Cherry Hill, New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer - Worksite Injuries

Miami Crane Collapse Kills 2 - Florida Has No Regulations Dealing With Tower Cranes And Crane Operators

Mike Ferrara — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:45:11 GMT

As incredible as it seems, 10 days after seven were killed in a New York City crane collapse, the virtually identical thing happened again in Miami. The startling news this time is that Florida does not regulate or license tower cranes and crane operators. Two workers were killed and five were injured when the crane fell 30 stories. Workplace injuries kill and injury thousands each year. This is what happens when contractors and building owners disregard worker safety. A few good lawsuits can change all of that. The contractors at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City paid $101 million dollars to settle claims of injured and killed workes when a garage there collapsed. Expert testimony revealed short-cuts were used to speed up the completion of the project. I urge anyone who has lost a loved one or has had a loved one injured in ANY construction accident to seek the services of an attorney who handles these cases. There is no excuse for these tragedies. The owners and contractors have to be held personally responsible for the harms and losses they cause. Decent folks demand nothing less.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

Safety is Job One - Deaths at NYC Construction Site Should Not Have Happened

Mike Ferrara — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:13:23 GMT

Yesterday's tragic crane collapse in NYC killed four and injured 10. It happened in mid-town Manhattan and could have been much worse. The site at 50th Street and 2nd Avenue is a bustling mid city intersection. The crane was on the 19th floor of a 44 story condo that was being built. There had been prior violations at this work site and neighbors complained that the workers were working illegal hours and the building was going up too quickly. An owner of the contstruction company Reliance Contruction Group, Stephen Kaplan, said "this was a freak accident" and tried to explain what happened. Well Mr. Kaplan, I have something to tell you. There are no "freak accidents" at construction sites. That is why there are federal and state regulations dealing with workplace safety. That is why everyone involved in a construction project has to forsee what could possibly go wrong and prevent against it. While these four workers died a tragic and needless death, hopefully it will not be in vain. Owners like Mr. Kaplan and others of his ilk, will be sucessfully sued. Hopefully, construction companies and building owners will begin to take worker safety seriously so these tragedies can end.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

New Jersey Senate and Assembly Pass New Wrongful Death Bill - However Governor Corzine Vetoes It

Mike Ferrara — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:11:52 GMT

The New Jersey Senate and Assembly passed changes to the state's 130 year old Wrongful Death bill. The bill then went to the Governor's desk for his signature but he refused to sign it. Under New Jersey law, his failure to sign the bill had the same effect as a veto and the bill died. It will be reintroduced again in the next session of the legislature that began last Tuesday. Supporters of the bill were shocked that the Governor would favor big business, insurance and hospital lobbies over the rights of everyday citizens and grieving families.

"We would have expected this from a Republican Governor, but never from Governor Corzine who always lined up against these monied interests when he was a United States Senator", said Michael A. Ferrara, Jr., an attorney from Cherry Hill, NJ, and a Past President of the New Jersey Trial Lawyer's Associaton (ATLA-NJ) and the Civil Justice Foundation.

The bill was strongly supported by the AARP, The New Jersey Bar Association, consumer and labor groups, and the Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA-NJ). Fierce opposition to the bill was waged by the big pharmaceutical companies, lobbyists for doctors and hospitals, insurance companies and big business. They contended the bill will drive business out of New Jesey and raise medical malpractice premiums. However, the sponsor of the bill, Assemblywoman Shirley Oliver, said opponents of the bill were unable to provide her with proof of their allegations. Amos Gern, President of ATLA-NJ, said when the bill was passed: "this is a good day for New Jersey citizens. The surviving family members of those who die as a result of the negligence of others will be able to seek justice for the emotional harm they suffer." Up until now, that was not an item of compensable damages under New Jersey's antiquated Wrongful Death Act. "Unfortunately, the Governor let the citizens of New Jersey down and everyone hopeful he will sign it when it returns to his desk next session", Gern added.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Wrongful Death.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

Nurses Exposed To Serious Dangers in Hospitals

Mike Ferrara — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:02:16 GMT

A recent survey of 1000 New Jersey nurses found that more than 25% had a work-related injury within the last five years. 62% were exposed to hard to kill "bugs" like MRSA, 52% had back and other injuries from lifting patients, 33% experienced violence in their hospital or nursing home, 32% suffered needlestick or other exposure to blood-borne pathogens and finally, 15% were exposed to toxic chemicals. Fully 56% of the nurses who responded to the survey have considered leaving nursing because of such hazards. With such a critical nursing shortage, everyone must make certain corrective action is taken to insure nurses have a safe workplace. Our nurses deserve better.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

The Ferrara Law Firm, L.L.C.

Staff Writer — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:25:23 GMT

Since 1972 The Ferrara Law Firm, L.L.C., a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer, has protected the rights of people who have been seriously injured by unsafe products, careless doctors and dangerous workplaces. Mr Ferrara is one of the leading New Jersey personal injury lawyers. In additon, he was selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America, and Best Lawyers in New Jersey and New York. Mr. Ferrara has tried over 250 jury trials and often is successful in convincing his opponents to enter into favorable out of court settlements. Mr. Ferrara also handles New Jersey tractor trailer accidents as well as brain injury cases, wrongful death cases and burn injuries. His articles on medical malpractice law have been published in national magazine. Finally, New Jersey construction accident cases are also a specialty of the firm. The firm was involved in two of the largest settlements in United States history, the $200 billion tobacco settlement where the firm represented the State of New Jersey, and the $4.85 billion Vioxx settlement where the firm represented 385 Vioxx victims.

The firm is guided by the principle of pursuing an aggressive, ethical approach to representing our clients to obtain the the best settlement or verdict possible. We really do care about you and will do everything ethically to help you to the fullest extent allowed under the law.

We have been engaged in the practice of law for over 35 years, and serve clients in all 21 New Jersey counties as well as in Philadelphia, Media, Norristown, West Chester and Doylestown, PA. Headquartered in Camden County, the firm frequently practices personal injury law in Atlantic County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, Cape May County, Salem County and Mercer County. Our litigation specialization is primarily in the fields of medical and legal malpractice, auto crash cases, bus crashes, train injuries, workplace and construction site injuries and unsafe defective products lawsuits. These include Wrongful Death Claims, Brain and Burn Injuries, as well as catastrophic and paralyzing injuries. These can come from medical malpractice or motor vehicle crashes. More recently, we've been representing companies, including corporate officers, who for one reason or another, are suing other companies in civil litigation.

The legal staff of The Ferrara Law Firm, L.L.C. realize that legal matters can be intimidating to many, and understand that it is only natural to feel stress and and anxiety about your case. Our experience in serving over 4,000 clients makes us sensitive to your particular needs. In turn, our clients value our professionalism, attention to detail, and constant communication every step of the way.

We work on personal Injury cases on a contingency basis and cover all expenses until a verdict or settlement is made. On other civil matters we work on an hourly basis. You can be assured that we have the experience, skill and resources to handle your case.

Mr. Ferrara has been singled out by his peers at Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers by New Jersey Magazine and New York Magazine and Awesome Attorneys by South Jersey Magazine and have the highest rating, "AV" by Martindale Hubbell, the most respected lawyer rating service.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Medical Malpractice Caps In Illinois Found Unconstitutional

Mike Ferrara — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:26:34 GMT

In a terrific blow to those who hope to place artificial caps on those harmed by bad doctors, an Illinios court struck down the caps and found them to be violative of the Constitution. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Diane Larsen ruled today that Public Act 94-677, the law that imposes arbitrary caps on damages for all victims of medical negligence, violates the Illinois Constitution as an improper exercise of legislative power. This is an important victory for the rule of law and constitutional government over the rule of special interests.

This is the third time that court has found that attempts to place caps is unconstitutional.

Of course, doctors and their insurance companies seek caps to avoid paying for the harms they cause. Time after time, and study after study, have shown there is no link between malpractice claims and doctor's premiums. But the facts don't matter when President Bush continues to make this issue one of such importance. Fortunately, reporters, legislators and judges are no longer buying the rhetoric and are being more skeptical of doctors crying wolf over and over again. The solution is quite simple. The Medical Societies must do a better job weeding out the bad apples among them and doctors who make mistakes have to accept personal responsibility for their actions.

Harvard Medical School reports about nearly 50,000 needless deaths a year and countless thousands of injuires are caused by medical malpractice. This epidemic has to stop. One thing is clear: State constitutions do not allow those who have been most seriously injured as a result of medical negligence to have their rights taken away in order to give bonuses to insurance companies.

In a statement released by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association said: " ITLA remains firmly committed to preserving access to the courts and the right to trial by jury. Ultimately, it is the Illinois Constitution that protects all the citizens of Illinois against the attempts of powerful special interests to take away their rights"

It should be heartening to all of us that today a young child named Abigaile LeBron, who suffers brain damage as the result of medical negligence, is a step closer to receiving justice.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

Falls Are Most Common Types Of Contruction Site Injuries

Mike Ferrara — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:04:57 GMT

According to the National Center for Personal Injury Protection and Control, one out of every 10 US construction workers is accidentally injured every year. In 2003, 400,000 people suffered construction accident injuries so severe that they were forced to miss work that same year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005 a total of 4.2 million injuries and illnesses were reported in private industry workplaces, and about 2.2 million of these required days off work or restricted duties. By far, the most common accident at construction sites is a fall, either on the same level

or from significant height. While the most serious construction injuries are caused by falling from great heights, strained or sprained arms, legs, and backs are very common construction injuries; usually a result of lifting heavy objects. In fact, the back is the part of the body most frequently injured at work accounting for nearly 25 percent of all work-related. With proper safety training and careful supervision and, most constuction site injuries can be avoided. With so many working in the construction industry (about 7.3 million folks) we really owe it to all of them to make safety job one.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Worksite Injuries.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

New England Journal Of Medicine Criticizes Drug Company Gifts To Doctors - Need Full Disclosure Of The $19B Drug Companies Give Doctors Each Year

Mike Ferrara — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:36:33 GMT

The November 1, 2007 New England Journal of Medicine calls for fuller disclosure of gifts drug companies pay doctors. The article concludes that costs of industry dinners, trips, and other incentives are passed along to their patients in the form of higher drug prices. A bipartisan bill is pending in the Senate called the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. It was introduced by Senators Charles Grassley (R-IA), the ranking member of the Committee on Finance, and Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging.

The bill mandates that big drug and medical device manufacturers disclose the amount of money they give to doctors. This includes free dinners, vacations, or consulting fees. This is already the law in Minnesota and Vermont and soon in Maine, West Virgiinia and California. The national trend is toward more transparancy. 83% of doctors receive free food and drinks in their offices, 35% are reimbursed for costs associated with professional meetings or continuing medical education, and 28% receive payments for consulting, speaking, or enrolling patients in trials.

According to the article, most physicians deny that receiving free lunches, subsidized trips, or other gifts from pharmaceutical companies has any effect on their practices, but research shows that physician-industry relationships do influence prescribing behavior. After all, if these relationships didn't affect physician behavior in such a way as to increase sales, companies wouldn't spend $19 billion each year establishing and maintaining them.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

Jury Selection Begins in Horrific BP Texas Explosion Case - 15 Workers Killed and 170 Injured in Blast

Mike Ferrara — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 19:36:05 GMT

In March, 2005 one of the most serious refinery explosions in history occurred at the BP (NYSE: BP) refinery in Texas City, Texas. It killed 15 and injured 170. To BP's credit, they have accepted personal responsibilty for what happened and have paid over $2 billon to those harmed and the families of those who died. This trial involves five cases that have not settled and is the first case to go to trial. Lead attorney Brent Coon said: "As horrible as this was, the worse thing was that this was avoidable." The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, one of several agencies that investigated the accident, found that BP fostered bad management at the plant. The USCSB also said cost-cutting moves by BP were factors in the explosion. Coon told the jury pool that all the plaintiffs are claiming that BP did not adhere to various safety practices that would have prevented the blast. Employers need to make certain that safety is job number one and insure incidents like this one never happen again.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Premises Liability / Slip & Fall.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara

Construction Collapse in Mall North of Boston - No One Seriously Hurt

Mike Ferrara — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:49:24 GMT

The Northshore Mall in Peabody has ducked a tragedy. The existing Macy's is being demolished and will be replaced by a Nordstrom's. During the early morning demolition, a chimney collapsed and destroyed some existing stores. There was only one minor injury. If it had happened several hours later when the stores were full, the result would have been horrendous. It is still incomprehensible how these types of incidents continue to happen. Building owners and general contractors must begin to take job safety more seriously. There is no excuse for any worksite injury since job safety must be of paramount importance. The Occupational Heath and Safety Administration (OSHA) must become more pro-active to reduct construction injuries.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Worksite Injuries and Workers Compensation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Ferrara