Tag: baltimore personal injury lawyers

Increasing Motorcycle Fatalities in Maryland

Posted on by YostLaw

The Governors’ Highway Safety Association’s most recent report indicates that nearly 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle accidents each year.  Even with Maryland’s strict helmet laws, motorcyclists are still dying at a higher rate than other motorists. When a motorcycle rider does survive a crash, their injuries can be life-changing.  Injuries such as fractures, loss of limbs, and traumatic brain injuries are common in motorcycle crashes. Frequently the motorcycle rider is left with large medical bills and lost time from work.

Reliable statistics show that most of the collisions involving motorcycles are the fault of the other driver and not the rider. Car and truck drivers usually pull out in front of the motorcycle or turn in front of them taking the motorcycle rider’s right-of-way. This is true in daylight and at night. The issue becomes one of conspicuity. Although the motorcycle is there plain as day to be seen, the other driver just does not see them. Many drivers are not looking for motorcycles and miss them when they expect to see only a large car or truck.

Riders need to take as many precautions as possible. Bright colored clothing should be worn and reflective yellow traffic vests can improve the visibility of the motorcycle. Always use your headlight. Loud exhaust pipes can help because if the driver hears the motorcycle, then they will look for one. There is safety in numbers. Riders who travel together make it much easier for drivers to see the bikers. These suggestions make it easier to be seen. There are other safety considerations. Always wear a helmet. Head injuries can be fatal, but even just a mild blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury. Road rash is painful and can cause disfigurement. It is important to wear protective clothing and gear to prevent scarring.

If you or a loved one becomes a victim of another driver’s inattentiveness, it is important to get legal advice. At the Yost Legal Group we always provide free initial consultations to injured riders. Call us today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-403-7259) or find us on the web at www.yostlaw.com. There is no fee or expense unless you recover. We have recovered millions for injured riders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Bad News for Smith and Nephew

Posted on by YostLaw

Smith & Nephew continues to issue additional recalls for its defective hip implant devices. By now, Smith & Nephew has established a clear pattern of manufacturing faulty and dangerous hip devices that harm rather than help innocent users of those products. In June of 2012, Smith & Nephew issued a recall of its R3 Acetabular System hip implant, followed by a voluntary market withdrawal of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) Femoral System in June of 2015. In 2016, Smith & Nephew was forced to recall three additional hip implant products.

In August of 2016, Smith and Nephew recalled its Tandem Bipolar Hip System because of a manufacturing error that caused the device to fall apart inside the patient’s body, often within just a few weeks of surgery. Smith & Nephew manufactured the bipolar shells for this device out of specification. In issuing the recall, Smith & Nephew admitted that its negligence in manufacturing these devices could lead to a failure of the device that would require a revision surgery. They were forced to make this admission after product complaints and clinical study data showed a much a higher rate of problems for this device when compared to similar hip implants on the market.

In November of 2016, Smith and Nephew recalled its Modular SMF hip stem and Modular REDAPT hip systems. They again admitted that patients implanted with these devices may face a greater risk of the need for revision surgery based on data they collected.  Most of the problems were “metal related.” This means that like other Smith & Nephew metal-on-metal hip implant devices, many users of this product experienced dangerously high levels of chromium and cobalt in their blood. This forced innocent users of this defective product to undergo unnecessary revision surgeries.

Sadly, although time marches on, the story for Smith & Nephew remains the same. By continually putting profits ahead of the safety of individuals using its defective products, those persons are put at risk for suffering from harmful medical consequences. Our experienced lawyers fight for individuals who have been harmed by defective products. If you or a loved one has been injured or required revision surgery following a Smith & Nephew or other defective hip implant, the attorneys at the Yost Legal Group will investigate your lawsuit claim. For a free consultation, please call us at 1-800-YOSTLAW.

 

The Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Posted on by YostLaw

Headaches, dizziness, concussion, loss of consciousness, forgetfulness, depression and nausea are some of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, can be caused by blunt force to the head. According to the Centers for Disease Control, car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. Car accident victims who hit their heads on headrests, steering wheels, windows or windshields may have traumatic brain injuries. Even if a car accident victim does not hit their head, they could have a traumatic brain injury from the movement their head made at the time of impact.

Unlike other injuries from car accidents, a victim may not notice the signs of a traumatic brain injury for several days or even weeks. Even if a victim has a normal MRI or CT scan they could still have a traumatic brain injury or concussion. Doctors diagnose traumatic brain injuries by evaluating the symptoms a patient is experiencing.

The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be permanent or long-term. The treatment for traumatic brain injuries may include medications, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy and, in severe cases, surgery.

If you believe you or a loved one are suffering from a traumatic brain injury, you should:

Seek Medical Treatment:  A doctor may order MRIs and CT scans to determine if there are skull fractures, bruising, or swelling around the brain. A doctor will also review your symptoms to determine whether a traumatic brain injury is likely.

Document Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms so that you can tell your doctor about headaches, memory problems, emotional problems, nausea, difficulty speaking, dizziness, or any other symptoms you are experiencing.

The Yost Legal Group is here to help auto accident victims diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). When you call, you will speak with an experienced, compassionate Maryland Car Accident lawyer absolutely FREE.

We will investigate every detail of your accident and fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected. At The Yost Legal Group, you will never pay an attorney’s free up front and we don’t get paid until you do.

 

Winter Driving Safety Tips Can Help In A Pinch!

Posted on by YostLaw

With February and March being the most snow-ridden months of the year, it is crucial that all Maryland residents are prepared to drive in these dangerous weather conditions. Not only do roads become slick when coated with snow and ice, they also pose serious safety hazards if not properly maintained.

While we don’t like to think about it, accidents do happen and we want to ensure that all motorists are prepared for any situation that may arise. Winter weather calls for more than just snow tires and extra antifreeze.

Here at The Yost Legal Group, we want to share a few helpful winter driving tips with you, to help ensure better safety while driving in Maryland. Be prepared in the event of a road block, accident or breakdown.

To keep yourself and others safe, follow these tips recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA):

  • Maintain your car. Regularly check your battery levels, tire tread, and windshield wipers. Make sure you can clearly see out of your windows, and that you have anti-freeze fluid in your washer reservoir.
  • Be prepared. In the event of a breakdown, you need to be well-equipped. Flashlights, jumper cables, ice scrapers, and blankets are some of the key essentials to keep stowed away in your vehicle. If traveling on a long trip, be sure to have extra batteries, food, water and medication.
  • Plan your route. Give yourself extra time to arrive to your destination. Plan to give yourself an additional 30 minutes to arrive safely. Check the weather before getting in your car and travel on roads you are familiar with. Let others know your route and estimated time of arrival.
  • Practice safe driving. Be aware that roads are more slick than usual. Drive slowly around corners, and be sure to brake ahead of time since, pumping gently as stopping distances become longer on ice-coated and snowy roads. Give ample space between the cars around you and in front of you when driving in bad weather conditions.

These basic safety tips could make all the difference during the next snow or ice storm. Let’s keep this month a safe one for all motorists on Maryland roads!

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). When you call, you will speak with an experienced, compassionate Maryland Car Accident lawyer absolutely FREE.

We will investigate every detail of your accident and fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected. At The Yost Legal Group, you will never pay an attorney’s free up front and we don’t get paid until you do.

The Yost Legal Group – Experienced Attorneys Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights

March Is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month

Posted on by YostLaw

Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is a complex medical condition that can occur when the brain or skull suffers a sudden blow or trauma. TBI is an extremely difficult condition to diagnose, and can come with a broad spectrum of symptoms. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans will be a victim of a TBI every year, making this one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

March of 2015 is National Traumatic Brian Injury Awareness Month, and at The Yost Legal Group, Baltimore Personal Injury Law Firm, we want to do our part to bring this issue to the forefront of the national conversation. In honor of this important occasion, we have created a brand new Infographic that sheds some light on the harsh realities of suffering and living with a TBI.

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The Yost Legal Group Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics Small

A TBI can lead to a lifetime of medical care and difficult rehabilitation for victims. In addition to the physical pain suffered by TBI victims, the medical costs associated with these types of injuries can be astronomical as well. For the rest of the month, help The Yost Legal Group raise awareness and show support to victims of TBI and the families and loved ones who support them.

By sharing this information and increasing the national education level about TBI, we can help prevent future catastrophic injuries from occurring.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a TBI, you will need an experienced legal team on your side to help you handle the care and medical costs associated with your serious injury. The Yost Legal Group has the experience you need to obtain the justice you deserve for suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Our attorneys work with life care planners, medical experts and economists to determine the costs of future care, lost earning potential, and damages for pain and suffering.

Call us today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529) to receive a FREE, confidential and no-obligation consultation. You can speak with a compassionate, dedicated attorney that will help you understand the details of your case and will fight to secure a lifetime of care for you and your family.

Click here to learn more, and use the code below to share this Infographic with your friends, family and colleagues on social media! Together, we can help raise national awareness about the serious reality of Traumatic Brain Injuries.

The Yost Legal Group – Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights

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