by gma | September 28th, 2011
September 28,2011
A construction worker in Petersburg, Virginia, fell three stories from a building last week, causing a power outage in the immediate downtown area. CBS 6 News reports the worker fell from the old community band building on Sycamore Street around 11:00a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Petersburg Fire Chief T.C. Hairston said, “Apparently [he] was cutting the old fire escape off the building when he fell out of the third story window.” He added that the cutting tool hit several power lines in the area and knocked out power to City Hall and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Also, the traffic light at Tabb and Sycamore Streets was down for just under an hour before power was restored.
The man had a possible broken foot or ankle, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He is expected to fully recover.
The US Department of Labor Statistics (DLS) found that although the number of fatal falls went from 847 in 2007 to 635 in 2010, construction workers still have one of the top most dangerous jobs, beat only by mining and agriculture.
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates understand that on-the-job accidents can often be inconvenient. That is why they are available to answer questions for accident victims, and help them get their life back on track following an on-the-job accident, simply by filling out a free online consultation form.
by gma | September 21st, 2011
September 21, 2011
Family members of a Petersburg, Virginia man who died while in the custody of the county sheriff are filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the department, claiming the booking center is responsible for his death.
Video footage provided by
NBC 12 News, shows the man emptying his pockets at the booking center of the Petersburg City Jail, shortly before being taken to a strip search room. Officers said that the man swallowed a small plastic bag containing white powder just before bolting from the room. Officers tackled the man to the ground to restrain him, but moments later he was dead. The county coroner listed the official cause of death as asphyxiation by the plastic bag.
Family members of the man are doubtful of this story and say the man loved life too much to swallow the bag. The medical examiner with the coroner’s office never found the bag in the man’s body, causing doubt to the conclusions.
The family’s attorney stated the suit, being filed this week, will name at least five members of the department as responsible parties in the death.
The
Virginia Wrongful Death Attorneys with
Geoff McDonald & Associates suggest contacting an attorney if you have suspicions a loved one died because of circumstances that were not their fault. Their office is available anytime to answer questions regarding your case by filling out a
free online consultation form.
by gma | September 14th, 2011
September 14, 2011
We expect out public servants, such as police officers, to be held to rigid standards when it comes to abiding by and upholding the law. Unfortunately, an ex-Henrico police officer was sentenced to three years in prison for driving through a work zone and striking a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worker while under the influence of alcohol.
CBS 6 News reported that former officer was sentenced five years for a DUI assault/maiming charge, with two and a half years suspended. Also, he was sentence to 12 months for his first offense DUI charges and had six months of that sentence suspended as well.
The former officer apologized to the victim and his family at the sentencing hearing, saying that he relives the accident everyday and will live with the burden for the rest of his life.
The victim countered by saying he will face numerous surgeries in the future because of the crash. Also, the victim’s mother said he has suffered from amnesia from a week before the accident to the forty days he spent in the hospital recuperating.
The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates understand the dangers that drinking and driving can pose and encourage drivers to use a designated driver if alcohol is going to be a part of your plans.
by gma | September 7th, 2011
September 7, 2011
A crash early Wednesday morning in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, involving a van and a tour bus sent 13 people to the hospital. CBS 6 News reports the accident occurred on Interstate 85 near mile marker 61 just after 8:20 AM.
Authorities with the Virginia State Police say the incident occurred when a van speeding down the left northbound lane attempted to weave through traffic and hit the greyhound bus carrying 35 passengers. The driver of the van suffered minor injuries, along with nine other passengers. The driver was later charged with reckless driving. Three passengers aboard the bus were also taken to Southside Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
Officials determined speed and wet roadways were to blame for the crash.
Virginia State Troopers responded to 56 crashes on Tuesday, prompting them to ask drivers to slow down and issue a list of several tips to help drivers travel safer:
- Leave Earlier – to allow extra travel time
- Buckle Up and Slow Down
- Increase Following Distance – behind other cars
- Turn on your Headlights – to increase visibility for you and other drivers
The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates say after a crash, get the care you need, but then contact a lawyer. Their team of attorneys is experienced in managing cases against insurance companies, allowing you to focus on moving forward. Fill out a free online case evaluation form to get in touch with them today.
