Seattle Injury Blog

A 50-year-old driver was injured in a Washington car accident after his 2005 Toyota pickup truck was rear-ended by a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The driver of the Toyota was making a left turn into the Sundown M. Ranch from the northbound State Route 821 in Selah, Washington, the Yakima Herald-Republic reports. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital. The extent of their injuries is not known. Officials believe that the woman driving the Maxima may have been inattentive just before the collision occurred. It is not clear what she was doing at the time.

Distractions and inattention amount to negligence when it comes to vehicular accidents. Distractions could include anything from talking on a hand-held cell phone, texting, eating, applying makeup or looking out the window at something that caught your eye. This is how most rear-end accidents are caused and several of these incidents often result in serious injuries. It could cause head injuries, spinal cord injuries or other types of neck and back injuries. Whiplash is one of the most common consequences of a rear-end collision. If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of a rear-end collision caused by a negligent driver, you can file a claim with the help of a Seattle car accident attorney seeking compensation for the medical expenses incurred as well as loss of wages.

Continue reading "Officials Blame Inattention for Washington Auto Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury

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A 25-year-old man died in a Washington auto accident after he drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 and crashed into a truck. According to a news report in the Snoqualmie Valley Record Reporter, the Bremerton man was driving a 2000 Jeep Cherokee east in the westbound lanes near milepost 28. The Jeep narrowly missed a Washington State Patrol trooper's vehicle and crashed into a bakery truck. The Jeep driver died. His 25-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries as did the driver of the truck. Both injured victims were transported to a Seattle hospital. Police believe that alcohol was a factor in this fatal car accident.

It is against the law in Washington State to drive under the influence of intoxicants such as alcohol or drugs. It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, there were a total of 521 traffic accident fatalities in 2008. Out of those, 225 or 43 percent were alcohol-related collisions. Also, 182 of these DUI collisions (about 35 percent), involved a driver with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent.

In cases where someone has been struck by a drunk driver, the victim can file a claim against the driver's insurance seeking compensation. Victims in such cases, can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization and other related damages. If the drunk driver who caused the accident dies in the crash, then a claim for compensation can be filed against the driver's estate or his liability insurance. These can be complicated claims and are best handled by an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented injured car accident victims.

Continue reading "Wrong-Way Driver Killed in Seattle Area Car Crash" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Chrysler has issues an auto product defect recall for more than 355,500 minivans because of a defective airbag sensor, which could cause the airbag to fail in the event of a car accident. According to a news report, Chrysler's recall scheduled to begin in June, covers 355,562 of its 2005-2006 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, including 259,437 in the United States and 72,035 in Canada.

Chrysler officials said they found that one of the front airbag crash sensors could crack under certain environmental conditions and allow water to enter the sensor causing the sensor to become inoperative. So far, no injuries or fatalities relating to these defects have been reported. If the front crash sensors become inoperative in these vehicles, the driver will be warned by the airbag warning light. However, until the vehicle is repaired, the occupants of the vehicle may not receive protection in the event of a car crash.

Airbag defects can result in devastating injuries or even death. Thanks to modern vehicle technology, airbags are an important safety feature in all vehicles today and if they function the way they are supposed to, they definitely offer enhanced protection to the vehicle's occupants. The most common airbag defects in vehicles are failure to deploy and unintentional deployment – which means they deploy when they are not supposed to deploy. Both of these occurrences may result in serious injuries.

If you suspect an airbag malfunction caused your serious injuries or caused your car accident, please contact a reputable Seattle auto accident law firm. Make sure you preserve the vehicle in its current condition, in tact, so it can be examined by an expert for any evidence of product defects. Doing away with the vehicle may destroy the only evidence you may have in an auto products liability case.

Continue reading "Chrysler Recalls Minivans for Airbag Defects" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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Toyota has recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles over auto product defects – primarily sticky gas pedals, defective floor mats that can slip and jam the accelerator, and brake issues. Based on news reports, outside experts even speculate that electromagnetic interference may have caused several incidents of unintended acceleration in recalled Toyota models. Now, the auto maker is facing a government inquiry over whether it tried to delay or avoid a recall in the first place.

Parents of a Seattle resident are one of many who are asking questions about how and why their son died. According to a KOMO News report, like many injured victims or grieving families, the bereaved parents are wondering whether sudden acceleration caused by a sticky gas pedal in the victim’s Toyota Tundra may have caused the fatal car accident on Oct. 17, 2007. The crash occurred when the pickup truck inexplicably crashed head-on into a tree.

Recently this victim’s parents found out that his Tundra was on the recall list as well. They now rightly believe that had Toyota paid attention to the problem, recalled the vehicles and fixed the defects, their son would have been alive.

Toyota's recall comes too late for those in situations similar to this family’s. It is too little too late for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries potentially as a result of the unintended acceleration problem. It is too late for those drivers who have been sent to prison because their car went out of control and injured or killed someone. Seattle personal injury attorneys understand that there have been several car accident cases nationwide where drivers tried convincing juries that it was not them, but their car that was to blame. But no one believed them. Some of those cases are now being reviewed by local prosecutors in different parts of the country.

Continue reading "Seattle Toyota Auto Accident Victim's Case Raises Questions" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , News & Information , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability , Wrongful Death

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Two people sustained serious injuries in a Washington auto accident after they were struck by a car while walking on Southwest 356th Street in Federal Way. According to a news report in the Seattle Times, the driver who struck and injured the pedestrian tried to leave the scene, but was apprehended by police and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run. One of the victims was airlifted to a Seattle hospital due to suffering life-threatening injuries. The other victim, a 50-year-old man, was also transported to a local hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be as serious as the other pedestrian. Officials are also looking into whether alcohol or drugs were involved in this major injury collision.

Several motorists and skilled Seattle car accident lawyers know that leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation of Washington State Law. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.52.020: "A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary."

Continue reading "Two Pedestrians Injured in Federal Way Auto Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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Washington residents, who go to the doctor or to a hospital to receive required medical treatment, expect a high standard of care. Patients never believe or imagine that in getting the help they need, a procedure or surgery would leave them with greater injuries. However, this is the reality of medical negligence. Although mistakes made by medical professionals do not always result in serious injury, several incidents of misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose a condition, incorrect dosage of medication, or surgical error, do end up severely harming a patient.

Some of the most catastrophic of medical negligence incidents cause patients to suffer grave injuries. Far too many patients experience unnecessary surgery, pain and suffering, and additional treatment because of a doctor's error or negligence. Birth injuries may also occur, leaving a baby, and potentially the mother, with debilitating injury.

Whatever the nature of the medical negligence that has negatively affected you and your family, you need the help and guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney who will help protect your rights. Please remember that you need to choose an attorney carefully. You must choose a Seattle medical malpractice lawyer who is not only experienced and knowledgeable in these types of cases, but also one who has access to resources and experts in the medical field to help bolster your case. Such a lawyer will help secure the compensation you rightfully deserve for the injury, and the pain and suffering you have had to experience as a result of someone else's negligence.

Continue reading "Seattle Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help With Your Washington Medical Negligence Case" »

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Posted In: Kirk Bernard , Medical Malpractice , Personal Injury

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At least 23 cars were wrecked and one person was injured in a Washington auto accident on the Interstate 5, King5 News reported. The chain-reaction car accident occurred near the NE 145th Street onramp in Shoreline, Washington. Washington State Patrol officials said the accident was caused by a mix of the rain, the brightness from the sunshine and cars following the vehicle in front of them too closely. Troopers say they expect to issue several citations in connection with this auto accident.

Auto accidents involving multiple vehicles and several parties can be extremely complicated. How do you deal with such an accident? Experienced Seattle car accident lawyers will tell you that if you are in an accident, the first thing you need to do is get as much information as possible. Get photographs of the accident scene. Make sketches of the vehicles' positions when your memory is fresh. Collect insurance, vehicle license plate and driver's license information from the parties involved. If you find eyewitnesses on scene, do get their contact information and statements as well. Eyewitness statements can be invaluable in any auto accident, especially in one where a number of vehicles and victims/parties are involved.

After the accident, please remember not to talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties before first, consulting with your own attorney. Remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They are certainly not looking out for you. Do not sign any papers or agree to any monetary settlement before speaking with your attorney.

Continue reading "Shoreline Auto Accident Involves 23 Vehicles" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury

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State Farm Insurance Company officials are saying that they alerted federal safety regulators as early as 2007 about an increase in reports of unintended or sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles. According to a news report, State Farm insurance said it noticed a rise in reports of such acceleration in Toyotas and notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency in fact received warnings about sudden acceleration in Toyotas as early as 2003. It is not clear whether the agency completely missed these warning signs. That is an issue congressional investigators are exploring.

Toyota, over the recent months, has recalled over 8 million vehicles for faulty gas pedals and floor mats, which are believed to have caused the sudden acceleration problems. Most recently, the auto maker recalled about 437,000 Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix a braking problem caused by a software glitch. The auto maker also stopped producing and selling eight vehicle models including the top-selling Corolla and Camry models. Federal officials said they are also looking into complaints from Corolla owners about steering problems. So far, consumers and Seattle personal injury attorneys are shocked by the fact that NHTSA has received 80 complaints from drivers of 2009 and 2010 Corollas.

Continue reading "Toyota and Federal Government Knew about Product Defects for Years" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , News & Information , Personal Injury

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Federal auto safety regulators have now launched an official investigation into possible vehicle defects, this time involving the power steering in 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corollas. According to a news report in USA Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been getting complaints from Toyota Corolla drivers that they cannot hold the steering straight going down the highway. So far, NHTSA has received 168 complaints, including reports of eight crashes, involving this vehicle defect. NHTSA has opened a preliminary evaluation to determine whether it needs to take a closer look at steering problems in the Corolla and also, the Matrix models, which are quite similar to the Corolla. Much to the shock of consumers and Seattle auto product liability attorneys, about 500,000 vehicles could be involved in this investigation.

If this results in a recall, it certainly would not be Toyota's first in recent months. In fact, the number of vehicles that were recently recalled by the Japanese auto maker adds up to more than 8.5 million. That includes vehicles that were recalled for defective gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. Toyota also suspended production and sales of eight different models of vehicles including the Corolla, until all the defective vehicles can be fixed. Government officials are also looking into whether Toyota officials issued these recalls in a timely manner. Meanwhile, the company is also facing a slew of lawsuits over the unintended acceleration caused by the gas pedal and mat defects.

Continue reading "Reports of Toyota Corolla Steering Problems Trigger Federal Investigation" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , News & Information , Personal Injury , Product liability

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Two men sustained serious injuries after the scaffolding they were standing on collapsed, according to a recent report. The construction accident occurred in the 3900 block of 48th Avenue South in Seattle's Mount Baker neighborhood. The two men were taken to Harborview Medical Center. One of the victims was listed in serious condition while the other was in satisfactory condition. Officials are looking into what caused the accident. The men were apparently construction workers who were working on a house in the area.

As a skilled Washington personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard is familiar with how falls from scaffolds are one of the main causes of Washington construction accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than 2 million construction workers operate on scaffolds each year. In addition, OSHA estimates that protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year. However, not all construction companies or contractors follow the safety standards and procedures that are meant to keep workers safe on scaffolds. These are injuries and deaths, which can be easily prevented.

Continue reading "Two Construction Workers Seriously Injured in Scaffolding Collapse" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Work Injury , Workers' Compensation

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A 66-year-old man sustained fatal injuries in a Washington auto accident after his car collided head-on with a bridge support on the southbound Valley Freeway at 15th Street Northwest in Auburn. According to a news report in the Auburn Reporter, the man was driving a Toyota pickup truck, when he struck the bridge support at a high rate of speed. In fact, eyewitnesses told investigators that there were no brake lights from the Toyota before the impact. The man died at the scene. The incident is being investigated by the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

In such cases, it is extremely important to have a skilled Seattle car accident lawyer help you determine whether the accident was caused by a defective auto. The vehicle involved in this incident was a Toyota pickup truck. Witnesses state that the driver made no attempt to stop and went speeding right into the bridge support. It might be useful in this case to find out whether the vehicle malfunctioned and whether it is one of the models included in Toyota’s recall of more than 8 million vehicles for defective gas pedals or floor mats said to cause sudden or unintended acceleration.

Continue reading "Man Killed in Washington Auto Accident" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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The driver of a Toyota was injured in a Bellevue auto accident after he drove the wrong way and collided head-on with a construction vehicle. According to a news report, the crash occurred when a man in a 1998 Toyota entered the Interstate 90 the wrong way from an HOV off-ramp. He ended up crashing head-on with a large road construction vehicle parked near an exit at 150th Avenue SE in Bellevue. The driver of the Toyota was trapped inside and had to be extricated. He was taken to a Seattle hospital with critical injuries. No one else was injured in this crash. Washington State Patrol officials say the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol.

This accident is yet another reminder that driving under the influence is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injuries or death. In this case, it is extremely fortunate that this wrong-way driver did not injure anyone else. Yet, it is unfortunate that the driver sustained injury. As any motorist or Seattle car accident attorney should know, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also a serious crime in Washington State. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502, driving under the influence is when "a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state." It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Continue reading "Bellevue DUI Car Crash Injures Driver" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about defective cribs, which have been responsible for three infant deaths. According to an Associated Press news report, the federal safety agency is recalling 500,000 drop-side cribs, manufactured by Generation 2 Worldwide and ChildESIGNS. The plastic hardware on these cribs can break and allow the drop side to detach, creating a space where the child can become entrapped and suffocated. Also, the mattress supports in these cribs can break away from the crib frames creating a gap where children can suffocate.

CPSC has received three reports of children who died after getting trapped and being suffocated in these defective cribs. The victims were an 8-month-old boy from Ohio who died in June 2007; a 6-month-old boy from Indiana who suffocated in a crib and died in October 2003; and another 6-month-old boy from Virginia who died in September 2002 after two missing screws allowed the lower drop-side track of his crib to pull away from the headboard post. These cribs were sold at retailers nationwide including Buy Buy Baby, Kmart and Wal-Mart.

Several consumers and Seattle products liability attorneys are aware of the fact that more than 5 million cribs have been recalled over the last few years because of similar defects and hazards. Almost all of these recalled cribs were drop-side cribs. These cribs were recalled because when the drop-sides detached, an entrapment and suffocation hazard was created. Inferior parts and poor quality control have also contributed to these product defects.

Continue reading "500,000 Defective Cribs Recalled after Infant Deaths" »

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Posted In: Kirk Bernard , News & Information , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability , Wrongful Death

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Men's Health and USA Today released a recent study, which lists Spokane 51st among the "Drunkest Cities" in the United States. According to a KREM news report, these rankings are based on 100 major cities in the country that have high numbers of DUI car accidents, high death rates from liver disease, DUI arrests and severe binge drinking. In fact, Spokane ranked higher than Seattle on this list. Seattle is ranked the 64th drunkest city in the United States.

According to Washington State Patrol officials, there were 100 DUI auto accidents in Spokane County in 2009. Last year there were three high-profile DUI crashes in Spokane, which may have drawn attention to the Lilac City. In December, there was a triple fatal crash on the Interstate 90 where the driver was drunk.

Driving drunk is illegal in all 50 states. In Washington State, as in most other states, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI car accident caused by another driver, please remember that you have a legal right to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. Seattle car accident attorneys may be able to help an injured individual hold a driver who was under the influence financially responsible for causing the accident and resulting injuries.

Continue reading "Spokane Ranks among Nation's "Drunkest" Cities" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Troopers and tow truck drivers in Washington State are supporting a bill that creates "emergency zones" which they believe will protect them and other first responders who help stranded motorists on the state's highways. According to a news report in King 5 News, 23 Washington State Patrol vehicles were hit in 2009 on the side of the state's highways. Under the proposed law, drivers who are caught speeding within 200 feet of a vehicle that has flashing lights – police cars, tow trucks or ambulances – would receive citations for double the standard speeding amount.

The new law, if passed, would also require drivers to move out of the far right lane as long as it is safe. Also, drivers who operate their vehicles recklessly in those zones could face a $5,000 fine and lose their license for two months. It is not known yet when this law would go into effect. However, Washington State Patrol officials would be responsible for educating and informing drivers about the law before they start writing out these citations.

As a Seattle auto accident lawyer, I'm absolutely in support of this law. This law is necessary to keep these first responders, who are the first to get to the scene of an accident on the highway, safe and secure so they can do their jobs. Anyone who has had their vehicle break down on the highway knows that it can be a very scary place. A lot of times, motorists are negligent, driving recklessly or simply not paying attention to their surroundings.

Continue reading "New Washington State Law Will Keep First Responders Safe on Highways" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , News & Information , Personal Injury

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A 78-year-old man suffered injuries in a Washington auto accident after he failed to yield to another vehicle at a Cle Elum intersection on State Route 903. However, according to a news report in the Yakima Herald-Republic, this accident occurred because the stop sign at that intersection had been knocked into a snow bank. Thus, the injured driver had no idea he had to stop at that intersection and yield right-of-way to passing vehicles. The man was making a left turn as another man in a Chevy pickup truck was passing the intersection. Police say neither driver will face charges. The 78-year-old man suffered shoulder and ear injuries.

If a vehicular accident is caused by a dangerous condition on the roadway, the injured victims could file a claim against the city or governmental entity responsible for the maintenance of that roadway. In this particular case, it is important to look into when the stop sign fell and for how long it was not fixed. If a reasonable amount of time passed without the stop sign being fixed, then the responsible governmental agency could be held liable for the injuries caused to the 78-year-old man. When it comes to governmental entities or agencies, there are time limits within which you need to file your personal injury claim. So, it would be in your best interest to contact a qualified and experienced Washington car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Continue reading "Downed Stop Sign Causes Street Intersection Car Crash" »

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A 35-year-old man was recently hospitalized with injuries he sustained in a Washington bicycle accident. According to a news report, the bicyclist was headed east on a road in Bainbridge Island when a driver pulled out in front of the bike and caused the collision. The bicyclist was transported to a Seattle hospital with serious injuries. However, officials said that his injuries were not life-threatening. The bicyclist was wearing proper reflective gear and had lights on his bicycle; however, the car's driver apparently told officials that he was not able to see the bicyclist. The Kitsap County prosecutor's office is reviewing the case to determine whether any charges should be filed.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 698 bicyclists died in 2007 nationwide and about 43,000 were injured. Bicycle accidents often occur because motorists are not actively looking for smaller vehicles such as bicycles or motorcyclists when they attempt a turn on the roadway or come out of a parking lot. As a bicycle accident victim, if you have been injured by a negligent driver, you could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Injured in Bainbridge Island Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Bicycle Accident , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury

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So far, Toyota has recalled more than 7 million vehicles over faulty gas pedals and floor mats. The auto maker has also stopped production and sales of eight models, including its top-selling Camry and Corolla models. The first Toyota recall was issued last year after an auto accident in California killed a highway patrol officer and three members of his family. The officer was in a loaner Lexus and the defective floor mat in the car allegedly caused the accelerator pedal to become jammed. The car accelerated out of control at 120 mph, crashed, and caused four fatalities.

Toyota officials say they have come up with a fix for the gas pedals, which has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The problem with the gas pedals was that the pedal mechanism could become worn and harder to depress or it could get stuck in a partially depressed position, thus causing sudden or unintended acceleration.

Toyota engineers have been working to insert a spacer in the pedal mechanism in order to increase the tension in a spring and reduce the risk of the gas pedal sticking or staying down. The auto maker has also come under quite a bit of criticism for failing to act quickly on unexpected acceleration issues related to the faulty floor mats. Federal officials say Toyota has known about the problem with the mats since 2007 and has still done nothing to fix it.

Continue reading "Toyota to Fix Defective Gas Pedals" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , News & Information , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability , Wrongful Death

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Falls from scaffolds are one of the main causes of Washington construction accidents. When a worker is on a scaffold, a number of things could go wrong. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than 2 million construction workers work on scaffolds each year. In addition, OSHA estimates that protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year.

As a skilled Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard knows that some of the most common hazards include falls from elevation due to lack of fall protection; scaffold collapse; being struck by falling tools or object; and electrocution because of the proximity of the scaffold to overhead power lines. If you work on scaffolds, here are the top 7 safety tips:

1. Make sure that a competent person has inspected the scaffold before you work on it.


2. Wear protective gear, including a hard hat whether you are working on or under a scaffold.


3. Use a personal fall arrest system such as a harness.


4. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles.


5. Always use common sense and move slowly and carefully. If you are not sure if a scaffold is safe, talk to a supervisor.


6. Never overload a scaffold or hit a scaffold with anything heavy such as truck or forklift.


7. Use an outdoor scaffold in stormy or windy weather or if it is covered with ice or snow.

Continue reading "Be Safe with Scaffolds - Kirk Bernard's 7 Construction Safety Tips" »

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You could be left agonizing for days about the right car seat for your little one. After all, it is the car seat, which you count on to protect one of your most precious family members. So, how do you select a secure car seat that will not break the bank and keep your child safe and comfortable? Here are the top five questions you can ask yourself to help pick that perfect car seat:

1. Is it easy to install? - If it looks too complicated, it's not the car seat for you. You need a car seat that is easy to install CORRECTLY. If you do not install the seat properly, your baby may not be secure. You also need to look for a base that you can permanently install in the car. After that, all you'll need to do is settle the seat securely into the base and buckle up your child. Life is busy enough with a little one around. Keep it simple.


2. Are there adequate restraints? - Remember that you need to look for an infant seat with a five-point safety harness. The straps – one for each shoulder, one for each thigh and one between your baby's legs – are more adjustable and therefore safer for an infant. Car seats with plastic shields or T-bar restraints should be avoided.


3. Are the belts easily adjustable? - Do not buy seats that require you to adjust the buckle from the back of the seats. Buy one that will allow you to easily adjust the belt from the front.


4. Does it have a LATCH system? - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires that all child safety seats be compatible with a LATCH system, which is short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This system enables you to attach the seat directly to the vehicle instead of using the seatbelt to secure it.


5. How easily can it be kept clean? : Although this is not a safety issue, you want to make sure that car seats come with pad covers you can remove and wash easily. Let's face it, babies are messy. And finally, you want to buy a well-padded seat with good head support so baby has a comfortable ride. That way, so will you!

Continue reading "Kirk Bernard Explains How to Choose a Safe Car Seat for your Child" »

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About 55,000 children's necklaces sold at Wal-Mart stores are being recalled because they contain high levels of cadmium, according to a news report in consumeraffairs.com. Cadmium is a toxic metal listed high on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) list of substances most harmful to the environment. Cadmium is toxic when ingested by young children and can cause several adverse health effects including brain, kidney, lung and bone damage.

These defective products, which were manufactured in China, were sold exclusively in Wal-Mart retail stores across the country from November 2009 through January 2010 for about $5. The recalled jewelry is in the shape of a metal crown or frog pendant on a metal link chain necklace in a crown hinged box. If you have one of these necklaces at home, please take it away from your child and return the product to Wal-Mart to obtain a full refund.

Continue reading "Cadmium Contamination: Children's Necklaces Sold at Wal-Mart Recalled" »

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Posted In: News & Information , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability

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A surgeon in Orange County, California, operated on the wrong part of a child's body this week, according to a news report. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, this is the Children's Hospital of Orange County's third such surgical error in the last four years. The child was set to undergo a procedure to loosen a small fold of tissue behind the upper lip. What the surgeon did was to loosen the tissue underneath the child's tongue.

According to The Joint Commission, which monitors hospital safety and quality across the country, nearly 120 wrong-site surgeries took place nationwide just in 2008. The error at this particular hospital occurred in spite of safety procedures that were put in place after two prior wrong-site surgeries. In January 2006, a child had to undergo additional surgery after the surgeon cut into the wrong side of the child's skull. In June 2007, the surgeon inserted tubes into both of the child's ears instead of only the right ear. Wrong-site surgery is in fact the most common surgical error that occurs and most often, it is because of a breakdown in communication among the surgical team or between the surgeon and the patient or his or her family members.

Continue reading "Surgeon Operates on Wrong Body Part" »

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Posted In: Medical Malpractice , Personal Injury

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The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has begun a one-year national emphasis program on record keeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. OSHA's move comes after recent studies show that employers have been underreporting injuries relating to construction accidents, industrial accidents and other workplace incidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 mandates the U.S. Department of Labor to collect and compile numbers about the extent of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths in the country. OSHA regulations also require employers to maintain accurate records with regard to such information.

This is an important step taken by OSHA because record keeping helps identify what factors cause these injuries and fatalities. This data and information helps address those issues and make sure that steps are taken to prevent such incidents. There were disturbing reports recently that employers intimidate, harass or retaliate against workers who reported injuries or illnesses or complained against safety hazards. This is unacceptable. If employers are not following safety standards, they should be reported. Cover-ups of any kind should not be tolerated. Workers who are injured should not quietly accept whatever settlement their employer gives them. If you were injured in a Washington construction accident or were injured on-the-job, please understand that you have rights.

Continue reading "OSHA Program Raises Awareness For Underreporting of Workplace Accidents and Injuries" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , Personal Injury , Work Injury , Workers' Compensation

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Two people in Yakima, Washington, were hospitalized with injuries after a DUI car accident in which officials say the suspect was also speeding.

According to a news report in the Yakima Herald-Republic, a 44-year-old man driving a Ford Aerostar was speeding south on Martin Luther King Boulevard when he tried to pass a Dodge Caravan. The Ford van then crashed head-on into a Ford Mustang driven by a 23-year-old woman. The woman was seriously injured and sustained multiple leg and ankle fractures. The suspect was also injured and was taken to a Seattle hospital, but was later arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Officials are also considering vehicular assault charges.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in Washington State. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502, driving under the influence is when "a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state." It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Continue reading "Washington DUI Car Accident Injures Two" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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Whatcom County Sheriff's officials are investigating the death of a worker at a local dairy farm north of Lynden, Washington, according to the Bellingham Herald. Officials say a large, overhead door fell on the 30-year-old worker and pinned him against an interior cattle gate. He died at the scene. Officials are looking into whether the door fell as a result of a mechanical failure. Authorities will report the findings of their investigation to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, there were a total of 47 fatalities in the dairy industry in 2007. Out of these fatalities, 13 deaths were a result of contact with objects and equipment. That category includes dairy workers who were killed as a result of falling objects. In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the door to fall on the worker. In cases where industrial accidents result in death, the worker's family will be entitled to worker's compensation benefits. However, if the fatal injury involved negligence on the part of someone else or a defective product, a third party claim can be brought against the negligent party or the manufacturer of the defective product.

Continue reading "Worker Fatally Injured On the Job in Washington Dairy Accident" »

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Posted In: Personal Injury , Work Injury , Workers' Compensation , Wrongful Death

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A Washington state construction worker was fatally injured by a large, heavy piece of concrete on a construction site recently. The worker was trying to remove a collapsed column with an excavator. Part of the column broke loose and crushed the cab of the excavator. That piece alone weighed about 18,000 pounds. Investigators from OSHA are trying to figure out how the piece of concrete broke loose and fell.

Construction site accidents, especially those that involve falling objects, can cause devastating injuries or deaths. Very often, workers get hit by falling objects at construction sites. Construction sites are inherently dangerous because of the presence of heavy columns, steel bars, scaffolds and trenches. There is danger lurking in each and every corner. That is why it is critical that builders and contractors follow safety standards mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The tragedies, which occur at Washington construction sites, can be prevented by following the safety standards spelled out by state and federal regulatory agencies.

Continue reading "Construction Worker Crushed to Death by Piece of Heavy Concrete" »

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A 60-year-old man from Spokane was killed in a pedestrian accident after he was struck by a car while crossing a street. According to a KHQ news report, the man was walking across Division near the 9600 block in an unmarked crosswalk when he was struck by a southbound car. The injured pedestrian was transported to a Spokane hospital where he later died. The driver remained at the scene, but officials say he is likely to face charges.

Washington State law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.235 (1): "The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway."

Continue reading "Spokane Man Killed While Crossing the Street" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Caramia is issuing a product defect recall for about 1,000 "Diane" drop-side cribs. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the slats on these recalled cribs' drop side can detach from the top and bottom rails posing fall and entrapment hazards to young children. So far, the company has received 18 reports of the slats detaching. No injuries or fatalities have been reported yet as a result of these product defects.

These cribs were manufactured in Slovenia from September 2002 and June 2004 and sold at Buy Buy Baby and other children's products and mass merchandise stores nationwide. They were sold for between $240 and $370. If you have one of these cribs in your home, preschool or childcare facility, please stop using them and call the company to receive a free replacement drop side.

Continue reading "Defective Cribs Recalled for Fall and Entrapment Hazard" »

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Posted In: Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability

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A recent news article reports that a 53-year-old Washington construction worker was killed when he and another employee were installing an electrical line at a shopping center. The accident happened when their bucket truck failed. The worker was thrown from the bucket and struck the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Washington State construction site accidents have the potential to result in debilitating injuries or even death. Where serious or catastrophic injuries are involved, construction workers and their families come under tremendous emotional and financial strain. In many cases, families lose their primary wage-earner or sole breadwinner, which puts them in quite a tough predicament. Still, the fact remains that a majority of Seattle construction site accidents, which lead to such tragedies, can be easily prevented and avoided by following safety standards. Sometimes, these tragedies are also caused by defective products and equipment malfunctions. Equipment failure can happen because of a manufacturing defect or because it was poorly maintained. If maintenance is the issue, the injured worker or his family could file a claim against the contractor or sub-contractor in charge of maintenance. If the malfunction was caused by a product defect, the worker or his family can file a third-party claim against the manufacturer of the defective product.

Continue reading "Construction Worker Dies As a Result of Equipment Malfunction" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , Personal Injury , Workers' Compensation , Wrongful Death

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A Washington couple was injured in an auto accident after their pickup truck and trailer rolled over on the Interstate 82 near Prosser, Washington. According to a news report in the Yakima Herald-Republic, a 64-year-old man was driving a 2002 Ford pickup towing a 37-foot trailer. He lost control of the vehicle rolling both the pickup and the trailer on the inside shoulder of the highway. The man and his wife both suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital, but it is not clear whether they sustained serious injuries. Both were wearing seatbelts. Washington State Patrol officials say the driver's inattention may have caused or contributed to this accident as well.

In any rollover auto accident, it is also important to look into whether an auto product defect, design defect or mechanical malfunction may have caused or in any way contributed to the accident. The auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable for the injuries and damages, if so. If a vehicle defect is suspected in an auto accident, it is important to preserve the vehicle so it can be examined carefully for product defects, malfunctions or other evidence. Experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys will almost always suggest that, if possible, photos are taken of the accident in order to document the scene.

Continue reading "Washington Couple Injured in Rollover Accident" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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A woman was injured in a Spokane car accident after her vehicles struck a deer on U.S. Highway 2 near Bear Lake, The Spokesman-Review reports. Washington State Patrol officials said the accident occurred at Westwood Avenue after the woman who was driving on the highway hit a deer. The extent of the woman's injuries is not clear.

According to a recent news report, deer versus vehicle collisions in Washington State have increased by 15 percent just in the last five years. According to statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are about 1.5 million deer versus vehicle collisions every year in the United States. These types of auto accidents cause more than 150 fatalities each year and typically occur in the months of October, November and December. In fact, the chance of a vehicle striking a deer is 1 in 516, according to deer claims data from 2007 and 2008 provided by State Farm Insurance.

Any Seattle personal injury lawyer will tell you that these accidents should not be taken lightly. Motorists – be it car drivers or motorcycle riders – should take every possible precaution to avoid deer collisions. Here are a few safety measures you can take to avoid colliding with deer. First, always be aware of deer crossing signs. These are usually placed in active deer areas. When you are traveling at night, be sure to use the high beam to light up the road ahead. Remember, deer are most active between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Also, deer tend to travel in groups or herds. So if you see one, stop, because there may be others following.

Continue reading "Motorist Injured in Spokane after Collision with Deer" »

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American Chronicle recently published a new article by Kirk Bernard regarding 2009 dog bite statistics. This type of data helps spread awareness about the dangers of dog attacks, thus helping prevent such bites and injuries from taking place.

Recently, a Seattle Washington dog bite victims' advocate group has released statistics about dog attacks for the year 2009. According to the report by Dogsbite.org, in 2009 there were 32 fatal dog attacks in the United States. Pit bulls apparently accounted for 44 percent of all the fatal attacks. And pit bulls make up only 5 percent of the U.S. dog population! In 2009 alone, pit bulls and rottweilers together accounted for 56 percent of all fatal dog attacks. During the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, the same breeds were responsible for 70 percent of all the recorded deaths.

To learn more about dog bite statistics for 2009 and how you can help prevent dog attacks from happening, please read the entire article here.

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Master Forge brand grills sold at Lowe's stores have been recalled because of a product defect, which can apparently cause fires. According to a news article in Consumer Reports, the flexible rubber hose on the LP gas tank can come in contact with the burner box, causing the hose to melt and rupture when the grill is lit. So far, Sagittarius Sporting Grills has recalled 10,000 of these Master Forge five-burner gas grills. The firm is aware of two complaints, and so far, no injuries have been reported. These defective gas grills were imported from China by LG Sourcing and sold and Lowe's stores from September to November of 2009 for about $500. Those who have these gas grills at home are asked to stop using them immediately and contact the company for a free repair kit.

Recently, many brands of gas grills manufactured in or imported from China have been recalled for these types of fire hazards. Some of the recalled models of gas grills have caused injuries and property damage. These are product defects, which have the potential to cause serious burn injuries and even death. Seattle personal injury attorneys are available to help when product manufacturers put defective or substandard products on the market without proper quality control. Those injured by such products may be able to hold negligent manufacturers responsible for resulting injuries or fatalities.

Continue reading "Defective Gas Grills Recalled for Fire Hazard" »

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A recent American Chronicle article posted by Kirk Bernard addresses different types of spinal cord injuries and their potentially catastrophic consequences. The article begins by stating that injuries to the spinal cord can be some of the most traumatic and life changing of all, mainly because the spinal cord is responsible for so many of the body´s functions. This long cord is protected by the vertebrae of the spine, and is responsible for transporting messages from the brain to other parts of the body. The spinal cord plays a vital role in movement, senses, and even unconscious bodily functions like respiration and circulation. Therefore, it´s not at all surprising that an injury to any area of the spinal cord can have catastrophic effects.

To learn more about the repercussions of spinal cord injuries and how you can better protect yourself, please read the entire article.

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Posted In: Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Spinal Cord Injury

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A 44-year-old woman suffered critical injuries in a Washington train accident after her minivan was broadsided at a crossing by a train traveling at 48 mph. According to an Associated Press news report, the woman had just dropped off a child in an elementary school when the accident occurred. She was transported to a local hospital.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in 2006 alone, train accidents caused 909 fatalities and 8,244 injuries nationwide. Railroad employees, passengers in other autos at railroad crossings, passengers aboard trains, or pedestrians walking on or near railroad tracks are among those injured in these dangerous train accidents. Sometimes, these collisions happen because of the fault of other drivers. But very often, these accidents occur due to the lack of safety features at these street-level train crossings or when the safety features such as crossbars or lights fail to work at the crossings. These types of accidents could also occur as a result of the train operator's error.

Continue reading "Woman Critically Injured in Spokane Valley Train Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Train Accidents

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Three people sustained injuries in a rear-end car accident on the Highway 502. The accident occurred when an eastbound 2003 Mazda pickup stopped to turn left into a driveway when the vehicle was struck from behind by a Nissan Altima. The driver of the pickup truck sustained head injuries while the other driver and his passenger sustained head and neck injuries. Washington State Patrol blames the accident on speed and inattention and cited the driver of the Nissan Altima for speeding.

Rear-end auto accidents are usually caused as a result of carelessness. However, victims of such accidents are very often left with severe back, neck or head injuries that require continued treatment and medical expenses. Recently, The Bernard Law Firm obtained a $91,000 settlement for a Kirkland Washington woman who was rear-ended in Mill Creek. She was a professional body builder who was forced to quit competitive body building due to neck, back and right wrist strain that required surgery and lengthy hand therapy.

Continue reading "Washington Car Accident Injures Three" »

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An alarming report in the Chicago Tribune talks about an increase in reports of violent attacks by felons living in nursing homes. Many nursing home facilities are apparently not complying with a four-year-old disclosure law that requires them to notify state and public health officials when they admit offenders. As a result, some offenders in that state have been living in facilities undeclared for as long as a year.

There have been several recent incidents involving felons abusing or seriously injuring other nursing home residents. Most recently a 22-year-old mentally ill felon pleaded guilty to brutally raping a 69-year-old woman who lived in the same nursing home. In that case, the felon's background screening had been improperly handled by the nursing home because they used the wrong birth date. In Illinois, nursing homes are required to conduct criminal background checks on all new residents and immediately notify state health authorities when someone with a serious felony conviction is admitted.

However, some homes still fail to conduct these important background checks or make serious errors on the checks, or simply fail to report these felons to officials. Some of these offenders, as a result, went on to commit assaults and serious crimes inside the homes. As a result of the nursing home's negligence and their failure to take these background checks seriously, they exposed their own residents to danger.

Continue reading "Crimes by Convicted Felons in Nursing Homes on the Rise" »

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Posted In: News & Information , Nursing Home Abuse , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 4,001 Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles because of possible airbag defects, which might prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in the event of a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these affected 2010 Range Rover models may experience airbag lamp illumination on the instrument cluster. The NHTSA report states: “This warning lamp may clear on each subsequent ignition cycle. The passenger airbag will be disabled when the airbag warning lamp is illuminated as a result of this defect and the passenger airbag warning disable lamp in the overhead console will also illuminate.”

The deployment of the passenger side airbag may fail to occur in case of a car accident. This could cause devastating personal injuries and even death to the passenger. When this recall begins, Land Rover dealers will update the vehicles' restraint control module with the integrated diagnostics system tool with updated software.

Continue reading "Auto Recall for Range Rover Vehicles Involves Airbag Defects" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability

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A 58-year old Seattle man was killed in a pedestrian accident after he was struck by a pickup truck while attempting to the cross Benson Highway in an unincorporated area of Kent. According to a news report, the man was not in a crosswalk when he tried to cross the five-lane highway. Washington State Patrol officials said the driver of the 2000 Toyota pickup truck could not stop in time to avoid colliding with the man.

This is apparently the second pedestrian-car collision in the last seven weeks along the Benson Highway. A 22-year-old woman was killed in October when she tried to cross the highway to catch a bus. That pedestrian was not in a crosswalk either. Officials say it is not illegal to cross the highway, but pedestrians must yield right-of-way to vehicles when they are not in a crosswalk. Officials say that pedestrians should use a crosswalk when crossing any street, especially at night time when visibility is greatly reduced.

Continue reading "Fatal Washington Pedestrian Accident on Benson Highway" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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A Washington construction site can pose numerous dangers to a worker. One of the less-talked-about dangers in construction sites involves nail guns. There was a recent news report about a construction worker who miraculously survived a nail that went through his heart. The accident occurred when he was in the middle of a construction job. The nail gun bounced off a ladder and the worker's hand slipped and hit the trigger. He was taken to a hospital where surgeons opened his chest cavity and removed the nail. Doctors said that he might have bled to death had someone pulled out the nail instead of getting him to the hospital first.

Nail gun injuries have been steadily increasing over the last five years. According to a recent study, 42,000 people – more than 100 a day – show up in the nation's hospital emergency departments annually with nail gun injuries. Treating these wounds reportedly costs the United States at least $338 million a year in emergency medical care, rehabilitation and workers’ compensation, according to an estimate by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Accidental discharge and defective nail guns, which suddenly begin to shoot out nails, cause a majority of injuries at construction sites. If you have suffered a nail gun injury as a result of someone else's negligence or as the result of a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation.

Continue reading "Nail Guns Can Cause Serious Construction Site Injuries" »

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Washington State Patrol officials are looking for a driver who they say caused a fatal car accident and then left the scene of the crash in Whatcom County. According to a KGMI news report, the car struck and killed and pedestrian on Blaine Road south of Lynden-Birch bay Road. Witnesses described the car as a dark-colored sedan. Authorities believe that the car may have front-end damage.

Leaving the scene of any traffic accident is a serious crime in Washington State, especially if another individual has been seriously injured or killed. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.52.020: "A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary."

Continue reading "Washington Hit-and-Run Car Accident Kills Pedestrian" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Errors that occur during surgery can sometimes have devastating consequences and change a person's life forever. Seattle personal injury attorneys have represented a number of injured clients who have suffered permanent disabilities or have had to undergo unnecessary procedures, pain and suffering, and medical expenses as a result of surgical errors.

According to a news report in the North Platte Bulletin, a couple recently filed a lawsuit against the doctor who they say performed an unnecessary and botched surgery that damaged the woman's vocal chords permanently. The complaint states that the doctor recommended removing all or part of the woman's thryroid gland to treat a goiter. During the procedure, the doctor explained to the woman that he would do the necessary monitoring to prevent nerve and vocal chord damage.

However, after the surgery, the woman started to have symptoms such as hoarseness and shortness of breath. After getting a second and third opinion, it was determined that the doctor who performed the thyroidectomy did not employ a monitoring device. As a result, the woman had to have additional procedures to correct the botched surgery and has still been left with damaged vocal chords, permanent shortness of breath and scars from the additional procedures.

Continue reading "Patient Filed Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Over Botched Throat Surgery" »

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Posted In: Medical Malpractice , Personal Injury

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Dorel Juvenile Group Inc. has issued a product defect recall for about 447,000 baby car seat carriers after many reports of the child restraint handle coming loose and infants falling and getting injured. According to an Associated Press news report, at least three infants have been injured. They have sustained bumps, bruises and even head injuries. The Indiana-based manufacturer of the car seats has also gotten 77 reports of the child restraint handle fully or partially coming off the products.

This recall involves several brands of car seats, commonly sold in retail outlets, including Safety 1st, Cosco, Eddie Bauer and Disney. The defective car seat carriers were sold at department and children's product stores all over the United States from January 2008 to December 2009. This recall is being conducted by Dorel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Continue reading "Defective Car Seat Carriers Recalled for Fall Hazard" »

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A construction worker was killed at a work site on Guemes Island, according to a KIRO TV news report. The accident reportedly occurred when an 1,800-square-foot home fell off its foundation and crushed one of the workers to death. Six workers were lowering the house in order to comply with building codes, when the house slipped. Five of the workers apparently, were able to escape, but one worker was killed after being trapped and crushed by pieces of the structure.

A majority of construction accidents are caused by falling objects. Many of these involve catastrophic injuries or death because of the nature of such accidents. However, the sad truth is that most of these accidents are entirely preventable. The big question in such cases is whether the construction company or contractor was following all federal and state construction safety standards. In this case, were all the workers trained to perform the job they were doing? Did they follow all safety procedures? Were they being properly supervised? Was this accident the result of someone else's negligence or a defective product?

Continue reading "Washington Fatal Construction Accident" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , Personal Injury , Work Injury , Workers' Compensation , Wrongful Death

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A jury has awarded $51,000 to the family of a nursing home resident, who died after suffering a large bed sore that ate through her skin, to the bone. According to a recent news report, the jury also decided that the nursing home should cover attorney's fees incurred by the resident's children over five years. The 88-year-old resident died in December 2004 after she underwent a procedure to remove bedsores and treat bone infections caused by the nursing home's extreme neglect including, failing to clean her. Nursing home administrators maintained that the woman had bedsores on other parts of her body and that she did not suffer them as a result of negligence.

Nursing home negligence lawsuits may not yield as much as other personal injury cases in terms of damages. However, in this case, the family gets the satisfaction of holding the facility accountable for their wrongdoing. The civil justice system is about righting a wrong and holding those who broke our nation's civil laws responsible and financially liable to the victim. That's exactly what happened here. The nursing home has been made to pay for their wrongdoing.

Continue reading "Jury Finds Nursing Home Neglect Led to Woman's Death" »

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Posted In: Nursing Home Abuse , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A Consumer Reports analysis of a federal safety complaints database is showing that more than 40 percent of sudden acceleration complaints involve Toyota and Lexus models. According to a recent news report, the study looked at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) safety complaints database, which apparently also found Ford standing out with a significant number of complaints relating to sudden acceleration.

Consumer Reports analyzed all 5,916 reports on 2008 models and identified 166 cases in which the complaint described unintended, sudden acceleration that the driver could not control. A fatal car accident in San Diego which killed a California Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family led Toyota and NHTSA to issue a safety advisory on floor-mat entrapment. Toyota is also preparing for a massive recall involving 4 million vehicles to modify gas pedals and make other changes to remedy potential sudden acceleration problems. Consumer Reports' research found that sudden acceleration incidents were distributed over 22 brands with 47 complaints about Toyota models and five about Lexus vehicles.

Continue reading "Toyota, Lexus and Ford Models Get Most Sudden Acceleration Complaints" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product liability , Wrongful Death

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A recently published article on Ezines addresses spinal cord injury causation and how a person can increase their awareness to lower the chance of injury. Nobody ever dreams they will be the one to sustain a life-altering spinal cord injury, but this kind of injury does happen. In an instant, your entire world can be turned upside down and changed forever. As a Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard knows that everyone can take a proactive approach to prevent spinal cord injuries by learning the major causes of these types of injuries and the simple measures that can help reduce the risk of injury.

To learn more about the most common causes and types of spinal cord injury and how you can protect yourself from suffering spinal cord injury, please refer to the entire article.

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A woman was injured after she crashed into a van hauling a trailer with granite slabs on Highway 305, the Kitsap Sun reports. The woman was traveling north on the highway in a Toyota Camry. Those who saw the incident told officials that the woman was veering in the lanes. Apparently, she first veered right and then to the left of the van before smashing into the van's trailer. The car struck the van on the rear of the driver's side. The impact from the collision knocked the trailer loose, causing the trailer's tires to blow out. The granite slabs spilled and broke on the highway. The woman was transported to a Seattle hospital. Police are investigating this crash.

Such accidents are extremely dangerous because debris spilled on the highway could cause additional accidents and possible injuries. In such cases, it is very important to pinpoint the cause of the accident. It is possible here, that a mechanical problem with the Toyota, or a product defect caused the driver to veer and drive erratically in the first place. In any auto accident where malfunctions or auto product defects are suspected, it is critical that the vehicle be preserved in its current state unaltered, so it can be examined by an accident reconstruction expert carefully, for defects and other problems.

Continue reading "Washington Auto Accident Causes Granite Spill on Highway" »

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A recent Articlebase post by Kirk Bernard discusses the 7 most common motorcycle accident injuries. For motorcycle enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like hitting the open road. Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom that cars and trucks simply can’t. Because motorcyclists aren’t as protected as those who drive cars, however, accidents typically result in more severe injuries. In discussing the catastrophic consequences of spinal cord injury, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, the article acts as a way to heighten the awareness of motorists and motorcyclists of these risks in hopes that less serious motorcycle accident injuries will take place.

To learn more about motorcycle accident injuries to help prevent them from taking place, please refer to the full article.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Motorcycle Accidents , Personal Injury

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A police officer was injured in a Seattle car accident, when a 21-year-old driver in a sport utility vehicle turned in front of the officer's car. According to a Fox news report, the police officer was on his way to work when the SUV suddenly turned in front of him at the intersection of East Pine and Boylston on Capitol Hill. The officer was taken to the hospital, but his injuries were not considered to be major or life-threatening. The driver of the SUV was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in Washington State. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502, driving under the influence is when "a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state." It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Continue reading "Seattle Police Officer Injured in DUI Car Accident" »

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Washington construction site accidents often occur because workers lack the training and education that is necessary to do their jobs. Not having the tools or training to do your job can cause devastating injuries and tragedy. According to a news report, a construction site worker recently sustained injuries after he had to jump off a steam roller, which went out of control. Officials say they believe the worker steered the machine incorrectly while working on a new roadway. The man apparently lost control of the steam roller used for paving the roads and it rolled down a hill. Thankfully, the worker did not suffer life-threatening injuries and no one else was injured. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.

In such cases, accidents may be avoided by making sure that workers have the appropriate training and supervision needed to safely perform a job. This is especially true when it comes to operating heavy machinery. If it is determined that a construction worker was injured as a result of defective or malfunctioning machinery, he or she can file a third-party claim against the manufacturer of the defective product seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering and other related damages.

Continue reading "Construction Worker Injured after Losing Control of Steam Roller" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Work Injury , Workers' Compensation

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A pedestrian has been struck and killed in a Seattle car accident after a wrong-way driver hit him and fled the scene. The hit-and-run suspect was later apprehended by police and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. According to an Associated Press news report, the accident occurred as the pedestrian was crossing at the intersection of Bell Street and Western Avenue. The motorist was going west on Bell Street in a white 2006 Honda. The Honda then turned left at Western after hitting the pedestrian, traveling the wrong way down the one-way street. The pedestrian was transported to a Seattle hospital where he died shortly afterward. The driver of the Honda was later stopped and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and vehicular homicide.

Driving under the influence of intoxicants is a serious crime in Washington State. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502, driving under the influence is when "a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state." It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

Continue reading "Man Fatally Injured in Seattle Pedestrian Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Incidents of nursing home negligence and abuse are hitting an all-time high in the United States. This is definitely a major concern. The news accounts get more and more disturbing. A recent news report says that a nursing home was fined after health investigators found several incidents of "widespread deficiencies," which could immediately put residents in jeopardy.

The 120-bed nursing home is facing a hefty fine after an investigation revealed that several residents were being abused. In fact, an employee told investigators that she saw two other employees mocking a resident who stuttered because that individual has Parkinson's disease. Another resident told investigators that an employee had threatened to strangle her.

What officials found turned out to be hardly surprising. The nursing home was chronically short-staffed and because employees were being over-worked, incidents of staff "burnout" and employees calling in sick have increased exponentially.

Continue reading "Incidents of Emotional Abuse at Nursing Homes Increasing" »

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Posted In: Nursing Home Abuse , Personal Injury

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A Washington cosmetic surgeon is being accused of unprofessional conduct by the state agency that licenses doctors. According to an Associated Press news report, the agency states that the Seattle doctor in 2005 botched a breast reduction on a 15-year-old girl. The Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission states that the doctor should not have performed the procedure because he did not have the education and training required for the job. The doctor apparently put the teen's nipples back in the wrong place giving it an "aesthetically odd and unnatural appearance."

He is also said to have performed liposuction on the 15-year-old exposing her to risk of serious infection. The girl and her parents approached the doctor because she was a high school athlete and the size of her breasts impeded her performance as an athlete and caused her to have neck and back pain, the report states. The same doctor was also previously fined by the state agency in connection with the death of a cosmetic surgery patient who stopped breathing under anesthesia during surgery.

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Posted In: Kirk Bernard , Medical Malpractice , Personal Injury

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Tire defects can become a serious factor in car accidents causing devastating injuries and in numerous cases, fatalities. Many car accidents are the result of what is known as "tire tread separation." The aftermath of such accidents can be catastrophic. Tread belt separations frequently cause tire blowouts. Even when the tire does not lose pressure, the driver often loses control of the vehicle when the tire tread and belt separate from the tire. Even experienced and skilled drivers can lose control of their vehicles. There is also more of a chance that a vehicle can roll over, causing serious personal injury and even deaths.

There was a recent report of an SUV rollover crash involving tire tread separation, which resulted in four people getting ejected from the vehicle. Thankfully, there were no life-threatening injuries. Apparently, in this case, the tread came off a rear tire, causing it to blow out. The driver ended up losing control of the SUV. The SUV then rolled over ejected three men, who were not wearing seatbelts as well as a woman who was wearing her seatbelt. In such accidents where people are ejected in spite of wearing a seatbelt, it is important to look into whether there were any seatbelt defects.

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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Washington construction site accident can result in serious if not catastrophic or fatal injuries. A lot of construction accidents in Washington State and elsewhere in the country occur because of trench collapses in the construction site. A recent construction site fatality was caused by a loose embankment. This incident caused the death of a 27-year-old worker. The embankment reportedly gave way, burying the worker. The injuries he sustained proved fatal.

Officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are apparently investigating how and why this embankment collapsed. They should inspect the construction site for safety violations, verify whether this worker had sufficient training to do his job and also whether he was being properly supervised. OSHA must also look into how well the embankment was secured before the man began work and the contractor's prior history to check if OSHA had investigated them in the past.

OSHA investigations typically take up to six months. But, if you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington construction site accident, it definitely, would not be advisable for you to wait that long before contacting an experienced construction accident lawyer. What many workers and their families do not realize is that employers are constantly protecting themselves, thanks to their team of insurers and attorneys who watch their backs. But, who is looking out for the victim? Who's watching your back?

Continue reading "Construction Worker Fatally Injured after Embankment Collapses" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A Washington State trooper was hospitalized with injuries after a Seattle car accident involving a suspected drunk driver. According to a KOMO news report, a drunk driver in a pickup truck crashed into the patrol car at the intersection of South 348th Street and 16th Avenue South in Federal Way. The pickup was apparently trying to turn north on to 16th Avenue from westbound 348th Street and was speeding.

The 46-year-old driver lost control of his pickup truck, slid across the two northbound lanes and slammed into the trooper's car as she was attempting a left turn from the opposite direction. The truck jumped the curb and struck her at the driver's door. The trooper is believed to be recovering in the hospital. The driver of the pickup was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and apparently, also had drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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Rollover accidents can be extremely devastating for the occupants of a vehicle. Because of the intensity of a violent rollover, victims may suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or even death. Sometimes, factors such as vehicle defects including tire defects, seatbelt defects, or seatback failure could cause or contribute to these injuries. That is why it is extremely important that these auto accident victims or their families consult an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer if they suspect auto product defects, roadway defects or negligence on the part of another driver.

A recent car crash in Yakima, Washington, shows how deadly a rollover accident can be. A 67-yar-old man was killed in Pasco after his car hit another driver's SUV. According to a news report in the Yakima Herald-Republic, the crash occurred on the Interstate 182 in Pasco. Both drivers were westbound on the highway when the man's Honda Accord clipped the rear of a Dodge Durango SUV. The impact of the crash caused the Honda to roll over and land on its top. Officials determined that the man was not wearing his seatbelt and believe that speed may have played a part in the crash as well.

Continue reading "Washington Fatal Rollover Car Accident" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Motorcycle accidents throughout the State of Washington have been known to occur for various reasons. Most collisions involving motorcycles have to do with the inattention or negligent driving on the part of a motorist other than the motorcyclist. Other accidents have been known to be caused by dangerous road conditions, inclement weather, or even a defective motorcycle part or auto part of another vehicle involved in an accident. Aside from these more obvious causes, incidents involving animals, such as deer in the road, are another unfortunate cause of vehicular accidents.

According to a kitsapsun.com article, a Port Orchard motorcyclist hit a deer recently while riding in Mason County. The motorcyclist and his rider suffered serious injuries after being thrown from the bike, which slid approximately 25 yards, after striking the deer. Apparently, alcohol was involved in the accident, and a Washington State Patrol report even mentions that the 55-year-old motorcyclist may face vehicular assault charges since his passenger was injured. The report did not mention any other cause contributing to the accident.

Continue reading "Mason County Motorcycle vs. Deer Accident Results in Serious Injuries" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Personal Injury

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Authorities say alcohol was a factor in a Washington car accident involving four vehicles, which sent one person to a Seattle hospital. According to a news report in the Columbia Basin Herald, a 23-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault and DUI. The driver was apparently driving at a high rate of speed and lost control of his car, causing a chain reaction crash involving three other cars, which were legally parked on the street and thankfully, not occupied. The suspected drunk driver sustained head injuries. His passenger suffered facial injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The suspected drunk driver reportedly did not have car insurance.

Drunk driving is a serious crime in the state of Washington. It is against Washington law (Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502) to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. When a drunk driver injures or kills individuals other than himself, he could not only face criminal charges, but may also be held civilly liable for his wrongdoing.

Continue reading "Washington DUI Car Accident Injures Two" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A defective product recall has been issued for more than 600,000 Perfect Flame SLG Series gas grills, which were sold exclusively at Lowe's stores. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the gas burners on these grills can deteriorate causing irregular flames and the lids of some models can catch fire posing a serious fire and burn injury hazard to users. So far, LG Sourcing has received about 40 reports of fires as a result of this product defect and about 23 lids catching fire. There was also one report of an eye injury that required surgery and 21 incidents of burn injuries to consumers' hands, arms or face.

The recalled grills are the SLG series Perfect Flame brand outdoor propane or natural gas grills, which are painted black or gray metal. The products, which were manufactured in China, were sold at Lowe's retail outlets nationwide between September 2005 through May 2009 for between $200 and $500. Consumers who own these defective grills are asked to stop using the products and contact LG Sourcing to get a free replacement burner and depending on the model, a free replacement lid.

Continue reading "Perfect Flame Grills Recalled for Product Defects that Pose Fire Hazard" »

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Posted In: Burn Injury , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability

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The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled in an auto products liability case against Hyundai Motor Co. that the auto maker withheld evidence in a lawsuit over flawed seat design and should pay $8 million to a man who was rendered paraplegic in a car accident as a result of that auto product defect. According to a Bloomberg news report, the state's high court reversed an appellate court ruling and reinstated a trial court's judgment. The Olympia, Washington court, in its 7-2 ruling stated that the Korean auto maker tried to undermine the discovery of evidence in the 9-year-old case.

One of the Supreme Court justices said he hoped the ruling in addition to appropriately compensating the victim will also send a strong message to Hyundai and other corporations, deterring them from involving themselves in such "deliberate and willful discovery abuse." The victim in this case sued Hyundai in 2000, three years after he was injured as a passenger in a Hyundai hatchback that went off the road. The victim was ejected from the rear window and claimed that his injuries were partly caused by design flaws in the seat, which collapsed during the crash. In 2006, the trial court found that Hyundai officials had falsely responded to the victim's request for internal documents and police reports relating to previous accidents. The court found that this impeded the victim's preparation for trial and undermined this important evidence.

Continue reading "Hyundai Ordered to Pay $8 Million to Washington Car Accident Victim" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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A 20-year-old Grandview, Washington, woman was killed after a drunk driver going the wrong way struck her vehicle head-on on the Interstate 82, the Tri-City Herald reports. The 49-year-old man was charged with vehicular homicide. Prosecutors say the man had been drinking beer before he got behind the wheel of his truck and drove the wrong way on the Interstate 82 slamming into a 2007 Chrysler 300 driven by the young victim. The wrong-way driver apparently had bloodshot and watery eyes and emitted a strong odor of alcohol. His speech was slurred and he admitted to drinking beer, Washington State Patrol officials said.

In Washington State, it is illegal to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also against the law to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. If a DUI accident results in the death of an individual other than the drunk driver, the person will face vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide. Conviction on these charges could mean a lengthy prison time.

Continue reading "Washington Fatal DUI Car Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A Washington car accident killed a 25-year-old man and injured five of his passengers including a toddler, The Kitsap Sun reports. Washington State Patrol officials said that the 1993 Dodge four-door was heading south on Highway 3 when it collided with a 2002 Toyota pickup truck heading north. According to officials, it was the driver of the Dodge who failed to yield right-of-way to the other vehicle. The driver of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. Five passengers were taken to a Seattle hospital in serious condition. The driver of the Toyota pickup truck was apparently not injured.

A number of car accidents in Seattle and elsewhere in Washington occur as a result of drivers failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections. That's exactly what happened in this car accident. The driver, whom officials say failed to yield the right-of-way, was killed, and all of his passengers were seriously injured. I hope that these injured victims recover from their injuries.

Continue reading "Washington Car Accident Kills One, Injures Five" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A Washington car accident killed a 25-year-old man and injured five of his passengers including a toddler, The Kitsap Sun reports. Washington State Patrol officials said that the 1993 Dodge four-door was heading south on Highway 3 when it collided with a 2002 Toyota pickup truck heading north. According to officials, it was the driver of the Dodge who failed to yield right-of-way to the other vehicle. The driver of the Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. Five passengers were taken to a Seattle hospital in serious condition. The driver of the Toyota pickup truck was apparently not injured.

A number of car accidents in Seattle and elsewhere in Washington occur as a result of drivers failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections. That's exactly what happened in this car accident. The driver, whom officials say failed to yield the right-of-way, was killed, and all of his passengers were seriously injured. I hope that these injured victims recover from their injuries.

Continue reading "Washington Car Accident Kills One, Injures Five" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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As trusting consumers, we expect the food products we buy to be free of any substance or ingredient that may cause us harm, illness, or injury. When a food product’s labeling fails to include an important ingredient that many individuals are allegoric to, such as soy, it may be subject to a recall.

According to a Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) report by the United States Department of Agriculture issued on November 4, 2009, Curly’s Food, Inc., has recalled an estimated 12,181 pounds of roast beef deli products. This recall is due to the deli products being accidentally mislabeled in that they contain an allergen – soy. Apparently, the mislabeling issue was revealed after a product check by Curly’s Food, Inc.

Based on the report, the roast beef deli products were made on October 5 and 12, 2009, and were circulated to retail-type delicatessens and Department of Defense Commissaries in Washington and 14 other U.S. states. The report on the recalled product states the following about the product: “Cases containing two (2) various size weight deli-faced pieces of "Healthy Ones, Medium Cooked Roast Beef, 97% Fat Free, No Fillers, No Artificial Flavors, Lower Sodium" in vacuum packaged bags. Each package bears a use by date of "01/03/2010" or "01/10/2010," a case code of "30900-17856" as well as the establishment number "EST. 15878" inside the USDA mark of inspection.”

Continue reading "Roast Beef Recall Extends to Washington" »

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Posted In: Food Recalls , News & Information , Personal Injury , Product Recalls , Product liability

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A Washington car accident involving a Valley Transit bus injured at least three people, the Union-Bulletin reports. The collision apparently occurred at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Main Street in Walla Walla, Washington. There was not much information as to what caused the car accident. A city ambulance transported a 28-year-old woman to a local hospital with injuries. A 20-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man were treated at the scene for unspecified injuries, as well.

In any case where a collision occurs at a street intersection, it usually means that one of the vehicles did not yield right-of-way to the other. One of the vehicles may have also run a red light slamming into the other. In such cases, where a negligent driver may have caused an accident, he or she could be held liable for the accident or injuries caused. If the negligent driver works for a public or private bus carrier, then the bus company or transit authority could also be liable for the victims' injuries.

Continue reading "Three Injured in SUV versus Bus Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Bus Accidents , Kirk Bernard , Personal Injury

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Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in our nation. A recent wenatcheeworld.com report emphasizes this point as it discusses safety precautions at a Central Washington Hospital construction site. According to the article, the M.A. Mortenson Company project supervisor of the five-story building leads a crew of about 50 workers in stretching exercises to help prevent muscles from being pulled or strained. In addition to getting the workers warmed-up so that they aren’t injured while working in weather as low as 32 degrees, the project supervisor also warned the crew to be cautious of slippery conditions on the site resulting from the cooler weather.

The exercises these construction workers do stem from Mortenson’s Zero Injury safety program, which began in 1995. Based on the article, before this safety program was implemented, the company had a higher than average injury rate. Now however, the company has a lower than average industry injury rate. In fact, it recently broke the million mark for man-hours worked without any injuries occurring and resulting in lost work days. This number includes over 36,000 injury-free man-hours on the Central Washington Hospital site.

Continue reading "Wenatchee Construction Site Takes Exemplary Safety Precautions" »

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Posted In: Construction Accidents , News & Information , Personal Injury , Premises liability , Work Injury , Workers' Compensation

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A 43-year-old Seattle man has been killed in a rollover car accident involving several vehicles on the Interstate 5 just north of Highway 518, the News Tribune reports. The victim was apparently driving a 1996 black Toyota Land Cruiser heading south on the 5 Freeway when there was a crash between a white Ford Crown Victoria operated by a taxicab company and a Toyota Land Cruiser. After the impact, the Toyota rolled over and landed on its roof where it was struck by a 2000 Toyota Camry. The driver of the taxi and the Camry were not injured, but the driver of the Land Cruiser, who authorities say, was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead. The incident is still under investigation.

In cases that involve multiple vehicles and victims, it's always a good idea to get legal representation, especially if you've suffered serious personal injury and damages. That's because in these accidents, the investigation is bound to be complicated and will invariably involve insurance adjusters and attorneys for several other parties. There will be conflicting reports and accounts from those involved in the accident as well as eyewitnesses.

Continue reading "Seattle Man Killed in Rollover Car Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A 22-year-old woman sustained critical injuries in a Washington pedestrian accident after a car hit her and left the scene. According to an article in the News Tribune, the young woman from Kent, Washington, was walking along the 2400 block of Benson Road when she was struck. Washington State Patrol troopers apparently found the woman in the northbound lanes of the roadway, 150 to 200 feet from where she was hit. The woman was transported to a Seattle hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

Pedestrian accidents can cause extremely critical injuries including traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, coma or even death. In the United States, about 1,000 innocent pedestrians are injured every day by negligent drivers. According to the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were a total of 5,648 pedestrian accidents in the state in 2007. In those incidents, there were 208 fatalities and 867 serious injuries.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Sustains Critical Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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A 32-year-old bicyclist caused serious personal injuries to a 6-year-old boy near Pike Place Market in Seattle after he struck the child, who was walking in a crosswalk with his father and brother. According to a news report in the Seattle Times, the bicyclist was riding recklessly as he passed several cars, rode through a red light and hit the little boy, who was in a crosswalk. He tried to get back on his bike and ride away, but witnesses stopped him and held him until police arrived on scene. The child was taken to a Seattle hospital with a fractured jaw. According to the news report, the boy's jaw had to be wired shut. Authorities say the bicyclist will be charged with vehicular assault and hit-and-run.

Tragic accidents such as this one occur everyday in Seattle. In this particular case, the child sustained serious injuries as a result of another individual's negligence and blatant disregard for public safety. Asked by officials why he blew through the red light, the bicyclist told them that he thought he "could make it." Negligent bicyclists and drivers should be held accountable for their actions, because those actions cause a lot of pain, emotional distress and financial strain to victims and their families. In this particular case, this little boy suffered serious facial injuries.

Continue reading "Bicyclist Strikes and Severely Injures Child in Seattle Crosswalk" »

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Posted In: Pedestrian Accidents , Personal Injury

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