- Michael Myers | March 31, 2006 2:54 PM |
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MiscellaneousEach year, over 2 million people get an infection (unrelated to their medical treatment) during their hospital stays. Approximately 90,000 of those die from the infections. In February 2004, 88-year-old Mark Bennett entered a hospital with a bad cough. In just a few days, he had been exposed to at least 6 different bacterial infections. His leg swelled and became discolored. Then, within 4...
- Michael Myers | March 31, 2006 10:45 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 30, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Magnetix toys. These building sets include magnets that come loose and can seriously injure and even kill children. A 22-month-old Redmond boy accidentally swallowed the magnets, which twisted his small intestine and created a blockage. He died in November. Several other children have suffered serious injuries,...
- Michael Myers | March 31, 2006 10:34 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 26, a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light and T-boned a BMW. A 20-year-old passenger in the backseat of the BMW died from his injuries. The 21-year-old driver of the Jeep has admitted he consumed alcohol prior to the accident. He currently faces one charge of vehicular homicide and two charges of vehicular assault.The victim's family should contact a personal injury attorney right away to...
- Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 2:11 PM |
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MiscellaneousLast week, a jury returned a verdict against Seattle-based Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP for dropping their 3 water bottling company clients to open a class action suit. A day before they were to return to court to hear the jury's findings as to punitive damages, the parties settled for $10.8 million. For more information, please see: Seattle law firm, water bottlers settle lawsuit.
- Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 6:55 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 29, two more families filed complaints against the maker of Magnetix toys. Two children inadvertently swallowed magnets that came loose from the toys. If swallowed, these magnets could cause blood poisoning, in addition to other complications. One child died. Another is recovering and doctors have issued a warning regarding the toys.If your child has been injured by a toy, you...
- Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 6:49 AM |
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MiscellaneousLast week, a cruise bound for Hawaii returned to San Diego after 142 of the passengers developed "norovirus," a contagious stomach virus. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. According to the CDC, this infection is spread when people don't properly wash their hands after using the bathroom. For more information, please see: Cruise Viruses.
- Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 6:44 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 22, a B.C. ferry struck a rock and sank just north of Vancouver Island. Although initial reports claimed all passengers were safe, authorities later reported 2 individuals missing and presumed dead. This raises several questions about the safety of ferries. Although Washington state ferries are reportedly newer and safer, the lack of recordkeeping may lead to a similar assumption...
- Michael Myers | March 28, 2006 6:43 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsAt approximately 11:30 p.m. on March 26, a Jeep heading eastbound on N.E. 2nd Street ran a red light and struck the rear driver's-side door of a BMW. The BMW was carrying five people and the Jeep contained six. A 20-year-old Bellevue native, who was a back-seat passenger in the BMW, died from his injuries. Both drivers were arrested for investigation of vehicular assault. Authorities are...
- Michael Myers | March 27, 2006 3:11 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsThis week, many communities will be participating in town-hall meetings to increase awareness regarding underage drinking. According to DSHS, underage drinking is a leading concern in the state. According to a state survey, one of five high school sophomores had recently had at least five alcoholic beverages. These meetings will provide information on underage drinking as well as ways to...
- Michael Myers | March 27, 2006 2:54 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 25 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a BMW was travelling northbound on 108th Ave. N.E. in Bellevue when a Jeep struck it on the driver's side. The Jeep had been driving eastbound on N.E. 2nd Street. A 20-year-old man died from his injuries. Ten others were injured in the accident. Of those injured, five were in the BMW and six were riding in the Jeep when the two cars collided. ...
- Michael Myers | March 27, 2006 2:39 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsSince 1999, over 40 people have died in 33 car accidents on U.S. 2. Of those accidents, 11 were head-on collisions. Despite a state gasoline tax, U.S. 2 has not received any funds to make safety improvements, whereas the nearby Highway 9 has received $133 million to rebuild eight intersections. However, the state legislature has allocated $1.3 million to study possible improvements on Highway...
- Michael Myers | March 27, 2006 2:32 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn Sunday at approximately 2 a.m., an SUV crossed the center line on a British Columbia highway and collided with an oncoming car. The driver of the car died at the scene. The passenger in the car suffered injuries and was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. The SUV's driver and passenger also suffered injuries and were taken to St. Joseph Hospital. Authorities believe alcohol was a...
- Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 2:19 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn June 7, a new law in Washington will become effective which will redefine an "accident" to be an "event that was not intended or foreseen by a person who was injured during the event." The movement to change the definition arose from an accident where a driver intentionally rammed into another car because of a domestic violence dispute. That car then collided into Ethel Adams. Adams'...
- Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 2:13 PM |
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Property Owner's Liability (Slip & Fall)At approximately 7 a.m. on March 25, a young man left a house party, obtained a sawed off shotgun from his car, returned to the house and shot and killed 6 people. As he was chasing a shooting victim outside, police confronted the shooter. He then turned the gun on himself and killed himself. Two others were wounded in the shooting.The families of the victims, and those injured, should...
- Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 2:07 PM |
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MiscellaneousCompanies often hire mystery or secret shoppers to observe their employees, product offerings and general level of service. Cruise ships may also want to employ this strategy as well. A mystery shopper on a cruise ship can observe fire drills and report the level of maintenance and service on the ship. This feedback could then help a cruise line improve their ships for safety.For more...
- Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 1:58 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsA bus accident in Chile killed 10 and injured 2 residents of Monroe, Washington. Authorities now report the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel before he swerved to avoid an oncoming truck. The bus then tumbled 300 feet into a ravine.The families of the victims should contact a personal injury lawyer right away. An attorney can help maneuver within the international law issues to ensure...
- Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 1:45 PM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 23 at approximately 3 a.m., a fire started on a cruise ship. The cause of the fire was apparently a cigarette. Eleven passengers were injured and one died from a heart attack.Those injured should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their options and preserve any claims they may have. For more information, please see: 11 injured in cruise ship fire.
- Michael Myers | March 24, 2006 9:56 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 23 just after 1 a.m., a Dodge sedan was turning onto wrth Ave. N.E. from Lake City Way N.E. when the driver lost control of the car. The car collided with three parked cars and then flipped over. The man and woman in the car suffered life-threatening injuries and were taken to Harborview Medical Center. Authorities are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.The...
- Michael Myers | March 23, 2006 2:50 PM |
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MiscellaneousA Maine jury recently ordered Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP to pay $10.8 million in damages to their former water bottler clients. Hagens Berman had been brought on to help represent three small water bottlers in their case against Poland Spring regarding its labeling. The parties were close to a settlement when Hagens Berman dropped their case and instead, filed a...
- Michael Myers | March 23, 2006 8:01 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 22, a bus containing American tourists plunged 300 feet down a ravine. Updated reports indicate the bus attempted to avoid an oncoming truck and swerved off the roadway and down the mountainside. Twelve American tourists have been reported killed.A personal injury attorney can be extremely helpful when dealing with accidents that occur abroad. The families of the victims should...
- Michael Myers | March 23, 2006 6:45 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 22, a bus carrying cruise ship tourists was returning from Lauca National Park in northern Chile when it plunged 300 feet down a ravine. Eleven people were killed, most of whom were American tourists. Three Americans, the Chilean bus driver and the tour guide were injured in the accident. The cause of the accident is unknown.A personal injury lawyer can be extremely helpful when...
- Michael Myers | March 22, 2006 11:59 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 18, Pierce County law enforcement officials announced they were going to crack down on drunk drivers. They request residents to report any suspected drunk drivers by calling 911 and providing the driver's location and a description of the car and behavior. Characteristics of drunk driving include swerving, drifting, driving with left wheels on the center line, and even driving at...
- Michael Myers | March 22, 2006 11:38 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 20, a car launched over railroad tracks and flipped over several times before landing in a Marysville field. The 24-year-old passenger was apparently thrown from the car when it rolled over. He died on March 21. The 21-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault. Authorities are awaiting the toxicology reports on the driver.The passenger's family should...
- Michael Myers | March 22, 2006 11:35 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 14, an 18-year-old was speeding, without a valid driver's license, when he veered into oncoming traffic and flipped over. The car burst into flames. Two of the four passengers died at the scene. The driver was charged with vehicular homicide.The families of the passengers should contact a personal injury attorney right away to discuss their options and preserve their rights.For more...
- Michael Myers | March 22, 2006 10:46 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 20 at approximately 4:30 a.m., a passer-by noticed a light in a field in Marysville. A car had launched over the railroad, rolling over several times before landing in the field. The 24-year-old passenger was trapped in the car and remains in grave condition at Harborview Medical Center. The 21-year-old driver suffered minor injuries and has been arrested for suspicion of vehicular...
- Michael Myers | March 22, 2006 10:27 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 17, a 17-year-old driver lost control of his car, jumped a curb and hit a bicyclist head-on on Highland Park Way Southwest. Witnesses reported that the 17-year-old appeared to be racing another car on Highway 99 before he lost control while changing lanes. The teen driver admitted to authorities he was driving approximately 80 mph when he lost control of the car. The bicyclist died...
- Michael Myers | March 22, 2006 10:16 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 19, a Toyota pickup, containing a 2-year-old and her uncle and aunt, was struck by a GMC Blazer. The 19-year-old driver of the Blazer, who was driving with a suspended license, ran a red light and collided with the pickup. The 2-year-old died when she hit the windshield. Her aunt suffered critical injuries.The family of the toddler, as well as her uncle and aunt, should contact a...
- Michael Myers | March 21, 2006 6:45 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 17, a teen driver lost control of his car on Highland Park Way S.W., drove onto a sidewalk and struck and killed a bicyclist. Authorities now believe the teen driver was travelling at an excessive speed, which was a factor in the accident.A recent AAA Foundation for Safety report found that the majority of fatalities involving teen drivers affect individuals other than the teen driver....
- Michael Myers | March 21, 2006 6:37 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 17, two cars collided head-on when one car was attempting to turn on Highway 99 while another was merging. Although there did not appear to be serious injuries, an 84-year-old passenger in one of the vehicles died several hours later at Harborview Medical Center.The family of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their options and preserve their rights. An...
- Michael Myers | March 21, 2006 6:33 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 17, a pit bull escaped from its home in Mountlake Terrace and attacked a woman in her 50s. The woman suffered serious injuries to her face and legs. The owner was also bitten when she tried to pull the pit bull off of the woman. When police tried to assist, the dog charged at an officer, who shot and injured the dog. The pit bull was euthanized.Some municipalities require owners to...
- Michael Myers | March 21, 2006 6:29 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 17, a 17-year-old driver was driving on Highland Park Way S.W. when he lost control of his car, drove onto the sidewalk and struck a bicyclist. The bicyclist died at Harborview Medical Center.The family of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney immediately to ensure their rights are protected. For more information, please see: Bicyclist fatally hit by teenage driver.
- Michael Myers | March 20, 2006 6:18 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsA recent study at Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center found that drivers with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 39 were two times likely to die in car accidents, as compared to those with BMI of 20. A BMI of 30 is considered obese. Obese drivers are more likely to die in accidents for three reasons. First, seatbelts may not be effective for obese drivers. Fat acts as like air,...
- Michael Myers | March 20, 2006 5:59 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 14, a car carrying five, including the driver, struck a dirt embankment, spun, crashed into a tree and flipped over. It then burst into flames. Two 20-year-old passengers were killed in the crash. Authorities have arrested the 18-year-old driver on suspicion of two counts of vehicular homicide.According to a recent AAA Foundation for Safety report, the majority of fatalities...
- Michael Myers | March 20, 2006 5:56 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 14, a woman dropped off her 1-year-old son at his grandmother's house in Renton. The toddler wandered outside unnoticed while his mother and grandmother were talking. As the mother backed her pickup truck from the home, she backed over her son. The 1-year-old died at the hospital.Despite a popular misconception, children can sue their parents - particularly when they are hurt by a...
- Michael Myers | March 20, 2006 5:46 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsShortly before 1 a.m. on March 15, a two-door car travelling on the Auburn/Enumclaw Highway flipped, caught fire and crashed into a utility pole. Two passengers were killed. The driver and two other passengers in the car survived, three of which suffered burns. A nearby resident pulled two of the survivors from the fiery crash, and took another survivor to the ground to put out a fire on his...
- Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 10:45 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 13, and 18-year-old driving with three other teen passengers, lost control of the car and struck a tree. The driver and one passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt died at the scene. The other two 17-year-old passengers were hospitalized for treatment of their injuries.The families of the passengers should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their options and rights. ...
- Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 10:40 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsEarly March 12 in Sedro-Woolley, a pickup was racing another car when both drivers lost control on a curve on Highway 9. The pickup struck a power pole, killing the driver and one of the two passengers. The other passenger suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. The driver of the car, who had a revoked license due to prior DUI convictions, suffered minor...
- Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 10:31 AM |
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MiscellaneousThe Seattle Times has begun trying to open the sealed files that could be hiding potential dangers from the public. They have found that one judge in particular has sealed at least a dozen files, possibly without meeting the "compelling circumstances" standard required to seal a case. However, the judge is highly regarded and with the exception of a reporter, no one has objected to the sealing...
- Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 10:14 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsA high school student from Woodinville was riding in a vehicle driving on Woodinville-Duvall Road when it hit a telephone pole near 185th Avenue N.E. The student was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a broken pelvis, broken right arm and broken collarbone. The injuries are reported as non-life-threatening.The student should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss her options and...
- Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 10:04 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 4, two prominent staff members of the Washington State Bar Association were killed in a traffic accident in Montana. According to reports, the long-time domestic partners were driving to the passenger's childhood home in Idaho when a snowstorm hit. The driver lost control of the car, swerved into oncoming traffic, and was broadsided by an oncoming car. Both were highly respected...
- Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 9:53 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsIn 2003, a 13-year-old was walking to school when he was struck and killed by a Clover Park school bus. In the vehicular homicide trial against the bus driver, prosecuters alleged the driver was under the influence of morphine and other prescription medicines. A jury acquitted the driver of the charges. However, in a civil suit against the Clover Park School District, the School District...
- Michael Myers | March 16, 2006 5:55 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 6, a 53-year-old Everett man was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle northbound on Rucker Avenue when he collided with a Kia sedan traveling west on 33rd Street. The motorcyclist sustained head injuries and died at the scene.The family of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney to preserve their rights.For more information, please see: Motorcyclist who died in accident...
- Michael Myers | March 16, 2006 5:47 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 6, Governor Gregoire signed the medical malpractice compromise into law. This new law could have significant impacts on medical malpractice claims. For example, there will be voluntary arbitration, which would limit damages to $1 million and remove the right to a new trial if a party to the claim appeals the arbitration. The law goes into effect 90 days after the legislature...
- Michael Myers | March 16, 2006 5:36 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 5, a Hong Kong-based container ship crew was practicing a routine lifeboat-safety drill when the lifeboat flipped as it was being lowered. Of the four crew members in the lifeboat, one suffered a broken leg and one died as a result of his critical injuries. The other two members were rescued and returned to the ship.Maritime cases are generally brought in federal court and are...
- Michael Myers | March 16, 2006 5:31 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsEarly March 4, a car travelling southbound on Tukwila International Boulevard crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming Honda SUV. The driver of the SUV died at Harborview Medical Center. The other driver sustained non life-threatening injuries.The family of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their options and preserve their claims against the...
- Michael Myers | March 16, 2006 5:18 AM |
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MiscellaneousCivil lawsuits often bring public attention to potential hazards. However, many of these lawsuits are sealed from the public. Since 1990, at least 420 civil lawsuits have been entirely sealed, which means the name of the defendant, the claim and the resolution of the case are not available to the public. Over 1,000 have been sealed in part. For example, four years ago a lawsuit was filed...
- Michael Myers | March 14, 2006 8:35 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsJust after midnight on March 3, a police officer stopped to talk with a man walking on NP Road S.E. in Yelm, when a driver lost control of his car, nearly hit the police officer, and struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center and is in critical condition. The police officer was not injured. Authorities arrested the driver for investigation of drunk...
- Michael Myers | March 14, 2006 8:16 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn February 28, a Chevrolet van collided with a Chevrolet Blazer, causing it to erupt into flames. Five bystanders helped save the two individuals in the Blazer, and attempted to save the driver of the van. A passer-by and a nearby resident pulled the two individuals from the Blazer. A nurse passing by then stopped to help the victims until medics arrived. Then, with the help of a third man,...
- Michael Myers | March 14, 2006 8:07 AM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn March 2, a car was speeding southbound on Route 167 near Emerald Downs when it clipped a Jeep Cherokee, causing it to cross the median and collide with a semi-truck trailer and other cars traveling northbound. The 22-year-old driver in the Cherokee was trapped in the vehicle and suffered a broken femur. In addition, the driver's 6-month-old infant was thrown from her car seat and was taken...
- Michael Myers | March 14, 2006 8:00 AM |
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MiscellaneousOn March 1, a 24-year-old man was replacing power lines in an underground vault when he touched live wires and was electrocuted. A co-worker used a blanket to lift the 24-year-old from the vault, but medics were unable to revive him. The co-worker suffered burns to his hand. Both men worked for Potelco, a subcontractor for Puget Sound Energy.The family of the victim, as well as the victim's...
- Michael Myers | March 13, 2006 6:23 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn February 28, two women of high school or college age were riding in a fast-moving car northbound on I-5 when they approached a slower-moving Subaru car. The Subaru tried to change lanes, but the faster car also changed lanes, hitting it, spinning across the median and colliding with a southbound pickup truck. The two young women were thrown from the car and killed. The pickup driver, one...
- Michael Myers | March 13, 2006 5:57 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn February 28, a Chevrolet van failed to make a curve and went into oncoming traffic, just west of Arlington. The van collided with a Chevrolet Blazer, which burst into flames. Both drivers and the Blazer's passenger were taken to Harborview Medical Center. The driver of the van was pronounced dead at Harborview. The driver and passenger from the Blazer sustained critical injuries. ...
- Michael Myers | March 13, 2006 5:32 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn February 27, five organizations legally challenged a federal agency's rule regarding the number of hours truckers may drive. On August 25, 2005, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admininstration issued a rule that increased the number of hours truckers may drive in a day from 10 to 11 hours, and the number of hours over 7 days from 60 to 77 hours. The rule also fails to require electronic...
- Michael Myers | March 01, 2006 4:17 PM |
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MiscellaneousOn February 23, the Northern Dawn, a fishing vessel off the coast of Unalaska Island, triggered its beacon. The two men on board were collecting empty pots from the Baridi Tanner Crab fishery. The coast guard only found a life ring and a small oily sheen. On February 26, they called off the search. Maritime claims are typically brought in federal court. The families of the missing fishermen...
- Michael Myers | March 01, 2006 4:12 PM |
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Property Owner's Liability (Slip & Fall)On February 24 at approximately 5:30 a.m., a Renton man started his car and left it idling outside. When he noticed someone trying to steal his vehicle, he ran outside. The thief backed up, ran over the man, and drug him across the parking lot. The man was killed.The family of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney to determine their options and preserve any rights they may...
- Michael Myers | March 01, 2006 4:04 PM |
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MiscellaneousOn February 22, a pickup truck driving northbound on Highway 7 in Spanaway struck a northbound SUV before veering into oncoming traffic and colliding head-on with a van driving southbound. The driver of the pickup and his wife suffered minor injuries. The driver of the van died at the scene. Authorities believe alcohol and speed were a factor in the crash and plan to charge the driver with...
- Michael Myers | March 01, 2006 3:59 PM |
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Automobile AccidentsOn February 22, a car was driving on I-5 near 164th Street S.W. when it pulled in front of a motorcycle and hit it. The motorcyclist suffered two broken ankles and other broken bones. The driver of the car did not stop to help the injured motorcyclist. Authorities are looking for the driver of that car and believe the car to be a silver or light blue passenger car.It is very important to...
- Michael Myers | March 01, 2006 3:51 PM |
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MiscellaneousOn February 21, the Auburn City Council voted to pass a city ordinance regarding "potentially dangerous" dog breeds to curtail dog attacks. Pit bulls and akitas are examples of some of the breeds covered by this ordinance. Under the ordinance, the owner of a "potentially dangerous" dog must register the dog and after one attack, would be subject to several requirements including insurance for...
- Michael Myers | March 01, 2006 3:38 PM |
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Nursing Home & Elder AbuseA Seattle detective has begun investigating deaths that occur in Seattle's adult family homes, in an effort to crack down on cases of abuse or neglect. Adult family homes consist of up to six patients and generally have fewer employees than nursing homes. Often, because of their size, these types of homes avoid some of the scrutiny focused on the larger nursing homes.Protecting our seniors is...