Did you commit a driving/traffic violation in another state? If so, don't think you are safe because you carry a Pennsylvania license and don't reside in that state. In case you were unaware, Pennsylvania participates in something known as the Driver License Compact (DLC). The DLC is an organization made up of 46 out of our 50 states who work together to create a single system for driving records, driver license (so you can only hold a license in one state), and report all traffic convictions/license suspensions/license revocations so other states are aware of a driver's license status.
ANOTHER Nursing Home Investigation Opens in PA
In keeping with this week's earlier blog post, the Pennsylvania State Attorney General's office has certainly been busy recently! They just investigated an Erie area nursing home last week, using agents to look into the facility via a search warrant. Although the specifics of the investigation are still unknown to the public, agents were seen leaving the facility with boxes of files and computer hard drives. The facility in question, Saint Mary's Home East, is a combination of a residential home, nursing home, and adult care services. In an article published by ErieTVNews.com, area residents were interviewed and expressed concern, since many of their loved ones currently reside in the facility. The Attorney General's office did say that this current investigation of Saint Mary's is not connected to the 25 open cases they are investigating against Golden Living we wrote about earlier this week.
Many allegations against nursing homes and assisted living facilities stem from reports of elder abuse and neglect. Elder abuse can come in many forms, not just physical abuse. Many common instances of elder abuse include emotional, financial, psychological, and neglect. If you feel that a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, please contact Attorney Doug Stoehr to set up a free consultation. Attorney Stoehr has experience and knowledge pertaining to elder abuse legal claims, and will work hard to fight for the rights of your family or friend. Call his office at 814-946-4100 to set up your consultation.
Douglas V. Stoehr practices personal injury law in Duncansville and Altoona, Pennsylvania. He serves clients throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, Altoona, Huntingdon, State College, Johnstown, Clearfield, Tyrone, Ebensburg, Northern Cambria, Portage, Windber, Carrolltown, Gallitzin, Saxton, Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Pine Grove Mills, Warriors Mark, Spruce Creek, Roaring Spring, Bellwood, Claysburg, Blue Knob, Lewistown, Mount Union, Belleville, McConnellsburg, Breezewood, Williamsburg, Windber, Punxsutawney Martinsburg, Somerset, Philipsburg, Everett, Williamsport, Cumberland, Oakland, Indiana, St. Mary's, Blair County, Cambria County, Huntingdon County, Clearfield County, Mifflin County, Jefferson County, Huntington County, Centre County, Bedford County, Somerset County and Fulton County.
Many PA Nursing Homes Being Investigated by State Attorney General
What kind of nursing home care are your parents and grandparents receiving? Hopefully, their care is the result of an attentive, educated staff that cares about their mental and physical health. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Prominently in the news recently, one national nursing home operator is in hot water for some allegations of substandard care in their homes. Golden Living, a nursing facility provider group, has about 300 homes in over 20 states. Those facilities total over 30,000 beds! They are also currently under fire here in Pennsylvania and are being investigated by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office. 25 facilities in Pennsylvania (out of 36 total Golden Living properties in PA) are currently being examined by the AG's office because they "failed to provide basic services to residents, falsified care records, deceived state Department of Health inspectors and left facilities understaffed". Since July, when the original lawsuit was filed, there have been over 350 complaints file in Pennsylvania alone.
Elder abuse can come in many forms, not just physical abuse. Other, equally as damaging forms, of elder abuse can occur in settings such as nursing homes or hospitals. Mental and psychological abuse, as well as financial and sexual abuse occur all too often to the elderly population. If you feel that a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, please contact Attorney Doug Stoehr to set up a free consultation. Attorney Stoehr has experience and knowledge pertaining to elder abuse legal claims, and will work hard to fight for the rights of your family or friend. Call his office at 814-946-4100 to set up your consultation. Douglas V. Stoehr practices personal injury law in Duncansville and Altoona, Pennsylvania. He serves clients throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Duncansville, Hollidaysburg, Altoona, Huntingdon, State College, Johnstown, Clearfield, Tyrone, Ebensburg, Northern Cambria, Portage, Windber, Carrolltown, Gallitzin, Saxton, Bellefonte, Centre Hall, Pine Grove Mills, Warriors Mark, Spruce Creek, Roaring Spring, Bellwood, Claysburg, Blue Knob, Lewistown, Mount Union, Belleville, McConnellsburg, Breezewood, Williamsburg, Windber, Punxsutawney Martinsburg, Somerset, Philipsburg, Everett, Williamsport, Cumberland, Oakland, Indiana, St. Mary's, Blair County, Cambria County, Huntingdon County, Clearfield County, Mifflin County, Jefferson County, Huntington County, Centre County, Bedford County, Somerset County and Fulton County.
Throwback Thursday: How Does Chronic Pain Work In The Office?
In our latest edition of Throwback Thursday here at our blog, we'll be taking a look at how chronic pain can affect your work life. What do you think? Can you compartmentalize pain while you're at work?
Distracted WALKING? What you need to know!
So, we know about car safety, bike safety, ATV safety, and motorcycle safety, but what about WALKING safety? Many of us take walking for granted as a safe, healthy, and cost-effective way to get from place to place. Unfortunately, many of us also practice some very unsafe habits that could lead us to getting seriously injured. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has taken pedestrian safety under their wing, since distracted drivers AND distracted pedestrians account for many person/vehicle collision, which no one wants to happen!
Strange, But True! Surgical Instruments Often Found Where?
Scary, but true! Did you know that, once in a while, surgical tools can get left inside of people? A few years ago, Attorney Stoehr settled a case where a surgical sponge was left inside a woman's body. After a long period of unexplained pain, the woman discovered that a sponge was left inside her head and had become infected! Another doctor found it during an exploratory surgery, hoping to find a way to relieve her pain, and immediately removed it. She missed a great deal of work and was very sick.
Hunting Season=Increased Accident Risk!
Hunting season is almost upon us! Unfortunately for Pennsylvanians, that also means that deer-related car crashes will most likely increase. According to data generated by State Farm Insurance Agency, about 1 in 70 Pennsylvania drivers will hit a deer in the next 12 months. This is the second highest deer-vehicle collision rate in the entire country, second only to West Virginia.
How many people do you think hit deer with their cars last year in PA? Well, if you guessed over 100,000 people, you'd be in the ballpark! The worst time of the year for these crashes is from October to December, when it is whitetail mating season and the hunters scatter the deer around. Unfortunately, hitting a deer also comes with a hefty fee! The average cost to your car after hitting a deer hovers around $4,000. Ouch!
Although Attorney Stoehr does not take cases related to insurance claims for deer-related collisions, he does urge you to drive safely and with heightened awareness during the incoming "danger zone" time of the year for deer crashes. He does take cases for victims of car, semi-truck, and motorcycle crashes who have been injured or killed due to the fault of another. Some of his most common cases include accidents caused by distracted driving and fatigue. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car crash and is dealing with significant injuries, it is time to take legal action. Call Attorney Stoehr's firm to handle your case in the central and western Pennsylvania area at 814-946-4100.
Background data may be found here.
The Most Dangerous Time Of Year To Drive May Surprise You!
If you had to guess, when do you think is the most dangerous time of the year to drive? Most people would probably guess the winter season in general or the Thanksgiving weekend. However, the statistically most dangerous time of the year to drive is the month of August, especially on Saturdays. We are not that far out of August, which means that we are still potentially in peak time to be vulnerable to a serious accident! Tuesdays and Wednesdays are statistically the safest times to drive, especially during the day. Does that make sense with your own experiences?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, time of day is also a critical factor for accidents. Perhaps unsurprisingly, about half of fatal accidents occur at night, and have a 2-3 times higher fatality rate per mile traveled than during the daytime. There is also a much higher rate of both alcohol-related crashes and people not wearing their seatbelts at night. Interestingly enough, surveys show that 75% of drivers think that they are safer than other drivers on the road. That is obviously not the case!
Have you or someone you know recently been involved in a car accident? Did they feel that it wasn't their fault, but are still battling some significant pain or injury? For those who have recently been in a car crash, it is important to closely monitor the body's response to injury. This is especially true if you suspect that you have sustained a significant head injury. If your car accident was not your fault, it may also be time to seek legal action. If you or a loved one has recently been in a car accident due to the fault of another, please contact Altoona, PA area personal injury attorney Doug Stoehr to set up an initial, free consultation. His law office can be reached by calling his firm at 814-946-4100.
Background information taken from Forbes.com.
One Father's Journey With Spinal Stenosis
If you've been following our blog for the past few weeks, you may have noticed that we're taking a closer look at spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a serious and painful medical condition that causes significant back pain. Not only does it make it hard to do everyday tasks like lift groceries, drive a car, and sit or stand for prolonged periods of time, it may also make your work and recreational activities difficult, if not impossible, to enjoy. We don't think anyone should have to suffer from this type of injury, especially when it was caused due to the fault of another person, such as being involved in a car accident.
