Blog

Jul 6, 2012

Driver education undoubtedly has value, but the first year of teenager licensing remains among the most dangerous time of their young lives. Car crashes are the leading cause of teenager deaths. Debate, however, continues unabated in assessing the effectiveness of driver education programs. Do they actually save lives or weaken other protections that have proven valuable for many years? Of course, if they prevent even one fatal car accident in Pennsylvania, driver education programs enjoy...

Pennsylvania Supreme Court clarifies workers’ compensation eligibility

Jul 6, 2012

Businesses that meet certain criteria in the state of Pennsylvania must purchase workers' compensation insurance. This insurance makes is possible for employees who sustain an injury while working to file a claim for benefits. Depending on the severity of the injury, the benefits to which each worker is entitled can cover things such as medical bills and lost wages. When an injured worker files a claim to attempt to secure benefits, it is not uncommon...

Dole recalls prepackaged salad due to listeria contamination

Jul 6, 2012

Most residents of Pennsylvania probably remember last year's massive recall of Cantaloupe melon due to the fruit being contaminated with listeria. The dangerous product was sold throughout the nation and resulted many deaths. Earlier this week the fear of listeria contamination prompted another recall, this one of prepackaged salad distributed by Dole Fresh Vegetables to retailers in nine states including Pennsylvania. While thus far no one has reported becoming sick as a result of the...

Man working at Pennsylvania GE plant dies in accident

Jul 6, 2012

Earlier this week a man working at a General Electric plant in Pennsylvania died after a machinery accident. The fatal work accident occurred at the Buttermilk Hollow Road plant located in West Mifflin. Repairs to power plant components are completed there. At the time of the incident the man was reportedly in the process of attaching brackets to the ceiling. To accomplish the task, he was using a high lift. As he worked, his head...

Judge awards $5.36 million citing doctor negligence

Jul 5, 2012

Medical research has proven that when detected early on, many cancers can be treated and eradicated. Today, in accordance with national health guidelines, cancer prevention screenings and tests are regularly and routinely performed. Sadly, one doctor's negligent act of failing to perform comprehensive cancer screens resulted in the death of a patient and a medical malpractice lawsuit. The family of the 69-year-old man was recently awarded a settlement in the sum of $5.36 million dollars...

Safe driving tips for July 4th

Jul 3, 2012

Across the country and in states like Ohio, July 4 is typically one of the most dangerous holidays for drivers. Congested roadways, distracted and speeding drivers and alcohol are all main contributors to increased motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. To help stay safe, drivers planning to hit the road on July 4 should follow these tips. Stay focused: Drivers need to put away the cell phones, turn off the radio and keep their eyes on...

Settlement of $12 million awarded in birth injury lawsuit

Jul 3, 2012

For any parent, the birth of their child is an exciting and often anxious experience. While drugs used during labor are greatly beneficial to aid in the comfort and ease of delivery, when not administered correctly, they can cause irreversible damage and birth defects. Such was the case with a recent settlement where a hospital agreed to pay $12 million dollars to settle a medical malpractice and hospital negligence lawsuit. The lawsuit, brought by the...

Pennsylvania worker injured in explosion

Jun 29, 2012

There are numerous ways in which a Pennsylvania worker can be injured while performing his or her job each day. Some injuries are due to repeating the same motion. Other injuries may be due to a slip or trip-and-fall. In some cases, the injury causing incident is more spectacular, such as an explosion. One such work related accident occurred earlier this week at the OC Lugo Company. The business, located in Connellsville, provides the military...

Despite improvements, pedestrians still at risk of fatal accidents

Jun 29, 2012

Nationally, the number of pedestrian accidents has been on a downward trend for the past 20 years. In particular, the number of deaths and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents with pedestrians ages 14 and younger has been on a steady and significant decline during that time period. In Ohio, unfortunately, the decline in fatal pedestrian accidents is not as clear. The statistics in our state have fluctuated during the past five years instead of continually trending...

Butler County motorcycle accident kills rider

Jun 29, 2012

Anytime a person operates a motor vehicle of any kind there is the potential that a crash can occur. Motorcycle accidents occur throughout the Pittsburgh area on a regular basis. While at times they miraculously result in only minor injuries, other times they end in death. A fatal motorcycle accident occurred one afternoon last week in Butler County. The motor vehicle accident that resulted in death occurred near the Cranberry Mall at the mall's intersection...