Naftulin & ShickPersonal Injury Attorneys & Accident Lawyers in Pennsylvania2023-08-30T09:20:07Zhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1401875/2023/05/cropped-Naftulin-Shick-fav-icon-image-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=507162021-02-15T05:35:33Z2020-02-10T11:30:45ZThe Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips and falls can occur on a variety of walking surfaces as well as on ramps and stairways. Some of the major hazards associated with these falls and resulting injuries can include: Slippery, broken or uneven surfaces; Inadequate spill cleanup; Poor drainage; Weather conditions; Loose rugs or wrinkled carpet; Clutter, poor lighting or obstructed views;
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set guidelines:
The floor material must be appropriate for the environment in which it will be used; The adjacent walking surfaces should be similar; There should be a program for regularly cleaning the floors; The floor cleaner should be certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI); Different mops should be used for cleaning and disinfecting; The floors should be treated with a high-traction finish; An old finish should be stripped following the manufacturer’s instructions before applying a new one; Appropriate footwear should be worn; Proper warning signs should be placed for slip/trip/fall hazards.
Falls can be prevented. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, contact Naftulin and Shick, PC at 215-348-5455.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505872020-02-26T12:33:00Z2020-02-10T08:15:25ZWhat Happens If You Are Involved in a Taxi Cab Accident?
If you have been involved in an accident as a passenger in a taxi cab, there are steps of action that need to be taken to receive proper and prompt payment of your medical expenses and lost wages in addition to compensation for your pain and suffering. Claims are evaluated on a case-to-case basis, making each scenario completely unique. Here is some basic information on the subject. However, if this ever happens to you, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney such as Linda M. Shick, Esquire at Naftulin and Shick, PC to ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
Accident where Cab is at Fault: If you are an insured on a policy of automobile insurance and are injured in an accident while a passenger in a taxi cab, then your automobile insurance policy will cover your medical bills up to the limits of your medical benefits coverage. If the limits of that coverage is spent on your care, then your health insurance carrier will pay your medical bills in accordance with your policy provisions. Any medical bills not otherwise covered should be paid by the insurance carrier for the at fault taxi cab.
The insurance carrier for the at fault taxi cab is also responsible for your compensatory damages, that is, money for your pain and suffering.
However, if the taxi cab is not covered by a policy of automobile insurance, then hopefully you have Uninsured Motorist or UM coverage on your policy of insurance, as that is what will cover compensation for your harm. It is extremely important that you carry adequate Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage on your policy of automobile insurance.
Another important selection you make when purchasing automobile insurance is FULL TORT or LIMITED TORT. In all instances, only chose FULL TORT on your policy. If you chose LIMITED TORT, in this scenario, you will be afforded FULL TORT status as a cab is a commercial vehicle. Thus you can pursue a claim for pain and suffering damages against the at fault cab.
If you are not insured by a policy of automobile insurance, then the insurance company for the at fault cab is responsible for your medical bills, wage loss, and compensation for your pain and suffering up to the limits of their policy provisions.
Accident where Third Party is at Fault: If you are an insured on a policy of automobile insurance and are injured in an accident while a passenger in a taxi cab, then your automobile insurance policy will cover your medical bills up to the limits of your medical benefits coverage. If the limits of that coverage is spent on your care, then your health insurance carrier will pay your medical bills in accordance with your policy provisions. Any medical bills not otherwise covered should be paid by the insurance carrier for the at fault third party carrier.
If you are not insured by a policy of automobile insurance, then the insurance company for the cab in which you were a passenger is responsible for your medical bills and wage loss, up to the limits of their coverage. Compensation for your pain and suffering is covered by the automobile insurance policy of the at fault driver.
As we said, every case is different, so if you've been involved in a taxi cab accident, give us a call at Naftulin and Shick, PC (215-348-5455) for a free consultation regarding your potential case.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505852021-07-14T14:01:14Z2020-02-10T08:15:21ZThe Growing Dangers of Furniture Tipping
Furniture tipping has become a growing epidemic. On average, 40 children are taken to emergency rooms daily with injuries caused by furniture tipping. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), almost half of these injuries are caused by televisions. If that weren't bad enough, on average, a child is killed every two weeks in a furniture tipping incident. Televisions aren't the only culprit in these cases; standing ranges are a major contender, as well as desks, bookcases, and dressers.[i]
Many parents disregard the dangers that heavy furniture and televisions pose to young children. Consider these facts:
Children 10-years or younger are severely harmed or killed by television tip-over injuries.
Children ages 10 through 17 are severely injured or killed by tipping desks and bookshelves.
Each day, children visit emergency rooms with injuries caused by tipping furniture. [ii]
Every week, a child is killed by a television tipping onto them.[iii]
A number of businesses are recognizing the dangers that furniture tipping poses to children.[iv] Some retailers are recalling products that are known to be a tipping hazard. Vizio has recently recalled 245,000 flat panel televisions after receiving reports of 51 televisions tipping over.[v] For more information on the television models that are being recalled, as well as recall information on other consumer products, we urge you to visit the CPSC website.
Because furniture tipping deaths have become so common, parents across the nation have united to spread awareness of the dangers of furniture tipping. Meghan's Hope is a site dedicated to preventing child injury and death caused by tipping furniture. Meghan was 3-years-old when a dresser fell on top of her and crushed her. The site contains a list of resources for parents who have lost a child, tips on how to secure furniture, and an advocacy for safety.
The loss of a child is a tragedy, and something no parent should have to experience. Furniture related deaths are preventable. Keep your child safe by:
Securing cabinet doors and drawers with child-proof bumpers that prevent children from opening them.
Secure heavy furniture, including bookshelves and televisions, to walls with L-brackets to prevent them from tipping. These anchoring devices are inexpensive, and could mean the difference between life and death for your child.
Store televisions on a low stand with a wide base, and ensure the television does not exceed the weight limit of the stand. If necessary, mount the television to the wall.
Avoid top shelf teasing - don't punish your child by taking away a toy and storing it on a high shelf. In this way, you are challenging the child to try to find a way to access their toy, which can bring them to climb up furniture and risk severe injury or even death.
Ensure that electronic cords are tucked away so that children cannot trip or pull on them and cause the electronic to fall.
These types of injuries and deaths can occur outside of the home as well. Displays in stores and even vending machines can cause serious harm to a child. In a retail setting, product displays can topple over if not installed properly. Toddlers can be harmed by coming into contact with protruding elements of displays, such as hooks or shelving units.[vi] It is the responsibility of the retailer to ensure that their store's displays are safe. To further protect a child during a shopping trip, discourage children from touching displays or wandering out of sight.
At Naftulin & Shick, we understand the impact injury to a child can have on your life and your family. Often there are financial and emotional implications caused by the injury or death. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in dealing with these types of cases. We will work diligently so that you receive the relief you need as quickly as possible. Contact us today or call 215-348-5455.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505822020-02-12T09:49:55Z2020-02-10T08:15:18ZKeep Your Drinking Under Control and Be Aware of Your BAC
Drinking and driving can put you, as well as innocent others, at risk. Your chances of getting into an accident increase when you consume alcohol and decide to get behind the wheel. It is important to monitor your blood alcohol content, or BAC, before driving a car after drinking.
BAC is the concentration of alcohol in your blood stream, and is measured in mass per volume. Basically, BAC determines the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. The more alcohol you consume, the higher your BAC. Each alcoholic beverage has a different percentage of alcohol; beer contains about 5% alcohol, wine contains about 7% alcohol, and liquor contains anywhere between 20-40% alcohol. Of course, it depends on the proof, or alcohol content, as well as the size of the beverage you are drinking.
Law enforcement utilizes special tools to measure BAC, including field sobriety tests and breathalyzers. If you are pulled over and presumed to be under the influence, an officer will start with field sobriety tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has authorized three standard sobriety tests, including the horizontal gaze nystagmus, one-leg stand, and walk-and-turn tests. These tests were designed to visibly determine if a person is sober of not, but have long been debated as to their accuracy, as these tests are open to the interpretation of the officer administrating them.
If you cannot fulfill the requirements of these tests, an officer will read you your rights and conduct chemical testing. When you are issued a driver's license, you are consenting to comply with this chemical testing. The test can also be a breath test, administered by a breathalyzer, which uses a chemical reaction to determine BAC.
New technology has been developed which provides a more accurate reading of blood alcohol content. The Datamaster is an electronic device that uses absorption of infrared energy to properly quantify the level of ethanol in the breath, lessening the chances of an improper reading. These advanced machines print out a ticket with a reading of your blood alcohol content.
If you do not comply with any type of BAC testing, you can be criminally charged resulting in your license being revoked or suspended.
If you plan on drinking, it is important to monitor the amount of alcohol you are consuming, as well as the rate at which it is being consumed. There are resources available that allow you to estimate your blood alcohol content, like this Blood Alcohol Calculator. The calculator will prompt you as to how many alcoholic beverages you had as well as the type (beer, wine, or shots), as well as the state you are located in, your gender, weight, and the amount of time you have been drinking (hours and minutes).
Below are some tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time.
Never accept drinks from strangers. You never know what the drink could contain.
Pace yourself when you're drinking, and give yourself plenty of time between beverages. Avoid participating in games that require "chugging" beverages.
Eat something prior to drinking. Foods that are high in fats and proteins help to slow your body's absorption of alcohol.
Remain active throughout your time drinking. You'll be able to monitor your level of intoxication better if you are standing as opposed to sitting down.
Alternate between alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages.
Remember -if you drink, do not drive, designate a driver ahead of time who will not be ingesting any alcohol. If you or someone you know has been injured because of a drunk driver, contact us today. A committed, experienced personal injury lawyer will discuss your case with you during a free consultation.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505812020-02-12T09:50:15Z2020-02-10T08:15:15Z
Nearly all cases are settled out of court before a trial begins. Some cases are settled after the start of trial. And some cases cannot be settled because the monies offered are not sufficient to compensate the injured party for their losses. Other cases cannot be settled because there is a contest as to who is to blame for the happening of the accident. If it is necessary to file suit and go to trial, we will hold your hand and guide you through every step of the way. We understand that this may be the only time in your life that you will ever be in a courtroom and we will make it as easy as we possibly can. We fight hard to achieve the results you deserve before, during or after trial.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505782020-02-12T09:52:35Z2020-02-10T08:15:12ZMy Husband was Seriously Injured while Working on a Construction Site in Allentown Pennsylvania. What should I Do?
Assuming that your husband was employed by a contractor on the site in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a Workers Compensation claim should be opened by his employer. Workers Compensation Insurance will pay for your husband's medical bills and wage loss regardless of who is to blame for the accident
If your husband was injured as a result of the negligence of someone other than his employer, he may be entitled to compensation for his pain and suffering in addition to any economic loss he is incurring.
An experienced litigation attorney can review the facts of the accident with you and advise you on what claims and benefits are available. Call us for a free consultation at 1-215-348-5455. Or e-mail us at [email protected]. No charge to discuss your case. There is no fee until you receive money.
And here are some more tips on avoiding injuries at construction sites.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505762020-02-12T09:52:55Z2020-02-10T08:15:09ZWhat Do You Mean When You Say, "No Recovery, No Fee"?
No recovery, no fee means that if your case is not successfully resolved by way of a settlement, award or verdict, our firm does not charge you a fee. We enter into contingent fee agreements with our clients. Our fee is "contingent" on a successful resolution of their case.
Most people who are injured in an accident through no fault of their own, do not have funds available to pay a lawyer to represent them in seeking compensation. They may have lost their car in a crash; are unable to work due to their injuries; have mounting medical expenses for their treatment; and have nowhere to turn for help.
Our firm understands this and realizes that the majority of accident victims would go unrepresented and uncompensated if they could only obtain legal representation by paying a large retainer and an hourly attorney fee.
If we enter into an agreement with you for representation, we believe in your case and will fight to see that you are justly compensated for your harm.
Call us for a free consultation - 215-348-5455. Visit us on the web at www.Naftulin-Shick.com. Or send us an email at [email protected]]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505732020-02-12T11:20:16Z2020-02-10T08:15:07ZMy Car was Damaged While Parked on Street - Who Will Pay to Fix?
The answer to your question depends on how your car was damaged. If it was struck by another vehicle and the identity of the owner and/or driver is known, then their insurance carrier should cover the damages to your vehicle. If their identity is not known, then your carrier should cover the damage, depending on the benefits your purchased on your policy of insurance. If you have collision coverage on your policy, then your carrier will pay for the repairs, less any deductible that you chose. If you purchased replacement rental coverage, then your carrier will pay for you to rent a car while your vehicle is repaired. If the identity of the owner and/or driver who hit your car is not known and you did not purchase collision coverage, then there is no insurance to cover your loss and you will have to pay out of your own pocket for any repairs.
If your car was damaged by a falling tree limb while parked on the street, then the homeowner's coverage for the owner of the tree should pay for the repairs. If there is no applicable policy of homeowner's insurance, then your auto insurance carrier should pay if you purchased coverage for such a loss.
You should review your automobile policy of insurance to make sure you are protected from harm caused to you or your family by someone else's negligence. You cannot count on the other guy to have adequate coverage to compensate you in the event of a loss.]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505702020-02-12T09:54:09Z2020-02-10T08:15:04Z
Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy driving times. More cars are on the roadways during the holiday season for quick trips to the mall; visits to friends and family; and holiday parties, than at any other time of the year. There are also more car accidents during the holiday season because of the number of cars on the roads; inclement weather; sleepy drivers; and drivers who had a few too many eggnogs at the company party.
Be aware of the increased risk and do your part to reduce it. Be aware of your own driving habits.
Don't make the long drive home after a heavy holiday meal when you are feeling tired or may have had too many glasses of wine.
Don't take the trip to the outlets at 4 a.m. to hit the sales if you are too sleepy to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Don't run out in the middle of a snow storm to grab a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread as if the roads will never be clear again.
The holiday season is a happy and exciting time to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. All of that can change in an instant in time because someone dozed off at the wheel. No one sets out to kill or cripple themselves or someone else. That's why it is called an "accident". But no matter what you call it, car crashes change lives -- and not for the better. So be careful this holiday season, for the sake of your family and the other guy's.
If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured because of someone else's negligence, call Naftulin and Shick at 215-348-5455 for a free consultation or mail us at [email protected] Don't Settle for Less!]]>On Behalf of Naftulin & Shickhttps://www.naftulin-shick.com/?p=505692020-02-12T09:54:49Z2020-02-10T08:15:01ZOne Text or Call Could Wreck it All
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2010, 3,267 persons were killed in distracted driving crashes. In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving distracted driving. The trend is obviously on the rise.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. They have banned texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers and encouraged states to adopt tougher laws
In Pennsylvania, there is a ban on texting while driving. It is a primary law which means that an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without an other traffic violation taking place as opposed to a secondary law which means an officer can only issue a ticket if a driver has been pulled over for another violation, such as speeding.
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety. Distractions are things such as:
Texting
Using a cell phone or smart phone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a music player
Text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is the most dangerous of all distractions. Sending or receiving a test takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field at 55 mph with a blindfold.
Each one of should make a commitment to drive phone free and not text while driving. Pull over if you have to make a call or respond to someone. Pay attention to your driving. If you are a passenger, make sure your driver does the same. It's as important as making sure that all children are in child seats and everyone has their seatbelt buckled.]]>