Michael J.O'Connor & Associates

Crash in Saint Clair Involving Tractor-Trailer and 3 Other Vehicles

2012-02-01T12:01:00.001-08:00

The RepublicanHerald.com reported that an accident occurred Tuesday morning in Saint Clair, involving a tractor-trailer and 3 vehicles.

The tractor-trailer was heading south and ran into the back of a Ford Ranger that was stopped at a red light on Route 61. According to the article, the Ranger flipped several times, finally coming to rest at the side of the southbound lanes.

After hitting the Ranger, the truck crossed the median and hit a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Chevrolet Impala that were stopped in the northbound lanes.

Two people were taken to the hospital and all of the vehicles involved where towed from the scene.

Route 61 was closed in both directions for over an hour. An investigation into the crash continues, but police said numerous citations will be filed.

It will be interesting to see the results of the investigation, especially regarding the responsibility of the tractor-trailer driver in this crash. If you are involved in an accident with a big truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

PA Complies With Federal CDL Rules

2012-02-01T06:53:00.001-08:00

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett recently signed House Bill 1458, bringing the state into compliance with new federal rules for driver’s licenses and permits issued to commercial drivers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently amended federal
regulations requiring interstate commercial driver’s license holders, or CDLs, to
provide a current copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate to their state driver
licensing agency, if their type of commercial driving requires a physical exam.
If the state law was not updated to comply with federal changes, it would have been at risk of losing more than $32 million a year in federal highway funding
Pennsylvania would have risked losing more than $32 million a year in federal
highway funding.
Information on the new law and certification forms can be found online by clicking
on the button titled “New CDL Law” at www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

As we continue to battle winter here in Schuylkill County, a recent article on the RepublicanHerald.com reminds us of the importance of carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

The article reported that a woman and her two children suffered symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning when exhaust fumes from their neighbor’s coal furnace made it into their home in Pottsville this week.

A pipe on the neighbor’s furnace became loose allowing smoke to fill the home and seep through to the woman’s adjacent home.

The neighbor did not have a carbon monoxide detector. The woman’s detector was found to be over 10 years old and not functioning properly.

City fire Chief Todd March is quoted in the article as saying, “The carbon monoxide levels in there were very high, in the 100s. Anything over 25 (parts per million) will set the alarms off. Anything over 90 will affect your health.”

The fire chief advises that anyone using a fuel burning appliance in their home should have a carbon monoxide detector installed.

Costa Concordia Update

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

As the search continues for those still missing from the wreck of the Costa Concordia, CNN.com reports that a class-action lawsuit will be filed by an Italian consumer group.

According to the article, the Italian group named Codacons along with 2 U.S. law firms will file the suit in Miami against Costa and its parent company, Carnival Corp. The suit is open to all passengers, regardless of their nationality.

The goal of the suit is to get compensation for passengers for all damages. An estimate of the amount a passenger could receive is $160,000.

Impacts to the environment are also being tracked. Kitchen and engine oil have leaked from the ship, but booms have been put in place to stop the spread of pollutants such as oil, detergents and sewage chemicals. So far, Costa Cruise is being cooperative and proving responsible.

We’ll continue to monitor this story.

Tips for Winter Driving

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend’s wintery mix of precipitation reminds us that spring is not as close as we think here in Schuylkill County. If you’re doing any travelling in this weather, PennDOT offers a few tips to keep you safe on the roads.

Make sure all fluid levels are full.

Consider installing winter wiper blades if you find that your wipers streak.

Make sure your vehicle’s heater and defroster are working properly.

Make sure your vehicle’s radio is working properly so that you can keep up-to-date on weather and traffic reports.

All your vehicle lights should be in working order.

Ensure your tires are inflated properly and have sufficient tread to maneuver on slick roads.

Also, PennDOT provides free, 24-hour traveler information services through 511PA. You can call 511PA from your cell phone or landline to get traffic information for the majority of the 511PA network, including delay warnings, winter road conditions, accidents, construction updates, and weather forecasts. But remember, if you are driving, pull off the road before calling 511PA from your cell phone.

PA Privatization and Innovation Advisory Council Holds First Meeting

2012-01-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Privatization and Innovation, made up of unpaid private sector volunteers, held its first meeting and heard presentations about successful public-private partnerships in Indiana.
The council members heard from Cris Johnston, deputy chief of staff to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, and Stephen Goldsmith, former mayor of Indianapolis, who have extensive experience in executing successful public-private partnerships, among others.
When Gov. Corbett created the advisory council last fall, he said Pennsylvania needs to evaluate where it can provide better services to residents at an efficient cost by examining potential privatization, public-private partnerships or managed-competition opportunities to streamline government and reduce costs to taxpayers

PA State Rep Pushes for Motorcycle Safety Bill

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives could vote on a bill that would require anyone under 18 who wants a Class M (motorcycle) junior driver’s license to complete a safety course.

According to an article on YorkDispatch.com, State Rep. Seth Grove, R-Dover Township, is the proponent behind this safety measure, known as House Bill 254. It was approved by the House Transportation Committee last week.

The course is 15 hours and would be provided free of charge, paid for through registration fees. It includes topics such as proper motorcycle techniques, drinking and driving, and defensive driving.

In the article, Grove is quoted as saying, “A motorcycle is very different than driving a car. On a motorcycle, your’re out there on your own. We need to change the mentality, ingrain in the youngest drivers that you cannot afford to drink while driving…especially a motorcycle.”

The course is currently available to all motorcyclists on an optional basis. It’s called the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. The 2012 program begins in February.

If the bill is approved, it should go into effect next year.

With the arrival of spring in a few short weeks, it’s a sure bet that the number of motorcycles on the road will increase. But so will the accidents.

According to Grove, “The goal of my legislation is to cut down on the number of motorcycle crashes and deaths we see every year.”

We applaud the efforts of Rep. Grove to ensure the safety of young Pennsylvanians who take to the road on motorcycles and we hope for the passage of this bill.

Kia Recalls Optima and Rondo for Faulty Airbags

2012-01-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

This week, Kia recalled nearly 146,000 vehicles because of faulty airbags. Affected models include the 2006-2008 Kia Optima and the 2007-2008 Kia Rondo.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the driver’s side airbag can become damaged over time due to a flawed spring system. This can mean that the airbag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash.

There have been no injuries or incidents involving the airbags not deploying. The company found the issue during regular quality product testing.

The recall should begin in March. Customers can have the problem fixed free of charge at their local dealership.

Tragedy Continues to Unfold in Costa Concordia Accident

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have lost their lives in the horrific accident this weekend on the Costa Concordia, the cruise ship that ran aground off the coast of Italy. We hold on to the hope that those still missing are found alive. We also applaud the efforts of the rescue workers who risked their lives to save passengers.

As the details of this tragedy continue to unfold, liability appears to lie with the actions of the captain who strayed off course and caused the ship to hit rocks near Italy’s coast. He remains in jail in Italy as authorities continue to investigate his role in the disaster. In an article on CNN.com, Costa Cruises said in a statement, “Preliminary indications are that there may have been significant human error on the part of the ship’s master, Capt. Francesco Schettino, which resulted in these grave consequences.” Transcripts of the conversation between the captain and an Italian port official have shown that the captain had abandoned ship and was ordered to return a number of times.

What may be frustrating for any American travelers involved in the accident who might try to pursue a case against Costa is the fact that they will need to file in Italy, because that is the port of call for the cruise line. The sheer number of victims may also help any cases that are filed.

An article in the Miami Herald reported that Carnival Corp., owners of Costa Crociere, does carry third-party personal injury liability insurance, with a deductible of about $10 million for this incident. However, insurance loss could be between $500 million to $1 billion, depending on liability claims.

We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops.

City of Pittsburgh Is Home to More Big Rig Accidents in PA

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

A startling report was published on Friday by WPXI.com, stating that Allegheny County has more accidents involving tractor-trailers than any other county in Pennsylvania.

Channel 11 was able to obtain paperwork through the Freedom of Information Act that confirmed crashes involving big rigs and buses are increasing in the city of Pittsburgh.

The article mentioned that, in an effort to stop the increase in commercial truck crashes in the city, Pittsburgh Police filed a grant application requesting $230,000 from the U.S. Transportation Department. As a result, the U.S. Transportation Department agreed to give Pittsburgh nearly $1,000,000 over three years. Funds would be used to help pay for more officers to patrol for aggressive driving, inspect tractor-trailers, and to conduct safety patrols near tunnels.

According to the article, authorities say extra patrols are in place and that the city is expected to see a 5% decline in accidents for 2011.

Recall of Mini Coopers Due to Fire Risk

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

According to an article on CNN Money, 89,000 Mini Coopers have been recalled by BMW due to a fire risk. A computer circuit board that controls the turbocharger cooling system can fail, causing the water pump to smolder, or in more serious cases, can cause a fire in the engine department.

This same problem affected BMW cars and Rolls-Royces, prompting an earlier recall of those vehicles.

There have been 81 cases of water pump failure in Mini Coopers globally, including 4 engine compartment fires. Worldwide, 235,535 Mini Coopers have been recalled.

Affected cars include some model year 2007 through 2011 Mini Cooper S hatchbacks and convertibles, Mini Cooper Clubman S (the longer, three-door Mini), Mini Cooper Countryman S (the larger, four-door SUV Mini), and John Cooper Works high-performance versions of the Mini Cooper. However, non-turbocharged Minis are not involved in the recall.

To confirm if your vehicle is part of the recall, you should contact your Mini Cooper dealer. They are replacing auxiliary water pumps on the recalled vehicles.

PennDOT Announces Radio Safety PSA Contest to Students

2012-01-15T11:10:00.001-08:00

Although distracted driving has becomie a nationwide problem, Pennsylvania officials are eliciting the help of high school students in a campaign to keep driver focus on the road.

The PennDOT Radio Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest gives high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to create a 30-second radio PSA aimed at discouraging distracted driving. The winner will have his or her announcement professionally produced and sent to the student’s local media market.

According to PennDOT, there were 14,294 auto accidents involving drivers who were distracted or were using a hand-held cellphone in 2010. Nearly 37 percent of those accidents involved a driver who was between the ages of 16 and 25.

One finalist will be chosen from each of PennDot’s 11 engineering districts. The winning students will go to Harrisburg to have the PSA professionally recorded.

For more information and contest rules, visit https://mail.oconnorlaw.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.drivesafepa.org/. Best of luck to those students who enter the contest!

Tractor Trailer Accidents in Berks County

2012-01-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

We were shocked and saddened to read an article in the Reading Eagle (ReadingEagle.com) that reported a 19-year-old Reading man was killed in a crash Wednesday evening involving his car and a tractor trailer. The accident is still under investigation, but preliminary reports say that the truck ran over the vehicle near Route 73 in Berks County. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this young man.

In another part of Berks County, a tractor trailer was reported to have struck the median barrier on I-78 in Greenwich Township. The crash scattered chunks of concrete on both sides of the highway, blocking one lane in each direction. Traffic was slowed as PennDot crews worked to clear the scene. No report yet as to how many vehicles were involved or if there were any injuries.

We know that unfortunately these accidents do happen. So we did some research in order to provide our clients with some safety measures that they can use when they find themselves sharing the road and highway with big trucks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website offers the following tips for help prevent accidents by trying to anticipate hazardous situations and adjusting the way you drive when this occurs. These tips are posted for tractor trailer drivers, but they can apply to drivers of any type of vehicle:

Learn to recognize driving situations that can be harzardous.
Assume other drivers will make errors.
Adjust speed, position, direction and attention to be able to maneuver safely if a hazard develops.
Scan far enough ahead to be able to react safely to approaching situations.
Scan frequently to the side and rear for passing and approaching vehicles.
Scan thoroughly before changing speed or direction.

Remember that if you are in an accident with a tractor trailer and the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation, including reimbursement of medical bills as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Contract the truck accident attorneys of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Easier Mine Reclamation Means More Jobs for Pennsylvania

2012-01-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed a bill allowing easier reclamation of mines and creating more jobs in anthracite coal mining.
House Bill 1813, authorized by Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, now goes to the senate for consideration.
State law requires mine operators to obtain bonding insurance to ensure sufficient funds are available to reclaim a mining site if the operator defaults. The bill, if passed, will make bonding more readily available and operators will be able to reinvest their own money into growing their business.
"The best way to create job opportunities for our citizens is to make it easier for private industry to invest in and grow their operations," Tobash said in a news release. "The most affordable way to reclaim abandoned mine lands is to allow mine operators to re-mine these sites instead of having taxpayers foot the bill."
According to Pennsylvania Anthracite Council, state and federal law requires mine operators to post surety bonds to ensure proper reclamation and many times the operators are forced to use lines of credit or collateralize assets to meet bonding requirements. As a result, operators have less access to working capital to upgrade equipment or hire additional employees.
Tobash said the current state bonding requirement is designed to help ensure reclamation but it is holding it back and driving up costs, costing tax payers as much as $10,000 per acre to reclaim a site. If a site is reclaimed by the industry as part of the re-mining process, it costs the taxpayers nothing according to Tobash.
The news release states it is estimated that there is still 4 to 6 billion tons of coal in reserve in the state’s anthracite region. The industry once employed 177,000 people but now only about 1,000 people work in anthracite coal mining. The industry contributes more than $200 million to the regional and state economy.
"Our region, the state and the entire country are looking for opportunities to grow jobs," Tobash said. "We have a golden opportunity right here in our own backyard because the worldwide demand for anthracite coal is at its highest level in years."

Pottsville City Council Approves Restriction on Cell Use in City Vehicles

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Restrictions on cell phone use while driving is a growing trend across the country and one that we at the O'Connor Law Firm have put into practice. So we were encouraged by a recent article in our local paper, the Republican Herald, that reported that Pottsville City Council approved an ordinace restricting cell phone use during city business.

According to the article, the ordinance states that the driver of any vehicle from the city or any vehicle being used for city business is "prohibited from using a mobile communication device, cell phone or computer of any type while the vehicle is in motion." It states that drivers must park if they need to use such a device.

The ordinance was suggested by city Police Chief Joseph Murton, as the result of a monthly safety committee meeting. It does not, however, apply to police or fire fighters who are responding to emergency situations.

We may excuse our use of a cell phone while driving because we're "just making a quick call." No matter how long or short the call, this is distracted driving and it could cause an accident in which we may injury ourselves or others. If you've been injured by someone who was using a cell phone while driving, you may have a case. Contact the accident attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Florida School Bus Driver Let Go After Being Found at Fault for Crash

2012-01-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

When we send our children to school, we trust that the adults who watch over them in our absence are looking out for their safety. But last week some Florida parents found out that was not the case when a school bus driver ran into the back of a tractor trailer.

The driver was dismissed from his duties on Friday when school officials reviewed a video of the accident that showed the driver was at fault.

According to an article on Bradenton.Patch.com, the video shows that just before the accident the driver was seen handing a piece of paper back to a student behind him. After passing the note, students on the bus screamed at him to watch out – warning him that he is about to crash.

Record taken by a GPS indicated that the bus was traveling at 34 mph. The crash pushed the bus firewall in and up against the brake pedal, not allowing it to fully engage. The force also pinned the bus driver’s legs beneath the steering wheel. The emergency brake and key to the bus were pushed in and between the driver’s legs, making it impossible for him to completely stop the bus. He was able to coast the bus along the shoulder of the road after the crash.

There were 26 students aboard the bus at the time of the accident, and 23 of those students were taken to area hospitals. School officials apologized for the accident and assured families that the school district would be responsible for paying the students’ medical bills.

We were glad to hear none of the children were seriously injured in this accident. We were also glad to hear that the school district is taking responsibility for the children’s hospital bills and has dismissed the driver. If you’re involved in an accident where you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s driving, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Attorneys and Staff from Michael J. O’Connor & Associates Celebrate Three Kings Day in Reading

2012-01-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Jan. 6, attorneys and staff members from Michael J. O’Connor & Associates extended their holiday spirit by celebrating Three Kings Day at the Casa de la Amistad Senior Center in Reading.

Celebrating the Three Wise Men, also known as Los Tres Reyes Magos, is an important tradition in Latin America and varies from country to country. For Latinos, it is the Three Wise Men, not Santa Claus, who bring presents at Christmas.

Attorney Valeen Hykes read a story about the Three Kings to the children from the YMCA daycare center. Attorney David Miller and paralegals Gladys Martinez and Ana Teresa López from the O’Connor law offices in Reading dressed as kings and gave out presents to the children. During this time, Magdalena Costea from the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center kept everyone involved and entertained with singing and dancing.

Ana Teresa and Gladys presented the Senior Center with a brand new bingo set, to replace their old, worn set. In addition, 3 new domino sets were raffled off to 3 lucky seniors.

After the festivities, everyone enjoyed a traditional lunch of sancocho, a Latin stew, as well as more music from Magdalena. Some of the seniors joined in as her backup vocalists and dancers.

Back Pain Procedure Under Investigation

2012-01-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the safety of a popular back-pain relieving procedure after severe side effects were reported.
According to a Dec. 28 article in Bloomberg Business Week, a surge in steroid injections into the epidural space near the spinal cord used to alleviate back and neck pain in the U.S. is bringing with it an increase in severe complications, including paralysis and death.
The FDA is reviewing the procedure in consultation with an advisory group.
The BBW article states that last year 8.9 million Americans received the shot which take minutes to administer and brings doctors generous reimbursements from Medicare and private insurers.
According to studies, steroid shots have become the most popular way U.S. doctors treat neck and back pain and one study states the number of injections to Medicare patients increased 159 percent between 2000 and 2010.
Spending on pain treatments in general is estimated at $300 billion per year according to BBW, and epidurals cost Americans $23 billion in 2011 according to Marketdata Enterprises Inc., a Tampa-based company that has been tracking the pain medication market since 1992.
According to BBW, doctors say the rise in injections is driven by an “aging population prone to back and neck pain and generous reimbursements for treatment.”
BBW claims Medicare pays about $200 for an epidural steroid shot in a doctor’s office, $400 at a surgery center, and $600 in a hospital. Private insurance companies pay as much as 150 percent of Medicare rates.
The FDA review which is focusing on steroid injections that come within millimeters of critical arteries feeding the spinal cord is being conducted by its Safe Use Initiative, formed in 2009 to reduce preventable harm from medications. The article stated about half of all epidural steroid shots are administered in this manner.
Another concern is using steroids such as Kenalog and Depo-Medrol and their generic versions which are slow to dissolve and may create blockages that trigger strokes if accidentally shot into arteries according to doctors advising the FDA study.
Studies also suggest that too many shots may be given at too close intervals.
The North American Spine Society suggests a maximum of four injections within six months for cervical epidurals, but added that setting an absolute limit would restrict some patients from getting necessary care.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists does not say how many shots are appropriate.
On its website, The Mayo Clinic tells patients shots are usually restricted to a few each year because steroids can weaken spinal bones and nearby muscles and upset the natural hormone balance, leading to potentially serious medical conditions and the risk of side effects may increase with the number of steroid injections.
An FDA spokeswoman told BBW it was too early to know what, if any action would be taken.

Fatal Truck Accident in Berks County

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

A Muhlenberg Township woman was killed on Friday afternoon when her vehicle was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer.

The accident occurred Friday afternoon in the southbound lanes of Broadcasting Road in Berks County.

According to an article in the Reading Eagle, Spring Township police said an investigation is continuing into the cause of the four-vehicle crash, with the assistance of the county district attorney’s crash reconstruction unit.

A preliminary account by police reported that the tractor-trailer collided with the back of the vehicle driven by the Muhlenberg Township woman. Both vehicles caught fire and slid out of control, striking two other vehicles. The driver of the tractor-trailer was treated for injuries. The driver of one of the other vehicles and her four passengers, including her 4 children all under the age of 10, were taken to area hospitals.

We were sorry to read about this tragic accident and hope that all who were injured, including the 3 young children, recover quickly. It will be interesting to see the results of the investigation, since the impact caused two vehicles to catch on fire, and causing damage and injuries to 2 additional vehicles and their occupants. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

New Information on Dosing for Infants’ Acetaminophen

2012-01-04T17:11:00.001-08:00

According to an article on Parenting.com, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has issued a warning to all parents and caregivers about the potential for dosing errors when giving liquid acetaminophen to infants.

An additional concentration of liquid acetaminophen of 160 mg/5 mL is now available for infants. It had been sold with dosing cups for children ages 2 to 11. But consumers may be more familiar with the 80 mg/0.8 mL or 80 mg/mL concentrations of liquid acetaminophen, which could result in dosing errors, since older concentrations may still be on store shelves or in a family’s medicine cabinet.

The new concentration is less concentrated than earlier forms, which could lead to an infant receiving insufficient medication or making the drug ineffective. Giving too much acetaminophen can possible lead to death, and overdoses of infant acetaminophen, which can lead to death from liver failure, are the reason behind this change.

Over-the-counter liquid acetaminophen is used to temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, minor sore throat and toothache.

According to the article, this change in concentration will affect the amount of liquid given to an infant. Packaging may contain an oral syringe instead of a dropper.

It is important to check with your healthcare provider for dosing and concentration instructions, since there is not dosing amount specified for children less than 2 years of age.

Make A Healthy New Year's Resolution This Year.

2011-12-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

While studies show about one in three Americans make at least one New Year's resolution, only about half of those people are still on target six months later.
Health.com, a healthy living website, suggests picking at least one of these health-worthy resolutions and sticking to it.
1. Lose Weight. This is one of the top resolutions but health.com suggests the key to success is not to expect overnight success. The website suggests keeping a food journal, putting a support system in place to keep you motivated, and to expecting a bump or two in the road.
2. Stay In Touch. Health.com states studies suggest people with strong social ties live longer.
3. Quit Smoking. The website suggests trying different methods until you find one that works and not to be discouraged because of past failed attempts.
4. Save Money. Make healthy lifestyle changes that put money in your pocket like walking or riding your bike to work or carpooling to cut down on air pollution. The website also suggests giving up the gym membership in favor of exercising at home and completing a grocery list before going to the market to avoid poor dietary choices.
5. Cut Stress. Health.com suggests while a little pressure can equal an energy boost, mounting stress can lead to health problems like insomnia, depression, obesity, or heart disease. Long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending time with family and friends can contribute to stress the website suggests.
6. Volunteer. According to Health.com happiness increases when we help others, says Peter Kanaris, PhD, coordinator of public education for the New York State Psychological Association. A 2010 study found that people with positive emotions were about 20% less likely than their gloomy counterparts to have a heart attack or develop heart disease.
7. Go Back to School. The website states a 2007 study found that middle-age adults who went back to school had stronger memories and verbal skills than those who did not. Also, several studies have linked higher educational to a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Cut Back on Alcohol. While much has been written about the benefits of drinking a small amount of alcohol, chronic heavy drinking boosts the risk of liver and heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and mental deterioration, and even cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast according to the website.
9. Get More Sleep. Health.com suggests a lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and strengthening memory.
10. Travel. Traveling brings rejuvenation and replenishment with a change of scenery, the website states. Travel also taps into a person's sense of adventure and allows people to make a change in their lives without doing something too bold or dramatic.

Pampered Chef Ice Cream Scoops Recalled

2011-12-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with The Pampered Chef, of Addison, Ill., announced Dec. 20 the voluntary recall of ice cream dippers manufactured by The Zeroll Company, Fort Pierce, Fla.
According to CPSC, when the liquid filled ice cream scoop is exposed to warm water, the cap and seal at the end of the scoop handle can fly off with substantial force, posing an impact hazard to anyone nearby.
The Pampered Chef received 16 reports including damage to kitchen items and six reports of personal injuries including lacerations, bruises and redness caused by caps coming off the base of the handle.
The dippers are metallic gray aluminum with a plastic dome-shaped cap on the base of the handle. “Pampered Chef” is imprinted in the cap. The ice cream dippers measure around seven inches in length. A non-toxic liquid is sealed inside the handle of the product which conducts the heat of your hand to more easily scoop hard ice cream
The company states there are about 20,000 units that might contain the faulty cap sold by Pampered Chef consultants and online from July through September 2010 for about $15.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ice cream dippers and contact The Pampered Chef for instructions on obtaining a replacement or refund. Consumers can also contact their Pampered Chef consultant for replacement and refund information.
For additional information, contact The Pampered Chef toll-free at (877) 917-2433 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday or visit the website at http.www.pamperedchef.com/recall/cust info collection.jsp>. Consumers can also e-mail The Pampered Chef at productalert@pamperedchef.com

State Attorney General Warns of Financial Scams

2011-12-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Pennsylvania's Attorney General Linda Kelly cautioned consumers in a recent news release to be wary of aggressive financial scams involving calls or electronic messages from criminals who pretend to be family members in need of assistance, especially during the holidays.
"The holiday season is a popular time for distant family members to reach out and connect with loved ones and some scam artists are trying to twist that to their advantage," Kelly said in the news release. "A call, email or text message for help from someone claiming to be a relative in need can be used to convince potential victims to act quickly, sending money without carefully evaluating the situation."
Kelly said the telephone scams often target older residents, with callers often claiming to be grandchildren. Internet scams typically target younger victims, often using hijacked Facebook or email accounts to solicit help from "friends."
"The exact story told by con artists can vary, but all of these scams revolve around getting the victims to send money, typically in the form of a wire transfer," Kelly said. "These crooks who are typically working from outside the United States understand that wire transfers can be quickly intercepted and are difficult to trace or recover."
Kelly said the stories vary, but the most popular schemes include claims that family members have been involved in an accident while traveling and need money for car repairs or medical treatment; that loved ones have been delayed while traveling and need assistance paying for overnight lodging or alternative transportation; or that airline or train tickets have been stolen and friends or relatives need cash to purchase replacement tickets. Another popular story is a claim that a family member has been arrested in Canada, either following a traffic accident or because they were hunting or fishing without a license. The calls may include conversations with someone claiming to be a police officer, who provides instructions about wire transferring money to pay fines or court costs. Additionally, one scam involves a telephone message left by someone posing as police or hospital officials, directing victims to call a special number to receive information about a relative who has been hurt in an accident. The phone numbers are often international numbers, though they may appear to be ordinary U.S. phone numbers, resulting in expensive long-distance bills.
Consumers with questions or problems should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or file an online consumer complaint.
Additionally, Kelly encouraged consumers who have lost money as the result of these scams to contact their local police department and the nearest regional office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to file a criminal report.

Out of Control Tractor Trailer Careens into 4 Cars and 2 Houses in Western PA

2011-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press has reported that an out of control tractor trailer smashed into four cars and two houses in western Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon.

The truck flipped on its side and skidded about 50 yards before hitting the homes in Connellsville, Fayette County. Although a family of five was in one of the homes, no one was hurt but the truck driver, who was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital.

State police said that the truck driver faces several citations, including driving too fast for conditions.

We were thankful to hear that no one in the homes hit by this runaway tractor trailer were not hurt. But we are concerned that a professional driver would risk the lives of others in this way. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a big rig, you may have a case. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Distracted Driving Continues to Be a Problem Nationwide

2011-12-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study that said one in 20 drivers observed at any given moment is holding a mobile phone to his or her ear, and that almost one in 100 can be observed sending a text message to otherwise manipulating a digital device.

CNN.com reported about the study in a recent article. The NTSA said there is evidence that 3,092 deaths – one-tenth of all roadway fatalities last year – involved distracted drivers. In an effort to follow trends and focus research in the future, officials are new measurement of fatalities, called “distraction-affected crashes.” It will focus more narrowly “on crashes in which a driver was most likely to have been distracted.”

According to the NHTSA, eight states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington) as well as the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands ban driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone. Thirty-two states, the District of Columbia and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers.

In Pennsylvania, there is currently no statewide ban relating to talking on a cell phone while driving. However, the Anti-Texting Law goes into effect March 8, 2012. The law prohibits any driver from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read, or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.

It’s always the safest bet to pull off the road if you need to make a call, receive a call, or read or type a text message. It may be a hard habit to break, but in the long run it helps keep the roadways safe for all drivers. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident where the other driver was distracted by using a cell phone, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the automobile accident lawyers of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

PA residents encouraged to get flu shots during National Vaccination Week

2011-12-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

Now is the time of year when influenza or "the flu" strikes.
The Pennsyvania Departments of Health and Aging are encouraging people to get flu shots and the week of Dec. 4 through 10 has been designated National Influenza Vacination Week when free flu vaccines are being offered across Pennsylvania to those who qualify.
The special week was established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to emphasize the importance of continuing influenza vaccination throughout the holiday season and into January.
According to the state Department of Health, historically, the number of people seeking flu shots begins to taper off after November.
“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective tools available for preventing disease,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Eli Avila said in a news release. “By increasing vaccination rates, we can fight the spread of influenza and help Pennsylvanians stay
healthy during the holidays and into the New Year.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Health encourages all residents to visit their family doctor to discuss flu shot options. Information is also available on the department's website at www.health.state.pa.us or by calling 1-877 PA HEALTH.
On average, five to 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year. Those at risk include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, anyone with chronic medical conditions and health care workers.
According to state Secretary of Aging Brian Duke 50 Pennsylvanians over the age of 65 died from flu complications last year.
The state Department of Health also reports last flu season, there were 115 flu-related deaths reported nationwide in people younger than 18 years of age.

Flu symptoms include:
· Fever
· Headache
· Tiredness (can be extreme)
· Dry cough
· Sore throat
· Nasal congestion
· Body aches
· These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms."

The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following guidelines to prevent the spread of influenza:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and following food preparation, before eating and after using restrooms or changing diapers.
2. Be careful what you touch. Hands transmit germs.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
4. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing by washing with soap and water or cleaning with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
5. Get plenty of rest, eat properly, and dress appropriately for the weather.
6. When ill, prevent the spread of germs by staying home from school or the workplace, if possible. Return to work only after being fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducers.
7. During flu season, minimize time in crowded areas, such as shopping centers, and avoid contact with those at high risk for the flu, such as the elderly and those with chronic illness.
8. If over the age of 65, pregnant, or if you have a chronic illness or disease, talk with your doctor about a flu and pneumonia vaccination.

PA Aims to Stop Welfare Fraud

2011-12-05T06:07:00.001-08:00

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is stepping up its efforts to stop Welfare fraud by creating an Office of Program Integrity.
Gary D. Alexander, state Secretary of Public Welfare announced recently that since January the department reviewed its processes in order to enforce and tighten rules and regulations.
“Preventing waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars is a top priority, and it is time for a culture change to instill and infuse integrity into the department’s programs and services,” Alexander said in a news release. “We have an obligation to the truly needy as well as to taxpayers. There is simply no room for any waste, fraud or abuse.”
The office has identified ways to more efficiently manage reporting and prevent wasteful and fraudulent payments across all welfare programs. As a result, more than 100,000 ineligible cases have been removed from the welfare rolls, saving taxpayers more than $34 million.
The Office of Program Integrity is staffed by existing employees and consolidates all department-wide efforts into one office and is directly linked to the Office of Inspector General, the office responsible for investigating welfare fraud.
“The Office of Inspector General is glad to be a partner in this vital effort, recognizing that fraud prevention is as equally important to detection and prosecution,” state Inspector General Kenya Mann Faulkner said in the news release. “By taking steps to stop fraud before it starts, we can protect taxpayers’ interests and ensure that scarce public resources remain available to eligible Pennsylvanians in need.”

Truck Driver’s Inattention Is Cause of Fatal Bus Crash

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

State police are wrapping up their report of a fatal crash in New York state and have determined that the truck driver’s inattention caused the accident.

The crash happened last summer and involved a Canandian tour bus and a tractor trailer. The truck driver was killed and 30 of 52 passengers on the tour bus were injured.

According to an article on Syracuse.com, the primary contributing factor to the accident was driver inattention, or incapacity. State Police Investigator James Hunt said, “Either he fell asleep, or he was inattentive in some way. Maybe he spilled coffee on himself, or was reaching around in his sleeper berth to get something and he wasn’t paying attention and didn’t see or realize the bus was in the roadway up ahead of him.”

The tour bus driver had pulled over because an emissions malfunction light came on and he had to wait for the problem to clear. When the light cleared, the bus with its four ways flashing, pulled back onto the interstate when the truck, carrying 14,000 pounds of ball bearings struck the bus from behind.

Those on the tour bus who were injured in this accident may be eligible for compensation from the trucking company. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a large commercial truck, you may have a case. Contact the tractor trailer accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Truck Accident on I-78 Kills 2 People

2011-11-29T06:55:00.001-08:00

The Lebanon Daily News reported that an accident on I-78 on Sunday killed 2 people when a truck struck their vehicle.

The accident happened early Sunday morning near mile marker 16.4 in Bethel Township. The tractor-trailer stuck the back of the passenger vehicle, sending it off the roadway to the shoulder. No further details were given as police continue to investigate the crash.

While we wait for more information on this tragic accident, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family who lost their loved ones during the holiday. We caution all of our clients to be vigilant as they travel this holiday season. We are all too familiar with similar accidents where truck drivers have become too sleepy to drive due to long hours on the road, or have lost become distracted while driving. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to drive defensively and keep an eye out for fellow travelers over the road.

Tips for Motorists During Deer Season

2011-11-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

As deer season opens today in Pennsylvania, motorists are warned to keep an eye out for deer crossing roadways.

In an article on the RepublicanHerald.com, Cheryl Trewella, information an education supervisor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region, Reading, cautions, "Slow down a little bit this time of year. If you see one deer, assume there are more coming. Really try and keep that side vision."

According to data from PennDOT, there were 52 crashes involving vehicles and deer in Schuylkill County last year, resulting in 13 injuries. In 2009, there were 36 crashes and eight injuries.

Pennsylvania ranks 4th in the nation for deer-related traffic accidents, according to State Farm Mutal Automobile Insurance Co., using data from the Federal Highway Administration. Based on 2010-2011 data, PA drivers have a 1 in 86 change of hitting a deer in the course of 12 months.

In the article, State Farm Insurance gives the following tips to avoid deer collisions:

* Look out for posted deer crossing signs along roadways.

* Deer are most active from 6 to 9 p.m., so be extra vigilant at those times.

* Use headlights to illumi-nate areas where deer will enter roadways.

* Keep in mind that where there is one deer, there are usually more.

* Do not rely on car-mounted whistles.

* Be careful in attempting to swerve out of the path of a deer. It could cause loss of control or impact with another vehicle.

Happy Thanksgiving from Michael J. O'Connor & Associates!

2011-11-24T06:00:00.001-08:00

The attorneys and staff of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and safe journey to those who are travelling this holiday weekend!

Deadline for Assistance with Damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee Extended Again

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you suffered damage during Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee, you may still qualify for help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the registration deadline to December 14.

“We’ve extended the registration deadline because the number of new registrations remains high and we want to ensure that everyone who needs to register and has not yet done so has the opportunity to register for assistance,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool. “Our goal is to ensure that all eligible Irene and Lee survivors have ample time to seek disaster aid.”

Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available for homeowners, renters, and business owners to repair or replace property.

To register with FEMA:
Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Operators are available seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM. To use TTY, call 1-800-462-7585.
Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
Access from a tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov.
If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
If you have a disability or need assistance registering, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362

Sticky Start to Thanksgiving Travel on the PA Turnpike

2011-11-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press has reported that a leaking valve on a tanker spread driveway sealant over a nearly 40-mile stretch of the eastbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike between New Castle and the Oakmont Service Plaza on Tuesday night.

According to the article, turnpike officials said 150 or more cars were disabled when the tar-like substance covered their tires and wheels. Some state police and turnpike maintenance vehicles had to be towed away.

Maintenance crews dumped sand on the sealant and used snow plows to push it on to the shoulder of the road. Traffic was moving normally this morning.

Turnpike officials are urging motorists whose cars may have been damaged to call its operations center at 800-331-3414, to determine how many motorists were affected.

MJOC Intern Meets Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 15, Grove City College in Grove City, PA hosted a conversation with Hon. Clarence Thomas, associate justice, United States Supreme Court, and Hon. Alice Batchelder, chief judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit at the 2011-2012 J. Howard Pew Memorial Lecture in Crawford Auditorium of Crawford Hall.

Prior to the lecture, Thomas spoke with students of a legal studies course entitled “The Founders' Constitution.” Max Matherne, a 2011 summer intern with Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, was selected in advance to lead the class in composing a list of questions for Justice Thomas about judicial philosophy, including the role of stare decisis in Thomas’s jurisprudence, the difficulty of ascertaining original intent, and Thomas’s views on affirmative action and the politics of race.

After class, Matherne had an opportunity to meet and have his picture taken with Thomas. Matherne is a History major at Grove City College. He is in his senior year. He will be attending law school in the fall of 2012.

PA bill designed to protect student athletes with head injuries

2011-11-22T07:32:00.001-08:00

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett recently signed the Safety in Youth Sports Act, a bill intended to prevent serious head injuries in student athletes and educate about the risks of concussions.
According to a new release, Corbett held a ceremonial signing of "the Concussion Bill," at Lower Dauphin High School, Hummelstown, on Nov. 14.
"It's time to take concussions seriously, before they ruin young lives," Gov. Corbett said in the news release.
The legislation sets standards for managing concussions and other brain injuries and requires students who may have suffered a head injury to be removed from the activity and not allowed to return to play until they have been medically cleared. The bill also requires coaches to be trained annually and establishes penalties for those who do not comply.
Pennsylvania joins 31 other states in establishing this legislation which takes effect July 1 and requires the state Department of Health and Education to post guidelines and other material online to educate students, parents and coaches about the nature and risk of concussion and traumatic brain injury.

Recall of “Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Chunky”

2011-11-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

This week, the J.M. Smucker Company announced that it was voluntarily recalling 16-ounce jars of its “Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter Chunky” due to possible salmonella contamination.

The recall affects jars sold between November 8-17 in our home state of Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia and the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Affected products contain the following information:
UPC: 5150001701 (located on the side of the jar’s label below the bar code)
Production Codes: 1307004 and 1308004
Best-If-Used-By dates: August 3, 2012 and August 4, 2012

According to a company press release, “No illnesses related to this issue have been reported and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution for consumer safety.” They added that “the recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that these finished products may contain the bacteria.”

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, often starting within one to three days after eating contaminated products. Although most patients recover quickly, the elderly, small children, and those with compromised immune systems may require extensive treatment.

Smucker’s recommends that if you have a peanut butter included in this recall, that you discard the jar immediately and call 1-888-550-9555 for a replacement coupon.

Community Meetings to Take Place about Community Health Center

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Schuylkill County’s VISION released a press release today to let county residents know that they will host a series of meetings open to the public to provide information and gain support for the development of a Community Health Center (CHC). The CHC would provide primary care to disadvantaged and low-income individuals and families.

The meetings will provide a description of the Community Health Center, as well as an opportunity for residents to get involved with defining needs and setting priorities as the Health Center develops.

Schuylkill County’s VISION is a non-profit organization that mobilizes organizations and individuals to make positive changes for Schuylkill County. To develop a Community Health Center, Schuylkill County’s VISION has brought together The Commonwealth Medical College and over 40 community organizations, agencies, and individuals, including the County’s three hospitals, practicing physicians, church groups, public provider agencies, and non-profit provider agencies.

“These public meetings are an important part of the development of the Health Center,” stated Kay Jones, Executive Director of Schuylkill County’s VISION. “We want people who will be served by the Center to have a say in the way it is designed to deliver healthcare. We need input on issues like location, hours of service, transportation, and other factors that will determine if the Center will be of real service to the community. We hope that people will come to these meetings and have a voice in these decisions.”

Meetings will be taking place:
Nov. 16 in Pottsville at the Terry Reiley Center, 216 North 12th Street
Nov. 29 in Shenandoah at the Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main Street
Nov. 30 in Tamaqua at the Tamaqua Community Center, 223 Center St.

Drive Now...Text Later

2011-11-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Pennsylvania is sending a message...drive now, text later.
On Nov. 9 Gov. Tom Corbett signed legislation banning texting while driving on Pennsylvania roads. The new law making texting while driving a primary offense carries a $50 fine and takes effect in 120 days.
"Senate Bill 314 aims to put a halt to texting from behind the wheel and is intended to save lives," Gov. Corbett said in a recent news release. "No text message is worth a human life. The message of this legislation is drive now, text later."
The new law prohibits drivers from using wireless phones, personal digital assistants, smart phones, portable or mobile computers, or similar devices to text, send an instant message, email, or browse the internet while behind the wheel.
According to the governor's office, in 2010 there were about 14,000 crashed in Pennsylvania where distracted driving played a role. Almost 1,100 of those crashed involved a handheld cell phone.
State legislators said drivers with an urgent need to text must pull over or park.
"If it's not important enough to stop your car, then it's certainly not important enough to risk a life," Gov. Corbett said.

Safety Concerns Continue with the Use of the Transvaginal Mesh

2011-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Are you a woman who has received a transvaginal mesh implant due to Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)? These issues can arise in women whose vaginal walls, or pelvic floor, require extra support following childbirth, surgery, or an accident.

In July, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) updated an earlier warning it issued about surgical mesh, adding that serious complications can result from this procedure and that it is “an area of continuing serious concern.”

In fact, the FDA warns that complications associated with transvaginal mesh are not rare. The FDA’s July 13 update also stated that it was not clear whether transvaginal POP repair using mesh is more effective than traditional non-mesh repair in all patients with POP. In fact, it may expose patients to greater risk.

If there are problems with the mesh, some complications you may experience include pain, bleeding, infection, urinary problems, pain during sex, emotional problems, vaginal scarring, vaginal shrinkage, organ perforation, recurring POP, as well as mesh erosion, exposure, extrusion and protrusion, all of which may lead to additional surgeries.

If you or someone you know has a transvaginal mesh implant and is experiencing any of these symptoms, your not alone. Contact the attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your claim. You may be entitled to compensation.

Tips to Help Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Getting a Cold or Flu

2011-11-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

There may not be a cure for the cold or flu, but there are ways you can reduce the risk that you or your children may get sick. The Family Health Guide offered these tips on Parenting.com.

Keeping Germs Away: Teach your kids to cover the mouth and nose with their armpit, rather than their hand, if they cough or sneeze. Viruses that cause colds and flu are usually transferred from one’s hand to the nose or mouth. Get them in the habit of washing their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, sneezing or coughing, and after they come home from school.

Boost Your Child’s Immune System: Kids can get an immunity boost from eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep. Dark colored foods have plenty of phytonutrients (called “phytos”) that include immune-boosting power. A multi-vitamin with a vitamin D supplement for kids up to age 18 will do the trick or those kids who won’t touch fruits and vegetables.

Stay Active: Exercising outside exposes kids to sunlight which is important for physical and mental health. It also increases vitamin D intake and helps keep away the winter blues.

Sleep Time: Babies need approximately 14 hours of sleep, while toddlers require around 13. If your child is sleep-deprived, that can limit white blood cells that help fight disease.

Heating Bill Assistance Now Available

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Beginning Nov. 1, Pennsylvania residents having trouble heating their homes may not have to chose between food or fuel this winter.
The federally –funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, offers cash grants to pay heating bills and are sent directly to the family’s utility company to offset costs.
Crisis grants are also available to families who may be in danger of being without heat and may be used to buy fuel or repair heating equipment.
According to the state Department of Public Welfare this year’s income guidelines are as follows:
1 person -- $16,335 maximum income2 people -- $22,065 maximum income3 people -- $27,795 maximum income4 people -- $33,525 maximum income5 people -- $39,255 maximum income6 people -- $44,985 maximum income7 people -- $50,715 maximum income8 people -- $56,445 maximum income9 people -- $62,175 maximum income10 people -- $67,905 maximum income (For each additional person, add $5,730)The minimum those who qualify may receive is $100 and the maximum is $300.You can apply for LIHEAP by visiting a county assistance office, applying online at www.compass.state.pa.us; or download an application from the Department of Public Welfare website at www.dpw.state.pa.us and return the application to their county assistance office.

Offer Allergy-Friendly Treats This Halloween

2011-10-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here’s a scary statistic: About 12 million Americans, roughly 4% of the population, suffer from food allergies. And according to a study in the journal Pediatrics, about 8% of children under 18 in the US have at least one food allergy.

To keep your Halloween festivities fun, an article on CNN.com has some suggestions for parents of trick or treaters:

If your children do have food allergies, check to make sure your medicine is up-to-date before leaving the house. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector to treat anaphylactic shock, they typically expire within one year.

Check labels on candy and treats. They can be mass produced on shared equipment, which can expose children to something they might be allergic to.

Keep some safe treats with you, so if your child becomes hungry, they can dig into something you know won’t affect them.

Ask friends and neighbors to keep a separate bowl of allergen-free candy.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Halloween-themed contact lenses can be dangerous

2011-10-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

They may enhance your Halloween costume, but contact lenses sold without a prescription may pose serious health risks.
According to a statement issued recently by the Pennsylvania Department Health, contact lenses sold at flea markets, Halloween specialty stores, online and other outlets can cause damage from improper fit if not dispensed from a trained and licensed health care professional.
"Every eye has its own unique shape and curvature and many of these decorative lenses lack proper instruction for use," state Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli N. Avila said in the agency warning.
Improperly fitting contact lenses can cause loss of the eye, blindness, impaired vision, corneal damage, infection and allergic reaction the warning stated.
For more information visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH

The Staff of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Goes on Autumn Hike

2011-10-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

The staff of Michael J. O'Connor and Associates took advantage of the warm autumn weather recently, taking a hike along the Broad Mountain.

Led by "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, Education Coordinator for the Schuylkill County Conservation District, the group walked several miles enjoying some of the beautiful scenery of Schuylkill County.

The hiking tour began at the State Game Lands entrance on Route 61 just north of Saint Clair and traveled along the former Reading and Philadelphia railroad lines.

The group saw many interesting sites including a bear's den and a hidden waterfall. Porcupine Pat talked about county history and identified native plants and trees along the trail.

The staff tries to hike as a group at least once each year choosing a new trail to explore each time.

In the past the group has hiked a trail just off the Burma Road as well as walking at Sweet Arrow Lake.

Social Security Recipients Receive First Increase Since 2009

2011-10-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Social Security Administration announced Oct. 19 benefit recipients will receive a 3.6 percent cost of living adjustment.

This is the first time since 2009 that monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income has been raised.

The adjustment will be seen beginning with Social Security benefits received in Jan. 2012 and SSI benefits received Dec. 30, 2011.

According to a Social Security Administration news release, when information about Medicare changes for 2012 are announced it will be available at www.Medicare.gov.

American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Parents Not to use Crib Bumpers

2011-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

In an article on Parenting.com, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging parents to discontinue the use of bumper pads in infant cribs.

The recommendations were issued as part of an update and expanded set of guidelines on safe sleep and SIDS prevention for babies. This is the first time that the APP has officially come out against the use of crib bumpers.

According to the article, the AAP says that although there is no evidence that crib bumpers protect against injury, they may cause suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment if an infant’s breathing becomes obstructed by rolling into a bumper.

In the article, Rachel Moon, M.D, FAAAP, of the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., chairperson of the AAP SIDS task force and lead author of the new guidelines, is quoted as saying, “In 2005, when we last published a policy statement and recommendations, we had some concerns about bumper pads, but we didn’t really have a lot of evidence that this was a real problem. Since then, there have been some published studies looking at bumper pads, and we concluded that if there’s not reason for them to be in the crib, it’s better to just have them out of there, particularly in light of the deaths that have been reported, that have been associated with the bumper pads.”

In a study published in the September 2007 issue of The Journal of Pediatrics, based on information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1985 to 2005, researchers found reports of 27 accidental deaths of children ages 1 month to 2 years, resulting from suffocation when they became caught against a bumper or strangled by a bumper tie around the neck.

In the article, Moon says that she hopes retailers will discontinue the sale of crib bumpers as a result of the revised APP guidelines: “The problem is that a lot of parents don’t understand that the Consumer Products Safety Commission is not a proactive agency; it’s a reactive agency. So, it only recalls things if there’s a problem. It doesn’t approve products before they go on the market. And a lot of parents have this perception that if stores sell it, it must be safe – because if it wasn’t safe, why would people sell it? And that’s clearly not true. I think that it’s important that parents realize that these things are not safe for their babies.”

NJ Turnpike Closed for 5 Hours Following Tractor-Trailer Accident

2011-10-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, an accident involving a tractor-trailer and a van closed 35 miles of the southbound lane of the New Jersey Turnpike for nearly 5 hours.

An investigation into the crash is underway. It reportedly involved a tractor trailer that rear-ended a van towing canoes just south of Interchange 1, the exit for the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Officials closed the southbounds lanes from there to Interchange 4, Mount Laurel. The accident occurred around 2:30 AM.

The truck driver was not injured, but state troopers performed CPR on the van's driver. She was flown to a hospital in stable condition.

Although an investigation is underway as to the cause of this accident, the severity of the van driver's injuries go to show just how dangerous getting hit from behind by a tractor trailer can be. The time of the accident can also cause us to call into question the truck driver's attention to the road and how long he may have been on the road before the accident occurred. If you've been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to believe that this Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country. But so many of us remember all too clearly that tragic day when nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the destruction of the Twin Towers, the attack on the Pentagon, and the plane crash in Western Pennsylvania. And we remember the heroic efforts of the firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders who sacrificed their own lives to save others. The heart-wrenching stories of loss and survival are ones that we still remember and must never forget.

So this Sunday, we join with all those across our country and around the world as we watch the National September 11 Memorial rise from the ashes of the World Trade Center site. And we ask you to join with the staff of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates as we remember those who perished on 9/11/2001, as well as their families.

United we stand, together in memory. We must never forget!

Flooding in Schuylkill County

2011-09-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

With a flood warning still in effect and a disaster emergency declared for our county, we hope that everyone is taking precautions as rain continues to fall. We found these tips on Flood Safety that were provided by FEMA.gov and NOAA.gov that we thought we’d pass along to you.

1. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.

2. You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.

3. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.

4. Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around. Find another route to your destination.

5. If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.

6. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.

7. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

8. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.

9. One foot of water will float almost many vehicles.

10. Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles – including SUVs and pick-ups.

Keep updated on the weather and any mandatory evacuations by tuning into your local radio or television stations. Stay safe!

From the Heart of Latino Art on Display at Googleworks Center for the Arts

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a Latino art exhibit titled “From the Heart of Latino Art” is being held at Googleworks Center for the Arts in Reading, PA.

Over 70 works of art created by Hispanic artists from Berks County will be on display now through the end of September.

In an article on WFMZ.com, photographer Lizette Mendez explained that a medical missionary trip to Honduras served as the inspiration for her photography. “Trying to allow the person who sees my photos to see what I saw at that moment. To be able to capture it in a way where they can walk away from that photo and say wow that was pretty deep,” says Mendez.

The exhibit is sponsored by the African-American Coalition of Reading (A.C.O.R.). Latin American countries stretching through South America are represented.

Compression Boots Suggested During C-Sections

2011-09-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists came out with new guidelines, recommending that hospitals use special inflating boots on women’s legs during c-sections to prevent the risk of a blood clot.

According to Parenting.com, almost one-third of the babies born in the U.S. are delivered by cesarean section.

The clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs, becoming a dangerous pulmonary embolism. According to the article, women are especially susceptible to clots during the few weeks before and after birth because the blood changes to protect against excessive bleeding during childbirth.

Although DVT is rare (about 2 in every 1000 pregnant women), the boots can cut the risk of DVT dramatically.

The recommendation of the boot for those undergoing a c-section seems like a precaution that should become a regular part of this type of surgery. We know it's all too easy for medical negligence to lead to things such as birth injuries. If your child's birth injury was caused by medical negligence, we may be able to help. Contact the birth injury attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Tour Bus Driver Indicted on Manslaughter for Fatal March Accident

2011-09-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

The driver of the World Wide Travel bus that crashed on Interstate 95 in New York in March, killing 15 passengers, was indicted on manslaughter charges in Bronx State Supreme Court on Thursday.

At the time of the accident, the bus was returning to Manhattan’s Chinatown from an overnight trip to a Connecticut casino. Along with those who were killed, dozens were injured.

According to the article, prosecutors allege that the driver not only lacked a valid driver’s license, but that he also was sleep deprived. An investigation into the accident has revealed that the driver had been driving during what should have been his off hours, causing a lack of adequate sleep. In the article, Gary Weil, a prosecutor in the Bronx district attorney’s office is quoted as saying, “This defendant owed it to his passengers to do better. What makes this a reckless act is he knew what his condition was and chose to ignore it.”

The driver has been charged with 15 counts of manslaughter, 15 counts of criminally negligent homicide, 23 counts of assault based on the number of injuries the passengers received, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

According to the article, the crash prompted officials to scrutinize the discount tour bus industry, which has operated with little oversight.

Back to School Safety Tips

2011-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

The approach of the Labor Day holiday marks the end of summer and for many parents, their favorite time of year: back to school. So we thought a refresher course in back to school safety was in order, compliments of the website SafeKids.org.

Reminders for Drivers

Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones.

Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.

Reminder for Kids

They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars.

Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.

From all of us at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, welcome back to school! Make the most of it!

Pennsylvania Braces for Hurricane Irene

2011-08-26T13:15:00.001-07:00

As Hurricane Irene barrels up the east coast this weekend, we urge our clients and neighbors to stay safe and be prepared. Our local paper, The Republican Herald, reports that Gov. Tom Corbett has declared a state of emergency in PA, in anticipation of the wind, rain, and flooding that Irene is likely to leave in her path. The hurricane is expected to affect the eastern half of the state.
Pennsylvania could see as much as 7 inches of rain in the Philadelphia area that could cause the Schuylkill River and other bodies of water to flood, according to CNN.com. As a result, the National Weather Service in State College has issued a flash flood watch for Schuylkill, Lebanon, York, and Lancaster Counties from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
We've listed a few websites below where you can find the most up-to-date information on the storm, as well as helpful tips to keep you safe as Irene passes through our area. From everyone here at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates, stay safe this weekend!
ReadyPA.org
WNEP.com/Weather
Republicanherald.com/Weather
Weather.gov

Motorcycle Accident in Birdsboro Claims 2 Lives

2011-08-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

A man and woman on a motorcycle were killed in Birdsboro, PA when another man drove a van into the path of the motorcycle.

According to The Mercury of Pottstown, the accident occurred in Union Township. The man driving the motorcycle and his female passenger were killed. Both were wearing helmets.

The motorcyle was traveling east on Route 724 when the van pulled out from a pharmacy parking lot. The driver of the van was not injured.

This sad story shows that even when a motorcycle rider is taking proper precautions by wearing a helmet, it’s sometimes no match against the momentary lapse in judgment of an automobile driver. It’s always important to take that extra minute to look for motorcycles on the road. That extra minute could save a life.

Efforts Underway to Reduce Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Pennsylvania

2011-08-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

In an effort to reduce the number of tractor-trailer crashes in the Keystone state, the Pocono Record recently reported that the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, state police, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have combined their efforts and are working together.

In fact, the Pennsylvania state police recently earned the highest possible rating from the FMCSA for providing timely and accurate crash inspection data, according to the state police. More than 93,000 random truck inspections were conducted across PA, a 14 percent increase from 2009.

Specially trained officers are used from Pennsylvania’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, state police, the state Public Utility Commission and other local and regional police departments. They inspect required commercial driver credentials and vehicle components, including tires and brakes.

Violations can put the truck or the driver out of service until corrections are made. More than 88,000 violations were discovered last year, according to state police spokesman Sgt. Anthony Manetta.

On the trucking side, American Trucking Associations (ATA) ensures its members comply with state and federal highway trucking safety standards. In the article, Rob Abbott, ATA vice president of safety and policy, is quoted as saying, “Our carriers (trucking companies) mandate drug testing for their drivers.” He added, “Statistics show it’s driver behavior, not vehicle failure, which is more likely to cause accidents.”

In Camp Hill, the Pennsylvania Motor Carrier Association, which is part of the ATA, also partners with other agencies to develop and promote safety initiatives for both truckers and the general motoring public.

Our main office and many of our satellite offices are close to major interstates, such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-80, I-81, and I-95. So we were happy to hear of these efforts to reduce tractor-trailer accidents on Pennsylvania roads. We also applaud the drivers who make every effort to follow the safety protocols and procedures that keep all of us safe on the roads.

Chemical Leak From Tractor Trailer Closes I-95 Near Philadelphia

2011-08-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Delaware Count Daily Times reported that around 4:45 PM on Friday Interstate 95 was close in both directions because of a hazardous leak from a tractor-trailer.

The newspaper reported that a state trooper noticed the leak and pulled over the tanker in Tinicum Township. The truck was reported to be carrying acetic anhydride, a chemical that can be noxious and corrosive.

A decontamination unit had to assess the damage before travel could resume. Both lanes of I-95 reopened around 10 PM.

A representative from the Department of Environmental Protection will visit the scene because of the spill’s proximity to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects the last 200 acres of freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania.

If not for the swift thinking of the state trooper, this accident could not only have caused harm to humans in the surrounding area, but also wildlife in the refuge. There are procedures and protocol that truck drivers must follow when they are carrying hazardous chemicals over the road. If you or someone you know has been involved in a tractor trailer accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Lawsuit Filed in 2009 Fatal Truck Accident on I-81 in Pennsylvania

2011-08-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

The truck driver involved in a crash that killed a man in 2009 on I-81 in Carlisle is being sued, along with 4 trucking companies, by the man’s widow.

At the time of the accident, the truck driver lost control of his rig and crossed the median, then became airborne and crashed into the man’s car. According to an article on Cumberlink.com, it was soon after the crash that state police obtained a warrant to search the truck for evidence of mechanical failure, trip logs, shipping papers, as well as evidence of illegal stimulants, to try and determine the details of the accident.

The lawsuit asserts that each defendant owed a duty of care to others on public streets and highways to obey state and federal regulations with regard to safe, prudent, and lawful operation of a commercial motor vehicle, as stated by the law firm representing the man’s widow.

The lawsuit also claims that the driver of the truck failed to maintain control of the truck and to take evasive action to avoid a collision and that the companies named in the suit failed to properly hire, train, and supervise the driver.

There are situations where it can take some time to properly build a solid case. Evidence must be gathered and analyzed and witness statements taken and recorded. Depending on the type of accident, there may be a statute of limitations. In this situation, this woman has taken an important step in protecting her future and the legacy of her husband: she hired an attorney. An attorney who is experienced in truck accident cases will know exactly the procedure to follow to get you the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, you may be eligible for financial benefits. Contact the truck attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Tractor Trailer Spills Hazardous Liquid, Forcing Evacuations in Indiana, PA

2011-08-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

An early morning accident on Friday forced dozens of families from their homes after a tractor-trailer spilled hazardous liquid in Indiana County.

Hazmat crews were called to the scene because corrosive liquid leaked from the truck after it overturned along Route 119 in North Mahoning Township.

WTAE.com reported that some families were able to return to their homes, but other families would only be allowed to return once the scene was clear.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are more than 800,000 shipments of hazardous materials in trucks every day. Drivers who are transporting hazardous materials are just as likely to succumb to the same errors and oversights as drivers who are transporting other material: speeding; use of controlled substances; and driver fatigue. But accidents involving hazardous materials can have even more far reaching consequences. The accident mentioned above caused the evacuation of a number of families in the area and could just as easily have involved injuries or even fatalities. If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer and the fault was the driver of the truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Fatal Accident in Perry County, PA Involving PennDOT Truck

2011-08-05T08:58:00.001-07:00

Fox 43 has reported this week that a PennDOT truck made an illegal u-turn on a road in Perry County, striking a car and killing the car’s passenger.

State police reported that the accident happened Tuesday morning at the Amity Hall on-ramp of SR 11/15. As the dump truck entered the right northbound lane of the highway, it began to make the u-turn and hit a car in the middle of its passenger car, causing the car to spin. The front passenger in the car died. The driver and a 5-year-old child riding in the back of the car were flown to a local hospital.

A tragic story like this is hard to accept when it is proven that it could have been prevented. The evidence points to the driver of the truck who was making an illegal u-turn. We may want to overlook the rules of the road if we have become lost or missed our exit, but this is a perfect example of why we must obey them. If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck or auto accident and the fault is the driver of the other vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the auto accident attorneys of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Fisher-Price Recalls Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagons

2011-07-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

Popular children’s toy manufacturer, Fisher-Price, recalled it’s Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon on Thursday due to a problem with the wagon’s handle.

The wagon was sold at retail stores nationwide from June 2009 through July 2011 for approx. $25. The model number is P8977 and it can be found on the bottom of the wagon. The toy name “Little People Builders” is found on a label on the side of the wagon. Wagons with green handles are not included in this recall.

The wagon’s handle has molded-in reinforcement that can cause a laceration of the child falls on it.

Parents are urged not to let their children play with this toy. You can contact Fisher-Price for instructions on how to obtain a free repair kit by visiting www.service.mattel.com.

Tips for Grilling Safely

2011-07-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Although the end of July is upon us, we’ve still got a few more weeks of summer left to enjoy and relax. One of the highlights is summer is cooking on the grill. So we thought we’d provide these tips we found on CNN.com to make sure you’re grilling safely.

Remember to always wash your hands before you begin to prepare and grill your food.

Keep meats and seafoods cold before grilling. Keep them in the refrigerator or in a cooler if you are away from home. A safe temperature to keep them at is 40 degrees or below.

When preparing your meal, keep meats and other foods separate. Don’t use the same cutting board for meat and vegetables.

If you plan on using marinades, keep them in the refrigerator and don’t let them sit out.

Make sure meats are cooked thoroughly at 140 degrees or above until they are ready to be served.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Lancaster County

2011-07-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

Lancaster County, known for its population of Amish and Mennonite, is largely farm country. It winding county roads and acres of picturesque green pastures make it an idea location for motorcycle riding. But even in paradise, accidents happen.
According to WHPTV.com, another fatal motorcycle accident happened this week in Lancaster County. Reports say that early Wednesday morning, a man on a motorcycle riding south on Route 501 in Warwick Township, was struck when a truck travelling north turned left onto a side road. Route 501 was closed in the area.

Even the most experienced and skilled motorcycle riders don’t stand a chance in an accident with a car or truck. Statistics show that most motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist, but the fault of the other driver. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Carlisle, PA

2011-07-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

A man was killed on Thursday when his motorcycle was struck from behind by a car on northbound I-81 in Carlisle.

According to the Cumberland Times-News, Pennsylvania State Police say the the motorcycle was in the right lane when the front of a Carlisle woman’s car touched the back of the cycle. As a result of the impact, the motorcycle hit the ground and the rider landed in the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car, who is 19, was not injured. The crash is under investigation.

As the details of this tragic accident unfold, it brings to mind two reminders as cars and motorcycles share the road. First, automobile drivers of all ages should be on the look out for motorcycles. But younger drivers should be especially careful, since they may not have as much experience with different situations that can occur when driving in traffic with other modes of transportation, such as motorcycles and trucks.

Second, when on the road you should always practice keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. According to the website, SmartMotorist.com, you can ensure a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you by following the “three-second rule.” To determine the right following distance, first select a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign, tree, or overpass. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, slowly count “one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand.” If you reach the object before completing the count, you’re following too closely. Not following this rule can lead to a fender bender with another auto, or it can lead to something more tragic, if the vehicle in front of you is a motorcycle.

Electronic Devices Have Become a Distraction Across All Modes of Transportation

2011-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

We read an eye-opening article on Philly.com about the widespread use of electronic devices across all modes of transportation. The article revisited the tragic accident that happened last year on the Delaware River when a tugboat ran over an amphibious “duck” boat, killing 2 international tourists. According to the article, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the collision was caused by the tugboat mate’s failure to maintain a proper lookout due to his repeated use of a cellphone and laptop computer.

The article notes that even though it was a violation of company policy, no one else on the tugboat objected to the mate’s repeated use of his cellphone, in which he made 13 calls and received 5 calls during the 80 minutes before the accident.

Another example of distraction in air transportation occurred in October 2009, when two pilots were out of radio communication with air traffic control for more than an hour because they were using their personal laptops. They overflew their destination by more than 100 miles, only realizing their error when a flight attendant inquired about preparing for arrival.

In another case, the NTSB determined that distraction due to text messaging was the cause of a commuter train engineer’s running a red signal in suburban Los Angeles in September 2008. It resulted in a head-on collision with a freight train, that killed 25 people and injured dozens of others.

The article points out that unfortunately, many of us feel that we can make a quick call or send a short text while operating a vehicle. Even with laws designed to dissuade such behavior, society doesn’t really disapprove of such behavior. But there is hope – take the example of smoking on planes. The article mentions that it took almost 2 decades, but societal expectations have changed and smoking is no longer allowed on planes and is in fact frowned upon. If we all work to make distracting behaviors while operating a vehicle an unacceptable behavior, perhaps one day we can lower the numbers of those killed or injured from such behavior.

Fireworks Safety

2011-07-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest summer holidays is the Fourth of July, the day when Americans celebrate our independence and the birthday of the United States. Celebrations often include red, white, and blue to commemorate the American flag as well as vibrant firework displays. So we thought we’d pass along some tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety (www.FireworkSafety.com) to help keep your celebrations happy and safe. They recommend:

Use fireworks outdoors only.

Always have water handy, either a bucket of water or a hose.

Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

Only person over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives. Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

In the state of Pennsylvania, there are certain fireworks that are permitted and not regulated by the Fireworks Law. They are ground and hand-held sparkling devices, novelties (including party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers, dipped sticks), and toy caps. All others are specifically prohibited, except that a display permit may be obtained from the municipality where the consumer fireworks will be used.

So enjoy your celebrations and have a Happy 4th of July from all of us at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates!

Bus Accident on PA Turnpike Kills Drive and Injures 23 Passengers

2011-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday a tour bus hit a tractor trailer on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, killing the bus driver and injuring 23 passengers. The accident happened when the bus slammed into the rear of a flatbed tractor trailer near the Donegal exit of the turnpike.

An article on HamptonRoads.com reported that the bus was operated by Mr. Ho Charter Service out of Pennsylvania and was owned by the New York company, New Oriental Tours. According the article, both companies have been cited for a number of safety violations over the past two years, including fatigued driving, as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

There have been other recent fatal crashes involving buses that have caused a federal crackdown on the discount bus industry.

In May four people were killed when the driver of a Sky Express bus headed to New York City fell asleep. In March, 15 people were killed when a bus returning from a Connecticut casino veered off a highway in New York City.

Federal regulators ordered Sky Express buses off the road after a deadly wreck outside Richmond. Less than two weeks later, a Virginia Beach-based company that had been leasing Sky Express buses for a route connecting Hampton Roads with Washington’s Chinatown reopened with buses registered to New Oriental Tours.

When we travel by bus, it’s often to give ourselves a break and to be able to relax during a long journey. We place our safety and our trust in the bus driver and the tour company. But sometimes the tour company is more concerned with the bottom line. If you are involved in a bus accident where the driver is at fault, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on 309 in Butler Township

2011-06-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

One of our local papers, the Standard Speaker, (www.StandardSpeaker.com) has reported that a fatal accident happened on Sunday involving a motorcycle and a car.

According to the article, the motorcycle was northbound on Route 309 when a car was turning left from another road onto 309. The impact caused the man to be thrown from the motorcycle and the car to spin. The motorcycle rider was flown to a local hospital, but later died from his injuries.

Route 309 was closed for about 3 hours. Charges against the driver of the car are pending an investigation.

This time of year, it’s important to stay alert as we share the road with motorcycles. Use your eyes and your mirrors to see what’s around. Check blind spots when you are changing lanes or turning at intersections. Remember to look, and look again.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have a case. Contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Truck Driver Being Investigated in Fatal Amtrak Crash in Nevada

2011-06-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

According to an article on today’s HuffingtonPost.com, authorities say five people remain unaccounted for and 6 are dead after an accident on Friday involving a tractor trailer and an Amtrak train. Investigators are searching for answers as to why the truck driver failed to stop before the crossing, which had its gates down and warning lights on.

National Transportation Safety Board Member, Earl Weener, said that the flashing lights at the crossing that are set to blink for 25 seconds before a train approaches would have been visible from a half-mile away if a motorist was driving the highway’s 70-mph speed limit.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen is quoted in the article as saying the investigation would include “not necessarily just drugs or alcohol, but fatigue, driver inattention.”

The driver worked for a family-owned trucking company out of Nevada. According to the article, federal records reviewed by The Associated Press showed the Nevada Department of Public Safety has cited the company for crashes, unsafe driving, and most seriously, operating a truck with tire treads so exposed that it had to be taken off the road. In that inspection, authorities deemed the rig an imminent hazard to public safety. The company was also cited for two crashes in the last two years, including one accident that injured a person.

Investigators will meet with the company this week to review the driver’s medical history, training, and experience, as well as his professional commercial driving record.

Until the investigation is concluded and all the details are revealed, we won’t know what caused this terrible and tragic crash. But it does cause us to think about the consequences that can result from driver inattention or driver fatigue. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a big rig, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Tractor Trailer Driver Cited for Failure to Maintain Lane in Delaware Accident

2011-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

A tractor trailer accident that occurred this week on Coastal Highway 1 in Delaware not only tied up traffic on one of the main routes the beach for shore-goers, it also highlights what can happen when a truck with a wide load loses control of its cargo.

According to DelawareOnline.com, Delaware State Police said the accident happened Thursday afternoon near Waples Pond. That’s where a tractor trailer with a mobile home went onto the shoulder of Del. 1 south and hit a guard rail. The trailer then went back across the southbound lanes of the road and stopped on a grass median, causing the mobile home to come off the trailer and fall in the middle of the road. Police were still clearing the lanes in the area that night.

The left lane of travel was blocked, although no other vehicles were involved. The truck driver was cited for failure to maintain his lane.

Trucks can be difficult to maneuver. Add to it a wide or oversized load like a mobile home and a truck driver must be at his full attention until his cargo is safely unloaded. Even with the slightest distraction, a driver can easily find himself on the shoulder of the road. If you’ve been involved in an accident where a truck driver was cited for not maintaining his lane of travel, you may have a case. Contact the tractor trailer accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Accident on I-84 in Pennsylvania Destroyed 3 Cars and Involved 2 Tractor Trailers

2011-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

An accident on Monday afternoon on I-84 in Pennsylvania near the New York state line involved seven people, destroyed 3 cars, and damaged 2 tractor trailers.

The RecordOnline.com of Middletown, NY has reported that state police are investigating the accident which appears to have been caused when the first tractor trailer hit a minivan when traffic was stopped due to construction.

The truck then steered left, hitting a BMW. The BMW hit another tractor trailer. The second tractor trailer was pushed into a Toyota Tacoma.

Debris from the accident was strewn across I-84 and the highway was shut down for hours.

This time of year, when many people are leaving for vacation and traveling on roads they are not familiar with, it’s important to stay alert for changes in traffic patterns and construction areas. It’s easy to lose your focus when driving and suddenly have the traffic in front of you slowed or even stopped due to road work. If you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer and the truck driver was responsible for the accident, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Portable Pools Can Be A Hazard

2011-06-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today begins the first official day of summer. And for many adults and children, it also means it’s time to hit the pool. But according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics, parents should be aware of the potential danger with portable swimming pools.

Portable pools include wading pools, inflatable pools, and soft-sided pools. According to an article on CNN.com, the study looked at deaths and injuries that occurred in portable swimming pools among children younger than age 12 in the United States. Between 2001 and 2009, 244 incidents were reported among that age group. The study found that 86%, or 209 cases, were fatal. And 94 percent of the incidents involved children younger than age 5. The article noted that incidents can occur in less than 2 feet of water.

When looking at portable pool submersion incidents, the study found that the cases increased 500% from 2001 to 2005, but that the injury rate held steady from 2005 to 2009.

It’s always important to make sure children are supervised when they are playing in pools. The authors of the study suggest that the portable pool industry consider developing reasonable priced fencing to limit access to pools. They also recommend covers for pools and the development of alarm systems that sound when a child enters the pool. Parents and caregivers can also benefit from water safety instruction and CPR in the event of an accident.

So enjoy your summer and be safe in the water!

Can the Motorcycle Helmet Law Make a Return to Pennsylvania?

2011-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

In 2003, Pennsylvania abandoned its universal motorcycle helmet law, allowing riders over the age of 21 with two years experience or safety training to make the decision about wearing a helmet. But according to an article on NewsWorks.org, motorcycle accident deaths and head injuries have gone up. They noted that in 2008 there was a 32 percent increase in head injury deaths and a 42 percent increase in head injury-related hospitalizations. They also reported that there were 4016 motorcycles crashes in Pennsylvania in 2010 with 233 fatalities.

Democrat Dan Frankel is backing legislation that would mandate all riders to where helmets. There can be an enormous cost for care when someone suffers a head injury. Frankel feels that taxpayers end up paying the hospital bills for many riders who either don’t have health insurance or long-term care insurance. Dr. Guy Fried of Magee Rehabilitation in Philadelphia is quoted in the article as saying, “You can have a head injury where the person is comatose or in a vegetative state for the rest of their life. Or, you can have someone who is dazed and confused and needs quite a bit of rehabilitation to reorient them, or relearn how to walk or how to think.”

However, the article points out that many riders feel it is their choice whether they should wear a helmet or not. They feel police should do more to enforce the exisiting rules with young riders.

The proposed legislation is with the transportation committee in Harrisburg. It is uncertain whether it will receive support.

FDA Issues Warnings about High Doses of Zocor

2011-06-14T09:52:00.001-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new warnings about the cholesterol drug, Zocor. They caution that the highest dose of the drug can cause muscle damage and in rare cases kidney damage.

The warning applies to patients taking 80 milligrams, the highest dose of the drug. Patients who have been taking this dosage for more than a year without signs of injury can continue to do so. It is recommended that new patients should start on a lower dose.
Dr. Michael Rosenblatt, chief medical officer for Merck, the maker of Zocor, is quoted in an article on MSNBC.com as saying, “This is an important medicine for these patients because they are at the highest risk for heart disease. Patients shouldn’t stop taking this medicine on their own. They should talk to their doctor.”

The muscle damage that patients are experiencing is called myopathy and includes pain, tenderness, weakness, as well as increases in the muscle enzyme creatine kinase. In the most serious by rare cases, there can be fatal injury to the kidneys, found to affect about 5 out of every 100,000 people who have been taking Zocor for a year.

According to the FDA, more than 2.1 million patients in the U.S. received a prescription for the Merck drug or a generic equivalent last year.

The side effects of a drug might not be readily known when it first appears on the market. Its only after it has been used for some time that clinical trials can discover painful and sometimes deadly repercussions. If you or someone you know has been taking Zocor at the 80 milligram dose and has any of the symptoms noted above, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Attorney Michael J. O'Connor Featured in USA Today as One of the Legal Elite

2011-06-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Attorney O'Connor was featured in the May 25 edition of USA Today as one of the Legal Elite. Read more about it in the following article by Jonathan Widran.

"Michael J. O'Connor Returns to Pennsylvania to Become One of His Home State's Top Workers' Comp Attorneys"

When it came to pursuing his career in law, Michael J. O'Connor could have easily established himself as a high powered attorney in almost any area of expertise.

Instead, the son and grandson of working union men chose to return to his roots in Pennsylvania and devote his career to helping injured workers obtain workers' compensation benefits, as well as defending against insurance companies attempting to terminate, suspend or modify lost wage benefits.

Growing up, O'Connor experienced first-hand the struggles of working class people. His father worked for Alcoa, the world's top aluminum manufacturer for 35 years, and was leader of the local union and head of the Job Evaluation Committee. O'Connor's great grandfather was killed in a mining accident. He was repeatedly told stories about the trials of his grandmother's childhood of not only losing a father at a very young age but also her family's only source of income. He had many other relatives who were injured in industrial accidents and had to battle through the workers' comp process.

"I saw first-hand the difficulties working families faced, and I realized that I could make a difference in their lives and help them as an attorney because I understand that culture and the kinds of struggles they go through," he says.

When he returned from law school, O'Connor worked for a firm in the area for two years handling real estate and family law. The ongoing itch to do workers' comp inspired him to launch his own firm, which began with just him and his wife as his part time secretary.

O'Connor's 22-year-old firm Michael J. O'Connor and Associates, LLC now has eight lawyers and 15 offices throughout a thirteen county area, representing the cases of thousands of fellow Pennsylvanians from Allentown and Bethlehem to Philadelphia, Reading, Scranton and Pittsburgh, against everything from massive Fortune 500 companies to smaller entities.

With a combination of integrity, reliability and trustworthiness, O'Connor and Associates have earned a reputation for the resolution of serious legal problems in the areas of workers' comp, auto accidents, tractor trailer accidents, birth injuries, dangerous drugs, hip replacements, Social Security Disability, Wills, Estates & Elder Law and Nursing Home Abuse. "Probably the worst kinds of accidents are those that happen in construction," he says, "in environments where iron workers are putting steel up. Their bodies take a pounding and eventually break down on them. There is so much accumulated physical damage."

O'Connor was named National and International Chair of the Workers' Compensation and Workplace Injury Section at the 2010 American Association for Justice (AAJ) Section Elections held in Vancouver at the AAJ 2010 Annual Convention. In this capacity, he monitors every detail of the country's workers' comp laws, recommends and conducts seminars at conventions and comes up with innovative new ideas to help people working in highest risk professions. As part of this educational element, O'Connor does regional seminars on workers' comp and updates on the laws. He also educates by routinely putting new information on his website and its blogs.

On April 29, 2011, O'Connor was named Labor Partner of the Year at the 2011 Lehigh Valley Labor Council Awards Dinner which took place in Northampton, Pennsylvania and was held at the Northampton Memorial Community Center.

While building a staff of lawyers who are among the best workers' comp attorneys in the state, O'Connor proactively fights to change the laws and attitudes that continue to suppress injured workers today. As a board member of the Workplace Injury Litigation Group (WILG), he works on national and state levels to advance just and fair remedies for victims of occupational injury and disease. With the so-called "Workers' Compensation Reform Movement" in full force, O'Connor believes it is crucial to protect the rights that leaders of the early labor movement sacrificed so much to secure.

He estimates that 75% of his firm's cases are related to his lifelong passion for justice in this area, making it clear on his website that he "does not represent employers or insurance companies." The impact of a workers' compensation claim goes far beyond hospital and doctor bills. It can also result in lost earnings, benefits and the ability to live as before. O'Connor & Associates represents injured worker's obtaining workers compensation benefits, as well as defending against insurance companies attempting to terminate, suspend or modify lost wage benefits. We also represent injured workers who are not currently in litigation and negotiate lump sum settlements.

When it comes to nursing home abuse cases, his firm engages in trying to get the homes to do right by their physically challenged, elderly patients. One of the biggest issues is bedsores. often the employees of the homes are low paid and not trained properly to take care of patients, so they never move them, causing these often horrific, terribly infected sores that can run down to the bone and often prove fatal. These claims can be filed by the patients themselves, or if they are deceased, by their estate posthumously.

"We have certain criteria which guides the way we choose which clients we will represent," O'Connor says. "We want to make sure we can be successful for everyone we work with, but we're very realistic in potential cases where we don't envision such an outcome. I also know from experience whether someone who comes to us is legitimately hurt or is simply trying to play the system. Choosing selectively gives us credibility.

"I think what sets us apart from other firms who work in this arena is the fact that we're fighters and we are very aggressive--because we believe so deeply in what we are doing. Our determination comes through in the courtroom and in the arbitration setting, and we have earned the respect of numerous judges and outside lawyers."

O'Connor believes that one of the keys to becoming a successful lawyer in the personal injury/workers' comp world is being a true "people person." He adds, "In seeking out lawyers to add to my team, I like to find people who have a real passion for this kind of work. If someone comes in and says they don't like dealing with people, they need to find another niche. It's definitely a people oriented business where clients have strong needs and empathy is important. I've always got on well with people who worked their way through law school working in retail or as bartenders and waitresses. They're more personable and generally more engaging to deal with. We have to know the law, but to be effective, we have to understand and connect on a personal level with our clients."

A tag line on the top of O'Connor's website guarantees "No Legal Fees Unless You Recover." Most of the firm's cases are contingency based, yet all of his lawyers are well aware of the fact that, as O'Connor says, "if I don't win for them, they won't eat that night." This is where his unique background helps him empathize with his clients; when he was growing up, if his father's union was on strike, there was no income.

"They've usually got a family to feed," he adds, "so we make it a very personal thing when we go to court, as if we are helping put food on the table. We are making a difference in people's lives by taking a great worry off of them as to who is going to pay their medical benefits and other bills. They come in worried they might go bankrupt in the process and we're there to hopefully achieve for them a lump sum benefit so they can live their life. If there is the possibility of healing and recovery, we try to make it so people can go back to work in a job they can do, without putting them back into a situation where they could get hurt worse. It's the same process with general personal injury cases. We look at the facts, determine who is at fault and what the damages are and figure out how we can help someone become whole again and get them back to where they once were in their lives."

O'Connor loves working in a place where being an attorney is a profession to be revered, not looked down upon or stereotyped. "We love it when we get client referrals from other clients who are happy with the way we have helped them. We pride ourselves on bringing happiness and a positive, healthy outlook on the future to people who came in thinking it was the end of the world."

Unsecured Beams from Tractor-Trailer Hit and Kill Motorcycle Driver and Passenger

2011-06-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

The DailyGazette.com of Schenectady, NY reported that a man and woman were killed when they were hit by a metal construction beam while riding a motorcyle.

A flatbed tractor-trailer carrying box bean guard rails stopped quickly and swerved to the left to avoid hitting motorcycles stopped on his side of the roadway. That caused an unsecured metal beam to swing out into the southbound lane, hitting and killing the motorcyle driver and his passenger, who were in the area for a motorcycle rally.

Police said there was no indication that excessive speed or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. However, an investigation continues.

If it is proven that the beam was not secured properly on the trailer, the truck driver in this incident could be held liable, as well as the company he drives for. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Car and Tractor-Trailer Collide in Shenandoah

2011-06-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

Our local paper, the RepublicanHerald, published an article on Wednesday about a tractor-trailer accident in the town of Shenandoah.

According to borough police, the truck was traveling south on Main Street and had its turn signal on to make a right onto West Centre Street. A driver and passenger in a Mitsubishi Galant were also heading south on Main Street in the right hand lane. According to the article, as the truck turned right, it struck the Galant, causing damage to the driver’s side and windshield and the passenger-side rear tire was pushed off its rim. There were no injuries.

Drive Safe PA states in their Safe Driving Facts that driver behavior accounts for more than 80 percent of all Pennsylvania crashes. They also note that because trucks are so long, they need to swing wide when making a tight right turn. Drive Safe PA cautions: Don’t be fooled by thinking you can squeeze by on the right. So when you are out on the road, pay attention to large trucks that are around you. We all need to share the road!

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Goes to Court in New Jersey

2011-06-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

A New Jersy man was charged with death by auto when he ran into the back of a motorcycle, killing the motorcycle driver.

The motorcycle driver was a Pennsylvania man who was stopped at a light in the early morning hours on July 31, 2010. The driver of the auto claims that the motorcylce driver's foot was off the brake, so that a small running light on the back of the bike was the only visible sign that he had stopped at the light.

According to NJ.com, the attorney for the driver of the car plans to recreate the conditions of the crash scene so an expert can determine the visibility on the road the night of the crash.

The driver of the car faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. A superior court judge is expected to rule on a motion by the driver's attorney to suppress evidence that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Tests show the driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.066, which is under the 0.08 level for drunk driving in New Jersey.

This tragic accident is a reminder that we must be on the lookout for motorcycles that share the road with us. This time of year, motorcyclists take to the road by the thousands. It's always best to take an extra minute to look around before changing lanes and before making turns, as motorcycles can sometimes be difficult to spot. If you or someone you know is a motorcycle rider who has been injured in an accident, you may have a case. Contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Recent Accidents Put Spotlight on Amusement Parks and Childrens' Rides

2011-06-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

As we enter into summer, we’re reminded of the unfortunate accidents that can happen while our children are at play. This weekend the news reported 2 such accidents in neighboring states to Pennsylvania.

In New York, a heavy gust of wind appears to be the culprit in an accident that left 13 people injured, according to an article on CNN.com. As a soccer tournament was held in Long Island, 3 inflatable bounce houses floated away when wind blew across the field and sent them airborne. A Nassau County police officer is quoted in the article as saying, “Once they hit the ground, they began rolling and struck several people on the ground.”

One person who was about to enter the bounce house said her neck got hooked on a rope connected to the house. A total of 13 people were treated for minor injuries at local hospitals. Although there may not be any criminal charges, it is thought that there could be civil cases stemming from the accident.

On Friday, an 11-year-old girl died after falling from a ferris wheel while on a class trip to an amusement park in New Jersey. According to CNN.com, the girl was riding one of the park’s main attractions, “The Great Wheel.” At 156 feet, it is one of the tallest ferris wheels on the East Coast. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the accident. The cause of the girl’s fall is still unknown. Carnival Amusement inspectors were also on the scene conducting their own investigation. This is the first time someone has fallen from the ride since it opened in 1985.

If you are injured because of negligence or if a party responsible for maintaining a property fails to provide a safe environment, you may have a claim. Call the experienced accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Fatal Crash on I-83 in York County, PA involving Passenger Car and Truck

2011-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

WGAL.com reported a fatal accident on Monday involving a passenger car and two tractor trailers that took place on I-83 in Manchester Township, York County.

State police reported that a tractor trailer going northbound on I-83 merged into the left lane, forcing a Subaru that was already in the left lane into the concrete median. As the tractor trailer continued to merge left, the Subaru traveled up and over the median wall, and fell into oncoming traffic in the southbound lane. Another tractor trailer traveling in the southbound lane tried unsuccessfully to avoid the Subaru, and jack-knifed across both southbound lanes.

According to the article, state police believe the hood of the Subaru unlatched and flew back onto the windshield of the car, killing the driver.

This tragic incident reminds us that as we travel this summer, it’s important for trucks and cars to share the road. DriveSafePA.com offers some tips for sharing the road:

Trucks weigh more and need more time to stop. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can take almost twice as long to stop as a car. When driving in front of a truck, don’t slow down suddenly unless it is absolutely necessary. Be sure to signal a turn or lane change in plenty of time to allow the truck driver to react. If traffic in front of you has come to a standstill, put on your emergency blinkers to alert drivers behind you.

Don’t hang out in the no-zone. If you can’t see the truck driver or the truck’s mirrors, then the driver can’t see you. When you’re following a truck, be sure to stay far enough back and even out a bit to the left, so that the truck driver can see you in his rearview mirror.

When passing a truck, don’t linger alongside the truck since that can put you in the driver’s blind spot. When you are fare enough ahead of the truck that you can see the front tires in hour rearview mirror, it is safe to pull in front of the truck. But never pull in front of a truck and slow down, as this eliminates the truck driver’s cushion of safety.

Have a safe and happy time traveling this summer!

Woman Awarded $600,000 in New Jersey Car Accident

2011-05-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

As a law firm that maintains an active personal injury practice, we work hard to stay up-to-date on recent cases involving automobile and truck accidents where individuals who have been injured. We read a story that appeared on NJ.com this month where a woman was awarded a $600,000 settlement from Gloucester County because of a severe car accident in which she lost her near-term fetus.

The accident occurred nearly six years ago, when a tractor-trailer went through a stop sign, striking the woman’s car. The truck driver claimed that a storm the night before caused branches and sagging leaves to block the sign from view. However, a township police officer noticed the obstructed stop sign two weeks before the accident and had contacted the county about it. The county solicitor, Matt Lyons, said testimony from police indicated that shortly before the accident, the stop sign was no longer blocked.

In addition to losing her 8-month-old fetus, the woman suffered a punctured lung and a broken ankle. She sued the county, East Greenwich Township, the driver of the truck, the trucking company, and the owner of the property at the intersection where the accident occurred.

The woman’s attorney is quoted in the article as saying, “They all have the responsibility. There’s a lot of things that could have happened. None of those things happened.”

County solicitor Lyons said the county could have put itself at greater risk financially if it had gone to trial, saying, “this is such a visceral case for a jury. You can’t feel anything but sympathy. A jury verdict could exceed your coverage.”

Who can put a price on the cost of a life? This is a sad story that has no happy ending. But as attorneys, we feel it is our obligation to represent those who have been wronged, and to bring them justice. This is not a situation you can handle on your own. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident or truck accident, contact our attorney team for a free review of your case.

Annual Operation CARE Campaign Cancelled After Fatal Crash

2011-05-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

In an ironic twist of fate, the annual Operation CARE Campaign that reminds motorists to drive safely as they travel during the Memorial Day weekend was cancelled after a fatal accident occurred Thursday evening at the location of the event.

The event was planned to take place at the Welcome Center on Pennsylvania’s Interstate 70 in Donegal, Washington County. According to the Post-Gazette.com, two people were killed when the tractor trailer in which they were riding struck another eastbound tractor trailer and careened into the Welcome Center. Their truck then struck two parked tractor trailers before catching fire. State police said the Welcome Center remains closed.

Operation CARE, or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, is a nationwide program by AAA and the state police designed to reduce accidents through enforcement, education, and the media.

We all mark the beginning of summer with the start of Memorial Day weekend. If you are traveling this holiday, please remember to wear your seat belt, follow the rules of the road, and never use your cell phone to text while driving. If you must make a call, use a hands-free device or simply pull off to the side of the road while you make your call. From all of us at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!

Study Shows Recession May Have Caused Rise in Uninsured Drivers

2011-05-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Insurance Research Council (IRC) recently released a report showing that approximately one in seven motorists are uninsured. The percent of uninsured drivers had been on a decline for four years before rising to 14.3 percent in 2008 and 13.8 percent in 2009.

According to Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC, is quoted as saying, “The leveling trend in the percentage of uninsured motorists is an unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn and illustrates how virtually everyone is affected by recent economic developments.”

The IRC estimates are based on the frequency of claims made by individuals who are injured in accidents caused by insured motorists compared to claims made by individuals injured in accidents caused by insured drivers.

The report estimates that 7 percent of Pennsylvania drivers are uninsured. Mississippi ranked highest in the U.S. with 28 percent of uninsured drivers.The recession has affected us all, in more ways that we can imagine. It can be difficult enough if you are involved in an automobile accident; finding out that the person who caused the accident does not have insurance can complicate the situation even further. But you don’t have to handle it alone. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, contact the law firm of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates. Our experienced attorneys will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Two Tractor Trailer Accidents Ensnarl Traffic on I-81 in PA

2011-05-13T10:43:00.001-07:00

Central PA’s news station CBS 21 reported two tractor trailer accidents on Interstate 81 this week that have attracted the attention of fellow truck drivers.

The first accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning when a tractor trailer driver fell asleep at the wheel, lost control of his truck, and scattered hundreds of plastic bottles across the road way. According to the article, I-81 was shut down for nearly 5 hours.

The second accident occurred Tuesday afternoon when a tractor trailer negotiation a right turn onto the entrance ramp of I-81 rolled on its side, blocking both lanes of traffic.

In the article, one truck driver was quoted as saying about I-81, “It’s always a lot of traffic. I don’t know if they’re going too fast. There is speeding but they control it pretty good.”

Although no one was injured in either accident, police say that one of the drivers involved in the accidents was going too fast.

Professional truck drivers always have safety in mind. But not all truck drivers obey the rules of the road. If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, you may have a case. Contact the tractor trailer accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates. We will review your case for free.

Worker Trapped in Idaho Mine

2011-04-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

CNN.com has reported that the roof of a northeast Idaho mine collapsed on Friday, trapping a mine worker inside the Lucky Friday Mine. Rescue efforts are underway to free the man who became trapped when a 10-by-20-foot section of mostly rock fell on him, over 6,000 feet below the earth's surface. Another man who was working in the same part of the mine was able to escape unharmed. The trapped miner has not been heard from since the collapse. Phil Baker, president and CEO of the Hecla Mining Co., is quoted in the article as saying, "We're doing everything we can to reach the employee and will continue to make every effort, as long as it takes." The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. Representatives from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration are on the scene. Lucky Friday has been in operation since 1942 and is described on Hecla's website as a "deep underground silver, lead, and zinc mine". Our firm has deep roots here in the anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania. So our thoughts and prayers go out to the miner and his family. We'll continue to monitor this situation.

Special Master To Be Appointed to 9/11 Health Fund

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The New York Times has reported that in the next few weeks a special master will be appointed to oversee the James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Fund, a multibillion-dollar fund created to provide financial compensation to those who became sick from the toxic fumes, dust, and smoke following the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. The special master will decide how to distribute at least $2.8 billion in compensation to rescue workers and other people who say they have developed illnesses after being exposed to the toxic debris. According to the article, the special master will be responsible for creation of the rules and procedures of the program, as well as approving the size of individual compensation packages. In the article, Carolyn B. Maloney, a Democrat from New York, is quoted as saying, "This is a vitally important position. We need someone who will run a compassionate and efficient program for those who were injured by the toxins at ground zero." There are significant guidelines for the fund. Anyone who files a claim with the fund must waive their right to sue any entities that ran the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at ground zero, including private contractors and the City of New York. Also, claimants cannot appeal the fund's decisions. The program will also provide $1.4 billion over a five year period to monitor and treat injuries from exposure to toxic dust and debris at ground zero. Although right now there is little evidence linking cancer to the dust and smoke that engulfted the ground zero area, if medical data emerges to show a link during this period of monitoring, people with those cancers will be eligible for coverage. The bill was named after James Zadroga, a New York detective who participated in the rescue efforts at ground zero and later developed breathing problems. He died in 2006.

Runaway Truck Tire Causes Fatality in Ohio

2011-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

A truck tire and a portion of the wheel assembly broke loose from a tractor-trailer on I-75 in Ohio Monday morning, smashing into a mini-van, killing the driver. Witnesses say they were shocked to see the tire bouncing dozens of feet into the air before striking the driver side of the mini-van. The tire came off a truck going northbound and could have been traveling at upwards of 70 miles per hour. The tire then crossed the median and went across several lanes, nearly missing at least 2 other cars. Traffic cameras in the area have provided police with footage of the accident. According to police, he didn’t realize he lost a tire until he was miles away. Although the rear of the truck was smoking, police are still trying to determine if the driver should have known that he lost a tire. Central Pennsylvania is a major thoroughfare, providing quick routes for many of the country’s trucking companies and transportation lines. If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer and have been injured, you may entitled to compensation. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Michael J. O’Connor & Associates Go Hog Wild at the Reading Super Swap 2011

2011-03-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Nearly 2,000 motorcycle enthusiasts revved their engines along with the staff of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates at the Reading Super Swap 2011 on March 27 in Reading, PA. The motorcycle and parts swap is an annual indoor showcase that took place at the Greater Reading Expo Center.

The event was sponsored by the law offices of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates. Over 200 motorcycles were displayed, from classic rides to re-cycle cyles to new models. Attendees received door prizes and cash awards were given for custom bikes.

In support of the event, the staff of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates wore t-shirts with the Super Swap logo, as shown in the photo below.

As spring comes to Pennsylvania and motorcyclists take to the road, the team of Michael J. O’Connor and Associates wants you to be safe and enjoy the ride!

Recall of Citalopram (Celexa) and Finasteride (Propecia) because Labels May Have Been Switched

2011-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that Greenstone LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., recalled one lot of its depression medicine, Citalopram, and its prostate drug, Finasteride, because the wrong labels may have been put on the bottles. Bottles of Citalopram may contain Finasteride, used to treat prostate problems and baldness in men. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not touch Finesteride, as it can be absorbed through the skin and can cause abnormalities to developing fetuses. The recall includes Citalopram 10 mg tablets in a 100-pill bottle and Finasteride 5 mg tablets in a 90-count bottle. Consumers can identify the recalled bottles because both have the lot number FI050058-A on the label. The FDA advises that if you have taken the wrong medication, you should immediately contact your doctor. Consumers should return any medicine with those lot numbers to their pharmacist. If you or a loved one is taking Celexa or Propecia and think you may have a mislabeled bottle, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor and Associates for a free review of your case.

Check Your Prescription to Avoid Errors at the Pharmacy

2011-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week, CNN reported the story of a Colorado woman who is six weeks pregnant and was prescribed an antibiotic, but was mistakenly given a cancer drug that is also used to induce early abortions. The mistake happened at her local pharmacy. This situation raises the question: how closely do you look at the label when you pick up your prescriptions?

According the the CNN article, the National Patient Safety Foundation reports that about 3 billion prescriptions are filled at neighborhood pharmacies each year, and nearly 30 million of those prescriptions are dispensed improperly. CNN offers 3 tips for picking up your prescriptions.

Write down your prescription information. When you give the pharmacist your prescription, you won't have a record of what your doctor prescribed. So write down your prescription information so you can make sure you get the right medication.

Check the label. Double check the label to make sure it is your name, your medication, and the right dosage.

Open the bottle. While you're at the pharmacist's, CNN recommends opening the bottle and showing the pills to the pharmacist and ask if it's the drug you've been prescribed.

When it comes to your health and your prescriptions, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Long Waits in the ER Can Have Tragic Consequences

2011-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

CNN.com recently posted an online article about a growing concern of nearly anyone who has visited a hospital emergency room: extended wait times that can lead to suffering and possible fatalities.

The reporter detailed the heart-wrenching story of a couple who brought their 2-year-old daughter to a California emergency room and were forced to wait nearly 5 hours before being seen, despite their constant complaints and the quick decline of their daughter's health. By the time they were seen it was too late: what had been initially diagnosed by the triage nurse in the ER as a virus and a rash turned out to be the 2-year-old's liver failing due to a strep A infection. After being transferred to 2 other hospitals, the child was able to be saved, but lack of oxygen to her limbs required surgeons to amputate her left hand, some fingers on her right hand, and both legs below the knees.

The article notes that according to a report from the Government Accountability Office in 2009, ER wait times continue to increase. The report says that the average wait time to see a physician is more than double the recommended wait time in some cases. Research done by Press Ganey Associates, a group that works with health care organizations to improve clinical outcomes, found that in 2009, patients waited on average for six hours in emergency rooms. Nearly 400,000 patients waited 24 hours or more.

The article offered some tips before you arrive at an emergency room:

Find out if your hospital posts wait times. Some hospitals have begun to post their emergency room wait times on the hospital website. Before you head out, see if you can find the wait times for your local hospital on the internet.

If possible, avoid high-traffic days: Dr. Assaad Sayah, chief of emergency medicine for the Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts, is quoted in the article as saying, "In most emergency rooms, the busiest day is Monday. Patients who get sick on the weekend wait until Monday to go to the hospital because they don't want to spend their weekend in the ER." Of course, some conditions and some emergencies cannot wait.

Call your doctor on the way to the ER: Dr. Sandra Schneider, president of American College of Emergency Physicians, suggests, "It's a good idea to let your doctor call ahead and tell the ER physicians what they may be thinking." Your doctore may be able to explain your symptoms more clearly and they may be able to bring to you to the attention of the ER doctors more quickly.

Once you are at the ER, the following tips are recommended.

Don't leave once you've started waiting.

Tell someone if you notice changes in your condition.

If you have been waiting for a while and you feel the situation is getting worse, ask for the charge nurse. It's best to inform then that a patient has an "emergency medical condition that should be evaluated right away."

If you or someone you know has been neglected in an emergency room and that neglect further complicated their medical condition, you may have a case. Contact the attorney team at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

New Study Finds More Than 20% of Patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators May Not Have Needed Them

2011-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

When a doctor tells us that we need surgery, we usually don’t question his or her judgment, especially if the procedure involves a medical device that can help supplement the function of our heart. But a recent article on CNN Health recently reported that 20% of patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD (a device that produces electrical impulses to regulate heartbeats and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias), were not good candidates to receive the device.

A study of more than 111,000 patients who received ICD implants between 2006 and 2009 was conducted by researchers at Duke University. It was discovered that more than 25,000 of those patients did not meet evidence-based criteria for receiving the ICD.

Physicians and surgeons often recommend ICDs for patients who are at high risk for a cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmia, but have not yet suffered from these symptoms. But according to Dr. Robert Michler, chairman of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Montefiore-Einstein Heart Center, “Doctors are well-intentioned, but not all doctors should be determining the use of what is a very sophisticated therapy.”

As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a “decision memo” stating the criteria that should be used when a patient is being considered for an implant. For example, only patients with serious heart conditions or cardiac histories should be considered suitable candidates for ICDs. But because some patients may fall into a gray zone, Dr. Michler believes that electrophysiologists should make the final decisions in determining if a patient needs a device.

The study found that the risk of dying in the hospital was significantly higher for patients who received the ICD but did not meet the criteria for an ICD. Dr. Sana Al-Khatib, lead researcher of the study, found that many patients who were implanted with an ICD had recently experienced arrhythmias or cardiac arrests. She said, “The physicians haven’t had the time to optimize the patients’ medical therapy before subjecting them to this surgery.” This could have accounted for the increase in deaths among implant patients who did not meet CMS criteria. Another possible explanation could be whether the cardiologists who performed the implant were electrophysiologists. These specialists have additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms.

Even with the best of intentions, mistakes can happen. If it’s been recommended that you or a loved one undergo a procedure to implant an ICD and you have questions, don’t be afraid to make your doctor aware of your concerns. But if you or a loved one has been injured by an ICD, contact the attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Sledding Safety Tips

2011-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Winters in Pennsylvania often mean snow days for kids. Once the morning news reports that schools are closed, it’s time for kids to hit the hills with their sleds.

Although a snow day full of sledding can be fun, Parenting.com reports that more than 20,000 children are treated each year for sledding-related injuries and some of those injuries can be serious. So here are a few tips to remind your children before they hit the slopes.

Make sure the hill and the landing space at the bottom of it is clear of obstacles. Lara McKenzie, Ph.D., principal investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in Columbus, OH, says, “The vast majority of injuries, we found, are caused by collisions.” Obstacles include trees, fences, and utility poles. Dr. McKenzie adds that fractures were twice as likely to result from banging into something than from falling off a sled.

Consider a helmet. Your child wears a helmet when biking, skateboarding, and snowboarding, so why not sledding, too? The head is the most common area of the body to be injured, accounting for 34 percent of all sledding injuries.

Only allow one rider per sled. Unless the sled is designed for two children, it’s best to restrict the riders to one per sled. When more than one child rides a sled, there’s a higher chance that someone will be thrown off or bumped around.

Make sure sledders take turns. Dr. McKenzie says, “The more people you have jetting down the same hill at once, the greater the chance of colliding with one of them – and that can be just as harmful as running into a tree.”

Make sure children stay out of the sledding path. Once a child is finished his run, he should quickly move to the side, out of the other sledders’ way. One side of the hill should be used for sledding and the other side should be used for walking back to the top.

Don’t use ATVs or snowmobiles to pull children on a sled. According to Dr. McKenzie this accounts for a lot of emergency room cases. So let the hill do the work!

Remember to bundle up, have some hot cocoa on hand, and have fun sledding!

How Did the Accident at Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort Happen?

2010-12-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

By now you’ve probably heard the news about the accident that occurred on Tuesday at Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort in Maine that left eight people injured and more than 150 people trapped on a lift when it derailed. CNN.com has reported that two state inspectors think wind played a “contributing role”, although they are still investigating other potential factors.

In addition to the high winds, News.com.au is reporting that the ski resort has admitted that it knew there was a problem with the lift just before the accident occurred. The lift had been closed earlier in the day by lift operators, but then re-opened to accommodate the holiday and winter season crowds.

But when a maintenance request was called in, mechanics could see that the cables that connect the tower chairlifts were working their way out of their normal position. Mechanics began to operate the lift slowly in an attempt to help those who were already on the lift to get off. When the cables slipped off their track entirely, five chairs tumbled into the snow below.

Although authorities are continuing to investigate the accident, News.com.au reports that the lift had been scheduled to be replaced or refurbished in the next few years.

There will most likely be many questions that will need to be answered about the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort incident. One that may arise is: who may be liable? Here in Pennsylvania, premises liability is defined as the liability of either the property owner, or, the party responsible for maintaining the property. If someone is injured as the result of a dangerous condition on the property, the property owner or party responsible for maintaining the property may be held legally liable.

Premises liability laws can be confusing and difficult to understand. If you have been injured on residential or commercial property, you may have a case. Contact the premises liability attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates for a free review of your case.

Product Recalls in December 2010

2010-12-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

There are some important recalls that have been announced over the past few weeks that we would like to bring to your attention.

Drop Side Cribs Banned: On Dec. 15 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to ban the manufacture, sale, and resale of drop-side cribs in an effort to prevent child injuries and deaths. Over the past few years, more than 30 infant deaths have been attributed to drop-side cribs. This style of crib was thought to be convenient for parents who could slide one side down so they didn’t have to reach as far to pick up their babies. However, the drop side can become partially detached, creating a space where a child could become stuck. Loose gates and rails on drop-side cribs have been associated with 32 suffocation and strangulation deaths since 2000. The CPSC has initiated new standards that manufacturers must comply with by June 2011. Hotels and childcare centers that use drop-side cribs will have a year to replace them.

Rolaids Recall: Johnson & Johnson, the world’s largest health products company, withdrew 13 million packages of Rolaids soft chews on Dec. 9 after consumers reported finding metal and wood particles in the antacid tablets. Bloomberg News (Bloomberg.com) reported that the affected products include Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Rolaids Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews, and Rolaids Multi-Symptom plus Anti-Gas Softchews. Although the risk of serious health effects are “remote”, Johnson & Johnson advised consumers who have purchased these products to stop using them. Rolaids tablets were among 500 lots of drugs Johnson & Johnson pulled from shelves in January because of possible contamination with a wood chemical used in shipping and packing materials. That recall included Motrin and Tylenol and was expanded in June after consumers complained of a musty odor coming from some products, as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from consumers who used the products.

Penumbra Stoke Catheters: On Dec. 9 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a class 1 recall – it’s most serious alert – warning stroke patients who have received the Penumbra System Reperfusion Catheter 032. Penumbra, the maker of the catheter, recalled a lot of the medical devices after it was discovered that a joint failure in the catheter could prevent blood from flowing to the brain. This manufacturing error can cause serious injury or death in patients. The recall affects 77 devices. Healthcare professionals with this device should discontinue use and contact Penumbra for a replacement.

If you or a loved one has been injured by any of the products listed above, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the product liability attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates at 800-518-4LAW. Call us for a free consultation and review of your case.

Mazda Recall: Mazda 3 and Mazda 5

2010-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Automotive News is reporting that Mazda has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it will recall over 200,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 models due to faulty power-assist steering pumps and pipes. The recall announcement comes two months after NHTSA launched an investigation into 33 complaints of power steering failures. In three cases, the loss of steering control led to an auto accident that could have been prevented. Mazda stated that the recall affects all 2007-2009 models of Mazda3 and Mazda5 automobiles manufactured between April 2007 and November 2008.

If you or a loved one has experienced the fault of Mazda, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering. Michael J. O'Connor & Associates can help. Call us for a free consultation and review of your case at 1-800-518-4LAW or visit our website www.oconnorlaw.com. Offices located Frackville, Allentown, Bala Cynwyd, Bloomsburg, Hazleton, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lock Haven, Pittsburgh, Reading, Scranton, Stroudsburg, Sunbury, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport.

MICHAEL J. O’CONNOR & ASSOCIATES WELCOMES NEWEST MEMBER, ATTORNEY BETH A. DODSON

2010-10-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Michael J. O’Connor & Associates has announced the appointment of the newest member for the law firm, Beth A. Dodson.

Dodson earned her Juris Doctor degree from the prestigious Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh, PA, where she graduated magna cum laude. While at Duquesne, she was a member of the Duquesne Law Review and wrote for Juris magazine.

Dodson obtained her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Elizabethtown College, where she majored in Political Science with a concentration in Political Philosophy. Dodson was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha and the Elizabethtown Women’s Varsity Volleyball team.

Dodson brings a diversified background to Michael J. O’Connor & Associates; which has 14 locations throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Dodson has experience counseling and representing clients in a variety of civil matters in state and federal court, mediations, arbitrations, and before various governmental agencies. She has assisted clients with claims of employment discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, negligence, retaliation, defamation, wrongful discharge, restrictive covenants, unemployment compensation, and other related employment claims. Additionally, she has experience defending clients in criminal actions in federal court.

Dodson is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Carbon County Bar Association, and American Bar Association. She is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Pennsylvania.

Dodson is a Carbon County native who enjoys golfing, watching football, cooking, and playing the mandolin.

The attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates has established a strong record of success. With a combination of integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness, they have earned a reputation for the resolution of serious legal problems including work injuries, motor vehicle accidents and social security disability. Michael J. O’Connor & Associates can be reached toll free at 1.800.518.4LAW or at www.oconnorlaw.com

MICHAEL J. O’CONNOR & ASSOCIATES WELCOMES NEWEST MEMBER ATTORNEY STEVEN O. SPAHR

2010-10-15T11:42:00.001-07:00

Michael J. O’Connor & Associates has announced the appointment of the newest member of the law firm, Steven O. Spahr.
Mr. Spahr has over 16 years of workers’ compensation and litigation experience.

Mr. Spahr earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from the Western New England College of Law, Springfield, MA.

Mr. Spahr obtained his undergraduate degree from University of Pittsburgh in Psychology and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Mr. Spahr brings a diversified background to Michael J. O’Connor & Associates; which has 14 locations throughout the Commonwealth. Mr. Spahr worked as a Certified Vocational Expert for workers’ compensation cases prior to entering law school.

In addition Mr. Spahr has extensive knowledge of claim management practices for workers’ compensation. He has also lectured on various topics pertaining to workers’ compensation practice in Pennsylvania.

The attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates has established a strong record of success. With a combination of integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness, they have earned a reputation for the resolution of serious legal problems including work injuries, motor vehicle accidents and social security disability. Michael J. O’Connor & Associates can be reached toll free at 1.800.518.4LAW or at www.oconnorlaw.com

Attorney David A. Miller at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Included in the 2010 Pennsylvania Rising Stars List

2010-06-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

It is with great pride that the attorneys at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, LLC announce that Attorney David A. Miller has been selected as a Pennsylvania Rising Star in the field of personal injury.

Pennsylvania Rising Stars, as published in the June 2010 edition of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazines, represent the top 2.5% of attorneys across the state. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, an attorney must be age 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.

Rising Stars recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state. The Pennsylvania Rising Stars for 2010 were selected from the results of an extensive nomination and polling process conducted by Law & Politics and published in the June 2010 issue of Philadelphia magazine and in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Stars Edition. This is Miller’s second year to make the Rising Stars list.

The attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates has established a strong record of success. With a combination of integrity, reliability and trustworthiness, they have earned a reputation for the resolution of serious legal problems including work injuries, motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect, and social security disability. Michael J. O’Connor & Associates can be reached toll free at 1.800.518.4LAW.

Two Attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Top the 2010 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List

2010-06-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

For the seventh year in a row, Michael J. O’Connor, founder of Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, was selected and named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in the field of workers’ compensation law as published in the June 2010 edition of Philadelphia Magazine as well as the recent edition of Super Lawyers magazine.

In addition to Mr. O’Connor, Attorney Paul J. Duffalo was named to the list this year.

Attorneys named Super Lawyers are considered to be the top five percent of attorneys in each state, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. O’Connor was named a Super Lawyer in 2004 and each year following, making this his seventh year in a row to top the list of workers’ compensation attorneys in Pennsylvania. This is Duffalo’s third year to make the list.

To be named a Super Lawyer, an attorney must first go through a rigorous three-step process that begins with a nomination by his/her peers. The nominations occur on ballots that go out to all lawyers throughout the state who have been in practice for at least five years. These nominations are to be based on personal observation rather than solely on reputation.

O’Connor’s seventh consecutive Super Lawyer designation makes evident his continued determination to uphold an outstanding level of legal representation. Duffalo has been recognized for his success and hard work for the third year in a row, and will undoubtedly continue to be named to the list in the coming years. His dedication to injured workers is recognized amongst his peers and demonstrated in his professional achievements.

The attorney team at Michael J. O’Connor & Associates has established a strong record of success. With a combination of integrity, reliability and trustworthiness, they have earned a reputation for the resolution of serious legal problems including work injuries, motor vehicle accidents, nursing home neglect, and social security disability. Michael J. O’Connor & Associates can be reached toll free at 1.800.518.4LAW.