In this Issue — June 2009
- Committing a Felony when Gun accidentally discharges
The U.S. Supreme Court has answered the question we talked to you about in a recent Newsletter. The Court decided that if a person is in the process of committing a felony, like a robbery, and a gun accidentally discharges, the criminal is still subject to the mandatory sentencing law. Everyone knew if the criminal deliberately fired his gun during the incident, he was subject to the mandatory sentence, but now the Supreme Court has ruled the law applies even if the gun was discharged inadvertently, that is, by accident.
- County Bar Association Lawyer Referral System
Each month we get calls from readers to our Newsletter asking questions about employment discrimination, landlord tenant, slander-libel, custody, and lemon-law cases. Even though we mostly handle all types of accident cases, medical malpractice, workers compensation, criminal cases and DUI cases, I try and
refer the caller to someone who might be able to help them. Sometimes the only place we can think of is the County Bar Association Lawyer Referral System, but at least we will try helping you in some way if you call, and remember, the advice is free!! And in today’s economy nothing beats FREE!
- Oral Surgery Malpractice Suit
In the largest oral surgery medical malpractice case in State history, a New Jersey jury awarded $10.2 million to the family of a 21 year-old man who died after undergoing oral surgery. Francis Keller suffered from angioedema and suffocated to death the morning after his wisdom teeth were removed.
- Free Summer Bicycle Tips
When a car or truck has a collision with a bicycle, the bicycle rider always loses, no matter who legally had the right of way. Bicycle riders should take extra care to obey the following safety tips:
Remember: Bikes are vehicles, too. Legally, bicycles traveling on a road are required to be treated in the same way as any other vehicle traveling on the road is. Bicyclists must obey the same laws as other drivers do. Do not run red lights, change lanes without signaling, or commit other infractions. If you would not do it in a car, don’t do it on a bike.
Wear a Helmet. The easiest way to protect yourself is to always wear a helmet when you ride. Some jurisdictions require riders to wear helmets, but even where it is not required, wearing an approved helmet can significantly reduce the chance of serious head injuries in the event of an accident.
Be Visible. Because bicycles are so much smaller than cars and trucks, make sure that others using the road can see you.