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

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior trial attorney.             

As a parent of four children, I frequently receive notices from their schools about upcoming events that could involve my children.  One of the most powerful recent notices forwarded to me from Whitman High School illustrates how important it is to constantly communicate with your children regarding safety issues.  I am reproducing the school's notice below in its entirety.

"While Homecoming is a time for fun, it is also one of those times of years when students are more likely to make a bad decision. Please take steps to keep your child safe and be forever vigilant. The tip sheet below can help you in the endeavor to help your child have safe fun!

Drugs and Alcohol
Guidelines for Initiating a Healthy Parent/Teen Conversation
Numerous research studies have shown that parents can positively impact their teens’ decisions about alcohol and drug use by talking with them about it. It is particularly important to have conversations about drugs and alcohol prior to social activities, whether private parties or school-sponsored activities such as Homecoming and Prom.
Suggestions for starting this conversation with your teen and setting appropriate boundaries:

• Ask your teen what he/she knows about alcohol and what he/she thinks about teen drinking, including why kids drink. Listen carefully without interrupting. This approach can help your teen feel heard and respected, and leads into further discussion.
• Although many kids believe they already know everything about alcohol, myths abound. Some facts to share:
• Alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and mind, impairing coordination, vision, clear thinking, reaction time, and judgment.
• Beer and wine are not safer than hard liquor.
• The younger a person begins to drink or use drugs, the higher the likelihood they will become addicted.
• On average it takes 10+ hours for a single drink to leave the system. Nothing can speed up this process, including coffee, cold showers or “walking it off.”
• People tend to be very bad at judging how seriously alcohol affects them. Many people who drive after drinking think they can control a car, but actually cannot.
•  Anyone can develop a serious alcohol problem, including a teen. In fact, the mean age of alcoholism is now 16 years of age.
• Talk about good reasons why teens shouldn’t drink or use drugs (it’s illegal, to maintain self-respect, it can be dangerous and unhealthy, etc.). Don’t forget to emphasize that YOU want your child to avoid illegal drugs and alcohol. Remember that your values and attitudes count with your child, even though he or she may not always show it.

Please Remember
It is illegal for parents to host parties where there is underage drinking. By Montgomery County law, parents can be held responsible and may be subject to heavy fines if there is any underage drinking on their premises. If you are out of town, please consider arranging chaperones for your home.

• Set limits and monitor your teen’s whereabouts. Ask your teen to tell you his/her destination whenever he/she leaves home, and to call if plans change. If it sounds overly vague, ask for more specifics. If you find that your teen was not completely up front in explaining his or her whereabouts, restrict his/her privileges for a while.
• Band together with other parents and present a unified front against drugs and alcohol. If none of the teens in your child’s group have total freedom, peer pressure will be reduced.
• Put yourself in your teen’s shoes. Talk to her/him about what might help to resist peer pressure. “Just say no” wears a little thin by the teen years, but you might brainstorm tactics together, such as “I don’t drink (smoke) because I don’t like the taste.” “I’m not going to have a drink because if the coach finds out, I’ll be kicked off the team.” “If my parents find out I won’t be able to use the car for a month.” "

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About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association recently named him "Trial Lawyer of the Year" (2011).  He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior trial attorney.          

As we've often posted on this blog, Halloween safety is an important issue for Trick-or-Treaters, but also for all parents and drivers.  One of the biggest hazards for children is the increased danger of getting hit by a car on the holiday.  The main reasons for this increased danger include:

• Children are out in the dark;
• Costumes are usually dark and masks can impair vision and hearing;
• Children are often excited and distracted;
• They usually cut across streets instead of crossing at corner; and
• They are not accustomed to being out late at  night.

Here are some suggestions to help ensure the safety of your children as recommended by HealthDay News:

• "Set up a route for your children's trick-or-treating and make sure you are familiar with the neighborhood and the neighbors;
• Make sure children under 12 are accompanied by adults;
• If children over 12 are unaccompanied by adults make sure they are going to be with a group;
• Make sure your children know basic traffic safety rules: stopping before crossing the street, crossing only at cross walks, and using flashlights so they can see and be seen better;
• Consider replacing a face mask with face paint so that children's vision and hearing aren't impaired;
• Make sure costumes are well fitting so that children can't trip;
• Avoid costume props that are rigid and/or sharp so that if a child should fall they won't be further injured by their prop;
• Look through the candy your children collect before they consume it to make sure nothing has been tampered with."

As a driver, please be alert and practice extra precautions.   Watch for children who may jump out into the street at  unpredictable times.  Take special caution in backing out of driveways, as small children may be completely unseen.  Following sensible safety guidelines will enhance the enjoyment of Halloween, and keep it fun for everyone.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association has recently named him the " 2011 Trial Lawyer of the Year".  He has also been acknowledged by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all of the more than 80,000 lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also acknowledged him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in medical malpractice matters, product liability claims, and serious automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri was recently (2011 edition) acknowledged as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers, and has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine (2011)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in the country.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to present seminars to lawyers and doctors, as well as both medical and law students concerning defective products, medication errors, medical malpractice litigation, and safety improvements.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com.  You may also reach him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior trial attorney.             

Each year during the month of October, attention focuses on fire safety and prevention. This issue deserves year-round attention.  Protect your family by addressing potential fire hazards throughout your home routinely and utilize preventive measures to avoid fires.  Taking steps to fireproof your home can go a long way in protecting your property and, most especially, saving your family.

The following listing includes the most frequent causes of bedroom fires:

• Misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices
• Careless candle use
• Smoking in bed
• Children playing with matches or lighters

All of the above fire hazards are easily addressed by planning ahead and using common sense. In addition, pay attention to this simple fire safety checklist reproduced from About.com:

• "Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.
   
• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
   
• Teach everyone the 'Stop, Drop, and Roll' technique in case clothing catches on fire.
   
• Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
   
• Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches. Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet."

According to the U.S. Fire Administration division of FEMA, over 75% of all fire fatalities occur in homes.  Don't become the next statistic. Please be safe.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association has recently named him the " 2011 Trial Lawyer of the Year".  He has also been acknowledged by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all of the more than 80,000 lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also acknowledged him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in medical malpractice matters, product liability claims, and serious automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri was recently (2011 edition) acknowledged as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers, and has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine (2011)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in the country.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to present seminars to lawyers and doctors, as well as both medical and law students concerning defective products, medication errors, medical malpractice litigation, and safety improvements.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com.  You may also reach him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

Traditionally, the summer travel season begins with Memorial Day Weekend.  Increased traffic volume also means an increased chance of automobile accidents.  Common sense preparation and safe driving practices can prevent many of those collisions from ever happening. 

Before traveling, follow these sensible guidelines:

• Check your car or have it serviced before any long trip.
• Stock and pack an emergency kit.  At a minimum, be sure to include water, jumper cables, flashlight, tire changing equipment, flares and a first aid kit.
• Verify that child safety seats are properly installed.
• Map out your travel route, especially if traveling in unfamiliar territory.
• Check the weather conditions along your route.
• Copy relatives or friends about your travel arrangements in case of an emergency.

While on the road, practice and enforce no-nonsense rules:

• Do not engage in distracted driving -- no cell phone, no texting, no rubber-necking.
• Require everyone in the vehicle to buckle up.
• Obey all speed limits and road signs.
• Drive calmly and avoid confrontation with aggressive drivers.
• Avoid driving while tired. Take a driving break about every two hours.
• Exercise caution around railroad crossings.
• Note and avoid the "No Zone" around trucks. Make certain you can see the trucker driver in the truck's mirror.
• Slow down in work zones, obey all signs and pay attention to the driver just ahead of you. 
• Move over and slow down for emergency vehicles.

Since the beginning of the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have included a number of posts to remind drivers of the importance of alert and safe driving during the holiday travel season.  Seat belt safety is such a significant part of safe driving that it cannot be over-emphasized.  

Previously posted on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog:

• Seat Belt Safety and Counseling by Physicians (2007)
  
• National Click it or Ticket Campaign for 2007
  
• Click It or Ticket Campaign for 2008
• Click It or Ticket Campaign for 2009
• Click It or Ticket Campaign for 2010

Mark the beginning of your summer travels with a pleasant memory instead of a nightmare trip, or even worse, a tragedy.  Drive safely and have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., which awarded him "Trial Lawyer of the Year" for 2011.  He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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By Catherine Bertram

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.  It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Full-Size and Portable Drop-Side Cribs

Units: About 22,000

Importer:  Dream on Me, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J.

Hazard:

Full-Size Cribs: The drop-side rail hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler's body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib.

Portable Cribs: The drop-side rail hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib or fall unexpectedly. In addition, the portable crib mattress support hardware and the drop-side release latch can break easily, and the slats can loosen or break and detach from the crib. Children can also cut themselves on exposed hardware inside the cribs.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the firm know of 69 reports of incidents involving these cribs.

A 1-year-old boy sustained a scratch to the nose when he became trapped between the mattress support and side rail of his portable crib. An 8-month-old girl sustained a minor injury on her head from exposed plastic hardware inside the portable crib.

Description: The cribs are drop-side wooden cribs, painted or stained in black, cherry, dark brown, natural, white, and pink.

Full-sized cribs:  Models 613, 615, 616, 617, 619, 628, and 639 are included in this recall. The model number and "Dream on Me Inc." are printed on a label located on the inside of one of the end panels. The label lists a manufacture date between January 2006 and December 2009.

Portable cribs: The cribs are smaller than full-size cribs and the ends fold in to facilitate portability. Model numbers 621, 625 and 627 are included in this recall. The model number and "Dream on Me Inc." are printed on a label located on the mattress board. The label lists a manufacture date between August 2007 and February 2009.

Sold at: Toys R Us, Walmart and Target stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com. The full-size cribs were sold from January 2006 to December 2009 for about $200. The portable cribs were sold from September 2007 to December 2009 for about $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy:  

Consumers should immediately stop using these cribs and contact the company.

Full-size cribs: Consumers will be given a free kit that will immobilize the drop side. Kits will be available beginning June 30, 2011.

Portable cribs: Consumers can receive a free replacement portable crib with fixed sides. Replacement cribs will be available in mid-July 2011.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (877) 201-4314 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.dreamonme.com.

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating that can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Crib age is a factor in safety. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you do not use a crib that is older than 10 years old. New, mandatory federal crib rules take effect on June 28, 2011. All cribs manufactured and sold after that date must meet new and improved safety requirements. Older cribs do not meet the new standard and can have a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product.  Please tell us about it by visiting www.saferproducts.gov.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.  Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually.  CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a significant decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or re-sell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 201-4314
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

http://www.cpsc.gov

About the author:

Catherine Bertram is board certified in civil trials and was recently nominated as a 2011 Best Lawyer in DC  and 2011 Super Lawyer for personal injury law in Washington, D.C.  Ms. Bertram has 20 + years of trial experience and is unique in that she was formerly the Director of Risk Management in Washington, D.C.  Ms. Bertram is a member of the bar for the U.S. Supreme Court.  She is a partner with the firm and lectures regularly to lawyers, nationally and locally, regarding trial strategy,  complex medical issues and other related consumer safety issues. She has also recently published a chapter in a surgical textbook.   She can be reached by email at cbertram@reganfirm.com or by phone 202-822-1875 in her office in Washington, D.C.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

As we have posted previously, the ongoing battle between safety groups and the rental car industry continues.  Following the deaths of two sisters renting a recalled vehicle and the subsequent jury verdict, the Center for Auto Safety and Consumers for Auto Safety and Reliability petitioned the FTC to force Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (the country's largest rental car agency) to repair vehicles under recall  notice prior to renting them out. 

As of November 1, 2010, Senator Charles Schumer got involved by writing to the FTC. According to a report by National Public Radio (NPR), "Schumer asked the FTC Monday to end the practice across the industry, telling the federal agency in a letter that "if automotive dealers are not allowed to sell recalled vehicles without first fixing the safety issues, then rental car companies should be held to the same standard. If a car is not safe enough to be bought and driven off the lot, then it is not safe enough to rent," Schumer wrote. Threatening legislation, he said that if the FTC "can't or won't act, Congress will."

Consumers need to have confidence that the vehicles they rent are safe enough to drive and not worry about whether the rental car agency has decided that profits are more important than safety. We will continue to follow this safety issue and blog about its implication for our readers. 

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including premises liability, automobile accident, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Law and Politics (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior partner

Although we have previously written a number of safety articles regarding Halloween safety, the number of possible situations for accidents is practically endless.  A recent media release by the CPSC summarizes some important considerations for parents about costumes, treats, and decorations. We are reproducing the CPSC publication in its entirety for our readers:

"WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants parents of trick-or-treaters to know that there is nothing scary about preventing Halloween-related injuries. By taking a few simple safety precautions when selecting costumes and Halloween decorations, consumers can prevent burn, fall and laceration injuries.

Parents who make their kids' costumes can send off their little ghosts, goblins and superheroes safely by using inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to an open flame. When purchasing a costume, look for "Flame Resistant" on the product's tag or packaging

Lighting the night also is made safer when children have no access to open flames. Flameless candles, light sticks and flashlights provide a safe lighting alternative in jack-o'-lanterns and areas where children will have access.

"Uncovering Halloween's hidden dangers is simple with CPSC's safety steps," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Thoughtful costume selection, care with candles and careful placement of decorations and lighting will help ensure your Halloween is safe and enjoyable."

In addition to providing safety tips, the CPSC works to keep children and families safe during the holiday celebration by enforcing the Flammable Fabrics Act and recalling hazardous costumes and products at Halloween and throughout the year.

Make this year's holiday a safe one by following these safety tips on costumes, treats and decorations:

Costumes

• When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves, large capes or billowing skirts.
• Purchase or make costumes that are light colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light-colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
• To guard against trips and falls, costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing their vision.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.

Treats

•  Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
• Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters younger than three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

• Keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
• Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Indoors, keep candles and jack-o'-lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other items that could ignite. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Indoors or outside, use only decorative light strands that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
• Don't overload extension cords.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov."

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

I have four children, who love Halloween, as most kids and parent do.  We are one of those families that deck the house with all kinds of decorations to really get into the spirit of the holiday.   However, my wife and I spend time with our kids every year, teaching them how to be careful as they "trick or treat" throughout our community.  We are also very careful to take precautions with our decorations to be sure we put safety over fun.  There is nothing fun about a tragedy.

Happy Halloween, and please be safe.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including premises liability, automobile accident, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Law and Politics (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and senior attorney

Each year, we are reminded by the American Red Cross, local fire departments and other agencies that October is Fire Safety Month.  Each year, we learn of tragic stories of families destroyed by fire, many of which could have been avoided by proper installation and maintenance of smoke alarms.  

Recent publications by the American Red Cross emphasizes some simple yet critical guidelines for helping to minimize the potential fire dangers faced by families.  We have reproduced one of the most recent articles below in its entirety for the benefit of our readers.

"Home Fires A Threat To All Of Us"

"Friday, October 15, 2010 — The American Red Cross and its 650 chapters respond to more than 63,600 home fires every year, or about 170 fires a day. Fire in the home is the most common threat to families in this country, and that danger increases as the weather turns colder and people turn to alternate sources to help heat their homes.

The use of such items as space heaters, fireplaces or coal or wood stoves can be dangerous if not used properly. Fires related to heating are the second leading cause of home fires in this country, and fixed and portable space heaters are involved in 74 percent of fire-related deaths.

Smoke alarms are one of the best ways to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire. They provide a few minutes of advance warning, and that extra time can save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2003 to 2006, forty percent of all home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, while 23 percent resulted from homes in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate.

The Red Cross recommends you install the alarms on every level of the home, as well as inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas of the home. They should also be tested once a month by pushing the test button, and batteries should be replaced yearly or as soon as you hear a low battery warning, which appears as a "chirping" noise for many alarms. Other tips include:

• Keep smoke alarms clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly. Dust and debris can interfere with its operation.
• Smoke alarms wear out. Replace your alarms every 10 years. If you can’t remember when you last replaced them, buy new alarms that are interconnected, if possible.
• Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.

Only 26 percent of families have developed a family escape plan. To ensure the safety of your loved ones, make sure that all household members know ways to escape from every room of your home. Designate a meet-up spot outside the home in case of fire. This fire escape plan should be practiced at least twice a year. Each household member should also know how to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire."

For more information on Fire Safety and Prevention, visit www.redcross.org.

The safest home fire is the one that never occurs. Having an operational smoke detector in your home and educating your family with a sensible escape plan are the best ways to protect your family in the event of a home fire. 

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including premises liability, automobile accident, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Law and Politics (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the leading product safety testing organization, offers safety tips for keeping Halloween traditions safe.  Since Halloween has become the second most "decorated" holiday, improperly-used decorations and potentially flammable costumes contribute to the increase in home fires and burn-related injuries.  According to John Drengenberg, consumer safety director for UL, "The most important Halloween trick is to keep safety top-of-mind. With 41 million trick-or-treaters expected to be out and about on Halloween night, following UL's safety tips can help families make Halloween scary for the right reasons."

We have reproduced below common-sense and easy-to-follow Halloween safety guidelines published by Underwriters Laboratories.

"Safe and Spooky Home Decorating

• Don't Frankenstein Your Lights: When purchasing electrical decorations, make sure to shop at a reputable retailer and look for the UL Mark. Don't plug in electrical decorations that draw more watts than the rating of the cord. Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage decorations such as fog machines and electrically-powered inflatable decorations.
• Inspect Decorations with Fiendish Care: Look for loose connections, frayed or bare wires, and broken or cracked sockets when using lights to decorate the home for Halloween. When hanging lights, use plastic hooks or clips to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire hazards. Never nail or staple light strings. Look for a red UL Mark to indicate that lights are certified for both indoor and outdoor use. A green UL Mark indicates certification for indoor use only.
• Beware of Candles: According to the NFPA, candles are the cause of approximately 15,000 reported house fires every year. To help prevent avoidable accidents, place candles far from decorations, window treatments and paper to avoid potential home fires. Candles, especially in a jack-o-lantern, should be off the ground and out of children's reach. Try battery-operated LED candles for an even safer option.
• Light the Way for Trick-or-Treaters: Place lights on the outside edge of walkways and make sure all decorations are clear of where kids will be walking. Decorations that obstruct a walkway could potentially cause eager trick-or-treaters to trip or fall. Avoid using candles to light your walkway.
• Clear the Cobwebs and Look for the UL Mark: When stringing up those skeleton and pumpkin decorations, check for the UL Mark on light strings, electrical decorations and extension cords. The UL Mark means the product has been found free of foreseeable hazards and is safer for your family.

Safe and Spooky Costumes

• Say Boo! To Unsafe Costumes: Look for fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials – such as nylon – when purchasing costumes, fabric and accessories. Although these labels do not mean these items are fire-proof, it does indicate the fabric will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source.
• Don't Trip up Your Goblins: Avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts, which could increase the risk of tripping and are more likely to come in contact with candles or other ignition sources.
• Unmask Your Little Ghouls: Try to avoid outfitting your children in masks and instead use face paint. Masks can obstruct vision, and children may find it hard to breathe when wearing them. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Be Safe and Bright: Light and bright fabrics will be clearly visible to motorists. If your children do wear dark materials, decorate costumes with reflective tape or carry a flashlight

I have encouraged readers of my blog to enjoy Halloween safely. As a father of four, I know how wonderful the holiday can be.  As a personal injury lawyer, I also know how tragic it can become.  Please take precautions to have a fun and safe holiday.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member

Although many drivers are aware of the new cell phone law for drivers that Maryland adopted on October 1, fewer may know about the new bicycling laws that also are now in effect.  Below are summaries of the major elements of the new laws:

Senate Bill 51:

• "Requires a driver of a vehicle to safely overtake a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD), or a motor scooter at a distance of at least three feet, unless at the time, the bicycle, EPAMD,or motor scooter rider fails to ride to the right side of the roadway, comply with a requirement to ride in a bike lane or shoulder, or maintain a steady course.
• The passing rule under the bill also does not apply if the highway on which the vehicle is being driven is not wide enough to lawfully pass the bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter at a distance of at least three feet."

Senate Bill 624 :

• "Repeals the general requirement that a bicycle operator use the shoulder if it is safe and paved to a smooth surface.
• Specifies that, in a place where a person may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk, a person may ride from the curb or edge of the roadway in or through a crosswalk to the opposite curb or edge. The definition of “crosswalk” is expanded to mean the connection of lateral lines of a bicycle way where a bicycle way and roadway of any type meet as measured from the curbs or the edges of the roadway.
• Requires vehicle operators to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists riding in bike lanes and shoulders when these vehicle operators are entering or crossing occupied bike lanes and shoulders."

So, what exactly do these new laws mean for drivers and cyclists?  According to Peter Moe, the Maryland State Highway Administration's Bicycle Safety Coordinator, the new laws provide more rights to cyclists in using the highways, but also increase the responsibilities for cyclists.  "You can and should expect to see bicyclists on any roadway, apart from interstates. Bikes are considered a legal vehicle, and have a right to the roadway. But, cyclists have responsibilities that come along with those rights: they are required to obey all traffic laws. And yes, that means stopping at red lights and at stop signs. That's really for everyone's benefit: for the cyclist and the motorist." 

The new laws are expected to reduce the number of cycling accidents because the predictability of what can be expected from both the bicyclist and the motorist.  As I have advocated in so many of my previous posts, all users of the roads, whether drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians, must be aware of the other users of roads and respect their rights. Maryland's Choose Safety for Life Campaign provides further information regarding bicycle safety as well as other highway safety strategies.

Do you have questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition) and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

As I posted earlier this summer, recalled rental cars are routinely rented out. The deadly crash that brought this issue to light has now settled, but Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety and the Center for Auto Safety have taken up the battle to request that the Federal Trade Commission require rental agencies to repair recalled vehicles before renting them. 

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car admitted negligence in the suit, but the company indicated that it "might not immediately carry out recalls it did not consider major safety problems," according to a recent story in the New York Times.  Even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cannot force rental-car companies to carry out recalls, a spokesman said “we expect the rental car companies to provide safe cars to their customers by submitting the recalled vehicles to the appropriate manufacturers for the appropriate safety repairs in a timely fashion.”

Unfortunately, putting profits above the safety of consumers seems to have become an acceptable part of the business plan for some corporations.  Let's hope this trend reverses as enough people speak out about the dangers of overlooking or minimizing safety.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition), and has been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)-- national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

According to a recent story in Trading Markets.com, "Appliance Recall Check is a new service that helps consumers identify recalled appliances in their homes. Most of the 195 million recalled appliances in American homes are not identified until there is a fire or other tragedy. Many other appliances with functionality recalls are replaced at the consumer's expense even though a manufacturer is responsible.

The first time a homeowner may be aware of an appliance recall is when a fire marshal tells them about the recall after a house fire. The story is not the 1.7 million dishwashers in the recent Maytag recall, but the more than 195 million other recalled appliances now in American homes.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov) website home page assures consumers that "You can find information on over 4,500 product recalls and recall alerts using the various searches on this page". That is true. The problem with the manufacturer and CPSC sites is that a consumer must wade through each of the individual recalls to find out if their dishwasher or other appliance is a potential hazard. This type of search is like searching the list of phone numbers in a phone book to find a specific name instead of looking up the name of the person.

There is a solution that allows consumers to search for recalls on each of their household appliances including heating, cooling, hot water, laundry and built in kitchen appliances in one, easy location. Think of this database as your "phone book" for recalls.

www.ApplianceRecallCheck.com allows for entering the brand, model and serial number of all of the household appliances in a residential home. Within two business days, the service will return a report containing information about recalls. If there is a defect, the report will include:

• Nature of the Recall
• Where the product was sold
• How to remedy the defect
• How to get the item repaired/replaced (usually free)
• The report also includes the manufacturer's contact details, the business hours of the manufacturer and what to do if the manufacturer fails to respond to a claim.

Appliance Recall Check is a service providing database search of existing Consumer Product Safety Commission appliance recalls based upon model and serial numbers. This service allows a single entry of Make, Model and Serial numbers in list form as opposed to consumers searching multitudes of individual recalls for each category of individual appliances."

Don't wait until your home is destroyed by fire to learn of a recalled appliance. Take advantage of this new service to determine whether any of the appliances in your home or those you plan to purchase are included in a recall notice. 

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. Mr. Zambri has been named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers (2011 edition), as well as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)--national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

In a column in the Baltimore Sun (8/1), Eileen Ambrose wrote, "Maryland lawmakers considered - and failed this year - to pass legislation making arbitration more transparent, and problems with the process have caught the attention of federal officials, who are taking a hard look at making consumers agree in advance to arbitration and ways to give them a fairer shake." Bills "pending in Congress also seek to bar such clauses in consumer products and services as well as in nursing home contracts." But "until Congress or the new consumer protection bureau acts, most consumers will have few options if they don't want to give up their right to settle a dispute in court."

As it stands, many corporations bury mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts in an effort to keep victims of corporate wrongdoing from access justice in the court system.  I have seen some arbitration clauses that even dictates who the arbitrator will be.  Do you think the company who drafted the document would  pick a fair arbitrator?  These clauses should be barred.  If a consumer and a company wish to utilize arbitration after a claim arises, then fine.  Stripping innocent Americans of their rights is not. 

I hope Congress gets this job done and eliminates forced arbitration.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Democrats in Congress are fighting to push legislation to improve regulation and oversight of auto safety.  This important legislation should pass into law.

The New York Times agrees. The Times (7/31) editorializes, "The United States has done a fairly good job so far of policing the safety of cars and trucks. The number of deaths in traffic accidents dropped to an estimated 34,000 last year - the least since the 1950s.  But that is still too many deaths. ... The Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires all vehicles to have a brake override system to ensure that a vehicle can be stopped even if the throttle is open. Pedals must exceed a minimum clearance from the floor to avoid snagging car mats. Electronic control systems must meet minimum performance standards, to be set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And all vehicles must come fitted with recorders that log operational data and help determine the causes of accidents. But perhaps more important, the bill would broadly change the system of overseeing and enforcing safety rules."

By overseeing and enforcing safety rules, auto manufacturers will be forced to put safety over profits.  With all that is being revealed surrounding the Toyota crisis, coupled with the many auto recalls we have learned of over the past few years, now is the time to create and enforce laws that protect consumers.

I encourage you to contact your local and federal representatives to urge them to support laws that promote auto safety.

Do you have any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile accident claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and work-accident claims. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners.  His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA.  Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899. 

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By Patrick M. Regan

The National Transportation Safety Board met today to announce the findings of its investigation into the June 22, 2009 Metrorail crash that killed nine and injured countless others.

An "anemic safety culture", and "layers of safety deficiencies" made the tragedy all but unavoidable, according to Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.  "Metro was on a collision course long before this accident," Hersman said. "The only question was when Metro would have another accident."  

Mr. Regan and the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long are one of the lead lawyers representing Metro passengers who were killed or seriously injured in this tragedy.  "WMATA knew for years that there were serious safety problems with the subway system and yet they refused to take simple safety measures to protect the passengers" according to a statement released by Mr. Regan.

Investigators determined that Metro knew about the problems as early as 2005, when the same inadequacies caused a near-miss collision near the Rosslyn station.  The operator averted a collision by hitting the emergency brake after the Automatic Train Control system failed to detect the train in front. 

Track circuits in the Automatic Train Control system malfunctioned thousands of times each week, and eventually, Metro simply turned off the alarms caused by the malfunctions.

The Board also found that Metro failed to inform its technicians about the automatic train control system; failed to oversee automatic train control maintenance; and continues to use 1000-series rail cars even though they pose an "unacceptable risk".

If you have questions about this post or want to discuss a potential claim against Metro, you can contact Mr. Regan by phone, 202-463-3030 or click here to send an email to him directly.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Following the crisis created by Toyota's issues with sudden acceleration, lawmakers proposed sweeping safety requirements in the ambitious Vehicle Safety Improvements Act of 2010 that would have allowed federal officials unlimited fine power against automakers for safety violations as well as set safety standards for vehicle electronics.  However, according to a recent Los Angeles Times article, pressures from the auto industry have caused the subsequent bills proposed by both the House and Senate versions to be weakened, delayed or eliminated key safety provisions considerably. 

Auto safety advocates, while not surprised by the weakening of the original bill, are disappointed.  "The auto industry has had undue influence on this legislation," said Joan Claybrook, former head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who testified at several congressional hearings. "The industry wanted to change a lot of little words that had a major impact."

According to Rep. Henry A. Waxman, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, "the new bill would give NHTSA significant new powers, create large fines for violation of safety rules, double the agency's auto safety research budget and require it to create a number of new standards involving vehicle electronics."  He acknowledges that changes were made, but states, "The legislation . . . will dramatically improve the safety of motor vehicles. Through this process, we were able to earn broad support from our membership."

Initially, the auto safety bill focused on sudden acceleration; through compromises with the auto industry other issues became more important.  One change that provoked strong protests by several key safety groups was the efforts by MADD to obtain as much as $60 million over five years for research into unproven technology to prevent drunk drivers from starting their vehicles.  Funding for this initiative would  come out of the $140 million currently allocated to vehicle safety standards and research.  According to Public Citizen President Robert Weissman, "funds for drunk driving technology 'far outstrip' the government's budget for crash avoidance, occupant protection and vehicle safety research."

The delays and setbacks in the auto safety standards would cause a more immediate loss of life, said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety.  "If the purpose of the standards is to save lives and prevent injuries, delaying the implementation is not going to achieve that goal," Ditlow said. "The one certainty is that there will be deaths and injuries caused by the delay. What we don't know is how many."

The auto industry should embrace the new standards.  The American people want safety to be the primary concern for all auto makers.  Those that fail to put safety over profits should be subject to meaningful repercussions.

Any questions about this post?

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a board-certified civil trial attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocates and a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. He has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including automobile collisions, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and work-accident claims. Mr. Zambri has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2010)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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By Catherine Bertram

 In Gaithersburg, Maryland,  on July 15 and 16,  an FDA panel will hear testimony about the effects that cigarette mint flavoring may have on health. Menthol will be the first matter taken up by the FDA’s new Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee.    To see the agenda for the meetings and for emails and phone numbers related to these meetings click here.

Menthol cigarettes make up approximately a third of the US market. It is expected that various experts will testify about possible health risks associated with menthol and whether menthol increases cigarette addiction. Based on the panel's recommendations, the FDA will consider whether to ban or limit tobacco products which contain menthol.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season for many families.  Children's excitement mounts as they count down the days until school is over and the neighborhood swimming pool opens.  Unfortunately, though, it is also the season during which many children will needlessly drown.  Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related child-deaths in America, and they can and should be avoided. 

"From 2000 to 2006, drowning was the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among US children between 1 and 19 years of age," according to statistics provided in the recent Policy Statement - Prevention of Drowning issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, "in 2008, approximately 3800 children younger than 20 years visited a hospital emergency department for a nonfatal drowning event, and more than 60% of those children were hospitalized."

Operators of pool must be properly staffed and trained.  I have represented many families of children who drowned because lifeguards were not staffed, who were distracted and unfocused on their job, and who were grossly untrained in CPR and other life-saving techniques.

Doctors can also help families be safe.  The July, 2010 issue of Pediatrics provides guidelines for pediatricians to alert parents and caregivers to the dangers that water presents at different ages and in different situations.

"In addition to providing generic water-safety advice, pediatricians can provide some specific targeted messages to children identified as having special risks of drowning:

• Parents and caregivers need to be advised that they should never - even for a moment - leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while in bathtubs, pools, spas, or wading pools or near irrigation ditches or other open standing water.
• Whenever infants and toddlers (or weak swimmers) are in or around water, be it a pool or an open body of water, a supervising adult with swimming skills should be in the water, within an arm's length, providing "touch supervision." Supervision needs to be be close, constant, and capable.
• Pediatricians are encouraged to identify families who have residential (home and apartment complex) swimming pols and include periodic drowning-prevention counseling during routine health visits.
• Families can also be advised to consider supplemental pool alarms and rigid pool covers as additional layers of protection; however, neither alarms nor pool covers are a substitute for adequate fencing.  It is important to note that some types of pool covers, such as thin plastic solar covers, should not be used as a means of protection, because children may try to walk on the cover, fall into the pool, and be hidden from view.
• Body entrapment and hair entanglement in pool and spa drains were recently recognized as potential dangers to children.  Entrapment and entanglement can be prevented by the use of special drain covers, SVRSs, filter pumps with multiple drains, and a variety of other pressure-venting, filter-construction techniques.
• Children need to learn to swim.  The AAP continues to support swimming lessons for most children 4 years old and older. . . . A parent's decision about starting swimming lessons or water-survival skills training at an early age must be individualized on the basis of the child's frequency of exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations, and health concerns related to swimming pools (i.e. hypothermia, hyponatremia, infectious illness, and lung damage from pool chemicals). Parents should be reminded that swimming lessons will not provide "drown-proofing" for children of any age.
• Parents, caregivers, and pool owners should learn CPR and keep a telephone and equipment approved by the US Coast Guard (e.s life buoys, life jackets, and a reach tool such as a shepherd's crook) at poolside.
• Parents should be cautioned not to use air-filled swimming aids (such as inflatable arm bands) in place of PFDs (life jackets).
• All children should be required to wear an approved PFD whenever they are riding in watercraft.  Small children and non-swimmers should use PFDs when they are at the water's edge, such as along a river bank of on a dock or pier. 
• Parents and children need to understand that jumping or diving into water can result in injury.
• When selecting an open body of water in which their children will swim, parents should select sites with lifeguards.  Even for the strongest of swimmers, it is important to consider weather, tides,waves, and water currents in selecting a safe location for recreational swimming.
• When swimming or taking a bath, children of any age with seizure disorders should be closely supervised by an adult at all times.
• Counseling parents and adolescents about water safety provides an opportunity to warn them about the increased drowning rates that result from impairment of a swimmer or watercraft occupant when alcohol or illicit drugs are used."  

Listed below are other resources that are available that address water safety for children:

• American Academy of Pediatrics - The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) -  materials for parents about home water hazards for children;
• Safe Kids USA - information about pools and hot tubs, drain covers, SVRSs to prevent entrapment, safety checklists, links to national research study about pool safety;
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - water-related injuries fact sheet, CDC research and information on water safety and water-related illnesses and injuries;
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - safety-barrier guidelines for home pools and brochure about preventing childhood drowning;
• US Coast Guard - detailed information and tip sheets about vessel safety checks, approved on-line boating safety courses, and beach safety.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

Proms are supposed to be fun.  All too often, though, they end in tragedy.  By combining common sense and advance planning, proms can be both fun and safe. As we have written during previous prom seasons, a primary emphasis for both parents and their teens should be safety.  Having lives shattered or ended is hardly the way that anyone would want to remember their prom.

In spite of all the cautions and warnings available now, the primary cause of death and injury for teenagers is motor vehicle accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Alcohol is the number one youth drug problem, per the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and kills six times more people than all other illicit drugs combined.

Listed below are our earlier postings that provide prom advice:

• Senior Prom Safety Tips for Teens
• Prom Safety Tips for Parents and Teens
• Prom Safety Tips: Common Sense Advice

Listed below are more safety tips, courtesy of www.ourpromnight.com.

"Parents, make sure that your children are safe on prom night. There are so many drug and alcohol related accidents on prom night that is is critical for you to be aware of what you can do to help keep your children safe.

• Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger.
• Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Encourage seatbelt use: The best accessory!
• Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• If your child's plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair.
• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!
• Don't let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead - make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends, remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know.
• If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
   

Teens, take responsibility and plan your prom night. This will be an important night to remember as you grow old in age. Make this night a joyous night to remember by thinking about and following these few tips before you leave the house for the prom that evening.

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!
• Don't let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead - make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends, remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know.
• If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
• Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
• Know where you are and where you are going, keep your parents and friends informed.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change. Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons.
• It is dangerous and every one in the car is at risk of getting arrested.
• It is illegal to alter your drivers' license or any other form of government identification."

Have a wonderful time if attending a prom, but be careful.  Don't jeopardize your future or the lives of others.  The prom should be a celebration of past accomplishments and the promise of the future.  Please enjoy the celebration responsibly.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

If you believe in urban legend, you might think that lawn mowers attack their victims. In reality, lawn mowing is an extremely dangerous activity that is frequently viewed as just one of those chores routinely delegated to children. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 230,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for accidents related to lawn and garden tools.  Most lawn mower-related injuries, including limb amputations, broken bones, severed toes and fingers, burns and eye injuries, are caused by carelessness and can be prevented by obeying simple safety tips.

"CPSC advises consumers to learn about the hazards of each piece of equipment, and take the following precautions to prevent injuries to children and themselves:

• Children should never be in the yard while you're mowing, and they should never ride on the mower. More than 800 young children get run over or backed over by riding mowers each year. This happens when children fall while being given rides, or when they approach the operating mower.
• Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area. Use extra care when backing up or going around corners, shrubs, trees or other obstacles.
• Many children suffer serious burns to their hands and arms when they touch the hot muffler of running or recently running engines. Keep children away from power equipment.
• Be sure you know how to operate the equipment. Know where the controls are and what they do. Make sure the equipment is in proper operating condition and guards or other safety devices have not been removed or disabled.
• Dress appropriately for the job. This includes: sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes, eye protection, heavy gloves, hearing protection when needed, and no jewelry, which can get caught in moving parts.
• Before mowing, walk around the area in which you will be working to remove any objects like sticks, glass, metal, wire, stones and string that could cause injury or damage equipment. Nails and wire are the most hazardous objects thrown by mowers, capable of killing bystanders.
• Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs come in several models, including portable plug-in types and as part of some extension cords.
• Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.
• Before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts, unplug electric tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools.
• Be sure that power tools are turned off and made inoperable if they must be left unattended. This will help prevent use by children.
• Handle gasoline carefully. Remember never to fill gas tanks while machinery is operating or when equipment is still hot. Do not fuel equipment indoors. Wipe up spills. Store gas in an approved container away from the house. Finally, never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline."

Common sense safety precautions are critical in prevention of many accidents.  Of course, sometimes injuries result from product defects.  If a lawn mower is defective, the safety of its user is threatened.  Serious defects can lead to mechanical failures that cause terrible injuries. 

If you have questions about this issue or others concerning your safety or that of your children, please feel free to email me @ szambri@reganfirm.com or call me at 202-822-1899.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.

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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

On April 15, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to begin working on a searchable database, www.saferproducts.gov, intended to make complaints about unsafe products visible to the public.  Product recalls have been posted on the CPSC website for some time.  However, the new database will allow consumers to view concerns before any official action is taken on complaints from individuals and safety groups.  Congress ordered creation of the new database in 2008 as part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that increased product safety oversight after a series of lead-paint toy recalls.  Consumer groups say the new site will help consumers make better-informed purchasing decisions. 

According to CPSC Chairman Inez Tanebaum, "The database has the potential to create a new generation of consumers educated about product hazards in and around their homes."   The new database is scheduled to go online in March, 2011. 

In its Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 212 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, CPSC states that the database "will result in increased effectiveness and greater productivity, as well as earlier product safety hazard detection and more rapid warnings to the public." 

SaferProducts.gov includes the following organizational goals:

• raise public awareness of new, easier methods for reporting product incidents,
• provide the public with new and innovative ways to learn of product incidents and notices of recalls,
• increase public access to product information, including manufacturer comments and CPSC's responses to incident reports, and
• enhance CPSC's ability to share information with other federal, state and local agencies.

Informed consumers make smarter decisions when purchasing products.  The new SaferProducts.gov database should allow American to make better, safer purchasing decisions.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations to lawyers and businesses regarding product defects and safety improvements.

If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner
                                                                                                     

"Around 33,000 people die in car crashes in the U.S. each year.  About 1 in 41 is a bicyclist."

In addition, an estimated 600,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries, in a single year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Chilling statistics, aren't they?  According to BicycleSafe.com, real bicycle safety is about not getting hit even more so than about wearing helmets.  Most bicycle safety guides emphasize the importance of wearing helmets. However, helmets don't prevent bicyclists from getting hit by another vehicle in the first place. BicycleSafe.com focuses on avoiding getting hit by cars. The ten illustrations following explain the most common ways to get hit and how to avoid those collisions:

• Collision Type #1: The Right Cross. This is the most common way to get hit (or almost get hit). A car is pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right.
  
  • Ways to avoid this collision:
    
    • Use headlights, both on your bicycle and on your helmet.
    • Honk your horn.
    • Slow down, especially if you haven't made eye contact with the driver.
    • Ride further left.
• Collision Type #2: The Door Prize. A driver opens his door right in front of you. You run right into it if you can't stop in time.
  
  • How to avoid this collision: Ride far enough to the left to not run into an unexpected door opening.
• Collision Type #3: The Crosswalk Slam. You're riding on the sidewalk and cross the street at a crosswalk, and a car makes a right turn, right into you.
  
  • How to avoid this collision:
    
    • Get a headlight.
    • Slow down.
    • Don't ride on the sidewalk in the first place.
• Collision Type #4:  The Wrong-Way Wreck. You're riding the wrong way (against traffic, on the left-hand side of the street). A car makes a right turn from a side street, driveway, or parking lot, right into you. They didn't see you because they were looking for traffic only on their left, not on their right. They had no reason to expect that someone would be coming at them from the wrong direction.
  
  • How to avoid this collision: Don't ride against the traffic.  Ride with traffic, in the same direction.
  • One study showed that riding the wrong way was three times as dangerous as riding the right way, and for kids, the risk is seven times greater.
• Collision Type #5: Red Light of Death. You stop to the right of a car that's already waiting at a red light or stop sign. They can't see you. When the light turns green, you move forward, and then they turn right, right into you.
  •  How to avoid this collision: Don't stop in the blind spot. Simply stop behind the car.
• Collision Type #6: The Right Hook. A car passes you and then tries to make a right turn directly in front of you, or right into you.
  
  • How to avoid this collision:
    
    • Don't ride on the sidewalk.
    • Ride to the left.
    • Glance in your mirror before approaching an intersection.
• Collision Type #7: The Right Hook, Pt. 2. You're passing a slow-moving car (or even another bike) on the right, when it unexpectedly makes a right turn right into you, trying to get to a parking lot,driveway or side street.
  
  • How to avoid this collision: 
    
    • Don't pass on the right.
    • Look behind you before turning right.
• Collision Type #8. The Left Cross.  A car coming towards you makes a left turn right in front of you, or right into you.
  
  • How to avoid this collision:
    
    • Don't ride on the sidewalk.
    • Get a headlight.
    • Wear something bright, even during the day.
    • Don't pass on the right.
    • Slow down.
• Collision Type #9. The Rear End. You innocently move a little to the left to go around a parked car or some other obstruction in the road, and you get nailed by a car coming up from behind.
  
  • How to avoid this collision:
    
    • Never, ever move left without looking behind you first.
    • Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars.
    • Use a mirror.
    • Signal.
• Collision Type #10. The Rear End, Pt. 2. A car runs into you from behind. This is what many cyclists fear the most, but it's actually not very common, comprising only 3.8% of collisions. However, it's one of the hardest collisions to avoid, since you're not usually looking behind you.
  
  • How to avoid this collision:
    • Get a rear light.
    • Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle.
    • Choose wide streets.
    • Choose slow streets.
    • Use back streets on weekends.
    • Get a mirror.
    • Don't hug the curb.

Please be careful on the road whether you are driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle. Preventing accidents is everyone's responsibility. 

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is a Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including serious truck and car collisions. Mr. Zambri has also been repeatedly named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to give presentations regarding product defects, automobile accident litigation, and safety improvements.  If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

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