Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

January 6, 2014

New Tests for Brain Injury Trauma Could Provide Better Solutions for Injured Victims

Our brain injury lawyers recently wrote about hockey player taking legal action against the NCAA. The players allege that the collegiate athletic association should be held responsible for its role in contributing to brain injuries. Brain injuries are a major concern among athletes, but athletes are not the only ones who can suffer trauma to the head that leads to a brain injury. Car accident victims and slip and fall victims are also at risk of injury to the brain that can have a devastating lifelong impact.

Brain injuries are damaging to victims for many reasons including the fact that a blow to the head can cause potentially permanent damage to the brain and can increase the risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions. A part of the problem associated with severe brain injury, however, also stems from the fact that it is often difficult to know just how badly the brain was harmed by trauma or what the lasting effects of the trauma will be. The New York Times recently discussed new tests for brain trauma that could create new hope among victims, but that are also being met with skepticism.
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January 3, 2014

Massachusetts Driving Safety: Resolve to get a Better Night’s Rest

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Drowsy driving is a major problem on America’s roads, with as many as a third of all Americans reporting that they are sleep deprived and not getting sufficient rest. A driver who is dozing off could cause a head-on collision or other accident and is a menace to himself and others on the roads.

Our personal injury lawyers encourage you to resolve to get a better night’s rest in 2014. Many people depend upon sleeping pills to try to get the rest they need. Unfortunately, new studies indicate that those who take sleeping pills fall asleep just 20 minutes prior to those who do not use these sleep aids. Sleeping pills could also increase the risk of a crash if you are still groggy from the pills on your morning commute. Because of the risks associated with sleeping pills, it may be better to explore other alternatives for making sure you get enough rest so you can stay awake and alert when driving.
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January 1, 2014

Brain Injury Lawsuit: National Hockey League Players Headed to Court

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Over the last two years, the media has widely covered litigation involving NFL injuries and wrongful death involving repeat head injuries over the course of a career. These players have suffered serious and permanent brain injury, resulting in loss of cognition, memory loss, loss of motor skills, and other defects. In some cases, the repeat head injuries have resulted in wrongful death. Now, players from the National Hockey League are following suit. According to Sports Illustrated, 10 former NHL players have entered into a class action lawsuit claiming that the National Hockey League failed in their duties to prevent concussions and long-term damage caused by brain injuries.

Though lawsuits involving sports injuries can be complicated, plaintiffs who can demonstrate that an individual or entity failed in their duties of care or acted negligently, they may be entitled to significant compensation for their losses. Our Boston brain injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims. We also are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of brain injury and repetitive brain trauma.
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December 27, 2013

Toyota Moves Forward in Sudden Acceleration Settlements

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In previous posts we have discussed the injuries and deaths involving Toyota’s “sudden acceleration” accidents. While Toyota once objected to the notion that the vehicles automatically accelerated and caused accidents, the company has now agreed to move forward in an intensive settlement process on behalf of accident victims and their families. As with most large-scale product liability and defective products cases, the facts can be complicated and involve numerous victims. In this case, the company is likely moving forward to prevent additional public exposure and to prevent an extended trial period for these cases.

Any car accident case may involve a defective part or product. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident, you should consult an experienced advocate who can investigate your case and uncover the cause of the injuries or fatalities. Our Boston personal injury attorneys are experienced with complex car accident and products liability claims and can effectively protect your rights and interests. We are also dedicated to staying abreast of cases involving multiple injuries and accidents caused by defective products.
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December 23, 2013

Holiday Season Accident Prevention

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

For children and adults, the holiday season is exciting but can carry some additional risks. To prevent accidents and injury, it is important to keep in mind some potential dangers that could lead to property damage, personal injury, or fatality. While Christmas and New Year’s can inspire a carefree and cheery atmosphere, you should focus on safety first to prevent injury and keep your family away from harm through the holidays.

Every year, the National Safety Council urges families to stay safe while celebrating through the holiday season. Our Boston personal injury lawyers are dedicated to keeping our communities safe and raising awareness to prevent accidents. Whether you are at home, on the road, in the office, or taking a holiday trip, here are some accident prevention tips to help you stay safe.

Driving hazards. During the holidays, families will be rushing around for last-minute gifts, visiting family, and creating heaving traffic. All of this hustle-and-bustle will be combined with some dangerous driving conditions. Always practice safe driving, be aware of additional risks, and remember that other drivers are under stress. As always, you should keep in mind safety wherever you are. Holiday travel should be limited when road conditions are bad. If you must drive in dangerous conditions, reduce speed and never drink and drive.
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December 20, 2013

Massachusetts Injury Risks Abound this Holiday Season

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

It’s one of the most joyous times of the year, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. According to officials with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were close to 20,000 emergency room injuries that involved holiday decorating through the months of November and December in 2012.

This is the fourth year in a row that the number of these injuries has increased. Each year since 2009, there have been roughly 12,000 E.R. visits as a result of injuries from holiday decorations. Stepping on broken ornaments and falling off of ladders may be funny in the movies, but are real dangers in real life. These kinds of accidents happen each and every day in homes across the country. We’ve also got to be cautious of fires during this time of year. With beautifully-lit Christmas trees and lights and candles to brighten our holiday spirits, we’re also facing some serious risks for fire-related accidents.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers note the U.S. sees close to 300 injuries each and every day throughout the holiday season. The most common types of injuries throughout the season involve falls, lacerations and back strains. There are also about 200 fires reported every season, causing about 10 fatalities, 20 injuries and more than $16 million in properly loss. From 2009 to 2011, candle-related fires killed about 70 people, injured another 700 and cost close to $310 million in properly loss.
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December 17, 2013

Understanding Risks of Carbon Monoxide in Massachusetts Homes

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On average, more than 165 people are killed each year as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are thousands more who end up in hospital emergency rooms from the odorless, colorless gas. This dangerous gas interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Kerosene heaters, generators and other winter heat sources are a primary threat.

Breathed over long periods of time, low concentrations of CO may also contribute to other illness. Luckily, there are a few simple measures that you can take to prevent these problems and injuries. One of the most common of the preventative measures is to install a CO alarm to detect potentially deadly conditions.

Our Stoughton personal injury attorneys know this dangerous gas can come from many devices we have in our homes. They can include fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, gas or kerosene space heaters, boilers, gas cooking stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, charcoal grills, wood stoves, lawn mowers, power generators, camp stoves, motor vehicles and some power tools with internal combustion engines. Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever).
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December 15, 2013

MBTA Risks Increase with Late-Night Hours

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Governor Deval Patrick recently announced that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will launch its late-night bus, subway and light rail service next spring, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

“Extending service on weekend evenings will allow the public to enjoy the many attractions and restaurants the region has to offer and give workers a more cost-effective option for getting home late at night,” said Governor Patrick.

But risks for accidents increase when the sun sets. Our Boston personal injury lawyers understand that officials with the MBTA are giving this late-night program a one-year pilot test run. The new schedule has been launched after members from the public and from businesses around the area asked for it. People are looking for affordable and convenient ways to get around town, but many don’t comprehend the risks involved — especially at night.
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December 13, 2013

Chevy Malibu Sedans Recalled Due to Risk of Injury

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

General Motors has announced that 2013 and 2014 Chevy Malibus are being recalled because of defects in the vehicles that are causing a variety of serious safety issues. Our defective product attorneys in Boston know that if any of the design defects cause people to be hurt in auto accidents, then General Motors may be held legally liable for resulting injuries.

GM indicates that there have been no injuries as yet because of problems with the Malibu. However, those who drive a Malibu face an increased accident risk until their vehicle has been taken to the dealer and repaired.
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December 11, 2013

Drivers More Aggressive in the Holiday Season: Stay Safe and Keep Calm

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Our Boston accident lawyers know that the holiday season is a dangerous time on the roads. While most people think Thanksgiving and New Years Eve are the highest risk times, studies indicate that there may actually be a period of time over the holiday season that is even worse for driver safety: the days around Christmas.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of good cheer, of spending time with friends and family, and of engaging in religious traditions for a number of faiths. However, Christmas has become a stressful time for many, with drivers scrambling to do last-minute shopping or to get to their travel destination. More people on the roads — especially people who are coping with holiday stress — can mean more accidents, more injuries and even more deaths.
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