Refilled Propane Tank Explodes, Nearly Killing Maryland Man
More and more people take to grilling and cooking outside during the warm weather and holidays of the summer months. Many use propane tanks, which are normally extremely safe to use. A Department of Energy study found that the risk of death associated with propane storage and transportation was only about one per 37 million people. Despite propane’s safe record, negligent handling of the gas can still cause injury. If an explosion or fire has injured you or a loved one, a Maryland personal injury lawyer offers the expertise and experience you need to obtain compensation for your injuries.
An explosion nearly killed a Maryland man a few weekends ago as he was unloading a recently refilled propane tank. As he pulled into his driveway, neighbors of the 28-year-old man told him that there was smoke coming from the tank. The man lowered his truck’s rear gate and reached for the tank when it ruptured and exploded. The explosion decimated the truck, destroying most of the truck’s interior and rear bed. The man suffered first and second degree burns. Given the extensive damage to the truck, the state’s deputy chief fire marshal was amazed that the explosion did not kill the man.
There are steps consumers can take to lessen the risks of accidents with propane tanks. If you notice an odd odor, you should contact emergency officials immediately. Professionals put chemicals into propane gas to give it a strong, distinctive smell in order to be able to detect leaks more easily. Always inspect propane tanks for cuts, dents and rusting and replace them if need be. Using a combination of liquid dish soap and water, brush the mixture onto hoses and connections to check for bubbles, which indicate that there is a leak.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an explosion or fire, contact Joshua A. Davenport, a Maryland personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn about obtaining compensation.
Categories: Uncategorized | 
No Comments »
11-Year-Old Texas Boy Killed at Dangerous DC Intersection, Neighbors Call for Traffic Light
Dangerous and poorly designed intersections account for approximately one-fourth of traffic deaths each year in the United States. Victims of intersection accidents may be able to obtain compensation from two parties. First, they may have a claim against the government for the unsafe design and inadequate warnings at an intersection. Second, they may have a claim against another motorist who navigated the intersection negligently. If a dangerous intersection played a role in an accident that injured you or a loved one, a Washington DC personal injury lawyer can advise you on how to obtain compensation for your injuries.
An 11-year-old Texas boy was visiting Washington DC when a car struck and killed him at a dangerous intersection. The boy and his family had only been in DC for one hour when the accident occurred as the boy crossed Wisconsin Avenue, NW at 33rd street. The driver stayed on the scene, and police have not yet decided whether to charge her.
Residents in the area told reporters that they are well aware of how dangerous the intersection is. There is three-way traffic and pedestrians are constantly trying to cross the intersection but there is no traffic light. The walkways are clearly marked with large, white stripes. Even though DC law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in the walkway, people said drivers rarely do, forcing pedestrians to weave and dodge vehicles in order to cross the intersection.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at a dangerous intersection, contact Julie H. Heiden, a Washington DC personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn what rights you have.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
New Virginia Laws Target Texting and E-mailing While Driving
Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and to keep up on what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, many people choose to use this technology irresponsibly and place their own lives and others’ lives in danger. A recent survey indicated that over a fourth of cell phone users text message while driving. The statistics are even more staggering for younger drivers. Among drivers ages 16 to 19, almost 60 percent have texted while driving. A Virginia personal injury lawyer can help you pursue negligent drivers and obtain compensation if text messaging and distracted driving has injured you.
The Virginia legislature recently passed a law that bans all texting, sending e-mail, reading, and writing while driving a car. The law applies to cell phones, laptops, and many other wireless devices. The ban is a secondary offense, which means that police can cite someone for it only after having observed another infraction.
Studies demonstrating the danger of texting while driving is what pushed Virginia lawmakers and those in 27 other states to ban such activities. Sending text messages while driving increases the chances of a fatal accident by eight times. It can increase the chances of an accident in general by twenty-two times. Parents and educators should let children and young adults know of the dangers associated with texting and distracted driving. A text message is never as important as maintaining focus on the road and avoiding serious injury or death.
If the negligent and distracted driving has hurt you or a loved one, contact Thomas McWeeny, a Virginia personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn how you can obtain compensation for injuries.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
DC Metro Authority Removes 100 Rail Cars from Service for Circuit Repairs
The Washington Metro Transit Authority removed several rail cars from service a few weekends ago due to safety problems. The move affected rush hour commutes the following week and authorities expect such delays to last several, additional weeks as up to 100 rail cards require servicing. Metro officials tested the aging cars and learned that circuitry problems could cause the cars’ doors to open while the cars are in motion. If you have been involved in a Metro or other public transportation accident, a Washington DC personal injury lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
The rail cars are part of the Metro’s 4000 series, which have been in use since 1993. Many Metro rail cars are older than that, though. The Metro’s 1000 series cars have been running since the mid-1970s. Over the past year, the Transit Authority has been seeking money to purchase new cars to replaces its oldest, 1000 series ones. It hopes to buy 648 new rail cars, but, as of now, only has the financing to get 64 new ones for its expansion out to Dulles airport.
Federal authorities have weighed heavily on the Metro to replace its aging cars, which they say are not strong enough to prevent crumpling in a collision. The June 2009 Metro accident that killed nine involved six 1000 series cars. In the aftermath of that accident, the Metro moved all of its 1000 series cars into the middle of trains to lessen the likely damage in the event of an accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Washington DC Metro accident, contact Roger C. Johnson, a Washington DC personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to find out how you can obtain compensation for your suffering.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Area Officials Warn of Fire Dangers and Accidents Associated with Fourth of July Fireworks
Every year on the Fourth of July, as Americans celebrate the anniversary of their independence, thousands of them are hurt in fireworks-related accidents. In 2008, hospitals treated approximately 7,000 people in emergency rooms for such accidents. More than half of those treated were children. Seven people died that year in fireworks accidents. A Washington DC personal injury lawyer can advise you on how to seek compensation if the negligent handling of fireworks has hurt you or a loved one.
Fire officials from neighboring areas recently held a conference in Washington DC to warn people about the dangers of fireworks. The officials used watermelons to demonstrate how powerful and dangerous certain fireworks are. The fireworks blew up or melted large portions of the watermelons. The officials used Roman candles, which are fireworks that shoot out exploding shells. Roman candles are very popular and are usually illegal. The officials showed how easy it is to set grass and dry vegetation on fire.
Fireworks laws vary from state to state and city to city, but residents should learn what they are and adhere to them. Legislators outlaw certain fireworks for a reason – they are dangerous. People using fireworks should allow plenty of space between them and the firework and other people. Parents and adults need to be particularly vigilant when children are around fireworks. Children are curious by nature and lack the experience and maturity to know how to properly handle and behave around fireworks. Sparklers, one of the most popular and widely available fireworks, burn from 1800 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the negligent use of fireworks has injured you or a loved one, contact Marc Fiedler, a Washington DC personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn how you can obtain compensation for injuries.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Protesters Decry Canadian Government’s Efforts to Re-Open Asbestos Mine
A few weeks ago, protestors took to the streets around the world in front of Canadian embassies. The protests took place in South Korea, Hong Kong, Belgium and American cities, such as Washington DC and New York City. The reason for the protests is the Canadian government’s decision to re-open and expand the Jeffrey Mine in Quebec, which is one of the world’s largest asbestos mines.
The company that operated the Jeffrey Mine is under bankruptcy protection. After it was unable to find private sector financing, the Canadian government came to its aid. The company would be exporting the majority of the asbestos outside of Canada, many of which are developing countries with less oversight and less developed legal systems.
Washington DC worker unions, Local 602 and Local 24, sent representatives to the protest to protect those that Canada’s decision will endanger. Workers at the Canadian mine will suffer exposure to the deadly substance. People overseas in developing countries will, as well. A Washington DC personal injury lawyer is available to advise you of your rights if your employer has been negligent about your safety.
Fifty-two countries have banned all forms of asbestos. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for its complete banning. As early as the 1920s, scientists and workers noticed the health problems that exposure to asbestos causes. Experts expect asbestos litigation in the United States alone to reach 700,000 cases in the coming decades, as people come down with mesothelioma and other deadly diseases relating to asbestos.
If asbestos or another unsafe product has harmed you or a loved one, contact Joseph H. Koonz, a Washington DC personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn how you can obtain compensation for injuries and suffering.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Virginia Cities Installing Traffic Cameras, Accidents Expected to Increase
Red light cameras will soon be issuing tickets in the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC. Arlington and Alexandria have already installed the cameras, and, next month, Arlington will begin issuing tickets. Cities install the cameras citing improved safety and a better respect for traffic laws, but some statistics paint a different picture. The cameras may actually increase accidents and injuries. If you have been hurt in a car accident, a Virginia personal injury lawyer can advise you of your rights.
Northern Virginia cities used red-light cameras from 1995 to 2005 before Virginia’s General Assembly got rid of them. In 2007, though, lawmakers reversed the law. Statistics from 1995 to 2005 suggest the cameras are to blame for increased accidents. In Arlington, rear-ending accidents increased 139% during the time the cameras were in place. The theory is that drivers aware of the cameras will err on the side of caution and slam on their brakes as soon as a light is yellow in order to avoid the costly fines.
The first thing drivers can do to avoid traffic camera tickets is to be aware of the cameras’ locations. Unlike with police officers, traffic cameras have no discretion. Slightly exceeding the speed limit or being just a fraction of a second too late at a traffic light could result in your receiving a ticket several days later. For cases that are more complicated, for example, if you are involved in an accident that you suspect was due to a traffic camera, it is best to consult with an attorney about your options.
If red light cameras played a role in an accident in which you were involved, contact Kelly Fisher, a Virginia personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn more about your legal options.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
A Year After Deadliest Metro Crash, Safety Improvements Still Slow to Come
The one-year anniversary of the deadliest accident in the history of the Washington Metro passed by a few weeks ago. It appears that the accident prompted a lot of talk but little action. President Obama pushed for federal oversight legislation, but that has stalled in the Senate. Metro leadership changed, but now there is no permanent leadership in place. If dangerous Metro conditions have harmed you or a loved one, a Washington DC personal injury lawyer can advise you about how to obtain compensation.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues to take a closer look at the Metro, as it currently has four ongoing investigations into accidents. The NTSB does not expect to complete its final report on last year’s deadly accident until late July, nearly 13 months after the accident occurred. Federal authorities have chastised the Metro for having significant deficiencies in its safety culture. NTSB’s chairman lamented that, when the NTSB issues safety recommendations, the Metro does not correct the problems.
Over the past year, Metro accidents have killed 13 Metro passengers and workers and injured hundreds more. The Metro could still do a lot to improve its safety. Federal authorities have strongly recommended new signaling mechanisms and train control backup systems. The Metro should replace its aging rail cars. In last June’s crash, for instance, the lead car compressed to a third of its original size. The Metro does not expect to have new cars for two to three more years.
If you have been involved in a Metro accident, contact Paulette Chapman, a Washington DC personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn more about obtaining compensation.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Maryland Highway Worker Killed in Hit-and-Run
Eight Maryland highway workers have lost their lives in vehicle accidents over the past five years. Such accidents are typically more deadly for drivers than workers. In 2008, for example, work-zone crashes killed 700 people. About 90% of those deaths were drivers and their passengers. If a negligent driver in a construction zone injured you, a Maryland personal injury lawyer is available to fight for your rights.
Maryland recently suffered its first highway worker death since 2006. The 52-year-old man was working past midnight in the fast lane of a highway when a speeding car clipped him and left him in the middle of the center lane. A passing tractor-trailer then hit the man, as its driver could not react in time to avoid him. Investigators believe that the man may not have been following proper work protocol. They said the workers usually perform this type of work during the day and that he should have had a spotter out on the road with him and other state vehicles with flashing lights to alert drivers of the work zone. In this case, the man only had his pickup truck’s single yellow light, which was three lanes away.
States are cracking down on those who drive negligently through work zones. Workers, drivers and passengers are dying needlessly. Maryland is one of a group of states that have deployed mobile speed cameras in work zones. Others have used police officers dressed as construction workers to catch drivers exceeding work zone speed limits.
If an accident in a work-zone has hurt you, contact William P. Lightfoot, a Maryland personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P for more information about your rights.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Train Kills CSX Employee While He Was Inspecting Another Train
Trains are involved in an accident with a person or a vehicle every 115 minutes in the United States. There are many reasons for such accidents. Railroad crossings may have inadequate warning lights or no warnings at all. Sometimes there is debris on railroad tracks that causes a train to derail. Other times, human error is involved. Train conductors or track operators may have performed their duties negligently. If a train accident has injured you or a loved one, a Washington DC personal injury lawyer can help you hold those who acted negligently responsible.
A few weeks ago, a train struck and killed a CSX employee as the man was inspecting another train in the rail yard. The 54-year-old man was walking alongside a parked train and examining its brakes. The train that hit him was a 37-car northbound train hauling orange juice to Philadelphia. It had been blowing its horn as it traveled through the rail yard. Because of the accident, travelers between Richmond, Virginia and Washington DC had to get on buses for portions of their trip.
It is best to play it safe when dealing with trains. Pedestrians and drivers are in the best position to avoid accidents. Train operators can do little to avoid accidents. A 150-car freight train traveling at 50 miles per hour, for example, will take over a mile to stop. Drivers should take caution when approaching railroad crossings. Pedestrians should avoid walking near railroad tracks at all, and railroad employees need to be aware of their surroundings. Railroad companies should ensure that their employees are working in a safe environment.
If a train accident has harmed you or a loved one, contact Andrew W. Cohen, a Washington DC personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis, & Lightfoot L.L.P to learn how you can obtain compensation for your suffering.
Categories: Uncategorized | No Comments »