Philadelphia Injury Lawyer Blog

There has been much discussion throughout the state of Pennsylvania recently about bike lanes on main roads. With gas prices going up, more and more men and women in the state of Pennsylvania are turning to bicycling as a primary source of transportation to work and bicycling makes sense with the initiative many are now taking to “go green.” Biking recreationally is also hugely popular among many in the state as well, especially in the Philadelphia area. With all of these factors coming into play, it is only natural that new bike lanes are being installed in towns and cities throughout the state. While many residents are ecstatic, some citizens and authorities are expressing concern.

Just a few months ago bike lanes were installed on busy King’s Street in the town of York Pennsylvania. The town even celebrated “Bike to Work Week” in honor of the new bike lanes, making headlines across the state. Even though these bike lanes have made for exciting news, several York residents say that they will not be using the bike lanes even if they are conveniently located along a short path to work.
They are afraid of the dangers of driving bikes on busy roads. Many are concerned about injury. One driver said he has witnessed drivers of cars driving right into the bike lanes carelessly.

Now the city of Philadelphia is abuzz about bike lanes. City councilman Bill Greenlee wants any future lanes to require council approval. To do so, Greelee wants to create an ordinance in Philadelphia to put the council in charge of bike lanes to be consistent with policies in place for regular motor vehicles.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater disagrees with Greenlee. Director Alex Doty says “No city council approval is needed for new vehicular travel lanes, crosswalks, or bus stops.” He fears this will “put red tape” in front of the streets department traffic engineers and make it hard to put bike lanes in place.

No matter what your stance on bike lanes, remember to always bike and drive safely. Several bikers are injured each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident contact a Philadelphia accident lawyer or Philadelphia injury lawyer immediately.

Further details begin to unravel as police are investigating an alarming alleged case of indecent assault that occurred in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. As we reported earlier, fifty year old Eduardo Tomasek, a former Florida resident was arrested on charged of indecent assault, unlawful contact with minors, corrupting the morals of minors, and other related offense on Monday afternoon.

The arrest was made after an investigation brought on by allegations that Tomasek fondled and touched three of his coworkers while working as a manager at Popeye's Chicken fast food restaurant at 2160 Street Rd. in Bensalem. The alleged victims are all female minors between fifteen and sixteen years of age. It is clear that these victims need a Philadelphia Sexual Assault Lawyer.

Tomasek was taken into custody around 3:15 on Monday afternoon by Bensalem Police and is currently being held in Bucks County jail on $250,000 bail with a 10 percent option as Bensalem's Special Victims Unit continues the investigation. Detectives believe that Tomasek may even have more assault victims and are urging them or anyone with more information to come forward.

A recent release has even reported that Tomasek was convincted in 1993 in Escambia County, Florida for lewd and lascivious indecent assault of a child under 16 years old for a December 1992 incident, a charge for which he served 6 ½ years for.

This case clearly represents a potential civil action for damages arising from both sexual assault and a hostile working environment, according to Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Attorney, Edith Pearce.

A media representative for Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen released a statement saying that "Popeyes in no way condones or tolerates any form of inappropriate conduct." They have noted that they will continue to investigate these serious allegations and monitor the situation closely.

The victims and their families deserve to have their cases heard right away to ensure that justice is had. All victims are urged to contact a expert Philadelphia injury lawyer to ensure that they are treated with the type of sensitivity and urgency they deserve. A Philadelphia injury lawyer will also help to ensure they get any compensation they are entitled to.

Clearly, some young women who worked at Popeye's Chicken may be in need of a Sexual Assault Attorney in Philadelphia. A former manager at a Pennsylvania fast food restaurant was arrested this week on indecent assault charges. Eduardo Tomasek, who worked as manager of the Popeye's Chicken on Street Road in Bensalem has been accused of fondling at least three female employees while they were working at the restaurant. All of Tomasek's alleged assault victims are minors.

Fifty year old Eduardo Tomasek currently of Knights Road in Bensalem was once a Florida resident. He was arrested by police on Monday afternoon just after beginning his daily shift at the restaurant. A two-month investigation was conducted by authorities leading up to Monday's arrest and was called on after allegations that Tomasek fondled and touched three employees ages 15-16 inappropriately. Tomasek was also accused of offering the minors money and gifts. According to Edith Pearce, an experienced Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyer, a civil lawsuit for money damages against Popeye's may follow.

He is now being charged with indecent assault, unlawful contact with minors, corrupting the morals of minors, and other related offenses according to police and is being held in Bucks County jail on $250,000 bail with a 10 percent option. Although Police have stated that Tomasek was listed on Florida's Megan's Law registry while he was a resident there, he was still allowed to work with the minors after moving to Pennsylvania.

Perpetrators of indecent assault, especially those who have committed crimes against minors, must be met with strict justice. A Philadelphia injury lawyer will ensure that victims have their cases heard as soon as possible. Victims of indecent assault often have special needs after going through these types of incidents. A Philadelphia injury lawyer will ensure that victims and their families get the compensation they may be entitled to that those medical and emotional needs are met.

Many recent law suits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) for its hip replacements. In fact, more than one thousand lawsuits have been filed against the Philadelphia area company according to reports. The number of cases has actually become so large that the FDA's interest has been peaked.

According to one May 11th report, the US Food and Drug Administration asked Johnson & Johnson as well as 20 other replacement part makers to conduct a study to find out whether its hip implants raise the level of metal in patients' blood to dangerous levels.

Could hip replacements be putting patients in Philadelphia and all over the world at risk? Recently several patients who underwent a hip replacement surgery and received a DePuy hip replacement system have complained of symptoms including swelling and problems walking nearing the five year mark after their surgery.

The worldwide hip replacement market is a huge one and one that is expected to grow by at least 3.2% this year from 5.28 billion in 2010. According to an FDA statement, "a small number of patients in which high levels of metal ions in the bloodstream may have caused other types of symptoms or illnesses elsewhere in the body, including effects on the heart, nervous system, and thyroid gland."

If studies do end up showing the DePuy hip replacement and other hip replacement systems elevate the metal levels in the blood to toxic levels, post surgical patients will learn that they may have been the victim of medical malpractice or that they may have a serious product liability case on their hands.

If you or a loved one has suspects they have suffered injury due to a bad hip replacement or a dangerous surgical procedure, contact a Philadelphia injury lawyer or a Pennsylvania malpractice lawyer right away.

Back in 2009, a Philadelphia resident was hospitalized after his sport utility vehicle was hit from behind and flipped by another driver on Route 295. According to the Star-Ledger, when Clayton Tanskley filed a lawsuit against the driver of the other car, in order to collect damages for medical bills, his attorney discovered the person listed on the NJ State Police accident report does not exist. The driver gave a false identity. It turns out the driver was a state trooper working undercover on an investigation. The state trooper provided his fake state-trooper issued identity to the officers investigating the accident.

The state trooper claimed he fell asleep before colliding with the Philadelphia man’s vehicle. The Star Ledger reports that during the time Tanksley and his attorney were pursuing the fake identification, state troopers knew the name in the accident report was bogus.

Two years after the accident occurred, a New Jersey prosecutor has charged the state trooper with assault by auto and alleging the state troop was drunk. Now the NJ state police are initiating an internal investigation regarding drunk driving incidents involving troopers and the use of undercover ID cards.

If you’ve been a victim of an automobile accident contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. If you’ve been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, someone texting or someone involved in other reckless activities contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer today.

An effective lawyer will make sure you receive full and timely compensation. Find a law firm which specializes in protecting the rights of people involved in automobile accidents. You need a lawyer who diligently and vigorously pursues automobile accident cases.

A Philadelphia toddler was rushed to the hospital recently after being tragically struck by a motorist who wasn’t paying attention. The 2 year old boy was found to be in stable condition after being hit by the vehicle around the 5500 block of Wyalusing Avenue at about 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

According to reports, the toddler was hit by the vehicle after running into the street without the driver noticing. The driver was traveling eastbound, and according to his statement, did not see the child running into the Philadelphia street.

The driver did remain at the scene and is not known to have suffered any injuries from the accident. At this time, it is not known whether the driver will be charged with any offense. The toddler, who suffered moderate injuries is being treated at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is still in stable condition.

Sadly, this was the second Philadelphia area news report in a week of a toddler being injured by a vehicle after running into a city street. It is always important to keep children of all ages from playing in or near the roadside.

That being said, sometimes accidents do happen and children can veer off with little warning. Therefore, drivers should practice defensive driving at all times to avoid such incidents. It can be hard to assess whether the driver is to blame in such a cases, but if you or a loved one suspects the have been the victim of a careless motorist it is important to contact a Philadelphia injury lawyer right away. A Philadelphia injury lawyer should be called immediately after emergency care has been given.

A part-time teacher’s assistant from one Philadelphia area school was arrested last week after allegedly having inappropriate contact with an underage male student. It is alleged that Vito Granieri, 25, of Skippack Pennsylvania, who was an information technology assistant at Saint Eleanor Parish School, assaulted the student. Granieri worked part-time with the school’s technology program since 2004 according to reports.

Granieri also assisted with the lunch program with other staff and parents. He was background checked and cleared by state police of any child abuse charged and participated in the Archdiocesan Safe Environment training program.

Mr. Granieri is now being arraigned before District Court Judge Benjamin R. Crahalla on charges of indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of a minor, unlawful restraint, unlawful communication with a minor and harassment in connection with the case.

It is alleged that the defendant had inappropriate contact with the boy between 2006 and 2008 when the boy ranged from age 9 to age 11. Currently, Granieri is free on bail and awaits his preliminary hearing for the charges.

The charges have been brought forth by the student, now 11, and his parents, who alleged that Granieri touched the boy inappropriately on numerous occasions while the boy was in second, third, and fourth grade.

The Arch Diocese of Philadelphia operates the Saint Eleanor Parish School. The Archdiocese has stated that Granieri’s contract with the school has been terminated and he will not be hired at any other school in the Archdiocese.

If you feel that you or a loved one has been wrongfully endangered, harmed, or injured in some way, it is important to speak up quickly. Contact a Philadelphia injury lawyer to become familiar with your rights. If you should choose to proceed with your case, a Philadelphia injury lawyer will lead you in the right direction.

In a recent press release, it was announced that the toy manufacturer G.A. Gertmenian and Sons have recalled the Toy Story 3 Bowling Game due to violation of lead paint standard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with G.A. Gertmenian and Sons announced on May 5, 2011 that it would voluntarily recall the toy bowling set. Consumers should stop using the particular Toy Story 3 Bowling Game immediately. It is now illegal to resell or attempt to resell the recalled consumer product.

G.A. Gertmenian and Sons, LLC is based out of Los Angeles, California. The Toy Story 3 Bowling Game was sold in stores throughout the US, possibly near Philadelphia and throughout the country. Six hundred units of the game were manufactured and distributed.

It was found that the red paint used on some bowling pins has been measured to be in excess of the maximum allowable level of 90 ppm, a violation of the federal lead paint standard. The sets were manufactured in China and sold at Walmart Stores throughout the US for $18.

The set contains batch marking of JA 148. The set contains six white plastic bowling pins with two red stripes painted on the necks, one black plastic ball, and one nylon game rug with a print of Buzz Lightyear. The batch marking will appear just above the barcode. Consumers can get a free replacement product by calling 888-224-4181.

If your child or loved one suspected they have been injured by a defective or recalled toy, contact a Philadelphia injury lawyer right away. Philadelphia injury lawyer will be able to immediately assist you with your case.

Philadelphians, Pennsylvania residents, and others injured throughout the country at no fault of their own often wonder if they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, and if so, how much?

It is firstly important to note that to get a definitive answer to that question, one needs to contact an expert Philadelphia injury lawyer immediately to advise you on your own individual and unique case.

Compensation settlements for personal injuries can take a number of things into account depending on the case, most importantly, how much your injury cost you in past, present, and future medical bills. Lost wages, lost ability to earn a living, and sometimes, pain and suffering and punitive damages may be taken into account when determining your personal injury settlement as well. Personal injury settlement averages and the factors that determine them vary from state to state and even county to county.

Also, things like inconvenience, physical and emotional pain, stress, loss of enjoyment of life, inability to complete responsibilities, loss of consortium, and inability to do things you enjoy must be considered by the judge. Your age at the time at which you were injured will be taken into consideration as longer amounts of time left to live will presumably incur greater expenses. When coming up with a settlement figure, liable parties’ actual responsibilities will be determined.

Calculating the exact total of your damages is never easy and there is no on exact calculator that is used. An expert Philadelphia injury lawyer at The Pearce Law firm can help you on an individual basis to determine what amount you very well may deserve as well ensuring that your case is heard. In cases involving serious injury and long term disability, your lawyer should always be contacted right away.

Distracted and reckless drivers have existed since the first roads were laid and the first cars were built to drive on them. From Philadelphia’s US 1 branching out to roadways across the country, the veers and swerves of reckless motorists can be seen throughout the country.
Talking, eating, applying makeup, or paying too much attention to outside scenery have always been classic causes of reckless driving accidents. For this reason, responsible drivers are always advised to drive defensively. The new millennium, however, has brought forth its own challenges for drivers who are simply trying to get from point A to point B safely minding their own business. Cell phones and other hand held devices have spawned an epidemic of reckless, distracted, driving in people of all ages, and, particularly teens.

Laws around the country have been somewhat slow to respond to the practices of handheld cell phone use or texting while driving, putting other drivers at risk of becoming involved in an accident. Philadelphia is finally cracking down on cell phone use and texting while driving as well as while walking.

Philadelphia police are on the lookout for those using cell phones or texting while driving or walking. The crackdown campaign has been entitled “Give respect, Get respect,” and is aimed at drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists in Center City.

This summer, eight to ten officers will be rotating within five zones in Center City, Philadelphia, working on enforcing laws that make it safer to get around. One of the major initiatives is to enforce the ban on texting while driving. While talking on a cell phone is enough of a distraction, texting while driving present even more extreme danger as texters eyes are completely off of the road.

If you have been involved in an accident that you suspect was caused by a driver texting or participating in other reckless activities, contact a Philadelphia injury lawyer today. A Philadelphia injury lawyer will ensure you get whatever compensation you may be owed as a victim of a reckless driver.