Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

July 4, 2011

Boston Student Injured in Chemistry Lab Explosion

A student at Boston College was injured when a beaker exploded during an experiment, forcing the evacuation of the Merkert Chemistry Center, the Boston Globe reported.

The student was reportedly working alone in the lab with thionyl chloride — a substance used in organic chemistry experiments. A violent chemical reaction left her with cuts on her face and burns on her hands, according to a fire department spokesperson. The student, who recently completed her doctoral program, left the lab to get medical treatment while fellow students contact the Boston College police. The department summoned Boston firefighters.

Earlier this year our Boston injury attorneys reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog about the death of a Yale Student in a machine shop class.

In this case, fire crews and a hazmat team responded shortly before 11 a.m. and were on scene for several hours. The student underwent a decontamination shower in a mobile unit and was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.

After her injuries, she reportedly put a towel on her cuts and drove herself home, which complicated decontamination efforts. Crews were also called to decontaminate her car and apartment.

A chemistry professor responded to the lab and told emergency crews to dilute the thionyl chloride with large amounts of water. Boston College also brought in a cleanup company. Cause of the action remains unclear. The chemical can react strongly to moisture and can be dangerous to humans if inhaled. The report said it’s uncommon for students to work alone in the lab but that department guidelines do not forbid it. Still, another graduate student said researchers are warned not to work with dangerous or potentially explosive chemicals by themselves.

In the April incident, a Yale student was killed after being pulled into a piece of equipment in the machine shop by her long hair. In the wake of the incident, monitors and machine shop supervisors were required to take a safety course and to be trained on how to deal with emergency situations.
Continue reading

July 1, 2011

Services Aim To Reduce Risks of Massachusetts Car Accidents over Holiday Weekend

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is encouraging safe travel to reduce the risk of Boston car accidents over the Fourth of July weekend and is reminding motorists of to check the state’s interactive traffic cameras webpage before setting out on a trip.

As we reported this week on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, travel is expected to dip slightly this weekend, compared to last year; still, more than 39 million motorists are expected to make trips of at least 50 miles from home.

The state remind motorists they may also call 511 for the traveler information service and to receive alerts via e-mail, text or phone. Of course, you are reminded to not do so while driving!

In an effort to help alleviate traffic congestion, the state is suspending roadwork over the holiday travel weekend — though the presence of construction zones could still cause delays and increase the risk of an accident. The suspension of construction — including the Medford I-93 “93Fast14” bridge project, will begin at noon Friday July 1 and run until Tuesday morning July 5.

The one major exception will be the Wellesley Cedar Street Bridge over Route 9, which will be replaced in its entirety over the holiday weekend. Detours will be in place.

Toll plazas are scheduled to be fully staffed and Massachusetts State Police will be out in force, looking for speeders, aggressive drivers and drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Please slow down, drive responsibly and obey speed limits on roads and at Fast Lane toll plazas.

MassDOT will also be offering free coffee at service plazas from 10 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday. Eleven plazas along I-90 will offer the service, as will plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, Route 128/I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable and Route 24 at the plazas northbound and southbound.

The MBTA will also be offering increased service and free fares from 10:30 p.m. Monday until end of service.

“As in past years, the MBTA will transport thousands of people into Boston for the July 4th festivities on the esplanade,” said MBTA Manager Rich Davey. “We encourage folks to take advantage of the extra service and let the T do the driving.”
Continue reading

June 30, 2011

Boston Fireworks Law Proposal Could Lead to Personal Injury Risks

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Massachusetts politicians are exploring a proposal that would allow residents to sell and purchase fireworks. Currently, the Bay State is one of only four nationwide that bans the sale, The Boston Herald reports.

Boston Personal Injury Lawyers understand that fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate holidays, especially with Fourth of July upcoming. But while they may be fun, they can be dangerous. Boston Child Injuries, such as those created by the use of large-scale fireworks, can be tragic.

A state representative from Gardner has proposed a law change that would allow Massachusetts to break free from the minority of states, including New York, New Jersey and Delaware, that don’t allow the sale of fireworks. While residents can easily drive to surrounding New England states and purchase them, the proposal could be a cash cow for fireworks distributors.

The proposal would legalize fireworks statewide, but allow towns to issue local permits.The measure would make it legal to have fireworks, but require a permit to use them. One-day permits could be issued by local fire chiefs for no more than $25, similar to burn permits already issued by fire departments.

The bill would ban the sale of fireworks in roadside push carts or temporary stands in order to spark permanent jobs. The bill must next be reviewed by the Legislature’s Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

It’s not as if fireworks aren’t accessible to Massachusetts residents, but the bill would make them much easier to obtain. And with more access comes the possibility of more injuries, especially to children who don’t know how to operate them safely. Child injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 seven people died and 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. And more than 4 out of every 10 people injured with fireworks were children under 15. Nearly 60 percent of those injured were under 20. Hands and fingers (1,400), eyes (1,000) and legs (900) are the body parts most often injured by fireworks, the CDC reports.

While fireworks are sometimes seen as a fun activity, especially during holidays, they can be dangerous — sparklers, for instance, burn at more than 1,000 degrees. They can catch clothes on fire and bottle rockets can fly wild and strike people in the eyes.

While it’s possible that human error is to blame for many of these accidents and injuries, some fireworks companies manufacture defective products in Boston and can lead to severe injuries. Investigating the design, construction and other factors related to fireworks after an accident can be important in determining whether the product was at fault.
Continue reading

June 21, 2011

Raising Awareness of Fall Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The National Safety Council uses the entire month of June to focus on a number of preventable injuries. This week, the Council focuses on slips, trips and falls.

Fall accidents in Massachusetts are one of the leading causes of these unintentional injuries. These accidents accounted for nearly 9 million visits to emergency rooms nationwide. Adults 55 and older are most likely to become a victim of one of these falls, while residents 65 and older are four times more likely to die from of a fall than people in any other age group.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand the severe consequences of these fall accidents at home or elsewhere. For this reason, safety precautions should be taken to avoid these incidents. Falls can result in serious injuries that can hinder an adult’s ability to lead an active and independent lifestyle. Property owners and businesses are required, by law, to make sure that their grounds are safe for everyone. Failure to eliminate potential hazards can result in legal repercussions.

In 2000 alone, falls for older adults cost the U.S. health care system more than $19 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the population continues to age, both the number of serious falls and the costs of treatment for these fall injuries will more than likely increase. These direct costs are what insurance companies and patients dish out for treating injuries caused by falls. The costs often include nursing home care, hospital fees, rehabilitation, the use of medical equipment, community-based services, changes made to the home, prescription drugs and insurance processing. Of the more than $19 billion, nearly $2 million went toward fatal falls, while $19 billion went to nonfatal falls. Fall-related injuries are one of the most expensive treated injuries among community-dwelling older adults.

In 2001, more than 18,000 adults died of injuries from unintentional falls.

About 30 percent of people who fall end up suffering from lacerations, hip fractures or head traumas. Falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury. In 2000 alone, traumatic brain injury accounted for nearly 50 percent of all fatal falls among older adults.

How to help prevent falls:

-Make sure to exercise regularly. Be sure that when you exercise, you’re focusing on increasing balance and leg strength.

-Have your eyes checked at least once a year. Make sure that your prescription is up to date.

-Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Does taking any of them together produce dizziness of drowsiness?

-Make your house a little bit safer by increasing the lighting, adding railings or grab bars and reducing tripping hazards.
Continue reading

June 21, 2011

Would you know if Your Vehicle was recalled in Massachusetts?

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Government Accountability Office recently concluded that only 70 percent of cars and trucks that were recalled ever got repaired within 18 months. If you’re not notified in a timely manner of these recalls, then your risks of being involved in a car accident in Massachusetts quickly increase.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand how common these vehicle recalls are nowadays. It’s important that there’s an effective system in place to make sure that consumers are being notified as quick as possible about these dangerous defects. The Government Accountability Office says that the NHTSA needs to step up their efforts in doing so. They suggest that the Administration improves their recall database website and provides notifications to used car buyers more quickly.

Some recalled vehicles are never even repaired. These vehicles are all over our roadways. When a car switches owners, it may be difficult for the car manufacturer to contact the new owners. When a manufacturer isn’t able to contact an owner, the job falls into the lap of the NHTSA.

The NHTSA currently has a database, safecar.gov, which allows motorists to look up their vehicle’s investigations and recalls. Drivers can even sign up to receive e-mail alerts for their specific vehicle. Another perk of the website is that it will provide you with a list of dealers that will perform recall repairs to your car even if the vehicle’s warranty has expired. Many times these repairs will cost you nothing.

It all started after a recent string of Toyota recalls. It wasn’t until then that Congress started to question the effectiveness of the auto safety defect recall process.

In response to these investigations, the GOA reviewed current laws and documents and interviewed the NHTSA and stakeholders about:

– The extent of NHTSA’s role in the recall process. They inquired about how its authorities compare to selected federal and foreign agencies that may also oversee recalls.

-The benefits and challenges of the current recall process for NHTSA and affected manufacturers.

-Some of the possible options for improving the recall process.

Through this investigation, the GOA came up with some recommendation to improve the system. They concluded that in order to encourage vehicle owners to comply with vehicle recalls, they would have to ensure that these owners would be provided with relevant information pertaining to their vehicle. They also concluded that the Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator of NHTSA to modify the requirements for defect notification letters to include information that would include the word “urgent” and the VIN number of the recalled vehicle so that the owner recognizes that this recall is specific to their vehicle.

We understand that it is extremely important to stay on top of the recalled vehicle’s list. If you’re vehicle has been recalled and you’ve not been notified, then you face an increased risk of being involved in an accident that could have been avoided if there would have been an effective notification system in place.
Continue reading

June 20, 2011

Chrysler Recalls 11,000 Vehicles – Faulty Parts May Lead to Boston Car Accident Injuries

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The Government Accountability Office is cracking down on the defective car list provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) because they’re claiming that the Administration is not doing its job of making sure defective cars get recalled and repaired, reports The Car Connection.

As a matter of fact, the Government Accountability Office recently concluded that only 70 percent of cars and trucks that were recalled were repaired within 18 months. If consumers are not notified in a timely manner of these recalls, then the risk of being involved in a car accident in Massachusetts sharply increases.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand how common these recalls are. It is important for there to be an effective system in place to make sure than consumers are being notified as quickly as possible about the possibly dangers defects. The Government Accountability Office says the NHTSA needs to step up their efforts.They suggest that the Administration improves its recall database website and provide notifications to used car buyers quicker.

These concerns may be backed by solid numbers as a number of vehicles that are recalled are never repaired. When vehicles are sold or traded to dealerships or random independent buyers, getting that information to the deserving individual may be rather difficult, a lot more difficult than if the car is sold to a family member or close friend of the original owner. While vehicle manufacturers are virtually unable to track down current owners that are not listed in their databases, it is then the job of the Administration to ensure recall compliance.

Right now, the NHTSA has a database that anyone can search. This database includes vehicle investigations and recalls. Consumers can even sign up to receive e-mail alerts about vehicle recalls. They can also be notified about dealers that can perform recall repairs, which will generally do for free for the consumer even if your vehicle’s warranty is expired.

If you’ve still got some doubt, you’re urged to get in contact with a local dealer. They can help to verify if a particular recall repair has been completed on your current vehicle.

As a matter of fact, the Chrysler Group recently recalled more than 11,350 cars, minivans, and other models. The recall was made after a manufacturing problem was discovered that can cause the steering wheel to collapse improperly during the event of a collision.

Chrysler says that it does not know of any accidents or injuries caused the by the problem. The recall affects 11 of the 20 models that Chrysler has on sale for the 2011 model year. The missing or incorrectly installed rivet on the Chrysler vehicles can cause the problem and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Recalled Chrysler vehicles:

Chrysler 200 midsize sedan and convertible
Town and Country minivan
Dodge Avenger
Caliber compact car
Caravan
Journey crossover vehicle
Nitro SUV
Jeep Compass wagon
Patriot
Liberty
Wrangler SUVs

The vehicles that are recalled were built from mid-April to mid-May.

The improperly installed rivets are supposed to hold the steering column adjustment mechanism in place. If one is missing or misaligned from the steering wheel then the steering column may not collapse properly when the driver’s body strikes it in the event of an accident, according to The Associated Press.

Dealers are available to check to make sure the rivet was installed correctly on your vehicle if needed. If not, they will be making repairs free of charge.
Continue reading

June 17, 2011

U.S. DOT Targets Telematics Detroit 2011 to Raise Awareness of Car Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Technology is forever advancing, and some would argue that these through these technologies we continue to put our lives in danger for a car accident in Boston and elsewhere in the United States. A recent conference, Telematics Detroit 2011, met to celebrate and to share these new advancements in vehicle technology, according to Government Computer News. But everyone in attendance wasn’t supporting these new features, as David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed up to rain on their parade.

“I’m just putting everyone on notice, a car is not a mobile device,” said Strickland. “I’m not in the business of helping people tweet better. I’m not in the business of helping people post on Facebook better.”

Our Boston personal injury attorneys recognize that many of these new car features have proven to be extremely beneficial to drivers, such as useful IT-based functions, such as Global Positioning System navigation, automated emergency notification and internal diagnostics. There are other features that safety advocates would say do nothing to help increase the safety of drivers on our roadways, like hands-free web surfing apps that allow you to check your Facebook or make a tweet.

Strickland attended, and spoke at this conference, to warn attendees that he and the U.S. Department of Transportation plan on fighting these unsafe technologies. He and the DOT believe that is it these types of advancements that are largely contributing to distracted driving, which oftentimes results in deadly accidents. He continued on by declaring vehicles as mere modes of transportation and not personal infotainment centers.

Participants of the Telematics Detroit 2011 may have not of been the best audience for Strickland to speak to about his anti-entertainment vehicle theory because as their website states, “Telematics is Here to Stay! Take Note of Consumer Demands As the Car Becomes the Ultimate Mobile Device.”

Safe driving advocates clearly oppose these features that the attendees of this conference stand for. Advocates oftentimes point to the Chevy Cruze ad as an example of unnecessary vehicle technology. This was the vehicle ad that aired during the Super Bowl that showed a driver using a built-in car app to read his Facebook updates. Users of this device would say that they’re actually increasing driver’s attention because had their not of been a hands-free device for this function, a driver would have probably used their smart-phone to thumb through the site which would have taken real attention off the roadway.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, hands-free may eliminate some of the physical distraction but does nothing to eliminate any amount of cognitive distraction. Using a phone, or app, of any type greatly increases a driver’s risk of being involved in a motor-vehicle accident.

As the intention of some of these features seem genuine, many believe the only way to increase safety on our roadways is to eliminate these habits altogether. Strickland, with the help to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, plans on taking on this market in an attempt to save motorists nationwide.
Continue reading

June 14, 2011

SUVs to Better Protect Motorists Involved in a Boston Car Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Safety advocates used to frown upon sport utility vehicles because of their high rollover rate, but not anymore, according to USA Today. Now, SUV drivers are among the safest motorists on our roadways, as they are least likely to die in a car accident in Massachusetts or elsewhere throughout the United States. Research shows that SUV drivers are more safe in an accident than occupants of smaller cars. This newly released information has been put out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

One of the main factors that safety advocates point to for the increased safety of the large vehicle type is the installation of electronic stability control. This new technology uses the vehicle’s engine power and brake system to keep the vehicle level on the road It reduces skidding and rollover incidents. Of course, this technology has been introduced quicker on SUVs than in normal sized passenger cars.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that the type of vehicle you choose could possible mean the difference between life and death in the event of a traffic accident. For this reason, drivers and parents are urged to take the time to investigate the characteristics of each vehicle before making a purchase.

“The rollover risk in SUVs used to outweigh their size/weight advantage, but that’s no longer the case,” Anne McCartt, the Arlington, Va.-based group’s senior vice president for research, said in the report.

As a matter of fact, the death rate for drivers of SUVs has seen a 66 percent drop. The death rate used to be 82 deaths per million registered vehicles for the 1999 to 2002 models, where it is now only 28 deaths per million for the 2005 to 2008 vehicles.

“It’s not just weight that gives SUVs an advantage. It’s also their height and other factors. When cars and SUVs of similar weight are compared, the SUVs have lower death rates,” says McCartt.

Drivers of smaller passenger cars weren’t as thrilled about the news as SUV drivers were. Smaller vehicles have become much more popular on our roadways ever since years of extreme increases in gas prices over the past few years. This only means that more motorists on our roadways are at an increased risk for car accident that results in serious injury or death.

The death rate of cars has decreased slightly. The death rate for these smaller vehicles was 110 deaths per million registered vehicles for the 1999 to 2002 models while the newer cars, the 2005 to 2008 models, have a death rate of 72 deaths per million vehicles.

“For years, small cars have represented the low end of the economic spectrum and received fewer safety and enhanced design features,” says Sean Kane of Safety Research & Strategies, which advises plaintiff lawyers, government and auto suppliers. “Undoubtedly, that has an effect.”

In 2010, there were roughly 11.5 million vehicles sold in the United states, 5.6 being cars and 5.9 million being vans, SUVs or pickup trucks.

If you were to compare death rates among current models of vehicles, minivans would rank as the number one safest vehicle type with a death rate of 25 driver deaths per million registered vehicles. SUVs would rank right behind the minivan with a death rate of 28, followed by pickup trucks with a death rate of 52 per million vehicles. In last place is the death rate of cars with an average of 56 deaths per million, but cars are separated into two categories. Larger four-door cars have a death rate of 46 while the smaller four-door cars have a death rate of roughly 72 deaths per million registered vehicles.

Top 10 safest ranked vehicles with the lowest driver death rate:

-Audi

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Toyota Sienna
Ford Edge
Nissan Armada
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover LR3
Honda CR-V
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Acura MDX

June 8, 2011

Decrease in Massachusetts Bicycle Accidents — Awarded Top 10 “Bike Friendly State”

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Massachusetts has recently climbed from 19th to 10th on the League of American Bicyclists “Bike Friendly State” list. Our state has also been recognized with the special Bronze level award. As our state has climbed the safety list for riders, motorists are still asked to be cautious to help to decrease the risks of a Massachusetts bicycle accident even further.

“These prestigious national honors are an important recognition of all the changes that we have implemented since becoming MassDOT on November 1, 2009,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey B. Mullan. “Key to these honors has been the teamwork across divisions in recognizing and promoting the value of bicycling. The RMV, MBTA, Highway and even the Aeronautics divisions have made important contributions to bicycling as MassDOT becomes a truly multi-modal DOT focused on customer service and safety.”

Our Boston bike accident attorneys would like to point out that this award comes after the Bay State just wrapped up our Bike Safety Week. This event, held last month, proved to be very successful. MassDOT worked with the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) to hold this week-long event that celebrated bicyclists and safety awareness across the state.

In 2010, MassDOT became the first state DOT in the country to organize a statewide Bike Week celebration. This year’s Bike Week celebrations held nearly 200 bike-related events, spanning Massachusetts from Pittsfield to Orleans.

MassDOT prides itself on its commitment to pedestrian and bicycle safety as a key part of their overall transportation vision. Riding bicycles throughout our city allows people to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and the environment and promote healthy lifestyles.

The beginning of the GreenDOT policy, MassDOT’s comprehensive sustainability initiative that includes promoting walking, bicycling, and public transit as one of its central goals, has largely contributed to these milestones in travel and safety.

GreenDOT asks that residents of the Bay State incorporate sustainability into nearly all of their daily activities. The DOT has vowed to do the same with the strategic planning to project design and construction to system operation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 650 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009. Another 51,000 bicyclists suffered injuries from these types of accidents. These bicycling fatalities made up roughly 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities, and another 2 percent of all injuries in these accidents, throughout the year. Nearly 10 of these bicyclist fatalities occurred in Massachusetts in 2009.
Continue reading

June 6, 2011

Feds Urge Tire Safety to Reduce Risks of Car Accident in Boston and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is now urging that all motorists inspect their tires to help prevent a car accident in Massachusetts and elsewhere during the hot summer months. Motorists are urged to check that their tires are properly inflated and to make sure that there are no signs of tread wear or damage. This information was recently released in a consumer advisory from the DOT.

In an additional attempt to increase the awareness of proper vehicle safety measures, the Department has kicked off their National Tire Safety Week campaign. This campaign aims to spread the word of these precautionary steps as the summer travel season begins and resident driving increases.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys urge that all motorists regularly check their vehicles as the safe upkeep of your car can help to keep you safe from potentially fatal car accidents. It is encouraged that motorists always keep an eye on tire pressure, oil levels, oil pressure and other important details of your vehicles performance, not only for safety but to help you save money and avoid a costly mishap.

“As the weather warms up, it’s especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released new data that showed nearly 3,500 people died from tire-related accidents between 2005 and 2009. The data also concluded that roughly 116,000 people suffered injuries from these preventable accidents.

“While it’s true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. “Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster.”

This newly released consumer report suggests that motorists check their tire pressure before venturing out on long trips and to check it periodically. Aging tires and hot weather can be a recipe for disaster as older, more worn tires are more susceptible to heat stress. They’re even more susceptible if they’re not properly inflated or taken care of.

Vehicle owners are urged to check the sidewall to see how old their tires are. They’re also urged to check with the vehicle’s manual or tire manufacturer for the recommendations on how often to change the tires.

Properly inflates tires will not only help to keep you safe during your summer travel, but will help you to save a little money too. The Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by nearly 0.5 percent for every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires.

This means that a typical fuel-economy rating of 30 MPG and a 35 PSI tire pressure recommendation, a drop of 25 percent in tire pressure would mean that you’re losing out on nearly 9 percent in fuel economy. This means a drop of 2.6 MPG. That’s a big loss!
Continue reading