Washington Personal Injury Lawyer & Attorney : Regan Zambri & Long Law Firm : DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

DRIVE  SMART Virginia  reports that "1,026 people died on Virginia’s roadways in 2007. That’s nearly three fatalities every day. Understand this. Cars don’t kill people. Cars are navigated by people. Cars crash by the actions of people. DRIVE SMART Virginia is a traffic safety non-profit that is working hard to make people aware of their responsibility behind the wheel. This website is a key source of tools and information for parents, teens, seniors, business owners, law enforcement, safety managers, teachers or anyone interested in learning more or in making a difference. We’re all on the road together.

Source: DMV: The Highway Safety Office

Take a moment to visit with us to get valuable information on how you can join DRIVE SMART in making a difference on our roadways here in Virginia."

"According to a study by the Virginia Tech transportation institute, nearly 80 percent of car accidents are due to distracted driving.

One of the most dangerous habits is text messaging while driving.  Other distractions include eating, applying makeup and talking on a cell phone. Studies show that someone talking on a cell phone is four times as likely to get into a crash. For someone texting and driving, a wreck is six times more likely.

Governor Kaine said, "Certainly there would not be a more dangerous kind of distraction than trying to text while you're driving so I hope people wont wait until July 1, I think people should stop doing it right now."

Lt. Mike Mondul with the Danville Police Department said, 'Texting while driving can be particularly be dangerous because you actually have to look down at the screen to punch in the letters, which when your eyes are down here their not on the road.' "

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

In 2007, more than 5,100 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks and buses, according to the Department of Transportation.  There were also approximately 100,000 Americans injured in collisions involving both large trucks and buses. The American Association for Justice (AAJ) has urged Congress to take needed steps to reduce highway fatalities and injuries by enhancing safety measures and rules for the commercial vehicle industry. 

“Stricter safety standards, including roof crush resistance, added seatbelt standards and enhanced driver fatigue monitoring, could protect consumers by reducing the severity of motor carrier accidents,” said AAJ Director of Regulatory Affairs Gerie Voss.  “The brakes have been on vehicle safety standards for too long.  Safety features are not a luxury, we hope this administration will accelerate consumer safety to reduce fatalities and injuries.” 

To read the full AAJ report, click here.

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.   

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Personal Care Products and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a voluntarily nationwide recall of all lots of Personal Care non-acetone nail polish remover, conditioner enriched with gelatin, 6 fl. oz., UPC 4815592076, because it has the potential to cause chemical burns to the fingers of users.

We have reproduced the FDA Press Release in its entirety below:

Recall -- Firm Press Release

Personal Care Products Conducts Nationwide Recall of Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Lawrence Weisberg
248-258-1555

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 29, 2009 -- Personal Care Products of Bingham Farms, MI is voluntarily conducting a nationwide recall of all lots of Personal Care non-acetone nail polish remover, conditioner enriched with gelatin, 6 fl. oz., UPC 4815592076, because it does not meet product specifications and has the potential to cause chemical burns to the fingers of users.

The product has been sold nationwide in small discount retail stores and retailers are being instructed to remove the product from sale and to return it to Personal Care Products.

Personal Care has received two complaints of burns to the fingers resulting from the use of the product.

Any person who purchased a bottle of Personal Care non-acetone nail polish remover, conditioner enriched with gelatin is urged to return it to the store of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact Personal Care Products at 1-248-258-1555, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. EDT.

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Posted by Catherine D. Bertram, Esquire and Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has urged car makers to crash-test child safety seats in their vehicles so we have data to recommend which child restraints are the safest in each auto.  The proposed "new system would be a victory for parents who struggle to find the best car seats for their children." LaHood said, "What I'd like to talk to the car manufacturers about is the idea that they get some seats, they put them in their car, they crash test them so they can tell people 'This is the best seat for this model car.'"

If you have questions about which child safety seat is the right one for your child you can review the Car Seat Guide published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The five star rating system for child car seats is explained at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website.  You can also file a complaint about your child's car seat with NHTSA. 

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Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is initiating an Equipment Safety Recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that involves about 39,100 Toyota Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip retention Clamps. This optional accessory was designed specifically for 2008 model year Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles sold in the United States.

"Due to improper heat treatment, the original clamp used to secure the stainless steel exhaust tip to the exhaust pipe may develop microscopic cracks. If this occurs, the crack may expand causing the clamp to break and in the worst case the exhaust tip may fall off.

There are approximately 39,100 accessory kits that may be affected by this condition. Because this accessory is installed at the Toyota vehicle processing centers and dealers, and is available over-the-counter, all of approximately 121,000 vehicle owners will be notified.

There have been ten reported incidents of this condition in the United States; no other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall.

Toyota will inform owners of the involved vehicles with a Safety Recall notification via first-class mail beginning in early May. The notification will include inspection instructions for owners to determine if their vehicle is equipped with this accessory. Affected owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for inspection and repair."

Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

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Apartment safety may begin with renter's insurance, but it certainly doesn't end there, as recently reported in Apartments.com.  To protect yourself and your belongings, experts recommend the following simple guidelines:

DO...

• Write only your last name or initials on your mailbox.
• Make sure the locks on all doors leading into your apartment have been changed since the last tenant was living there.
• Ask your landlord to install a peephole in your front door.
• Stay alert when entering your apartment.  Avoid talking on your cell phone or looking preoccupied when walking toward your building.
• Report bad lighting or overgrown shrubbery to your landlord.
• Inventory the description, serial number and cost of your valuables.  Keep a copy of your records online, in a fireproof locked box or in a safe deposit box in a bank.  Take pictures of your most valuable items and attach those to your receipts to make any insurance claims run as smoothly as possible.
• Keep a broom handle or other long stick in the track of sliding glass doors, to deter break-ins.
• Purchase light timers and set them so that your lights turn on while you're away in the evening.
• Take in your newspapers and packages daily.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall along with Haier America of about 106,000 toaster oven/broilers. Electrical connections in the toaster oven/broilers can become loose posing the threat of electrical shock or burns.

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According to a recent report, Food and Drug Administration lab analyses identified undeclared sibutramine in 34 dietary supplement products distributed by Universal ABC Beauty Supply.

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By Victor E. Long, Esq.

 A new study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing found that for older women, financial stress can be deadly.  Financial stress is a sadly widespread experience. According to a poll on About.com  roughly 7 in 10 respondents are "very stressed" about money, and only 1 in 10 report that they are not stressed about finances — and the proportion of people stressed about money is only going up. This is pretty significant because financial stress is linked to health problems like depression and sleep problems. With the rising cost of gas and food, the mortgage crisis, and the new bank troubles we're seeing, many Americans are feeling the crunch of financial stress. Anxiety over money can negatively affect health in several ways:

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By Catherine D. Bertram, Esquire and Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Each year, the Electrical Safety Foundation International sponsors May as National Electrical Safety Month. This May, ESFI's focus is the Buyer Beware Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign to help raise awareness about dangerous and defective counterfeit electrical products that are threatening to harm public health and safety.  ESFI has a buyer beware fact sheet and a tool kit that professionals and consumers can use to educate the public about this very serious problem.

According to  ESFI, "unlike fake handbags, watches, or designer apparel, these fraudulent products such as circuit breakers, power strips, extension cords, batteries, hair dryers, and holiday lights can cause fire, explosion, shock, burns, and deadly electrocutions.

Counterfeit electrical products pose significant safety hazards, and can cause deaths, injuries and substantial property loss in the home and the workplace if left undetected.Education and recognition among consumers, families, and communities will save lives and prevent devastation, injuries, and property damage."

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Posted by Patrick M. Regan

Parents shopping for baby cribs are going to notice some significant changes in the types of cribs offered for sale. Toys "R" Us has recently announced that it will stop selling drop down cribs because of a concern for the safety of infants. In a blog on the Wall Street Journal's (4/22) website, Rachel Silverman wrote, "Concerns about the safety of popular crib designs have led to 21 recalls of 4.2 million cribs over the past two years because of hazardous defects" and the "products involved in the recalls have been linked to at least five infant deaths and 16 cases in which babies were trapped by parts of a crib, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission."

The WSJ website also noted "Products involved in the recalls have been linked to at least five infant deaths and 16 cases in which babies were trapped by parts of a crib, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Spring pegs have malfunctioned, metal locking pins have popped off, and wooden slats have broken, creating hazardous gaps that have entrapped and suffocated infants and toddlers, writes Ms. Trottman. Drop-side cribs, popular because sliding down one side of the crib makes it easier for a parent to pick up a baby, have been particularly problematic."

Ms. Silverman offers a number of important tips on how to "maximize crib safety."

If you or a loved one has any question concerning crib safety please call us at 202-463-3030 or email.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

Leading scientists at last week's Total Health Show 2009, held in Toronto, warned that changes to the global food supply are desperately needed to avoid serious health risks, according to a report in Medical News Today.  One world-known scientist--Dr. Shiv Chopra-- stated that the removal of "antibiotics, hormones, slaughterhouse waste, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides, would transform the safety and sustainability of the food supply," notes the report. According to Dr. Chopra and others, the infusion of these unnecessary products is driven "less by need and more by the profit motives of major corporations." 

Genetically engineered foods are flooding the marketplace.  The worlds governments, with America as a leader, must take immediate steps to control the dangerous flow of unpredictable and harmful products into the food supply. Companies and governments need to put people over profits!

To read the entire article, please click here.

Many Americans are killed or injured each year by defective products.  If you want more information about defective products or wish to know your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.    

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently announced that General Motors is recalling nearly 1.5 million passenger sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003.  According to CNN, "the problem involves a potential for oil to leak on the exhaust manifold during hard braking. When a car operates under normal conditions, the manifold can get very hot."  The abnormal heating can lead to fires.  "The recall covers certain mid- and full-size passenger sedans under GM's Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac brands."  Owners and dealers of the recalled vehicles will be notified soon so that alterations to the automobiles' spark-plug systems can be made free-of-charge.

To read the full CNN report, click here.

If you own a GM vehicle, we encourage you to contact GM and your dealer for more details.  If your vehicle has been recalled, please be sure to get it repaired immediately.

Many people are severely injured each year due to automobile defects.  For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.    

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

Many brave women and men serve our country today in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other places in the world very far from home.  Most are soldiers.  Many are civilian contractors.  The last thing they need to think about is a wrongful denial of insurance benefits in the event they are severely injured.

According to a recent report in the Los Angeles Times, Congress has begun a probe into whether insurance giant American Insurance Group, Inc. and other insurance companies have been  inappropriately denying and delaying coverage and benefits to these men and women who serve our country so selflessly.  Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) said there were “serious deficiencies in the health coverage of civilian employees who have been injured while working overseas,”  the Times reports.

To read the entire article, please click here.

Many Americans are killed or injured each year as a result of work-place and service-related incidents.  Regrettably, many are wrongfully denied benefits and others are paid only after egregious delays, turning the lives of injured victims and their families upside-down. 

If you want more information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.  

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

Canada has restricted the production of plastic baby-bottles, containers, and cups manufactured with a chemical that some experts say cause a serious health threat.  The chemical is known as BPA, or bisphenol-A, and many states are now poised to follow the lead of Suffolk County, New York and invoke bans here in America, according to a recent report at Forbes.com.

Although the US Food and Drug Administration and the Eurpopean Union both say the chemical is safe, many experts disagree.  The report indicates that some scientists believe that  BPA is a toxin and that animal studies "have linked BPA with breast, prostate and reproductive system abnormalities and some cancers."  Some stores have phased-out the sale of products containing BPA, but most have not.

We encourage you to carefully choose which products you purchase and aim to buy only those products that are healthy and eco-friendly.

Many Americans are killed or injured each year by defective products.  If you want more information about defective products or wish to know your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.   

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Posted by: Amy S. Gurgle, Esq.

A new article published by the New York Times highlights that use of the Nintendo Wii fit gaming system can cause injuries similar to those encountered when engaging in the actual activities. Although the Wii can be a very entertaining hobby, it is important that users consider the fact that it simulates actual physical activity and also consider the related fitness demands.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently recalled Zoo pacifiers, manufactured by Healthtex.  According to a report by The State Journal, the pacifiers were recalled "because they failed to meet federal safety standards. The nipples can separate from the base easily and pose a choking hazard."  If you have these pacifiers, you are encouraged to keep them away from your children and contact Healthtex at (866)348-5080.

The Journal also reports that "rails on Simplicity Travel Tender Play Yards can collapse unexpectedly." The sepcific recalled model numbers are 5500DRM, 5500WDS, 5500FEL, 5501FEL, 5502MON, 5520PRO, 5550HAN, 5700MAN, and 5750MIR. "The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard", according to the report.

Click here to read the entire report.

Please take these recalls seriously.  Many Americans, including children, are seriously injured or killed each year due to defective products.  For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.    

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Posted by Victor E. Long, Esq.

A recent carnival accident injuring dozens of Washington State Children,  highlights  concern regarding amusement park safety.  According to the Washington Post,  although the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates children's toys, strollers, bicycles and car seats, it has no jurisdiction over rides at fixed amusement parks, such as those run by Walt Disney Co., Six Flags, Universal and Anheuser-Busch Entertainment that host an estimated 300 million people on 1.84 billion rides annually.

Although the rate of injury is low, the consequences of even a single failure can be catastrophic to the individuals involved.” Safer Parks recommends the following safety tips for amusement park patrons of all ages:

• Read and obey all posted rules and regulations.
• Make sure the ride is appropriate for the rider.
• Securely latch all restraints and use grab bars.
• Stay in the "locked and loaded" position for the entire ride cycle.
• Take frequent breaks if you're riding high-g rides.  High-g refers to the force of gravity.
• Stop riding before you get excessively tired.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout your stay at an amusement park or carvinal.
• Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Don't get on any ride that looks poorly-maintained or if the operator is inattentive.
• Report any accidents, problems, or safety concerns to the appropriate officials.

Amusement rides are “complex, powerful machines that expose children and adults to extremes of speed, height, and dynamic force. Although the rate of injury is low, the consequences of even a single failure can be catastrophic to the individuals involved.”

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A Pennsylvania Air National Guard reservist has filed a lawsuit accusing his former employer of firing him for taking time off for an injury suffered while he was on active duty.  According to the lawsuit, UPMC Health Benefits Inc. violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act when it terminated Thomas Smith after he returned to work following rotator cuff surgery. The lawsuit seeks reinstatement of Smith to his old position, compensatory and punitive damages. 

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is following the story. 

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Posted by: Amy S. Gurgle, Esq.

A new consumer product recall highlights the risks of exercise balls. Even while exercising to improve health and fitness, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with the equipment and to ensure that the equipment is safe and used properly.

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Posted by Jacqueline Colclough, Esquire, R.N.

Earth Day, celebrated in the United States annually on April 22, is a day intended to inspire appreciation and awareness for the Earth's environment. It was founded in 1970 by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin as a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment.

This year, Earth Day will mark the beginning of The Green Generation CampaignTM, which will also be the focus of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day Network and EarthDay.gov, the U.S. government’s cooperative internet site for Earth Day, have useful information regarding ways that you and your family can help protect the environment today and every day, such as Environmental Tips of the Day, Green Tips Podcasts, Educational Programs and ideas for Taking Action at Home and Taking Action at Work. For more information about events and volunteer opportunities on Earth Day, please click here.

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Les Weisbrod, the President of the American Association for Justice, has recently published a very interesting article concerning the Sunshine in Litigation Act S.537, H.R. 1508.  The article is published in the National Law Journal.  The article discusses how numerous corporations, in the hopes of limiting bad publicity, are forcing injured persons to keep the details of their settlements confidential.  This unfairly limits the public's knowledge of dangerous products.    

As Mr. Weisbrod states:   "When wrongdoers settle cases involving their irresponsible conduct, they often force injured consumers to agree not to reveal any of the details of the case — even if the product remains on the market and the information could warn the public of a potential health hazard. In fact, manufacturers of faulty products regularly insist that any and all information turned over to injured consumers and their attorneys be kept secret."

However, it appears that help is on the way.  State and federal court systems in 41 states have taken steps to limit court secrecy. In Congress, legislation introduced last month called the Sunshine in Litigation Act, S. 537, H.R. 1508, is an important step in helping reform the broken system of court-enforced secrecy. Federal judges would have the tools needed to evaluate whether secrecy agreements cross the line when public safety information is involve.     

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According to NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, “Incidents involving jacks or hoists accounted for about 10,000 injuries seen in emergency departments per year and frequently occurred while repairing vehicles or changing tires.” 

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As reported by Science Daily  and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the injury rate for golf carts increased over 130% between 1990 and 2006.   Golf carts  are becoming more popular as primary transportation at sporting events, hospitals, airports, military bases, businesses, parks and college campuses.   About 1,000 Americans a month are injured in golf cart accidents.

Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Injury Research and Policy, where the first comprehensive study relating to golf cart injuries was conducted, recommends "Because golf carts are not designed for the safe transportation of children, their use for transporting children should be strongly discouraged....In addition, private and public facilities that allow golf cart use can help prevent cart--related injuries by requiring driver's licenses and safety/operations training, establishing safety policies and considering golf cart safety in the design of pathways and landscapes. Given the large increase in golf cart--related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent these injuries, especially among children."

According to a another study conducted by the Center for Injury Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, golf cart injuries are steadily and significantly increasing, an indication that safety standards and driver education are needed.  "The researchers analyzed a national database of emergency room records from 2002 through 2005. They conservatively estimated there were about 48,000 golf cart accidents nationwide during that four-year period, or about 1,000 a month. Roughly half the accidents occurred on golf courses, the other half at homes, on streets and on other public property.  Fractures and head trauma were the most common injuries found in the study. The highest injury rates were found in 10- to 19-year-old boys and men older than 80."

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire

The most famous dog in America--Bo, a Portuguese water dog--arrived at the White House a few days ago.  The Obamas thought long and hard about which canine to include in the First Family, especially given Malia Obama's allergies.  They picked smart--a hypoallergenic dog with a friendly disposition.

Choosing a proper pet is important for many reasons.  One should consider size, demeanor, cost, need for exercise, and much more, before deciding to own an animal.  Also, without proper care and training, certain animals can be extraordinarily dangerous.

Approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year, causing nearly thirty deaths each year in America alone.  According to several studies, the main factors leading to such incidents are: human behavior, dog behavior, training, aggression, and unsupervised children.  Click here to learn more about the factors leading to dog attacks.

Besides attacks, certain animals can seriously jeopardize owners' health.  Pet allergies are essentially a negative reaction to certain proteins (allergens) excreted by animals.  Million of Americans, including three million children, have asthma that is triggered by allergens.  Exposure to pets can cause acute asthma attacks, as well as chronic chronic and debilitating asthma.  Click here to read more about allergic reactions to animals.

If you decide, like the authors, to own a dog (or any other animal), choose wisely, give the animal the love and attention it needs, and train your pet well.  A happy pet can bring a tremendous amount of joy into your life.

For information about your legal rights following a dog or other animal attack, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.    

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By Catherine D. Bertram, Esquire and Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

The United States Supreme Court will hear the case of a 13 year old girl from Arizona who was strip searched at school. The Supreme Court will hear arguments about whether school officials violated this child's Fourth Amendment rights.  The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches.

According to the Associated Press article (4/20, Rotstein), "Savana Redding was 13 years old when she was told to remove her clothes for a strip search by school officials looking for the equivalent of two Advils. And while the humiliation hasn't diminished in the past five and a half years, she hopes the U.S. Supreme Court can do something about the emotional scar." Now, "the nation's highest court will hear the 19-year-old's case Tuesday against Safford Middle School officials who searched her for prescription-strength ibuprofen pills that a fellow student accused her of having."

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As reported in a recent article in the Washington Post,  a young woman escaped from her overturned vehicle onto the Interstate, only to be killed by another car while sitting on the highway.  According to witnesses, she escaped from her overturned car and sat down in a traffic lane. She was hit by another car and died at the scene. 

Earlier this year, a man was killed while stopping on Interstate 495 when he and his companion stopped on the road shoulder so they could trade seats.  According to a state police official at the accident site, "There is no safe parking spot on the interstate.  It is a very dangerous place to be."  Police emphasized that motorists should never stop on any highway and get out of their vehicles unless there is a dire emergency.

According to the teen driving guide for KidsHealth.org, "In 2005 alone, there were more than 6.1 million police-reported traffic crashes in the United States. Combine those with the number of incidents that aren't reported to the police and it adds up to a lot of collisions."  KidsHealth.org provides common-sense driving information directed at teen drivers but useful for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle.  Following is a brief summary of the suggested guidelines: 

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By Catherine D. Bertram, Esquire and Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Your chances of getting sick from tainted food may depend on how diligent your state inspection system is, according to an article in the New York Times this week.  “The longer it takes you to nail an outbreak, the more people are going to get sick,” said Dr. David Acheson, associate commissioner for foods at the Food and Drug Administration. “And if it’s a pathogen that causes death, more people are going to die.”  Dr. Robert Tauxe, deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s division of food-borne diseases, said the agency planned immediate investments “to increase the capacity of several health departments.”

Both President Obama and the Congress have asked for more inspections and new food production rules in order to try to prevent tainted food-related outbreaks, but far less attention has been paid to fixing the outdated, underfunded system by which officials try to detect and stop ongoing outbreaks. According the Times article, " uncovering which foods have been contaminated is left to a patchwork of more than 3,000 federal, state and local health departments that are, for the most part, poorly financed, poorly trained and disconnected."

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire and Catherine Bertram, Esquire 

When buying a car, you need to know what you are getting into.  Although they provide relatively better gas-mileage, certain minicars may be more dangerous to drive.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested three different minicars--the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris and the Smart Fortwo.  In its report, each of these cars performed poorly in the institute's crash-testing performed at 40 miles per hour.  Adrian Lund, the institute's president, told the New York Times that "downsizing and down-weighting is also associated with an increase in deaths on the highway." 

The increasing concern of global warning fueled a greater demand for minicars, which are generally accepted as more eco-friendly.  We encourage you to carefully choose your vehicles so that your safety is not compromised.

The institute's report can be found by clicking here.  Please drive safely.

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC  at 202-463-3030.    

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Posted by Regan Zambri & Long.

As more households acquire or upgrade to big screen televisions, more dangers for children are associated with them.  Although many of these TVs are lightweight, their bases and stands used to hold them frequently are much smaller.  SafeKids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent unintentional childhood injury, recommends securing bookcases, shelving, televisions and appliances to walls with brackets and anchors.  

For plasma or LCD TV installation, experts in home childproofing advise:

• Attach it securely to a wall. 
• If using a TV stand, read the instructions to determine what size TV it can safely hold.
• Include specially made safety straps to hold your TV in place on the stand.
• Never put items on top of the TV, especially something a child may try to reach.

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Today, medical device patients and attorneys from around the country will travel to Washington, DC for a Lobby Day to ask Congress to support HR 1346/S 540, the Medical Device Safety Act (MDSA).  American Association for Justice member law firms and their clients will be joining in support of this important action.

www.stopcorporateimmunity.org/

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