Metier Law Firm

Family Of Deceased Hockey Player To Sue The National Hockey League

john — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:51 +0000

The family of deceased professional hockey player Derek Boogaard has filed a wrongful death suit against the National Hockey League (NHL). The family claims that the NHL is responsible for the brain damage Boogaard sustained during his years as an “enforcer” in the league and his addiction to prescription painkillers. On May 13, 2011, Boogaard was found dead from an accidental overdose of pain medication and alcohol. He was subsequently diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain injury that is caused by repeated blows to the head.

The family says the doctors knowingly prescribed Boogaard with addictive painkillers, even after they knew he was already addicted to them. They also reported that the doctors promised Boogaard that they would treat him for his addiction after the painkillers were no longer needed. The family argues that the doctors failed to warn Boogaard of the addictive properties, failed to monitor his condition throughout the process, and lacked a system to prevent multiple doctors writing duplicate prescriptions.

Issues with doctors writing wrong or too much of a prescription can lead to serious health complications. Unfortunately, people die from overdoses due to improper instruction on how to take medications. Medical professionals should be held responsible for their negligent actions. If your loved one has fallen victim to wrongful death or sustained a personal injury at the hands of someone else, please contact our national injury attorney at (866) 377-3800.

[Tom's Tips: 75 percent of all reported traumatic brain injuries are concussions.]

Metier Law Firm LLC – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide

Failure To Obey Stop Sign Could Be Cause Of Fatal New Jersey Accident

jessica — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:54 +0000

An alleged failure to stop at a stop sign cost a 51-year-old Howell, New Jersey man his life on May 3. David Pszczola was headed west on East Aldrich Road in a 2001 Chevrolet van when he was struck on the passenger side by driver Ada Borda-Urban, driving a 2008 Honda Accord. The result of the collision caused Pszczola’s car to roll several times before coming to a rest in a nearby driveway. Pszczola died at the scene due to the result of his injuries.

Police said that Pszczola sustained a severe brain injury. Emergency services tried to resuscitate Pszczola, but were unable to. Borda-Urban was transported to a hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries and later released. No citations have been issued for Borda-Urban, but police said the Investigation is still ongoing. The intersection is controlled by a stop sign that gives East Aldrich Road the right of way.

Many accidents involving a traumatic brain injury end tragically. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to another driver’s negligence, please call our national accident attorney at (866) 377-3800 today. Let us help you through this difficult time.

Metier Law Firm – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide

Spring Snow Storm To Blame For Multiple Car Accidents

jessica — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:03 +0000

Colorado and Wyoming were hit with another round of spring snowstorms this month causing a number of car accidents, including one that involved a fire truck. The snow caused power outages to about 9,000 homes in Fort Collins, Colorado and about 38,000 homes in Greeley, Colorado. Most residents said they were unprepared for such a large amount of snowfall, especially this late in the spring season. To make matters worse, road crews could not put deicers on the roads because of the amount of moisture and slush on the streets.

Because of the icy and wet streets, mixed with the poor visibility due to the intense snowfall, there were multiple car accidents reported. Multiple sections of Interstate 70 had to be closed due to accidents. In one incident, a fire truck crash injured two people. The fire truck was headed to an accident where a car had slid into another lane and crashed. When the fire truck arrived, it was struck by another driver who lost visibility of the road. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.

Many accidents happen due to terrible weather conditions. Some motorists disregard weather related dangers and end up causing devastating, fatal vehicle accidents. Call our national injury lawyer if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident due to the other driver’s negligence. Call (866) 377-3800 to receive a free consultation of your case today.

[Tom’s Tips: Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. Use low gears to keep traction.]

Metier Law Firm – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide

Referee Dies From Brian Injury Due To Assault

jessica — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:20 +0000

Ricardo Portillo, 46, died on May 4, after sustaining a traumatic brain injury on April 27. Portillo was officiating a recreational soccer game when he issued a foul to one of the players who then punched him. Witnesses say he was writing down notes when the player punched him in the side of the head. Portillo reportedly seemed fine at first, then asked to be helped off the field because of dizziness. After he sat down he began to vomit blood and emergency services were called. Portillo slipped into a coma before he arrived at the hospital due to the swelling of his brain and died later that week.

When police arrived to the fields to investigate the alleged assault, the teen was gone and Portillo was lying on the ground awaiting medical attention. When news got to the authorities that Portillo had slipped into a coma, the search for the teen intensified. That evening the young man’s father brought him to speak with police. The 17-year-old was charged with aggravated assault and was booked into juvenile detention. Authorities said there will be additional charges now that Portillo has died.

Brain injuries are devastating, allowing very little response time before death can strike. Many car accidents result in brain injuries, which are especially devastating when caused by a negligent driver. Our national injury attorneys want to help you; if you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to a settlement. Contact us today at (866) 377-3800.

Metier Law Firm – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide

What Should You Do If You Witness a Car Accident?

metier — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:00:45 +0000

If you have never been in a car accident, you may be witness to one someday. Eyewitnesses are extremely important when it comes to car accidents. They are usually the first to call authorities, administer first aid, and give accounts as to what actually happened.

The importance of being prepared could help you save a life or put a criminal behind bars. That is why we have compiled some helpful tips on what to do if you witness an accident. First, before you approach a vehicle, make sure there is no immediate danger to yourself. Often times after accidents, fluids will leak from the vehicles involved that are highly flammable. If you feel there is no danger, approach the vehicle and be aware that trying to move anyone may aggravate any injuries sustained after the crash, such as a traumatic brain injury. Call emergency services. You may be asked about the status of the victims and how long ago the crash occurred. Be sure to note the details surrounding the cause of the crash, such as weather conditions, damage that occurred, behavior of those involved and location.

Often times eye witnesses are necessary to testify against a negligent or distracted driver so you may be a victim’s hope. If you have been involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, please call our national accident attorney at (866) 377-3800 and let us know what happened. We are here to help you.

[Tom’s Tips: If you happen to have a camera with you when witnessing a crash, take pictures of the accident site.]

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Representing Clients Nationwide

Driver Emerges From Car Accident Then Collapses After Saying He was “Okay”

metier — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:00:47 +0000

On April 22, 29-year-old Jesse G. Ricks was traveling on Interstate 25, about 40 miles north of Casper, Wyoming, when he lost control of his car, went off the right side of the roadway, and rolled his vehicle over twice down a steep embankment. A witness to the crash pulled over to help, but Ricks got out of the car and said he was “okay”. The witness then proceeded up the road until he spotted a state trooper and told the officer what had happened.

The trooper arrived moments after the car accident to find Ricks unconscious, lying on the ground. The trooper proceeded to administer CPR before paramedics arrived and pronounced Ricks dead. Officials said Ricks was wearing a seatbelt, but may have been driving too fast for the icy road conditions. A coroner said the cause of death was uncertain and would not be released for a few weeks. The coroner speculated that Ricks’ death could have been related to a traumatic internal injury, like a severed spinal cord or a traumatic brain injury.

Speeding in icy road conditions is especially dangerous. If you have experienced an injury because of a negligent or distracted driver, please call our national injury attorneys today at (866) 377-3800. You may be entitled to compensation.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Representing Clients Nationwide

Toms Tips: When riding a motorcycle in traffic, ride in a lower gear. Riding this way gives you the option to use your brakes to fall behind and move forward if necessary.

Autorities Unsure As To Why There Is An Increase In Fatal Car Accidents On New Mexico Highway

metier — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:23 +0000

Police are on high alert when it comes to patrolling the La Plata Highway near the New Mexico – Colorado border due to a sudden increase in car accidents. The most recent accident occurred on April 24 and was the third fatal car crash within the past four months in the area.

Daniel Murray, 30, was traveling north on N.M. Highway 170 when he drifted into a southbound lane and hit a truck transporting coal head-on. Murray died at the scene of the crash due to the severity of his injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt. Authorities do not believe alcohol played a factor in the accident, but did say that drunk drivers caused two recent fatalities on the highway.

Too often families are ripped apart due to the poor decisions of a person who decides to drink and drive. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call our national injury attorneys today at (866) 377-3800.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Representing Clients Nationwide

Unknown Witnesses Rescue Occupants From a Near Fatal Car Accident

metier — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:00:12 +0000

Three men owe their lives to the extraordinary acts of the Wyoming police and eye witnesses who aided them. On April 22, Troy Milton, Jacques Strong, and Clarence Lewis were involved in a near fatal car accident when they crashed into the side of a turning semi truck. Thankfully, no one was killed in the accident, although Milton and Strong sustained critical injuries.

As police arrived to the scene of the crash, two of the men had already been pulled from the burning car, while Lewis remained trapped. The officers had to extract Lewis from the vehicle, while witnesses fought off the flames with fire extinguishers. All three men were transported to a hospital and treated for burn injuries. Witnesses say they saw the car traveling at a high rate of speed before it hit the truck. The driver of the truck was not injured. Police are looking to identify the witnesses who aided in the rescue of the occupants and are investigating the circumstances of the car accident.

Accidents like these reveal the heroism of ordinary people when others are in a time of need. But not all accidents have such a fortunate ending. If you are a loved one has been critically injured due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call (866) 377-3800 and speak with our national accident attorney today.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide

Study Shows That Most Weather Related Deaths Are Due to Car Accidents

metier — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:00:06 +0000

A study by USA Today and meteorology professor, James Koermer suggests that most weather deaths are a result of car accidents. The study shows that more than 7,000 Americans die each year from weather related vehicle accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather related crashes are defined “as those that occur in adverse weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow or fog, on slick pavement.”

Koermer’s focus is to bring attention to this growing problem, as he believes these accidents are not a direct result of weather problems, but a result of drivers not responding properly to the hostile weather conditions. Koermer said he would like to see better weather notifications for drivers, as the weather can be unpredictable, with many people taking to the road without knowing what the conditions are like. Often, conditions related to weather, such as ice on the roads or heavy fog, contribute to fatal car accidents.

During unpredictable weather conditions, it is imperative to be alert and maintain an undistracted posture on the road. Not all people follow these rules while driving, which can lead to personal injuries like devastating brain injuries or death. If you or someone you know has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation on behalf of their careless actions. Call (866) 377-3800 today to speak with our National injury attorney.

[Tom’s Tips: Check your tires periodically to make sure that there is enough tread to handle severe weather.]

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide

Study Shows Fatigue Causes 20 Percent of Car Accidents

metier — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:00:56 +0000

A recent study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that 20 percent of car accidents are due to fatigue. This number is far greater than the previously believed 2 or 3 percent, estimated from past surveys and simulated studies. Another statistic revealed from the study indicated that young people, between the ages 18 – 20, are more likely to be involved in these types of car accidents. The study suggests that a young person’s sleep pattern tends to occur later in the day. This suggests why more accidents, due to fatigue, are commonly reported during the day.

This is quite an alarming study, as it suggests that accidents caused by something that can easily be prevented put so many young lives at stake. Often, when a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, it can lead to devastating fatal car accidents, as the person falling asleep cannot react in a timely manner. Having that cup of coffee before you go out may be a good idea after all.

If you have been in a crash involving a drowsy driver, our national accident attorney is here to help you get the settlement you deserve. Call us today at (866) 377-3800.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide