Washington Injury Attorney Blog

Speeding car in Pt. Defiance Park, Tacoma critically injures 2 pedestrians

2008-05-17T01:42:51Z

Two pedestrians were critically hurt by a speeding car while walking in Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma. KOMO TV news and the Tacoma police report that an 18-year-old driver was speeding through the park on a winding road at 50-70 mph when he lost control of his vehicle, veered off the road and hit a man and a woman. The vehicle then rolled over. The posted speed limit is 20 mph.

The unidentified woman is in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Her companion is in critical condition at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent car accident victims and pedestrian accident victims in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett and Kent. We have more than 30 years experience in representing car accident victims with serious personal injuries.

4 men cited for not wearing life jackets in boating accident during kick-off of National Safe Boating Week

2008-05-16T22:12:53Z

Our recent posting highlighted the kick-off of the National Safe Boating Week campaign that educates boaters to wear life jackets (PFDs). The Seattle Times reports that four Oregon men should have paid heed to the campaign because Clackamas County, Oregon authorities have cited them $242 each after they were in a boating accident on the Sandy River. The four men's rafts capsized and they managed to get to safety but they were cited for not wearing life jackets.

The National Safe Boating week campaign is partnering with several events in Western Washington:

Vessel Safety Check in Bellingham on May 3
3rd Annual Boater's Fair at the BI Commons & City Dock on May 10
US Power Squadron Boating Course in Lacey on May 17
Boating Safety Course in Bellingham on May 17
Safe Boating Week - Lake Chelan Boat Club, Manson on May 17
Boating Safety Course at the Squalicum Yacht Club, Bellingham on June 14
Boating Safety Course at the Squalicum Yacht Club in Bellingham on September 13

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a boating accident, contact the boating accident attorneys at The Farber Law Group. We are experienced in maritime law and Washington State laws as they relate to injuries you have suffered. In the case of a fatal boating accident the family is entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

Additional Resources:

Kennewick car crash victim taken to Harborview hospital in Seattle

2008-05-16T21:33:35Z

A Kennewick car accident sent one man to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington and another man to jail. Russell David Martin of Post Falls, Idaho has been charged with vehicular assault after he lost control of his car in Kennewick and hit a concrete retaining wall. His passenger, Anthony T. Williams, 42, of Greenacres suffered facial cuts, a broken jaw and lost some teeth in the crash after hitting the windshield. He was taken to Harbor View after first being treated at Kennewick General Hospital. His condition is listed as satisfactory.

Paula Horton, of the Tri City Herald, reports that the accident occurred around 1 a.m. According to the Herald, Martin is suspected of speeding and driving under the influence (DUI).

In Washington State, nearly 700 traffic fatalities last year were attributed to driving under the influence (DUI). All DUI offenses are gross misdemeanors. RCW 9A.20.021, 46.61.502(5) & 46.61.504(5).

If you have been injured by a drunk driver or had a loved one killed, you should contact the car accident attorneys at The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in representing people with serious personal injuries due to car accidents. We will investigate whether the drunk driver had previous DUI charges, whether a restaurant or bar served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or whether the drunk drier was in the course of their employment.

Contact the car accident attorneys at The Farber Law Group for a free case evaluation.

Washington National Safe Boating Week campaign to prevent boat accidents

2008-05-15T22:40:02Z

With warmer weather this weekend in Western Washington, boaters will likely be out on Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Lake Chelan and the waters of the Puget Sound. The warm weather coincides with the National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) which is designated from May 17-23, 2008. The message of the campaign is boating safety and encourage people to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs), or life jackets.

In Washington state there are approximately 20-30 boating accident fatalities and 4,000 injuries from watercraft mishaps a year. Accidents can happen when operating a jetski, a motor boat or a sailboat.

The National Safe Boating Week posts many local events sponsored by various organizations including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. These events include:

May 3 - Vessel Safety Check - Bellingham
May 10 - 3rd Annual Boater's Fair - BI Commons & City Dock
May 17 - US Power Squadron Boating Course - Lacey
May 17 - Boating Safety Course - Bellingham
May 17 - Safe Boating Week - Lake Chelan Boat Club, Manson
June 14 - Boating Safety Course - Squalicum Yacht Club, Bellingham
September 13 - Boating Safety Course - Squalicum Yacht Club, Bellingham

(Click here for more details http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/events/view.asp)

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a boating accident, contact The Farber Law Group. We are experienced in maritime law and Washington State laws as they relate to injuries you have suffered. In the case of a fatal boating accident the family is entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

Additional Resources:

Snoqualmie Pass I-90 shooting caused by "road rage"

2008-05-15T21:38:03Z

The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that two suspects have been arrested in a case of "road rage" after a someone fired three shots into an Acura driven by Ismael Mejia of Mount Vernon, Washington on I-90. No one was seriously injured in the incident but a 5-year-old girl from Warden was cut by flying glass.

Mejia called 9-1-1 after the incident and troopers stopped a Toyota in Easton and arrested a 31-year-old Tacoma man and a 20-year-old Malaga woman. A gun was found in their car. They are in custody for investigation of assault.

According to the Washington State Patrol, road rage and aggressive driving are becoming more common place. The incident that occurred on I-90 is an extreme example but some cases of road rage can result in an accident involving serious injuries or even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage and aggressive driving:

Aggressive Driving

a driver commits two or more moving violations which are likely to endanger other persons OR, a driver commits a single moving violation that requires another driver to perform a defensive maneuver. Aggressive driving can include:

Tailgating -- following another vehicle too closely
Speeding
Honking the horn when not necessary
Flashing head lights at other motorists to annoy them or to make them move over or get out of ones way
Braking suddenly to annoy the following driver
Passing traffic and then slowing down to annoy other drivers
Speeding to beat a red light

Road Rage: an assault with a motor vehicle or another weapon by an driver or passenger or one motor vehicle against the driver or passengers for another vehicle because of an incident that occurred while driving.

If you are a victim of aggressive driving or road rage, you should call 9-1-1 immediately to report the other vehicle. In addition, you can report unsafe drivers to the Washington State department of Licensing (click here for more information). You can also report aggressive driving to the Washington State Patrol on-line (click here for more information).

If your vehicle accident was caused by a driver that was aggressively driving, they are considered negligent. If you have serious injuries you should contact an auto accident attorney immediately. The Farber Law Group is experienced and knowledgeable in handling auto accident cases and we will insure your rights are protected. Please contact us for a free case consultation.

Seattle's Battery Street tunnel closed after 4-car crash

2008-05-14T20:39:48Z

Tuesday afternoon, a four-car collision caused Seattle police to temporarily close the Battery Street tunnel according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The accident occurred at 1:45pm reported Jeff Kappel, Seattle police spokesman. There were no reported injuries.

If your or a loved one has been seriously injured in an automobile accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma or in Western Washington, you should contact The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in representing car accident victims and we will provide a free case consultation. Call us today.

Scappoose woman injured in multiple car accident on I-5

2008-05-14T18:07:36Z

The Longview Daily News reports that Wionnia Granillo (age 17) from Scappoose, Washington was injured in a three car accident Interstate 5 near Castle Rock. Washington State Patrol says that Granillo was taken to St. John Medical Center for treatment of back and neck injuries.

A Washington State Patrol news release reported that the accident was caused by Zachery Lowe, 20, of Olympia who made an unsafe lane change and ran into Granillo. Granillo's car then hit the concrete barrier and blocked traffic on I-5 for about a half hour.

After the impact with Granillo's car, Lowe then hit a pickup truck and trailer driven by Larry Danielson, 55, of Chehalis.

The State Patrol is investigating the accident and says it was caused by Lowe's unsafe lane change and speeding.

Most car accidents are caused by some one's negligent or reckless action. In this case, the driver was speeding and changing lanes in an unsafe manner. Sometimes injuries due to a car accident are significant involving disabling whiplash, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or fractures. Sometimes these injuries can disable a person or cause them pain for years.

The Farber Law Group represents people with serious personal injuries due to automobile accidents. We generally handle auto accident cases on a contingent fee basis. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington law firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling auto accident cases, you may be able to recover the full amount of your damages. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a free consultation.

Sammamish pre-school student run over by car in Bellevue

2008-05-13T16:05:07Z

The Seattle Times reports that a four-year-old Sammamish boy was run over by a car in his pre-school parking lot. The pedestrian accident occurred around noon at a church in the 14400 block of Northeast Eighth Street when a man driving a Toyota Corolla apparently backed over the boy.

The boy was taken to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle where he was treated for scrapes and bruises. Bellevue Police Officer Greg Grannis said it was remarkable that the toddler had no serious injuries, "Considering he was actually run over by a car -- not just knocked down, but the tires ran over his pelvis."

The Renton man who hit the boy will not be charged since the accident occurred on private property. He did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and he voluntarily gave police a blood sample.

This information was provided to you by the Washington Injury Attorney Blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one was a pedestrian and was seriously injured in an accident, contact The Farber Law Group immediately.

Seattle's Highway 99 crash victim has serious injuries

2008-05-12T20:27:23Z

On May 10th, we blogged about a severe car accident on the Mercer Street off-ramp that sent one vehicle off the off-ramp, crashing upside down 30 feet below. The other vehicle, an SUV, had substantial damages to it. When this story was first reported by KOMO TV news in Seattle, Washington, the son of the driver of the SUV was quoted as saying that he thought his father had only sustained "scratches and bruises." Subsequent reports by KOMO TV, however, say that the driver has significant injuries, "a collapsed lung, a fractured rib, broken ankle and injuries to his back."

This anecdote illustrates the point that an accident victim and his or her family, should be careful in talking to reporters and claims adjusters before the full extent of injuries are known. Many times insurance adjusters want to take a victim's statement while they are in the hospital or just returned home. They may ask the victim to sign medical authorization to release their medical records, including those taken before the accident.

One should use caution in speaking to anyone but your attorney because statements you make may be admitted as evidence in a courtroom and they may harm your case. One never knows when an accident occurs whether a "broken ankle and injuries to the back" might mean that the victim has a permanent limp, is unable to perform the functions of their job and their injury might lead to severe arthritis in the back and permanent disability. (Read "Should I talk to a Claims Adjuster?")

Personal injury attorneys work for the victim. They insure that the victim's rights are protected and that the victim receive compensation for damages, loss of current and future wages and for pain and suffering. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing victims of car accidents. We typically represent clients on a "contingent fee basis". That means that the attorney's fee is contingent on the outcome of the case. If the client does not win their case, then The Farber Law Group is not paid for professional services rendered.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free case consultation.

Boy awarded $2.35 million for birth injury

2008-05-11T20:53:59Z

A four-year-old boy was awarded $2.35 million in compensation for an injury to his shoulder during birth. The boy has had to undergo multiple surgeries and physical therapy and has severe nerve damage. He may have to undergo more surgeries later this year.

The jury found Dr. Pankaj D. Thaker damaged the boy when he pulled too hard on the "boy's head and neck when his shoulder became stuck on the mother's pubic bone," according to the Waukegan News Sun.

Birth injuries as a result of medical negligence can have devastating consequences with life long impact on a person's quality of life. No amount of financial compensation can ameliorate the pain and suffering of a child that has to undergo multiple surgeries, physical therapy and has a lifelong handicap. However, a monetary award can help towards the huge financial impact of medical and educational expenses due to a child's disability.

The Farber Law Group is a law firm with more than 30 years experience in representing victims of medical malpractice. If your child was injured due to a birth injury that resulted from negligence, contact us today for a free case consultation.

Click here to view our Birth Injury Resources.

Highway 99 crash sends pickup truck off Mercer street off-ramp

2008-05-11T02:23:33Z

KomoTV.com in Seattle, Washington reports that a pickup truck traveling north on Highway 99 on the Mercer Street off-ramp crashed into an SUV and the pickup flew over the guardrail and landed 30 below onto Broad Street. Miraculously, the driver of the pickup walked away from the accident. Click here to view the story on KomoTV.com.

The drivers of both vehicles were taken to Harborview Medical Center with "non-life threatening injuries."

The accident occurred around 6pm. Police officers said that the driver of the pickup truck may have been speeding.

This information has been brought to you by the Washington Injury Attorney Blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in representing people with serious injuries due to automobile accidents. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

Group asks FDA to pull Ortho Evra birth control patch from market due to blood clot risk

2008-05-08T21:11:51Z

The Seattle Times reports that Public Citizen, a national non-profit public interest organization, is circulating a petition asking the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to remove the Ortho Evra birth control patch from the market within six months citing risks of blood clots, stroke and death to users. Ortho Evra birth control patches are manufactured by Ortho-McNeil, a division of Johnson&Johnson.

Public Citizen's petition drive is called "Not My Patch" and is based on research which compares the contraceptive patch to standard oral contraceptives and says the patch is a dangerous product that needs to be recalled. The study found that women using the patch have 60% higher estrogen levels than standard oral contraceptives. Higher estrogen levels puts them at a much higher risk of blood clots which can lead to stroke and death. The study also cites an increase in other side effects including painful periods, nausea, breast discomfort and vomiting.

The Ortho Evra web-site markets the patch as "convenient birth control" and targets it to young women. However, more than a few young women have experienced serious side effects including death. One young woman collapsed on the subway and died at the age of 18 when a blood clot formed and went into her lung. Other young women as young as 18, 19 and 20 years of age suffered strokes while using the medication.

The patch was first sold in 2002. In January of 2008, the FDA approved a third update to Ortho Evra's label to warn of potential blood clots. Since the FDAs warnings, the use of the patch has dropped from 9.9 million prescriptions in 2004 to 2.7 million in 2007.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious side effect due to the Ortho Evra birth control patch, you need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. At The Farber Law Group we are experienced in representing the victims of defective or dangerous products and in helping victims recover compensation for their injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Renton man killed by train while talking on his cell phone

2008-05-08T00:13:42Z

In the second pedestrian vs. train accident of this type within the past few weeks (see previous posting), a 50-year-old Renton, Washington man was killed by an Amtrak train while he was talking on his cell phone. KOMO TV reports that the accident occurred in Auburn near the Emerald Downs race track around noon. Apparently, the man did not hear the train's horn because of his phone conversation.

Angie Rodriguez (age 17) was killed about two weeks ago by an Amtrak train as she talked on her cell phone while walking near train tracks in Kent.

This information was brought to you by the Washington Injury Attorney Blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent accident victims and their families. Contact us today if you or a family member has suffered a serious personal injury or wrongful death due to the negligence of another. We will provide you with a free case consultation.

Movable soccer goals can be deadly to kids

2008-05-07T22:31:03Z

A Consumer Product Safety Alert cites 21 deaths in warning that movable soccer goals can be dangerous to kids. The US. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that movable goals are responsible for at least 21 deaths since 1979 due to the goals falling on children. Click here to view an ABC video regarding a deadly soccer goal accident in Phoenix.

According to the web-site Anchored for Safety, there have been 34 deaths and 51 injuries since 1979 attributed to soccer goals including the death of a 22 year old man in Bellevue, Washington who died when a goal post fell onto his head causing massive head injuries. In Woodinville, Washington, a 5 year old girl was injured when a goal post bar fell on her and a 16 year old girl was seriously injured in Yakima when a goal fell on her, striking her in the head. Other injuries include broken bones and severe head and brain injury.

According to Anchored for Safety, the problem with soccer goals is their design. Goals can weigh up to 400 pounds and they are top heavy. Both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Anchored for Safety call for anchoring soccer goals to the ground to prevent injury and death. Goals should also be re-anchored after they are moved for mowing the grass or for storage. Long term solutions include designing new goals to be tip-resistant and building them out of lighter materials.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission also provides the following safety suggestions:

Securely anchor all movable goals at all times.
Never climb on the net or goal framework.
All nets should be removed when not in use.
Anchor goals to sturdy fixtures like fence posts when not in use.
Check all anchor hardware before use and replace damaged or missing parts.
Disassemble goals for off-season storage.
Use caution when moving goals.
Instruct players on goal hazards.
Use movable goals only on flat surfaces.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a soccer goal accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Car crashes in to Bellingham Starbucks, 5 injured

2008-05-07T00:15:15Z

The Bellingham Herald reports that a rental car driven by a 70-year-old Texan man crashed through a plate glass window at a local Starbucks store, injuring five people. The accident occurred at the Starbucks on 1031 W. Bakerview Road. The driver, Clinton Felmley, of Arlington Texas was parking his rental car when he says it accelerated.

Four victims were taken to St. Joseph's hospital and a fifth person went to the hospital on her own after medics treated her at the scene. None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening.

The driver was not seriously injured. He said he did not know what caused the vehicle to accelerate and crash through the window. Police have not yet decided whether to charge Felmley.

This information is brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have suffered serious personal injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.