On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Slip and Fall on Friday, May 18, 2012
Recently we discussed a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau which says that "questionable" slip-and-fall claims are on the rise. These types of slip-and-fall claims usually have a uniform approach: someone gets injured on the property of a small business owner, they suffer a minor or moderate injury and then threaten legal action against the owner.
However, instead of following through, they request the owner pay them out-of-pocket and off the record. It's (seemingly) mutually beneficial -- the owner is spared a possibly far more expensive legal battle, and the victim gets his or her reward. The slip-and-fall you are about to read is a far cry from this sort of "questionable" claim.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
At 35 miles per hour, an electric or hybrid vehicle naturally generates wind and tire noise that meets the noise produced by a traditional engine. It makes the vehicle audible for innocent bystanders, runners and bikers. Beneath this speed though, hybrid cars can be difficult to hear, and at low speeds they are practically inaudible -- and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration is well aware of the accident risk posed to pedestrians by a hybrid's sneaky silence.
Two studies done by the NHTSA in 2009 and 2011 show that in comparison to a traditional gas-powered vehicle (which produces a recognizable rumble or hum), hybrid vehicles are 37% more likely to collide with a pedestrian and 66% more likely to crash into a bicyclist when it is travelling at a "low speed."
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Slip and Fall on Friday, May 11, 2012
During a two-year period from 2010 to 2011, the number of questionable slip-and-fall claims increased by 12%. In 2010, victims made 1,944 such claims while the number boomed to 2,168 in the following year.
These numbers come from the National Insurance Crime Bureau as the organization investigates how prevalent these potentially fraudulent slip-and-fall claims are. Wisconsin was outside the top five of states with the most claims, nor did a Wisconsin city crack the top five in its own geographical category.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A car accident can be a traumatic experience to many Wisconsin residents -- and while the actual event is quite harrowing, many drivers do not realize how much an accident affects them until much later. Your insurance rates can, and likely will, rise. You may discover pain or injuries that were not readily apparent immediately after the wreck.
But maybe the greatest challenge facing a car accident victim is the first time behind the wheel after a crash. Some drivers may be a bit frightened to get back on the road again; others may become more defensive drivers. It is simply a natural reaction to be frightened after such a distressing event.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Truck Accidents on Thursday, May 3, 2012
When a car meets a semitrailer truck on a Wisconsin road the outcome is fairly easy to predict. The balance of power is in the truck's favor.
When truck accidents do occur, the consequences tend not to be limited to just matters of money. Victims of truck accidents may endure serious head, neck or back injuries. Recovering fullness of health can require long term medical treatment. Determining anticipated costs can be a challenge that may be best undertaken and fought for with the help of an attorney.
The worst case scenario, of course, is when a car-tractor-trailer accident results in the death of someone. Survivors not only suffer the loss of their loved one. There is also the loss of earnings by the person killed. It's crucial to investigate all the aspects of a crash in order to expose instances of negligence so that those responsible can be held accountable and liable for the injuries and damage they cause.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Slip and Fall on Monday, April 30, 2012
It's getting to be outdoor concert time around the country. Promoters and operators of these kinds of venues around Wisconsin and other states are required to take a lot of precautions in order to ensure that the crowds they attract remain safe. Still, serious accidents happen that result in personal injury.
All one needs to recall is the horror of the Indiana State Fair last summer. Seven people were killed and dozens of others were injured when the huge stage and scaffolding toppled in the high winds of a massive storm. The personal injury and wrongful death claims are still being worked through. Who was at fault and the extent of responsibility remain a matter of deep debate and question.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Dog Bites on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
All it takes for a pet to become a menace is for a negligent owner to turn a blind eye to the vicious proclivities of their animal. But the responsibility doesn't necessarily stop there. At resorts in Wisconsin and other states where families and pets are welcomed, hotel operators owe it to guests to be sure animal attacks don't occur.
That apparently didn't happen last September at a popular resort facility in another part of the country. According to court documents filed in connection with the case, a woman became the victim of a dog attack even though the dog had been reported to hotel managers days earlier for being aggressive.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Personal Injury on Monday, April 23, 2012
Who doesn't like a fireworks display? The colorful explosions elicit oohs and ahs, even at small-scale shows. But pyrotechnics can lead to a lot of serious injury if they aren't conducted with the greatest of attention to safety. There are regulations in Wisconsin that are intended to insure that security to spectators. But if they're not complied with, horrible personal injuries can result.
Criminal charges are always possible, too, as is evidenced by the recent legal proceedings in Adams County. A judge there registered a not guilty plea on behalf of a 66-year-old Wisconsin Rapids man that officials say is responsible for a July 16 fireworks show in Rome, Wisconsin, that resulted in 11 people being injured.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Thursday, April 19, 2012
If you look at the statistical graphs of motorcycle helmet use and the number of fatalities that occur as a result of motorcycle accidents each year you'll see the lines going in opposite directions. This is true for Wisconsin and the other states that make wearing helmets optional. As helmet use goes by the wayside, the numbers of deaths on roadways are on the rise.
Attorneys experienced in motorcycle accident personal injury cases and other motor vehicle tragedies know the data points. Some are expressing concerns over the fact that another state has joined the ranks of jurisdictions that no longer make wearing safety helmets mandatory. The latest making the move is our neighbor to the east, Michigan.
On behalf of D'Angelo & Jones, LLP posted in Premises Liability on Monday, April 16, 2012
Our favorite hometown team, the Milwaukee Brewers, is off to a so-so start for the 2012 season. Despite the iffy beginning, fans are lining up at a record pace. The team announced today that they've already sold 2 million tickets for the season. It happened in record time and is prompting officials to predict that attendance should at least come close to the record 3,071,373 figure set last year.
With so many fans in the stands operators of Miller Park face a heavy responsibility to make sure they have done all they can to create a safe environment. It doesn't take much for situations to suddenly develop that can result in serious personal injury. Fans are regularly reminded to stay alert to avoid line-drive foul balls. Less can be done to avoid a bat that flies into the stands. And there are all the beverages that could be spilled creating slip and fall hazards on the ramps and stairways.
Caution by fans is required. But attentiveness on the part of the stadium staff is required, as well.
