Metro DC Accident & Injury Lawyer

Maryland Family Files Suit After Helicopter Accident Kills Teen

2011-03-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

The family of a Maryland teenager who died in a helicopter crash in 2008 is suing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), claiming that the air traffic controllers at Andrews Air Force Base gave negligent instructions that caused the helicopter to crash instead of landing safely, according to a recent article in The Southern Maryland News.

The teenager was a passenger in a Medevac helicopter that was transporting her and a friend to Andrews Air Force Base for medical treatment after they were in a car accident. According to the teen’s mother, the girl had asked not to be taken to the hospital via helicopter, but her mother had reassured her that the emergency medical personnel would take care of her.

According to documents filed in the lawsuit, foggy weather and broken equipment at Andrews caused the helicopter pilot to miss the landing, instead crashing the helicopter in Walker Mill Regional Park. The helicopter’s pilot and the emergency medical personnel also died in the aviation accident. The teen’s friend survived, but lost her right leg. The families of the living teenager and the families of the deceased crew have also filed suit against the FAA.

The unexpected loss of a loved one is often devastating for those left behind. Medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses associated with a fatal accident can be staggering, but they often pale in comparison to the loss of a family member or friend. When it is found that another’s negligence was a factor in a deadly accident, it can make it all the more painful.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Maryland that was caused because of someone’s wrongdoing, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Maryland wrongful death attorneys at Alpert Schreyer. We have the resources and experience to fight for the compensation your family deserves to help you through this difficult time. To schedule a free consultation, call Alpert Schreyer today at 301-932-9997.

Montgomery County Traffic Official Urging Mandatory Seat Belt Law

2011-03-01T16:28:00.000-05:00

A Montgomery County Police Captain is urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would require anyone who rides in a car in Maryland to wear a seat belt. The official’s 15 year old son was killed in a car accident two years ago. The bill is being heard in a House committee, according to myfoxdc.com.

Under the law, car passengers in Maryland could receive a $25 ticket for failing to buckle up. The police officer could use discretion in deciding whether to ticket the driver, the passenger or passengers, or both. Police officers would be allowed to pull over vehicles for the sole reason that someone in the car is not buckled in. Currently, there are already 20 states, plus the District of Columbia, that require anyone who rides in a car to wear a seat belt.

Seat belt use is at an all-time high in this country, with about 88 percent of people buckling up regularly. However, some groups are still less likely to wear seat belts, including teens. Studies have shown that seat belts are the single best traffic safety device for preventing death or injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Seat belt use can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent.

Have you been injured in a Maryland automobile accident caused by a negligent driver? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call the Maryland car accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC today at 301-932-9997 for a free consultation about your accident. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients hold negligent parties liable.

Teenager Dies from Injuries Sustained in Maryland Car Accident

2011-02-18T16:29:00.002-05:00

Tragically, a Maryland teen was recently killed after suffering serious injuries in a car crash, according to The Baltimore Sun.

The 18-year-old female was in the front passenger seat of a Chevy Cobalt, which was being driven by a 19-year-old male. Accident investigators believe that the Cobalt was traveling south, crossed the road’s center line and struck a Chevy truck head-on. Neither of the teens was wearing a seat belt. However, the vehicles front airbags deployed. The female passenger was trapped and had to be rescued from the vehicle. Both she and the driver were taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead the next morning.

The driver of the Chevy truck was wearing a seat belt. He was treated at a hospital and released. Charges may be filed against the driver of the Cobalt. In November of last year, he was found guilty of speeding.
It’s hard not to wonder if the accident would have killed the passenger and injured the driver if both people had been wearing their seat belts. Seat belt use is at an all-time high in this country, with about 88 percent of people buckling up regularly. However, some groups are still less likely to wear seat belts, including teens. Studies have shown that seat belts are the single best traffic safety device for preventing death or injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Seat belt use can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent.

Have you been injured in a car accident in Maryland? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related losses. Call the southern Maryland car accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC today at 301-932-9997 for a free consultation on your accident case.

Having a Surgical Checklist Can Reduce Maryland Medical Malpractice

2011-02-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

Recently, Dutch researchers completed a study which discovered that using a checklist during surgeries would both prevent medical errors and decrease medical malpractice claims, according to Reuters.

The researchers looked at records from the Netherlands’ largest medical liability insurer, and the records showed that almost one-third of the malpractice claims came from mistakes that most likely would have been prevented if a checklist had been used during surgery.

Experts say that tens of thousands of Americans die each year due to medical errors. Most of those errors are related to surgery. Some experts estimate the medical errors cost the U.S. over $55 billion each year.

Prior studies have also found that deaths from surgery are reduced dramatically when checklists are used. Also, the checklists help prevent future complications. Only about 25 percent of U.S. hospitals use one of the three checklists that have been proven to work. Some of the simple things that appear on surgical checklists are making sure the operating schedule is correct, making sure the correct equipment is available, and indicating on which part of the body the surgery is supposed to take place.

It’s unfortunate when medical malpractice occurs, especially when it could be easily prevented with tools such as checklists. If you have suffered an injury or illness due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional, you should contact a Maryland medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. The dedicated lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC have extensive experience with a variety of medical malpractice cases. Call them today to discuss your medical malpractice case at 301-932-9997.

Maryland Police Officer Crashes into Pole after Hitting Ice Patch

2011-02-08T19:40:00.001-05:00

A police officer from Prince George’s County was recently injured after he lost control of his car, causing him to crash into a telephone pole, according to MyFoxDC.com. The single-vehicle wreck occurred on Steel Road in Clinton. The police officer was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

With all the snow and ice the Maryland area has been experiencing this winter, many motorists are forced to drive during less than optimal conditions, which has resulted in many Maryland car accidents. There are some measures you can take to increase your odds of staying safe on the road over the winter season. First, you should winterize your vehicle. Check your tires and tire pressure, battery, brakes, exhaust system, heater and defroster, and wipers. Make sure that you have at least half a tank of gas when traveling.

If the roads are slippery due to ice or snow, drive about half the posted speed limit or less. Don’t follow other cars too closely. When you have to stop, avoid any sudden steering wheel movements. Pump the brakes gently, or if you have anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure to the brakes. Try to keep your windows and windshield clear. Avoid the temptation to drive before your windows are defrosted. Remain alert at all times, and watch for dangerous spots ahead on the road. Remember, ice could still be on bridges and overpasses even though the roads are clear.

Have you been involved in a car crash in Maryland this winter due to someone else’s poor driving in snow and ice? If so, contact the Maryland car accident injury attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC at 301-932-9997 for a free consultation.

Maryland Man Dies in First Boating Fatality of the Year

2011-01-27T19:10:00.002-05:00

A tragic accident on January 4 resulted in the first boating fatality of 2011 in Maryland, according to The Baltimore Sun.

A 59-year-old man from Dorchester was working near Goose Creek and Fishing Bay, power dredging for oysters. He emptied the dredge and it did not drop back into the water, instead swinging towards the deck and striking him. He was knocked overboard.

Another man was onboard, but did not know how the boat operated, and called for help on the radio. He waved down two men working nearby, who pulled the unconscious man out of the water. By the time he was removed from the water, he had been in the water for about 10 to 15 minutes without a life jacket. Rescuers attempted CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at the hospital.

This Maryland boating accident fatality could have been prevented. One of the major causes of boating accidents in Maryland is a lack of boating experience. In this situation, the driver was an experienced boater, but his helper lacked any knowledge of the boat. Being out on the water with only an inexperienced mate can be dangerous. In addition, the man’s equipment failed. If a defect in the equipment led to the man’s death, the equipment’s manufacturer could be held liable in a wrongful death accident.

If you have been injured in a boating accident due to the negligence of another, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and more. Call the Maryland personal injury attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC to schedule a free and confidential evaluation of your case. Our personal injury lawyers stand ready to help you. Call us today at 301-932-9777.

Tractor Trailer Driver Killed in Maryland Accident

2011-01-18T19:04:00.001-05:00

The 39 year old driver of a tractor trailer was killed in Towson after his truck veered off the road and crashed into a vehicle parked on the shoulder according to abc2news.com. The driver was transporting a load of Calcium Carbonate from Pennsylvania to Baltimore.

The accident occurred about 4:30 a.m. on the inner loop of I-695 in Towson. Reports indicate that the truck veered off of the road, hit an unoccupied minivan on the road’s shoulder, overturned and caught on fire. The truck came to rest against a wall down an embankment about 100 feet away from the road.

All lanes of traffic were closed while the crash was being cleaned up. It was reported that the minivan on the side of the road was out of gas, and was legally parked. It’s unknown what caused the tractor trailer to leave the roadway. Police do not believe the driver was speeding or had consumed alcohol at the time of the accident and believe it is possible the driver could have either had a medical emergency or fallen asleep before the crash.

Studies have shown that each year in the United States, between 4,000 and 5,000 people are killed in accidents with tractor trailers. In addition, there is an average of 80,000 accidents with injuries involving large trucks each year.

Have you lost a loved one in a Maryland automobile or tractor trailer accident? If so, contact the Maryland wrongful death attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC. Our team of highly trained Maryland personal injury attorneys have recovered substantial awards for our wrongful death clients and stand ready to help you. Call us today at 301-932-9997 or toll free at 866-444-6363 to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Who's putting their foot on the neck of Metro? A good question by a victim's family.

2010-07-28T10:03:00.000-04:00

Families of deceased passengers on the Red Line train which crashed violently outside the Fort Totten stop last June inched closer toward justice this week as more of the truth of the cause of the disaster was published by the National Transportation Safety Board. We have known for some time that the lead car to crumpled 63 feet, losing about 84 percent of its survivable space, and taking the lives of nine people in that car. One board member pointed to failures up and down the organizational chart of METRO.

Here is what we now know:
1) Metro had pledged to run a software test for flaws each month but had no record of doing so.
2) Metro developed a three-point test that would have found the Fort Totten track circuit flaw, but staff did not use the procedure even in the days leading up to the crash.
3) Metro had about 3,000 alarms per week that showed circuits were vacant when a train was there, caused by an estimated 100 faulty circuits. But it ignored such alarms, designating them "minor" and creating a system to automatically delete them after 60 seconds.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Metro-safety-_breakdown_-led-to-crash_-NTSB-says-1004176-99420504.html

Finding consolation in an accidental death.

2009-12-30T15:25:00.009-05:00

Family and facing the loss of loved ones in automobile collisions, medical malpractice errors, defective product malfunction, or workplace disasters are often at a loss for how to put their lives back together. Such losses are nearly inconsolable. A man lost his wife and son many years ago in an automobile accident. The priest in this video, now known to us as St. Josemaría, wished to help him with some consoling words. Faced with such pain, St. Josemaría would ask God, “Why”? (Video 0:1:48).

WMATA Circuits Failed Test After the Collision ?

2009-07-02T10:50:00.002-04:00

I was just discussing our injury cases with a colleague when this story came in:

Metro's signaling system is supposed to detect passing trains and transmit speed and stop commands. But the National Transportation Safety Board says problems began occurring after a piece of equipment was replaced June 17, five days before the crash....
Metro Board Chairman Jim Graham tells WTOP that management should have known of the problem, but isn't sure whether equipment or human error is to blame.
"We're checking on this right now. We're not clear whether or not there was a red flag or not. There was a human being involved in this circuit on June 17. We're not sure whether or not what happened after was human error. We're trying to figure out what Metro should have known."
The NTSB also found the train detection system near the Fort Totten station on the Red Line continues to fail in testing that's taken place since the accident. Metro says that's why the trains are running at such slow speeds and thus the delays on the red lines.

The train detection system is not working now? They can't get it to work? The governmental immunity problems may become less relevant if there are other contractors facing joint & several liability.

Who should I hire for legal representation against WMATA for the Washington DC METRO train crash?

2009-07-01T17:00:00.001-04:00

Experience, location and convenience are the keys to hiring the right injury lawyer for your claim resulting from physical injury, death or post traumatic stress from the June 22, 2009 crash of the METRO red line trains. by Michael J. Schreyer

Experience in handling mass torts, or multi-party injury cases.

Injured MD & DC citizens should choose a law firm that has experience in mass torts involving dozens or hundreds of victims, from many locations. In September 1988 I was beginning the practice of law in the Greater Washington DC area. On the 9th of that month, there was a catastrophe in a Maryland High School Gym, when a set of bleachers collapsed and almost 100 students suffered serious injuries. My job was to litigate with two senior lawyers until we had gathered the facts and evidence we needed to compensate all of the students. With the three of us working around the clock for weeks and months on end, we were able to force a settlement so large that the manufacturer of the bleachers had the agreement sealed to protect the company's reputation. The experience that comes from working through all of those claims against a huge out of state company has given me the skills to win against METRO in this current catastrophe.

Location - can you find a lawyer whose firm practices in DC & MD?

Adding to the challenge of finding an experienced lawyer is the challenge of finding one that practices wherever the court requires it to be tried. Since the METRO crash happened in DC, that might mean a DC lawyer. But many cases against METRO are filed in Maryland state and federal courts. You will need to discuss with your firm, its ability to file in all state an federal courts in the greater Washington DC region. Don't settle for a lawyer who will file the case where it is convenient for them. Ask them why it should not be filed in each of the other courts in the region. If you don't get a smart, clear, logical answer, then you haven't found the lawyer you need.

Convenience - can you find a lawyer near you, who has the experience and abiltiy to file in multiple courts?

Adding to the challenge of finding an experienced lawyer is the challenge of finding that lawyer near your home. Being injured means facing difficulties with travel and with financial demands at home. What you need when looking for a lawyer is someone who you can see and meet at your convenience, and that means someone nearby. When looking for a lawyer, you should be looking near home. And that should not mean sacrificing experience. michael.schreyer@vzw.blackberry.net

Metro Train Crash Tragedy

2009-06-23T16:46:00.003-04:00

In response to the tragedy Monday evening here, I wanted to do something to help my local community. Of course I am not a first responder or a medical doctor, so other than taking my hat off to those heroes, there is little that I can do in the short term to provide aide or comfort. What I can add here is some legal insight to those connected to the tragedy who are ready to consider the legal aspects of their losses. Some short notes from recent wrongful death cases are listed below.

Wrongful death claims are often brought by spouses, children and parents, for their losses. A separate legal claim known to lawyers as a survival claim represents the loss suffered by the person who has died, and it is brought by the personal representative of the estate.

In a wrongful death case, the person who has suffered the loss of a family member must prove: that METRO or another defendant negligently caused the death of decedent. Weimer v. Hetrick, 309 Md. 536, 547 (1987). In addition the plaintiff must meet the law's definition of a beneficiary and the case must be filed within what is known as the statute of limitations, 3 years in Maryland. Md. Cts & Jud. Proc. Art. § 3-904.

In a similar fashion, the personal representative of the estate must prove that METRO or another defendant negligently caused the decedent’s injuries, and, to claim damages for pain and suffering, the estate must show that there was a degree of consciousness before death. Tri-state Poultry Coop. v. Carey, 190 Md. 116, 125 (1948).

For further information, please contact Michael J. Schreyer about his firm's cases against METRO. Michael.Schreyer@vzw.blackberry.net 301-861-5070.

Rockford IL Train Derailment Injury Cases

2009-06-20T15:02:00.001-04:00

The news out of Illinois today is tragic. At least one life has been lost at the scene, due possibly to excessive speed for the wet conditions. This tragedy will need prompt investigation by several independent investigators to determine what the appropriate speed was for the conditions and what precautions should have been in place to prevent the train from derailing.

Often in cases like this our litigators have engineers at the scene within 24 - 72 hours, to preserve evidence and build the case from the ground up. Many intersection cases involving trains can also be lost by a failure to quickly gather this evidence. By contrast the insurer and claims team for the railroad are likely on the scene now. They may be collecting photographic, video and witness information.

At trial there may well be a team of defense experts in addition to this initial investigative team. The result may well be a legal battle of experts, and a jury left to determine which group is most credible and objective.

Workers' Compensation - benefits for preexisting disabilities

2009-06-19T10:52:00.001-04:00

I just returned from a hearing with the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission, and I want to share something that many attorneys overlook when preparing for the final hearing on permanent injury compensation. Many of those who I represent have preexisting disabilities. Most attorneys who represent disabled workers know that in serious injury cases the WCC will award benefits for preexisting disabilities, including disabilities that are aggravated by the injury and those that are not. But some of these disabilities are overlooked.

The case I had today is a good example. My client had a bad back injury that resulted in her losing her job and suffering a significant physical impairment of her daily activities. In addition she had an obvious difficulty in understanding basic information. I hired a consultant to test her and we found a learning disability. This will likely result in a doubling of the value of the benefits she will receive. Similar cases to this include those where injured workers have worn glasses, had high blood pressure and diabetes.

The answer to these cases really comes down to preparation, careful, thorough preparation. And the results show the fruits of that work.

Raven's retired McCray won, then lost $33.6 Milion in court this week.

2009-06-10T17:34:00.001-04:00

Michael McCrary won a $33.6 million damage award last year. But his former business associates had that result overturned by Maryland's intermediate appellate court Monday. Far from being the end of the case, the court sent the case back to Baltimore City Circuit Court for a new trial on damages.

The appellate court decided a Baltimore City Circuit Judge failed to follow proper procedures in holding McCrary's business associate in contempt, and found that her ruling was an abuse of judicial discretion in not allowing the defense to contest the alleged damages.

The suit was filed in February 2007, a year and a half after Hurricane Katrina interrupted renovation of an old downtown New Orleans office building. McCrary alleged defendants had secretly pocketed millions of dollars in insurance proceeds. The June 2008 verdict awarded McCrary $15.8 million in compensatory damages and the same in punitive damages without any of the defendants in court to defend the claim for damages.

The FDA Doesn't Provide Consumers with Injury Protection

2009-06-09T15:16:00.001-04:00

You would have heard some heated comments between Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Indiana, had you tuned into the debate over a new law to provide legal remedies where medical devices only meet minimum governmental standards. Waxman said patients should not be barred from seeking justice through the courts. The FDA's ability to protect the public has plummeted, said Waxman, because the agency is severely underfunded. Buyer retorted that Waxman’s reasoning was "bizarre logic."

Georgetown law professor David Vladeck, soon to be the Federal Trade Commission's consumer protection chief next month, said a recent Supreme Court's decision is "the worst of both worlds" for consumers. The FDA, said Vladeck, can't possibly assure that every medical device on the market is safe, and because of Riegel, consumers can’t rely on the tort system if they're injured by a malfunctioning device.

Can the Maryland Legislature take away your right to fair compensation?

2009-06-09T13:54:00.001-04:00

You may be surprised to learn that in this past session of the legislature, no less than 8 bills were submitted for changes in Maryland law that would have significantly or totally deprived some injured folks the right to reimbursement of their losses. The new laws, defeated by actions of injury advocates who spoke out against them, included special protections for improper use of medical devices, below standard medical care by some corporations, and some public activities of Montgomery County, Baltimore City and other local governments.

With the limits already in place on the payment of losses to injury victims, why do these challenges continue to surface? The answer is money. Those who are injured do not have the power of the large governmental interests at work in Annapolis. But that isn't the last word. Where offensive limitations come up, the injured are often heard when they speak out to stop the laws that limit their rights. Hat tip to MAJ http://www.marylandassociationforjustice.com/md/index.cfm?event=showPage&pg=AmicusBriefs .