We Are Excited to Announce the Winner of the 2017 Yost Legal Group College Scholarship Essay Program!

At the Yost Legal Group, Attorneys at Law, we are thrilled to be able to help students and members of the community succeed by offering programs like the Yost Legal Group College Scholarship Essay Program.

The program awards a $1,000 scholarship each year for the recipient to put towards tuition to pursue any field of study from an accredited college.

This year’s essay topic was on how adversity has affected your life. The essay program was open to all prospective or current undergraduate students attending an accredited college or university.

The 2017 winner of the $1,000 The Yost Legal Group College Scholarship Essay Program is Edward, a freshman at Virginia Tech.

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Edward chose to write his essay on the experiences he went through as a young boy. He described the obstacles he had to go through, most of the time alone, and how these obstacles shaped him into the young man he is today.

He also touched on how he now has a great appreciation for his struggles and for his mother, who worked hard to provide for him. He reflected on how the key to overcoming adversity throughout his childhood was finding his inner happiness.

Edward is a determined and bright young man who has grown to understand that his difficult experiences led him to where he is today. His reflections have also harvested a new love for his mother and for all she did for him.  Most importantly, he has learned that self-acceptance can help you figure out exactly where you belong in this world.

Thank you to all students who submitted an essay this year! Each and every one was eye-opening and all of you have such bright futures. We look forward to seeing what next year will bring!

Congratulations, Edward, from everyone at The Yost Legal Group

The Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury

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.

 

Pets Deserve Legal Protection Too

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) more than 60% of Americans have a pet and more than 35% of pet owners consider their pet to be a member of their family. Despite these statistics, Maryland has done little to enact and enforce laws designed to protect pets.

As in other states, it is a crime in Maryland to abuse or neglect an animal. Maryland is lenient on animal abusers though, with a maximum sentence for animal neglect or animal cruelty of 90-days versus six months to one year in many other states.

This year, the Maryland Legislature is considering several laws aimed at protecting animals, including:

  • A law that would require veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal cruelty;
  • A law that would require licensing of commercial breeders;
  • A law that would require animals no longer needed for research purposes to be made available for adoption; and
  • A law that would give judges the ability to order defendants in animal abuse cases to pay for the cost animal shelters incur caring for animals seized.

Additionally, if a pet is injured in Maryland as a result of someone else’s negligence, § 11-110 of the Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article caps the recovery at $7,500. This means that if you successfully sue the person who hurt your pet you cannot get more than $7500, regardless of the severity of the injury or the amount of your vet bills or other expenses. The cap on damages for cases involving injured pets fails to recognize that many pet owners consider their pet to be a part of their family.

Deterrence is one of the goals of both the criminal and civil justice systems. Maryland’s leniency towards people who hurt animals fails to properly deter people from abusing or neglecting animals and must be rectified.

If you or a loved one of any species is seriously injured and it 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 lawyer absolutely FREE.

We will investigate every detail of your case 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

 

Stryker Issues Voluntary Recall Due To Defective Parts In Metal Hip Implant Devices

Stryker Corporation is one of the leading manufacturers of metal hip implant devices. In the past, defective Stryker metal hip implants have caused serious injuries and adverse reactions in thousands of patients. In some cases, patients have even required revision surgery in order to remove and replace the defective Stryker hip implant parts.

Stryker recently issued a voluntary recall of all LFit V40 femoral heads manufactured between 2001 and 2011. Stryker LFit V40 femoral heads are prone to a high failure rate and pose potential risks to patient health and safety.  These defective hip components start to corrode. This can release harmful metal particles into the tissue and bloodstream surrounding the joint.

Government oversight agencies in both Canada and Australia have already issued safety warnings to doctors and patients about the high rate of failure among LFit V40 Femoral Head components. The Canadian government went as far as to issue an official recall of these components, sighting “higher than expected complaints of…failure.”

This is not the first time that a metal hip implant device manufactured by Stryker Corporation has been recalled due to safety concerns. In 2012, the FDA recalled all Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII metal hip implant devices after patients complained that the devices failed and broke down at rates that were much higher than expected.

Stryker marketed their metal hip implant devices by promising patients and doctors increased durability and improved recovery times, compared to hip implant devices made from other manufacturers.

Unfortunately, once Patients that received a defective Stryker metal hip implant can experience painful and dangerous complications, including:

  • Osteolysis (bone dissolution)
  • Synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane)
  • Pseudo-tumors
  • Fluid in the joint
  • Tissue and bone necrosis
  • Metal poisoning in the blood
  • Revision surgery

If you or a loved one is experiencing any adverse reactions from Hip Replacement Surgery or if you have required painful Revision Hip Surgery, call The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529).

When you call, one of our experienced Defective Medical Device attorneys will speak with you for FREE. The Yost Legal Group is made up of experienced attorneys ready to pursue your case with compassion and determination. We stand up to major medical device manufacturers on behalf of our clients and will fight hard to protect your rights.

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

NHTSA Reports a Sharp Increase in the Number of Traffic Fatalities in 2015

Traffic fatalities continue to be a widespread public safety issue across the U.S., causing thousands of preventable deaths each year. In the first half of 2016 alone, traffic-related fatalities rose by 10.4% compared to last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

To read more about these shocking statistics, click here.

The 2015 Motor Vehicle Crash Report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides an annual overview of traffic accidents throughout the U.S. This year, the report indicated that traffic-related fatalities increased by 7.2% from 2014 to 2015. This means that over 35,000 more people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2015 compared to 2014.

Together, these reports point to a disturbing trend regarding driver safety.

Here at The Yost Legal Group, we want to do our part to help reduce fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents. We remind all motorists to:

  • Drive attentively at all times.
  • Never get behind the wheel if you are drowsy
  • Never drive after consuming alcoholic beverages.
  • Never text and drive, this is deadly!
  • Follow the speed limit signs.
  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • Make sure your child is safety and correctly safe in a car seat.
  • Watch out for motorcyclists and bicyclists on the road.

If you or a loved one is injured in any type of motor vehicle accident that was not your fault, call The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529) for a FREE, confidential consultation.

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

Head Injuries From Athletics is a Serious Matter

The Fall is here, which means so is football season. Recently, the Baltimore Ravens played the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, the Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown left the game briefly during the first quarter due to a head injury he sustained when tackled by Ravens player Darian Stewart.

While Brown was able to return to the game after passing concussion protocol, it is important to note that he is one of the lucky ones. Sometimes, head injuries are life threatening, and often times, severe symptoms do not progress until a lot of time has passed after the injury occurred.

The experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Yost Legal Group have represented too many people affected by similar injuries at no fault of their own.

The leading cause of traumatic brain injuries are falls; however, they can be caused by a multitude of factors, including car accidents, sports injuries, defective products and medical malpractice.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired injury occurring when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can be the outcome when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the scull and enters brain tissue.

Symptoms of TBI can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury can include but are not limited to the following:

–          Headache
–          Confusion
–          Dizziness
–          Blurred vision
–          Ringing in ears
–          Bad taste in mouth
–          Fatigue
–          Memory loss
–          Nausea
–          Convulsions
–          Slurred speech
–          Loss of coordination
–          Confusion

Little can be done to reverse the initial brain damage caused by a trauma. Medical personnel will try to stabilize TBI victims and focus on preventing further injury. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately half of traumatic brain injury victims will need surgery to repair hematomas (ruptured blood vessels) or contusions (bruised brain tissue). Often times this will leave patients and their families ill-equipped to cope with the medical, financial and legal issues stemming from such serious injuries.

The dedicated traumatic brain injury lawyers at The Yost Legal Group work closely with victims to help them get a proper diagnosis and pursue the full amount of compensation for their financial needs. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, The Yost Legal Group can help.

Have you or a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury? TBI victims and their families may be entitled to pursue a claim to recover out-of-pocket medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, punitive damages and long-term care.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and families who are victims of traumatic brain injury and medical malpractice. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your case, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, contact the experienced, caring attorneys at The Yost Legal Group. The experienced Baltimore Maryland traumatic brain injury lawyers, will work hard to investigate the facts surrounding your situation, get to the truth and see that justice is served.

We are here solely to help you and your family seek the justice and the compensation you need to help care for the needs of your family member with a traumatic brain injury.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Traumatic Brain Injury attorney for free. One of our experienced lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle all of the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

LEAD PAINT: The Hidden Threat to America’s Cities

In 2013, the Center for Disease Control estimated that over 500,000 American children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old faced the severe medical dangers associated with lead poisoning. Despite the fact that federal law banned the use of lead-based paints in 1978, the lingering effects of this underrepresented health crisis are still prevalent today in many of America’s inner city neighborhoods.

Knowing the facts about lead paint can help you keep your children and loved ones safe from this public health hazard.

Research released by Colombia University’s David Rosner and CUNY’s Gerald Markowitz in their 2013 book Lead Wars estimates that some 30 million American homes still contain toxic lead-based paint. Homes built prior to 1978 pose the highest risk of containing lead paint. But even newer homes could contain undercoats of lead-based paint that remain a health threat years or even decades after their installation.

Children can become exposed to unsafe levels of lead after walls containing lead-based paint are damaged through normal wear and tear, renovation, leaks, sanding, and even drilling or nailing.

Possible signs of lead poisoning in children are:

  • Tiredness or loss of energy
  • Hyperactivity
  • Irritability or crankiness
  • Reduced attention span
  • Poor appetite and weight loss
  • Reduced attention span
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Aches or pains in stomach

Before you begin any type of home renovation, be sure to contact your landlord, real estate agent or contractor to ensure that you take the necessary precautions. Even as walls containing lead-based paint are being removed, clouds of lead flakes can remain behind on floors, carpets, or window sills. In fact, Rosner and Markowitz’s maintain that many children are often exposed to lead poisoning during the removal process itself.

One study conducted in the 1990s by an affiliate research institution of Johns Hopkins University found that Baltimore city had the highest lead poisoning rates for children in the country. Baltimore residents should consult their medical professional as well as the Center for Disease Control’s Lead Prevention Program for advice and steps to take.

If you feel you or your child has been exposed to unsafe levels of lead due to negligence or poor building upkeep, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). The Yost Legal Group is experienced in aggressively litigating lead paint exposure claims.

The Yost Legal Group has successfully protected the rights of many families exposed to this serious health risk. If you feel you are at risk, don’t hesitate to call today for a free consultation.

Star-Spangled Spectacular Celebration in Baltimore

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 marks the beginning of Baltimore’s Star-Spangled Spectacular, celebrating the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem.

A collection of tall boats and navy vessels have already begun to arrive to populate Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. The ships are open to the public to board and explore from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 11 – September 15.

The week will continue with multiple events, including a 9/11 Commemoration and Flag Ceremony at 11am Thursday. This event will consist of music and remarks related to the Battle of Baltimore and 9/11. There will also be a wreath laying to honor those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.

Landside festivals include living history demonstrations, a family fun zone, live musical performances, and Chesapeake food and beverage.

The Yost Legal Group is looking forward to the festivities, however, we would like to remind everyone to use safety precautions while attending the fun filled week at the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

There will be thousands of people visiting, which means traffic on roads and expressways. Take your time traveling to your destination and be careful of other drivers. Beware of distracted drivers, those exhibiting signs of road rage, or anyone who appears intoxicated.

Be mindful of the many obstacles an event of this magnitude can present. For instance, make sure your children meet the height requirements for all rides. Be careful not to trip over the various tent spikes or other debris which can easily be concealed while walking in crowds. Large sized equipment is used to set up the various stages and displays; be sure to avoid touching, tampering or climbing the machinery. Also, if attending The Red, White and Brew Festival over the weekend, make sure to designate a safe and sober driver.

The Yost Legal Group wishes everyone an enjoyable Star-Spangled Spectacular event, but advises you to be cautious of the various obstacles that could cause injury.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and their families who are victims of the negligent acts of others. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your case, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member has been injured in any type of accident you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer. Do not try to handle your claim on your own.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney for free. One of our experienced lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle of the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

Call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak with one of our experienced attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group will help you find answers. If you have questions, call to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer for help.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

Be Safe This Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest holidays for driving on America’s roadways. Be sure to follow these safe-driving tips to have a safe and accident free holiday weekend.

–  Prepare your car for traveling long distances. Make sure to service your car’s cooling system and radiator. Check fluids and wiper blades. Taking time to perform simple maintenance on your vehicle can eliminate many problems that strand motorists.

–  Plan ahead. It is helpful to map your travel route, being careful to mark road signs and exit ramps. Research construction areas that may be on your way in order to avoid lengthy delays. Sometimes drivers cut across traffic in order to make their exit ramp, so be aware of the cars driving next to you.

–  Leave early to avoid the majority of traffic. There will most likely be delays wherever you are traveling to this Labor Day weekend. Know your limitations and do not drive if you are tired, distracted, or ill.

–  Be aware of tractor-trailers. They are heavier then passenger vehicles and take a longer time to come to a complete stop, so do not drive too closely behind them. And be careful when passing a big rig on your right or left.  Never travel in a big rigs blind spot.  If you can’t see its side mirrors, the driver of the truck cannot see you.

–  Always wear a seatbelt. The National Safety Council estimates hundreds of injuries can be prevented this Labor Day weekend if everyone is buckled up. The Council also states that the best defense against a drunk driver is to wear a seatbelt.

–  Limit distractions while driving. Avoid playing with the radio or turning around to speak with a backseat passenger. Never fidget with your phone, iPod or GPS system while driving.  Distracted drivers kill and injure thousands of innocent people each year.

–  Don’t drink and drive! The 2014 national drunk driving enforcement crackdown “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is in effect August 13 to September 1, 2014.

If you or a loved one is ever injured in a tractor-trailer accident, a car accident or any other type of accident call The Yost Legal Group for help. We’ll speak with you for free to discuss your situation and help you to understand your rights.

If we take your case we will do so on a no win/no fee or expense basis only. That means you do not pay a fee or expense unless you recover.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak to one of our attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

McCormick’s Ground Oregano Recalled Due To Salmonella

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the popular spice producer McCormick has voluntarily recalled its McCormick Ground Oregano due to a possible salmonella contamination. Check your spice racks and be sure to remove the following product:

McCormick Ground Oregano, 0.75oz bottle
UPC 0-523561-6 with code dates BEST BY AUG 21 16 H and AUG 22 16 H

The bottles being recalled were shipped to 41 different states, including the Baltimore, Maryland area, between April 4th and August 5, 2014

The FDA discovered the contamination during routine testing. McCormick has contacted grocery stores and notified them of the recall and requested that McCormick Ground Oregano with the above UPC codes and dates be removed from the shelves and destroyed.

The recall does not impact any other McCormick Ground Oregano, Whole Oregano or Oregano Leaves.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious illness and possibly fatal infections in otherwise healthy people. It is especially dangerous for younger children, the elderly and those with weekend immune systems.

There have been no illnesses due to the contamination reported as of yet.

It is all too common for major companies to recall particular goods due to defect. Manufacturers and sellers of products must be held accountable for placing safe products into the marketplace.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury from a recalled or defective product, contact The Yost Legal Group to discuss a potential Product Liability case.

Product Liability cases can be founded on one or more of the following examples:

Defective Design:  A design defect is frequently the result of poor engineering or considerations in the development of how to build the product.

Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes a product is designed properly, but it was not made correctly to its specifications. Sometimes incorrect materials are used when producing a product.

Failure to Warn:  Certain side effects can be the result of using a product and it is the company’s duty to list such things as adverse effects. Warnings are particularly important when it comes to specific drugs and over the counter medicines.

The attorneys as The Yost Legal Group are very active in pursing product liability claims for those who have suffered injury or death from a defective product.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury from a product that you believe to have been unreasonably defective for any of the reasons listed above, please contact The Yost Legal Group and speak to one of our defective product lawyers about a potential product liability case.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and their families who are victims of defective products. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your case, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member is ever injured due to a defective product, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. Do not try to handle your claim on your own.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law  (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Baltimore defective product lawyer for free. One of our experienced Personal Injury lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

Call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak with one of our experienced defective product attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group will help you find answers. If you have questions, call to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer for help.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.