The 19-year-old exited a strip mall onto South Academy in Colorado Springs. As he was headed southbound on Academy, a truck heading north turned into the path of the motorcycle rider without warning. The young man had no chance at avoiding a collision with the truck.
]]> The impact threw the rider off of his bike. He slammed into the windshield of the truck and bounced off of it onto the street. The truck driver was not injured in the crash, but the teen suffered life threatening injuries. Authorities don't believe that speed or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. The driver of the truck was given several citations including one for careless driving.In the meantime, the victim is still hospitalized as of this writing. As is the case with other motorcycle vs. car accidents in Colorado, the victim has the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver. Filing a civil suit may not heal his wounds any faster, but a successfully navigated claim may help with the financial stresses that accompany serious injuries. The teen will be facing ever mounting medical bills, lost wages and other damages that are recoverable in a civil action.
Source: kktv.com, "Teen In Serious Condition After Motorcycle Crash," April 30, 2013
]]>The Colorado State Patrol suspects that a recent crash involved a driver that had been drinking. To make matters worse, it is also believed that the driver was traveling too fast for the road. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision lost control and slammed into a parked car.
]]> Neither the driver nor the passenger in the vehicle was properly restrained at the time of the accident. The driver suffered serious injuries and had to be taken to an area hospital. His current condition is not known. The passenger in the vehicle wasn't as lucky. He died as a result of the injuries he sustained.It won't be known until the Colorado State Police are through with their investigation what charges, if any, will be filed against the driver. It may also not be known for some time whether the family of the deceased passenger will exercise their right under our state law to file a wrongful death claim against the driver. One thing is certain, all of the parties involved, including the driver of the vehicle, his family and the family of the passenger are in chaos. Learning to live with mistakes and losses sustained as the result of car accidents can take time and those wounds can be hard to heal.
Source: kgwn.com, "1 dead after vehicle hits parked car," April 29, 2013
]]>The company is recalling a number of their dog, cat and ferret products that expire before or on March 24, 2014. The contamination can be spread not only to pets, but to humans who have handled the contaminated product. Anyone that has purchased a pet food or treat product that was manufactured by Natura Pet Products may want to contact the company or go to the company's website to see if the product they purchased is part of the recall. Natura manufactures products under the name brands EVO, Innova, HealthWise, California Natural and Karma.
]]> Signs that a pet has contracted salmonella poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea (bloody or not), lethargy, abdominal pain or fever. Humans that have contracted salmonella poisoning tend to exhibit the same symptoms. There are some rare, yet serious, conditions that can be contracted as well. Anyone who is manifesting these symptoms, or whose pet is, may want to seek medical attention.Many people in Colorado think of their pets as part of the family and making sure that all family members, including pets, are not at risk of getting sick is a priority. When it is discovered that a pet food manufacturer has inadvertently produced a dangerous product, it can be hard to trust that company's products in the future. Anyone that finds they have contracted an illness related to a pet product may benefit from filing a claim with the company for any financial damages that result.
Source:latinospost.com, "Natura Pet Products Expands Recall of Dry Food and Treats," Erik Derr, April 21, 2013
]]>A Class 1 recall means that the product that is the subject of the recall could cause serious health problems. In this case, one of those health problems could be that the replacement knee will not function the way that it is intended. ShapeMatch Cutting Guides were designed to help a surgeon mark bones for cutting and align the components of the new knee.
]]> Last year, Stryker's Neptune waste management system was recalled after a patient died and another was injured as a result of the use of the product. The product is designed to be used during surgeries in order to extract fluids from patients. When the device is not properly applied, injury or even death can occur. Just last month the FDA received word that more patients have become victims of this product.These types of recalls are not only the responsibility of Stryker and the FDA, but of surgeons as well. It is the responsibility of every surgeon to keep up with current product recalls and stop using any defective product that is no longer safe to use on their patients. Anyone in Colorado that believes they may have suffered an injury or lost a loved one as a result of either of these recalled products may want to seek advice regarding their rights.
Source: Fox Business, "FDA Says Recalled Stryker Knee Surgery Devices May Cause Serious Problems," April 10, 2013
]]>Farm Rich frozen products such as mini quesadillas, mini pizza slices and Philly cheese steaks are part of the recall; but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Consumers that have purchased any Farm Rich frozen foods recently may want to contact the USDA or visit their website in order to be sure that the products they have purchased are not part of the recall. The products are said to be contaminated with E. coli 0121.
]]> This is being categorized by the USDA as a "Class I" recall due to the high health risk to consumers. The USDA began inspecting the products after they began to receive reports of people getting sick as a result of consuming Farm Rich products. At last report, 24 people across 15 states had become ill.The products that are subject to the recall were made between Nov. 12 and Nov. 19 of last year. In order to help consumers identify the products, the USDA has asked consumers to look for EST. 27232 or P-27233 on the inspection label from the USDA that is on the product package. Anyone in Colorado that believes they have become ill as a result of eating a contaminated Farm Rich product has the right to file a product liability claim against Rich Products Corporation.
Source: Examiner.com, "USDA update on Farm Rich product recall," Karen Graham, April 1, 2013
]]>The 24-year-old student's body was propelled approximately 100 feet after a vehicle sped through a red light and crashed into him in late May 2012. Authorities found the man's bicycle nearly a mile from the collision. The local police believed the motorist was driving a red SUV that dragged the bicycle nearly a mile after fleeing the scene of the crash.
]]> Although the driver of the SUV attempted to escape responsibility for the tragic crash, Colorado authorities were eventually able to locate the driver and place him under arrest. It turns out the driver has a long criminal past, including arrests for a variety of drug charges and violent offenses. The driver was recently found guilty of vehicular homicide and was also convicted of attempting to leave the scene of the accident.Unfortunately for the local community and the decedent's family, nothing can be done to bring back the lost life. However, as with other fatal bicycle accidents, it is possible for the family of the decedent to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The evidence presented in the criminal trial can also be used in support of a claim for liability in any potential civil cases stemming from the fatal crash in Colorado.
Source: thedenverchannel.com, "DU grad student killed in hit-and-run remembered with memorial sign," March 29, 2013
]]>Police officers responded to calls regarding the accident one evening in late March. According to reports, an unlicensed 15-year-old female had been driving the vehicle before the accident. The driver was attempting to make a left turn when it swerved, over-corrected, and left the road. It climbed a steep hill before rolling and striking a tree.
]]> While all five occupants were taken to local hospitals, two were treated and released. Three of the teenagers reportedly suffered severe, life-altering injuries. While the investigation continues, the driver of the vehicle could face several criminal charges, including vehicular assault and several charges related to underage, unlicensed driving.As even experienced drivers are killed hourly in car accidents, it is perhaps miraculous no one was killed in this accident. While the accident investigation focuses on what occurred and who may be responsible, the families of the three severely injured teenagers will necessarily confront how the medical bills will be paid. The parents of the injured teens will most likely consider their need to have their case heard in a Colorado civil court if the evidence supports a claim that their child was negligently injured through the fault of another party in the collision. The victims in the case will certainly face a long and expensive road to emotional and physical recovery.
Source: The Trinidad Times, "Teen car accident leaves three in hospital; Several factors led to crash," Steve Block, April 2, 2013
]]>According to reports, the driver of the car was attempting what are known as "j-turns", or causing the car to spin 180 degrees by applying the emergency brake. As the driver was attempting this stunt, the car lost control and slammed into a mobile home. One passenger in the car sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash and died later at a hospital. Two other passengers sustained non-life threatening injuries. No one was inside the mobile home at the time of the crash.
]]> The identities of the parties involved were not disclosed in reports immediately following the crash. News reports indicate that criminal charges may be filed against the driver in connection to the death of the passenger. In addition to these criminal charges, the family of the teenager killed may also seek civil actions against the driver, as may the injured survivors.Under Colorado's personal injury laws, an individual victim, or the family of a deceased victim, may choose to seek damages from any party deemed to have negligently caused the injuries or death. In this accident, the driver may be the target of personal injury and wrongful death claims. Successfully litigated civil claims can provide much needed financial assistance to the family of a deceased victim, or to a surviving victim whose lives and finances have been changed due to a serious accident. Car accidents are difficult enough to recover from, physically and mentally, and Colorado residents should not have the added burden of financial difficulty during these times.
Source: foxnews.com, "Colorado stunt-driving accident leaves 1 teenager dead, another critically injured," March 11, 2013
]]>The two teenage boys in the car, one 14 years old, the other 12 years old, reportedly were on a joyride in a stolen vehicle when police located their movements via OnStar. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the teenagers fled, leading to the collision with the security guard. After abandoning the accident scene and then the vehicle, the teenagers were finally apprehended by police.
]]> The extent of the injuries that the security guard sustained was not disclosed, though updated reports indicate that he is expected to make a full recovery. The 14-year-old is being charged in connection to the accident with stealing the vehicle and eluding police. So far, the 12-year-old has not been charged. In addition, it is unclear whether any other parties will be held accountable for this incident.Car accidents like this one prove that there can be very unusual circumstances surrounding an accident or injuries, including criminal behavior. The negligent actions of any individual can have devastating consequences on those around them. For this reason, Colorado has personal injury laws in place to protect the victims in this type of situation. Under these laws, anyone injured in an accident due to the negligence of any other party, may be able to seek damages for their injuries and loss. In some cases, the presence of criminal activity may further a victims claims that negligence or recklessness was, in fact, a component in their injuries.
Source: kktv.com, "One Teen Charged After Stealing Car, Crashing Into Colorado College Guard," March 11, 2013
]]>The events include modified sports like wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball along with sports like swimming, archery and competitive shooting. Soldiers who hope to represent their country in the games typically compete in a week-long training and qualifying program which allows coaches to determine who they want for their teams. Ultimately, approximately 50 veterans who have suffered wounds like spinal cord injuries while in service will be selected to compete in the May competition.
]]> Each event has its own rules, established by the Paralympics Committee. For instance, teams intending to compete in sitting volleyball can only have up to four 'able-bodied' athletes suffering from disabilities like traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder rather than a physical disability. The rest of the 12-man teams must consist of a mix of people with physical disabilities, such as amputees. When a volleyball game is taking place, teams can have no more than two able-bodied athletes on the court at any one time.Those who have suffered spinal cord injuries or other disabilities while serving Colorado and the rest of the nation are often provided medical and other care through their military service. For those who suffer such injuries in a civilian accident, however, it may be necessary to file a personal injury case in a civil court in order to seek restitution for the medical and other relevant expenses incurred after an injury. Whether injured in a car accident or through military service, however, each person suffering spinal cord injuries or some other disability can benefit from understanding their rights under the law to better protect themselves.
Source: Belvoir Eagle, "Wounded Soldiers qualify for Army's Warrior Games sitting volleyball team," Rick Musselman, March 7, 2013
]]>According to reports, pet owners should be cautious of being exposed to salmonella just from handling these products, and should be careful to monitor themselves and their pets for symptoms. In pets, salmonella can cause lethargy, fever, vomiting and more symptoms. Pet owners should look for these symptoms in themselves, and more serious conditions such as infections, muscle pain and more.
]]> According to Kasel, there have been no reports of consumer illness associated with the products. They are urging consumers to be mindful and check their products. Consumers who have purchased the potentially contaminated product are urged to return the product to their place of purchase to obtain a full refund. In addition, any consumers experiencing symptoms that may be consistent with salmonella contamination should seek medical attention promptly.Manufacturers maintain the responsibility of ensuring that their products are safe for consumers. When it is discovered that a dangerous product exists, manufacturers must make the decision of how to best handle the situation. Kasel has made the decision to voluntarily recall the products that may be contaminated, but that unfortunately does not mean that consumers are free from worry. Consumers who believe that they have fallen ill due to exposure to a dangerous product may seek their options under Colorado's products liability laws, which protect consumers who are harmed due to a dangerous product. If successfully litigated, product liability claims can provide consumers with reimbursement for their injuries, illness and financial losses.
Source: The Mercury, "Kasel recalls all pet products made at its Colo. facility for possible salmonella," Feb. 20, 2013
]]>The lawsuit was filed against two construction companies as well as the Colorado Department of Transportation. It alleges that each defendant was negligent with respect to road work on the highway, causing the rider to fall from his bicycle and hurt himself. The claim demands monetary damages in excess of $100,000.
]]> According to the lawsuit, CDOT entered into a contract with a construction company to modify the elevation of an iron drainage grate. The construction company, in turn, hired a subcontractor whose trucks were observed at the site following the crash. It is alleged that the defendants negligently left a gap between the roadway and the grate. It is also claimed that the work site was not marked in a manner that gave adequate notice to those using the highway.Bicycle accidents in Colorado are perhaps more frequent due to the popularity of cycling here. When a serious accident is caused by the negligence of another party, an injured party has the right to turn to our civil court system for relief. While it remains to be seen what the result of this lawsuit will be, the plaintiff will now have the opportunity to establish in court that his injuries were caused due to the negligence of the named defendants. If liability is proved to the satisfaction of a court, claims for specific items of damages will be adjudicated.
Source: Aspen Daily News Online, "Road cyclist sues over his Highway 82 wreck," Chad Abraham, Feb. 6, 2013
]]>At the time of the accident, the man was driving an SUV with a trailer attached to it. Though the specific details of the collision were not reported, the man rear ended the vehicle in which a mother and daughter were riding. The mother sustained serious injuries. The daughter, a 1-year-old child, later died from the critical head injuries she suffered.
]]> The collision occurred along U.S. 287. The specific injuries suffered by the mother were not further described, and it is not clear how long after the crash the baby survived. The victims had been visiting Colorado from southern California.Words cannot describe the pain a parent must feel at losing a child. When the child is still an infant and victimized by one of the fatal car accidents we tragically read about in the news media, the heartache is immeasurable. The mother's injuries surely have resulted in substantial expenses, and the family is likely struggling to cope with the enormity of the tragedy that befell them. As they attempt to move forward, they have the option of seeking further legal redress in a Colorado civil court. A wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their baby daughter as well as a personal injury claim for the mother may help stem any financial devastation and offer some solace that they sought to hold the person deemed responsible fully accountable for his admittedly careless driving.
Source: kwgn.com, "Driver pleads guilty in fatal crash," Matt Farley, Feb. 9, 2013
]]>The accident happened as a 70-year-old woman was walking across a road. The 37-year-old bus driver did not see the pedestrian, and struck her. She died two days later, while still hospitalized.
]]> Police have determined that the man was not impaired by drug or alcohol use at the time of the crash. However, they also assert that he was not adequately aware of his surroundings at the time. There were no children on board the bus, which was heading back to the Transportation Center when the accident took place.The man was recently sentenced to 30 days in a Colorado jail, although 20 days were suspended and the remaining 10 can be served by means of the county's workender/midweek program. He will also lose his driving privilege for two years and be placed on probation for 24 months, which is standard for car accidents resulting in a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. For the family of the woman killed in this crash, this sentence may leave them feeling that justice has not been served in the matter. Should they decide to move forward with a wrongful death suit against the driver, the outcome could help them gain closure and recover financial losses associated with the death of their loved one.
Source: Reporterherald.com, "Thompson School District bus driver in fatal Loveland accident sentenced," Jessica Maher, Feb. 4, 2013
]]>Reports indicate that a tanker truck carrying 6,000 gallons of asphalt was traveling west near Tunnel 1 when it collided with an oncoming Jeep. Another car then swerved to miss the collision and rolled into Clear Creek. A fourth car then collided with the tanker truck and rolled.
]]> Authorities state that five people were transported to the hospital following the accident. Two of those victims are listed as being in critical condition, and two others are listed in serious condition. The driver of the tanker truck sustained only minor injuries.U.S. 6 was closed for over 12 hours following the crash while authorities worked to clear the wreckage and spilled asphalt. Authorities have not released any information as to why they believe that the accident occurred, though witnesses reported that the tanker truck driver was driving at an excessive speed.
Truck accidents like this one demonstrate the power that a large truck has against a smaller vehicle. As Colorado authorities work to determine what caused this traumatic accident, the victims will likely try to focus on their recovery. This can be challenging after an accident when medical bills and other expenses become a reality. Thankfully, the victims may find it within their rights to seek recourse for these financial losses under Colorado's personal injury laws. If successfully litigated, personal injury claims can provide much needed financial compensation for the victims of an accident caused by the negligence of another party.
Source: kdvr.com, "Multi-vehicle accident in Clear Creek Canyon injures 5," Will C. Holden, Jan. 23, 2013
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