Catastrophic accidents can come in many forms and take place far too often throughout the U.S. According to a recent report, a ferry recently crashed in New York due to a mechanical problem. The ferry’s throttle failed to start as it came in for a landing, causing the boat’s engines to fail in slowing the ferry. The ferry was moving almost 6 miles per hour when it hit the dock. The ferry’s engine alarms, which are supposed to ring if there is a problem with the engines, failed to sound. The engines had no previous problems and everything appeared to be functioning correctly.
No serious injuries were reported, and 33 people were treated at a hospital and then were released. Two police officers at the scene were also injured. The ferry and the pier were damaged. The crew alerted the passengers to brace for a hard impact over a loudspeaker about a minute before the crash occurred.
The ferry that crashed was the same ferry that killed 11 and injured dozens in an accident in 2003. In that instance, the pilot was on painkillers and passed out at the wheel, allowing the boat to hit the terminal at full speed. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison for negligent manslaughter.
Similar to New York, public transportation accidents and boating accidents in California can be serious. If you or someone you know has been injured in such an accident, you need to contact an experienced legal team for help. The dedicated Southern California boating accident attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm are ready to assist you. Please contact us today at 818-886-6600 for a free consultation.
Approximately 10 to 20 percent of troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan are doing so with brain injuries. Brain injuries also afflict 1.7 million Americans each year.
According to a recent report, in hopes of helping the injured troops, the Pentagon is introducing a new program to help heal the brains of injured troops called REPAIR (Reorganization and Plasticity to Accelerate Injury Recover). Ten professors and research teams will collaborate on the project, which will develop implants made of electrodes or optical fibers. Those implants will rest on the surface of the brain, reading electrical signals from neurons and delivering light pulses in order to stimulate other brain regions.
A lot of progress has already been made in studying brain injuries. Scientists can create models of brain activity and can record the pulses emitted by neurons in the brain. However, they haven’t yet been able to change the pulses in order to turn brain circuits on and off.
The project will first conduct tests on mice, rats and monkey, to understand how regions of the brain interact. Once they understand that, they are going to mimic those interactions. Hopefully the implants will eventually help not only vets with brain injuries but also those who have suffered from a stroke or brain tumor.
Brain injuries can be debilitating and life changing. If you or someone in your family has suffered a brain injury in the San Fernando Valley because of someone else’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and a decreased quality of life, among other damages. Call the dedicated Northridge brain injury attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm today at 818-886-6600.
Dog bites are a serious problem in the U.S. Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and about 20 percent of those bites require medical care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2006, approximately 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of dog bites.
The rate of dog bite injuries is highest among children ages 5 to 9. So how can you keep your children from suffering a serious dog bite? First, you need to do some research before bringing a dog into your household. Carefully choose the breed, being sure to avoid aggressive breeds or breeds that do not interact well with children. Spend time with the dog before finalizing the adoption, making sure to observe your child interacting with the dog. Never leave your child alone with a new dog or even a dog that your child is familiar with.
In order to lessen the chance of your child being bitten by a stranger’s dog, there are several steps you can take. First of all, children should never approach a stranger’s dog. Do not pet a dog without allowing the dog to sniff and see your child first. If an unfamiliar dog approaches, remain motionless. If a dog is sleeping, eating or nursing puppies, the dog should not be disturbed. If a dog knocks a child over, the child should roll into a ball and lay still.
Dog bites in California can cause serious injuries and even be life threatening in some instances. If you or a loved one has been attacked and believe that the dog owner’s negligence contributed to the bite injury taking place, contact the skilled San Fernando Valley dog bite lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm. Our experienced injury lawyers are dedicated to helping dog bite victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 818-886-6600 for a free consultation.
