non-action of the medical practitioner caused some injury; and damages.  This is true of any normal negligence case, but what sets medical malpractice cases apart is that there are specific written standards of care set forth and required by professional medical boards and other governing bodies.  In medical malpractice cases, the central issue often becomes whether the medical professional adhered to or deviated from the standard of care.  If there is an unwarranted deviation from that standard of care, the breach of duty element will frequently be met.
These standards were created largely to ensure the same processes are followed to keep negligence to a minimum, which has the effect of minimizing the health care professional and the facility administration from litigation in most cases when followed meticulously. These standards give medical care professionals some leeway, because not every patient or case is the same, but many procedures that are performed are now routine and followed by all professionals in the medical field.  The regulations also ensure medical professionals not only do the job correctly, but it also follows that lawsuits may then be dismissed when there is evidence of standard treatment or actions taken during procedures. A successful plaintiff proves that a medical professional deviated from these standards, or made a mistake in diagnosis, treatment, dosage or some technique.  A plaintiff will typically employ a medical expert to explain what the standard of care was, and in what way the medical professional deviated from this standard.

Surgery

It is natural to be nervous and apprehensive about undergoing any surgical procedure, and certainly we have all heard stories from friends and family of procedures gone awry.  No matter how routine, every surgery comes with certain risks. Some patients mistakenly believe that only inexperienced or new doctors make mistakes in surgery.  While it is accurate that experience lowers risks in terms of miscalculations, the truth is that any surgeon can make a mistake at some point during surgery. Again, a successful plaintiff will show a breach in the standard of care; that is, proof that the surgeon made a mistake during the procedure that was unjustified.

Elective Procedures

Some believe that elective surgery is harmless, but all surgery carries risks and potential dangers.  Severe injury can occur when undergoing elective procedures, such as breast augmentation or reduction, bypass surgery, lap band and even liposuction.

Litigation

As noted above, a plaintiff will typically use a medical expert to help establish a deviation from standard procedure and negligence.  These medical experts can help strengthen medical malpractice claims by determining where errors occurred, such as incorrect dosages, techniques used during surgery, or understaffed hospitals that led to delayed diagnosis or other problems.

Contact an Attorney

When any type of malpractice is suspected, it is best to contact a lawyer immediately. Due to the statute of limitations, injured parties have a specific period of time in which to file a claim or the claim can be barred from bringing brought to court. Contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick today to discuss your claim.
Source: http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=26470

Dangerous Driver Causes Fatality

A $7.5M wrongful death lawsuit has been filed over the death of a 19 year old cyclist in Ohio. The boy was riding his bike in June when he was struck and killed by a 64-year-old driver.  The lawsuit contends that the driver was a “dangerous driver who knowingly endangered the community.” According to news sources, the driver has a history of medical problems which impaired his ability to drive. Specifically, eight weeks prior to the fatal collision, the driver’s eye doctor informed him that his poor vision made it unsafe for him to drive.

The Toledo Blade reported that the driver “told the police he was going 45 miles an hour.”  However, “the black box recording demonstrates he was going 55 miles an hour both before, after, and while he hit [the cyclist.] He never slowed down a bit.”  The Blade reported an eyewitness saw the cyclist get struck, and said the driver never made an attempt to slow down or swerve. The Blade also noted that the driver has received multiple violation citations, including speeding tickets. He was also involved in a crash where he rear-ended a family dropping off children at a day-care facility on the same road where the cyclist was killed.

While alcohol was not a factor in the foregoing fatal collision, it is often a component in accidents.  In fact, the majority of traffic-related deaths are caused by drunk drivers. Besides staying off the road when you are under the influence of alcohol and other prescription and non-prescription medications, and any other time a medical professional advises you to, here are a few other dangerous practices to avoid while driving.  Driving, after all, is a dangerous business at times.

  1. Avoid driving tired. Drowsy driving is every bit as dangerous as drunk driving.
  2. Avoid speeding. Speeding is the second leading cause of traffic fatalities after drunk driving. According to a 2005 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “The relationship between vehicle speed and crash severity is unequivocal and based on the laws of physics.”
  3. Avoid distracted driving. NHTSA estimates that there are 660,000 distracted drivers on the road most of the time. Put on your make up, eat your bagel, and text your girlfriend before or after your ride.
  4. Driving too fast for weather conditions. When the weather gets bad, slowing down is the best way to avoid an accident.
  5. Avoid following tractor trailers too closely. Following closer than 150 feet behind a truck is really dangerous. Even that distance gives a driver less than two seconds to react if the trucker suddenly slams on the brakes.
  6. Avoid reckless driving. This includes various activities such as swerving, weaving, passing on the right, accelerating and braking suddenly, and driving slowly in the left lane on the freeway. Many states consider driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit reckless driving.
  7. Do wear your seat belt. NHTSA reported that seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives between 2004 and 2008.
  8. Make sure you yield the right of way. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that failure to yield the right of way is the top cause of accidents among drivers aged 70 and older, particularly on freeway merge ramps.

Take care out there on the roads!  Not all accidents can be avoided, but doing all you can to stay safe helps.  In the unfortunate circumstance that you or a loved one is involved in a motor vehicle accident, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick today for a free consultation.
Sources http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2016/03/28/Bicyclist-s-family-files-wrongful-death-suit.html#UA1xKqxoAPhqM4PV.99; and http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/features/a4418/feature-the-9-most-dangerous-things-drivers-do/

Slip and Fall Liability

slip and fall

Filing a legal claim on the basis of premises liability, for example, when you slip and fall in a store, is worthwhile only when the value of the case is high enough.  In other words, if after the winning the case and paying your attorney, will you be compensated enough to justify the time consuming and oftentimes difficult litigation process?  We consider the following principles.

First, any business that opens its doors to the public is legally obligated to keep its patrons and visitors reasonably safe.  Whether you visit a giant powerhouse like Walmart, Target or Costco, a supermarket chain such as Safeway, or even a smaller business that invites the public in, there is a legal duty to keep customers safe.  If you are hurt in a slip and fall on a store’s premise, you may have a valid legal claim against that business.

Sometimes, these accidents are simply accidents, and no one is to blame. Often, however, it’s poor maintenance, failure to clean up, faulty railings, or some other dereliction in care that results in slip and fall injuries. Several factors can be considered in most slip and fall cases.  For example, snow or ice in the entry way, failure to place a floor mat in the entry on a rainy day, display items that are poorly placed, inadequate lighting, or a spilled substance or broken item which has been there for a significant length of time can all cause slip and fall accidents. Below are some noteworthy examples of slip and fall settlements:

Home Depot Fall Injury Case Verdict: $950,000

A woman’s knee was injured after her cart hit a manhole cover which was hidden by water, tipping over the cart. Although Home Depot claimed the dangers were obvious, the jury found Home Depot to be 95% at fault, and ordered them to pay $950,000 for the woman’s knee injuries.

Walmart Injury Case Verdict: $600,000

At a New York Walmart, a 34-year-old medical secretary slipped on ice and fell while walking around the store’s premise. After she fell, she was also hit by a falling sheet of ice which had slid off the metal roof above her. She sustained a severe injury to her left arm that required surgery and prevented her from using her hand. Walmart claimed that an employee told the woman to stay inside, but she failed to heed the warning. Walmart also claimed that, that contrary to her claim, the roof was properly designed.  The jury awarded the 34-year-old medical secretary $600,000 for her slip and fall injury.

Sam’s Club Injury Case Verdict: $3,960,000

In a Michigan case, a 54-year old heart surgeon tripped over the tongue of a trailer hitch in a Sam’s Club parking lot while carrying a large bulk package of paper towels. The surgeon suffered a spinal injury, which caused his hands to shake continually. The fall injury ended his career. The surgeon alleged the trailer hitch should have been cordoned off or marked with a cone. He received $3.96 million for loss of future income.

Other examples of slip and fall settlements found from various new outlets include:

  • $2 Million Awarded to family for hospital fall of elderly patient
  • $70,000 to girl for foot injuries received during gym class
  • $18 Million to medical student for open manhole injury
  • $300k for fall at PetSmart store

Liability for a Slip and Fall in a Store

Slip and fall cases are extremely common, but not all result in such huge settlements as those noted above. Moreover, not all cases are won by the plaintiff.  Broadly, the business owner may be liable if the condition was known, but no steps were taken to remedy the situation.

For example, if a customer breaks a bottle of apple juice in a grocery store, and another customer immediately slips and falls, there will likely be no premises liability, as the store did not have adequate notice or time to remedy the situation.  On the other hand, if some time went by and the store was advised of the spill or should have discovered it and did nothing, and another customer slipped and fell, then there is a good possibility of liability.   At the same time, the plaintiff must also prove that the condition at issue was not so obvious that he or she could have avoided or mitigated the incident.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in or near a store, contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick to discuss your claim.

Sources: http://www.injuryhelpline.com/blog/slip-fall-store-injury-cases-settlements/#more-1044

http://www.slipnomore.com/Slip_and_Fall_Verdicts

Presumption of Negligence in Rear-End Accident Cases to Change?

In a case reviewed by the Eighth Circuit, Lopez v. United States, the Court of Appeals discussed the presumption of negligence that typically stems from a rear-end vehicular accident; that is, when one driver rear-ends another driver. In the instant case, the plaintiff sought monetary damages from the U.S. government after her vehicle was rear-ended with that of a postal employee.

From the facts given in the Eighth Circuit’s opinion, it seems as though the plaintiff was riding in a vehicle being driven by a friend. The Appellate Court stated that their lane was merging into another lane of traffic at an intersection. The plaintiff’s friend merged into the lane in which a postal truck was driving. Unfortunately, the postal truck rear-ended the plaintiff’s vehicle. Ultimately, the vehicle in which the plaintiff was riding was able to be driven home by its owner. However, the plaintiff then sued the U.S. government and asserted that the postal employee was negligent in rear-ending the vehicle in which the plaintiff was riding. She relied upon a Missouri law presumption that assumes the driver crashing into the rear of another vehicle is negligent and presumed to be at fault. Given the circumstances of this case, however, the Eighth Circuit court did not apply the presumption and found for the defendant.

The Eighth Circuit stated that a presumption of negligence does exist, but the court refused to apply the presumption in the Lopez case since it did not find the plaintiff’s version of the facts to be credible and disputed the facts of the case as presented by the plaintiff. The court noted that the postal employee probably did not have enough time to be able to come to a complete stop due to the rapid merge by the plaintiff’s vehicle. The Court also relied upon a police officer’s testimony. The police officer expressed his professional opinion that it was more likely that the accident was caused by the plaintiff’s friend’s rapid merge, as opposed to any negligence on the part of the postal worker.

Maryland Law Presumptions of Negligence

Maryland law holds presumptions of negligence similar to that found in Missouri. Like the Missouri presumption, in Maryland, when a driver rear-ends another vehicle, the driver who crashed into the rear of the other driver is presumed to be at fault. Be sure to note that this is only a presumption of negligence, and can definitely be overcome with evidence or testimony showing the non-negligence of the defendant, or the negligence of the plaintiff. To learn more about presumptions of negligence in Maryland accident cases, or to obtain legal assistance if you or a loved one have been involved in a vehicular accident, contact the Law Offices of Stuart Plotnick today.

(Source: http://www.marylandaccidentlawblog.com/2015/07/federal-appellate-court-discusses-presumption-of-negligence-in-rear-end-accident-cases.html#more-1292)

 

 

Res Ipsa Loquitor Becoming an Afterthought?

Res Ipsa Loquitor, latin for “the thing speaks for itself,” is a tort principle that allows plaintiffs to meet their burden of proof with what is, in effect, circumstantial evidence. The plaintiff can create a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of the defendant by proving that the harm would not ordinarily have occurred without negligence, that the object that caused the harm was under the defendant’s control, and that there are no other plausible explanations.  In the vast majority of tort cases, a plaintiff must prove exactly what was negligent about the defendant’s conduct.

In a few increasingly rare situations the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor shifts the requirement to the defendant to demonstrate that she or he acted properly. As indicated above, certain events are said to “speak for themselves.” For example, if a brand new chair collapses when an individual sits upon it, one might argue that the thing speaks for itself. A brand new chair should not collapse absent some negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

The Anglo-American legal doctrine of res ipsa loquitur arose from an 1863 English case in which a pedestrian was hit by a barrel of flour falling from the upper floors of a warehouse that was solely occupied by the defendant. In that case, the plaintiff was not able to present evidence of exactly how the defendant was negligent, as the plaintiff was not present in the upper floors of the warehouse at the time of the accident. Despite being unable to meet the traditional burden of proof, the plaintiff won his lawsuit under a presumption of negligence, because the defendant could not provide an explanation for the event (Byrne v. Boadle).

The present day U.S. courts are reluctant allow a plaintiff to shift his own burden of proof onto the defendant, that is, requiring the defendant to prove he acted properly. Legal scholar Brad Reid, Senior Scholar, Dean Institute for Corporate Governance and Integrity, Lipscomb University, cited the following fifteen examples, randomly selected from over one hundred 2015 U.S. court decisions, in which the plaintiff was unable to successfully assert res ipsa loquitur, meaning that these events did not “speak for themselves.” Here, the plaintiffs were required to prove the defendant’s negligence:

. Livestock on the highway were hit by a car.

. A mis-leveled elevator caused a fall.

. A patient with a fractured pelvis was improperly diagnosed.

. A newly installed HVAC system caught on fire.

. A city sewer system overflowed into a home after a two-day rainstorm.

. Airborne chemicals came from installed spray-foam insulation.

. Four foreign objects were left in a patient’s abdomen during a 1999 surgery.

. Fireworks mortar shells launched at a July 3 celebration injured the audience.

. A jail trustee was injured in an explosion while attempting to relight a gas-fired furnace.

. A house fire was caused when a squirrel was in an electrical transformer on a power pole.

. A conscious patient saw a drainage tube removed; however, part of the tube remained in his body.

. A newspaper delivery man was injured when a step collapsed at an apartment complex.

. A patient asserted improper post-surgery care.

. Air bags failed to deploy in an automobile accident.

. A tree stand collapsed when the ratchet straps failed.

 

Courts appear to be more and more hesitant to allow a case to go to a jury when res ipsa loquitur is the basis for liability. This development may be in part due to current legislation, particularly in the area of medical malpractice, which limits the grounds for recovery. It may also be due to the progress and development made in science and technology which now allow plaintiffs’ to actually prove defendants’ negligence. For example, in the case of a wine glass shattering in the hands of a proprietor, the plaintiff was able to hire an expert who proved through research and testing that the glass was defective. One hundred years ago, an exploding glass would have likely fallen under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor, as the plaintiff would have been unable to prove exactly how the manufacturer was negligent or why the glass exploded.

Mr. Reid noted that courts frequently make the following type statements before denying res ipsa loquitur:

. The instrumentality producing the injury was not solely and exclusively under the control of the defendant.

. The only reasonable hypothesis for the product’s failure must be a defect due to a breach of duty or omission by the defendant.

. Res ipsa loquitur is a rule of circumstantial evidence grounded in probability and sound procedural policy.

. Res ipsa loquitur is inapplicable if the accident might have occurred without the defendant’s negligence.

. The injury must not have been caused or contributed to by any voluntary act on the part of the plaintiff.

. The connection between negligence and injury may not be based upon speculation or conjecture.

. All parties who could have caused the injury must be joined as defendants.

 

This post provides a short educational explanation about a complex legal topic and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, consult the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick today for a free consultation.

Source: Brad Reid, Senior Scholar, Dean Institute for Corporate Governance and Integrity, Lipscomb University, Huffington Post, May 27, 2015.

Nursing Care Negligence and Abuse – How to Protect Your Loved One

Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives: most often in the home where abusers are often adult children. Abuse can also occur in institutional settings, such as long-term care facilities. Elder abuse can take many different forms, some involving intimidation or threats against the elderly, some involving neglect, and others involving financial exploitation. The most common are defined below.

Physical abuse is non-accidental use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment. Such abuse includes not only physical assaults, but also the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement.

Emotional abuse occurs when people speak to or treat elderly persons in ways that cause emotional pain or distress. Verbal forms of emotional abuse include: intimidation through yelling or threats; humiliation and ridicule, and habitual blaming. Non-verbal forms of emotional abuse include ignoring, isolation, and menacing the elderly individual.

Sexual abuse is physical contact with an elderly person without the elder’s consent. Such contact can involve physical sex acts, but also includes activities such as showing an elderly person pornographic material, forcing the person to watch sex acts, or forcing the elder to undress.

Neglect or failure to fulfill a caretaking obligation, makes up over half of all reported cases of elder abuse. It can be intentional or unintentional.

Financial exploitation involves unauthorized use of an elderly person’s funds or property, either by a caregiver or a third-party, and includes: misuse of an elder’s personal checks, credit cards, or other accounts; theft of cash or household goods; forgery; and identity theft. The elderly are particularly susceptible to scams such as announcements of a “prize” that they have won, but are required to pay money to claim; investment fraud; and fake charities.

Healthcare fraud and abuse can be carried out by unethical doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and other professional care providers. Examples include:

  • Charging for healthcare services not actually provided;
  • Overcharging or double-billing for medical care;
  • Receipt of kickbacks for referrals or prescriptions;
  • Over- or Under medicating; and
  • Medicaid fraud

Signs and symptoms of elder abuse

Elder abuse or neglect might not be obvious, and any outward signs might initially appear to be symptoms of dementia or a sign of the elderly person’s frailty, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t dig deeper. Look for general signs of abuse to include frequent arguments or tension between the elderly person and caregiver, and changes in personality. If you suspect abuse or neglect, look for elements of physical and behavioral signs that include:

Physical abuse:

  • Bruises, welts, or scars
  • Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
  • Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should)
  • Broken eyeglasses or frames
  • Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists
  • Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone

Emotional abuse:

  • Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior that you witness
  • Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself

Sexual abuse:

  • Bruises around breasts or genitals
  • Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
  • Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
  • Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

Neglect by caregivers or self-neglect:

  • Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
  • Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
  • Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
  • Being left dirty or unbathed
  • Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
  • Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards)
  • Desertion of the elder at a public place

Financial exploitation:

  • Significant withdrawals from the elder’s accounts
  • Sudden changes in the elder’s financial condition
  • Items or cash missing from the senior’s household
  • Changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies
  • Addition of names to the senior’s signature card
  • Unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them
  • Financial activity the senior couldn’t have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden
  • Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions

Healthcare fraud and abuse:

  • Duplicate billings for the same medical service or device
  • Evidence of overmedication or undermedication
  • Evidence of inadequate care when bills are paid in full
  • Problems with the care facility: poorly trained, poorly paid, or insufficient staff; crowding; inadequate responses to questions about care.

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected, contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick at 301.604.9569 for a complimentary consultation today.

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/elder-abuse-and-neglect.htm

 

 

 

Sexual Assault on Campus – New Study Reveals Important Information

The college rape crisis has been in the news a lot over the past year and has gained national attention. From articles in popular magazines and mainstream newspapers, such as the Washington Post, to the White House, college sexual assault is at the forefront of our national discussion. President Obama and Vice President Obama are backing the Not Alone Project, that strives to break the silence about sexual violence on college campuses and reach out to provide support to victims after an attack. In 2014, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault released their first report in April 2014, revealing a shocking statistic: one in five college students experience sexual assault during their college career. The ACLU, however, estimates that up to 95% of sexual attacks go unreported.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual Assault, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.” Sexual activities that are included in this definition are: forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape. Other sources define the term more broadly, to include: unwanted kissing, groping, and exhibitionism. Sexual assault doesn’t always involve physical contact. In fact, acts such as voyeurism can still count as unwanted sexual attention.

One in five college women are targets of attempted or completed sexual assault while college students, while college freshman and sophomores are thought to be at the greatest risk. According to a 2000 report funded by the National Institute of Justice, the vast majority of campus sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim. In 90% of reported cases, the victim knew her attacker.

As noted above, only about 5% of sexual assaults are reported to campus authorities or law enforcement. There are many barriers to reporting that victims face, including inadequate university sexual assault policies, which leads to the problem remaining hidden on campuses across the country.

Alcohol can play a big role in sexual assault. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) estimates that 89% of assaults occur when the victim is incapacitated due to alcohol, while researchers at Wayne State University estimate the number to hover around 50%. Whatever the exact figure, alcohol plays a prominent role in campus sexual assault.

Federal Law and Sexual Assault on Campus

The AAUW website informs that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits the sexual harassment of college students. Sexual assault, a form of sexual harassment, “denies of limits on the basis of sex, a student’s ability to participate in or receive benefits, services or opportunities at the institution.” In April 2011, the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance on the responsibilities of colleges and universities under Title IX and requires them to:

  1. Define sex discrimination and sexual violence, and publish a policy stating that the school doesn’t discriminate on the basis of sex;
  2. Have and distribute procedures for students to file complaints when sexual harassment, discrimination or violence occurs;
  3. Appoint a Title IX coordinator to oversee these tasks, review complaints, and deal with patters or systemic problems.

Additionally, under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), colleges and universities must also notify students about crime on campuses, publicize their prevention and response policies, and inform victims of their rights.

Finally, in 2013, Congress authorized the Violence Against Women Act and included provisions to improve campus safety. Colleges will now have to report the number of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking incidents that occur each year, in addition to the requirement to disclose sexual assault incidents and other crimes. They will also have to update their annual security reports to include their prevention programs.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

While an attack is never the fault of the victim, there are steps college students can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim and empowering themselves. For instance, the National Institute of Justice revealed that self-protection actions such as weaponless attacking, running, hiding, getting help, or struggling seem to decrease the risk of rape completion by 80%. Additionally, many colleges offer personal development courses in basic self defense. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study comparing the effects of attending a four session course in resisting sexual assault to a more traditional university approach of providing brochures on sexual assault. An intensive program showing female college students how to recognize and resist sexual aggression reduced their chances of being raped over a one year period by nearly half.

There are also basic safety guidelines that you can follow to help stay safe on campus. BestColleges.com put together the following to-do list:

  1. Know your alcohol limits. Drinking too much can make you much more vulnerable to assaults by impairing your judgment or hindering your physical ability to fight off an attacker.
  2. Watch your drinks. Take your drink with you wherever you go (including the bathroom). Never take a drink given to you by someone else or from a communal alcohol source.
  3. Trust your instincts. If you get a bad feeling about a person or situation, leave immediately. If something feels wrong, or you feel pursued, get in the middle of a crowd of people. It seems that many attackers are unwilling to pursue someone who is aggressive or loud, which draws attention to the crime.
  4. Stay with your friends. Attend parties and social gatherings with friends that you trust. Look out for each other and don’t leave anyone behind!

 

 

Danger in Construction Work Zones – Beware!

Construction workers face big risks as they work handling, for example, hazardous materials, or as they work at high elevations; use heavy machinery; encounter falling debris; or risk electrocution or being struck by a vehicle on the road. Needless to say, drivers maneuvering through highway construction zones put construction workers at risk for injury. For instance, in July 2014, a New Jersey turnpike construction worker was killed when he was struck by a car that crashed into the back of the truck in which he was riding. Sadly, the driver of that car was driving under the influence of alcohol. In Maryland in December 2014, a construction worker at BWI airport was killed after being injured by a concrete paver vehicle. Similarly, pedestrians walking through a construction zone also risk injury, in the form of falling debris, or being struck by heaving equipment. In March 2015, a 37 year old woman was walking on a pedestrian walkway through a construction zone in New York City when she was hit by a wooden board from a construction barrier after high winds kicked up. The board hit the woman and pinned her up against the wall of a building. The woman fell and hit her head, receiving a fatal injury.

The vast majority of construction accidents, however, occur on roadways. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration website, in 2010, there were 87,606 reported accidents in construction zones.. Of these crashes, 576 of them were fatal. Interestingly, the DOT states that 31% of construction work zone accidents were caused by speeding and 20% involved alcohol.  Forty percent of accidents occurred at night between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Moreover, over half of these construction work zone accidents occurred on roads where the speed limit was 55 miles per hour or higher.

If you have been injured in a construction zone, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick today for a consultation.

Summer is Here – Swimming Pool Accidents and Brain Injury

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tells us that about ten people die every day from accidental drowning. Sadly, of those ten people, two are children under the age of 14. Drowning is ranked as the 5th most common cause of accidental injury death in the U.S. and can happen in any pool.

Injuries in the Swimming Pool

Notably, more than 50% of drowning victims treated in the E.R. require further hospitalization or transfer for additional care. This is in comparison to the fact that only 6% of all of her accidental injuries require further hospitalization following initial treatment. Nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that can lead to long-term disabilities including: problems with memory recall; other learning disabilities; and permanent loss of basic functioning or vegetative state.

Drowning Facts

  • For children aged one to fourteen years, fatal drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death.
  • Children ages one to four have the highest drowning rates.
  • For every child who dies from drowning, another five children typically receive treatment in the E.R. for submersion injuries.
  • Nearly 80% of those who die in a drowning are male.
  • The fatal drowning rate for African-Americans was markedly higher than that of Caucasians regardless of age.

Prevention of Swimming Pool Accidents

Many factors are at play in drowning and submersion injuries; but two make a huge difference:

  1. Fencing – Considering the percentage of children who are harmed in swimming pool accidents, fences are vital in preventing such accidents from occurring in the first place.
  2. Swimming lessons – The inability to properly swim also accounts for many cases of drowning and submersion.

Both state and federal laws regulate the safety of swimming pools and their equipment which must be observed by manufacturers, sellers, and installers of pools and spas. If you or a loved one experienced swimming pool accident or head injury, you may be entitled to compensation for current and future expenses, in addition to legal damages. Contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick as soon as possible to preserve your options.

Cycling in Cities – How to Stay Safe

Amazingly, only 10% of bicycle accidents involve a collision with an automobile. Of those bicycle accidents involving a car, over 50% of them occur at an intersection.  Accordingly, is of the utmost importance to follow all the rules of the road, as that is your best guarantor of safety. A cyclist is considered a vehicle and must follow the same rules of the road as all motor vehicles.

Here are a few tips to stay safe on the road: first, wear colorful, high visibility clothing, and ensure that you have lights on the front and back of your bike to grab the attention of drivers. Second, allow cars to proceed first, even if you have the right of way.  Third, assume that other vehicles do not see you. Many drivers can “zone out” while driving, rendering you all but invisible. Finally, if you are riding on a sidewalk or  bike path be even more careful at intersections, as cars will not always anticipate you being there.

What NOT to do following a bicycle accident:

Following an accident, cyclists almost always do the following, ultimately hurting themselves and their cases. Be sure not to:

  1.  Move.   This is so important: do not move, unless you must in order to avoid further injury (e.g., if you’re in the middle of the road and are fearful that another car might strike you). Try to stay still after an accident, as moving could aggravate or worsen specific types of injuries, especially those involving spinal injuries.
  2. Decline medical treatment.   Following an accident, you may not realize the extent of your injuries, or that you are injured at all. For example, you may have suffered a concussion, but feel only a dull headache, which you might write off as a natural consequence of your accident. It is always worth your while to have a medical professional check you over, just to be safe. It is important not to wait to seek treatment, but to do so immediately after an accident. If you seek treatment several days later, the other party will try to argue that your injuries occurred after the accident.   Protect yourself, and your case, and see a doctor!
  3. Forget to get a list of witness names.   If anyone saw the accident – get their name and contact information. Obviously, the more people who can vouch for what happened and who bore responsibility, the better. Too many times, a case will turn on whether there is a reliable witness. Don’t let your case devolve into a “he said/she said “situation.
  4. Fail to document your injuries with pictures. Given the abundance of phones at the ready these days, there is no excuse NOT to document your injuries. Get pictures of the scene, your bicycle, and your own injuries. The more pictures, the better!

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, the Law Offices of Stuart Plotnick can help you fight for your rights. Call today for a free consultation, 301.251.1286.

When Man’s Best Friend Attacks – Dog Bite Law in Maryland

Dogs have earned the reputation as “man’s best friend.” They can be integral parts of our families, but can also become liabilities when they bite or attack others. Close to five million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and about one sixth of those bites results in the victim seeking medical treatment for the injury.

The owner of the attacking dog can often face liability based on their pet’s actions. In Maryland, there is a statute that outlines what is a “Dangerous dog.”  A “dangerous dog” is one that, without provocation, has killed or severely injured a person.  Alternatively, it is a potentially dangerous dog that bites a person, when not on its owner’s real property; kills or severely injures a domestic animal; or attacks without provocation.  An owner of a “dangerous dog” must keep the dog securely enclosed on his or her property, or otherwise must muzzle and restrain the dog.  A person who violates statute section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,500.Dog Bite pic

The dog owner can also be held liable for the inflicted injury under one of two theories of liability. The first theory is frequently referred to as the “one bite rule,” and applies strict liability to dog bites. It basically holds that if the dog owner knew or had reason to know that the dog had dangerous propensities, then the owner faces practically certain liability. The idea behind this rule is that if the dog had bitten a person before, the owner will be responsible if the dog bites again, because the owner would have then known that the dog had dangerous propensities.

The second theory of liability is negligence, which holds that even if the dog had not bitten a person in the past, the owner will be liable if he or she failed to exercise effective control of the dog in a situation where it could reasonably be expected that an injury could occur. Additionally, there are local laws and ordinances that regulate dog owner conduct. For example, many counties in Maryland have leash laws requiring the owner to keep the dog on a leash when off of his or her own private property. However, if a bite occurred on the owner’s real property and the victim was trespassing, the victim will be unlikely to recover for injuries.

In Maryland, the determination of liability no longer has anything to do with the breed of dog. In the past, a dog bite victim could recover against the owner by establishing that the dog is a pit bull or a cross-bred pit bull. However, in 2014, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed bill into law that overturned a 2012 Maryland Court of Appeals decision regarding pit bull-type dogs. The new law applies the same standard of liability to all dog owners, regardless of the dog’s breed.

If you are bitten by a dog, there are important steps you should take. To be sure, the first thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention. Moreover, it is important to try to contain the dog that inflicted the injury and figure out how to locate the dog’s owner, if not readily apparent. You should also report the bite to preserve evidence of the injury and also document the injuries with photos.

Finally, you should contact a proven attorney to assist you navigate the confusing insurance landscape. For example, following a dog bite, you might be contacted by an insurance company; they are extremely skillful at soliciting information in a manner that protects their own interests and defeats your claim. Call the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, at 301.251.1286  for a free consultation.

How Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law Can Affect Victims of Accidents

As an experienced personal injury law office, we see a multitude of accident cases each year. Some cases involve accidents that were the fault of just one party, and often involve blatant traffic violations, drunk driving accidents, or distracted driving accidents.

On the other hand, there are many accidents that are not obviously only one party’s fault, which can be problematic for Maryland accident victims. In Maryland, if an accident victim bore some degree of fault in the accident, then the legal principle of contributory negligence comes into play and serves to prohibit recovery for injuries received in the accident.

Contributory negligence can, unfortunately, result in seemingly unfair outcomes. For example, think about the pedestrian who jaywalks and is hit by a driver who ran a red light. In Maryland, that pedestrian would be unable to recovery for their damages, if a jury found that the pedestrian was partially at fault for the accident.

Most states in the United States do not employ contributory negligence, and instead favor “comparative fault.” Comparative fault considers each party’s relative percentage of fault. Once the percentages of fault are established, the victim’s recovery amount is accordingly reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the jury found the pedestrian in our example above to be 30% at fault in the accident and he suffered $100,000 in damages, then he could recover 70% of the $100,000, or $70,000.

Establishing Fault in Maryland Accidents

Since Maryland remains in the minority of jurisdictions that uses contributory negligence to determine which accident victims are permitted to recover for their injuries, it remains crucial for accident victims to prove that they are free of any fault.  As a result, it is critical for Maryland accident victims to have an experienced personal injury attorney on their side to make their cases. The Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick can help you tell your side of the story and convince a jury that you are without fault in your accident. Call today for a free consultation, 301.251.1286.

 

6 Important Steps to Take After a Car Crash

A car crash can rattle the best of us, but staying calm and knowing what to do at the scene can keep a bad situation from getting worse.

Do’s and Don’ts following a Crash

In the minutes immediately following an accident, maintaining your composure is essential. Take the six steps below to protect yourself:

DO:

  1. Move your car to the shoulder, or off the road. If your car is drivable, move it out of the flow of traffic to prevent subsequent accidents.
  2. Call 911 if it seems as if someone needs or requests medical attention.
  3. Exchange information with other car owner: name, contact information, make and model of vehicle, driver’s license number, insurance carrier and policy number.
  4. Take photos or video of the scene and the accident damage, if possible. Be sure to note the time of day and weather conditions.
  5. Report the accident to your insurance company.
  6. Call the police, if necessary. Maryland law does not require you to report every car accident to the police. There are six circumstances in which you are required to report an accident:
  • An occupant of one of the vehicles is hurt;
  • A driver in the accident is drunk;
  • A vehicle needs to be towed;
  • A driver cannot or refuses to exchange information;
  • A driver is not licensed;
  • A driver flees the scene of the collision.

Just as important as knowing what to do following a crash, is knowing what NOT to do. The five steps below can help:

DON’T:

  1. Exit the vehicle until you’re sure it’s safe.
  2. Move any person who may be hurt or injured. Wait for paramedics.
  3. Leave the scene of an accident until you’ve exchanged information with the other driver(s).
  4. Apologize or admit fault, even if you think you’re to blame for the accident. An apology could be used against you later, regardless of whether you were fully responsible.
  5. Share details of your insurance policy — such as coverage limits or deductible — with the other driver.

If you are a Rockville or Bethesda resident, or you live in the greater Metropolitan-Washington D.C. area, and you would like to find out how our experienced Maryland injury lawyer can help you, call (301) 251-1286 to schedule a free consultation today.

Traumatic Brain Injury Following Car Accidents

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Of course, it is essential to receive the proper medical treatment. Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can be a long term consequence following a car accident. The most common TBI types is a concussion. If you have been involved in a car accident, please follow these tips to ensure that you recognize and treat a TBI properly after your car accident:

  1. Not all TBI’s involve cracked skulls. In fact, your head might not have even hit anything during the car accident. Many brain injuries result from the brain forcefully impacting against the skull during the violent back and forth from the impact (whiplash), followed by brain swelling that reduces or eliminates the supply of blood to brain cells.
  2. Seek medical attention, even if you do not suspect an injury. Oftentimes, those involved in car accidents do not lose consciousness, or “blackout.” A victim of a car accident may initially believe that they are alright, but non-obvious injuries can worsen over time without prompt medical treatment.
  3. Be aware of brain injury symptoms. Note that not all brain injuries can be detected by a medical practitioner upon an examination. Frequently, brain injuries will become evident only following x-rays or MRIs. These tests are may only performed when a car accident victim presents with some brain injury symptoms, which include:
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Vision issues
  • Mood changes or Depression
  • Disorientation or problems with your normal ability to process information or tasks that were routine before
  • Productivity at work or in other tasks drops off
  • Nausea, to include vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Memory problems

4.   The Right Doctor:  In some cases, your family doctor, or the doctor you are seeing for your back injury from the accident, is simply not equipped to recognize the brain injury.  If you do not notice something, your family and friends might notice something is off about your behavior.  If you experience any of the concerns or symptoms above, you need to see a neurologist who can perform more thorough testing, e.g. PET Scan  or some other test just to insure that you are okay.

If you have suffered a brain injury following a car accident, even a minor traumatic brain injury, you may have difficulty obtaining compensation for your injuries. An accomplished attorney can be of great assistance in helping you document your injury and demonstrating causation between your injury and your car accident.

For more information, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area at 301.251.1286.

Slip and Falls on Ice

Slip and fall injuries are a type of premises liability claim that are made when a person slips and falls as a result of an unsafe or hazardous condition on another’s property. As a starter, the law holds that a property owner or property manager must use reasonable and ordinary care to keep their premises safe, or warn persons of any hazards or dangers that are present, but the owner has not yet repaired or fixed. A hazard can be anything from that liquid that came from the broken bottle of Pepsi in “Aisle 9” at the grocery store, the recently mopped floor in the office building, or the hole or depression in the parking lot.  Although, these are all typical slip and fall scenarios, the focus of my comments here pertains to those falls, which occur on ice.

All slip and fall cases are difficult, but ones where the culprit is ice are particularly difficult in Maryland. In fact, until 2011, these cases were virtually impossible to win even when the owner of the sidewalk, parking lot, or stairs, did nothing to clear the area, or treat it with salt or sand. This is because Maryland follows the rule of assumption of the risk, which holds that if the victim had or should have had knowledge of the danger beforehand, but still proceeds ahead, he/she is choosing to take the chance that he/she might fall and be injured.

We all agree that when a person is walking on any surface, he/she has a duty to watch where he/she is going and to avoid hazards; however, walking in an area where there is snow or ice about can be like walking in a minefield because ice in particular, in some cases, cannot be seen. Until recently, Maryland courts were very unforgiving in these cases, as they would find against a plaintiff virtually automatically if the evidence showed that the victim knew or should have known from the surrounding weather or other conditions that ice might be present at the location where they fell. The property owner only had to prove that the weather or outdoor conditions were sufficient for ice to form (i.e. it was freezing and had been wet or snowy in the time period before the fall), and thus the injured party should have known that the surface where they fell could be icy. So, for example, if the victim was walking outside on the day after it snowed, the snow or ice appeared to be cleared or treated, but at the time of the fall, the temperature was at freezing and there were wet, snowy or icy patches close by, the victim should have concluded that the location they were walking over was very likely icy and dangerous too. This was the rule, even if the victim did not actually see the ice. We can understand this rule for snowy areas or where the ice is clearly visible because the victim can see the danger, but chooses to proceed ahead; but, how can one assume a risk that he cannot see or know of.

The “Black Ice” Exception:

The term “black ice” is used to describe clear coating of ice that is layered over usually (black) asphalt or some other surface such as a parking lot.  Black ice is often difficult to see and the surface usually just appears wet, so even if one is paying attention he likely cannot see the real danger ahead.  Fortunately, Maryland’s highest court agreed with this way of thinking, and in two decisions issued in 2011 gave slip and fall victims a fighting chance in (black) and other ice cases. In Poole v. Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc., 2011 Md. LEXIS 659, 417 Md. 501 (October 27, 2011), the plaintiff slipped and fell on black ice while wading through a stream of water running across the parking lot at his place of employment. Mr. Poole testified that the majority of the parking lot was covered with visible ice and snow, and that he chose to walk through the stream of water because it contained no visible ice and he believed it to be safer than attempting to cross the otherwise icy parking lot.  In Thomas v. Panco Management of Maryland, Ltd., 2011 Md. LEXIS 671, 418 Md. 190 (October 31, 2011), the plaintiff was injured after slipping and falling on black ice located on the sidewalk outside her apartment complex. Ms. Thomas testified that when she left her apartment complex early on the morning of the accident, she noticed patches of snow and ice on the sidewalk. When she returned to the complex in mid-afternoon, the ice and snow had melted, leaving only wet patches on the sidewalk. Ms. Thomas came and went from her apartment several more times that day and noticed that the sidewalk was wet. She saw no signs that salt pellets or sand had been put down on the surface either.  When she left her apartment at approximately 8:00 p.m. that evening, Ms. Thomas slipped on ice, which had formed because the wet areas had now frozen over as a result of the temperature dropping.  In both cases, the defense argued the current rule, that the victims, due to the surrounding weather conditions, knew or should have known the location where they fell was icy as a matter of course even though there was no sighting of ice.  The high court disagreed, and held that it cannot automatically be assumed that a certain location is icy because conditions around it may be or because the weather at the time may be favorable to ice.  As a result of these two opinions, the property owner must now prove that the victim actually knew or should have known that the specific location of the fall was icy, i.e. the victim could see the ice, but decided to chance it anyway.

Our experienced Maryland premises liability attorneys have handled several of these snow and ice cases and have been successful in getting recoveries for our clients. If you have been injured because of the negligence of a property owner in failing to remove or treat snow or ice, or fallen on “black-ice,” please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation. We represent injured victims throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., including Bethesda and Rockville residents.

 

 

 

 

Maryland Sports Fans Monitor Olympian’s Spinal Cord Injury Progress

Instead of traveling cross-country to the renowned Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at the University of Maryland, Olympic swimmer and six-time gold medalist Amy Van Dyken-Rouen has opted to continue recovering in her hometown from the back injury she sustained earlier this month in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident during a personal trip in Arizona.

No word yet on whether Van Dyken-Rouen and her family will consult a personal injury attorney as a result of the ATV mishap, which severed the athlete’s T11 vertebra and nearly resulted in a fatal rupture of her aorta.

The swimmer, 41, is married to former Denver Broncos punter Tom Rouen. She’s a native of Colorado and checked into that state’s private, not-for-profit Craig Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

It may be too soon to tell whether Van Dyken-Rouen will make a full recovery from her injuries.

“I feel great,” the swimmer told The Denver Post after arriving at Craig Hospital on June 18th. “I can definitely feel the thoughts and prayers” of fans and supporters.

But she also reported having “no feeling” in her legs.

Approximately 12,000 Americans a year sustain spinal cord injuries, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center in Birmingham, Ala. When those injuries happen as the result of someone else’s negligence, it is imperative to consult with a personal injury attorney in order to ensure victims receive appropriate protections and compensation.

If you live in Maryland and would like a free consultation with a personal injury attorney, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick. We also serve clients in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Distracted Pedestrians Are Walking the Path to Injury

With devices and phones becoming more mobile and entertaining, it’s a common sight to see one walking with their eyes glued to their cellphone, or their ear buds tucked into their ears  humming along to their favorite tune,  instead of paying attention to what they are doing and where they are headed.  Whether it be crossing the street into traffic on a red light, heading towards that crack in the sidewalk, or obliviously strolling behind that car getting ready to back out from the parking space at the mall, the path of the PDA is leading to more and more to the path of personal injury for distracted pedestrians. Just like it isn’t a good idea to drive with your eyes on your cell, the same goes for the pedestrian, who is more vulnerable if hit by a moving vehicle. We all have a duty to protect ourselves from peril.

Typing that text message or fiddling with your settings on your iPod, it is now habit for many, and as a result, more people have landed themselves in the hospital caused by their wandering eyes and ears. In 2010,  the Center for Disease Control noted that over 2,500 pedestrians were taken to emergency rooms in the United States from injuries related to cellphone usage while they were walking. According to a study published in the Accident Analysis and Prevention Journal that number is likely closer to 1 in 2500. The amount in 2012, nearly doubled since the original survey was conducted, and this number is likely higher since not all the incidents are reported. This is more likely to happen to people between the ages of 16 to 25 , who now wear these device just like they wear clothes .

A recent Australian study shows that people walking with cellphones aren’t able to walk in a straight line while reading or texting. This distraction also caused test subjects to walk slower, unevenly with rigid posture and poor balance.  Then there was the story of a woman who fell into a bay because she was checking Facebook, which went viral . Yup, she walked right off a pier in Melbourne,  and unfortunately she didn’t know how to swim. She called for help and nearby police saved her. She was taken to a hospital for treatment and was lucky to come away with no permanent injury.

Another man was so busy chatting on his cellphone that he didn’t realize that he was walking onto the train tracks in Philadelphia. He was lucky there were no trains approaching, but it took him a while to recover from the fall off the platform on to the tracks.

Unfortunately, a New York City woman died after she fell in a gap between two subway cars. She was crushed by the train’s wheels and was dragged for two stops. Video footage shows the woman’s head was down and authorities believe she was distracted by her cellphone and texting or reading email. A Seattle woman was killed after being hit by a truck while she was chatting on the phone with a friend. She was on the way home after dinner and she had ignored honking in the background as she walked on the road and was engaged her conversation as the truck came from behind.

In a review of pedestrian fatalities in 2010, the Office of the Police Chief for Orlando, Florida found that almost twenty (20%) per cent of the pedestrians involved in accidents were distracted by means such as using a cell phone; MP3 player; a mobile device; pushing a shopping cart; walking a dog; or riding a skateboard. While it’s not illegal to cross the street distracted, many police agencies have launched awareness programs, including radio and TV campaigns to get the word out and  ensure that pedestrians pay attention when they’re crossing intersections.

If there’s a green light that gives vehicles the right of way, it’s still important that drivers continue to watch out and yield for pedestrians who might not be paying attention. Vehicle drivers should check that pedestrians make eye contact with the driver before walking, or honk to get their attention.

Pedestrians should stay alert and keep their head up, especially when crossing the roads. If they are listening to music, it’s important that it’s not turned on too loud that they can’t hear anything. Also, they should look both ways before crossing and not play with electronics while crossing.

The News About GM Ignition Switches Only Getting Worse

In its lead story, the CBS Evening News (4/10, lead story, 2:50, Pelley, 5.08M) reported that it “got worse” on Thursday for GM “and the owners of more than two and a half million recalled cars.” CBS (Glor) added that GM said that in addition to the problems with the ignition, “keys in the recalled vehicles can be pulled out while the engine is running.” CBS also said that GM announced that it suspended two engineers as part of the ignition switch investigation.

The New York Times (4/11, Vlasic, Subscription Publication, 9.65M) reports GM said “it had suspended two engineers, with pay, as part of its internal investigation of its decade-long failure to recall defective ignition switches in Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars.” Reps. Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Fred Upton (R-MI) said in a statement, “Although the two employees on leave played a part in G.M.’s safety failure, there are still many unanswered questions about who else was involved and the extent of the breakdown.”

The Wall Street Journal (4/11, Bennett, Lublin, Subscription Publication, 5.51M) reports that GM on Thursday estimated that the costs of repairing the recalled vehicles had climbed to $1.3 billion, which is more than three times the company’s original estimate.

Fraternity Parties Coming Under Attack for Rash of Sexual Assaults

Fraternities and their famed parties have been a part of the American collegiate experience almost as long as colleges and universities themselves have existed. Unfortunately, the issue of sexual assaults at fraternities, and on college campuses generally, has become a major national problem garnering a lot of attention and raising many important questions.

A recent case from Wesleyan University in Connecticut highlights many of these issues. An undergraduate student there has filed suit against both the Psi Upsilon fraternity’s national organization and the local Wesleyan chapter where an alleged rape took place at a typical fraternity party. The suit claims that because the fraternity house is on campus it is therefore “university housing” and thus has a duty to keep its residents and guests safe. It goes on to note that under the school’s Community Standards and Residential Regulations the hosts of events are to be held liable for harm endured by guests. The assailant and individual fraternity members are also named as defendants, but Wesleyan University it not. As for the party itself the scene described is all-too-regular: a “wildly out of control” affair with numerous underage and “extremely intoxicated” students stopped being fun and turned into a nightmare for this particular freshman. The alleged assailant was expelled after internal University disciplinary proceedings were brought.

This case raises many of the complex issues associated with liability for the events at fraternity parties on the part of the fraternity as an organization and college where it resides . The quasi-official status of the fraternities varies in how much they are recognized by each school, and the relationship of each individual “chapter” to the national organization make these difficult cases. There is also the issue of alcohol, which more often than not plays a role in these unfortunate events, and this complicates the picture further.

If you or your child has suffered from a fraternity-related event, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Rockville attorney. Our office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland.

Do I have a Slip and Fall Case?

Thousands of people receive injuries every year from falling on someone else’s property, particularly when there are snow or ice conditions.  However, not every slip and fall injury leads to an actionable case. These cases can be very hard to navigate because there is always the defense that if the injured party saw the snow or ice, or whatever the condition, but still chose to walk over or on it, he/she assumed the risk of falling.  The best way to find out if you have a slip and fall case is to call an experienced slip and fall lawyer. In Rockville, Maryland, call 301-251-1286 to speak with Stuart Plotnick about your potential case.

You may have a legal case for your slip and fall if:

  • You sustained serious injuries in your fall.
  • You were injured on property owned by someone else.
  • The owner or landlord of the property owed you a duty to inspect and maintain the property.
  • Failure to uphold that duty resulted in your injury.

Each case presents unique challenges for proving fault or injury. Trust an experienced slip and fall lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

If you are suffering with severe injuries from a slip and fall, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC today for your consultation.

$120,000 Settlement to Baltimore Slip-and-Fall Victim

A Baltimore, Maryland, woman tripped on an uneven sidewalk, broke her right wrist, and injured her right arm and her back in the fall. Her medical bills were in excess of $50,000 in medical treatments, and she lost more than $15,000 in wages.

Originally, she sued the owners of the home that she fell in front of, but they were dismissed from the case in December because the City of Baltimore owned the sidewalk . The City of Baltimore was the remaining defendant, and the case was set for trial in March. Initially, the victim sought $500,000 in damages, but the parties settled for $120,000.

Although slip-and-fall cases are common, they usually are very difficult due to win and are hotly contested due to the fact that the hazard might be in plain sight, and thus the Plaintiff may have been able to avoid it. However, in this case an uneven sidewalk is not easy to spot.  Here, the danger of the sidewalk, coupled with the victim’s severe injuries in this case resulted in a high settlement.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a slip-and-fall on someone else’s property, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Bethesda personal injury attorney. Our office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland.

Maryland Court Upholds Enforcement of Play-Area Waivers

The Maryland Court of Appeals recently decided a case that effects the rights of parents to bring negligence actions against retailers and potentially other forms of businesses, who provide play areas for children on their premises, while their parents shop.

In the case against BJ’s Wholesale Club, Russell and Beily Rosen brought a lawsuit against BJ’s after their five-year-old son was injured in the play area known as “The Incredible Kids’ Club” at its Owings Mill, Maryland store. The parents had signed a waiver of liability before their son could enter the play center. During play, their son fell from a three-foot-tall plastic statue of Harry the Hippo onto a concrete-like surface.

The child suffered an acute epidural hematoma and was treated at Sinai Hospital and Johns Hopkins. The parents sued BJ’s for damages of 5 million dollars for failing to exercise reasonable care by placing a climbing toy on an unpadded concrete area.

The Court held that the parents are responsible for their child’s welfare and must weigh the risks of signing a waiver. The injury waiver or agreement was valid because it did not effect public interests.

If you or a loved one is suffering with injuries sustained at the hands of someone else, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Bethesda injury lawyer. Our office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland.

 

 

Who Can be Held Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious personal injury. Property owners have a duty to keep their property maintained to ensure the safety of visitors. When a property owner or person in control of the property is or should be aware of a dangerous condition, they must take steps to repair the cause of the danger or warn visitors of the hazard on the property if they can not be fixed or corrected to a safe state. This duty can extend from simple removal of snow or ice to placing a wet floor warning signwhen the floor is mopped.

Anyone who owns or retains authority over property may be held liable for dangerous conditions that cause harm to visitors. Potential defendants in slip and fall cases include:

  • The owner of the property
  • The landlord responsible for the property
  • Lessees or tenants of commercial or residential property
  • The local, city, state or federal government when the accident occurs on public property
  • Mass transit authorities, e.g., Metro or WMATA

If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries as a result of a slip and fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to recovery compensation. Please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Rockville, Maryland, slip and fall lawyer.

Winter Weather Driving

With cooling temperatures of winter comes ice and snow. While it may be beautiful to watch the flakes fall, it can be very dangerous to drive through the snow and ice. To keep you safe this holiday season, Bethesda area car accident attorney Stuart Plotnick offers these winter driving tips:

  • Slow down and leave plenty of room behind the car in front of you. Slick roads make stopping more difficult.
  • Give yourself extra time to get to work or your destination.
  • Be gentle on the brakes. Braking hard can send your car into a skid and out of control.
  • Keep your windshield and lights clean for better visibility in bad weather.
  • Be careful on bridges and overpasses. They usually freeze faster.
  • Avoid using cruise control on icy roads. You should be in full control of your vehicle so you can quickly handle issues or emergencies that arise.
  • Take extra care, slow down, even if you have four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Some drivers think they make you invincible on the road.  While these cars may do better in snow, ice is ice. Even very capable vehicles can run into trouble in harsh winter driving conditions.
  • If you do not really have to be out on the road in such conditions, then do not risk it.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter weather car accident, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Bethesda area car accident attorney. Our office is conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland.

What are the Elements of a Personal Injury Claim?

Each personal injury case is a little different, but there are certain elements all of these cases have in common. In a personal injury lawsuit, the attorney must show that the four basic elements of a negligence claim are present:

  • You were owed a duty by the defendant e.g. the other driver; or there was a standard he/she had to meet
  • The defendant violated the duty owed to you; failed to meet the standard which caused the accident
  • You sustained a misfortune or other loss e.g. property damage, personal injuries, etc.
  • Your accident was caused by the violation of duty

A duty is some responsibility owed to you, and the responsibility is legally recognized in the relationship between you and the defendant. For example, traffic laws governing setting a speed limit creates of duty as to how a driver must operate his vehicle in terms of speed in a certain stretch of the road.  Medical practices and procedures create  duties and standards of care that a doctor owes his patient when treating them i.e. do certain patient symptoms require certain tests to be done.

It’s important to note that the presence of these elements in your case does not always guarantee compensation, as their can be other causes of accident or the Defendant may have a legitimate reason for not meeting the duty e.g. a deer ran out in front of my car, however our firm will investigate and fight aggressively for compensation on your behalf should it be appropriate.

If you or a family member suffered a severe injury because of someone else’s negligence and want to know if you have a personal damage claim, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC to schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland personal injury attorney. We also serve the areas of Virginia and Washington DC.

Do I Have a Wrongful Death Claim?

It is a tragedy when a loved one dies because of another person’s negligence. While nothing can bring your loved one back, an experienced Maryland wrongful death attorney like Stuart L. Plotnick may be able to help you recover economic compensation for expenses associated with the accident and additional money to provide your family with some economic stability during this difficult time.

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or company. This particular type of suit can only be made by an immediate family member who depends on the deceased person for financial support. This typically includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings.

In order to make a claim for compensation, three factors must be present:

  • Negligence: You must be able to prove the negligence of the other party. For example, in an automobile accident, you must demonstrate that somebody else was at fault for the death of your loved one.
  • Injuries resulted in death: You must show that the death of your loved one was a direct result of the severe injuries sustained during the accident. Even if the death does not happen immediately; if injuries suffered during the crash ultimately resulted in death, you must prove that this is the cause of death.
  • Damages: You must demonstrate that you suffered economic loss as a result of the death, such as medical or funeral expenses.

If you have lost a loved one because of the negligence of someone else, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Maryland wrongful death attorney. We represent clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

How to Pick Your Virginia Car Insurance

Each state requires drivers to carry car insurance. As an experienced Virginia auto accident attorney, Stuart L. Plotnick knows the importance of having good insurance, and we have a few tips for finding the best car insurance for you.

  • Do your research. Most companies will give you a quote online if you fill out their questionnaire. If not, they should have a customer service number you can call. Sometimes getting a quote and asking questions over the phone is even quicker than online.
  • Get quotes from more than one place. Most insurance these days is competitively priced. Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the coverage you need.
  • Know the coverage types. Do you know the difference between liability and collision coverage? Sit down with an insurance professional and get them to explain what each type of coverage means and how it would benefit you.
  • Understand how your vehicle affects your premium. Not all cars are created equal. Insurance companies charge higher premiums for some cars, especially SUVs.

To learn more about how you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries after your car accident, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Virginia auto accident attorney. We represent clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Dangers of Tailgating

Being tailgated by another vehicle can be a frightening experience. It can leave you feeling scared for your safety because it doesn’t allow room between cars to react to changes in traffic. As a Virginia accident lawyer, Stuart Plotnick has seen tailgating lead to too many rear-end accidents.

As a general rule, you should allow at least a one-car gap between yourself and a car in front of you in the city and a two-car gap on the interstate. When someone speeds or drives aggressively and closes that gap, they are tailgating, often coming within inches of another car’s bumper.

Accidents caused by aggressive driving are increasing at an alarming rate. If you have been a victim of one of these accidents, Stuart Plotnick can investigate your accident claim, develop your case to prove negligence, and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident by an aggressive driver tailgating, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Virginia accident attorney. We represent clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

 

Hospital errors

When you check into a hospital, you put your trust in the doctors and staff for your medical care and safety. Unfortunately, in many instances that trust is misplaced as hospital errors committed by staff during the course of your stay can lead to worsening of your illness and in some cases result in death. Washington DC medical malpractice attorney Stuart Plotnick helps victims of hospital errors understand their rights and legal options to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Hospital errors can take many forms – from doctors failing to wash their hands between patient procedures and interactions, to the use and re-use of unsterilized equipment, to nurses and other staff failing to monitor patients. Bacterial and fungal infections to the blood, urinary, and respiratory systems of the body, such as the MRSA virus, are a is leading cause of many hospital injuries and deaths.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated roughly 1.7 million hospital-associated infections, from all types of bacteria combined, cause or contribute to 99,000 deaths each year. Other estimates indicate 10%, or 2 million, patients a year become infected, with the annual cost ranging from $4.5 billion to $11 billion. In the USA, the most frequent type of infection hospital-wide is urinary tract infection (36%), followed by surgical site infection (20%), and bloodstream infection and pneumonia (both 11%). Over one-third of these events are largely preventable, however they commonly occur because many hospitals do not provide the resources that doctors and their staff need in order to care for patients in a safe and effective manner. Hospital employees may lack:

  • Sufficient training
  • Effective supervision
  • Necessary resources

Without these, the level of care you receive can fall way below the accepted standard of care that a hospital should provide. Often this is the result of the owners of the hospital trying to increase their profits.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hospital error, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Washington DC medical malpractice attorney. We represent clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Using hands-free devices is not risk-free

A new study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety suggests that even hands-free devices can be dangerously distracting to drivers. Researchers report that in-vehicle technology will likely increase by five-fold by 2018. Although hands-free technology can make drivers feel like they are being safer and more responsible, it may contribute to an increase in distracted driving accidents.

Dr. David Strayer and his team at the University of Utah conducted the research by measuring brainwaves, eye movement and other metrics as drivers performed common tasks, such as talking on the phone and answering voice activated emails. The team discovered that as cognitive distractions increased, reaction time decreased. Drivers did not scan the roadway sufficiently and missed visual cues of potential hazards.

Applied to the real world, this means that drivers engaged with their hands-free devices may not register important objects like stop signs, red lights or even pedestrians in the road. An increase in the use of hands-free devices could mean an increase in auto accident injuries.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney. We represent clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

What you should do after a car accident

No one plans to have a car accident. It can be a frightening and very stressful experience that leaves you injured and wondering what to do next. Maryland car accident attorney Stuart Plotnick offers these tips to help you protect your rights:

  • Call 911. Assuming the accident is more than just a minor fender-bender with no injury, call the police and fire department to the scene. Everyone involved should be checked out by a medical professional.
  • Medical treatment: Your health and well-being is the first priority after any accident. If you are injured or just do not feel right after the accident, go to the hospital in the ambulance or as soon as you can.  Get evaluated and follow all instructions from the doctors.
  • Collect information. You’ll need the other driver’s name, contact information and insurance information. You’ll also want to talk to witnesses and get their contact information.
  • Take photos.  To protect yourself and in order to preserve any important images of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and/or injuries to persons involved, take photographs immediately if you are able.  They can often be the key to resolving a dispute or proving some aspect of the accident or injury at a later date.  Today, if you have a cell phone, you usually have a camera.
  • Record details. Although the police report will contain much of the key information about the accident, write down all of the details you can remember as soon as you can. The closer in time you do this to the accident, the more details you will be able to remember and record.
  • Don’t admit fault or sign anything. Talk to the investigating police officer and your doctors.  But do not discuss the accident with the insurance company or lawyers for the other driver.

If you have been injured in a car accident, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Maryland auto accident attorney. We represent clients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Types of Personal Injury

When you are injured in an accident, it’s hard to know what the next steps are. With the help of Maryland personal injury attorney Stuart Plotnick, you can pursue the compensation you need for recovery and get your life back on track.

Many people think of an accident attorneys when they have a car accident, but an accident attorney handles a wide variety of cases, including:

  • Medical malpractice
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Dog bites or other animal attacks
  • Sports injuries and concussions
  • Defective and dangerous products

Any time you suffer a damage and it is the fault of another person, you may be able to recover compensation. Meeting with an accident attorney is the best way to determine if you have a valid claim against another party. As soon as you are aware of the injury, you should contact an attorney because there are time limits on how long you have to bring your injury lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another, please call 301-251-1286 today or contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC for your consultation with an experienced Washington DC injury attorney. We represent clients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

What is negligence and can I recover if I am injured?

Negligence of one party causing personal injury to another is one of the most common and leading causes of accident. Here is my take on an explanation of negligence and how it leads to personal injury lawsuits, which I hope you will understand and appreciate in terms of what your rights may be and whether you need help from an attorney.  I write this because I face these common questions and issues when a new client contacts me about an accident or injury that he/she may have sustained and want(s) to know what their rights are and if and what they can recover.

What is negligence and how is the defendant found to be at fault ? In short, negligence occurs in several ways.  First, you need to accept the fact that we live in a world of rules and regulations as to how we are supposed to interact or “play” with each other.  Negligence occurs when one person does not follow a rule of the game (i.e. legal duty) at all, or they perform the rule or duty improperly and this failure results in an accident to somebody, which in turn gives rise to a claim or lawsuit.    The law holds the person who did not follow the rule to be responsible to the injured party or “Plaintiff” for all injuries, losses or damages  caused by the failure to meet the rule.

Not Criminal; I did not mean to hurt you: In cases of negligence the conduct of the wrong-doer is not intentional.  The wrong-doer usually does not intend to break the rule or hurt anyone, as in criminal cases where the defendant wants to hurt or do harm.  In a negligence case, the defendant usually just did not know the rule, was mistaken about it, or was not paying attention with the level of detail that the rule requires, and as a result did not live up to the standard of action required. That’s why we use the word accident when discussing negligence and personal accident cases.

How do we know if there is negligence:  We live in a society where there are certain laws, rules or regulations, and essentially “codes” of acceptable behavior or conduct that create standards of care which serve as a measuring stick as to how we should act, or not, in almost every situation or activity.     Driving is great example. How often do we drive by the scene of a car accident on the way to work and pause to think about what happened?  The driver of one of the cars had a duty either imposed by the law, an unwritten rule of the road, or common sense to drive his car in a certain manner or standard, but failed to, which resulted in the auto-accident and possibly personal injuries to the other driver.    That duty or obligation may be to stop at the stop–sign, drive at a certain rate of speed, follow at a certain safe distance, keep the car brakes in good working order, or obey some other traffic signal or rule of the road, but due to some reason, which is or is not excusable, the driver failed to live up to this standard or rule, and bang, causes an auto-accident, injuring somebody else .  This same concept that applies to the auto-accident applies to more complicated matters such as a medical malpractice case, where the doctor did not meet the rule/standard e.g. missed something during the patient examination or made a mistake performing a surgical procedure, that is determined, based upon a rule or practice in medicine, to be something he/she should have seen or done.  This failure then leads to some injury to the patient.

Instructions on the back of the lawnmower box or in the owner’s manual can also be evidence of the proper standard of care to use, as can common sense, e.g. don’t touch a stove when it’s hot.

Laws, regulations or common practices are usually a good benchmark in determining negligence:      In many cases we look first to see if there are laws or written rules that apply to the situation in order to determine how we are supposed to conduct ourselves. Staying with the auto-accident example, the proper standard of conduct may come from the traffic laws e.g. the speed limit sign posted where the accident occurred.  In a truck accident, the trucking company’s own driving policies and procedures may be proof a standard and the appropriate conduct.   Finally, if there is no fixed law or standard, we look to what reasonable people would deem appropriate conduct in the situation. This is based upon our everyday experience and common sense.  This is called the “reasonable-man” standard.

Also, there may be different levels of duty for identical situations. For example, there will be different level of duty between the driver of a passenger car and the driver of a tractor-trailer carrying dangerous cargo.  We know that the laws of physics do not apply in the same way as to how such vehicles react under the same conditions (e.g. braking on wet roads), so the driver of the tractor-trailer, because it is harder to maneuver and presents a greater danger if driven improperly, will have to be better skilled and perform with a higher level of precaution when driving.  That’s why he/she must have a special license and training. For example, he will have to apply his brakes a further distance back from the red light in order to stop his truck in time on a highway versus the Honda mini-car.

Second, even though there may not be a particular law that spells out word-for-word what is required of the other driver or the doctor, years of experience and human behavior can also provide guidance as to what the proper standard of behavior or duty in a particular situation should be. We don’t need a law to tell us that ice is slippery, and thus in turn creates a duty on a landlord or property owner to clear the ice or take some precaution to make his sidewalk or parking lot safer when there is ice on it. This is common sense based upon experience (slippery ice leads to falls).  We simply know many things or actions are do’s and don’ts, which can create a danger, based upon experience, and as a result it may trigger a duty to protect against them even when there is no formal law or rule on point.

Assuming I have been injured due to negligence; now what. Is there a case! First, keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule, including the rules of negligence.  These will be discussed in more detail in future writings, but here are some basics.  Contributory Negligence:  First, your attorney must examine the other side of the coin. There are always two sides to a story.  A key one is, did you have any role in causing the accident that has harmed you.  If you did, you will likely not win your claim.  The law calls this defense or bar, contributory negligence.  Contributory negligence is a harsh and even unfair to injured Plaintiffs because it is not a “majority wins” rule.  For example, in the auto-accident case above, we learn that the driver who was hit in the rear stopped short possibly not giving the other driver sufficient notice or distance to slow down, or the victim changed lanes in front of the Defendant right before the impact.  It is possible that a jury could find that the act of stopping short was not only improper but it too was negligent and contributed to the accident.  The Plaintiff loses!

If you see the ice, you too have to be more careful. The rule is so harsh that it holds that the Defendant can be 99% at fault, and the victim only 1%, but that is enough to defeat the case. Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia are several of many states that apply this all or nothing approach to negligence claims.

What if there is no contributory negligence or fault on my part; then do I win?  Well maybe; it depends: In any claim there are two parts the we as lawyers and our clients must examine; who is responsibile (negligence—see above); and what are the injuries or damages caused, if any.  Let’s assume the Plaintiff (Car #1) who is hit from behind was not negligent in any way, so they will win on negligence, the next part of the evaluation becomes are there losses or injuries worth pursuing, and if so, do we any have other issues.  If you just stubbed your toe, well then a lawyer is not likely to take your case because it has no value, whereas if you were severely injured, the value is much greater.  This is the Catch-22.  Would you rather have little or no damage and get little or no recovery, or be able to get a large settlement, but only  because you have been severely injured!  I would hope the first situation, where you are okay and good as new in a few days or weeks.

The world of causation:  Assuming you do have an accident or loss that has some value attached to it, the next question is what we call one of causation.  Did the accident cause your injury or did something else?  Example:  John has had back problems for the last 5 years.  He has had a surgery and is still under the care of doctors for his back at the time of his accident where he is clearly the victim.  He claims an injury to same part of his back that has bothered him for many years.  This is a causation problem.  We have to be able to separate the two injuries, the one from the accident and the one from John’s previous/ongoing back issues. If we cannot, it is an uphill, difficult battle for John because there is another reasonable explanation for his back damage.  Thus, the closer the overlap in time and location between the one accident and the other, the harder the case. Separate body-part: Now on the other hand, if John was under care for his lower back at the time of the accident, and now has problems in his neck (upper back) and left arm, then there is a clearly separate injury caused by the accident. Aggravation of prior injuries:  Let’s use John and his auto-accident again.  If John did have a prior back problem, but it was 10 years ago and there is no treatment or complaints from John for 10 years, and then the accident causes his damage to flare-up all over again, then the law holds the negligent party potentially for what is called an aggravation of a preexisting injury i.e. John was doing just fine until you hit him.  The important factor here is we have a gap in time between John’s past damage and the flare-up.  We can show separation and two distinct timeframes.

I hope this helps. If you have suffered a personal injury due to negligence, or if you need our help with an employment discrimination claim, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys. We look forward to meeting you.

Youth Football Leagues Implement New Rules to Prevent Brain Injuries

For the past 2 years, due to the death and other permanent head and brain injurieshead injury image occurring to various high-profile athletes, many of which are parties to the  pending class action lawsuit filed against the NFL, have officials at the youth  football level taking firm action, which will hopefully lessen and safen the game for our kids.  Officials of The Pop Warner League, the largest youth football organization have changed its rules.

Research over the past few years has sounded alarms about how repeated hits to the head can affect the brains of football players, from young people all the way up through NFL athletes. A condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is already a well-publicized concern for ex-football players, particularly in light of NFL players’ Junior Seau and former Chicago Bear safety Dave Duerson’s suicide. Duerson requested his brain be donated for study before he shot himself in the chest; scientists later discovered he was suffering from CTE.

Recent research has found that Owen Thomas, the 21-year-old captain of the University of Pennsylvania football team who committed suicide in April 2010, was in the early stages of CTE. He had never been diagnosed with a concussion.

This spring, Stone Phillips produced a video report for Newshour on a study by a team at Virginia Tech that measured hits in 7- and 8-year-old football players. They found that impacts that measured 40g or greater — when hits start to get dangerous — occurred much more often than expected. And they occurred most often during practice. The New York Times reports that Pop Warner officials decided to change their guidelines for tackling during practice because of a study showing that football players as young as 7 can suffer from collisions as severe as college-level players.

New findings and studies in the area of concussion and brain injury, show that young children, who are still physically developing, are particularly vulnerable to suffering traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and head trauma associated with high-impact or contact sports such as football. About 3,000 children die from brain injuries every year and another 400,000 are brought to the hospital due to brain and head injuries annually.

Pop Warner Little Scholars enrolls approximately 280,000 children ranging in age from 5 to 15 in its nationwide football leagues. More than 285,000 children ages 5 to 15 play in Pop Warner leagues, and they’ve produced two-thirds of the players now in the NFL, according to The New York Times. Pop Warner is the first youth football league to implement across-the-board regulations when it comes to head-injury prevention.

In a press release about the revamp, Pop Warner also reiterated that certain blocking and tackling techniques, including face tacking and spearing, remain prohibited. Pop Warner has banned drills that involve tackling that begins with players more than 3 yards apart, head-to-head contact, or full-speed, head-on blocking and helmet-to-helmet hitting, and only one-third of practice time per week can be devoted to drills that use contact, which breaks down to about 40 minutes per practice. The league is also in the process of updating its website to include easily accessible information about concussions and safety.