Employee Spotlight October 2016

Join us in welcoming Alma to the Portner & Shure family. She recently joined us as a Spanish-speaking receptionist and legal assistant. Alma’s family is from El Salvador, however, she was born in Washington, D.C. Alma has three children, David, Joel, and Sarah. She also has a three year old Maltese/Yorkie mix named Baby. Outside of work, Alma loves to go hiking with her kids, watch movies, and listen to music. Alma is enjoying her time here at the firm so far and is excited to learn a lot. 

Employee Spotlight September 2016

Join us in welcoming Cindy to the Portner & Shure family. She has been with us for one month now and works as a receptionist and legal assistant. Cindy was born in the United States, but her family is from El Salvador. Cindy is fluent in Spanish and works with our Spanish department. She currently attends Bowie State University and is finishing up her last year. Cindy has a younger brother and a dog named Prince that she likes to spend time with. Outside of work, Cindy is a diehard Redskins fan and a Barcelona soccer fan. She also enjoys cooking and travelling.

Premises Liability for Apartment Owners in Maryland

          With the recent devastating apartment building explosion in Silver Spring, we thought it was important to address the law surrounding this issue of premises liability. A blast of this magnitude usually would not happen absent some form of negligence.

           

          A property owner owes a duty of care to maintain safe premises for its tenants and any visitors.  The property owner is responsible for common areas within the property, including lobbies, stairwells, and hallways.  A property owner cannot be held responsible for unforeseeable dangers because they had no way to expect that this type of danger would occur.  However, if the property owner knew or should have known of a danger and a tenant is injured because of that, the property owner can be held liable for the harm caused under the theory of negligence.

          One example of where a property owner could be held liable for damages caused would be if a tenant reported to the property management that they smelled gas. The property management noted the report, but nothing was ever done after that to investigate the problem further. At a later time, an explosion occurs that is determined to be caused by gas.  In this example, the property owner had notice of the potential hazard before any harm was suffered, yet no action was taken to correct the problem.  As a result, the problem worsened and led to an explosion, which killed and injured several people.

         While we wait to see what the exact cause of the explosion was, it is important to remember that property owners can be held liable for negligent acts or even lack of action that results in serious injury to another.

         If you or a family member have been injured or killed in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, call us today for a free consultation at (301) 854-9000 or visit us online to learn more at www.portnerandshure.com. 

Motorcyclist Killed in Ocean City While Evading Police

            A pickup truck and a motorcycle were involved in a deadly accident this afternoon along Coastal Highway.  Before the accident occurred, police were attempting to pull over the motorcycle for a traffic violation.  The motorcyclist sped off to avoid the police around 26^th Street.  The exact details surrounding the crash are unknown at this time.  However, we do know that the motorcyclist did not survive the crash.  It is likely that in attempting to evade the police, the motorcyclist was speeding and that might have played a role in the accident.  Coastal Highway between 26^th and 28^th Streets is still closed while police investigate.

            

           As we close in on the busy summer beach season, it is important to talk about increased traffic and the higher risk of serious accidents on the way to the beach and at the beach.  This weekend is Cruisin’ Weekend in Ocean City, which will bring in over 3,000 cars to show off to the public.  This is always a popular event every year at the beach and results in higher traffic on the roads.  Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, which is another busy time at the beach.  Drivers need to remember to remain cautious when driving to the beach so as to avoid an accident as we head into summer.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car, truck, or motorcycle accident and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Maryland Auto Accident Lawyers: Case Result May 2016

              Recently, Portner & Shure settled a rear-end accident case in Prince George’s County, Maryland for $100,000.  Two years ago, our client was rear-ended on I-495 near the Virginia state line.  As a result, she sustained numerous injuries, the most severe of which being her shoulder, which was torn in the accident.  Our client required two surgeries in order to repair it, as well as physical therapy.  After lengthy settlement negotiations with the insurance adjuster, Mr. Portner and our paralegal, Amy Patton, managed to settle the case for $100,000.  Our client was extremely pleased with the result in her case.  

Maryland Accident Attorney: Common Reasons that Workers Compensation Claims Get Denied and How an Attorney Can Help

Being injured at work can be one of the most painful, disruptive, and confusing events that can happen in a person’s life. If you are unable to work, the loss of income can be extremely burdensome on an injured worker and their family. If you don’t have health insurance, you may not know how to pay for medical treatment. And if you’ve sustained a permanent injury, you may wonder how you’ll ever make ends meet in the future.  Worrying about these issues on top of dealing with pain can be overwhelming.  Your attorney can help you get disability benefits, medical treatment, and even a lump sum award if you’ve sustained a permanent injury.

One of the greatest values of retaining an attorney is that you will have someone who is on your side to protect your interests, financial and medical, every step of the way.  Here are some of the most common reasons that workers compensation claims are denied and how hiring an experienced attorney can prevent these things from happening to you.

Injured workers’ claims are frequently denied on the basis that a causal connection is lacking, i.e., the injuries were preexisting.  Your attorney can set you up with a doctor of your choice to examine you and provide an unbiased opinion as to the cause of your injuries. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company using your doctor’s opinions to attempt to get your claim accepted.

Sometimes, an injured worker’s claim is initially accepted and you receive some medical treatment and some disability benefits.  But then the checks stop coming.

Your attorney can help you by setting you up with an unbiased doctor.  Your attorney can then use your doctor’s report to file issues on your behalf and obtain an order forcing the insurance carrier to pay your benefits.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland work-related accident and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Baltimore or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer: Fatal Tractor Trailer Accident in Westminster

            Last Friday, a tractor trailer collided with a car on Route 27 in Westminster.  Both vehicles quickly caught fire and the driver of the car could not make it out in time.  The truck hit the car in the intersection of Route 27 and Kate Wagner/Chapel Road. 

            

            Preliminary investigations do not reveal any alcohol involvement or defective maintenance of the tractor trailer as possible causes of the accident.  Although the truck initiated the collision, it still has not been determined who was at fault or the accident.

Truck-involved accidents will almost always result in serious injuries or death.  Due to the size and power of tractor trailers, it is difficult for truck drivers to bring their rigs to a quick stop.  All drivers on the roads and highways should always be extra cautious when driving near, next to, or in front of tractor trailers because there is a greater risk for a serious accident.

            

            Remember, the actions you take immediately after an auto accident will affect your personal injury recovery.  Most crash victims do not understand that an auto accident entails complicated issues, including:

   

   ·         What should never be discussed with the Adjuster;

   ·         The two critical guidelines to follow when seeking medical treatment;

   ·         The method to “get more” for your property damage and an immediate rental car;

   ·         The one document always needed for your lost wage recovery, and other critical accident related         proof;

   ·         The three essentials for building and evaluating the case for pain and suffering compensation.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a truck accident caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Westminster or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Truck-Accidents/

Maryland Car Accident Attorney: Employee Spotlight February 2016

Mandy Liu, one of our bilingual legal assistants, has been at Portner & Shure for more than 6 months.  Mandy is originally from Guangdong, China before she moved to the United States in 1997.  She speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese dialects of the Chinese language, in addition to English.  Mandy works closely with our Chinese Department paralegals to be able to assist our growing Chinese client base.

Mandy graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science degree for healthcare management.  Recently in 2014, she was married.  Travelling and learning different languages are two things Mandy enjoys.  In addition, she loves playing badminton and watching her favorite television shows.

Maryland Car Accident Lawyer: Important Steps to Remember for Safe and Responsible Driving

             The last week, Maryland drivers have been battling snow and ice on the roads.  As the mounds of snow begin to melt and everyone gets back into their normal driving routines, it is important to remember to drive responsibly.

    ·         Maintain your vehicle: All vehicles require regular service to keep the vehicle on the road longer and to prevent any safety concerns.  Important parts such as tires, brakes, lights, wipers, and fluid levels are crucial for driving safely on the road.  Without proper maintenance, your chances of getting into an accident are much higher.

    ·         Stay focused and keep distractions to a minimum:  it is extremely important to pay attention to the road in front of you as well as the other vehicles surrounding you.  Distractions such as cell phones, passengers in the car, and music can lead to an accident.  Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.

   

    ·         Avoid driving recklessly: The most common reckless driving behavior and leading cause for fatal accidents is speeding.  Speed limits are in place for one reason: safety.  When drivers go well above the speed limit, they have very little control over their vehicle.  Another form of reckless driving is tailgating.  We have all been stuck behind one of those cars that drives under the speed limit and you cannot get around them.  Many of us think the best thing to do is drive very close to their bumper because we think it will make them drive faster.  That simply is not safe at all because if that car stops suddenly, it is impossible for you to stop without hitting them.  It is always important to maintain a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you, especially in wet weather.

    

    ·         Always wear your seatbelt: The one safety device in a car that saves the most lives is the seatbelt.  Countless accident victims were either seriously injured or killed because they were not wearing their seatbelt.  These devices were created in order to protect people in the event of an accident.  If you do not use your seatbelt, there is nothing stopping you from going through the windshield.

If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a Maryland car accident due to the negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Rockville or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/

Maryland Car Accident Lawyer: Employee Spotlight January 2016

Sharina Taveras Lopez, one of our bilingual receptionists and legal assistants, has been an integral member of the Portner & Shure family.  She and her family moved to New York from the Dominican Republic when she was 11 years old for a better education.  She later moved to Providence, Rhode Island with her parents, and became very involved in the Latino community. Part of her involvement included campaigning to help three Latino leaders get elected to the Senate, Secretary of State, and Mayor for the city of Providence. In addition, Sharina taught English to Spanish speaking people at the church in her community.

Sharina graduated from Juanita Sanchez High School in 2011 as a Valedictorian. Later that year, she moved to Westminster, Maryland to pursue a Communication and Spanish Literature Double Major with a Minor in Journalism. Sharina graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree and Magna Cum Laude Honors. She recently married and relocated to Ellicott City, Maryland.  

What Clients Are Saying October 2015

“I scheduled a consultation with Portner & Shure at their Columbia, MD location. We were quickly taken care of by Norma, who listened and documented what occurred during our auto accident. After hearing our story and where we were in the process, she consulted with an attorney colleague and they both advised us that it was simply not in our best interest to have them handle the case - we would make more money by settling it ourselves. I admired their transparency and they advised us how to best negotiate with the Auto Insurer. Johnathan Portner, the Managing Partner, even came in and sat down with us to explain his view on the matter. The man probably bills out at $800+ dollars an hour, but he was willing to sit down and talk to us all day! If anything ever happens, god forbid, this is where I will seek out representation - without a doubt.”

This case was handled by our Spanish Paralegal, Norma Guevara.

Glen Burnie, Maryland Accident Injury Lawyer: Recent Case Result October 2015

             Recently, Portner & Shure settled an auto accident case from November 2014 for $100,000 for our client who suffered devastating injuries in a head-on crash by a drunk driver in Maryland.  Our client was in the car along with other members of her family, and their vehicle was trying to make a left turn, when all of a sudden, a drunk driver crossed over the center line and plowed into them.  The drunk driver was arrested as a result.  There is no liability dispute in this case. 

            

             Our client suffered a fractured left upper arm and right ankle.  Our client also required an open reduction and internal fixation of her right ankle and her left humerus, which left her completely immobile and unable to walk.  The negotiation process in this case lasted well over one year, and was finally able to settle this month.  Christine Airey worked tirelessly negotiating with the insurance carriers to obtain a great settlement for this client.

Deadly Accident on I-95 in Catonsville, Maryland

               Just a few weeks ago, a terrible accident occurred on I-95 near Catonsville, Maryland.  A man was driving a pick-up truck that had become disabled and pulled onto the shoulder on southbound I-95.  In addition to the driver, there were three other people in the truck.  The driver was standing behind the truck to try and figure out what was wrong.  In the meantime, another vehicle had drifted across all lanes of southbound I-95, crashed into the concrete wall, and continued driving several hundred feet along the shoulder until crashing into the disabled truck and the truck’s driver.  Unfortunately, the truck driver was killed, and the three passengers were injured.  Additionally, the driver of the other vehicle was injured and transported to Shock Trauma.  The cause of the accident is still unknown.  Police are still trying to figure out what caused the driver of the car to veer across all lanes and crash into the wall and then into the truck.

            

              Since police have not determined a cause of the accident, everything is only speculation at this point.  One possibility is that the driver of the car fell asleep behind the wheel, which caused him to lose control of the car.  Another possibility is that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, and his impaired judgment led to the crash.  There are many possibilities that could have caused this crash.  In terms of the victim of the crash, it appears that he pulled his vehicle completely onto the shoulder and was not standing in a lane of travel.  Any negligence on his part does not appear to have contributed to this accident, and thus contributory negligence would not apply.  If the truck driver had been standing in a lane of travel and then was hit, he would not be able to recover compensation for his injuries because he contributed to the accident.  As a reminder, it is always dangerous when on the shoulder of a highway.  Anyone who pulls onto the shoulder of a highway should always be very cautious, and if possible, wear bright-colored clothing so that other drivers can see you.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed by a negligent driver and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/Fatal-Car-Accidents.shtml

Maryland Auto Accident Lawyer: Recent Case Result September 2015

           Recently, Portner & Shure settled an auto accident case from November 2013 for $122,500 for our client who was severely injured in a crash in Carroll County, Maryland.  Our client was a passenger in a car that was making a left turn and was hit by a speeding car.  The insurance company for the driver of the car which our client was in had an expert who stated that if the defendant was not speeding, the car our client was in would have been able to complete the left turn without an accident. 

            

           There was over $36,000 in medical costs for our client, who suffered a displaced fracture in his femur, was taken to Shock Trauma, and still has some residual pain from the accident.  The negotiation process in this case lasted well over one year, and was finally able to settle this month.  Lora Hatton worked tirelessly negotiating with the insurance carriers to obtain a great settlement for our client.

Baltimore Trying to Bring Back Bike-Share Program

            Several years ago, Baltimore City tried having a bike-sharing program, but it quickly fizzled out and disappeared.  Now, there are plans in the work to bring back a bike-share program to the city.  Other major cities nearby, including Washington, D.C. have bike-share programs that have grown significantly in popularity.  For example, in June of this year, close to 315,000 trips were taken on the bike-share bicycles in DC, which is more than double the number in June 2011.

            

             These bike-sharing systems are seen as a fun and healthy way to get around in a city, as well as an easy way to explore new areas.  A person can pick up a bike in one area and can return it in another area.  Assuming the program does start again in Baltimore, initially there would be at least 250 bikes and 25 stations throughout the city.

            

              If this program takes off, it would mean more bicyclists on Baltimore’s roads.  Cities are always dangerous driving environments for drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.  With more bicyclists on city streets, the risk of accidents increases significantly.  Drivers often cannot see a bicyclist that is riding next to them, and since bicyclists have no way to protect themselves from a car hitting them, serious injury results.  While a bike-share program would greatly benefit the city and its residents, the number of car, truck, and bus accidents involving a bicyclist will likely increase.  Anyone who rides a bike must wear a helmet, and other protective gear, such as arm pads and knee pads, should be worn as well.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Maryland bicycle accident that is caused by the negligence or fault of another driver, please contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Baltimore and throughout Maryland for a free case evaluation.  Call our office today at (301) 854-9000 or visit us online to learn more about Maryland motorcycle accidents: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Motorcycle-Accidents.shtml

Gaithersburg Woman Struck and Killed by a Car as She Crossed the Street

Early Monday morning, a Gaithersburg woman, Muivembet Gelaw, was crossing the street at the intersection of South Frederick Avenue and South Westland Drive when she was hit by a car driven by Rodolfo Guillen.  Ms. Gelaw was walking to a bus stop with her daughter to go to church.  Unlike many drivers who hit pedestrians and keep driving, this driver remained at the scene.  Sadly, Ms. Gelaw did not survive the accident.

            

          A majority of pedestrian-involved accidents occur when people are crossing a street without a crosswalk.  However, the location of this accident is a major intersection with crosswalks and traffic-control signals for pedestrians.  Currently, police do not know if Ms. Gelaw was crossing with the signal or against the signal, but they are investigating to find out that information.  Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this accident to come forward because many details remain unknown at this time.

Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are killed each year in accidents and actually the numbers have been increasing nationwide in recent years.  2010 data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) placed Maryland as the seventh most dangerous state for pedestrians with 1.75 fatalities per 100,000 residents.  However, the most recent statistics do not have Maryland ranked in the top ten for worst states for pedestrians.  According to the NHTSA, nearly 3 out of 4 pedestrian deaths occur in urban environments, at intersections, during the nighttime.

In a Maryland pedestrian accident case, it must be determined whether the pedestrian was lawfully crossing the street at the time of the crash.  In other words, was the pedestrian crossing the street against the signal, crossing outside the crosswalk, or texting while crossing, or was the pedestrian crossing with the “walk” signal and inside the crosswalk.  Because Maryland is a contributory negligence state, if the victim pedestrian is negligent in any way, they cannot recover in a civil lawsuit.

           If you or a family member has been injured or killed by a driver as a pedestrian and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact our office at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Rockville or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/

Handsfree Cellphone Use Not Safer than Handheld Cellphone Use

            With laws in place in many states prohibiting handheld electronic devices to be used while driving, many people are under the notion that those laws are in place because it is much safer to use a handsfree device than to hold a phone in your hand while driving.  MythBusters, a popular show on the Discovery Channel, recently tested whether it was safer for drivers to talk on their cell phone using a handsfree device than to use a handheld phone.  Maryland drivers are required by law to use handsfree devices when making phone calls.  MythBusters, in testing this theory, proved that it does not matter whether you are holding the electronic device or using a handsfree device, it was dangerous either way.  Drivers who talked on the phone while holding it to their ear performed poorly in the driving test.  In addition, drivers who talked on the phone using a handsfree device also performed poorly in the driving test.  Although there were slight differences in the test scores, these differences were too negligible to make much of a difference. 

            

           The real culprit when it comes to cell phones in the car is the phone call itself.  Just by talking and listening during a phone call, a person’s brain is functioning even more so than just driving.  The phone call is an added distraction to a person, no matter whether it is handsfree or handheld, and accidents are bound to occur.

            

           Cell phone use while driving, whether it is texting or talking on the phone, handsfree or handheld, is very dangerous.  Use of an electronic device while driving is always a leading cause for accidents on the roads.  Never text and drive, and if at all possible, try to avoid making phone calls while driving as well.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident that is caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Columbia or throughout Maryland or visit us online at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/

Employee Spotlight August 2015

            Celia Zuniga, our newest Legal Assistant in our growing Spanish Department, has recently joined the Portner & Shure family.  Celia was born in El Salvador and moved to California when she was 15.  At that time, she did not speak any English, but managed to learn it quickly in school.  Celia attended college in Glendale, California, as well as in Maryland, where she earned her Paralegal degree.  Celia has lived in Maryland since 1998 and enjoys raising her two kids, ages 12 and 8.  In her free time, Celia loves to read, watch soccer, and play with her two dogs.

Deck in Columbia, MD Townhome Community Collapses, Injuring 5 People

             Last night, a Columbia townhome deck collapsed with several people on it.  Five people were injured in the accident when the wooden deck completely detached from the back of the home.  Pictures of the scene show the entire deck intact with patio furniture scattered about.  The five people injured luckily did not suffer life-threatening injuries.  The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

            

            Last month, a report was released identifying a staggering number of deck and balcony collapses since 2003.  The deadly balcony collapse in Berkeley last month triggered a closer look at this deadly phenomenon.  Approximately 6,500 people have been injured in these deck collapses nationwide since 2003, with 29 of these people dying from their injuries.  Experts say one reason for these collapses is due to the vulnerability of these structures to dry rot.  If dry rot is left untreated, these decks and balconies become weak, which then increases the risk that the structure’s support can fail and lead to a collapse.  Dry rot of wood occurs when water gets into a poorly ventilated area of the wood and is never repaired.

             

            The deck involved in this Columbia collapse is made of wood, which brings the possibility of dry rot as a cause of the accident.  Liability in this type of case could fall on the builder of the townhomes or the property management company if either party failed to regularly inspect the decks, especially if other instances of decks collapsing exist and neither party rectified the problem.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or a failure to maintain safe premises please call us today at (301) 854-9000 to set up an appointment at one of our office locations located in Columbia or throughout the rest of Maryland for a free case evaluation or visit us online: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/Premises-Liability.shtml

Silver Spring Doctor Who Broke Wrist in Hospital is Awarded $4.4 Million by Jury

             An incident dating back to November 2010, when Dr. Vikramaditya Reddy slipped and fell on a waxed floor at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring.  According to Reddy’s attorneys, there were no signs visible that warned him of a slippery, just-waxed floor.  Reddy brought suit against Crothall Healthcare, Inc., the company responsible for training and supervising hospital employees in proper maintenance of the facility.  The largest part of the damage award is for future lost wages because as a result of the injuries sustained in the fall, Dr. Reddy can no longer perform the types of surgeries as part of his medical practice.  The award was calculated as follows: $3.7 million for future lost wages, $561,000 for past lost wages, $39,000 for past medical expenses, and $33,000 for noneconomic damages. 

The jury found that Crothall Healthcare failed in warning about the hazard of freshly waxed floors and the risk of injury associated with it.  Crothall Healthcare continued to deny any responsibility for causing the accident, but the jury found that because they were responsible for training hospital employees in proper facility maintenance they should be the ones held liable for the lack of warning signs for waxed floors.

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises for others who are on their property and a duty to warn visitors of potentially hazardous conditions.  When they fail to keep their property safe and fail to warn of unsafe conditions, such as a waxed floor, they can be held accountable for injuries that result.  In this case and in most cases just like it, the victim is often awarded significant damages as compensation for injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall or has died as a result of their injury suffered in a Maryland accident, and would like more information, please call us at (301) 854-9000 to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation at our Silver Spring office or one of our many other offices located throughout Maryland, or visit us online at: http://www.portnerandshure.com/Personal-Injury/Premises-Liability.shtml