2009 August Archive

The Union Leader recently reported in a story that Concord Steam has been fined more than $100,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The fines stem from a worker injury that occurred on January 22, 2009. The Concord-based company is reviewing the allegations made by OSHA and has declined further comment.

The worker was injured when pressurized oil ignited after leaking from a boiler. Reportedly, the boiler was in a state of disrepair, with OSHA declaring it to be a fire and explosion hazard. OSHA filed a total of 73 safety violations against Concord Steam, a clear indication that its employee’s safety was considered inconsequential as indicated by the lack of upkeep of its equipment.

Among the other potential hazards cited by OSHA was the risk of crushing injuries, falls, electrocutions, suffocation, and lack of safety exits in the event of an emergency. With such a wide array of safety violations and dangers in the work place, Concord Steam has exposed itself to premises liability lawsuits, in which employees who have suffered as a result of Concord Steam’s negligence may seek compensatory damages as retribution.

If you or a loved one has recently been involved in an accident at work, or you’ve been injured on someone else’s property because of dangerous premises conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury lawyers in New Hampshire at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. our skilled attorneys will examine the circumstances of your case, and will see to it that negligible parties are held accountable for their carelessness. Please call us today at 1-888-511-1010 for a free consultation, and we’ll work towards restoring the order in your life that your personal injury accident undoubtedly disturbed.

A recent op-ed article in the American Spectator criticizes motorcyclists for driving “impractical conveyances” and disrupting drivers on the road with their rumbling tailpipes. But though the article, written by Henry Gekonde, is for the most part an innocuous reflection on the popularity of motorcycling in New Hampshire, it misses its point at the very end.

“Still, the bikers can’t wait, and they’ve already brought out their machines, and they’re big and loud. ‘MOTORCYCLES ARE EVERYWHERE,’ says a bumper sticker on an SUV. It’s not a warning; it’s a deliberate provocation,” says Gekonde.

Unfortunately, this misconception is one that can hurt motorcyclists.

The warning that “motorcycles are everywhere” is, unfortunately, one that many New Hampshire motorists would do well to heed. All too often, motorists fail to adequately share the road with their two-wheeled counterparts by merging without looking, taking turns without checking the road ahead of them, or failing to give way to motorcycles. The consequences of New Hampshire motorcycle accidents can be devastating, even fatal – especially for motorcyclists, who are more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries from a vehicle-on-motorcycle crash.

Take the recent injuries of three Tenn And Tenn, P.A. clients. One suffered a severe brain injury and required multiple surgeries and long-term wound and pain management. Another suffered a traumatic brain injury and has required ongoing speech therapy to recover from his injuries. Another was injured when the motorcycle on which she was a passenger crashed off of the roadway. Though Tenn And Tenn, P.A. recovered full compensation for each of these clients, more caution and respect of motorcyclists could have prevented these devastating and expensive injuries and helped our clients’ quality of life.

Motorcycles ARE everywhere – and motorcyclists deserve as much respect as other drivers on the road. However, accidents do happen – and motorcyclists do have legal rights. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t let those rights go unnoticed; instead, assert them with the help of an experienced and skilled New Hampshire motorcycle injury attorney from Tenn And Tenn, P.A. New Hampshire’s experienced legal team in motorcycle accident lawsuits. Contact us today by calling 1-888-511-1010 for more information and a free case consultation.

A recent article reported about a local woman’s harrowing rescue from a burning car. A 25-year-old woman of Danville was driving her 2004 Hyundai automobile southbound on Route 125 when she was struck by a dump truck. Moments after the car crash in New Hampshire, as passersby made their way toward her damaged vehicle, the car’s engine caught on fire. The woman and her passenger were rescued from the flaming car, and police on the scene managed to put out the flames. The severity of the driver’s injuries was not made public. Both the driver and her passenger were sent to local hospitals for treatment.

The 29-year-old driver of the 2007 dump truck that struck was attempting to turn onto Roadstone Drive when the truck crossed the dividing line into oncoming traffic, consequently striking the woman’s vehicle in the process. A police chief said that the accident remains under investigation.

Negligence in this case can fall on the shoulders of multiple parties. Dangerous driving practice can hold the driver of the dump truck to blame, faulty brakes or other equipment failure on the dump truck itself can represent blame on the part of the owner of the dump truck. Negligence can even be attributed to the city or other governing body if dangerous road conditions, such as inoperable and/or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role in causing the accident. Regardless of who is deemed to be the responsible party, negligence will undoubtedly be revealed to have played a major role in causing this accident that consequently injured two people and potentially could have harmed even more.

If you have been the victim of an automobile accident, the New Hampshire automobile accident attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. will examine every aspect of your case to uncover the negligence that contributed to your collision. Our skilled lawyers will hold negligent parties responsible for the accident, and will get you the compensation you deserve to help you cope with the financial burden of the accident. Please don’t hesitate to contact Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today by calling 1-888-511-1010 for a free consultation.

A recent article about a proposed ban on so-called “high-risk motorcycles” in Quebec raises interesting questions about whether the United States would ever follow suit. Apparently, Quebec is looking to follow a French system which classifies motorcycles in seven tiers, taking age and experience into account. The proposed switch in system is supported by motorcycle accident statistics that show that so-called “high-performance” motorcycles are up to eight times more likely to crash than cars on the road.

Though the likelihood of the United States ever adopting such a system seems slim to none, it is interesting to consider the dangers of varying degrees of motorcycle speed and power. According to the Quebec insurance agency, “high-risk” motorcycles include those which feature low, short handlebars, oversized frames, and streamlined designs that emphasize a crouched driving position. These include bikes by BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, among others. These bikes are designed for performance and speed and usually operate at far higher CCs than other bikes.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents occur on bikes of all calibers. Take the case of a Tenn
And Tenn, P.A. valuable client, a 42-year-old woman who was riding as a passenger on a bike being operated by her boyfriend. When her boyfriend crashed the bike due to inattention, she went down with him – and with the help of her skilled NH motorcycle accident lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A., she was able to collect full compensation for the injuries she sustained in the crash.

We know that a motorcycle accident, no matter what the performance level of the bike, can place you at significant physical and financial risk. At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., we’re committed to getting you the compensation you deserve. Want to know more about our successful track record and our experienced, qualified staff? Contact us today by calling 1-888-511-1010 for more information and a free, confidential case evaluation.

Maine’s Senate recently defeated a proposed mandatory helmet law according to an article, thus keeping the state one of 26 that have partial helmet laws. Unlike New Hampshire, Maine’s law covers riders 17 and younger.

The controversy over the proposed Maine law brings to mind the primary arguments for stricter helmet legislation. Motorcyclists who ride without helmets are at substantial risk for head injuries, including traumatic brain injury. Un-helmeted motorcyclists can rack up millions of dollars in medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitations, disability payments, and aftercare. Statistics point to a significant increase in safety with the use of a proper motorcycle helmet: un-helmeted riders are up to 40 percent more likely to die in a crash and three times more likely to suffer from brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury. However, advocates of lax helmet laws point out that not all riders crash and that wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.

Many motorcyclists assume that just because they are wearing a helmet, they are exempt from injury. This is not so, as a recent client’s ordeal proves. This client was struck by a driver who was rushing to beat a traffic light and suffered traumatic brain injury in New Hampshire so severe that he had to undergo speech therapy and physical therapy for more than eight months. We were able to help him get the compensation he deserves – that he would have deserved whether or not he were wearing a helmet.

If you ride your motorcycle in Maine, be sure to follow Maine’s laws for children under the age of 18. And consider wearing a helmet no matter where you ride. If you or a loved one – helmeted or un-helmeted – has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you have legal rights.

Contact the experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today by calling 1-888-511-1010 for more information on our track record and a free, confidential case consultation.

According to a recent article from MSN.com’s “Money” section, driving under the influence is more expensive than one would ever imagine. Aside from New Hampshire DUI fines and bail costs, there are a variety of other factors that should be taken into consideration before you get behind the wheel of an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And keep in mind that these fees exclude damages that would need to be paid in the event that property damage or injury to another person is involved.

MSN points to different fees that can add up to exorbitant amounts in the blink of an eye.

Immediate fees:

• Bail - the typical cost ranges anywhere from $150-$2,500, depending on whether or not a bonding company, which makes it more expensive, is used
• Towing - the typical cost ranges anywhere from $100-$1,200, depending on which city you are in and how expensive their fees are
• Insurance - insurance premiums can go up by as much as $4,500 in the long run, and render your status with insurance companies as “high-risk” for as many as eight years
• Legal Fees - can typically range anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000, depending on how in depth your defense is (i.e. experts and investigators brought onto the case to help discredit incriminating evidence can cost thousands of dollars in and of themselves)
• Fines - can range anywhere from $300 to $1,200, depending on the state in which the offense takes place
• Alcohol evaluation - about $200, and is required of anyone who has been sentenced for drunken driving
• Alcohol education and treatment - considered a requirement for getting one’s license back, and can be as little as $150 and as high as $2,000, depending on the scope of treatment
• License reinstatement fees - once necessary alcohol education classes have been taken, a fee of anywhere from $95-$250 must be paid to the state to revalidate your license

Longer-lasting fees and effects:

• Life-insurance-premium increases - insurance companies can increase your monthly premium for a variety of different reasons, and reckless driving resulting in license suspension is one of them
• Lost wages - DUI convictions do not accommodate your work schedule, and often times take a person away from work, consequently depleting the amount of income earned and greatly affecting a person’s financial stability in the long run
• License suspension - this can affect a person anywhere from 90 days up to a year or more, and can seriously inhibit a person from commuting to and from a job everyday, which can lead to tardiness, absenteeism, or even eventual termination
• DUI stigma - professional licenses can be lost depending on the severity of the DUI conviction, which can ultimately lead to loss of job or suspension; even new employers with no prior knowledge of your DUI conviction will find such a conviction on your permanent record, which could ultimately deter them from hiring you.

If you or a loved one is being charged with a DUI crime, do not hesitate to contact the skilled New Hampshire DWI defense attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Our lawyers will examine the circumstances surrounding your DUI and will provide you the strongest defense possible. Please call us today for a free consultation at 1-888-511-1010.

On May 20, an accident involving a motorcyclist hurt by a motor vehicle occurred when the car made a left turn in front of the motorcyclist. According to a report, a motorcyclist of NH was struck by a car that made a left turn in front of the motorcycle. Though the circumstances of the crash have not been fully revealed, it appears that the driver turned in front of the motorcycle in front of an ice cream shop. Both men were conscious and able to talk after the motorcycle crash in New Hampshire and no citations were given out.

Drivers turning in front of motorcyclists present an ongoing threat to the health and safety of motorcyclists. All too often, a driver does not realize that the motorcyclist is in their path, either because they are distracted or unaware. The crash that can result usually does little to no harm to the driver of the motor vehicle, but can cause traumatic damage to the motorcyclist. In this case, the rider was not wearing a helmet. Though it looks like he made it through this time, his injuries could have been far more severe and even deadly.

Hopefully, the accident victim has sought out the services of an experienced and competent New Hampshire motorcycle accident injury attorney to help him get the compensation he needs and deserves as he deals with his injuries. Tenn And Tenn, P.A. specializes in this kind of skillful legal representation – in fact, we recently obtained out-of-pocket and insurance compensation for a client who was struck by a driver who tried to “beat the light” in an intersection, causing traumatic brain injury and other injuries.

If you’ve been struck by a motor vehicle while riding your motorcycle, don’t give up hope. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can recover compensation for your injuries. Contact Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at 1-888-511-1010 for more information on our firm’s successes and a free, confidential case consultation.