The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has a new rule that will hopefully help decrease the number of occupant ejections that occur in passenger vehicle crashes. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the final rule today. He said that the “new standard will help save lives and reduce injuries.” Per…
Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
Many Brain Injury Patients Suffer from Pseudobulbar Affect, Says Survey
According to a survey released by the Brain Injury Association of America, about 80% of respondents suffer from a neurological condition called pseudobulbar affect. PBA is believed to occur when there is structural damage to the brain. It can cause involuntary crying or laughing outbursts especially during situations that are…
Number of Fatal Drunk Driving Crashes Up Almost 150% on New Year’s Day, Says AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
While New Year’s Eve and Day are definitely occasions to mark with celebration, it is unfortunate that there are people who may end up dying or getting seriously hurt in a Washington DC car accident because another person was driving while drunk. Hopefully, the more aggressive push by lawmakers and…
District of Columbia Sued for Failing Disabled Nursing Home Patients
A class action complaint has been filed in federal court against the District of Columbia. The lawsuit contends that over 500 (possibly even up to 2,900 disabled) residents have been unnecessarily institutionalized against their own wishes because the city has failed to provide adequate community housing care alternatives. The lawsuit,…
Drop-Side Cribs No Longer Allowed, Rules CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted to ban the manufacture and sale of drop-side cribs. Under the new government crib standards, which hadn’t been modified in almost three decades, all cribs must have fixed sides by June 2011. Hotels and daycare centers also have to get rid of any drop-side…
Washington DC Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Grounds for Personal Injury
According to a study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, almost twice has many people are being hospitalized for dog bite injuries now than 15 years ago. While 5,100 dog bite victims sought hospitalization in 1993, 9,500 dog bite victims were hospitalized in 2008. This rise in dog…
NHTSA Employs “Drunk Driving. Over The Limit. Under Arrest” and “No Refusal” Strategy to Combat Washington DC Car Accidents
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced this week that thousands of law enforcement agencies across the US will be combating drunk driving crashes during the holiday season through the annual “Drunk Driving. Over The Limit. Under Arrest” campaign. Some $7 million in advertising will run between December 15, 2010 and…
Judge Refuses to Dismiss Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Robert E. Wone Case
A judge has refused to grant the requests of the three defendants in the Washington DC wrongful death lawsuit filed by Robert E. Wone’s family. Wone, a 32-year-old DC lawyer, was stabbed to death while at the DuPont Circle house where Joseph Price, Victor Zaborsky, and Dylan Ward were living.…
NHTSA Reports Increase in Drug Use Among Drivers Killed in US Traffic Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, post-mortem test results from between 2005 and 2009 reveal an increase in the level of drug involvement among drivers killed in US traffic crashes. This, however, the NHTSA is quick to qualify that this does not mean that the motorists tested were…
Dangerous Toys Still Found on Store Shelves, Says PIRG
The US Public Interest Research Group has published its 25th annual toy safety report called “Trouble in Toyland.” The group is warning buyers to watch out for potentially dangerous or toxic toys that will be available on store shelves this holiday season. Also, among the study’s findings: • Choking is…