Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer Blog

The website www.dangeroustrailers.com reported in an article on April 26, 2009 that families of three victims killed on the Bay Bridge in 2007 have filed a $19 million dollar wrongful-death lawsuit in which they claim the state is partially at fault for the auto accident. Matters discussed included prior crashes and fatalities during two-way traffic on the bridge and concern that the state should have been aware that the bridge needed barriers to divide lanes as well as a sign system to caution drivers of the “dangerous and perilous condition” approaching them.

Representatives with the transportation authority who are listed as one of the defendants and responsible for the bridge declined to comment on the allegations.

Downplaying the significance of two-way traffic, Sgt. Jonathan Green said, “If the trailer had not come unhitched, there would not have been an accident.”

Attorney Paul D. Beckman, disagrees and said, “This was a preventable tragedy.”

According to police reports a man was driving a 2000 Lincoln Navigator West across the Bay Bridge at about 4 p.m. when a homemade trailer he was hauling came loose ending with a 7 car pileup.

The families have named the following 8 parties as defendants in their wrongful-death civil lawsuit: Maryland Transportation Authority, the agency that oversees the Bay Bridge; Stephen Adam Burt, driver of the SUV hauling a trailer that became unhitched and caused the seven-car pileup; Levon Andonian, owner of the trailer that caused the accident; Joshua Hargrove, driver of a 18-wheeler semi involved in the crash; Mobile Mini Inc., a Tempe, Ariz., company that employed Hargrove; Edwin Dixon, driver of a second 18-wheeler semi involved in the crash; AG Trucking Inc., a Goshen, Ind., company that employed Dixon.; Travelers Property Casualty Co. Of America, the company that issued the car-insurance policy for one of the men killed in the crash.

Along with the pain and suffering of losing a loved one, you may have to battle many parties in a wrongful death claim, which can be overwhelming. This tragic story demonstrates that wrongful-death lawsuits can be incredibly complicated and require the help of a skilled attorney. The experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Anapol Schwartz have been helping victims of such tragedies for over 30 years.

Of course, wrongful death monetary gain can never replace the loss of a parent, child, sibling, or other family member. However it can support loss of income earned and pay for medical bills, if there were any, and funeral costs, and perhaps mental anguish.

The skilled Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers at Anapol Schwartz know it’s hard to come to grips and file a wrongful death lawsuit. Statutes of limitations apply and you don’t want to lose the rights you have in filing a wrongful death lawsuit. You have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Don’t wait until the last minute. Please call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

The government website cpsc.gov reported in an article that Jardine announced on April 30, 2009 a second recall expansion of cribs sold by Babies ‘R’ Us. The news was released by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The U.S. CPSC, in support with Jardine, announced the voluntary recall of the cribs. They advise that consumers should stop using recalled products right away due to the crib design and safety concern unless otherwise directed.

The name of the product is Jardine Cribs, manufactured by Jardine Enterprises based in Taipei, Taiwan. There were about 96,000 of these particular units sold. More than 320,000 units were also recalled in June 2008 while another 56,450 were recalled in January 2009. The danger associated with these cribs is that the “wooden crib slats can break, creating a gap, which can pose and entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers.”

CPSC has received 31 reports of incidents providing the crib is an unsafe product where the slats broke, including two reports of children becoming entrapped in the gap created by the broken slat on the crib models listed. Seven models of Jardine wooden cribs have been recalled. The crib model number and date code can be found on the inside of the bottom rail on the headboard or footboard. The defective cribs were sold at KidsWorld, Geoffrey Stores, Toys “R” Us, and Babies “R” Us stores nationwide, and at babiesrus.com, from September 2005 through April 2009 for between $220 and $330. Consumers should contact Jardine for a full refund.

One of the most common ways in which a crib could be dangerous is through entrapment. Newborns, even when they are on trap (not premature) are so tiny that it might be hard to imagine their size when you’re picking them out of a crib. If the slats – the vertical bars on the sides of the crib – are too far apart, a baby could easy slip through or slip an arm or leg through. Any space that is large enough for a head or limb to fit through is dangerous. Although almost all cribs on the market today meet safety standards, defects or improper set up could cause problems.

If you or a loved has had a child suffer injuries in a baby crib, please contact the skilled Pennsylvania defective crib lawyers at Anapol Schwartz who have successfully defended their clients for over 30 years. They have handled these kinds of cases and can be an asset to you during this challenging time. Please call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

The website abcnews.go.com reported in a story on March 6, 2009 that the parents of an 18 year old who sustained a brain injury during a snowboarding accident are suing the doctors claiming they “intentionally killed” him to harvest his organs. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District of Western Pennsylvania by Michael and Teresa Jacobs claiming that doctors “hastened” their son Gregory Jacobs’ death by impeding treatment and eventually removing his breathing tube, causing him to suffocate. The family claims that their son had not been officially declared brain dead when doctors began the transplant process. The Jacobs are seeking $5 million in damages against doctors at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa. and a representative from the Center for Organ Recovery and Education in Pittsburgh.

Both Hamot Medical Center and the organ center expressed condolences to the family for the Pennsylvania wrongful death in a prepared statement. Hamot insists that their doctors performed treatment that was “timely, appropriate, and well documented.”

In addition the Hamot said, "Proper consent was received in order for his organs to be donated and the protocols that were followed were consistent with all established donation procedures," it read. "Any claims otherwise are completely baseless. While we have yet to receive formal notification of a lawsuit having been filed, we will vigorously defend against any accusations of wrongdoing."

Dennis Boyle, the Jacobs’ lawyer, said, “Essentially, the family was told that Greg was brain dead and he would not recover and therefore, they signed a document that agreed to an organ transplant. Greg was not, in fact, brain dead.”

The Jacob’s family claim that their son was listed brain dead “retroactively” as life support was being removed in preparing for organ harvesting.

Hospital officials recognized in an interview with the media in 2007 that the recorded time of death was a mistake.

In many cases, as careful as a medical team is, they won't be able to protect the patient from the need for more medical treatment. To be liable for medical malpractice in Philadelphia, the doctor has to have been negligent. However, as a patient or the family of a deceased patient, you have the right to explore legal options. Sometimes, a wrongful death claim is cut and dry. Other times, you may not be sure of the best option.

A personal injury lawyer who has experience with medical malpractice can look at the basic information and determine whether or not you have grounds to sue a doctor, medical team, pharmacist, or hospital for medical malpractice. Anapol Schwartz has successfully represented clients for over 30 in Pennsylvania, and they can help you. Please call Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

The website philly.com reported in a story on May 13, 2009 that the trial involving a New Jersey State Trooper who collided with a minivan killing two teenagers while on pursuit of a speeder. Unknowingly, Joshua Wigglesworth, the speeder who the trooper was following, was a classmate of one of the victims and had no idea anyone had died in the auto accident.

Testifying in court Wigglesworth, 20, said, “I just broke down.”

There is no doubt that Trooper Robert Higbee sped through a stop sign at Tuckahoe and Stagecoach Roads in the Marmora section of Upper Township approximately around 10 pm.

The force of the collision on the Dodge van was so violent that Jacqueline, 17, a student at Ocean City High School, and passenger Christina, a student at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, were flung through the passenger’s window and died at the scene of the car accident. According to the data recorder on the police cruiser, the trooper was traveling at 70 m.p.h. He claims he wanted to “close the gap” before turning on his emergency lights and siren.

Another witness who was in a car hit by the Dodge van testified that he was shocked when he went to check the conditions of the other occupants.

Wrongful death is a heartbreaking event. There is never a chance to say goodbye. Wrongful death is caused by a defendant’s misconduct or negligence. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person in a car accident in Pennsylvania, contact the skilled Philadelphia auto accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys at Anapol Schwartz who will inform you of your legal options. Please call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

The website philly.com reported in an article on March 17, 2009 that a semi truck had been cited time and time again for faulty brakes and operating with a falsified inspection sticker purchased at a Philadelphia shop. This truck crashed into stopped traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway in Janury, killing David Schreffler, father of three. The investigation of the Pennsylvania truck accident lasted seven weeks and now the driver Valerijs Belovs, 55, of Northeast Philadelphia is being charged with vehicular homicide.

Along with Belovs, the co-owner of the 18 wheeler and a garage owner were charged with vehicular homicide, which authorities say is rare in these cases but shows how seriously they are taking the case. All three are now sitting in jail.

Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County District Attorney, stated that the auto accident in Philadelphia should serve as a wake-up call. She said, “It’s a death machine. The take-away is that these machines are all over the road, and people are going to get killed.”

Ferman added that the 18 wheelers worn-out brakes were unable to slow down the truck in time before it crashed into traffic.

Accidents involving trucks account for over 130,000 injuries in the United States. There are 5,000 deaths each year and close to 35% of the injuries are catastrophic. Trucks over 10,000 pounds (semis and tractor-trailer) represent only 3% of all registered vehicles but are responsible for over 25% of vehicle related deaths. The most common causes of truck accidents are unsafe driving, driver fatigue, oversized loads and mechanical negligence.

If you have suffered serious injury or lost a loved one due to a truck accident in Pennsylvania, the lawyers at Anapol Schwartz can help you. The skilled Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at Anapol Schwartz handle a multitude of cases involving automobile and truck accidents. They have the experience and knowledge in personal injury claims to help you get the maximum compensation possible. Please call 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

The popular weight loss supplement Hydroxycut has taken off the market by the Food and Drug Administration to protect consumers. After 25 reports of liver damage and severe liver injury, what does this recall mean for the millions of people who have bought and used Hydroxycut products? To start with, if you haven’t already stopped taking Hydroxycut products, it is advised that you do so right away.

Due to Hydroxycut use, there has been one reported death caused by severe liver damage and 23 patients have required liver transplant surgery. It has not been revealed to the public which ingredients in Hydroxycut damage the liver. Symptoms of Hydroxycut liver damage include jaundice, weakness, brown urine, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain loss of appetite, and/or itching. Hydroxycut products have also been linked to a rare muscle/kidney conditions, adverse cardiovascular events and seizure.

Hydroxycut over-the-counter drugs have been purchased by over $7 million people for weight-loss, energy-enhancement, low-carb dieting, and fat-burning applications. Considering the prominent use of Hydroxycut nationwide, these numbers pose questions of how many cases of liver damage and liver injury have gone unreported and what will the future hold for any new cases?

Liver damage can be irreversible, which is why it is crucial to seek medical attention for your injuries if you have experienced any symptoms of liver failure or liver damage after using Hydroxycut products. You may also want to keep track of all your symptoms and any information regarding their characteristics and onset.

You are not alone if you find yourself asking, “Do I have a Hydroxycut case?” News of the recent FDA recall has provoked concern for consumers’ rights and you may have a potential Hydroxycut lawsuit, but time to file could be limited. The experienced personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania at Anapol Schwartz are equipped with the resources, skills, and knowledge required for your Hydroxycut lawsuit. Recover the compensation you deserve. Call our Pennsylvania Hydroxycut lawyers today at 866-735-2792 for a free and confidential consultation.

The website philly.com reported in an account on March, 25 2009 that Philadelphia community groups and city council members urged the city’s law department to sue the drugstore chain CVS for continually selling expired products and exposing the public to unsafe drugs in Pennsylvania.

Shelley Smith, city solicitor, was called upon during the City Hall Press conference to follow California and New York legal action suits taken against CVS. CVS was sued in December by New York State for the sale of expired products. Edmund Brown, California’s Attorney General, requested in June 2008 that the pharmacy remedy its problem after coming across 26 Southern California stores. Currently, California is pursuing suing CVS.

Lance Haver, Philadelphia Community Affairs Director, said, “CVS should spend the money it needs to clear the shelves of expired products that are putting our children at risk.”

Maria Quinones Sanchez, Councilwoman, said, “CVS has been caught selling expired products in our City and around the country. It is outrageous that we are here today calling on a corporate citizen to remove dangerous products from the shelves.”

Expired products found at 15 CVS stores in Philadelphia ranged from infant formula, to over-the-counter medications, and dairy products. Tablets to treat allergies were over a year old and baby’s gas relief medicine was nearly two years expired.

Bill Greenlee, Councilman, stated that legal action was required to protect the community from dangerous items sold at CVS drugstores.

Consumer class action lawsuits in Philadelphia are among the most effective tools consumers have at protecting their power over the marketplace. When a large corporation does something that adversely affects a large group of people, a class action lawsuit enables all of the affected people to act with one voice.

Anapol Schwartz represents consumers, small businesses, and injured people in class action lawsuits throughout the country, seeking money damages and other relief in the federal and state court systems.

If you or someone you know been wronged or harmed due to a company’s negligence contact Anapol Schwartz. They have helped their clients for over years and they know the law and court system to get you the compensation you deserve. Please call the experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at 1-866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

Hydroxycut, the number one weight loss supplement in the world, was recalled on May 1st by the FDA. The FDA reports that there are at least 23 reports of serious liver injuries and death http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02006.html, including jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to liver damage requiring liver transplant. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a serious type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

If you or anyone you know have been using Hydroxycut, stop using it immediately. Symptoms to watch for include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), brown urine, light-colored stools, fatigue, stomach cramps or pain, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

This Hydroxycut recall applies to the following products, which are being removed from the market:
• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

If you have any symptoms of liver injury you should see your doctor immediately. Keep any unused portions of the product for evidence in case you decide to pursue a claim for compensation.

If you have suffered any of these symptoms or injuries contact our experienced Product Defect and Personal Injury Lawyers and click here to visit our website for more information.