In the U.S., it is technically legal to file a lawsuit for any reason, but a lawsuit does not automatically go forward just because it was filed. Often, judges will “throw out” a case that they believe has no merit. Sometimes, however, lawsuits that seem unjustified make their way to court. People often refer to these suits as “frivolous.” What…
As a major metropolitan state, New York has several laws specifically designed to protect construction workers. One such protection is its “scaffolding law,” also known as New York Labor Law 240. This law is designed specifically for workers who deal with scaffolding, a dangerous job at the best of times. What Is This Law? There is a long history of…
Drivers have a responsibility to always be alert and aware. If they are distracted, they could cause serious injury to themselves and others. There are specific laws designed to prevent distracted driving, most of them revolving around electronics use. With the cultural rise in cellphones, there are more and more cases of car accidents involving people texting or talking while…
In 1992, Stella Leibeck opened a cup of McDonald’s coffee while in the parking lot, waiting for her relative. The coffee splashed into her lap, quickly causing severe burns. She eventually sued McDonald’s for her injuries. Her case was much maligned in the media and pop culture. Late night hosts joked about coffee being hot, so what did she expect?…
Personal injury cases are designed to compensate people for their injuries. In a best-case scenario, an injury can be immediately paid for, and everyone can move on. There are times, however, when the injury is so severe that someone will need financial benefits for a long time, maybe for the rest of their life. Such injuries are often classified as…
Depending on the circumstances, there are many possible individuals who could be held liable in a bicycle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), biker accidents per year break down as follows: 30% were hit by a car. 17% fell while biking. 13% had an accident due to poor roadway conditions. 13% were classified as “rider error.”…
A spinal cord injury, or an SCI, is terrifying. There are immediate concerns about a person’s ability to survive. Patients have difficulty recovering from these injuries. When a person lives through the experience, their lives can be forever changed. They may have loss of mobility or sensation, or they could have full paralysis in their limbs. Without question, an SCI…
Peloton, a company known for its exercise machines, recently recalled many of its treadmills in a highly publicized move. Reports of adults, children, and even pets being injured by the brand’s Tread and Tread+ machines made the news, and Peloton responded poorly; at first claiming that no one would be hurt as long as they used the treadmills correctly. Not…
A dog attack is a traumatic experience. It often comes by surprise, and you feel powerless to control the situation. When you’ve been injured in a pet attack, it is possible to sue the animal’s owner for damages. Here are some ways you can be harmed in a dog attack. Skin Damage When discussing dog bites, you must start with…
The severity and long-term effects of an injury can make it catastrophic. In federal law (34 USC 10284), a catastrophic injury is “an injury, the direct and proximate consequences of which permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.” In plain terms, a catastrophic injury takes away your ability to work. Examples of catastrophic injuries include: Spinal cord injuries…