Author: Angela Leone

Serve your country: Jury duty is essential to fairness in the justice system

There’s a common saying that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. However, I think there’s one more certainty that we should add: jury duty. Though it’s essential to the preservation of our government, nobody likes it. It’s like going to the dentist — it’s something you’d do just about anything to get out of. However, I’m here to tell you that jury duty is essential to not only the legal system, but to the preservation of the laws that govern our country. Regardless of whether we like it, it’s something that we simply have to do.

Why is jury duty essential?

Jurors make up the foundation of the court system. Without them, everything would be in disarray. Who would debate the testimony? Who would decide who is guilty and who is innocent? If you can come up with someone other than the jurors, I’m all ears. They ensure that everyone receives a fair trial. Only a group of individuals who are impartial to the matters of the case can determine for sure who is guilty and who is innocent.

Why are so many jurors upset right now?

Despite the argument that jury duty is essential in our court system, many people are voicing displeasure. The reason is money. In a recovering economy, many people are strapped for cash. They can’t afford to lose a paycheck. Because of the recession, many people are living paycheck to paycheck.

Imagine you are living paycheck to paycheck. One day, you get a call to sit on a trial and help decide a case. Someone tells you that jury duty is essential to the court system and you have to do it. However, you know you’re going to miss out on a paycheck or two. How would that make you feel? How would you respond?

For those who are used to the process, you know that there is a stipend to sit on a case. Rates are as high as $40 in cities like Dallas, but they can be lower elsewhere. To many people, that’s simply not enough. However, jury duty is essential to the success of the current system. To read more about this issue, click here.

Do you have questions or answers about the legal system? We can help

At the Mininno Law Office, we have experienced civil trial lawyers who are at your service. Our New Jersey attorneys are always available and willing to help. Whether you have questions about medical malpractice, trucking accidents or any other legal matter, we’d like to hear what you have to say. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania to get the help you need.

The 2010 car recalls have left people wondering if their vehicles are safe

In 2010, there have been car recalls left and right. You’ve seen it all over the news and the Internet. People are talking about it and wondering when their vehicle will be called back. Buying a new automobile is a big investment. When making an investment of that magnitude, we want to know that it’s a good one. We expect the product to be safe and perform exactly as advertised.

The 2010 car recalls have created cause concern with companies we usually can trust. Toyota is being talked about the most right now, but it’s not the only company currently on the chopping block.

2010 Toyota car recall

In February, Toyota was all over the news. On Feb. 9, Toyota officially recalled more than 400,000 Prius cars, which is the best-selling hybrid in the world. Roughly 8.5 million total vehicles were recalled including the Camry. Brake problems were cited as the main cause. To learn more about what vehicles have been recalled, read an article from the Business Journal here.

But that wasn’t the end of the 2010 car recall for Toyota. According to the Los Angeles Times, Corollas may be next to be called in. People have been complaining about the vehicle’s power steering, and Toyota may be ready to respond. If so, it would just be the next rung on a ladder of problems the company is having right now.

2010 Honda car recall

 

Turning back the clocks a little bit, Honda’s troubles started heating up in late 2008. The company announced that some of its vehicles had faulty airbags in November 2008. After 437,000 vehicles were added to the list during February of this year, that brought the total up to nearly 1 million. Just to give you a measuring stick, Toyota has recalled roughly 8 million vehicles in the past few months.

Regarding the Honda car recall, another matter of note is the number of injuries. According to the aforementioned AP story on Philly.com, there were 11 injuries in 2009 and one death. Even one death is a big number. One is too many. If you’re driving a Honda or Toyota vehicle, do you feel safe?

Do you have a question? We can help

 

There are clear-cut dangers to using a defective product or driving a vehicle with a defect. At the Mininno Law Office, our civil trial lawyers deal with these types of cases all the time. If you have a question for a defective product attorney, please let us know. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

How is elderly fall risk connected to chronic pain? We have the answer

Yesterday, I talked about how to keep elders safe. I mentioned how a slip and fall might not do much to you or me, but it could severely injure an older person. Today, let’s discuss elderly fall risk.

People fall all their life. As kids, we fall during play and other activities — kids love it. A child’s human body is flexible and bones rarely break even from the worst falls. Unfortunately, as people get older, their bodies become more fragile. When a middle age person falls, their bodies hurt for days and weeks. But, again, usually the bones don’t break.

However, when an elderly person falls there is a risk of catastrophic injuries because the aging human body becomes much more fragile. Up until recently, the correlation between aging and the severity of injury resulting from falls has been well known. However, a recent study has shown that there is another factor that also increases the likelihood of a severe injury when an elderly person falls. That factor is chronic pain.

What contributes to elderly fall risk?

There are many factors to consider. For example, studies show that increasing age, poor health and medication use all increase the risk of fall to elderly person. But, it was not until recently that researchers “stumbled” upon chronic pain as another factor. In an article in an issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers examined 749 patients age 70 and older for more than two years. The study results show that chronic pain increases elderly fall risk by 1.5-fold. In other words, those who suffer from chronic pain are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from a fall.

What can I do to prevent elderly fall risk in my relatives?

Pay close attention to your loved ones. That’s probably the single most important thing you can do. Make sure your parents and grandparents live in a safe environment with sturdy stairwells, handrails, ramps and well-kept floors. If your loved one is in a nursing home, that’s one thing to look for. If someone should fall, even if it doesn’t seem serious, call a doctor and have it checked out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

If something happens to your loved one in a nursing home, first call a doctor. Next, call a nursing home abuse lawyer. Your relatives deserve safety and proper care at a home. If they’re not getting it, please let us know. Our experienced civil trial attorneys are always available to help. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Concussions in young athletes might be detectable by performing a simple test

Back in January, we wrote a blog on the Star-Ledger’s series on concussions in young athletes. We talked about how important our kids are to us and how much we want to see them succeed. Above all, we want to make sure our children are safe wherever they are.

The Star-Ledger series on concussions in young athletes covered the impact and dangers of head injuries, and what’s being done to protect our kids. If you haven’t read it yet and have kids who play sports, I highly recommend you to take a look. Meanwhile, a new report has been released that I’d like to tell you about.

What’s new with concussions in young athletes?

Research has just come out that shows a cheap, simple test may be able to detect a concussion in a young athlete. The idea for the study is based on reaction time: After a head injury, reaction time is usually slower. When it’s serious, reaction time can be slow for several days afterward. Until now, tests of reaction time have been computerized, which is usually not an option for a game situation. Dr. James T. Eckner of the University of Michigan and some of his associates have developed a simple test that evaluates reaction time.

What’s the test that can detect concussions in young athletes?

The test takes a rigid cylinder and attaches it to a weighted disk. The device is released and the player has to use reflexes to make the catch as quickly as he or she can. The test is still in experimental phases and will be presented in April.

Do you have questions? We can help

Although some head injuries are more serious than others, there is no such thing as a “little head injury.” The effects of even a small head injury can be severe, such as memory loss or depression. In some cases, head injuries can even lead to a wrongful death. New Jersey lawyers can answer your questions about personal injury and a number of other topics. At the Mininno Law Office, we have experienced NJ trial attorneys who have dealt with these cases all too often. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or offer any help you need. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Help keep elders safe with simple acts of kindness that will brighten their day

Together, we can help keep elders safe. If we each chip in and do our part, we can make life better for senior citizens. After all, one small, good deed can change a person’s day. In light of the recent weather, I thought of an easy way we can help.

How can I help keep elders safe?

This winter, a record snowfall has hit the greater Philadelphia region. Some sidewalks are still unshoveled, roads are slushy and driveways are icy. If you see elderly people trying to cross the street, help them out. They’ll surely be grateful you offered.

The slippery slush can be dangerous for anyone walking around, but older people may not have the balance or physical strength that you do. Older people are more susceptible to injury. Put simply, the human body becomes more fragile with age. A slip and fall may not harm you or me, but an older person might wind up in the hospital. More on this tomorrow.

It’s important to help keep elders safe because abuse and neglect are both still problems in our society today. Older people need our guidance more often than not. Unfortunately, even nursing homes aren’t as safe as they could be, and if you have a loved one in a home, there are a number of signs you should be looking for to make sure your relative is safe and sound.

Meanwhile, more snow is coming, so keep elders safe by lending a hand where you can. The snow will soon melt and turn to ice, which will be even more dangerous. Watch out for icicles falling from rooftops. Be careful out there.

Do you have questions or answers about nursing homes?

Add a comment to our blog about how you keep elders safe. At the Mininno Law Office, you can talk to a nursing home abuse lawyer to answer your questions about your loved one. We have experienced NJ attorneys who handle these cases all too often. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or offer any help you need. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Traffic cameras are coming to Cherry Hill to catch violators and make roads safer

Look out Cherry Hill drivers, traffic cameras are coming. After polling residents and taking careful consideration, the township has decided to give the green light to a new traffic program. The intersection of Springdale Road and Route 70 will be the guinea pig.

Why are traffic cameras coming to the state of New Jersey?

Cherry Hill Township is always looking out for the safety of its residents, and the red light project is a clear step in that direction. Officials have noticed a slew of people breaking the law, so they’re taking action. It’s simple cause and effect. Folks have been getting away with it for years. Whether they’re late for work or just trying to make good time, many drivers speed up when they see a yellow light. This practice is dangerous and can cause an accident. Too often, folks underestimate the dangers of speeding and rushing around. Speed limits and traffic laws are there for a reason, and too often we ignore them. If you get a traffic ticket that you believe you didn’t deserve get a traffic ticket attorney, to help you fight the ticket.

Another reason traffic cameras are coming is because the program is a cheaper alternative to adding more patrol cars on the streets. It also frees up policemen to do more important things and take care of any emergency that comes up. The bottom line? The road is the most dangerous place to be, and traffic cameras coming to town might just make our streets just a little safer. At the Mininno Law Office, our philosophy is safety first. Besides, if you always obey the law, then you have nothing to worry about.

Who’s next for the program?

According to the Courier-Post article, traffic cameras are coming to five more towns:

  • Deptford
  • Glassboro
  • Gloucester Township
  • Monroe
  • Stratford

How do you feel about traffic cameras coming to your town? Do you think the pilot program is the best method to cut down on drivers running red lights? Tell us what you think.

Do you have questions or answers about public safety?

Add a comment to our blog. At the Mininno Law Office, you can talk to a New Jersey civil trial lawyer to answer your questions about public safety. We have experienced NJ attorneys who value safety as much as you do. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or offer any help you need.
Contact us or call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Buyer beware: Toy safety for kids not first on jewelry makers’ minds

As we watch our children at play, our main concern is always safety. Some might think that if a toy store sells a product, it must be safe. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When manufacturers can sacrifice toy safety for kids to save a buck or two, some are willing to do it. A recent article by the Associated Press reminds us that some people lie to parents and deceive children just to pad their bank accounts. In other words, don’t judge a book by its cover.

What do I need to know about toy safety for kids?

In Yiwu, China, a jewelry shop manager said something to the AP that might surprise you. He Huihua, manager of the Suiyuan Jewelry Shop at International Trade City in Yiwu, was asked what he thought about the health risks associated with cadmium and other toxic metals. His response: “I can’t be overly concerned about that.”

Buyer beware. Honestly, that’s like an oily used car salesman who tries to sell you a shiny paint job on a used vehicle with a busted engine and says, “Well, at least it works.” This kind of thing should make you think twice before you buy something again. Stores like the Suiyuan Jewelry Shop have one goal: cash over kids. They’ll do whatever it takes to make more money, and that includes selling poison to kids. The main material called into question is called cadmium. It’s a toxic metal that causes cancer. Why would someone sell a product made with a toxic material? Put simply, money talks, and you know what walks. In a difficult economic time where stores are closing and many others are losing money, some people will push moral standards aside and put out unsafe products. They simply don’t care.

What is the government doing about toy safety for kids?

The Chinese government is looking into the AP report to check the validity of the claim. This could be a big problem for China because the U.S. is a huge market. Think about it: How many toys have you seen with “Made in China” on the bottom? In the U.S., Wal-Mart pulled products off shelves that were mentioned in the report.

Where can I find more information about toy safety for kids?

The Toy Industry Association, Inc. is a great resource on toy safety for kids and other related issues. Click here to visit the TIA website. Another resource is ToyInfo.org.

Always think of toy safety for kids first. When you buy something for your children, we encourage you to get as much information about the product and the manufacturer as possible. Talk to store managers, read the small print. Do whatever is necessary to make sure your children can play safe.

Do you have questions or answers about unsafe products?

Add a comment to our blog. At the Mininno Law Office, you can talk to a defective product attorney to answer your questions about unsafe products. We have experienced NJ trial lawyers who have dealt with these cases all too often. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or offer any help you need. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Helping parents in need can be a major challenge for adult children

Every once in a while, we like to share resources with you that can help in a time of need. In this blog post, I’m going to talk about a great resource for helping aging parents in need. It’s called “Aging Answers,” and it’s for adult children who are helping aging parents in need.

What is “Aging Answers”?

“Aging Answers” is a free book that you can read or download here. The book, written by Valerie VanBooven, offers “secrets to successful long-term care planning, care giving and crisis management.” It’s dedicated to adults who are caring for aging relatives to give them hope and guidance in a most challenging time.

Whether you’ve been helping a parent in need for years or a loved one has recently fallen ill, this book covers 11 issues that you’ll face if you haven’t already. The book is split into two parts: The first part talks about planning for long-term care while the second part discusses caring for an aging family member. Valerie VanBooven does a thorough job of covering a complex issue. She answers common questions that adult children have when caring for a loved one. Plus, she reminds us that we’ll need our loved ones to care for us as we grow old. We’ll want to know who will care for us, how we’ll pay for care and how we can guarantee quality care.

If I’m helping a parent in need, what other resources can I use?

At the end of the book, there’s a great, useful compilation called the “Aging Answers Rolodex.” The rolodex is a list of agencies and websites that provide more information and more resources beyond what the “Aging Answers” book offers.

Do you have questions or answers about helping parents in need?

The “Aging Answers” book is just one resource. I encourage you to download it and share it with your friends and family. You have had experience and can probably help someone else that’s in a similar situation. Tell us all about what you’re going through, what’s working and what’s not. Share your story. At the Mininno Law Office, we have experienced NJ trial attorneys who have dealt with these cases all too often. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or offer any help you need. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Ask for nose spray to lessen infection risk if you're having surgery

Sometimes the simplest solutions are “right under our nose.”
The risk of infection is one of the most common and well-known risks associated with any surgery. For years, doctors and hospitals have cooked up various ways to lessen infection risk and eradicate the bacteria and bugs that seem to thrive in hospitals and operating rooms.

Until now, these efforts have only marginally reduced the rate of infections following surgery. The staph bacterium has been particularly troublesome.

How can the risk of infection be reduced?

Research shows that the staff bacterium is the most common cause of infections following surgery. Now, researchers have discovered a safe and easy method to dramatically reduce surgical site infections by 40 to 60 percent.
These findings, published in the January 7, 2010 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine reveal that bathing patients with an antiseptic followed by squirting a medicated ointment up a patient’s noses can dramatically cut the rate of dangerous staph infections following surgery.

Can we really lessen infection risk?

At last, we have a simple solution for this difficult problem. Please remember, patients should be their own “patient safety advocate”. Speak up for your health. The next time you or a loved one requires surgery, ask your surgeon for the nose spray and bath. Your risk of infection will be reduced dramatically.

If your surgeon won’t agree with your request, you may want to find a new surgeon. That’s your right. Better yet, print out this blog and the article from the New England Journal of Medicine and give it to your surgeon. Chances are, you’ll get the bath and the nose spray.

What if the worst should happen?

We hope your surgery is a success and infection free. But, if something does go wrong during or following a surgery, call a New Jersey medical malpractice attorney who can answer your questions on surgical errors and complications.
You and your loved ones deserve safety and proper care. Our experienced civil trial lawyers are always available to help. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.

Series on concussions in kids in Star-Ledger teaches us all a very important lesson

All parents are their kids’ biggest fans. We watch, cheer and root for their teams. We worry about them getting hurt, but rarely do we even consider that they could suffer a long-term injury. Until now. With all the recent media attention, it is now beyond dispute: A kid’s concussion can be a lifelong injury.

Athletes are at a high risk simply because of the competitive, physical nature of the sports they play. It’s the reason many athletes have short careers and an unfortunate cause of brain problems later in life.

With concussions in kids, the danger is even bigger. A child’s brain is more fragile than an adult’s, and in the current day and age, youngsters are more competitive and daring. The stakes are higher.
In a three-day series by the New Jersey Star-Ledger, staff writers raised the issue of concussions in kids. The series took a thorough look at a serious problem. Here’s a breakdown.

Kids and Concussions: Part One

In the first part of the series, Mr. Matthew Stanmyre and Ms. Jackie Friedman of the New Jersey Star-Ledger tackled the impact of head injuries on young athletes, what’s being done to protect them and what else can be done to protect them.
Fact: More than 400,000 concussions occurred in high schools nationwide during the 2008-09 academic year.

Why does this happen? Some reasons might be coaches lacking medical experience, athletes playing through pain and parents rushing their children back onto the field too soon after an injury. If your child were injured, how soon would you bring him or her back into play?

Kids and Concussions: Part Two

In the second part, Mr. Stanmyre and Ms. Friedman looked at the dangers of competitive cheerleading. Do you think cheerleading is safe? Think again. It may seem like the safest kind of physical competition, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Cheerleaders undergo a tremendous amount of training to be able to lift each other in the air and land safely, but accidents can happen.

Kids and Concussions: Part Three

In the third article, we learn the answer to the most important question: What is being done to protect our children, especially at the local level? The answer is that doctors and trainers are working endlessly on just that. The article points to a Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. course that gives coaches basic teaching and safety knowledge.
In high schools, a neuropsychological exam called “ImPACT Testing” is given to athletes after a head injury.

Do you have questions? We can help

Although some head injuries are more serious than others, there is no such thing as a “little head injury.” The effects of even a small head injury can be severe, such as memory loss or depression. In some cases, head injuries can even lead to a wrongful death.

New Jersey lawyers can answer your questions about personal injuries and a number of other topics. At the Mininno Law Office, we have experienced NJ trial attorneys who have dealt with these cases all too often.
We’d be happy to answer any questions you have or offer any help you need. Call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania.