Tag: personal injury attorneys baltimore

Pets Deserve Legal Protection Too

Posted on by YostLaw

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) more than 60% of Americans have a pet and more than 35% of pet owners consider their pet to be a member of their family. Despite these statistics, Maryland has done little to enact and enforce laws designed to protect pets.

As in other states, it is a crime in Maryland to abuse or neglect an animal. Maryland is lenient on animal abusers though, with a maximum sentence for animal neglect or animal cruelty of 90-days versus six months to one year in many other states.

This year, the Maryland Legislature is considering several laws aimed at protecting animals, including:

  • A law that would require veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal cruelty;
  • A law that would require licensing of commercial breeders;
  • A law that would require animals no longer needed for research purposes to be made available for adoption; and
  • A law that would give judges the ability to order defendants in animal abuse cases to pay for the cost animal shelters incur caring for animals seized.

Additionally, if a pet is injured in Maryland as a result of someone else’s negligence, § 11-110 of the Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article caps the recovery at $7,500. This means that if you successfully sue the person who hurt your pet you cannot get more than $7500, regardless of the severity of the injury or the amount of your vet bills or other expenses. The cap on damages for cases involving injured pets fails to recognize that many pet owners consider their pet to be a part of their family.

Deterrence is one of the goals of both the criminal and civil justice systems. Maryland’s leniency towards people who hurt animals fails to properly deter people from abusing or neglecting animals and must be rectified.

If you or a loved one of any species is seriously injured and it was not your fault, call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). When you call, you will speak with an experienced, compassionate Maryland lawyer absolutely FREE.

We will investigate every detail of your case and fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected. At The Yost Legal Group, you will never pay an attorney’s free up front and we don’t get paid until you do.

The Yost Legal Group – Experienced Attorneys Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights

 

Stay Safe While Decorating Your Home This Holiday Season!

Posted on by YostLaw

When it comes to the holiday season, a big part of the fun is decorating your home in the spirit! Ornamenting Christmas trees and hanging lights in and around your home is so much fun for the entire family. This is also a great way to bring families and neighbors together.

Although a lot of creativity and excitement goes into the decorating process, many people get caught up in the process and overlook basic safety issues. Last year, in November and December  nearly 14,000 people were sent to the hospital due to holiday-decoration related accidents. Many of these injuries were linked to falls, cuts, strains and accidental indigestion of foreign objects.

At The Yost Legal Group, Baltimore and Washington D.C attorneys, we want to ensure you and your family is as safe as possible this holiday season. While decorating your home for the holidays can be fun, please also take into consideration the risks associated with the decorations you select. Just because something looks nice does not mean it is a safe, practical idea. People can trip over cords, children may knock over candles and ornaments and fuses can easily be blown.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to spread awareness to keep Americans as safe as possible during the holiday season. Please keep in mind these following tips:

  • Trees. The placement of your Christmas tree is important. Never place your tree near a fireplace, radiators or other heat sources. Additionally, keep up with the maintenance of the tree by watering it on a daily basis. A well-maintained Christmas tree is less of a fire hazard than an unkempt, dry tree.
  • “Snow.” A unique way to spunk up your home is to incorporate artificial snow in your decoration scheme. Although this looks appealing, it can be an irritant if swallowed, especially if there are young children around. To properly avoid injury, read labels and follow directions closely.
  • Lights. Whether indoor or outside, only use lights that have been tested for safety. When you buy new lights or use ones from the previous year, check for broken bulbs, cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Dispose of any damaged sets or repair before using
  • Candles. Never use lighted candles on a tree or near evergreens. Keep candles in locations where they cannot be knocked over and out of reaching distance from children. And make sure that you blow out any candles at the end of the day, so that candles are not lit when you are sleeping. Sparks can fly; candles can fall over, and can become a fire hazard. Ultimately, it is best to purchase non-flammable candles to dismiss the likelihood of a fire.
  • Ornaments. Please make sure that smaller ornaments are high up enough on the tree, so that your youngsters cannot grab them, and ingest them, which could cause a choking hazard. And watch out for ornaments that break or have small parts that break off, again, could be a choking hazard for small children, or could potentially cut someone.

By keeping these essential tips in mind, you could save yourself, a family member or a friend from a trip to the hospital. Let’s keep this holiday a safe one for everyone. After all, it is the time spent with our loved ones that truly matters the most.

Happy Holidays!

The Yost Legal Group – Experienced Attorneys Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights

LEAD PAINT: The Public Health Hazard Disproportionately Harming America’s Inner Cities

Posted on by YostLaw

It is estimated that over 500,000 children in the US between the ages of 1 and 5 years old faced the severe medical dangers associated with lead poisoning. While this number is certainly troubling, it becomes much more disturbing when coupled with the fact that researchers currently estimate that roughly 30 million American homes still contain lead-based paint.

Homes Built Before 1978 Are at Highest Risk for Lead Paint

Homes built prior to the 1978 federal ban on lead in consumer products are the highest risk of containing toxic levels of the chemical, and a disproportionate amount of homes such as these are concentrated in America’s inner cities.

One 1999 study found that the city of Baltimore is home to the highest proportion of lead poisoning rates among children in the United States. Previous studies have gone even deeper into the link between lead poisoning and America’s inner city neighborhoods. One 1980 National Health and Nutrition Survey even found that African-American children were 6 times more likely than their white counterparts to have dangerously elevated levels of lead in their bloodstreams.

Low Income Neighborhoods More Instances of Lead Paint Exposure

A major part of this discrepancy is due to the fact that houses in traditionally economically depressed neighborhoods are far less likely to be renovated and brought up to the codes of public health standards. This civic neglect on the part of elected officials, real-estate developers, property owners and public health representatives has put entire neighborhoods and populations at risk.

For residents of these communities, it is imperative to know what warning signs to look for and what steps can be taken to prevent children from being exposed to this toxic chemical.

What to Look for

If you notice a large concentration of paint chips along walls, windowsills or doorways, it could be a sign that lead-based paint was used in your home. In addition, it is important to know how to spot the early symptoms of elevated levels of lead in a child’s bloodstream. These can include:

  • Decreased IQ, attention span and/or hand-eye coordination
  • Short term memory loss
  • Impaired hearing
  • Decreased or stunted growth
  • Hyperactivity, ADD, ADHD
  • Increased aggressive and/or antisocial behaviors
  • Decrease in muscle mass or severe, chronic muscle pain

Public Health policy is heavily influenced by many political factors, and it is unlikely that any progress on a given issue will be made without significant pressure from politicians, civic interest groups or the threat of public unrest. With this in mind, understanding the history of lead paint and the health risks it poses to urban communities throughout the country will be crucial in ensuring that no more children and families must undergo the hardship of suffering through lead poisoning.

Education is Key

Educating communities about prevention and treatment options for lead exposure can help undo the damage done by years of being pushed to the side and ignored. Furthermore, the greater the public knowledge about this health hazard, the more can be done on the part of citizens and community leaders to lobby effectively and demand actionable results from their elected leaders.

Baltimore residents should consult their medical professional as well as the Center for Disease Control’s Lead Prevention Program for advice about lead paint and steps to take.

If you feel you or your child has been exposed to unsafe levels of lead due to negligence or poor building upkeep, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).

The Yost Legal Group offers experience in aggressive litigation of lead paint poisoning claims and has successfully protected the rights of many in Baltimore and surrounding cities of families exposed to this serious health risk. If you feel you are at risk, don’t hesitate to act and call today for a free consultation.

Head Injuries From Athletics is a Serious Matter

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The Fall is here, which means so is football season. Recently, the Baltimore Ravens played the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, the Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown left the game briefly during the first quarter due to a head injury he sustained when tackled by Ravens player Darian Stewart.

While Brown was able to return to the game after passing concussion protocol, it is important to note that he is one of the lucky ones. Sometimes, head injuries are life threatening, and often times, severe symptoms do not progress until a lot of time has passed after the injury occurred.

The experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Yost Legal Group have represented too many people affected by similar injuries at no fault of their own.

The leading cause of traumatic brain injuries are falls; however, they can be caused by a multitude of factors, including car accidents, sports injuries, defective products and medical malpractice.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired injury occurring when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can be the outcome when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the scull and enters brain tissue.

Symptoms of TBI can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury can include but are not limited to the following:

–          Headache
–          Confusion
–          Dizziness
–          Blurred vision
–          Ringing in ears
–          Bad taste in mouth
–          Fatigue
–          Memory loss
–          Nausea
–          Convulsions
–          Slurred speech
–          Loss of coordination
–          Confusion

Little can be done to reverse the initial brain damage caused by a trauma. Medical personnel will try to stabilize TBI victims and focus on preventing further injury. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately half of traumatic brain injury victims will need surgery to repair hematomas (ruptured blood vessels) or contusions (bruised brain tissue). Often times this will leave patients and their families ill-equipped to cope with the medical, financial and legal issues stemming from such serious injuries.

The dedicated traumatic brain injury lawyers at The Yost Legal Group work closely with victims to help them get a proper diagnosis and pursue the full amount of compensation for their financial needs. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, The Yost Legal Group can help.

Have you or a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury? TBI victims and their families may be entitled to pursue a claim to recover out-of-pocket medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, punitive damages and long-term care.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and families who are victims of traumatic brain injury and medical malpractice. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your case, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, contact the experienced, caring attorneys at The Yost Legal Group. The experienced Baltimore Maryland traumatic brain injury lawyers, will work hard to investigate the facts surrounding your situation, get to the truth and see that justice is served.

We are here solely to help you and your family seek the justice and the compensation you need to help care for the needs of your family member with a traumatic brain injury.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Traumatic Brain Injury attorney for free. One of our experienced lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle all of the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

LEAD PAINT: The Hidden Threat to America’s Cities

Posted on by YostLaw

In 2013, the Center for Disease Control estimated that over 500,000 American children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old faced the severe medical dangers associated with lead poisoning. Despite the fact that federal law banned the use of lead-based paints in 1978, the lingering effects of this underrepresented health crisis are still prevalent today in many of America’s inner city neighborhoods.

Knowing the facts about lead paint can help you keep your children and loved ones safe from this public health hazard.

Research released by Colombia University’s David Rosner and CUNY’s Gerald Markowitz in their 2013 book Lead Wars estimates that some 30 million American homes still contain toxic lead-based paint. Homes built prior to 1978 pose the highest risk of containing lead paint. But even newer homes could contain undercoats of lead-based paint that remain a health threat years or even decades after their installation.

Children can become exposed to unsafe levels of lead after walls containing lead-based paint are damaged through normal wear and tear, renovation, leaks, sanding, and even drilling or nailing.

Possible signs of lead poisoning in children are:

  • Tiredness or loss of energy
  • Hyperactivity
  • Irritability or crankiness
  • Reduced attention span
  • Poor appetite and weight loss
  • Reduced attention span
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Aches or pains in stomach

Before you begin any type of home renovation, be sure to contact your landlord, real estate agent or contractor to ensure that you take the necessary precautions. Even as walls containing lead-based paint are being removed, clouds of lead flakes can remain behind on floors, carpets, or window sills. In fact, Rosner and Markowitz’s maintain that many children are often exposed to lead poisoning during the removal process itself.

One study conducted in the 1990s by an affiliate research institution of Johns Hopkins University found that Baltimore city had the highest lead poisoning rates for children in the country. Baltimore residents should consult their medical professional as well as the Center for Disease Control’s Lead Prevention Program for advice and steps to take.

If you feel you or your child has been exposed to unsafe levels of lead due to negligence or poor building upkeep, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). The Yost Legal Group is experienced in aggressively litigating lead paint exposure claims.

The Yost Legal Group has successfully protected the rights of many families exposed to this serious health risk. If you feel you are at risk, don’t hesitate to call today for a free consultation.

Star-Spangled Spectacular Celebration in Baltimore

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014 marks the beginning of Baltimore’s Star-Spangled Spectacular, celebrating the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem.

A collection of tall boats and navy vessels have already begun to arrive to populate Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor. The ships are open to the public to board and explore from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 11 – September 15.

The week will continue with multiple events, including a 9/11 Commemoration and Flag Ceremony at 11am Thursday. This event will consist of music and remarks related to the Battle of Baltimore and 9/11. There will also be a wreath laying to honor those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001.

Landside festivals include living history demonstrations, a family fun zone, live musical performances, and Chesapeake food and beverage.

The Yost Legal Group is looking forward to the festivities, however, we would like to remind everyone to use safety precautions while attending the fun filled week at the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

There will be thousands of people visiting, which means traffic on roads and expressways. Take your time traveling to your destination and be careful of other drivers. Beware of distracted drivers, those exhibiting signs of road rage, or anyone who appears intoxicated.

Be mindful of the many obstacles an event of this magnitude can present. For instance, make sure your children meet the height requirements for all rides. Be careful not to trip over the various tent spikes or other debris which can easily be concealed while walking in crowds. Large sized equipment is used to set up the various stages and displays; be sure to avoid touching, tampering or climbing the machinery. Also, if attending The Red, White and Brew Festival over the weekend, make sure to designate a safe and sober driver.

The Yost Legal Group wishes everyone an enjoyable Star-Spangled Spectacular event, but advises you to be cautious of the various obstacles that could cause injury.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and their families who are victims of the negligent acts of others. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your case, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member has been injured in any type of accident you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer. Do not try to handle your claim on your own.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney for free. One of our experienced lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle of the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

Call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak with one of our experienced attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group will help you find answers. If you have questions, call to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer for help.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

Be Safe This Labor Day Weekend

Posted on by YostLaw

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest holidays for driving on America’s roadways. Be sure to follow these safe-driving tips to have a safe and accident free holiday weekend.

–  Prepare your car for traveling long distances. Make sure to service your car’s cooling system and radiator. Check fluids and wiper blades. Taking time to perform simple maintenance on your vehicle can eliminate many problems that strand motorists.

–  Plan ahead. It is helpful to map your travel route, being careful to mark road signs and exit ramps. Research construction areas that may be on your way in order to avoid lengthy delays. Sometimes drivers cut across traffic in order to make their exit ramp, so be aware of the cars driving next to you.

–  Leave early to avoid the majority of traffic. There will most likely be delays wherever you are traveling to this Labor Day weekend. Know your limitations and do not drive if you are tired, distracted, or ill.

–  Be aware of tractor-trailers. They are heavier then passenger vehicles and take a longer time to come to a complete stop, so do not drive too closely behind them. And be careful when passing a big rig on your right or left.  Never travel in a big rigs blind spot.  If you can’t see its side mirrors, the driver of the truck cannot see you.

–  Always wear a seatbelt. The National Safety Council estimates hundreds of injuries can be prevented this Labor Day weekend if everyone is buckled up. The Council also states that the best defense against a drunk driver is to wear a seatbelt.

–  Limit distractions while driving. Avoid playing with the radio or turning around to speak with a backseat passenger. Never fidget with your phone, iPod or GPS system while driving.  Distracted drivers kill and injure thousands of innocent people each year.

–  Don’t drink and drive! The 2014 national drunk driving enforcement crackdown “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is in effect August 13 to September 1, 2014.

If you or a loved one is ever injured in a tractor-trailer accident, a car accident or any other type of accident call The Yost Legal Group for help. We’ll speak with you for free to discuss your situation and help you to understand your rights.

If we take your case we will do so on a no win/no fee or expense basis only. That means you do not pay a fee or expense unless you recover.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak to one of our attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

McCormick’s Ground Oregano Recalled Due To Salmonella

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According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the popular spice producer McCormick has voluntarily recalled its McCormick Ground Oregano due to a possible salmonella contamination. Check your spice racks and be sure to remove the following product:

McCormick Ground Oregano, 0.75oz bottle
UPC 0-523561-6 with code dates BEST BY AUG 21 16 H and AUG 22 16 H

The bottles being recalled were shipped to 41 different states, including the Baltimore, Maryland area, between April 4th and August 5, 2014

The FDA discovered the contamination during routine testing. McCormick has contacted grocery stores and notified them of the recall and requested that McCormick Ground Oregano with the above UPC codes and dates be removed from the shelves and destroyed.

The recall does not impact any other McCormick Ground Oregano, Whole Oregano or Oregano Leaves.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious illness and possibly fatal infections in otherwise healthy people. It is especially dangerous for younger children, the elderly and those with weekend immune systems.

There have been no illnesses due to the contamination reported as of yet.

It is all too common for major companies to recall particular goods due to defect. Manufacturers and sellers of products must be held accountable for placing safe products into the marketplace.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury from a recalled or defective product, contact The Yost Legal Group to discuss a potential Product Liability case.

Product Liability cases can be founded on one or more of the following examples:

Defective Design:  A design defect is frequently the result of poor engineering or considerations in the development of how to build the product.

Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes a product is designed properly, but it was not made correctly to its specifications. Sometimes incorrect materials are used when producing a product.

Failure to Warn:  Certain side effects can be the result of using a product and it is the company’s duty to list such things as adverse effects. Warnings are particularly important when it comes to specific drugs and over the counter medicines.

The attorneys as The Yost Legal Group are very active in pursing product liability claims for those who have suffered injury or death from a defective product.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury from a product that you believe to have been unreasonably defective for any of the reasons listed above, please contact The Yost Legal Group and speak to one of our defective product lawyers about a potential product liability case.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and their families who are victims of defective products. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your case, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member is ever injured due to a defective product, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. Do not try to handle your claim on your own.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law  (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Baltimore defective product lawyer for free. One of our experienced Personal Injury lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

Call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak with one of our experienced defective product attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group will help you find answers. If you have questions, call to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer for help.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

Use Child Safety Seats, Protect Your Children

Posted on by YostLaw

According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

Often, these injuries are avoidable, specifically if child safety seat laws are followed. The Yost Legal Group promotes child safety initiatives across the state of Maryland.

Maryland’s Child Passenger Safety Laws

  • Maryland’s current law required children under age 8 to ride in an appropriate child restraint, unless the child is 4’9” or taller.
  • Child restraints include car seats and booster seats. Be sure to use federally approved child restraints.
  • The laws applies to in-state and out-of-state vehicles.
  • It is the driver’s responsibility for making sure all children are correctly buckled up.
  • Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to ride in the bed of an unenclosed pick-up truck. Some counties outlaw the act for all passengers.
  • It is illegal to place a rear-facing child seat on the front seat if there is an active air bag.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes the following suggestions when it comes to child safety seats:

  • Check the seats labels to make sure it is appropriate for your child’s age, height and weight.
  • Keep your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, usually until the age of 2.
  • Harness straps should be at or below your child’s shoulders when rear-facing. When facing forward, the straps should be above the child’s shoulders.
  • Make sure the child safety seat is tightly installed. You should not be able to move the seat base more than 1 inch on either side.
  • Booster seats should be used with shoulder belts, not lap belts.

The Yost Legal Group is experienced in helping individuals and their families who are victims of car accidents. The Yost Legal Group has the experience to investigate your accident, determine what negligence was involved and fight to protect your right to full and fair compensation.

If you or a family member is ever injured in an accident that was not your fault, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. Do not try to handle your claim on your own.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-Yost-Law  (1-800-967-8529) to speak with an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer for free. One of our experienced Maryland Accident lawyers will work hard to protect your rights and handle of the details surrounding your case. If someone was at fault, we will fight to get you the compensation and the justice you deserve.

To find out more about your rights, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable car accident attorneys at The Yost Legal Group.

Call 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529) to speak with one of our experienced car accident attorneys today.

The Yost Legal Group will help you find answers. If you have questions, call to speak with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer for help.

The Yost Legal Group, Experienced Lawyers Dedicated to Protecting your Rights.

 

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