James Helm

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | SEPTA Bus Accident Leaves Multiple Injured

July 14, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Concussions After A Car Accident

June 22, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Sexual Assault in the Workplace

June 18, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers today at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Concussions After A Car Accident

May 14, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Why You Need To Have The Right Car Insurance For An Accident

May 12, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | How To Win A Slip And Fall Case

April 30, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers, 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 Personal Injury Lawyers today! You can call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message for a free consultation.

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

April 27, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers. 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Sexual Assault Case Dropped Against Former Philly Police Inspector

April 21, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawsuit: Dog Bite Settlement

April 19, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Glen Mills Reformatory School Faces Lawsuit

April 13, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Toxins Found in Name Brand Baby Foods

April 13, 2021 by James Helm

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 Personal Injury Lawyers 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

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Wrongful Convictions and What To Do

April 12, 2021 by James Helm

A Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, has helped overturn fourteen wrongful convictions in the last three years. Almost every case involved official misconduct such as prosecutors withholding evidence, secret investigations, or detectives manipulating suspects into giving false confessions.

In 2020, the National Registry of Exonerations reported that there were 2,400 overturned convictions in the last thirty years. Approximately half of the overturns were due to intentional mistakes by police or prosecutors.

So what does this new report do for the justice system? It sheds light on the issue of wrongful conviction; an issue that has always received attention. Not only does it result in someone living their life in prison for far too long, but the consequences last far after their release. Sometimes the victim of wrongful conviction struggles to adjust to regular life, get a job, make friends, and reconnect with their family. It’s a shame and all of that because there was a wrongful conviction.

A wrongful conviction victim definitely deserves compensation for their time spent in jail. But what could their compensation be? There are so many factors that could go into it, so the best thing to do is contact TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss it! TopDog wants you to get the best compensation possible for your pain and suffering.

Get the compensation you deserve from our Pennsylvania wrongful conviction lawyers. Call TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers today at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to get a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Center Sued For Sexual Assault

April 5, 2021 by James Helm

Thirteen former Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Center attendees are filing a lawsuit against the center. The lawsuit states that between 2004 and 2014 they were assaulted by staff. The youngest victim was only eight years old.

Philadelphia law groups Saltz, Mongeluzzi, and Bendesky, along with TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers, are the two firms representing complainants in the Devereux lawsuit, Jane Doe (X.X.) vs. Devereux Foundation, Inc. This lawsuit is believed to be the largest survivor-group complaint filed against Devereux to date. Kristen Feden of Saltz, Mongeluzzi, and Bendesky commented “… they were sexually abused by the very people who were supposed to protect them.” Feden also stated that Devereux was aware of the abuse and did nothing to prevent it.

The President of Devereux, Carl Clark, apologized for the abuse and said that all facilities will remain open while undergoing these investigations. Devereux leaders claim that safety measures have improved and safeguards have been put in place to prevent future abuse. Despite those claims since 2018, there have been four staff members charged with sexual abuse of more than ten children.

We are aware of the long-term effects that a place like Devereux leaves on someone, and we want to help. TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is taking claims from former Devereux attendees. If you or someone you know has suffered from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Center, 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 Personal Injury Lawyers | Wrongful Conviction Leads To Exoneration

April 4, 2021 by James Helm

Jahmir Harris, 31, was exonerated last month after serving eight years in prison after a wrongful conviction of murder in 2012.

An extensive investigation into Harris’s Post Conviction Relief Act petition exposed that there had been Brady violations during the trial, Harris was not the shooter, and that the DAO was investigating the suspect who the evidence points to as the actual shooter. In January 2021, at the conclusion of an evidentiary hearing, the Court granted Harris’s PCRA petition, and a new trial was constitutionally mandated.

During the new investigation, the Commonwealth requested expedited proceedings to get Harris released from prison; the request was denied even though the court knew another individual was at fault for the murder.

The Court granted the motion to exonerate Harris on March 12th after conducting two additional hearings.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers wants the public to know how seriously we take wrongful convictions. It is devastating to all parties involved when there is a mistrial. If you or someone you know has been wrongfully convicted, TopDog wants to help. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to speak with someone and get a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Maternal Mortality Rates Increase in 2019

April 3, 2021 by James Helm

Data shows that in 2019 maternal mortality rates in the U.S. spiked, with major disparities in age and race. It was found that black people die from pregnancy-related causes at a higher rate than non-Hispanic white people and Hispanic people.

The World Health Organization defined maternal death as “the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination, regardless of the duration or site of pregnancy, and from any cause related to pregnancy or its management.”

Assistant Professor, Rose Molina, MD, MPH, said the increase in death proves the vast inequities between racial and age groups. She also said the mortality rate is similar to that seen in low-income countries.

Public officials have finally begun acknowledging this huge issue. In December 2019, the former U.S. Surgeon General released a Call to Action to try to resolve the problem. Along with the call to action, the House of Representatives called the maternal mortality rate a “national disgrace,” and demanded action to lessen the number of annual mortalities. Their goal was to increase the number of midwives, reduce racial disparity, and increase access to mental health assistance.

Molina claimed that despite the increased awareness of this issue, the medical community must continue examining racial disparities and policies that shape the experiences of patients who are pregnant or dealing with postpartum transition.

Contact TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers if you feel there was a wrongful death due to medical negligence. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to speak with someone and get a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Intoxicated Driver Causes Car Accident

March 31, 2021 by James Helm

An intoxicated driver in Northampton Township, PA caused a major accident on March 28th, 2021 when he tried to pass a car and then crashed head-on into a second car. After the head-on collision, he was then hit by the car he tried to initially pass. This accident caused a car carrying four 17-year-old girls to catch fire. A bystander saved all the girls, but their conditions range from serious to life-threatening.

The police say the intoxicated should not have been driving at all. Not only was he intoxicated, but he was in the country on an expired work visa with a UK license. He is facing felony charges and being held with a $10 million bail.

If you ever find yourself in an accident of any sort, TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are trained to help you get back on your feet. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to speak with someone and get a free consultation.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers would like to remind everyone to never drink and drive, no matter what. We also want to send out thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this accident.

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