Prevent Injuries and Fatalities- Don't Drink and Drive

Parties, picnics and fireworks are just some of the festivities that lead droves of Americans onto our nation’s highways every Fourth of July. Unfortunately, the celebrations too often turn deadly when drinking alcohol leads to drunk driving.

This year, Americans will celebrate the Fourth on a Monday, which means the holiday weekend starts at 6 p.m. Friday, July 1st and ends on Tuesday, July 5th at 5:59 a.m. In 2014, over the Fourth of July holiday (6 p.m. July 3rd to 5:59 a.m. July 7th), 164 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. Those preventable deaths make up 41 % of the 397 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July period.

If you plan to partake in the weekend's festivities PLEASE don't drink and drive! Even if you are not drinking and traveling throughout the holiday weekend be aware of other drivers. If you suspect someone on the road is drinking and driving call your local police department and stay a safe distance away from them.

Here are some other tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday weekend:

• Plan a safe way home BEFORE the fun begins
• Designate a sober driver or use public transportation to get home safely.
• Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app at www.nhtsa.gov/link/saferride/.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local police department.

For more information visit our website or call 1-800-444-5309.

Enjoy the View?

We're writing today from our Scranton office. Our view? The Natural Gas Company workers drilling out the middle of Spruce Street to correct a gas leak issue. Gas leaks are nothing to toy with, in the event of a gas leak in your area be sure to have plenty of ventilation or leave the premises until it is safe to return. Gas leaks can cause serious repercussions such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Luckily for us, the gas leak has not affected our office, just the parking in front of our building. This event has reminded us to educate and make people aware of the severe health issues that can occur as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and what can be done if you or a loved one are ever the victim of an injury or a fatality because of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States. Over 200 people suffer fatalities as a result of CO poisoning annually due to carbon monoxide produced by furnaces, ranges, water heaters, home heaters, car exhaust, among other fuel/coal- burning things in the United States. Those who have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes and survive face extreme medical issues such as anoxia and permanent brain damage. Detecting carbon monoxide is difficult as it is a colorless, odorless gas.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning, or has sadly passed away as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning can anything be done?

Liability for carbon monoxide caused deaths or serious injuries can fall on a number of people. Manufacturers of furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and generators could be found liable for selling faulty devices. Owners of homes, apartments (landlords), businesses, etc. can be found liable for failing to do anything to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on their property.

Liability in carbon monoxide cases can involve complex issues. Proving that something a party did or did not do caused the carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult. Each case is unique, liability isn't always cut and dry, that’s why you need the legal expertise that the carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers at The Pisanchyn Law Firm can provide.

We will begin working on your case immediately to preserve evidence and take the proper measures to get you the compensation and justice you and/or your loved one deserve. Our services to you are free until we win your case and even then you will never pay us out of your own pocket; we only pay you the money you deserve. So please, call us any time and with any questions or concerns you may have. 1-800-444-5309

Please also be aware of any utility you have that may produce these toxic fumes, and follow the Center for Disease Control's tips for reducing the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.