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It was a sad Christmas for one Landover, MD, family who said their final goodbyes to their 20-year-old beloved family member who died in a recent collision with a driver suspected of driving while impaired. The funeral, held just two days before Christmas, was packed with almost 1,000 mourners who attended to pay their last respects to the Morgan State University business student. Friends and relatives shared happy memories of times with the young man, saying, “A legacy of laughs. Anytime I’m with he always laughs and jokes,” and from his younger brother, “That’s my big brother. When I talk about him I’m going to smile, cause . . . I think about . . . the happy times. We just did great things together.” The wreck occurred as the young man drove on Route 202. An oncoming car driven by a 31-year-old man crossed over the center line and crashed head-on into his vehicle. Initially, the man was charged with reckless driving and Driving Under the Influence; however, pending a full investigation, prosecutors dropped those charges. At a future point, they expect charges to be re-filed. The man who was responsible for the accident has a past history of both driving and attempting to drive under the influence, among other priors. Whenever a promising young life is snuffed out needlessly due to the negligent actions of another, it is indeed a tragedy. Regardless of how the eventual criminal proceedings unfold, families of those killed by allegedly drunken or drugged drivers have the right to seek legal remedies through the Maryland civil court system. Source: WUSA, “Hundreds say goodbye to 20-year-old killed in crash,” Nikki Burdine and WUSA Staff, Dec. 23, 2015

You’ve been a patient before, and you likely will end up in the hospital or a clinic again in the future. What do you do if you suffer an injury from a medical procedure, but you don’t discover the damage until many years later? What can you do if you find a sponge five years following a surgery has blocked your abdominal cavity or caused sepsis? Who will pay for your required medical care? In situations like this, after your treatment is completed, the first thing to do would be to talk to your attorney about the people who performed your surgery the first time. Do you know the doctor’s name or the name of the hospital? If you know the employer’s information, then you can file a claim based on the employer’s liability for his employee. This is called vicarious liability. When you file a medical malpractice lawsuit, you can file it against the doctor specifically. However, there are usually others who are also liable for your injuries. The hospital, other nurses or staff members, and the doctor may all be responsible in some way, shape or form. With vicarious liability, it’s up to the person’s superior, in this case, the hospital, to speak for his actions and negligence. An employer could be held responsible for your injuries if the employee was on the clock when they took place or if you were hurt by someone the employer hired to treat you. If the employer benefits from the employee, then it’s likely that you’ll be able to file a lawsuit against them. Our website has more information on this topic and others, so you can understand your rights as a patient.

Many people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but unless you have experienced the pain it is difficult to understand just how bad it can be. Imagine this: You are sitting at your desk, attempting to work, but you cannot seem to shake the numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and wrist. Worst yet, some people suffer from this injury in both hands. There is a lot to understand about carpal tunnel syndrome. To start, you need to know what this condition entails. In short, carpal tunnel syndrome comes into play when the median nerve is pressed on at the wrist. This nerve is located in what is known as “the carpal tunnel.” What are the symptoms? This typically begins with tingling, numbness, and burning. At first, you may be able to ignore the pain. You may even believe it is nothing more than a bad cramp. However, over time, it is only going to get worse. Soon enough, you will realize the problem isn’t just happening at work. You are also experiencing pain and discomfort during the night. Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically caused by overuse, injury, or trauma. For example, if you type, day after day without take any break, you could eventually find yourself suffering from this problem. When it comes to workplace injuries, many people don’t think about carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a mistake, as many workers suffer from this type of injury. As a result, they are unable to do their job effectively. If you believe you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, maybe due to your work conditions, it is important to be examined by a medical professional. Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet,” accessed Nov. 17, 2015

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is known as MRSA, is a very serious infection that is highly resistant to antibiotic treatments. This infection can be spread by touch, putting anyone who is near a patient or individual with the infection at risk of MRSA. This means that healthcare professionals with wounds on their hands, for instance, could come into contact and suffer a MRSA infection. Patients who are exposed to the bacteria may also become infected and suffer potentially deadly side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that one in three people can carry staph bacteria in their noses without an kind of sign of illness. Two out of 100 are recognized as being carriers of MRSA itself. Staph does cause MRSA, but the number of infections within the United States have begun to fall. MRSA can be prevented, so if you’ve been infected while working with patients or as a patient around individuals who may be carriers, it’s important to report the conditions the resulted in your infection. MRSA can lead to very serious conditions such as surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia, all of which are difficult to treat due to the bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics. To know if MRSA is the cause of your infection, a laboratory culture needs to be completed. Once this has been collected, you’ll have evidence of the bacteria in your body and in the workplace where you spend your time. Or, if you’re a patient, you’ll be able to link your sickness to the hospital where you stayed for treatment. At that point, you can discuss your options for a personal injury claim with your attorney. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “ General Information About MRSA in Healthcare Settings,” accessed Oct. 21, 2015

According to prosecutors, a judge has convicted a man for his part in a hit and run accident that killed another man and injured a woman. The 73-year-old-man was found guilty of “operating a vehicle without due care” in the accident that killed a 38-year-old man who was changing a flat tire on the side of the road. The incident occurred on Feb. 1 when the victim pulled his Hyundai to the side of the road, put on his hazard lights, and began to change the tire. According to police, this was at approximately 9 p.m. Shortly after pulling over and beginning work on the tire, the man was struck by a van. The man driving the van said that he ran into something when changing lanes, but was unsure of what. After investigators found parts of his vehicle at the scene, the van was seized from a local auto body repair shop. Even before the conviction, the man had already decided to plead guilty to “failing to stop after driving a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death.” While sentencing is not scheduled until January 2016, the man faces a maximum of one year in prison. This type of accident is common, as drivers don’t often pay attention to what is happening on the shoulder of the road. Making the problem worse is the fact that some people neglect to stop a person injured in such an accident. Anybody who is a victim in a hit and run accident should receive immediate medical attention, as this can improve their chance of long term survival. Source: The Washington Post, “ Hyattsville man convicted in hit-and-run crash that killed man changing tire,” Lynh Bui, Sep. 30, 2015

If you are injured on the job or become ill due to working conditions, there is no denying the fact that your financial situation could be impacted. It is important to understand your legal rights, including how you can receive compensation until you are able to return to work. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided when you are injured on the job. In most states, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures that if a person is injured that they are able to access the benefits they deserve. On the other side, state disability benefits must also be considered. These provide workers with weekly benefits in the event that they are injured outside of work and unable to perform their normal job responsibilities. The primary difference between workers’ comp and disability is simple: Workers’ compensation insurance covers you for any injuries for which an employer may be liable. With disability benefits, your employer does not come into the equation. Note: It is possible that you could be eligible to receive state disability benefits along with workers’ compensation. If you are injured and unable to work, it is important to understand how workers’ comp and disability payments can improve your financial situation. Nobody wants to be injured or become ill, but this happens from time to time. Where your injury occurred and how long you will be away from work will impact the type and amount of benefits you receive. If nothing else, it is important to apply for both types of benefits to ensure that you are getting the money you deserve. Source: FindLaw, “ The Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Disability Benefits,” accessed Sep. 22, 2015

There are many types of injuries that can occur at a place of employment. Regardless of where you work, you need to know which steps you can take to improve your overall level of safety. Struck-by injuries are common in the workplace. This is the result of forcible contact or impact between an object and a person. There are many categories of struck-by hazards, including: — struck-by a flying object — struck-by a falling object — struck-by a rolling object — struck-by a swinging object An example of a struck-by accident would be a person who is hit by a piece of machinery, such as a forklift, in a warehouse. While not every incident causes serious injury or death, this is a concern among all companies. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in 2010 alone there were 402 occupational deaths caused by struck-by hazards. There are steps companies can take to avoid such accidents, including: — Never put yourself between a fixed object and moving object. — Being alert of heavy equipment and machinery. — Proper inspection and maintenance of vehicles before each shift. — Vehicles should never be driven unless the operator has a clear view of their path. Every year, struck-by accidents injure and kill workers throughout the country, spanning a variety of industries. Workers and companies can take steps to prevent such accidents. If this type of event does occur, it is important for the injured party to receive immediate medical attention and for the accident scene to be closed off for the time being. Source: The American Society of Safety Engineers, “ OSHA’s Focus Four: Mitigating Jobsite Hazards,” Pete Rice, accessed Sep. 16, 2015

A Baltimore jury has awarded a man $28 million in damages in a lawsuit accusing doctors of misdiagnosing an intestinal ulcer. The Glen Burnie man filed a lawsuit last year in Baltimore Circuit Court. He alleged that pain caused by the ulcer was misdiagnosed three years prior. As a result of the misdiagnosis, a perforated ulcer resulted in being hospitalized for three years, as well as multiple surgeries. Furthermore, it left him with short-bowel syndrome, making it impossible for the man to care for himself or work. A jury came to the conclusion that two doctors from Woodholme Gastroenterology Associates caused injury and damage to the man by deviating from the standard of care. It took three weeks of trial for the jury to come to a conclusion. When everything was said and done, the man was awarded $14 million in future life care and medical expenses along with $1 million in past medical bills, $5 million in damages to his marriage and $8 million in noneconomic damages. The two doctors were negligent in diagnosing the actual condition, as they neglected to consider any other diagnosis that could be causing his problem. As a result of the negligence, the man now requires nursing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Furthermore, he has to receive his nutrition from a central line and he is confined to a wheelchair. When a person suffers from a medical condition, it is imperative that he or she is treated appropriately without delay. If a medical professional neglects to do so, it can cause serious harm to the patient. Source: The Baltimore Sun, “ Baltimore jury awards $28M in damages over alleged misdiagnosed ulcer,” Lorraine Mirabella, Sep. 04, 2015

When you’re at home, you probably think you’re safe from car accidents and other kinds of road accidents. Interestingly, if a vehicle collides with your home, or a light or electricity pole, it’s still possible that you can be affected by the crash. When that happens, your injuries will need to be seen to, and you may have a right to compensation. In a situation in Maryland, a woman in her own home was injured when a truck suddenly struck her apartment building and collided with her. The driver had been inside a 1998 Chevrolet S10 and was trying to back out of a covered parking space. He kept striking a support beam and eventually ended up hitting the apartment’s sliding glass doors. That’s when the 40-year-old woman inside was struck. The Howard County police at the scene reported that the woman had to be taken to the hospital after the crash took place at around 9:30 a.m. She was reportedly in stable condition. The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old man from Silver Spring, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with negligent driving, the failure to control a vehicle in order to avoid a collision, and for driving without a valid license. The man had fled the scene initially, but he was going for help, the report indicated. Police didn’t report if they took a breathalyzer test or performed other investigations into the cause of the crash, but the fire department was able to report stabilizing the building to prevent further injuries as a result of the unstable walls. Source: The Washington Post, “ Woman injured after truck crashes into Elkridge apartment building,” Yolanda Martinez, July 26, 2015

If you’ve ever worked in a harbor, you know that it can be very dangerous if safety protocols aren’t followed. Boats and machinery move around the harbor, and floating platforms and other structures are held in place but still shift with the currents. Buoys are used to prevent boats from coming too close to certain areas and to provide the captains with information on how to proceed into the area. Working in a harbor can be dangerous because of the exposure to all these constantly changing elements. One business from Maryland and another from Hawaii have seen how quickly injuries can be caused when even one safety protocol isn’t followed on the job. Truston Technologies, a company based in Maryland, and Healy Tibbits, which is based in Hawaii, had been working on a federal contract in Pearl Harbor when two workers were killed. According to the news report, the workers were killed due to the companies’ lack of safety when it came to the weight of loads on a wire rope sling. The companies allowed loads to exceed the maximum working limits. At the time of the accident, the two workers had been repairing some moorings when a buoy dropped from a chain above the men. The buoy dropped around 75 feet before striking the men. The U.S. Department of Labor reviewed the incident and fined the companies $46,000 for safety violations. No one else was hurt, according to the news, but there was no information on the steps the companies took to reduce the risk of injuries in the future. Source: Construction Equipment Guide, “ Contractors Face Fines After Pearl Harbor Accident Kills 2,” June 12, 2015

Forklifts are used in many industries for a variety of tasks. While these machines are useful, they can also be dangerous. A forklift accident can cause serious injury or death. For this reason, those who operate the equipment must be extremely careful at all times. There are many factors that cause a forklift accident, such as: — Lack of training of workers who use the equipment. — Poor maintenance. — Traveling at excessive speeds and/or making improper maneuvers. — Improper warning that a forklift is in use, which could lead to somebody on the ground getting in the way. — Attempting to operate the forklift in a narrow space. — Obstructions, especially around doors and intersections. — Improper or lack of service. Every forklift accident is avoidable. Here are some of the things that operators and companies can do to prevent accidents with pedestrians: — Create designated walkways for pedestrians and forklift traffic, ensuring that the two are never in close proximity. — Restrict pedestrians from entering the work area when a forklift is operating. — Limit the speed at which the forklift travels. — Ensure that the area is well lit and clear of debris at all times. — Avoid high traffic areas, such as entrances and exits. There will always be a need for forklifts in some industries. For example, warehouses use these machines to transport goods from one area to the other. As a forklift operator or somebody in close proximity to one of these vehicles, it is a must to understand the importance of safety. An accident can happen at any time, which could result in serious injury or death. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “ Preventing Injuries and Deaths of Workers Who Operate or Work Near Forklifts” accessed Mar. 10, 2015

Working is something most people have to do in Maryland. In order to supply your family with food, housing and the things they need, that could mean spending long hours at work or even taking on multiple jobs. Something you should know is the risk of injury in the industry you choose to work in. By investigating this, you can make a better choice about how you want to work. Looking at a chart produced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you can see that per 100 full-time employees, 8.7 were injured while working in state nursing homes or residential car facilities. These injuries could come from moving heavy patients or due to repetitive motions, among other reasons. This industry had the most injuries per 100 workers. The industries with the fewest injured workers per 100 full-time employees was linen supply, amusement and theme parks, and camper manufacturing. In these industries, only 4.7 workers were injured per 100 in 2013. In many of the industries represented, more people were hurt in 2013 than in 2012, showing that safety levels may not be improving. In some areas, though, safety has improved dramatically. Take for instance the mobile home manufacturing industry. In 2012, 10 people per 100 were injured while performing their jobs. In 2013, that dropped to 5.6 on average. Another interesting thing to consider is the amount of people getting hurt working in local government nursing facilities versus residential care facilities at the state level. State employees were injured more often, with 84 injuries in 2012 and 8.7 in 2013. In comparison, local employees had only 6.4 instances of injuries in 2012 and 4.9 in 2013. Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “ Highest incidence rates1 of nonfatal occupational injury and illness cases with days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer, 2013” accessed Feb. 26, 2015