Auto Accident Resources
In order for a business to be successful, it must make a profit. That is a fact of capitalism that cannot be refuted. When a business fails to make money, then that business will no longer be able to conduct business. This reality is evident in many facets of our lives, from clothing stores to fast food restaurants, but no example is more clear than the insurance business.
Many people believe that insurance is meant to make you whole again after an accident. Whether an auto accident or a Category 5 hurricane, we purchase insurance to help us, when we need it most, and to put right in our lives which has been destroyed. You trust that when you make your payment every month, that when you need them, they will be there for you.
More and more, however, it is becoming apparent that insurance companies are no longer going to be on your side. In fact, insurance agencies hire adjusters for the sole purpose of protecting their bottom line. These adjusters come out to your accident and evaluate the vehicle to determine whether their company should pay. More often than not, they also look to see if they can legally be forced to pay. If they believe that they can get out making a payment for your auto accident, they will smile politely and walk away.
For proof of this behavior, simply look at the experiences of the displaced people after Hurricane Katrina. Houses that were flooded with twenty feet of water were written off as not payable under flood insurance. How? The adjusters stated that the water was blown by the wind, and therefore that made it claim for wind damage. What makes the situation worse, many of those people also had windstorm insurance, but the adjusters for those policies said that they will not pay because of the twenty feet of flood water.
The bottom line is that you do not need to be alone in your struggle to make yourself whole again. Maryland law allows you to consult and use a lawyer on your behalf when dealing with these insurance agencies. Don’t let an adjuster tell you that your claim is denied when you are the victim. If you have been injured in an accident, contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. There is no need for you to be alone during this, contact us today.
Interested in learning more?
- Maryland Auto Accidents – Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for a free evaluation
- Return toMaryland Auto Accident help center
Proudly serving the needs of auto accident victims the Baltimore region, Washington DC area, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland… including Salisbury, Frederick, Cumberland, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Towson, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel and other cities throughout the state of Maryland.
Our personal injury law firm also handles cases for accident victims who are located in various counties throughout the state of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and others.
As with other types of accidents, determining who is at fault in a traffic accident really comes down to one thing: who was negligent? An experienced accident attorney will look to police reports, state traffic laws, and witnesses, to help determine who exactly was at fault. Currently, courts look to a number of factors in determining whether an automobile driver was negligent, including:
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Not signaling while turning
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving below or above the posted speed limit
- Disregarding traffic or weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Initial consultations on auto accident cases are FREE and there is NEVER a fee until there is a settlement or jury verdict in your favor.
Contact the Maryland car accident lawyers of Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP today to discuss a legal strategy that will preserve your rights and provide for the future of your family.
Interested in learning more?
- Maryland Auto Accidents -Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for a free evaluation
- Return to Maryland Auto Accident help center
Proudly serving the needs of auto accident victims the Baltimore region, Washington DC area, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland… including Salisbury, Frederick, Cumberland, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Towson, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel and other cities throughout the state of Maryland.
Our personal injury law firm also handles cases for accident victims who are located in various counties throughout the state of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and others.
Finding A Top Attorney To Represent You
Getting an attorney is one of best things you can do to protect yourself in any situation. Although it does take an investment on the part of the injured, retaining an experience motorcylce accident attorney can really be seen as an investment in your freedom, time, or money in the long term. The most important step if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident is to meet with a reputable attorney. You’ll need to discuss whether you were compliant with traffic laws, had medical treatment issues, and who may have been at fault. The expertise of a lawyer who knows motorcycle and motor vehicle accident liability is critical.
To wrap things up, most people are aware of the risks that motorcycle riders incur when they take to the roads and highways. Because of the nature of motorcycles, they are much more dangerous than cars and trucks. We know that identifying and seeing a motorcycle can be difficult, especially those with large “blind spots”.
Motorcycle riders should know their legal rights if they are involved in a traffic accident. Insurance laws vary by state, so consulting an accident attorney is always a good idea, especially in motorcylce accident cases.
Determining Responsibility In A Motorcycle Accident
Maryland is a “contributing negligence” state. Therefore, if it is determined that a negligent party caused an accident and you did not contribute to the happening at said accident, you may recover.
If a negligent person causes a motorcycle accident while working for someone else, his or her employer may also be legally responsible for the accident.
Motorcycle Accidents And The Law: What You Need To Know To Protect Yourself
A motorcycle accident can be one of the most devastating events in a person’s life. Not only can it drastically change the course of one’s life, but it could be a life-ending event. But, motorcycles aren’t going away – they are a mode of transportation that has no equal. They give a sense of freedom that an enclosed vehicle can’t provide. And they are a great way to see the area you are traveling. But, the sobering facts don’t lie.
Consider the following statistics: Two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by the driver of the other vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right of way. Fact number two: Motorcyclists are about 5 times as likely to be injured as a passenger in a car and 26 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a car. In fact, past studies have shown that motorcyclists are about 16 times more likely than others to die, and about 3 times as likely to be injured, than those in a motor vehicle crash.
These are all tough stats to have to deal with, but its reality. So, what are the issues that motorcycle riders face on a daily basis? One is visual recognition. The fact that motorcycles are small visual targets means they can “hide” from other vehicles. What about motorcycle riding skills?
Operating a motorcycle takes much greater physical coordination skills than a car. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by the operator’s lack of basic riding skills. They can also be affected by road and weather conditions. These things happen especially at intersections, where approximately 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions take place. Another thing that cyclists deal with more than passenger cars or trucks are simple road hazards including potholes, oil slicks, uneven pavement, puddles, debris, ruts, and railroad tracks. Most of the time, cars handle these hazards easily, but it’s much different for motorcycles.
And then there are speed “wobble” accidents. This happens when the front end of a motorcycle gets unsteady and begins to shake or wobble at high speeds. This could be due to a misalignment problem and the manufacturer could be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
What If The Motorcycle Design Or Manufacture Is Defective?
Let’s start with the facts: A motorcycle is lightweight, has no roof, door, safety belts or airbags. A motorcycle is less stable than a car because it only has two wheels. But a defect in a motorcycle’s design or manufacture should always be considered as a potential cause of an accident. You never know what could be going on with the motorcycle. In cases where the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved, there may be more of a chance of design flaw.
There are certain things that you should do if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident:
- Be sure to get information from other drivers and witnesses. Definitely collect important information from anyone involved: name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, insurance company, policy number, etc. Take pictures with a digital camera.
- Don’t leave the accident scene. You’ll need to provide your name and address to a police officer or the other driver. Don’t be subject to criminal penalties, make sure you stay.
- Don’t make any definitive statements. You can cooperate, and should when the authorities are involved, but don’t risk your legal outcome. Feel free to tell the police officer at the scene any relevant facts about the accident, but don’t make any statements that put you in a position of being responsible for the accident.
- Get medical attention and keep records. See a doctor soon after an accident. If you do, your medical claims will be taken more seriously.
98% of those killed in or injured in trucking accidents will not be truck drivers
Large trucks and 18-Wheelers represent only 3% of all registered vehicles on the road in the U.S., yet they account for over 25% of the deaths in multiple vehicle traffic accidents. Mechanical failures, improper driver training or reckless driving may account for some of these accidents, but the vast majority are caused by driver fatigue. All motorists should be aware of the dangers of sharing the road with big rigs.
The lawyers at Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP have over 100 years of collective experience in recovering damages for the real injuries caused by truck and tractor-trailer accidents. We have the experience and financial strength to pursue complex cases against trucking companies and the other responsible parties when an injury or death has occurred involving a large truck or 18-wheeler. We will evaluate your case for free and there is NEVER a fee unless we obtain a settlement or a jury verdict.
Truck drivers and their employers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles in a safe manner on our public roads. Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP can maneuver through the legal red tape and identify all the liable parties, from the truck operator and owner to any distributors or contractors, including the state or federal government. While a negotiated settlement is always desirable, we are never intimidated by insurance companies or opposing counsel, and will not hesitate to take a case to trial if warranted and in the best interest of our clients.
Click on the links here for more specific information related to injuries from car or motorcycle accidents.
Remember, initial consultations on personal injury cases are FREE and there is NEVER a fee or expense until there is a judgment in your favor.
Contact the Maryland truck accident attorneys of Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP today to discuss a legal strategy that will preserve your rights and provide for the future of your family.
Additional Help
Articles about Truck Accidents
Could a Lower Speed be the Answer?
Proudly serving the Baltimore region, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore.
Whether you’re going to a Ravens game or just takin’ a cruise through Silver Spring, it’s always best to be on guard against bad drivers. How can you be safer when you’re driving? No amount of defensive driving will bring your liability down to zero, but you can take precautions when you’re driving that will reduce your risk.
Firstly, invest in a bluetooth headset and NEVER text when you’re driving. Remember, a law went into effect in October that imposes a fine for texting while driving. Be on the lookout for any drivers that are doing this while driving. It’s a simple rule, but it’s one that could save hundreds of drivers from being killed on the freeway.
Second, watch for swerving cars and even if you feel a little buzzed, have a designated driver or call a taxi. Maryland has “Driving While Intoxicated” laws at .07%, 1 point lower than most states have it, with a lesser penalty (2 months jail + $500 fine, vs. 1 year + $2,000 fine at .08%). Even if you just don’t feel right, it’s best to have someone else drive you home. The last thing the road in Maryland needs is one more drunk driver.
Third, with the price of gas, and to be safe, you want to watch your speed. Always watch for the drivers with the lead foot, ones going more than 25 mph over the posted limit, because they’re reckless driving. Keeping it at 60 mph or less will give you better mileage and keep you safer, being aware of the road at all times is the most important thing.
Even when you’re following the speed limit laws — don’t tailgate the car in front of you — Everyone knows the 2-second rule, but they should be amended in the event of bad weather — 4 seconds during rainy periods, and 10 seconds if there is ice on the road. Remember 2-4-10 and follow it. Also remember that the speed limit depends on conditions. If it’s raining, slow 10 mph, if it’s snowing, cut the speed in half.
Lastly, make sure your car is fit to run. Proper air pressure will prevent blowouts, buckling up for safety is always good because you never know what the other driver will do, and NEVER drive if you’re not well rested. If you feel even a little bit tired, go to a rest stop or get rest as soon as possible! A drowsy person on the road is as dangerous as a drunk driver.
With these little tips, driving in Maryland can be both fun and enjoyable and you’ll be able to do it for years to come. Don’t forget: The best way to avoid an accident is to be careful when you drive.
Interested in learning more?
- Maryland Auto Accidents – Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for a free evaluation
- Return to Maryland Auto Accident help center
Proudly serving the needs of auto accident victims the Baltimore region, Washington DC area, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland… including Salisbury, Frederick, Cumberland, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Towson, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel and other cities throughout the state of Maryland.
Our personal injury law firm also handles cases for accident victims who are located in various counties throughout the state of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and others.
Automobile fires are a major cause of burn injuries every year in the United States. When cars collide the fuel tanks may rupture and develop into fuel-fed fires. The tank may explode turning car parts into dangerous projectiles and passengers may become trapped in a burning car and suffer serious if not fatal burns.
Other causes for car fires besides collision are faulty wiring, or exhaust systems with fluid leaks. Automobile fires grow fast because of the gas, oil, grease and other liquids in a car that are highly flammable.
There are approximately 2.4 million burn injuries reported in the United States yearly and nearly 10,000 of these injuries happen to minors. Approximately 20,000 of these burn injuries result in burns over 25% or more of the body. Death occurs in 8,000 to 12,000 of these burn victims and 40% are permanently disabled or disfigured. The more fortunate recover after undergoing painful and expensive medical treatment which can go on for many years.
Most burns are caused by accidents that could have been avoided. Maryland law holds a person responsible for a fire if they are at fault directly or indirectly and anyone who is a burn victim due to someone else’s negligence should seek the advice of an attorney. You may be entitled to financial compensation to cover the cost of medical treatments and pain & suffering damages. Many victims are unable to return to work for a very long time, if at all and compensation for lost wages is also possible.
Burn victims must keep complete and accurate records on everything involving the accident including the dates of all doctors’ appointments and hospital stays. It would be best to have your own copies of the police reports and information on any witnesses to the accident. Pictures of your injuries are further evidence of the extent of your injuries. If you do lose time on your job because of your injuries, you should obtain reports from your doctor and employer. If you are having difficulty obtaining these records please contact our law firm. We help victims of burn injuries and our attorneys are knowledgeable and competent in making sure you are compensated for your injuries. If you are entitled to compensation for medical bills and future medical expenses, disfigurement, rehabilitation costs, loss of wages and loss of consortium, our attorneys will work on your behalf.
If your injuries do not allow you to contact an attorney immediately after the accident, make sure that a family member contacts someone within a day or two. Many burn victims forfeit some of their compensation by waiting too long to contact an attorney. The sooner you have an attorney working for you, the better your case will be.
The debilitating effects of serious burns from a car accident can leave the victim permanently scarred or disabled. While money can never bring back all that’s lost, it can ease the stress caused by amount of medical bills accumulated for treatment of your injuries.
Click here for free case evaluation.
Interested in learning more?
- Maryland Auto Accidents – Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for a free evaluation
- Return to Maryland Auto Accident help center
Proudly serving the needs of auto accident victims the Baltimore region, Washington DC area, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland… including Salisbury, Frederick, Cumberland, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Towson, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel and other cities throughout the state of Maryland.
Our personal injury law firm also handles cases for accident victims who are located in various counties throughout the state of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and others.
It’s not always the other guy’s fault. A driver may be liable for an accident due intentional or reckless conduct behind the wheel. Reckless driving is defined as driving unsafely, with “willful and wanton disregard” for the probability that the driving may cause an automobile accident.
13,000 people had been injured or killed since 1990 in crashes caused by aggressive driving. Law enforcement is renewing efforts to identify and penalize aggressive drivers across the country. Unlawful driving actions include:
- Speeding, as in driving too fast for the conditions faced with or exceeding the posted limit
- Excessive or improper lane changing
- Not signaling intent
- Not seeing that movement can be made safely
- Improper passing such as passing on the shoulder, using an emergency lane to pass, or failing to signal intent
Ways to avoid an accident with a reckless driver include getting out of the way first, not challenging the aggressive driver by trying to hold-your-own in your lane or by speeding up, and avoiding eye contact and gestures. Finally, report any aggressive driving you see to the police, and don’t hesitate to consult a lawyer if you believe you are in need of legal help.
Initial consultations on auto accident cases are FREE and there is NEVER a fee until there is a settlement or jury verdict in your favor.
Contact the Maryland car accident lawyers of Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP today to discuss a legal strategy that will preserve your rights and provide for the future of your family.
Interested in learning more?
- Maryland Auto Accidents – Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for a free evaluation
- Return to Maryland Auto Accident help center
Proudly serving the needs of auto accident victims the Baltimore region, Washington DC area, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland… including Salisbury, Frederick, Cumberland, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Towson, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel and other cities throughout the state of Maryland.
Our personal injury law firm also handles cases for accident victims who are located in various counties throughout the state of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and others.
Truck Accident Resources
Think the speed limit for big, commercial trucks is too high? The American Trucking Association agrees that it is. A 68mph speed limit for trucks is being proposed by not everyday car passengers but by a group of trucking companies that make up the American Trucking Association.
The American Trucking Association along with Road Safe America has proposed a 68 miles per hour maximum speed limit for trucks weighing at least 26,000 pounds or 13 tons gross vehicular weight. The 3 mph over 65 mph speed limits is given for increased speed needed when passing.
Most of these trucks already have computer-enforced systems called speed governors, but no law exists that requires them to be activated. Speed governors are attached to a vehicle’s engine to limit their maximum speed. Proponents of the proposal believe that many lives could be saved as excessive speed is a factor in many fatal crashes. Truckers face pressures to go as fast as they can to get all deliveries done, make up for road construction and other delays, satisfy customers who have zero-tolerance late arrival policies, and make expensive payments if they’re independent.
The above factors combined with the sheer size of a truck make accidents not only possible, but also more likely to be fatal if they do occur. Should you be involved in an accident, make sure to:
- Promptly report the accident.
- Think about it if the insurance company asks you if they can record the conversation. If injuries exist or if you think the insurance company will say you’re not covered, you may want to contact a law firm first.
- Get details of the accident, like pictures and names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Get insurance details of other people involved in the accident.
- Keep a written record of conversations with the insurance company.
- Save bills and receipts for vehicle repair work and medical costs associated with the accident.
- Be honest with insurance investigators so your claim is not denied.
- See if you have more than one insurance policy that provides coverage for the accident or injury to use.
How To Get Through the Accident Process With Insurance Companies
- Don’t admit fault. Have the insurance investigators determine liability.
- Don’t let time limits to file your insurance claim expire. Be sure to file on time.
- Don’t take what insurance companies say as the final word. Insurance companies give you low estimated losses.
- Don’t sign a release or waiver.
- Don’t accept a check as a final payment unless you are sure it’s a fair compensation for your losses.
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in their limited visibility as well as the extent of damages and injuries due to a truck’s size. Areas beside and behind a commercial truck exist where the driver has limited or zero visibility. Trucks also take longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles do. Because these trucks tend to do greater damage in accidents than cars do, truckers must carry more insurance than other drivers.
How Truck Insurance Differs From Car Insurance
- Minimum liability coverage of $750,000 is required for vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds and hauling non-hazardous materials
- Minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 for hazardous materials and oil
- Minimum liability coverage of $5,000,000 for passenger trucks, trucks operating portable tanks, and capacity over 3,500 gallons
Some believe that with a new, lowered maximum speed limit of 68 mph, fewer truck accidents will take place. Others, though, believe the new proposal will hardly make a difference and that it will in fact, multiply other problems. Many worry that with truck speed controls in place, other cars will try to pass trucks more often, which is a major cause of car-truck accidents. Others say the proposed speed will cause traffic flow problems. If trucks stay in the right lane because of the lower-imposed speed, cars could have trouble getting on the Interstate or getting over to the right lane to exit.
The petition to lower truck speeds, closed for public comment after March 27, is proposed to make the roads safer for everyone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which studied the proposal in 1991 and said it was not necessary, will have the final say on what happens with the proposal.
> For questions concerning your legal rights, contact us via our online contact form.
> Find a Truck Accident Lawyer in MD/DC/VA
Personal Injury Resources
In 2007, fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined. 17,675 civilian injuries were sustained as the result of fires. A burn can be one of the most devastating injuries a person can ever endure. As well as severely scarring a person physically, the emotional scars can be just as bad. Victims suffer not only a lifetime of disfigurement and pain but often-repeated reconstruction surgeries and rehabilitation and possibly long term if not lifetime care. Burn care is an extremely painful and lengthy process. There are varying degrees of burns and various types of burn injuries including inhalation.
Accidents can and do take place in any number of places and situations. Burn injuries involve injury from electrocution, explosion, flammable clothing or blankets, auto accidents, chemical or building fires. They can result from faulty gas lines, improperly stored combustible material, steam, hot liquids or hot surfaces, gas tank explosions, acids or chemicals and improperly maintained smoke and fire detectors. To hold someone responsible, negligence must be proved. Negligence is the careless action or inaction of another and involves four elements: 1) duty, 2) breach of duty, 3) direct or proximate cause and 4) injury. Of course, this must all be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. If the burn results in a death, the lawsuit becomes a wrongful death suit. If the result is due to some type of defective recalled product, much like the Ford Pinto issue of the 1970’s, then it becomes a case of liability.
Types of Burns
There are several factors used to determine the severity of a burn, including the depth and size of the burn, the victim’s age and the location of the burn. There is a “rules of nines” chart, which is used to determine the total body surface area that has been burned. This is the method used for rapidly assessing the extent of burns on the skin surface, which determines the amount of fluid required as replacement therapy, the head and arms each represent 9% of skin surface; anterior or posterior surface of legs represent 9% each; anterior and posterior truncal skin represent 18% each, inguinal (lower region of the abdomen) are 1%. When determining the TBSA of children and infants the Lund-Browder chart is used. This is done because the surface are of the head and neck of children is larger and the limbs smaller than on an adult.
Third Degree Burn – This affects the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (under lying layer of skin) and hypodermis. It causes charring of the skin or a translucent white color. There are coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface. While the burn area may be numb, the victim may complain of pain, usually because of second-degree burns. Extensive and severe scarring is usually the result from third degree burns.
Second Degree Burn – This affects the epidermis and the dermis. The result is redness, pain, swelling and blisters. Second-degree burns often affect sweat glands and hair follicles. Second degree burns not being treated properly, can become third degree burns due to swelling and decreased blood flow to the tissue.
First Degree Burn – This affects the epidermis or surface of the skin. The burn is red and very sensitive to touch. The appearance is red and blanched when light pressure is applied. There is minimal tissue damage.
Inhalation Injuries
1. The first kind is caused by inert gases such as carbon dioxide and fuel gases such as methane, ehane, propane, and acetylen. The gas displaces air and oxygen, which causes asphyxia.
2. The second kind is caused by irritant gases such as ammonia, formaldehyde, chloramin, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide and phosgene. When these gases are dissolved in the water lining the respiratory mucosa it produces a chemical burn and an inflammatory response. The gases being more soluble in water produce more upper airway burns, and those being less soluble in water produce more pulmonary injury and respiratory distress.
3. The third kind of injury is caused by gasses, which are referred to as systemic toxins. These are carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. These interfere with the delivery of oxygen for cellular energy production, and aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons. These can produce later liver, kidney, brain, lung and other organ damage.
4. The fourth and final type of inhalation injury is allergic. These include inhaled gases, particles or aerosols, which produce bronchospasm and edema very much like asthma or spasmodic croup.
If you or your loved one has suffered a burn injury and face the overwhelming challenges of lost wages, surgical and medical expenses, emotional distress or physical disfigurement it is in your best interest to contact a legal expert. An attorney experienced in burn injuries will help you with the decisions, which you need to make as a result of you or your loved one’s injury.
In the state of Maryland if a person is in an accident and contributed slightly to the cause of the accident they may not be able to seek compensation. This is called contributory negligence. Because of this theory a victim may not be entitled to compensation for any damages from the person who was largely at fault. For example, Mary is driving home from work one night and a drunk driver runs a stop sign, hitting her causing to be severely injured. If the defense attorney successfully argues that Mary was even 1% at fault for the accident, her entire claim may be at risk.
This doctrine of contributory negligence is much harsher to injury victims than the “comparative negligence” doctrine in place in the majority of other states. This doctrine is different in that a partial defense reduces the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover in a negligence-based claim and is based upon the degree to which the plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to cause the damages. … For example, in the situation explained above the plaintiff may be found to be partially negligent due to the speed at which she was traveling which resulted in her not being able to stop in sufficient time to avoid collision with the drunk driver. The jury may find this as partial negligence and under the comparative negligence doctrine award the plaintiff $1,000,000.00, but find that due to the plaintiff’s partial negligence reduce the award by 30%, thus reducing the settlement $300,000.00. This is dramatically different from the contributory negligence doctrine where the plaintive would have been found partially negligent and been awarded nothing at all. The variants on the comparative negligent doctrine however, also says that the plaintiff may recover only if the negligence is LESS than 50% of the combined negligence or the plaintiff’s negligence is not greater than the defendant’s. The difference in these variants is that lawyer’s have found that juries are usually less willing to award damages to a plaintiff who is equally at fault than to one who is less at fault.
In the previous example, if the plaintiff proves that the defendant was negligent and the defendant proves contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff the last clear chance doctrine still affords the plaintiff one more chance to prove the defendant responsible. The burden of proof now lies on the plaintiff to prove that the defendant knowingly and clearly had the chance to avoid the accident but failed to do so. This doctrine is not available often and is quite difficult to prove. It requires the defendant be aware of the oncoming danger and there must also be additional evidence proving such, that the defendant had the ability to avoid the accident yet failed to do so along with the plaintiff’s negligence.
Unfortunately, until the doctrine of contributory negligence is changed Maryland will remain among those few states where the plaintiff is considered a contributory party to the accident. This makes it incredibly difficult for lawyers to recover damages due the plaintiff. An experienced personal injury professional, knowledgeable in the complex laws of this grey area and not easily intimidated by the opposing counsel is a necessity. When deciding whether to take on an insurance company used to defending cases such as this, you can rest assured our legal team will handle the case with our client’s best interests in mind.
Recently we posted this entry on our blog about depositions. We didn’t say too much about the nitty gritty of a personal injury plaintiff’s deposition, but here on our resources page we have a chance to say a few things in greater depth.
If you’ve read the pointers we listed on our blog, as well as our comments here, it will be a lot easier for us to give you specific legal advice when we help you prepare for your own deposition. As always, what you may read on our web pages is not legal advice. We may give you some general guidelines, but the real advice comes when we are talking with you directly, about your specific case, whether we do it on the phone or face to face.
So here we go. Some generic pointers.
Don’t crack jokes or make small talk during depositions. Answer the questions that are asked as truthfully as possibly, and then, stop talking! Also, don’t be afraid to say “I don’t remember,” or “I don’t know.” I’ve said this already, but I’ll say it again. When you’ve finished answering the question, stop talking!
If we object to the other side’s question, listen to what we’re saying! The only time you’re not supposed to answer is when we tell you not to answer.
Meanwhile, here’s one of our pet peeves. In the middle of a deposition, don’t pull out random bits of paper or notes from your briefcase or purse. You shouldn’t bring anything with you into the deposition room except what you’ve been asked to bring by your own lawyers. If you need help remembering the name of a doctor, or when your next appointment is, don’t sweat it. We can always tell them later.
You know, there’s one thing that only you can do at a deposition. That is, to state as plainly and directly as possible how you’ve been injured and how your family has been affected. We sure have a lot of clients, but you’re the only one who can testify as to what it’s like to be you. Don’t be shy about it. This is your chance to let the guys defending your case know what it’s like to walk a mile in your shoes.
In the end, you’re your own best (or worst) witness. Make sure they get the real you, and the result will reflect the good result you deserve.
At the end of a deposition, unlike a trial, you won’t get a decision. There’s no jury, and no judge. A deposition is not something you can win or lose. All we’ll get back is a booklet containing everything that’s been said on the record, word for word. You may be asked to read it and sign it, to make sure the court reporter has taken it down correctly. But you can’t change what you’ve said. Once your deposition has been taken, we’ll all know, and will bank on, your potential value as an in-court witness.
And then we’ll either get your case settled, or continue on to take a deposition of somebody else. Chances are, your case will still take a while to resolve. But now, at least, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Until we have a settlement conference or mediation, where you’ll need to show up again, and unless after that your case is actually going to trial, you won’t be asked to make another official appearance. We’re quite sure that’s ok with you.
The Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S. Code Section 260a) standardized Daylight Saving Time over 40 years ago. It was not a novelty then; it had already been adopted in much of the U.S., having been employed in both World Wars to conserve energy.
In 1986 President Reagan signed Public Law 99-359, changing DST from the last to the first Sunday in April. No change was made to the original ending date, the last Sunday in October. According to reports published at the time, adding the whole month of April was supposed to save the U.S. about 300,000 barrels of oil yearly.
Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S. Code Section 15801), which did a whole lot of other things, too, DST was to begin three weeks earlier than previously, on the second Sunday of March. It was also to end one week later, on the first Sunday in November. The new dates applied as of 2007.
DST’s dates were fiddled with for good reason. A U.S. Department of Transportation study discovered back in 1970 that in both summer and fall, electrical energy demand fell by about one percent as compared to previously. In 2006 terms (using the latest federal data available), Maryland residents alone consume an average of 2 ¼ billion kilowatt hours per month. Taking into account the cost of electricity, this new law represents a savings for Maryland residents of about $2.2 Million per month during spring and fall.
What many do not know is that Daylight Saving Time also reduces traffic accidents and deaths. The 1970 study also showed DST reduced traffic accidents, saving 50 lives and about 2,000 injuries in March and April of the years studied. We have no definitive current data, but with the many more highways and miles of other roadways in our country today, one would expect even more significant reductions.
A study last year re-confirmed that Daylight Saving Time prevents automobile accidents. Published in The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy (Vol. 7, Issue 1, Article 11), Short and Long Run Effects of Daylight Saving Time on Fatal Automobile Crashes says:
- DST has no significant detrimental effect on automobile crashes in the short run;
- DST significantly reduces automobile crashes in the long run with an 8-11% fall in crashes involving pedestrians, and a 6-10% fall in crashes for vehicular occupants in the weeks after the spring shift to DST.”
Why? Some say it has to do with inadequate vision–driving at dusk.
But enough about Daylight Saving Time. Today, it is multitasking while driving which is causing increasing numbers of accidents on the roads. The momentary distractions from cell phone calls, texting, and other multitasking are a serious, new source of injury and death from automobile collisions today. See, for example, this story about distracted drivers in Reader’s Digest.
If you are injured in an auto accident, and file a claim, you could be asked if you were talking on your phone, sending a text message, or otherwise engaging in behavior which could have distracted your attention from the road. If your own inattention contributed even one percent to the collision, you could be precluded from receiving compensation under Maryland’s rules on contributory negligence. By the same token, we will be asking the driver who hit you if he or she was using a cell phone.
Recently, text messaging was blamed in a horrendous train wreck. The train driver’s cell phone records were easy enough to check, allowing officials to pinpoint his activities to just seconds before the crash. Recently, too, a pedestrian, a boy on his way to school, walked in front of a car at the very moment he was sending a text message to a friend –obviously not paying attention to oncoming traffic. Doctors now warn of the dangers of texting while walking or driving. So it is not just drivers who are inattentive–it is pedestrians, too.
Government statistics show that Maryland road deaths rose from 614 in 2005, to 651 in 2006, an increase of 6%, while nationally, deaths were down by 2%. Are Marylanders textaholics? Or, as in national trends, do we drive more SUVs and motorcycles than the rest of the nation. SUVs and motorcycles are two categories whose national death and injury statistics are trending upwards. The answer isn’t clear.
So let Daylight Saving Time do its thing to save lives, but also, it’s time we put down our phones and started paying more attention to the road. As in that old song by Paul Evans and the Curls performance from 1959:
Keep your mind on your driving
Keep your hands on the wheel
Keep your snoopy eyes on the road ahead…
It’s a song your mother or grandmother might have hummed. See this YouTube version of Seven Little Girls. Just don’t watch this video on your phone while driving.
The lawyers at Ingerman & Horwitz are trained and experienced in handling catastrophic injury cases. To contact a catastrophic injury lawyer please simply fill out the form on the right and our law firm will contact you shortly.
What is a catastrophic injury?
Catastrophic injuries happen suddenly, without warning, and have a great impact on the lives of the individuals who experience them. The injury quite often severely disrupts the central nervous system, in turn, affecting other parts of the body. Many victims experience loss of sensation, movement, and cognitive and communicative abilities. The injury can also affect circulation, respiration, skin, the urinary system, the gastrointestinal system as well as the other body systems. The injury may involve loss of sight, quadriplegia, paraplegia or being in a coma. Victims may be unable to speak, walk or live without constant care.
Catastrophic injuries can be horrible, debilitating injuries, which affect the victims daily life. By finding a qualified catastrophic injury attorney you can help ensure your legal rights are well represented.
Types Of Catastrophic Injuries
- Severe burns
- Accidental amputation
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
- Multiple fractures
- Accidents
- Exposure to toxic substances (such as asbestos, toxic molds and lead paint)
- Other neurological disorders
Factors Affecting Compensation in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injury patients and their families experience difficult life changes as they move from hospitalization to rehabilitation to returning home. These changes include an adverse effect on their employment, self esteem, enjoyment of life, ability to complete routine tasks and relationships.
With good, early medical treatment, some individuals may recover from their injuries. Others may be faced with great suffering, permanent disability and reduced life spans. Someone whose ability to earn income has been greatly affected and who needs a lifetime of care due to the injury may need financial support for decades.
Long term effects of the injury often do not become apparent until years after the injury occurs. For instance, someone injured as a child may need surgery to correct the problem in the future. Many burn victims are faced with having to get several reconstructive surgeries. The injury can include the costs of prosthetic devices. Additionally, the family of the victim may also be granted compensation for present and future expenses.
Determining Parties Responsible for Catastrophic Injuries
Identifying the responsible party is essential in order to seek compensation for catastrophic injuries. A victim may need to file a personal injury claim if the injury is caused by the intentional or negligent act of someone else or from a defective product. An experienced attorney in catastrophic injury claims will help ensure victims recover the compensation to which they may be entitled. Depending on the type of injury, vehicle owners, product manufacturers and medical personnel may be responsible.
Sometimes, filing a personal injury claim is the only way to provide the catastrophically injured victim with quality medical care, support and compensation for losses suffered as the result of such a tragic occurrence.
Burn Injury Resources
In 2007, fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined. 17,675 civilian injuries were sustained as the result of fires. A burn can be one of the most devastating injuries a person can ever endure. As well as severely scarring a person physically, the emotional scars can be just as bad. Victims suffer not only a lifetime of disfigurement and pain but often-repeated reconstruction surgeries and rehabilitation and possibly long term if not lifetime care. Burn care is an extremely painful and lengthy process. There are varying degrees of burns and various types of burn injuries including inhalation.
Accidents can and do take place in any number of places and situations. Burn injuries involve injury from electrocution, explosion, flammable clothing or blankets, auto accidents, chemical or building fires. They can result from faulty gas lines, improperly stored combustible material, steam, hot liquids or hot surfaces, gas tank explosions, acids or chemicals and improperly maintained smoke and fire detectors. To hold someone responsible, negligence must be proved. Negligence is the careless action or inaction of another and involves four elements: 1) duty, 2) breach of duty, 3) direct or proximate cause and 4) injury. Of course, this must all be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. If the burn results in a death, the lawsuit becomes a wrongful death suit. If the result is due to some type of defective recalled product, much like the Ford Pinto issue of the 1970’s, then it becomes a case of liability.
Types of Burns
There are several factors used to determine the severity of a burn, including the depth and size of the burn, the victim’s age and the location of the burn. There is a “rules of nines” chart, which is used to determine the total body surface area that has been burned. This is the method used for rapidly assessing the extent of burns on the skin surface, which determines the amount of fluid required as replacement therapy, the head and arms each represent 9% of skin surface; anterior or posterior surface of legs represent 9% each; anterior and posterior truncal skin represent 18% each, inguinal (lower region of the abdomen) are 1%. When determining the TBSA of children and infants the Lund-Browder chart is used. This is done because the surface are of the head and neck of children is larger and the limbs smaller than on an adult.
Third Degree Burn – This affects the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (under lying layer of skin) and hypodermis. It causes charring of the skin or a translucent white color. There are coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface. While the burn area may be numb, the victim may complain of pain, usually because of second-degree burns. Extensive and severe scarring is usually the result from third degree burns.
Second Degree Burn – This affects the epidermis and the dermis. The result is redness, pain, swelling and blisters. Second-degree burns often affect sweat glands and hair follicles. Second degree burns not being treated properly, can become third degree burns due to swelling and decreased blood flow to the tissue.
First Degree Burn – This affects the epidermis or surface of the skin. The burn is red and very sensitive to touch. The appearance is red and blanched when light pressure is applied. There is minimal tissue damage.
Inhalation Injuries
1. The first kind is caused by inert gases such as carbon dioxide and fuel gases such as methane, ehane, propane, and acetylen. The gas displaces air and oxygen, which causes asphyxia.
2. The second kind is caused by irritant gases such as ammonia, formaldehyde, chloramin, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide and phosgene. When these gases are dissolved in the water lining the respiratory mucosa it produces a chemical burn and an inflammatory response. The gases being more soluble in water produce more upper airway burns, and those being less soluble in water produce more pulmonary injury and respiratory distress.
3. The third kind of injury is caused by gasses, which are referred to as systemic toxins. These are carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. These interfere with the delivery of oxygen for cellular energy production, and aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons. These can produce later liver, kidney, brain, lung and other organ damage.
4. The fourth and final type of inhalation injury is allergic. These include inhaled gases, particles or aerosols, which produce bronchospasm and edema very much like asthma or spasmodic croup.
If you or your loved one has suffered a burn injury and face the overwhelming challenges of lost wages, surgical and medical expenses, emotional distress or physical disfigurement it is in your best interest to contact a legal expert. An attorney experienced in burn injuries will help you with the decisions, which you need to make as a result of you or your loved one’s injury.
Somewhere in the United States there is a fire almost every minute. Statistics show that in Maryland over 80% of fire deaths are caused by house fires. Although there are many measures that can be taken to prevent a house fire, some causes are out of your control.
The controllable causes of fire in the home can be fairly simple. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children and do not smoke in bed or while lying down. Carelessness with cigarettes is one of the largest causes for house fires. You should make sure that your kitchen is clean, with no greasy residue on cookware or cooking surfaces. Grease can catch fire and be difficult to put out. Do not overload electrical sockets or use extension cords that do not have power surge protectors. Make sure to keep the outside of your home cleared of brush. Just back taking these simple precautions, you can limit the risk of fire in your home.
There are numerous ways to protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire. Having smoke alarms in all rooms is the most important. Smoke detectors save lives! Make sure that they are in good working order and replace the batteries once per year. Smoke detectors can cut the chances of a fire related fatality in half. It takes under 4 minutes for the average home to become completely engulfed in smoke, causing blackout conditions and temperatures to become well over 1000 degrees fahrenheit. In fact, even rooms that are not on fire can reach temperatures in excess of 300 degrees. A temperature that high can be fatal.
Faulty wiring, appliances or heating units can also cause house fires. When doing any work on your home, make sure you use a qualified and licensed contractor. If you do any wiring yourself, make sure you have an inspector check the work. A simple wiring mistake can cause major damage later if left unchecked. You will need to ensure that you have a solid fire safety plan in place for your family to lessen the likelihood of injury. Talk with your family and explain the best exit strategy for different rooms in the house. If your property has been damaged or you, or a member of your family is injured in a fire, you may want to seek legal counsel. Financial compensation may be possible depending on the cause of the fire. Our burn injury lawyers represent victims all over Maryland. We offer free case evaluations and do not charge a fee until we win a judgement on your behalf. Click here to receive a free case evaluation. You do not have to face the devastation of a burn injury on your own. Our legal professionals are here to help you at anytim
Nobody wants to think that they may one day be the victim of a burn injury. However, this injury does happen, and the results can be quite devastating. Not only are burns incredibly painful, but they can prove debilitating. A person may not be able to work again after a burn injury or may have to face incredible social stigma. If you are the victim of burn injuries, you may have some legal choices to help with your medical bills and pay for pain and suffering. Maryland law will hold people accountable if they are at fault for a fire, directly or indirectly. Thus, if you have been the victim of a burn injury that was caused by another party, you should consult with a burn injury lawyer. You may be able to receive some legal compensation or financial help to help you through this difficult time. The following are some valuable pieces of advice for burn injury victims in the state of Maryland.
If you are the victim of a burn injury, make sure to get the help you need and to keep detailed documentation about everything from the doctors seen to what the health insurance will or will not pay. Additionally, if the injuries are the result of an accident or criminal investigation, you should take the time to obtain these documents too. Though it may be emotionally and physically painful, it would be helpful to take daily photographs of your injuries. The more evidence you have about what you have gone through, the better. If you have to miss work for your injuries, make sure to receive documentation from your doctor and your employer.
Burns can take a long time to heal. You should look for a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can walk you through the documents needed to win the case and he/she can give legal advice that may lead to a decent settlement. If you have serious burns, you may need this money for day to day care and to help with any scarring which may result. Look for a lawyer that focuses on burn injuries so you can obtain the best advice possible before building a case.
This experience may take some time. Sit down with a lawyer and think about what what compensation is needed. You can receive compensation for everything from lost wages to emotional trauma. Listen to your lawyer: he/she wants you to win. An experienced burn injury lawyer will know what are covered expenses becomes time to reach a settlement with a business, individual, or insurance company.
What are your rights?
Burn victims residing in Maryland need to know you have legal rights. The public is generally unaware of their rights, therefore you may want to speak to us regarding your case. We can answer your questions and help you understand your options. Our lawyers are available to take the necessary steps to ensure compensation for your burn injuries. What compensation is owed to you as a burn victim? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of consortium, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing cost of medical care.
Most burn accidents occur at home. Did you know that there are more than 3.5 million Americans injured, killed or disabled by fire every year? Additionally, most of those burn injuries affect children. Burn injuries are second only to car accidents in causing injury to young children. Overall, burn victims accrue hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs. The physical effects of a burn injury, whether diagnosed as second or third degree burn injury, may require long-term hospitalization, extensive psychological counseling, rehabilitation and skin grafting to overcome the traumas associated with the burn injury. Let our team of lawyers help you and fight for the compensation you need.
It is essential that you contact our law firm immediately so our lawyers may begin. It is our responsibility to prove fault in order to acquire compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers are prepared to make a case and begin taking action, obtaining your legal rights, as a burn victim, to ensure you recover and receive your entitled compensation.
There are many different causes of burn injuries. Most people think burn injuries are caused from home fires. However, there are many other causes of burn injuries, such as car accidents and rollovers, gas explosions, scalding or hot water, exploding furnaces and stoves, chemical burns, and electrical and industrial accidents.
Maryland law will protect you as the burn victim. Please contact our law firm for a consultation and complete explanation concerning your rights, as a victim of a burn tragedy. You need to know that a burn injury victim, you are entitled to financial compensation.
According to the American Burn Association, there are about 500,000 burn injuries serious enough to require medical attention per year, and about 4,000 deaths from burns. These include flame burns, scalding liquids, chemical, electrical and other types of burns. Below are some questions frequently asked of our Maryland lawyers:
Q. How are the burn injury degrees classified
A. First degree burns are to those that are limited to the outer layers of skin, which may be red, charred, and swollen. Second degree burns show the same symptoms but affect not only the outer layer (epidermis) but the dermis, or under lying skin. Third degree burns are those beyond the dermis layer, affecting underlying tissues and blood vessels.
Q. What types of medications are used to treat a burn victim?
A. Most thermal burns (fire or scald burns are treated with pain killers (analgesics) and topical antibiotics, such as Silvadene.
Q. If I am burned at work, can I sue my employer?
A. Generally, work related burn injuries do not result in lawsuit for injuries, but you can pursue Worker’s Compensation through a lawsuit if your employer does not offer it. If you are a Maryland resident or work in Maryland, you should seek specific answers from a Maryland lawyer specializing in accidents.
Q. What if my work related burn was specifically caused by another employee?
A. In Maryland, the actions of the other employee may be considered grounds for a lawsuit. Your lawyer will need to conduct a through investigation of how the incident occurred, as well as background circumstances. Such circumstances could include any grudges between employees that may be cause for a purpose-driven burn injury. Perhaps the other employee was simply reckless in the performance of the job, and it could be to the extent that personal liability could be established. Your Maryland lawyer will need all the facts that could impact the case to determine whether a personal injury suit is viable.
Q. What types of compensation could be available for burn victims if the injury is caused by someone else?
A. In Maryland, there are several types of compensatory damages your lawyer could pursue. First and foremost is of course, medical bills and any rehabiltiation treatments. In severe burn cases, these bills can run very high for emergency and follow-on treatment, including skin grafting etc. Work time missed should be compensated if another’s fault can be established. Also, pain and permanent damages should be compensated. Severe burns usually leave permanent scars, which in most cases are considered a disfigurement.
Steps you can take to be prepared
Are you planning to take a trip during bad weather? According to statistics, every twelve minutes someone in the United States dies because they have been involved in a car accident. Sadly, more than forty thousand people will die due to being in a car accident. There are also three million injuries every year due to car accidents. In total, there are between six and seven million car accidents every year. There are ways to prevent accidents during bad weather. Here are some tips to be prepared and avoid being involved in a car accident during bad weather.
Make sure that you a snow shovel in your car. Many people get into accidents because of the snow. Having a snow shovel can be beneficial if you go off the road and are stuck in a snow banking. You should also have a warm blanket, change of clothes, mittens, hat, coat, water, canned goods, can opened, flash light. First aid kit, flares, and spare batteries.
Have your cellular phone charged at all times. It can be hard to find a phone now that most pay phones have been removed. It is important to be able to call for help if you are lost, stranded, you have been in an accident, or your car has broken down.
If driving in heavy rain it is important to make sure that you replace your windshield wipers every year and have enough windshield wiper fluid in your car. Make sure that you do not drive over thirty five miles per hour in heavy rain to avoid hydroplaning. If visibility becomes too diminished then you should pull over preferably in a parking lot and wait for the rain to let up a bit.
If you are involved in an accident then you should make sure to exchange name, driver’s license number, address, and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. In Maryland, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident. It is the law to call the police so that photo graphs and a police report can be done by the police. This is necessary for any lawsuits and insurance claims to be filed.
If you have been in an accident and the accident was not your fault then you should consider contacting our law firm and getting a free case evaluation. You may be able to sue the person at fault and get compensated for any injuries that were suffered due to their actions.
Interested in learning more?
- Maryland Auto Accidents – Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact us for a free evaluation
- Return to Maryland Auto Accident help center
Proudly serving the needs of auto accident victims the Baltimore region, Washington DC area, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland… including Salisbury, Frederick, Cumberland, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Towson, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Laurel and other cities throughout the state of Maryland.
Our personal injury law firm also handles cases for accident victims who are located in various counties throughout the state of Maryland, such as Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and others.
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Workers’ Compensation Resources
Workers’ Compensation is a program where employers pay into an account which will be accessed if and when an employee is injured while on the job. “On the job” means while at your place of business, but it also means while you are engaged in your course of employment, such as running an errand for your employer or other off-site job-related tasks. If you are injured while in the course of your employment, you are covered by Workers’ Compensation (sometimes also referred to as “Workman’s Compensation”).
After having a job-related accident, the injured person normally has a lot of questions and concerns. “Who will pay my monthly bills, if I am unable to work?” is one of the most pressing ones. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, your medical bills and a portion of your weekly wages may be paid. You may also receive a lump sum payment if your injury is permanent and/or affects your ability to work in the future.
The only way to know what your full benefit may be is to contact an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney. We understand the complex and often confusing process required to file a Workers’ Compensation claim. Attempting the process on your own could cost you a delay in your benefits and possibly a denial. It is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident so that you can be fully informed as to your rights and possible benefits in the Workers’ Compensation process.
We have a proven track record of obtaining monies for our satisfied clients to compensate them fairly for their injuries. Call our law firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation at 1-800-776-4LAW (4529) for a confidential assessment of your case. The sooner you call following an incident, the better are your chances for financial recovery.
Click Here To Find Answers to Frequently Asked Workers’ Compensation Benefit Questions
Our Workers’ Compensation resource links can provide you additional information. The video below presents Alan Horwitz as he talks about workers compensation on WBOC16′s Delmarvalife!
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides compensation for employees who are injured on the job. It was enacted as a way to reduce litigation on the employees part for compensatory damages for the tort of negligence. In the state of Maryland, it is mandatory for employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. It may be provided through private insurance carriers, a competitive state fund or they may self-insure. Waivers however are permitted. While workers’ compensation is required, not all injuries are covered, even though the injury happened ‘on the job’. According to the Maryland Statute, the injury must have been caused by ‘accidental personal injury arising out of and in the course of employment.’ Just because a person is injured while at work, they must be injured while performing their job. In most states, it is illegal for employers to refuse to hire an employee for filing a workers comp claim with a previous employer. Additionally, occupational diseases, which are acquired while on the job, may also be covered under Maryland workers’ compensation insurance.
Also read about workers’ compensation benefits
Also see our comprehensive list of Workers Compensation Agencies by State.
Not everyone who is injured while on the job is necessarily covered under workers’ compensation insurance. The law protects only employees. To be covered under workers comp a genuine employer-employee relationship must exist. If a worker is injured on the job and they are working as an independent contractor. Some businesses are either partnerships or sole proprietorships; these businesses may elect coverage and will be able to obtain the necessary coverage.
Claims are based on if an injury was truly an accident. According to the Maryland State workers’ compensation law, an accident is ‘a sudden unusual or extraordinary event causes an unexpected result. The unexpected result is a bodily injury; that must be caused by an unexpected or unusual event.’ If an injury has resulted from some other circumstance, this is not covered under Maryland workers’ compensation Act, and would be covered under the employees general health insurance. As mentioned above, occupational diseases fall into their own category. These may include, but are not limited to asbestosis, some types of leukemia, exposure to chemical solvents, which caused some type of eye, lung or skin disease. Even though there was no specific ‘accident’, diagnosed disease must be a result of working conditions to which the employee was exposed and are referred to as ‘occupational diseases’.
Compensable accidents must arise out of a result of employment or be in the course of employment. The former being a result of working conditions to which the employee is exposed to, such as a severe burn obtained while working in a kitchen with hot grease, or a slippery floor, often referred to as a slip-and-fall. The latter, meaning that the injury must have occurred during the course of employment, while the employee was at work. The designated place of employment and during designated working hours for that employee, and while such employee was performing job duties would be in the course of employment.
Once all of the above are satisfactorily satisfied, then a claim may be filed. This is not always so easy to determine and often an investigation is necessary. The result of this investigation will determine the type of and amount of benefits that the employee is entitled. Please be advised though, that initial determinations that are made by insurance carriers are not binding on the Commission. Each state has the right to determine the extent to which benefits are payable under the workers comp insurance. Based upon the regulations of each state, individual insurance companies then examine the probabilities of the injury and the circumstances and set their rates accordingly. The workers’ compensation Commission does not provide insurance nor does it set the rates on premiums; this is done by the insurance companies. Payments from workers’ compensation to the employee are not taxable as income.
Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP are Baltimore, Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys with over 100 years of collective experience in recouping benefits that have been denied by an insurance company, employer or the government. Persons who have worked their whole lives shouldn’t be penalized if they are injured or become ill and can’t work. Loss of Workers’ Compensation benefits can affect the entire family and could result in serious emotional and financial hardships, including the loss of savings, property and other assets. Learn more about your workers’ Compensation rights and options below.
If youve been denied benefits, contact Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP for a consultation on your legal rights.
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory employer-paid insurance coverage provided to
cover work-related injuries and illnesses. workers’ compensation is the sole remedy
provided an employee injured in the course of his/her employment. workers’ compensation benefits are state-determined and payment levels vary from state-to-state.
Employers secure coverage for their employees through either private insurance carriers, a state fund, or a self-insurance program. Injuries and/or illnesses that arrive in and out of the course of employment and are proven to be causally related to job duties and responsibilities.
To be covered under an employers policy, a person must be a genuine employee on the company payroll. Contractors and sub-contractors working for employers are not covered under an employers policy and are required to secure their own coverage.
Work-related accidents/ injuries must be reported to the employer who then notifies
the workers’ compensation carrier of the incident/illness. To secure lifetime medical benefits on a work-related claim and assure appropriate benefits are executed, a claim should also be filed with the Maryland State workers’ compensation Commission within two years of the date of accident/disablement. Discrepancies between the employee and the employer/insurer which can not be negotiated are decided at hearing by one the the Commissioners of the Maryland workers’ compensation Commission. Either side can file ‘issues’ requesting a hearing before the Commission to resolve the matter in question. Issues that may be decided by the workers’ compensation Commission include such matters as determining if the claim meets state ‘compensability’ requirements, securing lost wages, medical bill payment, vocational rehabilitation, and nature and extent of permanent disability, among
others.
BENEFITS
Temporary Total Disability If an employee is authorized off work by his/her treating
physician, he/ she is entitled to 2/3rds of his/her average weekly wage, non-taxed, for the disability period. This wage rate is determined by securing the gross wages for 13 weeks before the accident and averaging them ( including over-time paid during this period).
The injured employee is then entitled to 2/3rds of that amount non-taxed, payable either weekly or bi-weekly for the period of disablement. In Maryland, an employee is allowed
to treat with the physician of his/her choice. Since the employer/insurer is paying for the treatment/care per the Maryland Fee Schedule, however, the employer/insurer is allowed to send the injured worker for an occasional IMEs ( Independent Medical Evaluations) to assure the treatment the employee is receiving is warranted, appropriate and necessary.
Occasionally, a treating physician and IME physician are in disagreement regarding the
employees ability to work. These discrepancies are usually decided at hearing by the
workers’ compensation Commission.
Temporary Partial Disability If an employee can return to work, but not on a full-time basis, or is required to take an alternate position making significantly less than
his/her original job, the employee is entitled to temporary partial disability. This is
a weekly or bi-weekly payment which pays a percentage of the difference between the
the employees salary at the time of injury and the pay rate based on his present situation.
Medical Treatment If the claim is deemed compensable under Maryland workers’ compensation law, the employer /insurer is responsible for all appropriate medical
treatment bills, including therapy, diagnostic tests, surgery, etc. These bills are paid in accordance with the Maryland State Fee Guide. Additionally, the injured employee is
entitled to be reimbursed for mileage to and from the doctor as well as parking, tolls, etc.
Vocational Rehabilitation If it is determined that an injured employee can not return to his regular employment due to his/her injury, he /she is entitled to be vocationally
rehabilitated for a comparable position. This benefit is paid for by the insurer/employer
and includes services from job search through re-training and re-education. During the
period of vocational rehabilitation, the employee is entitled to receive temporary total
benefits.
Permanent Partial Disability When an employee reaches ‘maximum medical improvement’ and the physician deems that there is no additional treatment/care
that will substantially improve his/her condition, the employee may be entitled
to permanent partial disability. This is a lump sum benefit payable to the employee
to compensate him/her for the ‘permanent’ damage resulting from the injury and to compensate him/her for the fact that he/she will never be exactly as he/she was
prior to the injury/illness. This benefit is determined by the part of the body injured and the nature and extent of the disability. Disability ratings to discern the payment are performed by AMA certified physicians.
Death Benefits If an employee dies as a result of his/her work-related injury/illness,
and has dependents who were either wholly or partially dependent on the deceased
for financial care may apply for monetary benefits. These benefits are determined by
the relationship to the deceased and the level of financial dependence which must be
demonstrated through appropriate documentation. Depending on the dependency determination, caps exist on amount of life-time benefits that may be received.
Additionally, the employer/insurer are responsible for funeral expenses limited to $5,000.00.
Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP are Baltimore, Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys with over 100 years of collective experience in recouping benefits that have been denied by an insurance company, employer or the government. Persons who have worked their whole lives shouldn’t be penalized if they are injured or become ill and can’t work. Loss of Workers’ Compensation benefits can affect the entire family and could result in serious emotional and financial hardships, including the loss of savings, property and other assets. Learn more about your workers’ Compensation rights and options below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Question: The Workers’ Compensation claim that I filed on my own has been denied. What can I do now?
Answer: You can call us for a free, confidential assessment of your case. If we feel your claim has merit and we accept your case, we will file an appeal. Our appeal has an advantage over your original filing, in that we have years of experience dealing with the very complicated Workers’ Compensation benefit process and we will work to obtain the best benefit package for you and for your family’s needs. Because an appeal needs to be filed within 30 days of the mailing of the denial order to you, it is important that you speak with us as soon as you receive your denial order from the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Question: I was receiving benefits but now they have been terminated. Is there anything I can do?
Answer: It is best for an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney to take a look at your case to see if there is a possibility that you can have your benefits reinstated. Because the rules of Workers’ Compensation are very specialized, an experienced attorney who has dealt with hundreds of similar claims has the knowledge to guide you toward the resolution that is best for your particular situation, and to make sure you receive every benefit that you deserve. If a hearing or re-hearing is scheduled to evaluate your case, we will represent you at the hearing.
Question: My employer wants me to go back to work too soon following my accident. Do I have any recourse?
Answer: Our attorneys have experience evaluating your entire case from your accident reports, doctors’ treatment and prognosis reports, and other professional assessments. You may have sustained a permanent injury, or a slow-healing injury that makes it impossible or very difficult for you to return to work quickly. You may need additional or even permanent medical care, and/or job retraining to re-enter the workforce. Schedule a free and confidential consultation with us, so that we can provide you with an objective assessment of your rights and the choices that would be best in your specific situation.
Call our law firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation at 1-800-776-4LAW (4529) for a confidential assessment of your case. The sooner you call following an incident, the better are your chances for financial recovery.
Car Insurance Resources
Car Insurance is required by all licensed drivers in Maryland, so if you drive you have it so now what? This section of our web site is designed to increase awareness on car insurance companies. So what exactly are we trying to raise awareness of? Car insurance companies are extremely smart and have a wide variety of tactics that they use on people every day. These tactics are effective and have one goal in mind – to keep money in their pocket and out of yours. So what does this mean to you? Quite possibly everything.
Online Resources
From good hands to boxing gloves
Article that reveals Allstate’s goal of keeping money in their pocket and out of yours. We also go into some other tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying out money to their accident victims.
Insurance companies have a number one goal, and that is to reduce (or avoid altogether) paying money to their policyholders. They use many different tactics to try and reach this goal and they have been very effective so far in doing so. We’ll go over some of these tactics and give you real examples on how this is being done everyday.
Push customers to be afraid of making a claim when then are in an accident
How often do you hear people say ‘Oh, I don’t want to make a claim, I’m afraid my rates will go up!’ That is EXACTLY what the insurance companies want you to think. Insurance companies will try very hard to make you feel that if you make a claim you are giving them a reason to up your rates. Every month we pay for auto insurance, that money pays for a service and they try to make you afraid to use that service. This ‘fear factor’ has been used for quite some time and is very effective. The truth is that your insurance rate will go up for two reasons: One, if you are at fault in an accident. Two, if the insurance company raises everyone’s rates.
Car Insurance Companies Biggest Problem
The absolute most important thing you can do if you are a victim of an auto accident is speak to an attorney as soon as possible. We cannot emphasize how extremely important this is. Bottom line is this; if you call you insurance company they have one goal in mind – minimizing their loses. They work for that goal and that goal alone. After an auto accident is typically a traumatic time with a lot going on, people are often times scared and unsure on the best action to take. Typically the insurance agent will speak to the victim and try and get them to settle the claim very quickly (for less money) and even recommend they do NOT speak to an attorney. The car insurance companies try very hard to get the accident victim to settle without a lawyer because they typically pay out much less if an attorney is not involved. Again, this is their goal – to keep as much of their money as possible.
Now let’s look at what an attorney can provide. An experienced auto accident attorney knows exactly what to expect and how to fight for maximum results. There is no question about it, car insurance companies will typically always make a low offer. Many times their offer is so low it may not cover all your losses including medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, future medical bills and inconvenience caused by the negligence of another. Car accident victims typically feel pressured by their adjuster and because of the stress of having been involved in an accident they may not know all their options. Our main purpose of this web site, and our law firm’s main purpose is to help people after a traumatic experience and come out as best as possible. Our firm works for you, not the insurance company. Our only goal is to help you get the highest payout you deserve. Their goal is to get you the lowest. We know their techniques – most importantly we know how to fight against them.
That brings us to an interesting book about Allstate insurance. The book is called ‘From good hands to boxing gloves’ and describes how Allstate wanted what most big companies want, to increase revenue. Allstate Insurance Company hired in the mid 90’s McKinsey & Company, the world’s largest consulting firm to help with their problem. McKinsey & Company quickly discovered that when Allstate paid accident victims, they paid much more when an attorney was representing the victim. McKinsey’s strategy was to contact the injured victim immediately after the accident and become their friend so that the injured person would not obtain or even think about obtaining an attorney. Ten years later, almost all insurance companies have adopted the tactic of “becoming your friend.”
Remember, when talking to an attorney, it won’t cost a thing. If you talk to the insurance company first, it may cost you everything.
Fosamax Resources
If you have been affected by osteonecrosis of the jaw (also known as “dead jaw”) or any bone or jaw related issue that is related to taking Fosamax than contact one of the attorneys at our firm immediately.
Ingerman & Horwitz represents individuals who are victims of such Fosamax-related afflictions. Contact one of our attorneys to see how we can help you.
View our television commercial regarding the dangerous effects of Fosamax below.
About Fosamax
Fosamax is a drug widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis. In some cases, the use of this drug may be linked to osteonecrosis – bone rotting in the upper and lower jaw. This condition can result in irreversible damage to the jaw bone, and forever change the quality of life for those affected.
Get Help – Contact an Attorney Regarding Fosamax Health Issues
If you have developed any of the above or other related complications after taking Fosamax, you may have important legal rights.
For questions concerning your legal rights, contact one of our lawyers via our online contact form.
For more information about Fosamax visit our fosamax information center or read our article about the effects and complications of Fosamax.
Fosamax Drug Could Become Next Merck Woe
Wall Street Journal
The below points were provided by Tim O’Brien of Levin Papantonio Thomas Mitchell Echsner & Proctor, P.A.:
- Fosamax falls within a class of drugs known as biphosphonates.
- Bisphosphonates are used in chemotherapy for metastatic cancers, including breast and bone. Other drugs within this class such as Aredia and Zometa are also used as chemotherapy and adjunct chemotherapy but are not indicated for use in non-cancerous conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Merck successfully sought and received from the FDA approval to market this drug for non-cancerous conditions such as osteoporosis and as a prophylactic treatment for post-menopausal women.
- Bisphosphonates are effective in the prevention of bone resorption, and thus inhibit bone density loss. However, bone resorption plays a critical roles in maintaining normal bone homeostasis, in fighting infection, and in the healing process. It is through this likely mechanism that jaw problems can begin from such small dental procedures as fillings, root canals, etc. Additionally, bisphosphonates inhibit endothelial cell function. Bisphosphonates also inhibit vascularization of the affected area. Bisphosphonates also induce ischemic changes specific to the patients mandibles (lower jaws) and maxillae (upper jaws) and these ischemic changes appear to be cumulative in nature.
- These factors combine to create a compromised vascular supply in the affected area. As a result, a minor injury or disease can turn into a non-healing wound. That in turn can progress to widespread necrosis (bone death) and osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone marrow).
- A recent medical article reveals that as many as 38% of patients on bisphosphonates therapy have necrosis of the maxilla.
- Dentists are now being advised to refrain from using any invasive procedure (such as drilling a cavity) for any patient on Fosamax.
- Once the necrosis begins, it is very difficult to treat and is not reversible.
Drug May Result in Countless Lawsuits
As much as we would like to believe that medications are always safe, unfortunately that is not the case. And while many drugs and medications do have outstanding results, there are several that hurt more than they help.
Take for example, the drug called Fosamax. Initially, the drug was approved for those suffering with Osteoporosis, the condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile. But instead of being an effective healing agent, the widely used Fosamax drug has had an adverse effect on many who have taken it.
The connection of Fosamax to widespread necrosis began to surface when about five years ago, oral surgeons and dentists began noticing a connection between jaw decay and taking the drug Fosamax. At first the dentists thought the drug was only a risk to cancer patients. But in the last two years, several oral surgeons have become convinced that oral biphosphonates such as Fosamax can also cause jawbone death for others when taken over a long period of time.
As one case in point, a 61-year-old former aircraft maintenance officer had taken Fosamax for a year and although the drug appeared to have alleviated the osteoporosis in his hips, he is certain it was the drug that caused him to land in the emergency room. His jaw swelled to the point of his no longer being able to eat and within three days, all of his teeth were removed and a part of his jaw shaved away to remove dead bone.
The drug maker of Fosamax, Merck, is already facing over 10,000 lawsuits related to another drug called Vioxx, and is now facing additional problems linked to the long-term use of Fosamax. Merck, the number two U.S. drug maker will be appearing in a federal court suit presented by a 60 year old woman who blames the necrosis that rotted her mouth and exposed bone in her jaw on the drug treatment Fosamax. She took the drug for six years and accuses Merck of withholding information about the drug’s health risks, which include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection and slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. The following information has been reported related to Fosamax:
- Fosamax causes a rare disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw, (ONJ)
- New cases are cropping up each day where a patient’s jawbone rots and dies
- The American Association of Endondontists issued a statement recommending that dental surgeons should check on whether patients take Fosamax prior to working on their teeth
- Those taking Fosamax should be considered at risk for ONJ
- The Food and Drug Administration has ordered the makers of bisphosphonates to list ONJ in its precautions on package inserts.
- A recent medical article revealed that as many as 38% of patients on bisphosphonates therapy have necrosis of the maxilla, the major bone of the upper jaw.
Furthermore, a number of other side effects and symptoms can occur when using Fosamax, which include:
- Severe digestive reactions including nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, and muscle cramps
- Inflammation, irritation or ulceration of the esophagus
- Chest Pain, heartburn or difficulty swallowing
- Blood clotting disorders
- Anemia
- Dental problems
- Numbness, tight muscles in the face as well as seizures
- Irritability and unusual thoughts or behaviors
Adding to the already long list of reactions to the drug, one must also stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication or severe reactions can occur. Moreover, any antacids, supplements or medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium or other minerals can interfere with how the body absorbs Fosamax. The medication may also be harmful to an unborn baby and therefore should not be used by pregnant women.
Today, dentists are being advised to refrain from using any invasive procedures for patients taking Fosamax because once the necrosis starts, it is very difficult to treat and is not reversible. For anyone taking Fosamax, it would be in their best interest to pay careful attention to any unusual reactions especially for those who have developed complications such as severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain, heartburn, difficulty or painful swallowing or chest pain. If any of these symptoms occur, individuals should contact a doctor immediately. A person experiencing any of these symptoms or reactions may very well have important legal rights regarding the use of this drug.
Propecia Resources
The side effects of Propecia, a popular hair loss medication, may increase the risk that men experience erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and other sexual problems, which have been permanent in some cases.
PROPECIA LAWSUIT STATUS: Potential claims are being reviewed for men who have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction or other permanent sexual problems. Compensation may be available through a Propecia lawsuit as a result of the drug maker’s failure to warn about the sexual dysfunction risks associated with the use of the medication.
MANUFACTURER: Merck
OVERVIEW: Propecia (finasteride) was originally developed by Merck as an enlarged prostate treatment and marketed as Proscar in 1992. It was later approved to treat male pattern baldness, when it was given the name Propecia.
In 2008, Propecia brought in $429 million in revenue for Merck.
PROPECIA SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS: In 2008, the Swedish Medical Products Agency began investigating reports that Propecia erectile dysfunction problems were becoming permanent in some men and in 2009 the agency determined that for some men the side effects could indeed be persistent even after they stopped taking Propecia.
In early 2011, U.S. researchers also found evidence that the Propecia side effects could be permanent. The drug is a member of a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which have been linked to loss of libido, depression, erectile dysfunction, reduced semen production and growth of male breast tissue.
Allegations raised in Propecia lawsuits filed against Merck argue that the drug maker failed to provide adequate warnings to men in the United States, despite more specific and detailed warnings provided in other countries.
In 2008, warnings in Europe stated that erectile dysfunction problems from Propecia may persist even after the patient discontinues use of the medication. In 2009, the warning label in Europe was changed again to warn about the risk of permanent erectile dysfunction.
However, in the United States, the label for Propecia continued to contradict the label in Europe, stating that “these side effects went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.”
Propecia Lawyers
Individuals who have experienced continuing Propecia sexual problems may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit. Propecia lawyers are reviewing potential claims for individuals throughout the United States and offer free consultations to determine if individuals may qualify for a claim.
Testimonials
At Ingerman & Horwitz, LLP we pride ourselves on working hard so that clients can succeed. We are passionate about each one of our clients and always strive to maximize their case results. After the conclusion of each case, we ask our clients for their feedback. Below is just a sampling of some of the things that our clients are saying about our firm!
“Kimberly was great! She kept me informed and returned my calls promptly.”- T. Jones
“Miss Michal T. is always very respectful whenever I call.” – S. Cosby
“Nina is awesome! Thank you!” – L. Conyers
“Everything was great!” – P. Hockaday
“Good service every time I called” – N. Gardner
“The paralegal did everything to make sure I was satisfied. Thank you!”– L. Paige
“Thank you and God Bless you for all the information and all the work you have done and continue to do for me!” – Rev. C. and Family
“You guys have always performed in a professional manner at all times.”– K.R.
My paralegal was very nice and courteous” – Wendy F.
“Definitely will be using the company again and will be referring my family and friends” – Tracy M.
“Ms. Nina did a great job, and I thank you all for your help.”– Kia W.
“Keep up the good work!”- Sam D.
“Service was excellent each visit!”- Robert S.
“I am very, very pleased with my case. Thank you so very much!”- Rhonda L.
“No complaints at all. I was treated very good. Thank you!”- Larry L.
“Paralegal was very good about getting back to me. Very happy with the way they treated me!” -Mary D.
“I had the best paralegal. She kept me informed. I am quite impressed and satisfied with your service.” – Ramon R.
“Your service was great I would recommend your firm to a friend or anyone in need of legal services.” – S. Streat
“I have already referred a friend!” – G Williams
“I am always impressed by this office. Outstanding work! THANK YOU!” – M. Burroughs
“I really appreciate the service they provide for me” – M. Richburg
“Everyone is ALWAYS terrific!” – K. Thompson
“Thank you for your time and patience on this matter, I hope to use your services again.” – Howard W – Auto Accident Case
“Thanks to Mr. Ingerman, Mr. Horwitz and staff for your superb service” – Hazel G. – Auto Accident Client
“The staff was very helpful and caring. Thanks again for everything.” – Cindy M. – Auto Accident Client
“Service was excellent. Thanks to Mr. Ingerman & Mr. Horwitz and [their] friendly staff.” – Hazel G. – Workers Compensation Client
“I could not have asked for a better attorney. I would return if [I] ever needed again.” – Scott B. – Workers Compensation Client
“Your organization has been very helpful & courteous. I sincerely thank everyone involved!” – Hammett H. – Auto Accident Client
“Straight forward, honest, patient, understanding & trustworthy. Today, seems to be a rare thing.” – Charles T. – Workers Compensation Client