Greensboro Personal Injury Lawyer

Light My Fire - Carefully! Tips for Improved Fireworks Safety

Pierce Egerton — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:33:00 GMT

My family and I plan to have a blast this Independence Day -- literally! Like millions of others all over the country we will be enjoying fireworks. It’s important to keep in mind in mind, however, that fireworks are explosives and need to be handled with extreme caution.

According to the CDC there were an estimated 10,800 people treated for fireworks inflicted injuries in emergency departments throughout the nation in 2005. About 60% of those occurred in the month surrounding Independence Day.

The CDC recommends that fireworks should be handled only by specially trained professionals. However, if you intend to have your own fireworks display, please keep in mind these tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Do not allow young children to play with fire-works under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
Observe local laws.
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Alcohol, Speed Lead to Fatal Accident in Graham, NC

Pierce Egerton — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:58:26 GMT

WFMY and Burlington’s Times News are reporting another deadly vehicle crash in the Piedmont today. The crash occurred in the early morning hours on East Gilbreath Street in Graham, NC. The Graham Police Department reports 21-year-old John Paul Hamlett of Buffalo Junction, Virginia was killed this morning when he lost control of his pickup truck.

The truck left the roadway and came to rest upside down in a creek. A Graham Police Department news release says the driver of the vehicle was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers were taken to UNC Hospitals with serious -- but not life-threatening -- injuries.

Police say speed and alcohol contributed to the accident.

This accident follows two other fatal accidents in the Piedmont this week. On Tuesday a young man, Nate Marburger, died from injuries he sustained in an accident the previous day on US 29 near Greensboro after the driver of the SUV he was riding in fell asleep at the wheel.

On Tuesday a Sophia couple, Clarence and Elizabeth Poe, were killed in an accident on US 64 in Randolph County. That accident occurred when a tire blew out on an El Camino setting off a chain of events culminating in a utility truck colliding head on with the Poe’s Ford Taurus.

Together these accidents highlight four major causes of vehicle accidents: alcohol, speed, driver fatigue, and, perhaps, poorly maintained or defective tires. Please be careful as you head out into traffic over this long Independence Day holiday. Please also say a prayer for the devastated family members and friends of Mr. Marburger, the Poes and Mr. Hamlett.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Michael Jackson: Aliases, Painkillers, Propofol & a "Mini-Clinic"

Pierce Egerton — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:32:39 GMT

Did Michael Jackson use aliases to obtain prescription drugs? That’s what TMZ is reporting this morning. According to the report, MJ used names such as Omar Arnold and Jack London to obtain medications.

According to CNN the medical mania surrounding MJ was so great that during a tour in the 1990s he traveled with what seemed like a “mini-clinic,” including an anesthesiologist and IV pole. CNN reports that the anesthesiologist, Dr. Neil Ratner, had his medical license revoked in 2002 after he was found guilty of insurance fraud.

In an article posted today, TMZ reports one medical source saying Jackson, "was an anesthesia addict." According to TMZ, LA police officers found the anesthesia Propofol (also known as Diprivan) in Jackson's home and the website noted "it's looking like that's the drug that killed him."

It is unclear how widely rumors that Jackson was dependent on prescription drugs circulated in entertainment circles. However, according to TMZ, the promoter for MJ’s planned 50 London concerts carried insurance that “covered an MJ overdose.” The policy did not cover death from natural causes.

These revelations underscore Lisa Marie Presley’s recollection of an eerie prediction MJ made in a conversation she said she had with him years ago. They had been discussing the circumstances surround Elvis Presley’s death when Michael said, “I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."

Lisa Marie recalled this conversation in a post on her MySpace page. She went on to add that she wanted to “save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened.” She also said, “[h]is family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn't know how. . .”

Over the coming months the details of this unhappy story may begin to unfold as state and federal agencies conduct proceed with their investigations.

Jerry Brown, California’s State Attorney General is now investigating prescriptions written by Jackson’s doctors. Brown’s office will be working with the LAPD and the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement to track MJ’s drugs. According to TMZ this is the same process that was used in the Anna Nicole Smith case.

In addition to the state investigators, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is opening its own investigation according to sources cited by CNN. In the meantime, the LA County Coroner said toxicology results should be available in two to three weeks.

The outcome of these investigations remains an open question. However it seems certain we will hear more about this talented musician’s tragic connection with prescription medication.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Highway Patrol Out In Force This Weekend

Pierce Egerton — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:48:56 GMT

We have already seen several serious accidents in the Piedmont this week and with far too many fatalities. Now we are on the eve of what is traditionally one of the most dangerous weekends of the year to be on the road.

In an effort to cut down on accidents and promote safe driving over the Independence Day weekend, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol will be participating in the nationwide Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).

In advance of the holiday weekend, the NC State Highway Patrol posted the following press release.

Highway Patrol Encouraging Motorists to Slow Down During the July 4th Holiday

The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the July 4th holiday. Motorists who slow down and travel at posted speeds will not only increase their chances of arriving at their destination safely they will also conserve fuel.

There will be an increased presence of Troopers on the interstates and major four lane highways.

Speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state. State Troopers will be cracking down on speeders during the holiday and will be using LIDAR and other speed timing devices to assist them in enforcing the speed laws.

Additionally Troopers will increase patrols on all interstates and major four lane highways during the holiday. Last year in North Carolina, eight people died and 634 were injured over the July 4th holiday period. The 2009 July 4th holiday begins at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 2nd and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 5th.

Troopers will target aggressive drivers who tend to cause the most crashes. The aggressive driver has been identified as those drivers who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to: excessive speeding, following too closely, erratic lane changes, safe movement violations, and other forms of reckless endangerment.

“I have instructed our troopers to crackdown on traffic violators on our interstates and to apply strict enforcement to those motorists who are traveling at dangerous speeds or in a careless manner,” said Colonel Walter J. Wilson Jr., Highway Patrol Commander. “Our Troopers will be looking for aggressive drivers, drunk drivers, and other violators while patrolling throughout the state during the holiday week.”

Reuben Young, Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, said, “We are committed to doing our part to reduce traffic collisions throughout our state. Motorists should do their part by obeying all traffic laws while traveling to their holiday destination.”

Troopers will be participating in the nationwide “Operation C.A.R.E.” (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). “Operation C.A.R.E.” is a coordinated education and enforcement effort involving all Highway Patrol and State Police agencies across the nation. These high visibility patrols during national holiday periods are designed to prevent crashes and ensure voluntary compliance with the motor vehicle laws.

Troopers will also increase their efforts to enforce the state's litter laws. Troopers will crackdown on litter bugs and keep litter off of North Carolina's roads. Tougher littering laws passed by the N.C. General Assembly first-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and be ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours community service. The Department of Transportation's Office of Beautification maintains the website where litterbug reports can be submitted. The address is www.dot.state.nc.us/litterbug . The page can also be found by going to the SHP website at www.nccrimecontrol.org .

Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.

# # #

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Trooper Hero Saves Girl from Drowning in Pool

Pierce Egerton — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:44:35 GMT

Someone screaming. A small child motionless on the bottom of a swimming pool. We’ve heard this tragic story too many times already this year. But this time it has a happy ending thanks to off-duty State Trooper Jack Dixon, Jr.

The Salisbury Post reports that on Sunday, Trooper Dixon and his family were enjoying the fine weather at Grace Ridge Swimming Pool in Rowan County. A father started yelling. Dixon looked in the direction of the commotion and saw a child at the bottom of the pool.

The Trooper swung into action. He dived in and retrieved the girl. He rolled the girl on her side and squeezed the water from her lungs; then he began CPR. Not long later, the young girl began to cry. She was checked out at a local hospital and went home two days later.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Update: Sad News In Monday’s Crash On US 29

Pierce Egerton — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:44:51 GMT

The News & Record is reporting a tragic development in Monday’s single-vehicle crash on US 29. You may recall from my earlier blog entry that an 18-year-old young man was seriously injured when the Toyota Land Cruiser he was riding in rolled over several times. The driver told troopers that he and his two passengers had been traveling all night to reach a soccer tournament at Greensboro’s Bryan Park.

Sadly, the seriously injured passenger, 18-year-old Nate Marburger of Worthington, Ohio, died Tuesday from his injuries. Mr. Marburger was a recent graduate of Thomas Worthington High School and was on his way to watch his friend’s younger brother participate in the soccer tournament.

The Columbus Dispatch reports there have been two prayer services for Mr. Marburger -- one at his high school and another at his church. He would have been attending the University of Toledo in the fall.

Our thoughts and prayers are with this young man’s family and friends.

This is the second North Carolina accident in a week to draw attention to the dangers of driving while fatigued. The day before the accident on US 29, N.C. State linebacker Nate Irving was seriously injured in a one-car crash in which he reportedly fell asleep while driving.

Traditionally the weekend before the 4^th of July is one of the deadliest on our roads. If you will be traveling this weekend, please check your tires, don’t follow too closely and stay alert.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Update on Fatal US 64 Accident -- Troopers Investigating Blowout

Pierce Egerton — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:53:55 GMT

The News & Record is now reporting more information about yesterday’s tragic accident on U.S. 64 in Randolph County that took the lives of Clarence and Elizabeth Poe of Sophia, NC.

It now appears the accident occurred when a tire on an eastbound El Camino blew out and the driver lost control. The El Camino crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a westbound Chevrolet utility truck owned by Snider Tire Company. The utility truck then crossed into the eastbound lane and struck the Poe’s Ford Taurus head on.

The Poes died at the scene. Jarrell Snody of Lexington, the driver of the utility truck, was airlifted to Baptist Hospital.

Troopers say they are investigating the cause of the ruptured tire. According to Fox8 News, police speculated that heat may have been a factor in the blowout. Investigators will be looking into maintenance records for the El Camino.

Blowouts can occur for a variety of reasons. It is important to pay careful attention to your tires. One of the biggest problems is underinflation. When a tire is underinflated the sidewall flexes more. This can lead to a build up of head and a blowout or tire separation.

Because tires can lose air at the valve and through the rubber, it is particularly important to check your tire pressure frequently. When you do, check your tires for excessive wear, uneven wear, bulges, blisters and other defects. If you have any doubt about the safety of your tires, consult a mechanic.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Latest From the CDC on Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Recall and E. Coli Outbreak

Pierce Egerton — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:54:27 GMT

The number of people believed to be infected with E. coli O157:H7 from Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough continues to climb. The CDC reported today that 72 persons in 30 states are infected with a strain of the deadly bacteria with a “particular DNA fingerprint.” Of the 72, 51 are confirmed as having the outbreak strain and confirmatory tests are pending on the others.

The CDC is reporting cases from the following states: Arizona (2), California (3), Colorado (6), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Georgia (1), Iowa (2), Illinois (5), Kentucky (2), Massachusetts (4), Maryland (2), Maine (3), Minnesota (6), Missouri (1), Montana (1), North Carolina (2), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (1), Nevada (2), New York (1), Ohio (3), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1), Texas (3), Utah (4), Virginia (2), Washington (6), and Wisconsin (1).

Source National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)

The CDC is offering the following advice to consumers:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. If consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home they should throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces. The recall does not include Nestle Toll House morsels, which are used as an ingredient in many home-made baked goods or other already baked cookie products.

Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local public health authorities.

Consumers should be reminded they should not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption. Consumers should use safe food-handling practices when preparing such products, including following package directions for cooking at proper temperatures; washing hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoiding cross contamination; and refrigerating products properly.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Two Dead, One Critical in Another Accident on Highway 64

Pierce Egerton — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:02:41 GMT

Fox8 News is reporting another fatal crash on U.S. 64 in Randolph County. Reports are sketchy at this point, but it appears the driver of an El Camino lost control after a blowout. A white car -- possibly a Ford or a Toyota -- swerved to avoid the El Camino, crossed left of center, and hit a utility truck.

It appears the elderly couple in the white car died at the scene. The utility truck’s driver was airlifted to a local hospital. Reports indicate that the El Camino’s driver was not seriously injured.

Our firm has seen a number of serious accidents on U.S. 64 in recent years. Many of these involved fatalities.

As the July 4th weekend approaches, please drive carefully.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

What's Worse Than Drunk Driving? Driving While TEXTING

Pierce Egerton — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:37:04 GMT

Could driving while texting (DWT) actually be worse than drunk driving? That’s the question Car and Driver magazine set out to answer. They designed a test to measure reaction times of drivers who were (1) reading a text; (2) writing a text; and (3) intoxicated.

The reaction times of two subjects were tested. One was a 22-year-old intern and the other was the 37-year-old magazine editor. The participants were told to brake when signaled by a red LED light mounted on the windshield (meant to simulate a brake light). The tests were run at 35 and 75 miles per hour.

The delay in reaction times for DWT was worse than DWI. Much worse.

At 35 mph, the younger driver’s stopping distance increased by 7 feet when drunk. But his increased stopping distance while sending a text was double the increase when drunk (14 ft) and was triple (21 ft) when reading a text.

The effect was even greater for the older driver. The effect on his stopping distance while sending a text was over 10 times greater than while driving drunk. The effect while reading a text was over 20 times greater than while driving drunk.

Wow!

Here's a vid of the Car and Driver test.

Car and Driver Video.

So it’s a good thing that this year North Carolina became the 14^th state to pass a ban on driving while texting. Governor Perdue announced that she signed the bill via text message: “This msg 2 u was composed while I was behind my desk, not behind the wheel. Hope u r not driving now.''

TTFN

PS: After writing this blog entry, I saw that Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle crashed into an Austin, Texas apartment building last week while he was either sending or receiving a text. Be safe! LPE

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton