Pennsylvania Personal Injury Blog

Richard and Kristin Holmes, of West Chester, Pennsylvania were killed in a car collision on a snowy road in New York, 11 miles from Utica on December 28. Philly.com reports their car skidded sideways into an oncoming vehicle. Their two daughters were passengers in their vehicle but were not seriously injured. The driver of the other vehicle was also survived the crash.

According to police, both the winter weather conditions as well as speeding contributed to the fatal car crash. Ice, snow, and other weather conditions cause numerous accidents each year in the United States. In 2008, there were 11, 560 car crashes during snow, sleet, or freezing rain, which results in 55 fatalities. When roads were snow covered or slushy that year, it led to 8,190 car accidents. Earlier this week, state police reported numerous car collisions caused by the extremely cold temperatures and severe winds.

When winter storms strike, it is important for all drivers to avoid traveling, if possible. If you must travel, PennDOT recommends keeping a safe distance between cars and driving more slowly. This allows you to be in control of your car and better able to handle slippery spots. You should also remember to have an emergency kit that includes food, water, a shovel and extra clothing.

If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident this winter, be sure to seek the advice of an experienced Pennsylvania car crash lawyer. At Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP our attorneys are highly skilled and will review all the facts surrounding an accident to determine if another’s negligence contributed to the crash. Road and weather conditions are important factors, particularly during this time of the year. Call our law office today for a free consultation.

A hit-and-run accident victim who was rear-ended on December 22 was able to help police in Chester County, PA catch the hit-and-run driver who was also allegedly speeding as well as driving while intoxicated. According to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the victim led police to the driver who was also driving without a license.

In this case, the driver broke many laws. He drove under the influence of alcohol, was speeding, caused a car crash and left the scene of the accident. In addition to being criminally prosecuted, he can also be held civilly liable for any injuries the accident victim suffered because of his negligent actions. By law, drivers are obligated to help an injured person after an accident by calling the police and emergency medical services, if needed.

During the Christmas season, it is important to note that there are an increased number of alcohol-related car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2006 that there were a total of 392 fatalities over the Christmas holiday, with 160 of those deaths in an accident that involved at least one impaired driver.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is partnering with police agencies across PA to prepare for the New Year’s holiday. The police will set up many sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols to watch for motorists exhibiting dangerous behaviors that may be driving under the influence.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run car accident in Pennsylvania where the driver was intoxicated, contact an experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorney who can advise you on your legal rights. At Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP our lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and any damages you may have suffered in a Pennsylvania car crash. Protect yourself by calling us for a free consultation today!

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released a list of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, according to WGAL.com. In 2009, accidents that occurred in these and other job occupations caused 4,340 deaths along with thousands of injuries.

The report ranked the dangerousness of jobs based on the rate of deaths each one caused per year. According to the report, commercial fishing is “by far the deadliest” occupation in the United States. In 2009, 200 of every 100,000 commercial fishing workers were killed. This number is more than triple the rate of deaths caused by logging, the next most dangerous job. In 2009, 61 loggers of every 100,000 lost their lives.

On the dangerous jobs list, workers in commercial fishing are followed by roofers, airline pilots, and flight engineers. Construction work, driving large trucks, and the installation, repair, and maintenance of industrial machinery also made the list: approximately 18 of every 100,000 workers in these three jobs die each year.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation insurance exists to help people injured on the job. Workers’ compensation payments may be available for the families of those who are killed by a work-related injury or illness to help meet a family’s financial needs while the family recovers from their untimely loss. If you have lost a loved in a workplace accident, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP. Call 1-888-684-2374 today for a free and confidential consultation.

A high-speed car crash in Franklin County claimed the lives of four Pennsylvania residents and left a fifth person injured, according to a recent article on PennLive.com. The driver of the car lost control after passing another vehicle, and the car careened through several front yards before crashing into a fire hydrant, a tree, and the front porch of a house.

At the time, the car was carrying three young men and a young woman. No one in the car was wearing a seatbelt. The three men were thrown from the vehicle when it crashed, and they were all pronounced dead at the scene, along with the woman. A fifth person, a young girl, was taken to the hospital with injuries and remains in critical condition. Police are investigating the Pennsylvania car crash, but they are not yet sure which person was driving or whether alcohol or other intoxicants played a role in the crash.

Reckless or careless driving, whether it takes place in a residential neighborhood or on a freeway, can easily injure or kill vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road.

If you or someone you love has been injured by someone else’s careless or reckless driving, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP. We will examine your case carefully and can fight for the compensation you deserve. For a free and confidential consultation, call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today at 1-888-684-7192.

Fox 43 News reports that a 59-year-old construction worker lost his life recently when he was struck by a piece of heavy equipment. He and his coworkers were working on the construction of the Holtwood Dam in Lancaster County.

When the accident occurred, the workers were trying to move an equipment loader that had gotten stuck on a steep hill. They brought in other pieces of heavy equipment and one of these fatally struck the worker, who was unable to recover from his injuries.

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), is investigating the fatal Pennsylvania workplace injury accident, as well as PPL, who owns the damn, and Welsh Construction, who employed the construction worker. Prior to this incident, the workers at the dam had worked 267 consecutive days without a single injury.

Losing a loved one is a tragedy no family should endure. Unfortunately, accidents happen, particularly in dangerous workplaces such as construction sites. In Pennsylvania, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which pays the expenses of employees who are injured while on the job. It may also offer payments to the families of workers who lose their lives on the job.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Pennsylvania, please contact the knowledgeable and experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP. We will thoroughly examine your case and fight for the compensation you need to move forward after an accident at a workplace. To learn more, call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today at 1-888-684-7192 to schedule a free consultation.

Nicholas Gazzara III, an 18-year-old high school soccer player from South Jersey, died in a car crash on December 16. Philly.com reports that he lost control of his car in the snow and collided with an oncoming truck, injuring the truck driver.

Innocent lives are lost every day because of traffic accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there were 33,963 auto accident-related fatalities in the United States in 2009. The main factors in car crashes are the driver, roadway, and vehicle. About 80 to 95 percent of all car crashes involve driver error. Younger drivers in particular have a high rate of being involved in car accidents because of their inexperience and less cautious driving practices. In fact, in 2008, there were 7,346 18-year-olds involved in Pennsylvania car accidents, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. These young motorists often drive distracted or succumb to peer pressure to speed.

In this particular accident, the weather may have played a part. Although the majority of car crashes occur under no adverse conditions, inclement weather and road surface conditions negatively affect how a car handles as well as inhibits driver visibility. The NHTSA recommends all motorists take the time to learn how their vehicle handles in winter weather driving conditions.

If you have been involved in an auto accident in Pennsylvania, Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP are experienced Philadelphia car crash lawyers who can carefully review the facts of your accident and help determine who was at fault. Our attorneys will also investigate the road conditions and weather conditions, the vehicles involved, and if alcohol or drugs were involved. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has banned drop-side cribs with side rails that move up and down, reports Philly.com. A new standard that goes into effect in June of 2011 will require all cribs sold in the United States to have fixed sides. Since the year 2000, drop-side cribs have been responsible for the deaths of 32 infants and toddlers.

According to the CPSC, about 26 infants die every year from crib-related deaths. In addition to cribs, other children’s products are recalled every year, including toys, electronics, and bedding. Additionally, in 2006, there were 220,500 toy-related injuries and in 2003, there were over 80 toys recalled because of child safety hazards.

Parents using a drop-side crib are advised to check the crib’s hardware to make sure that it is working properly and the model has not been recalled. If your child has suffered physical injuries because of a toy or crib in Pennsylvania, you may want to get in touch with a Pennsylvania product liability attorney who can advise you on your legal options.

When a company manufactures a dangerous product, they can be held liable for any injuries or fatalities the product causes. Products may have a defective design, the company may have failed to properly warn consumers of a known danger, or the product may have a manufacturing defect. It is your right to assume that products you bought are safe. The Pennsylvania product liability attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP represent clients with claims against corporations or manufacturers of defective products. Please call our firm to discuss your case with an experienced attorney during a free evaluation of your potential product liability case.

Philly.com reports that a worker died after he was struck by a refrigerator that was thrown off a building’s balcony. The accident occurred on December 14 in Milwaukee. A construction crew was emptying the contents of a building and workers threw the refrigerator after they were given the all clear, but the victim walked out and was hit.

Unfortunately, these types of accidents are common at construction sites in Pennsylvania and often result in head injuries and death. In fact, statistics from The Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008 showed that out of the 5,071 construction workers killed that year, 349 were killed when they were struck by falling objects. Injuries of this type increased about 7 percent from the previous year.

This tragic construction site accident shows how important it is for employers to train their workers in proper safety etiquette and make sure they are aware of the rules and laws that are in place. In this case, the workers reportedly called out “all clear,” before throwing the refrigerator, but this was not adequate warning, as the victim was struck by the object.

There are standards for workplace safety in Pennsylvania that include requirements for safety equipment, dealing with heavy objects, machinery or dangerous chemicals; and regular worker breaks. OSHA will investigate this accident, but it may take several months to conclude why this tragedy occurred.

The family of the man who was killed in this catastrophic construction site accident would be advised to find an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will thoroughly investigate the accident. Not only could the employer be held liable, but if the man’s co-workers were at-fault, they could also be held legally responsible for his death. The Philadelphia construction site accident lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can help injured Pennsylvania construction workers and their families by answering their questions during their free consultation regarding their case.

Frances Miller of Fayette County, PA has filed a lawsuit against Highlands Hospital, claiming she was paralyzed after a bacterial spine infection was misdiagnosed when she visited the hospital’s ER. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that an on-call doctor didn’t discover her infection until more than 24 hours later, which was too late.

Tragedies like these are not uncommon. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported recently that approximately 100,000 people die every year because of medical malpractice and nearly half of these fatalities are because of emergency room errors. Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the country.

When a misdiagnosis results in a catastrophic injury like this, victims and their families need an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney who can help them recover damages to pay their medical costs and other expenses.

In this case, the hospital was negligent, even if hospital staff members did not intentionally harm the patient. They may still be held liable since their neglect led to Ms. Miller becoming paralyzed. Failing to treat or see a patient within a reasonable amount of time (which often happens in emergency rooms) is just one example of negligence in the hospital setting. It is also imperative that hospitals properly sterilize equipment, keep proper patient records, and properly diagnose a patient’s illness. They must also order tests and procedures that are appropriate for specific illnesses.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a physician or hospital staff member’s neglect, the Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can let you know what your legal options are and help you through the process. Please call us today for a free consultation.

A tanker truck exploded near Pittsburgh, PA on December 9, killing one worker and seriously injuring another. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported the men were thawing a valve on the tanker when it occurred. A manhole cover struck the men when it flew off the tanker.

Police and OSHA will investigate tragic accidents like this one. They will make sure there was no lack of safety equipment and determine if adequate training was given to the employees. If another worker’s negligent behavior contributed to this Pennsylvania explosion accident, they could be liable. If a third party, such the manufacturer of a part with a mechanical defect, contributed to this accident, they could also be liable.

A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that in 2008, there were 173 workers who were killed in explosions and fires. This was 3 percent more than the previous year. About 349 workers died from being struck by an object or equipment. Employers must be concerned with worker safety or they could be putting their employees in danger.

To reduce the number of workplace accidents in Pennsylvania, it’s imperative that safety regulations are followed. There are many laws in place that include requirements for safety equipment; procedures for dealing with heavy objects, machinery or dangerous chemicals; and break schedules for workers. Employers must stick to these rules and train their workers in proper safety protocol.

If you or a loved one has recently suffered injuries in an explosion accident in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia explosion accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can help you get the compensation you deserve and will provide you with a free consultation about your case.

A 19-year-old woman from Carlisle suffered dog bites to her face recently, according to The Patriot-News. The woman was walking in Thornwald Park when the dog, which was not on a leash, jumped on her and bit her face, according to the police report.

The woman was taken to Carlisle Regional Medical Center for treatment for the dog bite injuries. She also received a series of rabies vaccines because she did not know whether or not the dog was immunized. The dog’s owner has since come forward to tell police that the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccine and other immunizations. According to the dog’s owner, he did not know that the dog was off its leash or that it had bit the young woman.

If you are bitten by a dog, you should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, find out as much as you can about the dog that bit you, including who its owners are and whether the dog is immunized. Also, try to take photos of the injuries and to get the name and address of any witnesses to the dog bite. Keep copies of all your medical bills, including bills for an ambulance if necessary.

Once your medical needs are taken care of, consider talking to an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite injury lawyer. The experienced attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can help you understand your legal rights after a dog bite attack and seek compensation for your medical bills and other costs. For a free and confidential case evaluation, call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today.

According to a recent article on Philly.com, there were 157 pedestrian deaths in 2009 in New Jersey. A total of 60 percent of the deaths occurred on heavy-trafficked roads that are part freeway and part Main Street. Both the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pennsauken, NJ police department are encouraging people to use the designated crosswalks and overpasses.

Pedestrians are the second-largest group of car accident fatalities. There are many factors that can lead to these types of accidents, including time of day, what type of intersection, and driver recklessness. The age of pedestrians is also a factor. In fact, elderly pedestrians in particular may be especially at risk.

Alcohol can also be a factor in pedestrian accidents, in both the driver and the pedestrian. The NHTSA reported alcohol use in about half of car accidents nationwide. There were 1,184 deaths in 2008 in which the pedestrian killed had a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .08 percent. In 274 cases, the driver’s BAC was over .08 percent.

Drivers should be observant of pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks and remember that some may not be able to see or hear your vehicle if they are listening to music on an mp3 player or wearing a hat. Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing and carry a flashlight if walking in the dark so motorists are aware of their presence.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a tragic pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia pedestrian accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can assess your case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Tractor-trailer driver Sheraz Khana was recently convicted of vehicular homicide for a 2008 accident that killed three people in Cherry Hill, NJ. According to an article on Philly.com, he was charged with other offenses as well, including careless driving and possession of marijuana and steroids.

In 2009, there 3,380 people killed in truck accidents in the U.S. About 2,551 of these fatalities were occupants in the other vehicles involved in a truck crash.

Under the Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for promoting truck safety and works to reduce the number of accidents associated with commercial vehicles. Part of the work of the FMCSA is to gather statistics from around the country highlighting areas of concern, areas that still need improvement and areas where stricter regulations have paid off. Due to the work of organizations like the FMCSA, the number of injuries associated with large trucks in 2008 was the lowest it has been in at least ten years.

Truck accidents can cause heavy damages and traumatic injuries. Drivers who share the road with a commercial truck need to be very cautious and watch for any unusual moves that the driver may make. Some of the common causes of truck accidents include irresponsible actions by the trucker operator, including changing lanes abruptly, driving while fatigued, and drunk driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP is a personal injury law firm with an excellent reputation for representing clients who have been injured in truck accidents in Pennsylvania. They handle truck accident cases in Pennsylvania that involve private and commercial trucks, including tow trucks, pickup trucks, 18-wheelers, semi-trailers, tractor-trailers, and more. Call the Philadelphia truck crash lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today for a free consultation regarding your truck accident in Pennsylvania.

On December 6, teenager Bruce A. Mutter was struck and killed by a car while waiting for his school bus in Newark, DE. According to The Delaware County Times, the driver, Malcolm Deshields, is facing criminal charges for the death of Mutter.

Police are still investigating the accident and if Mr. Deshields is found responsible for causing this tragic pedestrian accident, he can be held liable for having done so, both criminally and civilly. Mr. Mutter’s family would have the right to seek damages from this reckless motorist on behalf of their son. The best way for them to do so would be to find an experienced attorney who will examine all circumstances surrounding an accident to determine any negligence.

In Pennsylvania, younger pedestrians accounted for 36 percent of all pedestrian injuries. There were 11 fatalities involving teens between the ages of 15 and 19. In 2008, there were 525 injured in that age group. Nationally, children aged 15 and younger accounted for 7 percent of all pedestrian accidents and 22 percent of pedestrian injuries.

It is important to note that pedestrians should be cautious of motorists and make themselves visible with appropriate clothing. It is also important to avoid too many distractions, such as cell phones and headphones with music, so that you are aware of motorists and pedestrian accidents can be avoided.

The Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have the experience necessary to help you if you have recently lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident. We understand that you may be left with medical bills and expenses for funeral arrangements and can help you recover compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), on average, approximately 28 percent of December car accidents nationwide involve drunk drivers. However, this number increases to 40 percent on Christmas and New Year’s, making alcohol and holiday travel a dangerous and sometimes deadly combination.

The percentage of fatal traffic accidents involving alcohol is highest over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to the NHTSA, though the percentage is just a bit lower for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The NHTSA includes both car crashes and motorcycle accidents in its percentages.

The number of fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers has decreased steadily since 1982, thanks in part to increased awareness of the danger of drunk driving as well as to increased police patrols and other safety measures. Unfortunately, the number of fatal accidents involving a drunk driver still peaks around the December holidays. Even though the overall number of accidents has gone down, half the accidents that do occur on Christmas or New Year’s still involve drunk drivers, according to the NHTSA.

You can help protect yourself and your loved ones first by never driving while drunk or “buzzed” and never allowing a friend or family member to do the same. Call a cab or choose a designated driver who will be sober the entire night. You may also wish to arrange your holiday plans so that you do not drive during Christmas or New Year’s at all, particularly at night.

If you have been injured in a car crash, the experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP can help. Our skilled legal team has the resources and courtroom experience that is needed to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today by calling us at 1-888-684-7192.

Two Pennsylvania residents suffered fatal head and spinal cord injuries when their pickup truck crashed into concrete dislodged by a pickup truck in Dauphin County recently, according to an article published in The Patriot-News.

The two pickup truck passengers, who were from Burnham and Lewistown, were driving down State Routes 22/322 in Middle Paxton Township when a tractor-trailer coming from the opposite direction struck the concrete divider in the center of the road. The impact knocked chunks of concrete onto the pickup truck and through the windshield. The two victims suffered severe head and neck injuries from the concrete, which ultimately proved to be fatal.

A third passenger in the truck was not injured in the Pennsylvania truck crash. The tractor-trailer driver was also unhurt. Police are still trying to determine what caused the tractor-trailer to veer into the concrete barrier.

Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are devastating. They can result in severe injury or even death, changing the course of a person’s and a family’s life. For those who survive an accident with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, the medical costs for both the injury and rehabilitation can be astronomical.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury during a car accident, workplace accident, or other situation, it is important to focus on moving forward after tragedy strikes. The experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP will use their experience to seek the compensation you deserve, so you can recover. Call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today at 888-684-7192 for a free consultation.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that homicide is the leading cause of on-the-job deaths in the Philadelphia area. In 2009, one of five area workers who lost their lives on the job in 2009 died from a homicide. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, there were 66 on-the-job fatal injuries in 2009 in the region, 13 of which were homicides.

Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP represent clients injured or those whose loved ones died from work-related accidents, illnesses, or crimes. It is important that you have good legal representation because some insurers may try to dispute your claim or you may receive lesser benefits than what you are actually owed.

By law, it is required that every company in Pennsylvania carry workers’ compensation insurance in the case an employee is injured on the job, becomes ill due to circumstances surrounding their job, or if death results from their job. Benefits can include coverage for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation exists both as a way to benefit injured workers and as a way to protect employers.

When a third party caused or contributed to the accident that injured you, that party may also be liable under the laws that govern injuries outside the workplace. In this case, you may claim workers’ compensation while pursuing a personal-injury lawsuit against the third party. A third party is any person or organization that is not your employer or a co-worker. You are free to sue this party while also collecting workers’ compensation benefits. However, you cannot recover any money in Pennsylvania if a jury believes you were more than 50 percent at-fault for your injuries.

If you have been injured at your workplace, please call the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP for a free consultation.

Philly.com reports that a Chester police officer was struck by a car on Thanksgiving night while directing traffic around a traffic accident. He was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, and back.

On average, one police officer is killed every month while conducting a traffic stop or helping a disabled motorist. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that the number of workers struck by cars has been rising over the past decade. Transportation incidents where a worker was killed accounted for approximately two-fifths of all the workplace fatalities in 2008. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 2,053 total transportation-related fatalities, 322 of which involved a worker being struck and killed by a vehicle while on the job.

If you have been injured while at work, you would be well advised to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Those injured on the job in Pennsylvania are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. That right extends regardless of who is at fault for the injury or how large or small your employer may be. Workers’ comp benefits can cover the costs of your medical expenses and replace lost wages if you aren’t able to work for a while. When a third party -- a company or person that you don’t directly work for -- is responsible for the injury, you may still file a workplace injury lawsuit while collecting workers’ compensation.

The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have represented countless Pennsylvania work injury victims with great success. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

Two window washers in Long Island, NY were seriously injured on November 27 when the pole they were holding outside a Bank of America was blown into a high-voltage wire. According to an article on LIHerald.com, one of the workers suffered cardiac arrest and is reported to be in serious condition. The other worker suffered severe burns.

Electric shock injury accidents can be caused when scaffolds and cranes come into contact with wires or other reasons. Electric accidents can lead to electrical fires or employees falling from great heights or landing on obstructive equipment or machines.

When a worker is killed or severely injured due to an electric shock accident, compensation can be obtained for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 432 fatal work injuries in 2008 due to contact with an electric current. A total of 192 fatalities were from contact with power lines that year as well.

The Philadelphia electrocution accident lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have many years of experience helping accident victims’ families through this profoundly difficult period of their lives. These Pennsylvania electric shock accident attorneys can investigate the causes of the accident and whether the worker’s company was negligent in protecting its employees from unnecessary hazards. They can seek damages on behalf of electric shock accident victims and their families.

If you or a close family member has been injured in an electrocution accident, call Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP to see how they can help.

On December 1, Lowe’s recalled about 11 million various styles and sizes of blinds and Roman shades after concerns that children could strangle on the cords of the products. According to Philly.com, two children were reported to have become entangled in the exposed cord found on the backside of Roman shades.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled blinds and contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) for repair kits by calling 800-506-4636.

Many products pose serious threats to innocent consumers if they have a defect, and may include: auto parts, toys, medications, motor vehicles, household appliances, and furniture. Everyday products can turn out to be dangerous. Unfortunately, this danger only becomes apparent after people are seriously injured. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP have the experience and knowledge that is needed to successfully represent clients involved in the most complex recalled products cases.

In 2003, over 80 toys were recalled because of safety hazards. About 26 infants die every year from crib-related deaths. In 2003, almost 30,000 electric blankets were recalled; folding or bunching the blankets was causing them to overheat and burn consumers.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe physical injuries from any recalled product you would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced Pennsylvania product liability attorney. There are many steps to a product liability case, beginning with proving that the product was in fact defective, next proving the product was the cause of the injury, and finally proving that the product was not used unreasonably. Please contact Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today for a free consultation with one of their experienced attorneys.

On November 9, a man working outside a New York high-rise building was injured after being struck by an HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit that fell 15 stories from an apartment building on Park Avenue, reports NJ.com.

In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 349 worker fatalities in which the worker was struck by a falling object or falling equipment. Unfortunately, injuries from falling objects are common accidents in the workplace. Items falling such as overhead boxes, office supplies, or even roofing or other building material in a construction site can strike a worker and lead to severe injuries. Workers who are struck by falling objects often suffer serious concussions, brain injuries, back injuries, paralysis, broken bones, or even death.

If another contractor’s worker did not set up equipment properly, or a subcontractor made an error, then that injured worker could have a third party claim. This is a claim against someone other than the worker’s employer.

If you have suffered injuries in a construction accident in Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia construction accident injuries attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP may be able to help. After a free initial consultation, we can investigate the circumstances surrounding the construction site accident, determine if inadequate safety measures or equipment led to your injury and work hard to help you receive the compensatory damages you deserve. Call the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP for a free consultation today.

On November 22, a Philadelphia judge sentenced Nicholas Hasselback of Ephrata, PA, to 3 to 6 years in prison for a hit-and-run car crash that critically injured Tony Foltz, a Temple University student. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, immediately after the Pennsylvania car accident, Hasselback swept up broken glass from his vehicle and drove away.

In Pennsylvania, the law states that the driver of a vehicle involved in a car accident that results in injury or death of a person shall immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the car crash or as close as possible but shall then return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the Pennsylvania car accident until he/she has given information and rendered aid.

In this case, Mr. Hasselback can also be held civilly responsible for the numerous severe injuries he caused Mr. Foltz. Mr. Foltz’s family would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. The Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP will use their knowledge, aptitude, and abilities in pursuit of obtaining considerable damages for any injured party. Experts of the medical and technical fields would be called in to provide much needed insight with subject matter, including structural engineering, environmental engineering, general and specified medicine as well as accident reconstruction. Working with these experts greatly helps in the building of a strong case.

If you have been injured due to negligence in Pennsylvania, they can assist you in evaluating your case. Contact a skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP today.