Posted On: October 31, 2011

How to Seek Compensation for a New Jersey Slip-And-Fall Accident at Work

Victims of slip-and-fall accidents may seek financial compensation for their injuries from the party responsible for the accident. This process may become more complicated when the accident occurs at the workplace. New Jersey work- related slip-and-fall accident victims might worry that their employer will be affected if they choose to pursue compensation for their injuries. It is important for all injured victims to remember that property owners and employers have insurance to cover these types of incidents and that it is an employee's right to seek fair compensation for their losses.

If the slip-and-fall accident occurred because of a hazardous condition at the workplace, the at-fault property owner may be held liable for the accident through a New Jersey premises liability claim. This type of civil litigation requires the injured victim to prove that the accident resulted from a dangerous condition that the property owner failed to fix.

If the slip-and-fall accident was work-related or occurred at the workplace, financial compensation may be available through workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation claims should cover losses such as medical bills and a portion of the wages lost. Filing a successful workers’ compensation claim is not easy and it is common for employers and insurance companies to deny valid claims to save money.

A personal injury attorney can help a victim of a slip-and-fall accident understand the options available. The experienced NJ slip-and-fall attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling workers’ compensation claims and premises liability claims in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident at work, please call our offices today for a free consultation at (609) 240-0040.

Posted On: October 28, 2011

How to Pursue Compensation for a Dog Bite When the Animal is a Stray

Victims of New Jersey dog bite accidents have the right to pursue financial compensation for their injuries under the state's strict liability statute. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16 states, "The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness." Pursuing compensation for a New Jersey dog attack becomes more complicated when it is not clear who owns the dog.

In cases involving a stray dog, injured victims may still be able to pursue financial compensation for their suffering. A skilled dog bite attorney can work with investigators to help determine who was responsible for the dog getting loose in the first place. Victims of stray dogs with no known owner may seek compensation for the attack through their own insurance policy.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help a victim of a dog bite injury determine what their best options may be. Whether it is through civil litigation or an insurance claim, victims should be able to seek support for their financial, physical, and emotional losses. Damages that may be covered following an accident include losses such as hospital bills, the cost of rabies treatment, physical therapy fees, prescription drug costs, lost wages, and past and future suffering.

The knowledgeable New Jersey dog bite attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling dog bite accidents in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please contact our New Jersey dog bite lawyers at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: October 28, 2011

Tips for Pedestrians to Stay Safe on Halloween

According to The National SAFE KIDS Campaign, Halloween evening has four times as many child pedestrian deaths than any other night of the year. With the substantial increase in child pedestrians there comes an increased risk of an accident. There are many steps that parents can take to help keep their little ghouls and goblins safe this Halloween.

Officials recommend that parents closely monitor their children and not let children under the age of 12 cross the road at night without supervision. Children excited about running to a certain house or meeting up with a friend may dart across the roadway at an unsafe time or location. All children must be reminded to use crosswalks and to never dart into traffic to decrease the risk of child injury.

Children who are trick-or-treating should be on the sidewalk and when there is no sidewalk, children should walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible. This will allow them to see oncoming cars. To increase visibility, costumes should be bright. Unfortunately, many Halloween costumes are black and hard to see at night. In such cases, children should use a flashlight and reflective tape should be put on their costume and treat bags. Additionally, it is important that all masks and costumes do not restrict the ability of the child to see the roadway or where they are going.

The skilled Princeton pedestrian accident injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein wish all New Jersey residents a safe and happy Halloween. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options at no cost.

Posted On: October 27, 2011

New Jersey Police Officer Struck by Drunk Driver

A police officer was injured in a New Jersey car accident involving a driver who officials say was under the influence of alcohol. According to Fox News, the car accident occurred on Bayshore Road in Lower Township when a car that had veered out of control and jumped the curb struck the police cruiser and drove away. The officer suffered neck and back injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital. Officials were able to track down the New Jersey hit-and-run driver after he was injured in a subsequent crash.

Drunk driving continues to be a serious problem in New Jersey. According to a 2009 report by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 583 fatally-injured victims of New Jersey car accidents that year, 185 of them were killed in alcohol-related car accidents. That means that approximately 32 percent of all fatal New Jersey car accidents involved alcohol consumption.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-50, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher. Drunk drivers may be held criminally liable for their actions by the authorities as well as civilly liable for the injuries they cause if the victim chooses to file a personal injury claim. Losses such as medical bills, physical therapy fees, and lost wages may be included in a civil lawsuit.

The experienced Princeton drunk driving injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold drunk drivers accountable for the damages they cause. To discuss whether you have a valid claim against a driver or to find out what your claim may be worth, please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040. We always offer free consultations to injured victims and their families.

Posted On: October 26, 2011

High School Students Injured in Gloucester Township Crash

Four teenagers were injured in a New Jersey car accident that occurred as they were traveling to Gloucester Catholic High School. According to The Gloucester County Times, the injury accident occurred on Almonesson Road in Gloucester Township. Officials say the vehicle hit a curb and crashed into a utility pole. The four occupants, who were between the ages of 15 and 17, were extricated from the wrecked car and transported to a Camden hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

New Jersey car crash injury victims who were passengers in a crash often worry that they will hurt their friends if they attempt to pursue financial compensation for their suffering. It is important that injured victims and their families remember that the insurance policy of the at-fault driver will cover most of the damages suffered. In cases where the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance, compensation may be available through the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause of the victim's own insurance policy.

A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit that allows injured victims to pursue financial compensation for the damages they have suffered in a crash. Losses that may be included in a personal injury claim include hospital expenses, lost wages, therapy fees, and physical suffering. Anyone with questions regarding how to seek fair and full compensation following an injury accident would be well advised to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney.

An experienced car accident attorney in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein has a long and successful track record of handling personal injury claims in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Posted On: October 25, 2011

Elderly Man Critically Injured in Summit Pedestrian Accident

An 83-year-old man was seriously injured in a New Jersey car accident when a car hit him as he crossed the street. According to The Independent Press, the pedestrian accident occurred on Summit Avenue near Springfield Avenue in Summit. The man was crossing the road when a car driven by a 51-year-old woman from Toms River struck him. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he is listed in critical condition. No charges have been filed, but the crash remains under investigation.

Whenever a person is injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, there are a number of questions that must be asked. Was the victim crossing the road at an intersection or crosswalk? Was the pedestrian violating New Jersey Statute 39:4-32 and 33 by failing to obey pedestrian signals? Did the pedestrian fail to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle at a location where there was no crosswalk? Why was the motorist unable to avoid the collision? Was the driver distracted, speeding, impaired, or fatigued?

Drivers are legally required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at intersections and in crosswalks and must use due care and caution where pedestrians are crossing or walking. Victims who choose to file a personal injury claim against negligent motorists may pursue compensation for losses such as medical bills, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, and physical therapy. Seeking compensation following an injury accident is not easy, but a skilled car accident attorney can make sure the rights of the injured victim are protected.

The experienced New Jersey auto accident injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of getting injured victims of pedestrian accidents the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. Please contact our law offices at (609) 240-0040 to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation today.

Posted On: October 24, 2011

Truck Collision on New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick Causes Injuries

One person was injured in a New Jersey truck accident that resulted in three tractor trailers catching fire. According to a news report in The Star Ledger, the injury accident occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick. One of the trucks erupted in flames after the collision and the fire spread to the other two tractor-trailers. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. It is unclear at this time what caused the accident or if anyone will be cited.

According to The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), 5,433 large trucks were involved in New Jersey non-fatal crashes in the year 2010. During that same year 2,357 trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in 3,194 injuries.

Any time a truck is involved in an accident there are a number of questions that must be asked. Did the truck driver fail to check the truck’s blind spots before changing lanes? Was the driver distracted or speeding? Did the driver exceed the federal hours-of-service regulations? Was the big rig properly maintained?

Victims of negligent truck owners and truck drivers may pursue financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will examine driver logs and maintenance logs to determine if there was negligence. The reputed Princeton truck accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully handling truck accident claims. We know how to protect the rights of our clients while holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: October 21, 2011

Teen Driver Involved in Fatal East Amwell Township Pedestrian Accident

A 67-year-old man was killed in a New Jersey car accident when he was struck by a teenage driver. According to The Hunterdon County Democrat, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Old York Road near John Ringo Road and Wertsville Road in East Amwell Township.

The pedestrian was crossing the road when a red Toyota Corolla driven by a 17-year-old male struck him. He died at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash. The young driver was reportedly cited for careless driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,092 pedestrians were killed and approximately 59,000 were injured in pedestrian accidents in the United States in 2009. That means that about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities involved pedestrians. The national average is significantly lower than the percentage of pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey. Approximately 26.9 percent of all New Jersey traffic fatalities in the year 2009 involved pedestrians.

The family of a New Jersey pedestrian crash victim may seek financial compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against the at-fault motorist. In some cases, if a dangerous roadway condition caused the accident, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Wrongful death claims usually seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income.

The experienced NJ car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help families recover financially after a devastating car accident. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey pedestrian accident, please call our offices today at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options with a free consultation.

Posted On: October 20, 2011

Pedestrian Killed in New Jersey Car Accident on Route 46

A 38-year-old woman was killed in a New Jersey car accident when a vehicle struck her as she crossed the street. According to The Star-Ledger, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred on Route 46 near Baldwin Road in Parsippany. The woman was crossing the road when a 2008 Nissan struck her. She died at the scene of the crash. Officials say the 34-year-old driver that hit her had an expired license. An investigation is underway to determine if he will be cited for the fatal collision or face any other charges.

Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-36, all motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians legally crossing the road at intersections and crosswalks and Statute 39:4-32-33 states that pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to oncoming motor vehicles. In such cases, it is up to investigators to determine who had the right-of-way at the time of the incident.

Even in New Jersey pedestrian accidents where the pedestrian did not have the right-of-way, it must be determined why the accident occurred. Did the motorist exercise due care and caution? Was the driver negligent in any way? Was the motorist distracted, speeding, under the influence, or driving recklessly? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway, which may have caused or contributed to the accident? These are just some of the important questions that must be answered in such situations.

The family of a fatal car accident victim is able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver in order to receive compensation for a number of damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income. The skilled Princeton car accident wrongful death attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of helping families get the compensation they need after a devastating car accident. If you are looking for more information about pursuing your legal rights, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: October 19, 2011

The Struggles of New Jersey Hit-And-Run Victims

New Jersey hit-and-run victims face substantial financial struggles with limited legal options. While victims of most New Jersey car accidents have the opportunity to hold the negligent driver responsible for their injuries through civil litigation, victims of hit-and-run crashes are often left wondering whom to hold accountable.

Between the years 2003 and 2009, there were between 29 and 49 fatal hit-and-run car accidents in New Jersey each year. A recent article by The Courier Post stated that 15 of the 16 fatal hit-and-run crashes that occurred in Camden County in the year 2005 resulted in arrests. Investigators in Gloucester County were able to arrest the two at-fault drivers involved in fatal hit-and-run accidents that occurred during the same year as well.

Injured victims of hit-and-run crashes may file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if the authorities are able to arrest the driver. These investigations often take a long time and injured victims are left wondering what to do while their bills pile up. A skilled personal injury attorney can stay abreast of the ongoing investigation and advise victims about the options available to them. In cases where the hit-and-run driver is not found, compensation may still be available for the injuries suffered through the uninsured/underinsured clause of the victim's own insurance policy.

The skilled New Jersey hit and run car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully handled claims relating to hit-and-run accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey hit-and-run crash, contact our law offices today at 609-240-0040 today for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: October 18, 2011

The Cost of Catastrophic Injuries in New Jersey

Victims of New Jersey injury accidents may pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. When determining the value of a civil lawsuit, it will become necessary to determine the extent of the injuries suffered. With the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, victims can estimate the past, current, and future financial losses related to the incident. Victims who are able to prove that their injury was catastrophic will likely receive a larger settlement than someone with a minor, moderate, or even serious injury.

An injury is defined as "catastrophic" if it is a long-lasting or permanent injury that significantly affects the victim's quality of life. Here are a few important questions to ask:

  • Does the victim experience pain and discomfort every day?
  • Does the injury affect the victim's ability to work and provide for his or her family?
  • Is the injury or the resulting symptoms permanent?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, it is likely that the injury is catastrophic. Examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, and severe fractures.

Victims of serious injuries are likely to incur substantial medical bills, physical therapy costs, and costs of continuing treatment and care. They may require a lifetime of expensive prescription medication, medical equipment, and even full-time nursing to assist with everyday tasks. Victims of catastrophic injuries who have been injured by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing should not be left holding the bills.

The knowledgeable personal injury lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to get seriously injured victims fair compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. If you or a loved one has sustained a major or life-changing injury, call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your legal rights and options.

Posted On: October 17, 2011

Tips to Prevent New Jersey Truck Accidents

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) reports that there were 3,194 injuries sustained in New Jersey truck accidents in the year 2010. During that same year, there were a total of 5,433 large trucks involved in non-fatal crashes. Certainly, some of these accidents could have been prevented if the truck driver or other motorists involved practiced safer driving habits.

truckaccident_667345.jpgTruck drivers operate large vehicles, which can be potentially dangerous in the wrong hands or in the hands of a negligent driver. Not only do big rigs have large blind spots, but their large size and significant weight leave them with the potential to cause considerable injuries and damages in the event of a crash.

Drivers who drive near large trucks on New Jersey roadways would be well advised to follow these useful tips. Drivers immediately in front of a large truck should not decelerate quickly or change lanes without using a turning signal. Drivers alongside trucks should remember that trucks with trailers have large blind spots near the trailer behind the cab.

Drivers immediately behind trucks should keep their distance because passenger cars could slide under the trailer and get crushed. Drivers of passenger cars would also be well-advised not to drive aggressively when they are near large trucks.

Despite safety measures and precautions you may take, it is impossible to predict what might happen on the roadway. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent truck driver, the experienced Princeton truck crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Call us at 609-240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Posted On: October 14, 2011

Keep Children Safe with Proper Bicycle Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one fifth of all fatal bicycle accidents involve a youth between the ages of 5 and 15. A majority of accidents and injuries are entirely preventable, and in order to keep their children safe, parents can take a number of bicycle precautions.

bicycle-crash-6344614.jpgFirst and foremost, parents should not let their children ride without a helmet that fits snugly on their head. Having the right helmet can prevent a traumatic brain injury in New Jersey, which is most commonly suffered in bicycle accidents. Also, it is important that the bike is the right size for the child. If your child is ever involved in an accident or damages his or her helmet, make sure to replace it before your child rides again. Even if the damage is minimal, you want to make sure that the helmet is in good working condition.

Children should be taught early on to look left, right, and then left again before crossing the road. If your child is riding after sunset, make sure that the bike has multiple reflectors and that he or she is wearing bright clothing. It may also be in your best interest to teach your child hand signals so that cars will know when your child plans on turning. And last but not least, teach your child to follow the rules of the road, as this can help prevent the possibility of an accident occurring from unsafe riding.

If your child is injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else's negligence, the experienced Princeton bicycle accident injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein can help. Please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to find out how we can help protect your child's legal rights.

Posted On: October 12, 2011

Five Teenagers Injured in Jersey City Car Accident

Five teenage girls, whose ages ranged from 15 to 19, were injured in a New Jersey car accident after the SUV in which they were traveling struck a pole. According to a Fox news report, the serious injury accident occurred in Jersey City. The 21-year-old male driver of the SUV fled the scene of the crash on foot. It is not clear from the report why he lost control of the SUV. Of the injured passengers, two sustained life-threatening injuries and three others were treated and later released from the hospital. The male driver had a suspended license and faces charges for leaving the scene of a serious injury accident.

Passengers who are injured in a New Jersey car accident may be reluctant to pursue financial compensation for fear of hurting the driver who may be a friend or family member. It is important to remember that most settlements offered through insurance claims and civil litigation comes out of the at-fault driver's insurance policy.

Injured passengers in New Jersey have the right to pursue financial compensation for a number of different losses. Damages that are typically covered through civil litigation include medical bills, lost earnings, hospitalization, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

The experienced Princeton auto accident injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of successfully helping injured passengers get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident, please contact our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Posted On: October 10, 2011

East River Helicopter Crash Kills One, Seriously Injures Others

Four people were injured and one woman died after a private Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the East River. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the helicopter accident occurred in the East River near 34th Street. At this time, authorities are not even sure if the helicopter was trying to take off or land at the time of the accident. The helicopter became fully submerged in the water. Initially, officials recovered four out of five occupants. Two of the victims were critically injured and two others suffered serious injuries. Rescue crews recovered a fifth victim who died.

According to The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in the year 2008 there were 140 total civil helicopter accidents in the United States. During that same year, 75 people were killed, 28 people were seriously injured, and 40 sustained minor injuries in helicopter crashes. The report states that for every 100,000 flying hours there were 3.67 accidents, and 1.22 accidents for every 100,000 departures.

Victims of helicopter accidents may seek financial compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim. In cases where negligence is involved, the at-fault pilot or the private helicopter company can be held liable. In cases where a defective part is involved, the manufacturer of the defective part can also be held liable for the injuries, damages, and losses. If mechanical malfunction caused the accident, it is important to look into whether the helicopter was properly maintained.

The knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have experience successfully handling serious injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New Jersey aviation accident, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: October 7, 2011

Seeking Compensation for Elevator Accidents

Elevator accidents are rare, but can be catastrophic or even fatal when they do occur. It is the duty and responsibility of property owners and property managers to properly maintain their elevators so they are safe for people to use. Unfortunately, it is common for negligent property owners to put visitors and their own residents in danger by failing to properly and diligently maintain their elevators.

Any time a New Jersey elevator accident occurs, there are a number of questions that must be asked. Did the accident involve a mechanical failure that could have been prevented through proper maintenance? Was the property owner notified about safety issues concerning the elevator? Were there signs of a malfunction that went ignored? Did the property manager fail to warn visitors of a malfunctioning elevator that needed repair?

In cases where property owner negligence is involved, injured victims can file a premises liability claim to receive compensation for losses such hospital bills, lost wages, and medical expenses. Proving negligence is critical for a successful premises liability claim. An experienced premises liability lawyer will be able to examine maintenance records and interview both workers and property managers in order to prove fault and negligence.

The knowledgeable Princeton personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling premises liability claims, particularly elevator accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an elevator accident caused by a negligent property owner, property manager, or superintendent, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation.

Posted On: October 5, 2011

New Jersey House Fire Statistics

Apartment fires and other structural fires involving residential units are unfortunately common in New Jersey. Victims of fires not only end up losing many of their possessions, but they also suffer serious burn injuries or injuries relating to smoke inhalation. Depending on who owns the property and what caused the incident, financial compensation may be available for fire accident victims. Anyone who has suffered a loss in a New Jersey fire would be well advised to review his or her legal rights and options with a skilled personal injury attorney.

The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety (NJDFS) reports that 83 civilians and two firefighters were killed in New Jersey fire accidents in the year 2008. During that same year, 471 civilians and 864 firefighters were injured in New Jersey fires. There were a total of 33,417 fires reported that year. Homes and apartments remain the most common locations for fire injuries. In fact, 78 percent of all civilian fire fatalities involved a fire at a residential property.

Property owners are legally obligated to provide safe conditions for their tenants and visitors. This obligation includes making sure the building is: constructed to code; that it is properly maintained; that fire extinguishers, fire alarms and sprinklers are installed and are in working condition; and that the electrical wiring is safe. Whenever a property owner's negligence results in a fire, the victim may file a premises liability claim to pursue financial compensation for his or her losses. Damages that may be included in a civil lawsuit include medical expenses, lost wages, and cost of rehabilitation.

The skilled personal injury lawyers in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling premises liability claims in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries or smoke inhalation injuries, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation.

Posted On: October 4, 2011

Pottery Barn Dolls Recalled for Strangulation Hazard

Pottery Barn has issued a safety recall for tens of thousands of dolls that present a strangulation hazard for young children. According to a recent release by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pottery Barn has recalled a total of 81,000 dolls in the United States because they have loops that can fit around a child's neck posing a strangulation hazard. The soft dolls are sold under the following names: Chloe, Sophie, and Audrey. They were sold at Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide for $40 between July 2006 and April 2011. There are no reported injuries, but a 21-month old child was found with the loop of yarn around her neck.

There are a number of ways that a product may cause harm. Children are particularly vulnerable to dangerous and defective products. Small parts in toys pose a choking hazard. Items with large strings or ropes, such as blinds or shades, can cause a strangulation injury. Toys that break can cause laceration injuries or even fingertip amputations.

Manufacturers who make such dangerous or defective products, or fail to properly warn consumers about the dangers posed by these products, can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. A product liability claim is a civil lawsuit that allows a consumer to hold a negligent product manufacturer financially accountable for losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

A knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury attorney at Lependorf & Silverstein has years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury because of a defective product, call our offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Posted On: October 3, 2011

Teenager Seriously Injured When Struck by School Bus in West Milford

A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured in a New Jersey pedestrian accident involving a school bus. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the bus accident occurred on Macopin Road near Bubbling Springs Park in West Milford. The boy suffered severe injuries in the pedestrian accident and the driver of the school bus was hospitalized for chest pains. It does not appear that any of the 30 students on the bus were hurt in the crash. Officials are looking into what caused this serious injury collision.

In the year 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted an 11-year report on school bus accidents throughout the United States. During that period, there were more than 26,000 crashes resulting in less than 1,000 incapacitating injuries and over 7,000 non-incapacitating injuries.

Bus drivers have the difficult task of driving safely while having to deal with a bus full of students. While it is not common for passengers to suffer injuries, it only takes a moment of distracted driving on the part of a school bus driver for a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other motorist to suffer a serious injury.

Victims of bus accidents may seek financial compensation for their damages and losses through civil litigation. A personal injury claim can hold an at-fault driver accountable for losses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In most cases, the bus driver's employer – a bus company or school district – may also be held liable.

The knowledgeable New Jersey bus crash lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long and successful track record of protecting young injured victims and their families. If you would like to discuss your particular situation or potential claim, call us directly at 609-240-0040 to schedule your free consultation.