Washington Injury Attorney Blog

Father sentenced in son's dog mauling

2010-03-11T21:51:35Z

Matthew B. Sims of Port Angeles, was sentenced to three months in Clallam County jail for the February 3 incident in which his dog attacked his son and left him with serious dog bite injuries.

According a report in the Peninsula Daily News, Sims left his 11-year-old son alone with the dog -- a 50-pound Labrador retriever mix -- and it attacked the boy, biting him on his extremities and face. The boy was treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and is now in foster care.

Sims was sentenced to three months on a dangerous dog charge and also a one month concurrent sentence for possession of a stolen vehicle.

According to Washington state legal code RCW 16.08.100, the owner of any dog that aggressively attacks and causes severe injury or death of any human, whether or not the dog has been declared potentially danger or dangerous, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a class C felony punishable in accordance with RCW 9A.20.021. Sims' dog reportedly had bitten someone several years ago while it lived in Alaska.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured by dog bites and the family of those killed. Dog bites can often cause serious injuries which require multiple surgeries and sometimes leaves permanent scarring and nerve damage. With our help, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages including medical costs and for pain and suffering.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Marysville girl critically injured in bicycle accident

2010-03-11T21:28:29Z

A 10-year-old Marysville girl was critically injured in a bicycle accident reports The Seattle Times.

The bicycle accident occurred in the 7900 block of 80th Avenue around 4:30pm on Wednesday.

According to the report, the girl pulled out between parked cars and was hit by a motorist. She was not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries.

The girl was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in bicycle accidents and the family of those killed.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

School bus accident near Mount Vernon involves 36 children

2010-03-11T20:33:58Z

Thirty-six children were on board a Conway School District school bus when it went off the road and landed on its side in the ditch. Fortunately, the bus driver nor the children, ranging in ages between 5 to 14 years of age, were seriously injured.

According to the report on Seattle King5.com, the children were being driven home from school around 4pm when the bus accident occurred. The accident took place near the intersection of Buckland and Nelson Road, south of Mount Vernon in Skagit County. Apparently, the 41-year-old female substitute bus driver took her eyes off the road to check her route map.

Nearly 25% of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by distracted driving. Taking ones eyes off the road to adjust a radio, use a cell phone or to consult map are some of the examples of driver inattention. The proliferation of wireless communication and driver assistance systems has been escalating the number of distracted driving accidents. Driving is such a complex task that it requires a driver's full engagement.

In this bus accident, driver inexperience may have also been a factor as the driver had only been on the job for two days.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents and the family of those killed. With our help, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

8 year old girl critically injured in dog attack

2010-03-10T23:27:50Z

An 8-year-old Lithonia, Georgia girl, Erin Ingraham, is in critical condition after two dogs viciously attacked her while she was playing in her family's yard Tuesday afternoon.

According to a report on CBS Atlanta.com, two dogs that "resembled pit bulls" seriously injured the girl in an attack that lasted four to five minutes. The girl was hospitalized with wounds to both arms.

A neighbor called 911 to report the attack and a police officer pulled the dogs off of the girl. When one of the dogs turned on the officer, he shot it. The other dog fled but was later captured; it will be put down.

The report said that the dogs had a history of attacking people. Charges against the dog owners are pending.

Dog bite victims can suffer severe and even life threatening injuries. Victims can suffer disfigurement, often of the face. Many dog bite viticms require between 2-5 surgeries to repair the damage. Victims often suffer permanent nerve damage, severe pain and psychological damage including post-traumatic stress syndrome.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber law Gruop. We represent dog bite victims and their families. Washington State civil law allows a dog bite victim to file a civil suit to seek compensation for their damages including medical costs and for pain and suffering.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Static electricity charge causes gas pump fire that kills teen

2010-03-10T19:33:02Z

L. David Byers, 19 of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, died after inhaling super heated gases caused by a gas fire started by a static electricity charge at a gas pump.

While Byers' death is an extremely rare and freak accident, it is important that motorists realize that static electricity charges can build up on ones body which could potentially lead to a fire at a gas pump.

Static electricty is the build up of an electric charge on an object. The static charge will remain on the object or person until it is neutralized by a discharge. Static electricity charges have known to cause explosiions or fires in industrial settings and in hospitals

Electrostatic discharges can be a danger when a person is fueling their car at a gas station. In one report of gas fires at pumps, four of the five victims were women. This is often due to electrostatic charges building up on sweaters when women re-enter their car during fueling. Most victims suffered burn injuries.

To be safe, motorists should:

never re-enter their automobile while fueling as this can increase an electrostic charge
discharge static electricty -- grounding themselves -- by touching a metal object like their car before and after fueling
never smoke at gas stations
never remove the gas pump nozzle in the case of a fire and leave the immediate area

There have been numerous reports of cell phones causing gasoline pump fires, but testing -- including by the popular TV show MythBusters -- disproved this.

This information is provided by Washignton injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents and those injured in accidents caused by negligence of another. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Source: Philly.com
Static-sparked death raises gas-pump questions
By Peter Mucha
Inquirer Staff Writer
posted March 10, 2010

Concussions are in the spotlight during Brain Injury Awareness Month

2010-03-10T02:37:33Z

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) recognizes March as Brain Injury Awareness Month and they are educating people that concussions are brain injuries.

The BIAA is working to educate coaches of athletic teams to recognize the signs and symptoms of brain injuries including concussions and second impact syndrome.

In Washington State, the "Zackery Lystedt" law requires coaches to receive concussion education and to remove a student athlete from the field of play if the athlete exhibits signs of a concussion. The player is not allowed to return to the field of play unless he or she has a release from a doctor.

Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. To diagnose a concussion usually requires a physical and neurological exam. Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, vomiting or unequal or unreactive pupils, and excessive drowsiness.

Of course sports injuries are not the only place that people can sustain a concussion. A fall, a car accident or even minor mishaps like running into a door jam can cause a concussion.

For more information about brain injuries and the work of the Brain Injury Association of America, click here:

If you or a loved one has received a brain injury due to a sports injury, car accident, fall or due to the negligence of another, you should contact a personal injury attorney with expertise in the area of brain injuries. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience representing brain injury victims and their families.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Bellevue trampoline center under investigation after several patrons injured

2010-03-09T22:51:30Z

A lawsuit has been filed against Sky High Sports, a Bellevue company that offers trampoline recreation, alleging that the company is grossly negligent after patrons suffered serious injury.

According to a consumer investigation by KIRO 7 TV, trampoline jumpers have been taken to Overlake Medical Center from Sky High Sports more than a dozen times since Sky High opened last September for injuries including multiple incidences of broken tibia, fibula, ankle, and foot. The report also said there was an incidence of a neck injury, a back injury and a knee injury.

One physician at Overlake Medical Center says that in general, injuries could be reduced if only one person was allowed to jump at a time and if there is netting or protection over springs and grounds.

Since 1996, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that approximately 83,000 people have been injured on trampolines. Three-quarters of these patients were under the age of 15. In a report published in the Pediatrics journal, a recommendation was made that trampolines be banned for recreational, school and competitive use for children due to the likelihood of serious injury including spinal injuries and fractures.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in slip, trip and fall accidents and the family of those killed.

2010-03-09T22:10:58Z

King Country prosecutors are charging Michael James Shannon, 38, a physical therapist at Seattle's Swedish Medical Center, with two counts of indecent liberties after two patients complained that he inappropriately touched them while they were patients.

The first charge against Shannon occurred in mid August when a woman complained that Shannon touched her breasts. Shannon returned to work after being placed on administrative leave when he claimed he had been examining the woman's shoulder.

Two weeks later, another woman came forward accusing Shannon of the same conduct.

King County Superior Court Judge Sharon Armstrong barred Shannon from working as a physical therapist until the case against him is concluded.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We are a personal injury attorney firm and we represent people who have been seriously injured due to medical malpractice. A healthcare provider is negligent if their conduct falls below "standard of care" in Washington.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Source: "Seattle physical therapist charged with abusing patients"
Seattle PI.com
Updated March 8, 2010
By Levi Pulkkinen

Washington legislature sends "golf cart" bill to Governor Gregoire

2010-03-08T19:04:03Z

The Washington State legislature has approved Senate Bill 6207, which would allow cities and counties to allow golf carts to be street legal by authorizing the creation of golf cart zones. The bill now travels to Governor Christine Gregoire.

The legislature voted 44-1 to allow golf carts to travel on public roads with speed limits of 25mph or below providing they have reflectors, rear view mirrors and seat belts installed. The bill also provides that drivers must be 16 and follow the road rules. Drivers who licenses have been revoked will not be allowed to drive a golf cart on a public road.

The comments on the Washington Votes web-sites are not too favorable to the bill.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Three injured when van runs into Aberdeen 7-Eleven store

2010-03-08T18:43:43Z

A 2-year-old girl was seriously injured along with her 30-year-old mother and the driver of a van when a man appeared to deliberately run his Chevy Astro van ran into an Aberdeen 7-Eleven store around 3:40pm on Friday reports KOMO News.com.

The girl suffered possible internal injuries and a fractured femur. She was taken to Grays Harbor Community Hospital and ten transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The 57-year-old van driver, Calvin Kinney of Hoquaim, reportedly had a previous run-in with a building last year and was cited for negligent driving at that time. In that car accident, the driver reportedly veered to the left before plowing into the building. Apparently Kinney has emotional problems.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents and pedestrian accidents caused by the negligence of another person. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Man sentenced to prison in Wenatchee pedestrian accident

2010-03-08T04:05:31Z

Michael D. Burke, 34, of Wenatchee was sentenced to 3-1/2 years prison in the pedestrian accident which killed Arnulfo Garcia Maldonado in September 2009. Burke was found guilty of hit and run injury accident involving death and negligent driving. Prosecutors were not able to charge Burke with Vehicular Homicide because they were not able to prove that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

According to The Wenatchee World, Garcia Maldonado was attempting to cross North Wenatchee Avenue when he was hit by Burke. Garcia Maldonado died two hours later at Central Washington Hospital.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in pedestrian accidents and the families of those killed.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Toyota to provide "black box" data from fatal Bellingham car accident

2010-03-05T19:22:58Z

On October 26, 2007, Chris Eves, 29, ran head-on into a tree north of Bellingham in his almost brand-new Toyota Tundra truck. Eves was killed in that motor vehicle accident. In the police file regarding the accident, someone wrote, "It remains unknown why the collision occurred."

According to a report written by Tracy Vedder & KOMO news staff, the Washington State Patrol hypothesized that driver fatigue and Eves' blood alcohol limit, which was at .08%, contributed to Eves falling asleep at the wheel.

Apparently, Toyota has an event data recorder (EDR) installed on their cars, much like the black box data recorders on airplanes. Up to this point, Toyota had not released the information from the EDR to Eves' family. On Tuesday, Washington state senator Maria Cantwell announced that she has gotten a commitment from Toyota to turn over the EDR data.

Eves' family is hoping that the EDR data will provide the information they need as to what caused the accident. Eves' Toyota was one of those on recall lists for problems with driver-side floor mat and accelerator pedal problems. The EDR data should provide information as to what pressure was on the gas pedal and whether Eves had applied pressure to the brake.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating complaints that there have been at least 34 fatalities due to Toyota vehicles that allegedly accelerated out of control.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured due to car accidents and due to dangerous or defective products and we represent the families of those killed.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Safeway recalls potato salad for possible salmonella contamination

2010-03-04T23:12:00Z

Safeway stores in the west have issued a voluntary recall of potato salad because of possible salmonella contamination reports The Seattle Times.

Safeway asks that consumers discard the product or return them for a refund. The potato salad is manufactured by Reser's Fine Foods.

Salmonella is a foodborne illness which can cause serious illness. People can be infected by salmonella through consumption of unclean food, excretions from sick or infected people and animals, polluted or standing water, thawed fowl and through reptiles. Salmonella can be found in poultry, cattle, sheep and food including meats and raw eggs.

Foodborne illness can be especially serious to the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with compromised immune symptoms.

Symptoms can include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured by foodborne illness and the family of those killed. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages including medical costs.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Castle Rock man killed in Hanford construction accident

2010-03-03T22:06:21Z

Kelly Loyd of Castle Rock was killed in a construction accident at a Bonneville Power Administration substation on the Hanford nuclear reservation around 9:00 am on Monday, March 1, 2010.

According to an article in the Seattle PI.com, Loyd, was operating a bobcat with a backhoe and was seriously injured while doing excavation work and died later at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland.

Loyd was an employee of Christenson Electric Inc.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Washington Department of Labor and Industries are meeting to determine whose jurisdiction the construction accident is in and who will conduct an investigation.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in construction accidents and the family of those killed. We hare more than 30 years experience representing wrongful death cases in Washington State and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Family settles wrongful death lawsuit with two nursing homes

2010-03-03T21:01:55Z

The family of Ralph Seewald have settled their nursing home negligence and wrongful death suit with the Riverside Health Care Center and the Village Health Care Center nursing homes reports the Billings Gazette.

Seewald's family filed the wrongful death lawsuit against the two nursing homes after the 87-year-old man died in 2005 of a blood infection. Seewald's family alleged that the nursing homes failed to provide adequate health care to Seewald. The lawsuit asked for compensation for "pain and suffering, mental anguish, severe emotional distress, grief, sorrow, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages caused by alleged negligence. Family also asked for punitive damages."

According to the negligence lawsuit, Seewald fractured his neck while he was being transferred from a wheelchair. After the fall, he was confined to his bed and developed decubitus ulcers, also known as bedsores. The lawsuit alleged that Seewald's pressure sores were not properly cared for and the infection developed into gangrene which eventually killed him.

The terms of the wrongful death lawsuit were not disclosed; All of the parties signed a confidentiality agreement. However, Roger Seewald, Ralph's son and representative of the Seewald's estate, expressed satisfaction in the resolution of the lawsuit.

This information is provided by Washington Injury Attorney Blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured by nursing home abuse or neglect and the family of those who have died.

Washington state has a wrongful death statute which allows a lawsuit to be filed on behalf of the deceased by the surviving spouse, child, parent or the estate. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in handling wrongful death cases.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.