Annapolis Personal Injury Law Blog

Truckers especially at risk for causing drowsy driving crashes

Published on: January 21, 2021 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

The trucking industry is an essential part of commerce in the U.S., and people in Maryland are likely to see semi-trucks on the road at all hours of the day. The employers of truckers often provide a financial incentive for swift deliveries, but long hours on the road can easily lead to truck driver fatigue. The following is some information on drowsy driving in the trucking industry.

Driving overnight disrupts our circadian rhythm

Many truckers choose to travel overnight when roads are less congested. However, our bodies are naturally drowsy from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Most people are less alert during the nighttime hours, particularly after midnight or if you have been on the road for a long time. Driving during these hours can easily lead to fatigue.

Study: Lack of sleep for doctors could spark medical malpractice

Published on: January 6, 2021 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

When Maryland residents suspect that they or a loved one has been injured, became ill or there was a fatality because of a medical error, they will frequently look to the clinical treatment that was given. There will undoubtedly be evidence of the mistake itself when the medical record is scrutinized. However, there are other factors in medical malpractice cases and they too can be important when considering a legal filing. Researchers assess medical missteps and gauge causes to discover and prevent them.

Medical mistakes could stem from insufficient sleep for doctors

A recent study suggests that a lack of sleep for treating physicians could be a significant factor in medical errors. For its research, there were 11 academic medical centers surveyed on several topics. Sleep was one of them. There were more than 11,300 physicians who took part between November 2016 and October 2018. Nearly 7,800 replied to questions about medical errors they made and self-reported.

Motor vehicle accident spikes over the holidays breeds concern

Published on: December 23, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Despite the 2020 holiday travel season in Maryland and across the nation being radically different than normal, concerns remain about motor vehicle accidents. The most frequent risks of road travel are drivers who are under the influence, reckless drivers, distracted drivers and drowsy drivers. These problems are exacerbated during the holiday season regardless of the circumstances. Since the roads may be emptier, drivers could be tempted to push the envelope. Accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities. People who have been impacted by a crash and its aftermath should understand what steps to take to pursue compensation.

Law enforcement begins campaign to find at-risk drivers

In Maryland, state police officers will be out in force over the holidays to find drivers who are driving while impaired, distracted, aggressive or are committing other risky behaviors on the road. They will be warned, cited and arrested, depending on the violation. Set to continue through New Year’s Day, the goal is to improve safety for those who will be on the road even with the ongoing health concerns that have changed plans for many throughout the U.S.

Can an accident reconstruction help build your case?

Published on: December 9, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another, then you probably want some sort of compensation for your damages. After all, those damages can be quite extensive, affecting your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. While a personal injury lawsuit might help you recover the compensation you need, these cases aren’t always as clear-cut as they may seem. That’s why you need to understand the facts of your case, the law, and how to build a legal strategy that supports your position.

The role of an accident reconstruction

An accident reconstruction can be a great way to build your case. An accident reconstruction utilizes the rules of physics and other sciences to determine how an accident occurred. To reach a conclusion that is issued in a written report, an expert in the field analyzes a number of things, including tire marks, resting position of the vehicles involved, the weather, road conditions, road sign positions, and eyewitness accounts. The conclusions reached by one of these experts can be especially helpful when it’s not obvious how the accident occurred. Therefore, it can help you in your efforts to impose liability and recover compensation.

Expecting parents should learn about birth injury

Published on: November 5, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

When Maryland parents are expecting a baby, there is a lot to look forward to. Most parents enjoy sharing the good news with friends and families, preparing a nursery, and making sure they have everything ready so all is set when a baby comes home. With so much to look forward to, parents may not have considered the possibility that something could go wrong during labor and delivery. A birth injury is more common than a parent might think.

Sometimes, an injury can be caused while a baby is still in the womb. If a medical professional is not diligent, a problem may go undiagnosed. Examples of this can include a medical professional failing to diagnose a prenatal infection or prescribing a medication that can cause adverse side effects for an unborn child.

More common birth injuries usually occur during the delivery process. Failing to properly monitor the mother during delivery can lead to an infant experiencing oxygen deprivation, which may result in a condition called cerebral palsy. Even improper use of forceps and other delivery tools can lead to serious or permanent injury. Unconventional delivery methods can likewise cause harm to an innocent newborn.

Quick tips for auto accident victims

Published on: October 29, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Buckle up, Maryland! As the annual celebration of what many call the holiday season kicks off, so does the annual rise in serious crashes. Experts offer many explanations for the increase in car accidents. Increased instances of DUI, less daylight, inclement weather conditions, and even deer and other animals moving on roadways may explain the spike. No matter how prepared a motorist may feel, being injured in an auto accident can be an overwhelming experience.

There are some pointers that can help a victim who has been injured in a serious crash. First, check for damage and injuries. Make sure to call for emergency assistance as soon as possible. Even if a victim is unsure if he or she has suffered a serious injury, it may be a good idea to seek medical attention because some injuries are not immediately apparent. Try to record or document any details that may be helpful for medical professionals, investigators, or legal proceedings by getting as much information about other drivers and vehicles involved in the crash as is feasible for an injured victim.

A victim should prioritize physical and mental recovery. Many victims find it helpful to lean on friends, family or a mental health professional when dealing with the suffering that often follows a crash. A victim who is ready to think about legal action may want to reach out to an experienced attorney.

Death and serious injury result from dirt bike crash

Published on: October 26, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Fall is in full swing, and many Maryland residents are finding ways to enjoy the outdoors before cold weather sets in. Riding a 4-wheeler or dirt bike can be fun, but riders should always take care to follow laws and wear a helmet. Though such vehicles are typically for recreational driving, a crash can result in a serious injury that is anything but fun.

Recently, two men were riding dirt bikes on a paved road in a Maryland neighborhood. One of the drivers also had a female passenger on board. The bikers collided, and a horrific crash left both men seriously injured. The female passenger died as a result of her injuries.

Police say that an investigation is underway and may result in the discovery of evidence that could lead to criminal charges against one or both of the drivers. As they continue to gather information and speak to witnesses, they will try to determine the cause of the crash. If injuries were caused by the actions of a specific party, the victim, or representative of a victim’s estate in the event of death, may want to look into options for legal recourse.

Another explosion causes serious injury

Published on: October 22, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Maryland residents probably recall recent headlines about a residential gas explosion that caused death, horrific injuries and substantial damage to personal property. Now, in what seems an unfathomable turn of events, an eerily similar explosion occurred in Northwest Baltimore. Authorities on the scene reported that multiple victims suffered serious injury.

The explosion is currently under investigation. The gas utility company that services the affected property stated that there was no reason to suspect that the utility company could have prevented the explosion. Representatives say that property owners and customers are responsible for all equipment at the residence. According to the statement, there had been no indication of trouble, and there had been no emergency service calls to the property in over a year.

The explosion rocked the quiet residential area, and the blast and subsequent fires destroyed or damaged several homes. At least five victims were seriously injured, including an expectant mother and two young children. Investigators are trying to determine what could have caused the explosion, and they have not yet determined what party will be held liable for the devastation.

Accident investigation launched after pedestrian killed

Published on: October 8, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

After a hot and dry summer, Maryland residents are welcoming the crisp arrival of fall. As the days grow shorter and the light begins to fade, drivers should take extra caution to watch for pedestrians in or near the roadway. Recently, an accident investigation was launched after a pedestrian was killed by a vehicle.

According to breaking local news, a vehicle struck a man near the small town of Williamsport, Maryland, in the early evening hours of Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Personal details about the victim have not been released, but law enforcement was able to confirm that the victim was an adult male. Police have launched an accident investigation in an attempt to establish the facts of the crash.

The road where the victim was killed was closed for several hours after the crash. More details are likely to be released after law enforcement has been able to positively identify the victim and notify his family members privately. Police are asking anyone who may have information about the crash to come forward. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed if the driver at fault has been identified or if they expect to file criminal charges against the driver.

Local boy dies after brain injury

Published on: September 30, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

As children grow, they often show interest in extracurricular activities like a club or a sport. Participating in team sports can help children develop critical skills that may help them succeed later in life. Even when parents carefully choose a sport or a league that prioritizes safety, serious injuries can occur. Recently, a Maryland boy suffered a brain injury while practicing with his hockey team.

The boy was attending a program designed to help new hockey players develop skills to enhance ability in a game situation. While the boy was practicing a new type of shot, he was struck in the neck with a hockey puck. Though he was wearing an appropriate helmet, the puck struck an unprotected area.

The injury resulted in a serious brain injury. Emergency medical care could not save him, and the injury proved fatal for the young hockey player. Friends, family and teammates devastated by the loss now wonder if young hockey players may benefit from new safety gear designed to protect the neck and spinal cord.