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TopDog Law | SEPTA Bus Accident Leaves Multiple Injured

July 14, 2021 by admin

On June 17, 2021 a SEPTA bus accident occurred when it was struck by a car that ran a red light. Eight people from the bus and three people from the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash was in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia. It was on Larchwood Avenue and South 57th Street around four o’clock in the morning.

TopDog Law wants to remind drivers to be safe on the road. Be mindful of traffic signals, do not text and drive, and follow the speed limit.

If you find yourself in a SEPTA bus accident or an auto accident, call TopDog Law to help you get the compensation you deserve. We are here 24/7 and our trained attorneys want to help. You can call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law | Concussions After A Car Accident

June 22, 2021 by admin

Concussions after a car accident are unfortunately common. However, it may be difficult to determine if you have one until days later. It can be difficult to determine if you have a concussion with all the adrenaline rushing through you after an accident. So what are some symptoms to look out for after an accident?

Mayo Clinic defines concussions as “a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance, and coordination.” Concussions can be caused by sudden and violent jolts to the head or neck, causing the brain to move in ways it normally would not.

Symptoms of a concussion are headaches, amnesia, and confusion. Additionally, there may be ringing in the ears, vomiting, and fatigue, and more. See a doctor if you have the slightest feeling that you may have a concussion. If you have one and fail to treat it properly, it may result in long-term effects. Lastly, TopDog Law will require you to visit a doctor to see if you have a concussion or any other injuries from the accident.

So now the doctor has diagnosed you with a concussion from your car accident. Is there anything you can do to receive compensation? Of course, there is. TopDog lawyers are trained professionals who want to help you receive the best compensation possible for your pain and suffering. Call us anytime at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation

TopDog Law | Sexual Assault in the Workplace

June 18, 2021 by admin

Sexual harassment in the workplace is an unfortunate and common, occurrence. Because it occurs at work, the fear of losing your job or promotion may prevent you from reporting it. But despite what you may believe, there is something you can do about it without negative results.

The first step is to report the incident to upper management and human resources. HR departments are required to investigate sexual harassment claims because harassment is against federal law.

Even though sexual assault in the workplace may be hard to re-live, it is heavily encouraged for the victim to write down the details of the incident. Make sure to record dates, times, everyone involved, witnesses, and location. Additionally, keep records of conversations if possible. Having everything on record will only benefit you later on, especially if the case goes to court.

The type of workplace harassment can vary from verbal abuse to physical abuse. Regardless of what type the victim may encounter, it is very important to end it immediately. If you do not want to confront the assaulter, you can report it.

In the case that the victim works for a union, they may seek assistance from their shop steward. If that does not work, there is the option to file through the union to see if a formal process can be applied. If the victim does not work for a union, they can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or their state’s fair employment agency.

Employees are always protected from sexual harassment in the workplace. A lawyer will be able to help if the victim is unable to successfully go through HR, is fearful of losing their job, or does not understand the process.

TopDog Law and its lawyers are trained to help if you need a lawyer. We want to help you get compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact TopDog Law today at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law | Concussions After A Car Accident

May 14, 2021 by admin

Concussions after a car accident are unfortunately common. However, it may be difficult to determine if you have one until days later. It is hard to tell if you have a mild or severe concussion with all the adrenaline rushing through you after an accident. So what are some symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of a concussion are headaches, amnesia, and confusion. Additionally, there may be ringing in the ears, vomiting, and fatigue, and more. See a doctor if you have the slightest feeling that you may have a concussion. If you have one and fail to treat it properly, it may result in long-term effects. Additionally, TopDog Law will require you to visit a doctor to see if you have a concussion or any other injuries from the accident.

So now the doctor has diagnosed you with a concussion from your car accident. Is there anything you can do to receive compensation? Of course there is. TopDog lawyers are trained professionals who want to help you receive the best compensation possible for your pain and suffering. Call us anytime at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law | Why You Need To Have The Right Car Insurance For An Accident

May 12, 2021 by admin

If you are ever in a car accident, you are going to want the right auto insurance coverage. Depending on what coverage you have will affect what compensation you may be eligible for. There is full tort coverage and limited tort coverage; simply put, full tort allows someone to pursue economic and non-economic losses and limited tort only allows economic losses.

However, there is an exception with limited tort coverage if the victim suffers severe injuries or death. Additionally, you have to take into consideration what your state operates on: at-fault or no-fault law. At-fault is based on tort liability and the auto insurance company pays for the damages. No-fault is different because it removes small claims from the court and the insurance company compensates the policyholder regardless of who was at fault for the car accident.

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, there are some required forms of insurance such as bodily injury liability, medical benefits, property damage, and/or limited or full tort.

TopDog Law takes on motor vehicle accidents when there are injuries involved. Our car accident lawyers are trained to get you the best compensation for your pain and suffering. If you have been in an accident, call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to get a free consultation.

TopDog Law | How To Win A Slip And Fall Case

April 30, 2021 by admin

Slip and fall cases occur when there is an injury sustained after falling on someone else’s property. Usually caused by negligence, the fall could happen from ice that was not salted, cracked pavement, spilled water, etc. So when this happens on someone else’s property, is there anything you can do? With TopDog Law, yes! We can work together to prove that the property owner is legally responsible for the injuries.

The first things that we need to find out are 1) who is the liable party and 2) did they cause the fall or prevent it from happening? We need to know these factors so we can prove that it was not the injured person’s own carelessness that caused the accident.

To be held liable for the slip and fall, the party being blamed must have failed to take initiative on the property’s care. Things to consider are the amount of time the hazardous condition has existed, does the property owner have a routine of checking for hazards, is there a good reason for the hazard to exist, could it have been prevented, and was there poor lighting or signage?

In slip and fall cases, it is common for the defendant to argue that the injured person is responsible for the accident. That argument is called “comparative fault.” Each state has different laws that affect this argument and determine the plaintiff’s compensation if the defendant’s argument is true.

To determine if the plaintiff might be even slightly responsible, consider the following:

Was the injured person engaging in activity that could have caused them to not notice the hazard?
Was the injured person even allowed to be there?
Were there warning signs posted?

If it becomes obvious that the plaintiff is at fault, winning an injury claim becomes very unlikely.

Have you been injured in a slip and fall and believe you are entitled to financial compensation? If so, contact TopDog Law today! You can call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law | “What Do I Do After An Accident?”

April 27, 2021 by admin

An accident can be one of the most stressful situations someone can find themselves in. Often, those involved are left shaken up and wondering “what do I do now?” If no one is injured, the accident can usually be handled between the drivers. However, it does get more complicated if injuries are sustained.

First things first, move all vehicles and people to a safer area if possible. Try to pull off to the side of the road or into a parking lot to handle the situation. However, if someone is injured and unable to move, do not try to move them on your own; wait for medical professionals to arrive.

In addition to calling for medics, also call the cops. It will be beneficial in the future if all parties involved have an official police report done. While completing the report, also gather the other parties’ information such as their name, phone number, address, insurance information, make and model of their car, and license plate number. Also make sure to take pictures, get law enforcement names, and speak with witnesses to gather statements.

Once everyone is safe and home, an insurance claim with the at-fault’s insurance should be filed. This helps to make sure you are compensated for injuries, bills, lost wages, and property damage. Something else that will help your cause will be keeping a record of everything that happens from the moment the accident occurred. Note any symptoms you or others may have, repair expenses, doctor’s visits, etc.

If you ever do find yourself in a car accident resulting in injuries, contact TopDog Law. Our car accident lawyers want to get you the best compensation possible for you! Contact us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law | Sexual Assault Case Dropped Against Former Philly Police Inspector

April 21, 2021 by admin

In October 2019, former Philadelphia police inspector, Carl W. Holmes Jr. was charged with sexual assault of three female officers. In March 2021, the District Attorney’s Office withdrew the second case, leaving only one before the court.

The withdrawn case involved the sexual assault charged alleged by Christa Hayburn. Gregory Pagano, Holmes’s attorney, said Hayburn’s credibility was questionable. In a Zoom court hearing, Hayburn stated she did not agree with the decision to withdraw her case, and that she was a “willing participant throughout… even though it has been re-traumatizing…”

In hopes to dismiss the case that was filed in September 2020, Pagano argued that Holmes has been the victim of a “witch hunt” and “the allegations in the case have received extensive local press… beginning approximately ten years ago.”¹

In March 2020, the case involving former officer Elisa Diaz was withdrawn after she failed to appear in court. They were dismissed by Judge Karen Simmons but refiled the next month by the District Attorney’s Office.

Holmes, a 55-year-old father of two, was accused by the grand jury of sexually assaulting the police officers in 2006-2007. According to the jury, he kissed them, fondled their breasts, and digitally penetrated their vaginas. The allegations are years old and there have been details given by the officers.

The last case is that of Michele Vandegrift. In 2004, Vandegrift joined the police department at the age of 22. In 2006, she noticed that Holmes was acting oddly towards her and making inappropriate comments. During an overnight shift in 2007, Holmes asked Vandegrift to come to his office. According to Vandegrift, he made small talk then made comments on her body, followed by physical contact.

Vandergrift filed a complaint in 2014 stating there had been multiple years of sexual harassment from her colleagues; a lawsuit that Vandergrift filed against the city over Holmes settled for $1.25 million in 2017.

If you or someone you know has been through sexual assault, contact TopDog Law immediately. Our sexual assault lawyers are trained to get you the best compensation possible for your pain and suffering. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to get a free consultation.

¹Second case dropped against a former Philly police inspector accused of sexual assault (inquirer.com)

TopDog Law | Personal Injury Lawsuit: Dog Bite Settlement

April 19, 2021 by admin

Receiving settlement after a dog bite depends on many factors. The court has to consider the type of injury, exactly how it happened, what state it occurred in, and more. In this post, we will discuss things taken into consideration because every case is different.

There are multiple different statutes depending on the state where the bite occurred. Some states have “strict liability,” which makes it easier to decide whether the dog owner can be found at fault. If the state has a “one bite” or negligence-based rule, things can become more difficult. If there are major injuries and it is clear that the plaintiff was attacked, the defendant will most likely have to settle for something, especially if an insurance company is involved. You can read more on Pennsylvania’s laws here.

Another factor that will determine settlement will be the plaintiff’s losses and how much they would need in their compensation. Estimating this amount is difficult because a jury will decide how much the defendant must pay. Pain and suffering are also a loss, however, it is more subjective. It is hard to determine someone’s pain and suffering, so an educated guess is made based on similar cases.

The location where the lawsuit was filed plays a large factor in a dog bite settlement. Residents of that area will make up the jury so it all comes down to that localized opinion. Sometimes it can be unfair, such as being in an area where dog bites have become more common. In that type of situation, the jury will be more sympathetic with the plaintiff and a higher settlement may be the result.

Lastly, if an attorney has a habit of accepting low settlements, that trend will likely continue and there will be no trial. That is why you have to find the right lawyer for you.

TopDog Law does handle these types of cases. While we will not know what your case is worth immediately, we want to work with you to get the compensation you deserve. If this has happened to you, call us today! You can call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to receive a free consultation!

TopDog Law | Glen Mills Reformatory School Faces Lawsuit

April 13, 2021 by admin

Former students that attended Glen Mills Reformatory School are coming forward to tell their stories of abuse from the school. The newest round of stories is joining the hundreds that other students have already told. These students are suing the institution for abuse that has occurred for decades.

Students that attended Glen Mills found themselves fearing for their lives but also quiet about the events that occurred. There were beatings, threats, rapes, assault, and more that the students fell silent about.

Glen Mills School is the oldest reform school in the country for court-ordered boys. It is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The school created a toxic environment for the students, intimidating the boys but putting on a perfect facade to the rest of the country.

The first class-action lawsuit was filed against Glen Mills School on March 27, 2019, by Berger Montague PC. This was the first class-action lawsuit against Glen Mills on behalf of the former students.

We are aware of the long-term effects that a place like Glen Mills Reformatory School leaves on someone, and we want to help. TopDog Law is taking claims from former Glen Mills students. If you or someone you know has suffered from abuse at Glen Mills, contact us immediately. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to speak with someone and get a free consultation.

TopDog Law | Toxins Found in Name Brand Baby Foods

April 13, 2021 by admin

An investigation in February 2021 by the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy discovered toxins and metals in name brand baby foods. “Dangerous levels of toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury… levels that exceed what experts and governing bodies say are permissible.”¹ The World Health Organization says that these mtals are some of the most toxic chemicals for infants.

Name brand baby food companies Gerber, Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, Nurture, Inc., and Hain Celestial Group were found to have been knowingly selling foods with metals but did nothing to stop it. One of the bigget questions asked was “how did they get away with this?” Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a pediatrics professor at NYU said “the reality is that the funding for the FDA is chiefly for drug studies… resources for testing food in the comprehensive way that parents might prefer is not so easily available.” ²

Naturally, soil contains these toxins and some regions contain even higer levels than others. However, even the organic baby foods were found to have extremely high levels of metal in them. Compare the standard of 100 parts per billion of arsenic for baby food, which is entirely too high, to the much lower standard of 10 parts per billion of arsenic in bottled water.

The next question is “how do I know if my child is affected by these metals?” If possible, have your child checked out by a pediatrician. They will most likely show symptoms of having development delays and/or breathing issues. Additionally, they may get sick after eating any of the brands listed.

TopDog Law wants to get justice for the babies that have ingested these toxins. These companies created a trust for decades, just to leave so many parents with little to no other food options. If your child has displayed any symptoms mentioned, contact us immediately. You can call at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

¹https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/04/health/baby-food-heavy-metal-toxins-wellness/index.html

²https://www.today.com/health/levels-toxic-metals-have-been-found-baby-food-report-says-t208366

Driver in Fatal Chester County Car Accident Gets Continuance in Case

March 12, 2019 by admin

A former Penncrest High School alumni, David Strowhouer, is facing his sixth DUI this time for homicide by vehicle while under the influence. On February 16^th, Strowhouer tragically killed 45-year-old Deana Eckman from Brookhaven when his Dodge Ram struck Eckman’s Subaru head on.

On Tuesday, Strowhouer’s case was continued for a second time. His attorney, Brian Malloy, and the Deputy District Attorney Daniel McDevitt agreed for a dedicated hearing to take place on March 28, 2019 at 1:30pm.

The personal injury lawyers at TopDog Law continue to extend their thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our Chester County personal injury lawyers and Chester County car accident attorneys are trained to show clients and their families compassion. We take wrongful death lawsuits regularly and are determined to get the families we work with justice for the death of a loved one.

If you are looking for a Chester County wrongful death lawyer, please call us at 800.215.7211. Our knowledgeable and skilled Chester County wrongful death attorneys conduct a thorough investigation and work tirelessly on every wrongful death case.

Huntington Park Car Accident into Philadelphia Christian Academy

March 11, 2019 by admin

A North Philadelphia car accident took place on Monday night at the 4400 block of Broad Street when a driver crashed into the Philadelphia Christian Academy in Nicetown. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the crash left a big hole in the building which impacted classes on Tuesday.

The Philadelphia Personal injury lawyers at TopDog Law are relieved that this accident resulted in structural damage to the building rather than harm to the driver or any innocent bystanders. Often, these sorts of serious driving errors result in North Philadelphia personal injury car accidents. Northeast Philadelphia car accidents occur every single day and our personal injury attorneys are there to help.

This incident occurred on Broad Street very close to the Huntington Park neighborhood. If you are looking for a Huntington Park car accident lawyer or a Huntington Park personal injury lawyer, please contact our team for a free consultation at 800-215-7211. We often go to meet clients at their home or the hospital if they cannot make it to one of our offices.

North Philadelphia personal injury car accident on 20th and Diamond streets injures pedestrian

March 6, 2019 by admin

A North Philadelphia personal injury car accident took place around 7:00am this morning, March 5, 2019, near the intersection of 20^th and Diamond Streets. This Philadelphia pedestrian accident injured two children, ages 4 and 7, who were crossing the street with their mother. This Olney personal injury car accident occurred as the children were crossing the street with their mother and stepped in front of a passing car. Like many victims of Northeast Philadelphia car accidents, these children were transported to the hospital. The girl was listed in critical but stable condition.

The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at TopDog Law would like to pass along our thoughts and prayers to the children, their family, and the community who were affected by this unfortunate Northeast Philadelphia accident. Our skilled and knowledgeable car accident attorneys and pedestrian accident attorneys recommend treatment and will continue to pray that the girl makes a full recover.

Our Philadelphia injury lawyers work with auto accident and pedestrian accident experts in the field of auto accident reconstruction, auto accident injury, and auto insurance to get the best information. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers and experts review damage to the vehicles, analyze road conditions, examine skid marks and strategize on how to get you the best result in your case.

Dealing with a Northeast Philadelphia car or pedestrian personal injury can be challenging for the people involved and their families. Our Northeast Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are trained to show clients and their family compassion. If you or a loved one has suffered a Philadelphia car accident, a Philadelphia pedestrian accident, or a Philadelphia motorcycle accident, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys would like to help. Our personal injury lawyers handle cases across North Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Olney, Roxborough, Manayunk, Chester, Springfield, and across Pennsylvania.

Call us at 800-215-7211 to speak with a lawyer and get a free consultation. We frequently travel to meet clients at their home or the hospital if they are unable to make it to any of our easy-to-access locations throughout the Philadelphia region.

Do I Need A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

January 13, 2019 by admin

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Even If I Have Motorcycle Insurance?

There are two main reasons that you will want to maintain motorcycle insurance for as long as you have your bike. First, it’s a legal requirement and letting it lapse can lead to legal trouble. More importantly, it provides you with the protection you need in the event you are involved in a serious traffic accident. Unfortunately, receiving compensation from your insurance company is sometimes more difficult than people expect. Insurance companies try to save as much money as possible on any claim, so it sometimes becomes necessary to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you get adequate compensation.

Why Hire a Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible?

After you have been in an accident, there will be dozens of concerns demanding your attention. From the moment the accident occurs, you’ll be concerned with collecting evidence and contact information for the other drivers, while also making plans to receive medical treatment. Amid all of the chaos, you should prioritize consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer Philadelphia.

The primary reason hiring an attorney is such a pressing concern is that the insurance company will waste little time in contacting you. An adjuster may even come to your hospital room to offer you a settlement. While that may sound good, the offer will be low and won’t be enough to fully cover the damages you have suffered. For this reason, the insurance agent will try to pressure you into signing off on the offer. If you do allow yourself to be persuaded to accept the offer, you’ll waive your right to seek additional damages.

If you haven’t hired an experienced motorcycle accident attorney by this time, the best thing to do is to tell the adjuster your attorney will be in touch. Of course, your next action should be to consult an experienced lawyer, so you can have a legal advocate speaking on your behalf. An attorney will have a better grasp of the damages you have suffered, so he’ll be better able to get you the most money possible for your injuries

Never Speak to the Insurance Company Without Your Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Present.

It’s important to limit what you do say to an insurance adjuster and you should avoid discussing the case at all. Even a seemingly innocent remark may end up getting twisted and taken out of context in an effort to make you look partly responsible for the accident or your injuries. Instead, the adjuster should be asked to leave until your attorney can be present.
Along similar lines, don’t allow the insurance agent to make voice recordings of your conversations. At the time, the agent will tell you the recording is just to ensure their records are accurate. While that may make sense, the insurance company will also use the recordings as evidence against you in court. The agent may lead you to answer questions in such a way that it sounds like you’re admitting fault in the accident when your responses are taken out of context.

What Damages Can You Collect?

First, you are entitled to reimbursement for medical treatment. This includes initial treatment, as well as any need for ongoing care, physical therapy, or medication. Since your injuries may have caused you to miss days or weeks from work, your lawyer may also be able to obtain compensation for your lost wages. If the accident left you disabled or unable to return to your previous career, you may also receive compensation for your loss of income.

Second, just as is the case with any auto accident claim, you’ll also be eligible for property damages. The goal is to return your property, such as your motorcycle, to the same condition it was in before the accident. We can help get you a new bike.

Other damages your lawyer will likely seek to include pain and suffering. This is an attempt to quantify the adverse effects the accident had on your life and on your health. This is also used to address the psychological damages the accident had on you. Many people don’t realize that a serious motorcycle accident can leave one emotionally scarred. In fact, many accident victims end up in counseling for PTSD, which is a serious psychological disorder.

Suppose your loved one was operating the motorcycle and the accident was fatal. In that case, your family may want to enlist the help of a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney to file a wrongful death claim. This is a similar type of claim, except that a representative for the family files the claim. In this case, some of the same damages may be sought, such as medical expenses incurred leading up to the individual’s death. Compensation for the loss of income may also be requested.

In a wrongful death claim, the suit may also cite damages to cover the costs of the funeral and burial or cremation. These expenses can be significant, so the individual or entity at fault for the accident will be expected to reimburse the family for this burden. Additionally, damages for the loss of companionship, guardianship, or consortium may also be sought. Although these are non-monetary damages, a value will be placed on these losses so the family can receive some compensation.

There Is No Up-Front Cost to Hire TopDog Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

A motorcycle accident often leaves injured victims in severe financial hardship. On top of the medical care costs and loss of work, creditors will also be seeking payment. This is why accident lawyers work for a contingency fee. Instead of paying an upfront fee to your lawyer, you receive a free initial consultation and the attorney works for a percentage of your settlement or award. This helps you get the representation you need without having to worry about the costs of hiring a lawyer. It also ensures that your attorney will work hard to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Whether your lawyer negotiates a fair settlement or pursues an award in court, he will strive to ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses and damages.

Most people may still feel uncertain as to whether or not they should hire a lawyer to handle their motorcycle accident. The simple answer is that consulting us can cause you no harm. If we can’t help you, we will let you know in the initial consultation and you’ll be free to file your claim as you normally would have done. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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