Personal Injury Lawyer Philadelphia

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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Uber or Lyft Accidents

March 28, 2021 by James Helm

So what happens when your Uber or Lyft gets into an accident and you’re the passenger? TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers takes these cases on to get you the best compensation that you deserve.

It can be scary when you’re in a strangers car and it gets into an accident. But don’t worry; Uber and Lyft drivers are required to have insurance to cover everyone involved. For example, Uber maintains auto insurance on your behalf to cover third parties in case the driver’s insurance does not apply. Their insurance can cover up to $100,000 depending on the accident.

But what if you’re hurt? The first thing you need to do is have a medical professional check you out. Once you confirm that you’re okay, contact TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers and give us all the information that you can about the accident.

Every case is different, but TopDog wants to help! Our Philadelphia accident lawyers are trained to help you understand what’s happening and get you back on your feet after an accident. Call us at 800-215-7211 or send us a message to speak with someone and get a free consultation.

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What’s Your Case Worth? 844-576-2116

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About Baby Formula Lawsuits

Safety Measures to Prevent Lyft Sexual Assaults

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