Employee Spotlight January 2018

Destiny Moore, works in the Columbia Maryland office. She has been with Portner & Shure since September 2017. Born in Chicago; raised in Maryland since the age of 3. She has 8 years of customer service experience so she is great with our clients at the front desk. Along with helping to operate the front desk efficiently, she is a paralegal assistant for Ms. Rachel Dawes. Outside of work she loves to do photoshoots, hang out with friends, travel, and exercise.

What Clients are Saying January 2018

I am very pleased with the work Portner and Shure did for my husband's case. I especially loved how Ms. Jung was very attentive and precise at handling our case throughout this whole process. I will definitely come back to portner and shure for sure!!

This case was handled out of our Columbia, MD office by our Paralegal, Ms. Heather Jung

Not Paying Attention May Forfeit Your Right to Recovery

In Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, unlike some other states, you have to prove that you had no responsibility for being injured. If a Judge or Jury is able to look at the facts of how you were injured, and establish that something you were doing may have contributed to the accident, they may not find in your favor.

With the prevalence of handheld devices and the use of headphones on the rise, these items increase your chances of being injured while out for a walk or a bike ride because they diminish your senses to your surroundings.You may not hear that vehicle approaching you, or someone honking their horn, you may have also forfeit your right to recovery because you weren’t paying attention. If you’ve been involved in an accident as a pedestrian or a cyclist you need an experienced attorney to prove you had no contribution to your accident. 

Tailgating 18-Wheelers—A Cause for Concern for Drivers

                        A new phenomenon on the highway—Tractor trailers, tailgating other tractor trailers. Experts say this “platooning” phenomenon for 18-wheelers saves trucking companies millions, but at what cost to other drivers on the road? 18-wheelers already account for a large percentage of fatal accidents due to their size, blind spots, and inability to stop quickly. 

             What happens when 18-wheelers tailgate one another back to back—we believe other drivers on the road won’t have space to maneuver on the highway, and cars will be trapped and will miss their exit. Platooning 18-wheelers may increase the risks for serious accidents on highways. Rear-end accidents happen every single day and the most common cause of those accidents is tailgating.18-wheelers that intentionally tailgate one another can only be a cause for concern. If you've been involved in an accident caused by a tractor trailer truck, you need a top rated attorney on your side. 

Employee Spotlight December 2017

Join us in welcoming Melinda (Mel) Moss to our Frederick office.  Mel has been a Paralegal since 1992, with a strong and diverse legal background, with expertise in personal injury; medical malpractice; business law; employment and labor relations; as well as commercial litigation.  Mel recently relocated to her hometown of Frederick from Albany, New York, where she worked as a litigation paralegal for Conway & Kirby, PLLC, a major medical malpractice and personal injury firm. Outside of work, Melinda owns and operates MSquared Kennels where she breeds, trains and competes Australian Shepherd dogs in Agility and Obedience, as well as riding and re-training Retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

Recent Case Results December 2017

On July 6^th, our client was riding as a passenger in a vehicle that was rear ended by a Taxi. The impact was so great it left her with excruciating pain to her neck, back, and chest. Once our client was through with treatment, we submitted her demand to the liable party’s insurance company as we always do. However, after several months of haggling with the insurance company and no offers yet on the table, our litigation team decided to put this case into suit. After the case was tried, we went from having no offers, to having a court award of $17,230.00 plus costs. Although it was a long process, our client was very pleased she had Portner & Shure to be her advocate. 

Inclement Weather Leads to More Car Accidents

As temperatures continue to drop, you need to keep in mind road and weather conditions while driving. Importantly, you must be aware of other drivers on the road, and alter your driving habits based on the conditions

We have all seen the drivers who turn on their hazards and practically crawl down the right lane during inclement weather. Contrarily, we have also all seen the driver who speeds and weaves in and out of traffic. Both of which are a major hazard.

Adverse weather contributes to 28% of all accidents and 20% of accident fatalities. The law states you have a duty to operate your vehicle differently based on the conditions. If the weather is bad, go slower, and keep a greater distance between you and other vehicles.

We at Portner & Shure wish you and your family a safe and warm Holiday Season.