Personal Injury Lawyer

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 | 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 | 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 | 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.

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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

March 27, 2021 by James Helm

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is a practicing personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia. But someone might ask “what is a personal injury lawyer?” The American Bar Association defines personal injury law as “designed to protect you if you or your property is injured or harmed because of someone else’s act or failure to act… the one who caused the injury or harm compensates the one who suffered the losses.”

So what kind personal injury can TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers handle? Motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractices, slip and falls, sexual abuse, and wrongful conviction. TopDog also takes on class action suits such as Glen Mills School where much abuse was occurring and Gerber Baby Food where metals and lead were found in the food.

If you or someone you know needs a personal injury lawyer, TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is the place to go. Our Philadelphia lawyers are trained to help and get you the compensation you deserve. 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 | SEPTA Bus Collision

March 26, 2021 by James Helm

A car collided with a SEPTA bus in West Philadelphia at North 44th Street and Lancaster Avenue on February 10th, 2021, leaving a driver in critical condition. The police reports say the impact of the crash was so strong that it knocked the trolley off its tracks. TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers is always prepared to help when there is a car accident.

Firefighters worked several minutes trying to free the driver from the car. Once freed, they took the driver to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Additionally, the trolley driver was taken to the hospital due to neck and back pain. Thankfully, he was in stable condition.

So what happens when an accident involves public transportation? Despite popular belief, those injured can be compensated for their pain and suffering. This is where TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers comes in! Our Philadelphia accident 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 | Three Speeding Accidents Result In Injuries And Fatalities

March 25, 2021 by James Helm

Three accidents that occurred on March 25th, 2021 are under investigation after multiple fatalities in under an hour. Philadelphia police say speed was a major factor in all three. If you ever find yourself in an accident, call TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers ASAP.

The first incident was in the Callowhill section of Philadelphia. An SUV was traveling at a high speed when the driver lost control, leading them to hit a pole and then a cement wall. The driver and passenger were taken to the hospital in serious condition.

Later the same night, a tractor-trailer overturned on the westbound side of the Ben Franklin Bridge in Old City, causing several lanes to shut down. The truck lost control which caused it to flip on its side according to the police report. No word yet on the driver’s condition.

Around the same time as the tractor-trailer accident, there was an out-of-control driver that crashed in the Parkside section of the city. The driver of a Chevrolet Impala crashed after driving at a very high rate of speed. Unfortunately, the driver did not survive the accident.

Car accidents happen all the time, but TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers wants to remind you to drive safely to avoid injury or death. If you ever find yourself in an accident of any sort, we are 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 pass along our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by these unfortunate car accidents.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Two Car Collision Puts Two In Hospital

March 21, 2021 by James Helm

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers was made for accidents like this one that occurred in Philadelphia. A car accident is under investigation after a two-car collision between a GMC and Toyota on January 9th, 2021. The accident happened near 8th Street and Germantown Avenue in North Philadelphia.

The GMC struck the Toyota while going very much over the speed limit. The GMC caused the Toyota to hit a parked vehicle and the GMC fled the scene. After leaving the crash, the GMC then hit a light pole and flipped. The GMC driver went to the hospital in critical condition and the Toyota driver in stable condition.

It can be such a challenging time after an accident, but our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers are trained to help. If you or a loved one has suffered from a car accident in Philadelphia, we want to help you. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to speak with someone and get a free consultation. We will help you get your settlement money and help you get back on your feet.

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