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A recent single-car accident in Sharptown, Maryland, took the life of a 17-year-old girl and left three others injured. The crash occurred on Sharptown Road about 10 p.m., when the vehicle carrying the four teenagers left the roadway and struck a tree. The three that were injured, all teenage boys between the ages of 14 and 17, were hospitalized at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. The girl, was pronounced dead at the same hospital, which is located in Salisbury. According to police, alcohol does not have appeared to have had a role in the crash, although the Maryland State Police are still investigating the incident. A lieutenant with the state police said, “We aren’t releasing the driver’s name because we’re waiting for the state’s attorney to decide whether they’re pressing charges.” The lieutenant did not say what charges are under consideration. The 17-year-old girl attended James M. Bennett High School in Wicomico County. The school posted on Facebook, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the loss of one of our students. The student was involved in a car accident that took her life Monday night. The student was an amazing student who will be greatly missed! Please keep family in your thoughts and prayers.” The death of someone so young is tragic. The effects of her death on her family, friends and the community will be felt for a long time. Even if no criminal charges are filed, the victims and their families may choose to proceed with personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against the driver. An attorney experienced in personal injury can provide advice and guidance to those who wish to seek compensation. Source: Delmarvanow.com, “ Teen killed in Sharptown crash identified,” Reed Shelton, Aug. 03, 2016

When you’re on the job, you take safety precautions to make sure you don’t get hurt. For instance, if you’re working with electricity, the breaker should be turned off, and you should be wearing the appropriate safety gear. Otherwise, if something goes wrong and safety precautions aren’t taken, you could be seriously injured or killed by electrocution. Take for instance this situation involving a construction worker who was electrocuted in an industrial accident. He was working in a manhole at around 9:50 a.m. on July 27 when he suffered the shock. The site was reportedly close to a site where a hotel was under construction; it’s not clear exactly why the man was electrocuted. When the firefighters responded to the scene, the 44-year-old man was in cardiac arrest. Although firefighters did try to resuscitate him at the scene, their efforts were not successful. Now, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be investigating this case to determine why the man was electrocuted and if the company he was working for should be fined for any breaches in protocol. Following accidents like this one, entire families can be thrown into disarray, especially if the person killed is the main breadwinner. Financial impacts of a wrongful death as well as the emotional toll of the death can be devastating. Fortunately, families of construction workers may be able to seek workers’ compensation death benefits to help cover the costs of the person’s death. They should receive compensation that is ongoing to help compensate them financially for the loss in wages as well. Source: Eye On Annopolis, “Construction worker electrocuted in Rosehaven industrial accident yesterday,” July 28, 2016

Anybody who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle could become fatigued at some point. If this happens, it’s important for the person to get off the road as soon as possible. Furthermore, drivers should not return to the road until they are well rested. Some people have a greater risk of fatigued driving than others. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, these people are most commonly involved in sleep related accidents: — Adults between the age of 18 and 29. — Men are more likely to operate a motor vehicle while they are drowsy. — Adults who have children are more likely to drive drowsy than those who don’t have children. — Shift workers are more likely to drive drowsy when compared to those who work a standard daytime schedule. Sleep deprivation greatly increases the chance of a sleep related accident. When a person is too fatigued to drive, there is a chance that he or she could fall asleep behind the wheel. Even if this doesn’t happen, the person may not be in condition to make timely and accurate decisions. Even if you are alert, you don’t know if other drivers feel the same way. It only takes a single fatigued driver to cause a serious accident that injures or kills another person. If you are involved in an accident with a drowsy driver, make sure you receive medical treatment before you do anything else. At some point down the road, you can learn more about the cause of the accident and your rights as a victim. Source: National Sleep Foundation, “ Facts and Stats,” accessed July 15, 2016

Working in a factory setting or around heavy machinery is dangerous. There’s no way around that. It’s so well known that this is a dangerous industry that there are special safety requirements and a safety administration that oversees workplace accidents. Employers have a responsibility to make sure their employees are working safely. They have to be sure that machines are guarded properly and that everyone using equipment knows how to use it safely. When these things don’t happen, it’s easier for people to get hurt. When you get hurt at work because safety precautions aren’t taken, that can affect you in the long-term. If you’re killed, your family may have to live through the consequences of a preventable accident. In any case, you or your family should be entitled to workers’ compensation, and your attorney may be able to inform you about other kinds of compensation you can apply for also. The family of this teen may be in a position to file a claim after he was killed at work. According to the news, the Maryland Metals employee was killed following an industrial accident at the facility. The news report stated that the man was trapped and crushed to death in a coil polish machine. The 19-year-old man had gotten himself entangled in one of the stainless steel coils, which then pulled him into it. He had been working at the facility for around a month. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death; so far, police have been able to rule out foul play. They reported that the accident took place at around 2:40 p.m., but the teen was pronounced dead when emergency services arrived. Source: The Baltimore Sun, “ Maryland Metals employee dies in machine,” Jonathan Capriel, June 16, 2016

Medical malpractice is both a frightening term and dangerous behavior. Patients who suffer from malpractice can face living with scars and disfigurement, brain damage or other long-term injuries. Sometimes, patients have to undergo additional surgeries to correct medical mistakes. Another kind of malpractice that is currently being discussed in the media is VIP syndrome. This “syndrome” is not a syndrome at all; it is, in fact, what happens when a medical professional treats a patient negligently or in a different way because of the patient’s fame or wealth. It’s no secret that the wealthy and famous often receive special treatment from medical providers. Health care professionals can become star-struck, just like anyone else, and that can lead to mistakes. For example, when Joan Rivers went to the clinic to have an outpatient procedure, she ended up dying. Later, it was found that one doctor had taken a photo of her on the operating table, a breach of protocol and patient privacy laws. Another well-known individual, Eleanor Roosevelt, may have also suffered and been misdiagnosed because of this syndrome. She died from tuberculosis, but it was a misdiagnosis that led her to receiving steroids that lowered the immune response that could have helped her survive. She was allegedly opinionated and had many doctors on the case, and this led to challenges in her care. If VIP syndrome may be a factor in your case, it’s important to seek the legal help you need. It’s not a common event, but showing that your care wasn’t up to the standard it should be can help you win a case against your medical provider. Source: FoxNews Health, “When stars seek medical care, risk of ‘VIP Syndrome’ looms,” June 13, 2016

As a worker, you trust that every product you use is safe. However, you need to realize that this is not always true. For example, a bad product design could make a product dangerous to rely on. Unfortunately, when a product is dangerous, you don’t often know about it until it is too late. At that point, you have already been injured and are now dealing with the aftermath. Here are some common types of workplace injuries related to defective products: — A manufacturer neglects to properly label a product. — A machine does not have a safety guard. — A Product causes damage and injury despite the fact that it was used in the intended manner. If you are injured by any type of product, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention. This is the best way to understand your injuries and to know what type of treatment you will require in the future. From there, you can look back and review what happened. It is during this time that you may realize that a defective product caused your injury. If you find yourself in this position, you never want to feel like you are alone. With our team of professionals on your side, you can fight for your rights. It is our job to help you receive the compensation you deserve, no matter who was at fault. Contact us online or via phone today. From there, it won’t be long before you are feeling better about what the future will bring.

When it comes to workplace injuries, many people are concerned about chemical burns. Obviously, this is something to think about if you work in close proximity to dangerous chemicals on a regular basis. Many years ago, companies and workers did not know how to protect against chemical burns. Fortunately, things have changed for the better. While more knowledge has gone a long way in preventing these types of accidents, they still impact many people every year. A chemical burn is not the same as a heat burn, and here is why: with a chemical burn, there is no heat involved. While the person may experience a burning sensation, it is the chemical itself, not extreme heat, that is causing the damage. The severity of a chemical burn depends on many factors, including the type of chemical and the length of exposure. Some of the most serious symptoms of chemical burns include tissue necrosis, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. It is important for a chemical burn to be treated as quickly as possible, as the longer the substance remains in contact with the skin the more damage it will cause. With the right knowledge, with the right prevention strategy, people who work with dangerous chemicals can avoid injury. In the event that a person suffers a chemical burn, he or she should not wait to receive treatment. Not only should the skin be washed immediately, at the site of the accident, but the person should then seek immediate treatment from a qualified medical team. This can help prevent long term symptoms. Source: Occupational Health and Safety, “ Putting the Lid on Chemical Burns,” accessed May 17, 2016

It may be easy to fall off a ladder, but this is not something you ever want to experience. If this happens, you can be faced with serious injury or even death. A recent study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report notes that falls remain the top cause of unintentional injury in the United States. Furthermore, 43 percent of fatal falls over the past 10 years have involved a ladder. In addition to people who are injured or killed in a ladder accident at home, this is also a big problem in the workplace. The report cites that among workers, roughly 20 percent of all fall injuries involved a ladder. Furthermore, when you focus solely on construction workers, approximately 81 percent of fall injuries that are treated at an emergency room involve a ladder. In 2011 alone, work related ladder fall injuries caused 113 fatalities. Additionally, tens of thousands of workers were injured in a ladder fall. Some other interesting points from the study include: — Companies with fewer employees have the highest fatality rates. — Head injuries are common in fatal injuries. — Work-related ladder fall injury rates are highest in the construction industry. If you fall off a ladder, either at home or at work, you could be injured or killed. Of course, if you are extremely lucky, you may walk away from the situation uninjured. In the event that this occurs at your place of employment, it’s important to report the incident to your company as soon as possible. Of course, nothing is more important than seeking immediate medical care. Source: EHS Today, “CDC: There’s Nothing ‘Easy’ About Falling Off a Ladder,” accessed April 11, 2016

A three-vehicle motor vehicle accident in Edgewater, Maryland, killed a husband and wife, while leaving another person with serious injuries. According to news reports, police responded to the accident at Solomons Island Road near Swallow Lane at approximately 4:26 p.m. Witnesses noted that a Toyota Camry was traveling northbound when it crossed over the centerline and collided head-on with a Honda Civic traveling southbound. A Ford Crown Victoria, which was following behind the Civic, then crashed into both vehicles, causing the Civic to rollover. The 21-year-old driver of the Civic was declared dead at the scene. The passenger in the vehicle, the driver’s 20-year-old wife, was transported to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment, where she later passed away. The county police noted that the driver of the Camry was also taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where she was treated for serious injuries. The driver of the Crown Victoria was also injured, but the man refused treatment. At this time, police believe that the accident was caused when the driver of the Camry crossed the centerline. It is not believed that speeding or alcohol played a part in the accident. Charges are under review and Traffic Safety is continuing to investigate the accident. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you are driving, there is always the chance that another person could make a simple mistake on the road that causes a serious accident. As a driver, the best thing you can do is obey the rules of the road, while also paying close attention to everybody around you. Source: Capital Gazette, “ Husband and wife dead in Valentine’s Day crash, 1 other injured,” Meredith Newman, Feb. 15, 2016

Maryland’s crash statistics can better help you understand the problems on the roads in your area. If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident or been hit by a dangerous driver, these statistics may be able to help you put together a strong case for a civil lawsuit. Here are some of the most commonly asked for statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much do fatal crashes cost on average each year in Maryland? Every year, the number of crashes in the state varies, but the average costs from 2013 are estimated to be $690 million. How many fatal injuries were a result of crashes in Maryland? In 2013, over 530 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. These crashes, in most cases, could have been avoided with regulations including graduated licensing programs and others. Are crashes caused by dangerous driving habits? Interestingly, many crashes are avoidable if drivers simply pay attention. The incidents are most commonly caused by driver errors, which can be eliminated if drivers pay attention to the road and avoid driving when tired. Traffic collisions resulting in deaths cost Maryland $6 million in medical costs and around $684 million in lost work. In total, all the crashes in the United States resulted in a shocking $44 billion in medical and work loss costs. These crashes are among the top 10 causes of deaths for those between the ages of one and 54, showing just how vital it is for drivers to be better informed about driving safely and keeping safe while on the roads. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “ Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths: Costly but Preventable,” accessed Feb. 18, 2016

As the name implies, scar revision is a procedure meant to improve the appearance of a scar. Furthermore, it can help restore the function of the skin while dealing with any changes, such as disfigurement, as the result of an accident or previous surgery. While scar revision sounds like a great idea, here is something you need to know: It’s not always easy to decide when this is the best idea. For example, scars have a way of getting smaller and becoming less noticeable as you get older. For this reason, you may not want to jump the gun and opt for a procedure early in life. Although your medical team can provide more advice, it is a good idea to wait a minimum of 60 days after the scar reaches maturity to consider this procedure. Here are some of the many reasons why scar revision is performed: — To remove a keloid, which is a scar that is a different color and thicker than the rest of your skin. — To address a scar that is angled against the normal tension lines. — A scar that has thickened. — A scar that makes it difficult to perform normal movements. It is good to know that scar revision surgery is a possibility. This can go a long way in helping improve your appearance, which is something that is important to most people. Here is the question you need to answer: Is scar revision surgery a good idea for somebody in your position? If you think the answer is yes, it is time to learn more about the procedure in Maryland. Source: Medline Plus, “ Scar Revision,” accessed Jan. 25, 2016

A work-related musculoskeletal disorder can keep a person away from his or her job for an extended period of time. Furthermore, this can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. While some companies are behind the times, others have come to realize the seriousness of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. For this reason, they have implemented programs to help employees avoid this type of trouble. One of the best ways to prevent this common condition is to implement a lifestyle health promotion program. For example, weight management and fitness programs can reduce the incidence of many types of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, such as back and neck pain. It is also important for companies to provide training to workers and management regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders, including the risks. An instructional training program can go a long way in helping everybody understand this problem, how to prevent it and how to pinpoint it. Finally, self management education is always a big deal. This means that workers focus on self-care behavior, such as working out, to help prevent trouble before it sets in. Every year, workers in a variety of industries suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Some of these people are able to deal with and work through the pain, while others have to take time away in order to treat their condition. If you are concerned about work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about this condition, including how to avoid trouble and what to do if you require treatment. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) Prevention,” accessed Jan. 04, 2016