James Helm

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Safe Driving Tips This Holiday Season

November 16, 2022 by James Helm

The holidays are almost here, which for many people is a time for celebration with family and friends. However, the holidays are also a dangerous time for driving, as drunk driving rates typically spike during this time of year. In 2019, there were 127 fatalities over Thanksgiving and 140 fatalities during Christmas from drunk driving in the U.S.

It is also more risky to drive during the holidays because more people are on the roads than normal. Factor in the snow, sleet and ice that normally comes with winter weather driving and the number of motor vehicle accidents goes up significantly.

Here are some holiday driving tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

Never drink and drive – make a plan to have a designated driver or a rideshare company such as Uber and Lyft take you home if you are planning to drink.
Always wear a seatbelt when driving – wearing a seatbelt reduces your chances of death or severe injury in the event of a car accident
Do not text and drive – minimize all distractions while on the road
Keep a safe following distance – maintaining a safe following distance from the car in front of you greatly reduces your risk of being in an accident
Stay awake and alert – driving while tired decreases your ability to focus and increases your risk of an accident
Watch your speed – driving above the speed limit reduces your ability to react to the traffic around you

The attorneys at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help if you or a loved one get into an accident over the holidays. Give us a call at 800-215-7211 or send us a message here for a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Famous Rapper Falls During Performance

September 21, 2022 by James Helm

Last weekend, 27-year-old rapper Post Malone suffered an injury while performing at his concert in St. Louis. A video from the incident shows him falling through a trapdoor on the stage mid-song and rolling over in pain. The trapdoor used to transport stage equipment was left open during the performance, causing the rapper to fall.

He laid on the stage grimacing in pain as medical personnel came to his aid. However, he ended up returning to the stage ten minutes later and finishing the show. Shortly after the performance, he went to the hospital where doctors confirmed that he bruised three ribs.

Fortunately, Post Malone is feeling okay and will likely be able to finish the rest of his tour. In many cases, however, a bad fall can impact your ability to work or comfortably carry out daily tasks. Some of the worst slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries that require surgery or physical therapy.

If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall due to dangerous conditions on a property, it’s important to seek medical treatment and to contact a lawyer. At TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we want to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Call 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | What to do After a Car Accident

August 31, 2022 by James Helm

Car accidents are incredibly traumatic and disorienting. The most serious car accidents can lead to death or severe injuries that impact your ability to work or continue with day-to-day life. Also, there are several expenses after a car accident that heavily burden individuals and families.

If you are involved in a car accident, here is a step-by-step guide of what to do:

Contact the police. The police will create an accident report, which is very important for your claim.

Collect as much information about the other driver as possible. This includes name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information. In the event of a hit-and-run car accident, try to grab a picture of the driver’s license plate number. It is also helpful to collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses of the accident.

Seek medical treatment for your injuries and keep track of all medical visits and records. It’s important to see a doctor right after the accident even if you feel fine because some injuries may not show up for several days afterwards.

Lastly, contact an attorney to assist you. The good news is that you do not have to handle the aftermath of a car accident alone. An experienced attorney will guide you through what is often a very confusing process.

Our personal injury lawyers at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to simplify this process for you. Do not hesitate to reach out if you or your loved one are involved in a car accident. Call (800) 215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Toronto Construction Accident Leads to Man Dangling from Crane Load

July 8, 2022 by James Helm

This week, a shocking construction accident video surfaced on Instagram of a man dangling off a crane’s load. Witnesses believe the man got tangled up in a tag line, which is a rope that keeps the load secure. As the crane raised the load, it lifted the man off the ground. In the video, someone yells to the man to “hang on” and to “let your hard hat fall down bro”.

He ended up over 23 floors above the ground at the site at Front and Simcoe Sts in Toronto, Canada. Miraculously, the man was safely lowered and did not sustain serious injuries from the construction accident. The Ministry of Labour is currently investigating the incident.

Even though the man only suffered minor injuries from dangling off the crane’s load, this construction accident could have resulted in catastrophic injuries. Crane accidents and falls from heights are two of the most common types of injuries on construction sites. Other common types of injuries include forklift accidents, slip and falls, electrocutions and exposure to dangerous chemicals.

If your loved one suffered a catastrophic injury or died from a severe construction accident, it’s important to know your legal options. Our construction accident lawyers at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you receive the full recovery you deserve. Please give us a call at 800-215-7211 or send us a message here. For more on this story, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Philadelphia Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

June 24, 2022 by James Helm

Philadelphia has seen two hit-and-run pedestrian accidents that resulted in fatalities recently. The first accident occurred Monday around 7pm on Germantown Avenue. A 21-year-old woman was crossing the street as a driver in a gray Tesla struck her. She sadly passed away at Einstein Hospital from severe head trauma.

The second accident took place at a crosswalk in West Philadelphia Wednesday night. A 27-year-old man driving a Toyota Highlander crashed into two pedestrians, killing one of them and injuring the other. The driver faces several criminal charges; however, police have not found the driver from the first accident.

There are far too many pedestrian accidents each year. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration reported over 6,500 deaths and 55,000 injuries from pedestrian accidents in 2020.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

The NHTSA highlights numerous safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians to prevent future pedestrian accidents from happening. It’s important to always be vigilant and keep an eye out for pedestrians while on the road. Follow speed limits and never pass a vehicle that’s stopped at a crosswalk as there could be a pedestrian crossing that you cannot see.

Some safety precautions for pedestrians include always opting to use sidewalks when available, looking in all directions before crossing the street, and avoiding drugs and alcohol while walking. For more on pedestrian safety and statistics, visit the NHTSA’s website. To learn more about your legal options in the event of an accident, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Man Injured in Police Car Accident Challenges Longtime PA State Cap

May 27, 2022 by James Helm

A jury for the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court awarded a $2.7 million verdict to a man severely injured in a police car accident. The city of Philadelphia then filed a motion asking the judge to lower the awarded amount down to the $500,000 cap.

August 14th, 2019, Anthony Blume was driving through the intersection of Cayuga Street and Broad Street when a police cruiser crashed into him. The police officer had his lights and siren on, but he failed to come to a complete stop at the intersection. Philadelphia law requires officers to stop before entering the intersection during red lights.

Blume broke his arm as well as his neck in three places and required multiple surgeries. His injuries left him unable to work, eventually leading to him moving out of his home into a boarding house.

Pennsylvania law has set a limit of $500,000 that municipalities must pay for incidents that involve injury, property damage and even death. The $500,000 cap has stayed the same since 1980. The cap stays at $500,000 regardless of the severity of the incident and how many victims there are.

Blume hopes to challenge this cap or to find another way to uphold the $2.7 million verdict from his police car accident. Those who oppose raising the cap feel as though a higher cap would lead to more financial strain on taxpayers and local governments.

If you or a loved one are a victim of a police car accident or another injury matter, it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer that will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are here to help. Please give us a call at 800-215-7211 or you can contact us here for a free consultation. For more on this story, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Two Men Riding an ATV in Critical Condition after Serious Accident

May 13, 2022 by James Helm

Two men riding an ATV are now in critical condition after a serious accident in Hunting Park, Philadelphia. The accident happened Thursday, May 12th, around 7:30 pm on 5th Street. Police say the men ran a red light and crashed into an SUV. It is likely that both of these men will need leg amputations.

Unfortunately, catastrophic Philadelphia car accidents happen way too often. Another serious accident occurred last Tuesday on East Allegheny Avenue around 3 am. A white SUV crashed into a SEPTA station, killing two pedestrians. The driver of the vehicle died as well, and another person is currently in the hospital.

Car accidents can bring great pain and suffering to victims and their loved ones. For catastrophic accidents such as these, it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer that will conduct a thorough investigation of the scene. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers perform in-depth analysis of car accidents and are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one were involved in a serious accident or another personal injury matter, please contact us today for a free consultation. You can call us at 800-215-7211 or you can contact us here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Man Dies After Being Punched by Bouncer

May 6, 2022 by James Helm

Eric Pope, 41, died on Saturday the 23rd after a bouncer punched him outside of Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar. Pope was escorted out of the bar around 1 am on April 16th when the bouncer allegedly punched him in the head. He fell to the ground and went unconscious.

The bouncer dragged him out to the sidewalk and left him unattended before he was rushed to Jefferson University Hospital in critical condition. Tabu staff insisted that the bouncer was not an employee of the bar and instead was an employee of a third-party security company.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident with the security company. In fact, Mainline Private Security has had a host of lawsuits since 2020 for similar incidents. A lawsuit in 2020 accused a bouncer of punching a patron in the head as he was leaving Voyeur Nightclub. The injured person was hospitalized, and the bouncer was found guilty of assault.

The bouncer turned himself in to the police on Thursday, April 28th and will face a third-degree murder charge. One of the owners of the bar said the assault did not occur on their property. The managers insist that authorities were called right after the incident, and they will fully cooperate with the investigation.

For more information on this story, click here. If you or a loved one need assistance with a personal injury case, TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Please call our office at 800-215-7211 or send us a message here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Man Awarded $3.7 Million Slip and Fall Settlement

April 20, 2022 by James Helm

A man has recently settled his lawsuit for $3.7 million after falling at his New Jersey apartment complex back in 2016. Dennis Higgins was on his way to the laundry room at Skytop Gardens when he fell down a concrete staircase. He fell due to a 10-inch section of crumbling concrete on the stairs.

Higgins sustained a serious head injury due to hitting his head on the concrete wall as he fell. He fractured his skull as well as several bones in his face, leading to a buildup of blood in the brain.

The attorneys for the apartment complex unsuccessfully argued that they were not responsible for his injuries. Higgins was in a coma for four days and had to spend over 2 months in a rehabilitation facility after the incident. His attorney, Barry Eichen, states that this injury has greatly impacted Higgins’ life, even six years later. Today, Higgins struggles with mobility and basic tasks.

Slip and fall incidents such as these can lead to serious injuries and have long-lasting impacts. If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury at an apartment complex, do not wait. TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Please call 800-215-7211 or send us a message here. For more on this story, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Six Students Killed in Commercial Truck Accident

April 1, 2022 by James Helm

Last week, a devastating commercial truck accident occurred in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Six high school students are now dead after their small car crashed into the truck while making a left turn. The students were on their lunch break at Tishomingo High School.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the National Traffic Safety Board are investigating the crash. A report shows that the accident took place at the intersection of U.S. 377 and State Highways 22 and 99. The Chevrolet Spark with the six girls inside came to a rolling stop.

Witnesses say that the driver of the car tried to make a left turn onto U.S. 377. The front end of the car crashed into the Peterbilt tractor trailer, dragging it off the road. A full investigation of the crash may take up to two years to complete, however.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Every 15 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a commercial truck accident. Most deaths occur in the opposite vehicle, not the semi-truck itself. The weight of these vehicles can lead to severe damage, as they are often 20-30 times larger than a normal car.

Defective brakes and equipment, driver fatigue, and unsafe operation of the vehicle are all major reasons for fatal accidents. Tractor-trailers require much farther distance to come to a complete stop. Unsafe road conditions can make it even more difficult for the driver.

Fortunately, federal law requires that trucks carry at least $750,000 in insurance coverage. If you or a loved one are involved in a commercial truck accident, it’s important to first seek medical attention right away. Next, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to investigate the accident.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Please call us today at 800-215-7211 or fill out our form here for assistance. For more information on commercial truck accidents, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Recent Baby Formula Recall

February 25, 2022 by James Helm

Last week, Abbott Nutrition issued a recall on select baby formulas manufactured in a facility in Sturgis, Michigan. The company recalled select units of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare baby formulas. The FDA has also warned consumers to stop using these formulas from the Michigan facility.

This recall follows reports of 4 infants that developed bacterial infections. All four babies ended up in the hospital as a result. One infant had Salmonella Newport, which is a common infection involving fever and gastrointestinal illness.

The other three children developed Cronobacter sakazakii, an infection that can spread throughout the body and cause bowel damage. Furthermore, this can lead to sepsis, meningitis and even death.

If you feel as though your child may have been affected by the recent baby formula recall, you can visit Home (similacrecall.com). The website includes an area to type in the multi-digit code at the bottom of your container to find out. Also, you can call 1-800-986-8540 for assistance. If your child ended up hospitalized from one of these formulas, please contact our office at 800-215-7211.

Several Babies are Hospitalized after the Recent Baby Formula Recall

About Baby Formula Lawsuits

Sadly, this is not the first-time baby formula has led to significant health complications. In fact, there are currently several lawsuits against the manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil baby formula for its link to NEC in premature infants. Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal condition that can lead to inflammation in the intestines. In worst cases, it can be fatal if the bacteria leaks from the intestines into the rest of the body.

Further research has shown a link between cow’s milk-based formulas and NEC in premature infants. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil failed to warn parents of the risk of developing NEC. The parents feel as though the companies should have known of these risks and should have properly communicated them.

If your child has developed an illness from a baby formula, seek medical attention immediately. If your child was born prematurely and was diagnosed with NEC after being fed Similac or Enfamil, TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Please call 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation. For additional information on the baby formula recall, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accidents and Slip and Falls in Winter

January 31, 2022 by James Helm

Winter weather is unpredictable and can create hazardous road and sidewalk conditions. Far more car accidents and slip and falls take place in the winter than any other time of year. Below freezing temperatures and winter storms can further contribute to these incidents.

Car Accidents

About 17% of car accidents occur in winter weather conditions. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that Pennsylvania is one of the most dangerous states for driving in the winter. The state also ranked 5th in the nation for fatal accidents in winter.

When driving in winter weather, it’s important to increase the following distance between the vehicle in front of you and to follow the speed limit. If possible, avoid any unnecessary travel during winter storms. If you or a loved one suffered an injury from an accident in winter weather, it’s important that you contact an attorney right away. For more on how to stay safe while driving in winter weather, click here.

Slip and Falls

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers has filed several lawsuits for slip and falls that happened on sidewalks. More slip and fall incidents occur in the winter months than any other time of year. Ice and sleet left on the sidewalks make even the shortest of distances a challenge.

Slip and falls are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in the U.S. Common injuries from falls include soft tissue injuries, fractures, and back and spine injuries. If you slip and fall on a sidewalk, it’s important to take a picture of the spot that caused you to fall and to contact an attorney.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help if you suffer an injury from winter conditions. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation. For more information about other types of cases we handle, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Reporter Hit by a Car During Live Broadcast

January 21, 2022 by James Helm

Recently, a news clip went viral of a reporter being hit by a car while on air. Tori Yorgey was reporting in Dunbar, West Virginia for WSAZ-TV last week when the car struck her. Despite falling from the impact, the Philadelphia native immediately responded saying she was okay: “I’m ok, Tim. We’re all good. I’m ok. That’s live TV for you”.

People all over the country have expressed their admiration for Yorgey in the situation. However, several individuals have expressed concerns with the safety protocols in place, or lack thereof. Several people feel that she should not have felt the need to continue reporting after the incident.

Additionally, Yorgey was on the scene by herself, and many feel that she should have had assistance. Former reporter Suzie Hunter states that “in that moment, you’re so focused on giving a good report, plus you have an earpiece in, you really can’t hear or see what’s happening around you”.

Yorgey continued to assure everyone watching that she was okay after the accident and is reportedly doing fine now. In some cases, however, the pain from the injury is not noticeable right away due to the adrenaline one feels in the moment.

Breaking-news reporter Tori Yorgey and anchor Tim Irr seconds before being hit by a car

Work-related injuries can happen to anyone. If you suffer an injury while on the job, you may be able to seek legal action. TopDog lawyers are trained professionals who want to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injury case. You can call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation. For more on this story, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Lyft Reports over 4,000 Sexual Assaults between 2017 and 2019

December 30, 2021 by James Helm

In 2019, Lyft pledged to release a report on its sexual assault statistics. The company has finally released its Community Safety Report and the results are shocking.

Lyft has disclosed that over 4,000 incidents of sexual assault occurred between 2017 and 2019. The number of incidents each year is as follows: 1,096 in 2017, 1,255 in 2018, and 1,807 in 2019.

Jennifer Brandenburger, Lyft’s head of policy research and development said the following about the report, “While safety incidents on our platform are incredibly rare, we realize that even one is too many. Behind every report is a real person and real experience, and our goal is to make each Lyft ride as safe as we possibly can”.

Lyft decided to release its report following Uber’s release of its safety report in 2019. Uber reported over 6,000 incidents of sexual assault on its platform in 2017 and 2018. Both companies have an incident rate of 0.0002%.

Safety Measures to Prevent Lyft Sexual Assaults

While the number of incidents has increased each year, so has the number of rides. The rate of sexual assaults has actually decreased by 19%. This is largely due to the measures the company has taken to improve safety between its drivers and its passengers.

Safety measures include thorough background checks before hiring its drivers and annual background checks. The company also requires a community safety course for its drivers and continuously monitors their driving records. Lyft also has ride verification and location sharing features for its passengers.

Unfortunately, the number of Lyft sexual assaults is shocking, and sexual assault is prevalent in most industries. TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers and its lawyers are trained to help you if you need a lawyer. We want to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering. Contact TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers today at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation. For Lyft’s safety report, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Icy Conditions Lead to Multi-Vehicle Crash on Roosevelt Boulevard

November 19, 2021 by James Helm

A multi-vehicle crash occurred on Roosevelt Boulevard on Tuesday, November 16th. The crash happened around 5 am, involving up to 15 to 20 vehicles. One pedestrian sadly passed as a result of the accident.

Police confirmed that the black ice that formed on the road led to the massive pileup. A construction crew left water on the bridge that froze and created slick conditions.

South State, a New Jersey contractor hired by PennDot, recently started working on a project to restore part of Roosevelt Boulevard. Hours before the accident, the crew soaked the cement used for repairing the bridge. The water flooded through the cement and spilled into the southbound driving lanes, which then froze. Three different accidents piled up consecutively as a result, each one involving at least five vehicles.

The construction crew is clearly liable for these accidents and will be the defendant in the lawsuits that take place. They failed to properly assess road conditions and temperatures before leaving the site. Several individuals have reported injuries as a result. Moving forward, they will no longer irrigate the cement at night.

Unfortunately, Roosevelt Boulevard has a history of safety issues and dangerous accidents. Over 21 fatal crashes took place in 2018, most of the fatalities being pedestrians. In 2020, the city installed traffic cameras in an effort to improve road conditions. Citations for speeding greatly decreased as a result. However, despite these measures to improve traffic safety, fatal accidents still occur.

Our attorneys at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers are currently representing individuals who have been injured from this devastating crash. If you suffered injuries from a car accident, TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you receive compensation you deserve. You can call 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation. For more information on this accident, click here.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | 8 Infant Deaths Spark Boppy Recall

November 17, 2021 by James Helm

When an infant passes away unexpectedly, one of the first questions we ask at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is if the their baby was in an inclined sleeper. Far too often, the sleeper is the cause of the infant’s death.

The Boppy Company recently recalled over 3.3 million Lounger Pillows after reporting 8 infant deaths from suffocation. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (C.P.S.C.), the deaths occurred between 2015 and 2020, with the infants found on their side or their stomach.

Before the company announced the recall, the C.P.S.C. released a study that found that inclined sleepers are unsafe for use. Inclined sleepers can lead to the baby’s head tilting too far forward or to the side, blocking airways. This study follows reports of 73 infant deaths due to inclined sleepers.

The Boppy Company is not the first company to recall its sleepers. Fisher Price, Graco, Kids II and other manufacturers have recalled their sleepers as well. Dozens of lawsuits are in suit as a result of these sleepers.

What to do if Your Boppy Lounger is Recalled

The company has recalled the Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers and Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers. If you own a Boppy Lounger, then stop using it immediately and contact Boppy for a refund. If you believe you own a product from the Boppy recall, then fill out the form on their website here. We urge parents to discontinue the use of other inclined sleepers as well.

The Boppy Company has recalled the three lounger pillows shown above.

If you are a parent and you’ve lost your child from a Boppy Lounger or another inclined sleeper, you may have a case. Our attorneys at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers are trained professionals who want to help you get compensation for your pain and suffering. You can call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

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What’s Your Case Worth? 844-576-2116

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We Serve Clients All Across the Country

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What’s Your Case Worth? 844-576-2116

What’s Your Case Worth? 844-576-2116

James Helm

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

Commercial Truck Accidents

About Baby Formula Lawsuits

Car Accidents

Slip and Falls

Safety Measures to Prevent Lyft Sexual Assaults

What to do if Your Boppy Lounger is Recalled

Follow TopDog on Social Media

We Serve Clients All Across the Country

We Serve Clients All Across the Country

Permanent Mailing Address For All Correspondence:

What’s your case worth?

Permanent Mailing Address For All Correspondence:

Stay Connected

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