Severna Park Maryland Legal Blog

Workers' compensation can help address hardships after accidents

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in workers' compensation on Thursday, June 25, 2020.

Even with precautions taken, unexpected events can take place on worksites. In many cases, those events can be frightening, especially on construction or demolition sites, and some workers may not make it out unscathed. As a result, workers or their families may need to look into workers' compensation options.

Maryland readers may be interested in a recent work-related accident that took place in a nearby state. Apparently, a power plant no longer in use was being prepped to be torn down when the incident occurred. Crew members were working to salvage materials and dismantle the plant when a support structure collapsed unexpectedly. Details on exactly what occurred during and after the collapse were not given, but it was reported that two workers were injured.

A texting driver could cause a car accident in an instant

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in personal injury on Thursday, June 18, 2020.

Texting while driving is a bad idea. It could have serious consequences, the least of which is being stopped by a Maryland police officer. However, despite the fact that police officers could stop a vehicle and issue a ticket and the fact that texting while driving could cause a car accident, numerous drivers continue to do it.

A recent survey indicated that the idea of being pulled over by a police officer for texting while driving does not act as much of a deterrent for drivers. In fact, over the previous two years, 43.7% of drivers who were involved in accidents indicated that they read texts while driving even though they knew they could get stopped by police. Another 42.7% indicated that they typed text messages while behind the wheel even when they thought an officer might see.

Verbal estate planning can leave much up to chance

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in estate planning on Friday, June 12, 2020.

Though it can be difficult to consider how loved ones will live after one's passing, it can be a necessary scenario to think about. Taking the needs of family members and possible future issues into consideration could help Maryland residents through the estate planning process. Having these plans could prove invaluable when the time comes to use them.

Of course, in order for estate plans to be effective, they need to be legally binding. Some people may think that simply telling their loved ones their wishes will allow them to provide necessary information without having to go through a strict process. However, if the proper documents are not created in accordance with the law, family members may not be able to carry out verbally expressed wishes after a person's passing or if the person becomes incapacitated.

What you need to know about workers' compensation in Maryland

On behalf of KMA Law Office on Monday, June 8, 2020.

If you have been injured in the workplace, it's important to know that you'll likely be entitled to workers' compensation. Most workers in the United States are covered by workers' compensation insurance through their employers.

However, to successfully gain the compensation that you are entitled to, you must make sure that you take the appropriate actions within a certain time frame. You should also be aware of the specific workers' compensation laws and regulations in your state. The following is an overview of workers' compensation laws in Maryland.

Forklift injuries give rise to many workers' compensation claims

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in workers' compensation on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

There is no shortage of safety hazards in warehouses in Maryland and elsewhere. A significant number of the material handling injuries cited in workers' compensation claims involve falling objects, fire, manual handling and slips, trips and falls. However, forklifts pose a variety of dangers, making them the primary cause of serious workplace injuries in this industry.

The size and weight of forklifts make them particularly dangerous. For that reason, compliance with the safety standards prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is crucial. Most importantly, only certified individuals should operate forklifts, and even then, refresher safety training is essential to prevent complacency. Strict supervision is necessary to ensure that forklifts are not used to transport or lift co-workers onto elevated work areas.

Distracted driving continues as a car accident risk

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in personal injury on Friday, May 29, 2020.

When Maryland residents hit the road, they usually have a destination in mind, and they typically want to get to that destination safely. Unfortunately, numerous distracted drivers also hit the road, and it is difficult to know who is paying attention and who is not. In many cases, people do not know until they are involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver.

When individuals think of distractions, it is common for cellphone use to first come to mind. Certainly, texting continues to be a prevalent issue among drivers as a recent survey of 1,000 drivers found that 24% of those participants named texting as the main cause of distraction. Other top distractions included using navigation systems and addressing kids while in the vehicle.

Family may struggle after loved one fatally injured on the job

On behalf of KMA Law Office on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

Any job can come with risks. Even if Maryland residents are comfortable with the jobs that they perform, any slip-up could have serious and lasting consequences. Unfortunately, many workers end up seriously or even fatally injured on the job, and questions may need to be answered.

It was recently reported that a worker in another state lost his life while performing work-related duties. The 20-year-old man was reportedly working to clear land, and a backhoe was being utilized by the crew during this task. The young man was riding on the side of the backhoe when he slipped and fell. Unfortunately, the fall resulted in the man landing under the tire of the machine, which presumably ran over him.

Answering beneficiary questions when estate planning

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in estate planning on Friday, May 15, 2020.

When faced with a situation that one does not have experience with, it is understandable to have questions. It is typically smart to ask questions in uncertain scenarios to ensure that those involved know what is going on. Even with something like estate planning, Maryland beneficiaries would be wise to ensure that they understand how trusts work.

If a parent or other loved one is creating a trust, speaking with the intended beneficiaries is a useful step to take. Beneficiaries could have a number of questions that they would like answered, such as how the trust could affect the beneficiaries in the future. For example, if a beneficiary may receive a significant windfall, making arrangements with a financial planner ahead of time may be wise. On the other hand, it would dispel any incorrect notions that a lot of money was coming a person's way. This information could help avoid sudden financial disruptions or unrealistic expectations in the future.

Truck accident claims life, injures others in Maryland

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in personal injury on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Though driving or riding in a vehicle is a common activity for most people, it can still be a nerve-wracking experience. In particular, people may feel more unsettled when they are traveling near tractor-trailers. These big rigs have a commanding presence on the roadways, and a truck accident could easily claim lives.

It was recently reported that an accident in Maryland proved fatal and led to injuries for other parties. Reports stated that the driver of a tanker truck failed to properly negotiate a turn, and as a result, the truck crashed into a passenger car and another tractor-trailer. It was noted that excessive speed was suspected as being a contributing factor. The driver's side of the car ended up pinned underneath the tanker.

Veterinary professionals may need workers' compensation often

On behalf of KMA Law Office posted in workers' compensation on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

A love for animals often leads Maryland residents into the veterinary profession. Whether a person is a veterinarian, assistant or technician, being able to help sick or injured animals is often a joy. However, animals that are injured or ill are often testy, and in some cases, those trying to help could end up in need of workers' compensation if they are bitten, scratched or otherwise injured on the job.

Many injuries that veterinary professionals suffer on the job may seem relatively minor. A scratch or nip may not need more than a bandage, but it is important to keep in mind that a serious injury may only be the next patient away. In fact, veterinary professionals have a job that lands in the top ten most dangerous jobs in the United States.