Washington Injury Attorney Blog

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.

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Posted In: Brain Injury , Serious Personal Injuries , Slip, Trip and Fall , Wrongful Death

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The Seattle Times reports that a Food and Drug Administration study raises concerns about adolescent diabetics using insulin pumps. While The FDA supports the use of insulin pumps in teenagers who have diabetes, they want consumers, their physicians and hospitals to be aware of potential complications due to the use of the medical devices including 13 patient deaths and 1,500 injuries.

Infusion pumps are becoming more common in the treatment of Type I diabetes in adolescents and are used by tens of thousands teenage patients.

In the study Adolescent Use of Insulin and Patient-Controlled Analgesia Technology published in the May issue of Pediatrics, the study looks at problems related to use of the pump by adolescents:

• Incorrect use of the pump, sometimes due to inadequate instruction
  
• Alarm problems
  
• Catheters that loosened or occluded
  
• Bent cannula
  
• Screen display problems
  
• Device malfunction which caused over delivery of medication or failure to deliver medication
  
• Patients disconnecting the pump for exercise
  
• Carelessness

The study highlights the special issues of using the pump with teenage patients and urges proper education and parental oversight. The FDA urges consumers and practitioners to device-related problems through the FDA Medwatch program: www.fda.gov/medwatch

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one died due to the malfunction of a medical device, you need to contact a personal injury attorney to insure your rights are protected. At The Farber Law Group, we have more than 30 years experience in representing victims of malpractice and defective or dangerous products. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Dangerous Products , Medical Malpractice , Wrongful Death

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The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that Chanthea Prak, 21, a soldier stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington was killed in a head-on crash near Roseburg, Oregon. Oregon police reported that Prak was eight months pregnant. The accident occurred around 3:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-5.

Prak was a passenger in a car driven by Andrew Cajita, 21, of San Mateo, California when a car driven by Cheryl Rowe, 40, or Albany, ran into them head-on as Rowe drove the wrong-way on the I-5. Rowe was also killed in the crash and Cajita was critically injured. Cajita was airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Police said that the car driven by Cajita had swerved to avoid Rowe and the passenger side of Cajita's car received the full impact of the crash.

It is not known whether Rowe was intoxicated or impaired at the time of crash.

In this tragic case, the driver who caused the accident is also deceased. However, Prak's family may still be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The living victim is also entitled to compensation for his serious injuries. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death cases, we would thoroughly investigate whether Rowe had illegally been served alcohol when she appeared to be intoxicated, whether she had any previous DUI charges or whether she was in the course of her employment. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Every day, an average of 100 people across the United States are treated in emergency rooms for construction accidents involving pneumatic nail guns. In a previous posting, we highlighted some of the serious injuries and even deaths caused by the use of the coil type. In that posting, we discussed a wrongful death claim brought by a widow of a man killed while using a coil type of pneumatic gun. In her wrongful death suit, the widow claims that the contact type of gun should be banned from the market. She is not alone as forensic scientists and emergency room doctors alike believe that the sequential type of nail gun is far safer.

Injuries caused by using automatic nail guns include puncture wounds, brain and head injuries, eye injuries and fractured bones. Musculoskeletal injuries include sprains and tendonitis.

Use the following safety tips when operating a nail gun:

• Use the sequential trigger type, not the coil type of tools

• Obtain proper training in the correct use of the tool

• Carry the tool with your finger away from the trigger

• Always assume the tool is loaded

• Don't point the tool at anyone at any time

• Keep your hands out of the way

• Keep a safety zone around you, making sure co-workers do not enter it

• Disconnect the tool before trying to repair it or clear jams

• Wear safety glasses.

If you have been seriously injured while using a nail gun, contact the construction attorneys at The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in representing people who have been seriously injured or killed while working in the construction trade. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Brain Injury , Construction Accident , Serious Personal Injuries , Wrongful Death

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A 17-year-old girl from Kent, Washington was hit by an Amtrak train today as she walked across the tracks near James Street reported KiroTV.com. There was no crossing signal or barrier on that portion of the tracks.

The girl, who appeared to be talking on a cell phone while she walked, apparently did not notice the oncoming train.

The King County Medical Examiner is conducting an investigation. The name of the girl has not yet been released.

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.

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Posted In: Motor Vehicle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Wrongful Death

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In a previous blog posting, we discussed House Bill 1873 (HB1873) which would allow parents to sue for the wrongful death of an adult child due to the negligence of another. HB1873, sponsored by Tim Ormsby (D-Spokane), is currently in front of the Washington State Senate.

State Representative Brendan Williams (D-Olympia) in a column, Valuing Families in an enlightened age, says that current laws have "not caught up with the times" as many families are still significantly involved in their children's lives beyond the age of 18. He says current laws also do not take in account of parents whose disable d child might be killed through the negligence of another, thus diminishing the value of their lives. Williams believes that HB1873 not only rights wrongs, but deters them.

In a heartfelt letter to the PI, Ann Millican of Elk wrote about the 2006 death of her 19-year-old son in an industrial accident. Millican wrote that the work site lacked safety devices and had mechanical failures. Without HB 183, she is unable to "seek accountability" for her son's death through a wrongful death action. She feels that without HB1873 those young unmarried children who were killed by "gross negligence, oversights, lack of safety compliances, criminal offenses, faulty equipment manufacturers, parts and device failures, poor equipment maintenance" voices will not be heard.

In another letter to the editor, Karen Anderson of Omak, wrote about the death of her 39-year-old son who was killed at a construction site when a 2,000-pound wall fell on him. In her letter, Anderson described the devastating consequences to the entire family. She urges the Senate to pass the bill.

The letters in The Seattle Post Intelligencer are but a few of the parents speaking urging the Senate to pass HB1873. Parents feel that the HB1873 holds people whose negligence contributed to the death of their child accountable. We concur.

Washington State has a wrongful death statute, which requires the knowledge of a skilled lawyer to successfully navigate. Wrongful death cases are usually brought on behalf of the deceased by the surviving spouse, child or parent. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death cases, you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Construction Accident , Wrongful Death

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In an accident reminiscent of the November, 2006 accident in Bellevue, Washington, a large construction crane in New York City toppled, killing seven and injuring 24 more. In the Bellevue, Washington accident – an accident that occurred next door to the offices of The Farber Law Group – the crane toppled after it had been seen swaying in heavy winds. Only one person was killed in that accident, but it could have been much worse had it occurred during normal business hours.

The New York crane accident involved a 19-story-tall crane that toppled onto a four-story brownstone in the East Side. The six of the seven deaths were all construction worker with the seventh death a woman who was staying in an apartment in the building that was damaged. Of the 24 injured, 11 were first responders. New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg said that investigators are looking at for cause of the accident and that it was either “mechanical failure” or “perhaps human error.”

In the wake of the Bellevue accident, the parents of the victim, Microsoft attorney, Matthew Ammon, filed suit against Lease Crutcher Lewis, general contract and Magnusson Klemencic Associates, an engineering firm according to The Seattle Post Intellligencer. Ammon’s parents said they filed suit because “Despite the state’s investigation and report, the companies that caused our son’s death are refusing to acknowledge their responsibility.” A trial date of March 23, 2009 is set.

If your or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed as a result of the negligence on the part of another person (wrongful death), you are entitled to compensation. At The Farber Law Group, our lawyers are familiar with laws regarding 3rd parties and construction-related injuries. While money cannot fully compensate for a serious or debilitating injury or the loss of loved one, compensation for medical expenses and lost earning can help insure a stable future for you and your family. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Construction Accident , Serious Personal Injuries , Wrongful Death

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A blood thinner – Heparin – which contained ingredients from a manufacturing plant in China has been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after it was linked to 19 deaths and 800 serious drug reactions The Seattle Times reported today. The contaminated medication is manufactured by Illinois-based Baxter Healthcare who recalled the product last month. Heparin is a drug thinner which is given to patients who are undergoing heart surgery or kidney dialysis to prevent blood clots. Heparin was recently in the news when an over-dosage amount was given to the twin infants of actor Dennis Quaid. In Quaid’s case, his twins were given 1,000 times the amount of recommended dose of the drug; Quaid has filed suit against the hospital and manufacturer in his case.

The severe reactions to the tainted medication include a large drop in blood pressure and difficult breathing. The FDA is currently investigating the plant in China that manufactures the ingredients for the drug and it appears that the Chinese plant was never inspected due to confusion with the plant’s name.

Washington state law allows for personal injury claims for persons who have been seriously injured or killed by defective prescription medications. Compensation can include:

• Wrongful death
• Loss of wages
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

If a loved one died after they were given heparin or if you had a serious complication after you received heparin, you may deserve compensation for damages. The Farber Law Group is a personal injury firm with 30 years experience. Call us today to discuss your claim.

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Posted In: Dangerous Products , Wrongful Death

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House Bill 1873 (HB1873), introduced by Representative Tim Ormsby (D-Spokane) has been passed by the Washington House of Representatives and is currently in front of the Washington State Senate, changes the requirements for recoveries of a wrongful death for parents. The current law states that a parent can not recover damages for wrongful death of a child once that child turns 18 unless the parent can prove that they are economically dependent on that child. HB 1873 seeks to change that law to apply to those that are 18 and over who are not married and do not have children.

Why does this law need to be changed? The best way to tell you is by anecdote. Say for example, a 19 year-old-son is attending a University and is killed in a hazing incident in his fraternity. With the current law, the parent can not sue the fraternity or the University for wrongful death. The fraternity or University cannot be held fully liable for the death of a precious child and the parents can not receive damages for the loss of their child.

As we see it, HB1873 puts Washington State Law on the par with 47 other states in the nation. Parents should be able to hold wrongdoers responsible for the death of their child because of negligence. Check the Washington Votes website for the full text of the bill.

Washington State has a wrongful death statute, which requires the knowledge of a skilled lawyer to successfully navigate. Wrongful death cases are usually brought on behalf of the deceased by the surviving spouse, child or parent. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death cases, you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Wrongful Death

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The wrongful death of a DuPont, Washington worker recently resulted in the Washington State Supreme Court reversing on appeal the King County Superior Court’s dismissal of claims for wrongful death and negligence.

The King County worker was crushed to death when concrete blocks fell on him while he was investigating the source of a leak in subterranean pipes that burst and liquefied the soil in which he was working. The trial court dismissed the estate’s claim for wrongful death and negligence against the general contractor and the subcontractor who buried the pipes. The dismissal was based on what is known as the “completion and acceptance” doctrine, which stood for the proposition that once a design professional or contractor turned over work on a building to its owner, the design professional and contractor were exempt from liability for negligent design or faulty work.

The good news for Washington workers is that in reversing the King County Superior Court, the Supreme Court joined 37 other states and invalidated the “completion and acceptance” doctrine and held that the estate of a worker injured by improper design or faulty work on a building should be able to recover damages and that a special 6-year statute of limitations applied to lawsuits against design professionals and contractors.

If you want more information on this case or assistance with a wrongful death case, contact us at The Farber Law Group. With the help of the Farber Law Group, a Washington firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death cases, you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

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Posted In: Construction Accident , General Negligence , Wrongful Death

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