Annapolis Personal Injury Law Blog

Theme park negligence: A sad summer tradition

Published on: July 16, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Americans love theme parks, and each summer, Maryland families set out for an adventure at one of the hundreds of parks that dot the nation. Offering rides, over-the-top food and stage-quality shows, Dollywood has been a favorite amusement park for generations. The park is a charming throwback to a bygone era, but it may now be showing signs of negligence in light of recent personal injury reports.

Most recently, local news outlets reported that three patrons had suffered injuries while visiting Dollywood. Often, people are injured on a ride at an amusement park, but this incident was different. According to reports, a large sign fell without warning and landed on three patrons walking below.

The park’s emergency staff responded, but the victims suffered injuries so severe that they had to be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Park representatives say they are cooperating with a police investigation and were not able to offer any explanation as to the cause of the incident. The attraction where the sign was located has been temporarily shut down, but the rest of the park is operating as usual.

Hit-and-run passenger may be key witness

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

Bars and restaurants are opening back up in Maryland, and residents who were stuck at home for months are excited to visit both old and new establishments. Patrons must remember that, when visiting a bar or restaurant, they should limit the amount of alcohol they consume or arrange for a designated driver. A recent hit-and-run death may have been alcohol-related, and a surprising witness may be able to provide key evidence.

Police rushed to the scene after receiving multiple reports of a pedestrian being struck by a car. They found a Maryland man with serious injuries laying nearby. He was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, but doctors were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Police began to investigate, and the next morning, a surprising witness thought he may be able to help. The caller explained that he may have been in the very vehicle that struck the victim. He identified the driver and said both he and the driver had been drinking and were on the way to another bar. The passenger said he thought the vehicle may have hit something, but after checking the outside of the vehicle for damage, the driver did not seem concerned. The driver was apprehended and now faces criminal charges.

Did you suffer a personal injury on vacation?

Published on: July 1, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Maryland residents were getting a bit stir-crazy, and now that things are beginning to reopen and summer has just begun, many families may be making travel plans. This time of year, staying at a hotel or resort with a nice pool can be a bonus. Parents do their best to reach their children about safety before visiting a pool, but what if the pool area itself is unsafe for visitors? A recent headline depicts a terrible scenario of personal injury.

According to preliminary reports, a father and son were enjoying some time in the pool at a resort when disaster struck. The wind kicked up, and an umbrella from a poolside table came loose and flew into the pool. It struck the man and his young son, who is believed to be about three years old.

The man and his son were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The last update says the pair is in stable condition. An injury like this can quickly end a much-needed vacation and may be especially traumatic for a small child.

Brain injury: Relationship killer?

Published on: June 24, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Relationships always require some give and take. Maintaining a long-term friendship is quite the accomplishment, and it is even more difficult to sustain a romantic relationship, especially when a couple lives together. Married couples frequently have to negotiate various situations in which both parties do not agree, and for a relationship that must factor in a brain injury, compromise can be a tall order. A Maryland victim might not be aware how his or her injury can complicate personal life.

Medical research has firmly established that a brain injury victim commonly suffers from psychological or emotional trouble. The brain is a powerful yet delicate organ, and when damage to certain portions of the brain occurs, a victim may become frustrated with the inability to think, speak, or act as he or she used to before the injury occurred. Some victims report that after such an injury, they often feel like a completely different person.

Some people report suffering from a regressed emotional state. In the heat of an argument, they do not feel they have the ability to process their thoughts into mature statements. A victim may find him or herself blurting out phrases that sound like a young child having a tantrum, or be overly emotional.

Who is responsible for AI medical malpractice?

Published on: June 18, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Maryland residents are used to seeing more and more technological devices when they visit a medical professional. Artificial intelligence, or AI, can be used to help with a variety of things. From checking patients in more quickly to using stored information and algorithms to make diagnostic processes more efficient, AI is becoming more commonplace in the medical field. This may leave many confused about the possibility of medical malpractice.

While one major benefit of AI is that it’s use eliminates some of the possibility for human error, there is a downside as well. Technology, no matter how advanced, can malfunction. Patients may be seriously injured if a medical device malfunctions. An error with an AI device can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect medication or treatment, or false results on medical tests.

In the event that such an error occurs, a patient may feel helpless. An injured patient may be unsure whether legal action should be taken against a doctor or the company that manufactured the AI device. There are a few quick tips that may help determine what action to take.

Negligence causes boating accident

Published on: June 11, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

After the strangest spring that many can recall, Maryland is getting back to normal just in time for summer. As the weather heats up, many people are making plans to visit a beach, lake or river to cool off and have some fun. Fortunately, Maryland offers plenty of places for locals to beat the heat. Boating is one way to enjoy the water, but people should be aware that operator negligence can result in serious injury.

Recently, two ladies decided to spend the afternoon exploring Ocean City on a pontoon boat. A pontoon boat is sort of like a barge, supported by two large floats. They are a larger, slower vessel, perfect for touring around, eating a meal and relaxing.

Unfortunately, the boat operator had the propellers running as the ladies attempted to board. They lost their balance as they tried to get on the boat, and the propellers caused painful injuries to both ladies. The operator was charged with negligence because having the propellers running while people are boarding or exiting a boat is very dangerous.

Research discovers some conditions linked to brain injury

Published on: June 3, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Medical researchers dedicate themselves to finding new ways to help people suffering from serious conditions. Even with advances in technology and diagnostic methods, a serious brain injury may still carry a lot of unknowns. The latest discovery may revolutionize the way medical professionals help patients recover.

It has been known for some time that persons that previously suffered a traumatic brain injury may subsequently suffer from the onset of various mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. With this knowledge, researchers set out to learn the exact correlation between the conditions, and how to predict what long-term conditions an individual patient can expect to face. Maryland brain injury patients may be interested to learn about how a head injury can potentially prevent the individual from ever fully recovering.

A new study shows that a blood test can reveal the presence of a neurofilament, referred to as a biomarker. This particular biomarker is commonly present when nerve cells are damaged or destroyed. Increased levels of this biomarker are an indication that a person might develop significant mental health conditions.

Police caution public about dangerous drivers

Published on: May 28, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Across the state of Maryland, many businesses, public gathering places and government buildings remain closed. Residents continue to do their best to adhere to all the guidelines set forth to curb the pandemic, but people must still venture out to get necessities, provide service at an essential business or seek medical attention. Police warn that, even though the roads are far less crowded these days, incidents of dangerous driving are on the rise.

According to law enforcement officials, police have confirmed an increase in traffic offenses like speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving and other dangerous behavior. Residents have also come forward to recount recent incidents in which another driver has sped past them or cut them off. Some say they are hesitant to go out even for essentials due to the increased risk of a serious accident.

In the span of one weekend, Maryland police had to issue over 400 citations for speeding alone. To illustrate the growing concern, one officer said that he stopped a driver who was going over 100 mph on the highway and was able to confirm that the driver was drunk. When an accident occurs at a high rate of speed, there is an increased potential for serious injury or death.

Drunk driving accident kills two

Published on: May 21, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Statewide shutdowns and unseasonably cold weather has many Maryland residents feeling a bit cooped up. Recently, some businesses have begun to reopen, and people are excited to venture out with friends and family. Unfortunately, not everyone is making safety a priority, and one driver’s drunk driving accident injured or killed everyone in his vehicle.

Maryland police arrived at the scene of a crash and began trying to determine why a single vehicle left the roadway and sustained heavy damage. Initial investigation determined that the vehicle was occupied by four adults. The two people in the back seat were killed, while the driver and front passenger suffered mild injuries.

After gathering witness testimony and making contact with the driver, police say they believe drugs and alcohol played a role in the crash. Driver error and speed also contributed to the accident. As the investigation continues, police may decide to file criminal charges against the allegedly intoxicated driver.

Victim’s family may be entitled to compensation

Published on: May 14, 2020 | by Joel L. Katz, L.L.C.

Last year, Maryland police began investigating the drowning death of a 76-year-old man. Until recently, little information about the tragedy was publicly available. It was revealed that another man present on the scene has been charged with crimes, including manslaughter, and the victim’s family may want to seek compensation in a civil court.

According to the year-long investigation, the victim was on a boat with a 54-year-old man. The victim fell overboard and drowned, and the death was originally ruled an accident. After other evidence came to light, police are now charging the 54-year-old with the death of his friend.

It seems that, after the victim fell overboard, his fellow boater did not attempt to rescue him or seek immediate help. Police say the younger man returned to his vehicle and sat there for over a half hour before calling for help or reporting the accident. The younger man allegedly took verbal responsibility for the death, saying that he was too intoxicated to try to pull the victim back into the boat. Boating under the influence is a crime in Maryland, and the man now faces criminal charges, including, but not limited to, manslaughter.