Philly Lawyer

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | Famous Rapper Falls During Performance

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 | Toronto Construction Accident Leads to Man Dangling from Crane Load

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 | Man Awarded $3.7 Million Slip and Fall Settlement

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 | Car Accidents and Slip and Falls in Winter

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.

car accidents and slip and falls in winter weather
Winter weather can make roads very slick and easy for accidents to occur.

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 | 8 Infant Deaths Spark Boppy Recall

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 | SEPTA Bus Accident Leaves Multiple Injured

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

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 | How To Win A Slip And Fall Case

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 | Sexual Assault Case Dropped Against Former Philly Police Inspector

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 | Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Center Sued For Sexual Assault

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

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

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

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 | Allegations Continue To Come Forward About Former Philadelphia Detective Philip Nordo

Former homicide detective, Philip Nordo, was accused in 2019 of sexually assaulting male witnesses and intimidating them to keep them quiet during criminal investigations. To this day, new accusations are still coming out.

Philip Nordo was fired in 2017 after allegations were made stating that he paid a key witness. Two years later the accusations of assault were made public after a long investigation into the ex-detective. The charges included counts of rape and sexual assault.

If you or someone you know has been attacked in any way by former detective Philip Nordo, contact TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers immediately. We are taking these cases very seriously and want to help his victims through this hard time. Additionally, if you believe there was a wrongful conviction and Philip Nordo was on the case, reach out to us so we can get to the bottom of it.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers’s Philadelphia lawyers are trained to get you compensation for your pain and suffering through difficult times. 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 | Uber or Lyft Accidents

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.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers | What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

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.

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