New York Personal Injury Blog

Lung illnesses from vaping can be fatal

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in products liability on Friday, September 6, 2019.

Vaping has long been touted as being safer than smoking cigarettes; however, an outbreak of lung illnesses linked to vaping shows that this might not be the case. These illnesses have occurred all over the country, and it is now thought that the culprit of these is a vitamin E derived oil in some marijuana products made for vaping. The troubling thing about this is that the contaminant was found in different brands of this type of product.

Officials were quick to note that there isn't definitive evidence that this chemical is the sole reason for the sometimes fatal lung illnesses. Experts note that even though vitamin E acetate is safe for use on the skin and as an oral supplement, the molecular structure may have a damaging effect on the lungs when it is inhaled.

Steps to take when making a car insurance claim

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Monday, August 26, 2019.

Making a car insurance claim is more difficult than it sounds, as it's critical to take all the right steps at the right time. For example, if you pass the entire process off to your agent, assuming they'll do what's best for you, it's possible that you will miss out on compensation that you deserve.

Here are five of the most important things to do when making a car insurance claim:

Call your agent as soon as possible: Your health and safety take top priority, but don't hesitate to contact your agent the second you find the time to do so. This gives you the opportunity to not only file a claim, but also provide basic information as to what went wrong.
Review your policy: It's easy to be taken advantage of when you don't understand the coverage provided by your policy. You pay for insurance coverage every month, so you should receive benefits accordingly.
Don't answer questions you don't understand: If you say the wrong thing to your agent when filing a claim, it's possible they'll use the information against you. If you don't understand a question or don't feel comfortable answering, explain this to your agent. It's best to consult with a personal injury attorney before doing anything, as they can help protect your legal rights.
Collect evidence: This can include but is not limited to photos of the accident scene and your injuries, police report and medical bills.
Take notes of every conversation you have: Any time you speak with an insurance representative, write down the name of the person, what was said, the time and date.

Semitruck crashes lead to devastation; compensation is possible

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in truck accidents on Friday, August 23, 2019.

Being hit by a semitruck will change your current situation. When you think about the size and weight of these vehicles, you can certainly understand why many accidents involving them are very serious. For the victims of these crashes, financial challenges will likely follow. These can come from the cost of treating injuries, as well as you having to take off work if the injury was serious.

We never want to have a victim remain responsible for their expenses related to a crash. We want the liable parties to be held accountable for their actions. One thing that will do this is if they have to pay compensation to you because of the crash.

These tips can help you avoid a ladder fall

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Monday, August 12, 2019.

Falls are among the most dangerous incidents that can take place. In 2017, 36,338 people died from falls at home or work on and off ladders. They're also a leading cause of nonfatal injuries.

To prevent falls, it's important to know the tools you're working with. When you choose a ladder, it's essential that it's the right ladder for the job. You need to know a few things such as:

How high you need to reach
The total weight the ladder has to hold
If you need to use a wooden, plastic or metal ladder due to the environment it's to be placed in

2 avenues of compensation for work-related injuries

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, August 9, 2019.

Workers who are injured don't miraculously have their bills paid. Instead, they have to figure out how to have an income so they can continue to pay for their needs. Workers' compensation benefits are often the only way that injured employees can manage while they're off work. This program provides medical care benefits and partial wage replacement to individuals who suffer a work-related injury or illness.

It is important to note that the wage replacement doesn't cover your entire paycheck and it isn't available right away. You have to miss a specific amount of work due to the injury or illness and with your doctor's instruction in order to qualify for this. We know that this might be a lot to handle right now, but we are here to work with our clients as they learn about how to handle their case.

Signs of substandard care in a skilled nursing facility

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

The care that a person receives in a nursing home should meet that person's needs. Individualized care plans can be beneficial, but only if the staff follows those plans accordingly. When any vital need is bypassed, there is a chance that the resident might suffer. This neglect is fully preventable, but is often overlooked by the staff.

For anyone who has a loved one in a nursing home, watching for signs of substandard care should become a part of normal life. The earlier you spot these issues, the more likely you will be able to address them before they get too out of hand. It might help for you to make a note of these common signs of neglect so you can refer to it quickly if you think something is amiss.

Product liability claims must be handled quickly

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in products liability on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

The products you purchase from the store should be safe to use as long as you are doing so in the intended manner. When something happens, you have to figure out what you need to do. Catastrophic or serious injuries will require emergency medical care. This can be very costly, especially for someone who wasn't expecting to have to deal with those types of bills coming in.

You also must factor in the healing process and the time you will have to take off of work. Together, the entire situation can bring a lot of stress to you. It is imperative that you think carefully about how you are going to handle the situation. One thing that is for certain is that you shouldn't be the one who has to pay for the manufacturer's error.

Trucking accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in truck accidents on Friday, July 12, 2019.

Semitruck crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries for the victims. There are many reasons for these crashes, but that might not be the top thing on your mind when you are in a wreck. Your priority is likely going to be getting the medical care that you need. Even if you think that you only suffered minor injuries, taking the time to have an evaluation is important because the doctor might spot an injury that would have been hidden until a later date.

The medical care and the cost of it depend on the injuries that you suffer. If you have serious injuries like damage to the spinal cord or brain, you might be in for a long journey toward healing. You may need to spend time in the hospital, go to various doctor visits, and work at a long-term therapy plan. All of this can cut down on the amount of time you can work, which will negatively impact your pay.

Long Island teen dies from crash injuries

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

A Long Island high school senior died following an automobile crash just two weeks before she was set to graduate from high school.

The woman, 18, was a passenger in a 2007 Hyundai Elantra being driven by a 17-year-old classmate. Another 18-year old student was a passenger as well.

Premises liability claims for victims of crimes in New York

On behalf of The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Inadequate safety or security measures are common issues in and outside of properties all over New York. Landlords of residential properties may not adequately consider the risks that residents face, while owners or landlords of commercial properties may not invest in security, considering it the responsibility of their tenants.

Unfortunately, lackluster or nonexistent security plays a role in countless crimes in New York every day. From muggings to sexual assaults, a lack of adequate lighting, building security and recording equipment often emboldens criminals to target specific locations. The places you visit could leave you at increased risk for victimization by criminals.