New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Construction Worker Loses Seven Fingers at Job Site

A New York construction worker lost seven fingers and part of another finger in a job site accident according to an Associated Press report. The article states that the 53 year old man was working on a machine when it slammed shut before he could remove his hands. The worker lost all of his fingers except his two thumbs and a portion of his right pinkie. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the incident.

Construction site accidents are not uncommon as workplace negligence and unsafe conditions can often lead to injuries. Lack of proper training, inadequate supervision, failure to follow safety codes and standards, insufficient safety gear, poorly maintained/unsafe tools and machinery, and generally, a failure to maintain a safe work environment can lead to accidents causing severe and catastrophic injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured in a construction or machine accident, you are entitled to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits through your employer. A worker and his family may also be able to file third-party claims against individuals or entities including sub-contractors, and, manufacturers and distributors of a defective product or machine.

If you have been injured on the job, contact the experienced and skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim. Call us at 973-635-5400.

New Jersey Teenager Attacked By Pit Bull

An 18-year-old Glassboro, New Jersey woman was bitten on the leg by a pit bull – a type of dog with known vicious propensities. The Gloucester County Times reports that officials took the pit bull into custody after the attack. The injured woman required treatment at a local trauma center. The dog’s owner claimed that the animal was on a leash and that the bite victim came too close to his dog. Local police are investigating this dog bite attack.

According to CDC statistics, each year, there are approximately 4.4 million dog bite injuries in the United States of which 800,000 require medical attention. Additionally, pit bulls and Rottweilers account for more than half of all dog bite fatalities in the United States.

In New Jersey, dog bite victims have the right to pursue compensation for physical and emotional injuries and damages they suffer as a result of an attack. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16, sets forth the responsibilities and liability of dog owners in such situations.

To pursue a claim against a dog owner, a dog bite victim must identify the dog owner and prove that the dog bit and injured him or her, and, that that they were in a public place or legally on private property at the time of the dog attack. The result of such claims depends upon various other issues including: Was the attack provoked or unprovoked?; did the dog have a history of viciously attacking other pets or people?; and was the dog restrained at the time?

The New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have succesfully represented numerous dog bite victims. We understand the complexities of dog bite injury claims and the potential financial and emotional strain it can cause victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog attack, call 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and evaluation of your potential claim.

Failure to Diagnose Insect Sting Allergy at ER Leads to Wrongful Death

BG Attorney, Dennis Donnelly was recently on trial in Morris county, NJ in a case involving wrongful death from medical malpractice- specifically the suit alleged that there was failure to diagnose an insect sting allergy by an ER doctor and the admitting internist, which led to the death of a 40 year old father of 4 1 month later, when he was stung again. Verdict returned in the amount of 1.66 million in June 2010.

Two Separate Construction Accidents Within 24 Hours

The Associated Press reports that two separate construction accidents in New York occurred within 24 hours. The first incident involved a worker falling off of a ladder, 15 to 20 feet to the ground, while he was installing fencing. He hit his head and officials stated that the fact that he was wearing a helmet may have saved his life. One day later at a different location, a 35 year old construction worker was putting up a steel framework on a residential building when he fell 50 feet to his death. While these two incidents are not related, they both illustrate that construction sites continue to present one of the most dangerous work environments.

After any construction accident, it is important that a thorough investigation be carried out. Sometimes this is done by OSHA – sometimes not. To supplement an OSHA investigation, or, when OSHA does not conduct an investigation, an attorney’s office can conduct their own investigation addressing the following issues: Were the necessary safety precautions followed? Was proper equipment provided, and was it functioning properly and in good condition? Was the worksite unsafe? Did the workers receive adequate training and supervision? These issues are related whether the fall could have been prevented, and, bears upon the liability issues in a potential claim for damages.

In any New Jersey on-the-job injury case, workers are entitled to receive New Jersey workers compensation benefits through their employer. In addition, they can also file a third-party claim if someone else’s negligence caused their injury. For example, a negligent sub-contractor or the manufacturer of a defective, or, unsafe product or piece of equipment can also be held liable.

It takes an experienced construction accident lawyer in New Jersey to analyze the various facets of a work-related injury. If you or a loved one has been involved in a New Jersey construction accident, call the personal injury lawyers of Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Small Plane Crash near Essex County Airport Kills Doctor, Two Relatives

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a small plane crash that killed three people near the Essex County Airport on Monday, July 5. A news report in The Star-Ledger, reported that the pilot was a well known rheumatologist in New York who was attempting to land the plane when she pulled up and crashed into a grassy field near the airport. The two passengers were relatives of the doctor. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) say that it could be months before the cause of the crash is determined, as the plane was not equipped with a flight recorder, also known as a “black box” (now commonly found in cars and trucks as well).

The Cirrus SR22 single-engine plane took off from Plattsburgh, New York, a small city on the edge of Lake Champlain near Canada’s border. Investigators stated that the extent of injuries and damage could have been much worse had it not been for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, resulting in fewer workers to be in the vicinity of the crash.

Air travel has long been considered one of the safest modes of travel in the United States. However, negligent and careless operation of a plane (contrary to safety laws and regulations), poor plane design and maintenance, and/or mechanical failures can all lead to aviation accidents; resulting in catastrophic injury or death. These aviation regulations apply, in varying degrees, to small charter planes, helicopters and other aircraft, as well as to commercial jet liners.

If a plane crash occurs due to negligence, surviving victims or family members of deceased victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, damages and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, contact an experienced New Jersey aviation accident attorney at Blume Goldfaden to help you understand your rights. We have the resources and experience required to comprehensively evaluate your potential claim in this complex field of litigation. Call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

CPSC Warns of Fireworks Injuries During Fourth of July

A new study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that fireworks-related incidents were responsible for two deaths in 2009 and approximately 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries. According to the CPSC, in the combined 30 days prior and subsequent to July 4, 2009, approximately 6,000 people were injured by fireworks, with half of the injuries specifically related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

Consumers under the age of 20 are the most likely to be injured by fireworks; however, the risk of serious injury or death exists for anyone within close proximity to fireworks or other pyrotechnics.
Fireworks related injuries and hazards are known to include:

• Burns
• Lacerations
• Loss of limb, sight and hearing
• Residential fires
• Wrongful death

Parental supervision is integral to the proper use of legal fireworks (in states where such use is permitted by law). One should never allow young children to set-off or “play” with fireworks. Fireworks should never be pointed at or thrown toward another individual, and viewing public must be kept a safe distance away from pyrotechnic displays put on both privately and by municipalities.

For more information and safety tips with regard to how you can help prevent serious injuries related to fireworks, please refer to the CPSC’s website.

The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Blume Goldfaden cannot overstress the importance of consumer safety during the Independence Day holiday season and throughout the summer. Remember: New Jersey State law (N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq.) prohibits the use of all fireworks and explosives without a permit. For more information, click here.

New Jersey DUI Collision Causes Injuries

A male drunk driver injured nine pedestrians leaving the new Meadowlands Stadium after he reportedly crashed his car into the group. According to a report in the New York Daily News, the 21-year-old driver from the Bronx plowed into a crowd of people leaving the Mexico-Ecuador soccer match at the stadium. One of the victims was a 20-month-old infant who sustained minor injuries. The driver was charged with assault with an automobile, driving while intoxicated, aggravated assault of a juvenile and leaving the scene of an accident. The victims were part of a larger group of pedestrians crossing the freeway while leaving the game. All other vehicles stopped for the crossing pedestrians, but the intoxicated driver did not.

Under New Jersey law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. N.J.S.A section 39:4-50 (a) states in part: “…. a person who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug, or operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood or permits another person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug to operate a motor vehicle owned by him or in his custody or control, or permits another to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood” shall be illegal.

Victims of drunk driving/DUI (“driving under the influence”) auto accidents may seek compensation from the drunk driver for their physical injuries, unpaid medical expenses, disability and lost wages. In addition, those who served the intoxicated driver with alcohol may also be liable under New Jersey’s “dram shop” laws, depending upon the circumstances. Call the New Jersey auto accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden, who will provide a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim if you have been injured by a drunk driver. Contact us at 973-635-5400 to find out how we can help.

Burn Injuries Caused by Malfunctioning Microwave Oven

A New Jersey couple sustained serious burn injuries from a fire in their home that was started by a malfunctioning microwave oven. WPIX reports that the couple suffered their injuries while trying to extinguish the fire, which quickly spread from the microwave oven to their mattress. The woman suffered severe burns over 50 percent of her body and the man sustained burns to his hands and arms. The young couple from Edison, New Jersey was taken by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their two children were not harmed in the fire.

Burn injuries can result in profound pain and physical suffering. Depending upon the severity of the burns, extensive treatment, including surgery may be required. In many cases, scarring or disfigurement from burn injuries may be irreversible, resulting in the need for prolonged psychological counseling.

According to statistics from the American Burn Association, about 3,500 people die each year as a result of residential fires in the United States; and, approximately 60,000 people are admitted to burn centers in the nation’s hospital as a result of serious burn injuries.

When a product malfunctions and causes injuries, victims may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, designer, and/or distributor of the defective product. The legal concept of “product liability” helps hold manufacturers and distributors of dangerous or defective products accountable for the damages their products cause.

If you or a loved one has suffered burn or other injuries due to a defective product you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. The New Jersey burn injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden understand the impact a severe burn has on the lives of victims and their family members. We offer no-cost consultations to those who have been injured. Call 973-635-5400 for a comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.

Andover Motorcyclist Critically Injured in New Jersey Crash

A 29-year-old man from Andover Township is in critical condition after his motorcycle was struck by a car. The New Jersey Herald reports that a 73-year-old man from Blairstown made a left turn in front of the motorcycle. The car was heading northbound on an access road near Hampton Plaza in Hampton, New Jersey. The rider suffered critical injuries. The motorcycle accident is currently under investigation.

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a majority of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Under New Jersey law, a driver making a left hand turn must yield to oncoming traffic, including at an intersection. Additionally, NHTSA reports that the incidence of motorcycle accidents have been steadily increasing with 5,290 motorcycle accident fatalities in the United States in 2008, which reflects a 2 percent increase over the number of motorcyclists killed in 2007. Similarly, in 2008, 96,000 people in the United States were injured as a result of motorcycle collisions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey motorcycle crash as a result of a negligent or reckless driver, contact the New Jersey motorcycle accident attorneys at Blume Goldfaden. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in protecting the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost review of your potential claim and to find out how we can help.

Wellbutrin Could Cause Birth Defects, Study Finds

New research is linking the antidepressant bupropion found in Wellbutrin and similar medications to heart defects in infants. Taking Wellbutrin, which contains bupropion, while pregnant, may increase the baby’s chance of being born with a specific type of heart defect, studies show. According to a Reuters news report, Wellbutrin affects two out of every 1,000 infants born by women who take bupropion in their third trimester. The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology originally addressed this potential danger.

While research regarding antidepressants causing birth defects is relatively new, it is clear that prescription for these and many other types of medication provided by doctors can impact a developing fetus’ health. It is the responsibility of doctors, nurses and pharmacists to carefully monitor their patients and to determine if a particular medication is contraindicated in pregnancy (especially if the expectant mother is taking any other medications), and to keep abreast of the latest medical studies regarding proper use of medications and drug interactions. In addition to knowing a patient’s medical history and drug allergies, your healthcare provider should also be aware of the possible side effects of the drugs that they prescribe. In addition, pharmaceutical manufacturers may be liable for damages caused by their medications if the drugs were not sufficiently tested, or, if the manufacturers did not properly warn the general public and healthcare community of the risks of taking the drugs.

If you have been taking Wellbutrin, another antidepressant, or any medication during pregnancy, and your child was born with a heart defect or some other condition related to that medication, you may be able to recover compensation for injuries sustained by you and your child. Potential medical malpractice and/or product liability cases may be brought against doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and drug manufacturers when a patient’s injury is causally connected to their negligence or wrongdoing.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact the New Jersey medical negligence lawyers at Blume Goldfaden. We always offer no-cost consultations. Call 973-635-5400 to discuss your potential claim with one of our attorneys today.