In 2018 Study Nearly 50% of Marine Accidents Involved Commercial Fishing Boats

According to data on CDC.gov, commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, with a fatality rate 29 times higher than the national average worker fatality rate. The NIOSH Western States Division (WSD) office in Alaska has been studying fishing safety since 1991 in an effort to reduce the number of commercial injuries and fatalities. The CDC has found that the biggest risks to fishermen are vessel disasters, falls overboard and machinery on deck.

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Seeking Compensation For a Wrongful Death Bike Accident

As cities like Bellingham, WA have become more bike friendly the number of bikes sharing the road with cars has grown. With more bikes on the road, the risk for bike versus car accidents increases. According to federal data shared on Streets Blog USA, cyclist fatalities rose 10 percent while traffic fatalities overall fell one percent in 2018. This was the second year in a row to see an increase in cyclist fatalities. When a bicycle versus car accident happens because of the reckless or negligent behavior of a driver, it is often the unprotected cyclist who pays the price.

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A Look at Scooter Accident Statistics as Bellingham Considers Shared E-Scooter Program

E-bikes and E-scooters have exploded in use since 2017, with more and more people using them as an alternative to cars, Uber rides/taxis, walking and public transit. Several metropolitan cities around the country – including Seattle – have approved programs that allow people to share bikes and other types of transportation for a fee; with pick up and drop off sites set up around the city. As reported by the Bellingham Herald, Bellingham is considering changing its laws on electric bikes and motorized scooters and skateboards in order to allow a trial program for shared e-scooters and other types of “micro-mobility” devices by spring 2020. As Bellingham works to update city codes to include uniform rules for a broader range of alternate transportation, a Western Washington University spokesperson indicates their commitment to updating on-campus rules to ensure uniformity with the city. Still, there are issues to be worked out; Councilman Terry Bornemann, for example, is concerned about safety if e-scooters are allowed to share sidewalks with pedestrians.

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October 2, 2019 is National Walk to School Day

Sponsored by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, October 2, 2019 is “National Walk to School Day.” Over 4,000 schools have registered to participate on walkbiketoschool.org from all 50 states and Washington, D.C.. According to the event’s press release, this is “…the 23rd annual celebration which highlights the importance of safer, more active transportation for youth in their local communities.”

According to event organizers, “More than half of Walk to School Day events lead to changes in policies and the physical environment that improve safety for walking and bicycling, holding promise for improving safety and transportation options for everyone.” New this year, participants can check out a series of webinars to find out how their event can be a tool for improving pedestrian safety in the community.

Follow Walk and Bike to School Day on Facebook and Twitter!

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Can I Sue for a Nursing Home Slip and Fall Accident?

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the number one cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for senior Americans. As we age and need more help with daily activities, many of us live a certain number of our years in a nursing home. Thousands of elderly nursing home residents are injured in slip and fall accidents each year. Nursing home staff/owners are tasked with caring for their elderly clients so when a slip and fall accident happens involving negligence, they can be held liable under premises liability laws and personal injury laws.

While it is true that seniors are more likely than other age groups to slip and fall during regular activities, there are legitimate slip and fall cases for nursing home residents. Understand that many nursing home residents become nervous to file a complaint against their caregivers and may be reluctant to come forward.

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Shark Tank Star’s Wife Charged in Deadly Boat Crash

According to an article on People.com, Linda O’Leary – the wife of Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary – has been charged with “careless operation of a vessel” in relation to a fatal boat crash on Lake Joseph in Canada on August 24, 2019. According to a statement by the Ontario Provincial Police, Richard Ruh, who was operating the boat at the time of the crash, was charged with “failing to exhibit navigation light while underway.” Two people were killed and three others were injured in the boating accident where the O’Leary’s boat crashed into a larger vessel, going over its bow and hitting a passenger. Linda O’Leary reportedly passed a DUI test given to her by authorities on the night of the crash. She is scheduled to appear in Ontario court on October 29, 2019.

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Do I Have a Legitimate Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is brought when there is evidence that a person died because of the legal fault of another individual or entity. Negligence or an intentional act are the two most common ways to attribute legal fault in a wrongful death case. A wrongful death claim seeks justice for the loss of a loved one through financial compensation, whereas a criminal case seeks jail time for the defendant. Many wrongful death claims arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, physical assault, nursing home abuse, and workplace hazards.

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September 15-21, 2019 is Child Passenger Safety Week

September 15-21, 2019 is Child Passenger Safety Week and September 21, 2019 is National Seat Check Saturday. Sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council, the organizations have launched a new series of public service ads (PSAs) that remind parents and caregivers to protect their child’s safety at every stage of life from infant to teen, by making sure they secure them in the appropriate car seat for their age, height, and weight. The ads created for Child Passenger Safety week link to a page that helps parents identify the safest seat for their child.

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Sept. 15-21, 2019 is National Farm Safety and Health Week

September 15-21, 2019 is National Farm Safety and Health Week sponsored by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS). NECAS “is dedicated to preventing illnesses, injuries and deaths among farmers and ranchers, agricultural and horticultural workers, their families and their employees.”

Daily farm safety themes:

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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington State?

When a person was killed due to the negligence or criminal behavior of another, they may have suffered a wrongful death. Common wrongful death cases include people killed by:

• A drunk driver
• Physical assault
• A long-haul truck driver high on drugs
• Medical malpractice
• Exposure to toxic chemicals on the job
• A defective product
• Nursing home abuse

Wrongful death lawsuits are filed on behalf of the family who has been wrongfully deprived of a loved one through the negligence or criminal act of another. These lawsuits seek to ease the financial burden of the survivors who are now dealing with unexpected expenses and lost wages. A successful claim will recover for a variety of financial damages including funeral expenses, lost services such as childcare, medical expenses, lost earning potential and inheritance.

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