Maine Injury, Accident, & Disability Law Blog : Maine Personal Injury Lawyer & Attorney : Joe Bornstein Law Firm : Portland Bangor Maine

Every winter, cold weather comes to Maine, and with it the risk of pipes freezing. When pipes freeze, serious damage can result.

When water freezes, it expands. For example, if you were to put a can of soda in a freezer to cool and forgot, it would explode. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts and water escapes.

Once temperatures dip below 32 degrees, all homes are vulnerable to pipes bursting. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are most susceptible, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air in. Holes in an outside wall where television, cable or telephone lines enter can provide access for cold air to reach pipes.

Homes built on concrete slabs tend to fare better than those that have crawl spaces underneath. Pipes freeze more easily in mobile homes because the plumbing is under the house.

By learning ways to prevent your pipes from freezing, you can help reduce the risk of damage to your home. A little time invested in advanced, may wind up saving you a lot of time down the road.

Here are a few helpful tips that we’d like to pass along to you on preventing your pipes from freezing:

• When checking for freezing pipes or looking to prevent them, search for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. 
• Use caulk or insulation to seal any leaks, keeping warm air in and cold air out. 
• Insulate the foundation walls and the ends of the floor beams with durable foam insulation.
• Have the home's exterior walls insulated. 
• Caulk and seal around doors, windows, house faucets, and outside outlets. 
• Drain in-ground sprinklers.
• If you’re going away for an extended period of time, set the heat to at least 55 degrees. Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.

If you suspect that pipes are freezing:

• Wrap towels that have been soaked in warm water around the pipes. 
• Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air.
• Leave the faucet on just enough to let water drip.
• Never try to thaw pipes with blowtorch or fire.

When to call a plumber:

• If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out. Be sure to leave the faucet on when calling.
• If you’ve discovered your pipes have burst. Shut off the main water valve and leave faucet on when calling.

In the event that your pipes do freeze, after they have thawed, check for pinhole leaks or cracked pipes that can cause serious water damage to your home. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water a day. Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes can burst.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money, and aggravation frozen pipes can cause. And by doing so, you and your home will stay both warm and dry this winter.

For more information about keeping your pipes from freezing, please visit: www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/severeweather/pipefreeze_prevent.html.
 

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Operation Keep ME Warm is helping thousands of Mainers this winter cope with rising energy costs.

The statewide energy and heating assistance program is a partnership between government foundations, private contributions, volunteers, and advocacy groups. The goal of Operation Keep ME Warm is to raise money to help those who do not qualify for federal, state, or local fuel assistance.

Operation Keep ME Warm provides household heating and energy assistance, as well as resources for weatherization, energy audits, food, shelter, legal assistance, counseling, childcare, and elder services.

In an attempt to help Mainers save money, Operation Keep ME Warm offers the following energy saving tips:

1. Close storm windows and use drapes and shades at night to conserve heat.
Estimated Savings - $229.46 per year

2. Close flue dampers on fireplace.
Estimated Savings - $227.92 per year

3. Install faucet flow restrictors and low-flow shower heads.
Estimated Savings - $194.04 per year

4. Tune up your heating system.
Estimated Savings - $190.96 per year

5. Insulate, caulk, and weather-strip your home.
Estimated Savings - $187.88 per year

6. Remove and vacuum your furnace filter every month. Replace it when it cannot be vacuumed clean.
Estimated Savings - $141.68 per year

7. Close and reduce heat in all unoccupied areas.
Estimated Savings - $130.90 per year

8. Replace 60W incandescent bulbs with 13W CFLs.
Estimated Savings - $77.20 per bulb over the life of the bulb

9. Set your thermostat back.
Estimated Savings - $77 annually for every degree set back

10. Insulate heat pipes and duct work.
Estimated Savings - $2.25 per foot for hot water pipes, $3.99 per foot for steam pipes, $2.28 per foot for hot air ducts

By following a few or all of these energy saving tips, you will not only be helping your bank account and living conditions, you’ll also be helping the environment. And that truly is a WIN-WIN situation.
 

For more information on obtaining home heating and energy assistance or the other numerous resources Keep ME Warm has to offer, please visit: www.unitedwaygp.org/what_we_do/keep_me_warm.php
 

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Distracted drivers have generated much attention over the past few years -- Enough to get many states to ban cell phone usage and text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Lately, however, a new phenomenon has emerged: distracted walking.

As cell phones, MP3 players, and other mobile devices become more and more ubiquitous, there has been an increase in injuries suffered by pedestrians. People everywhere can be seen walking while talking on cell phones, sending text messages, listening to music, and surfing the web. What they are seemingly failing to see, is what’s right in front of them.

In 2008, more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms because they were injured while walking and talking or walking and texting. The number is double that of 2007, which is twice as much as 2006. Along with the increasing number of injuries is the number of people with mobile devices, both of which show no signs of slowing.

Most injuries suffered by distracted walkers are minor, such as bumps, bruises, sprains and fractures, but in the most extreme cases, the injuries can be fatal. The majority of the injured are under the age of 30, those who spend the most amount of time with their various gadgets, but over a quarter fell under the baby boomer category. Deaths have been reported of people who walked into oncoming buses, trains, and trucks while listening to music and talking on the phone.

Researchers have found that the problem isn’t only a matter of misstepping while multitasking, it’s that talking or texting has a cognitive effect on people, capturing much of their awareness. Some people are so oblivious to their surroundings when engaged with a mobile device that they fail to see life unfolding around them. Researchers call this phenomenon “inattention blindness.”

In California and Texas, campaigns have sprouted warning pedestrians to be focused on the task at hand and put safety first. In accidents that are caused by pedestrian distraction, not only is the pedestrian putting himself or herself in harm’s way, but also those in nearby vehicles, crosswalks, and sidewalks. And cell phones aren’t the only way pedestrians can be distracted, looking in a different direction than you’re headed, eating on the run, attempting to find something in a backpack or luggage, and being lost in thought can also disrupt one’s walk.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand injuries suffered by pedestrians. If you’ve been injured by the negligence of someone else, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And remember, if it would distract you while you’re driving, it will distract you while you’re walking. That and keeping your focus may just keep you out of the emergency room, which is a distraction nobody needs.
 

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On Monday, January 18th, the Portland Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted a breakfast to honor Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. The annual event celebrates the life of the late doctor and his continuing impact on society today.

In addition to keeping King’s dream alive, the 29th annual breakfast recognized the work of Greater Portland’s civil rights community over the past year and featured key note speaker, Melissa Harris-Lacewell, an Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University and best-selling author. Other prominent speakers in the program included Portland Mayor, Nick Mavodones, and Maine Democratic Congresswoman, Chellie Pingree.

The morning also included events designed for Portland’s youths to teach them about King’s legacy and a traditional march down Congress Street to Monument Square to lay a wreath in memory of Doctor King. Over 700 people braved the snowy weather to attend the annual event that has become a long running and renowned fixture in Maine.

First observed in 1986, and officially recognized by all 50 states in 2000, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the life of a man who made equality his life mission. 41 years after he was assassinated, Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream is not only alive, but also a reality.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to support the NAACP Portland Branch and their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Equality was Dr. King’s dream -- Equal access to justice is ours. Together, we are making Maine a better place to live.

For more information on the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast please visit: www.portlandmlk.net.

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Driving during the winter can be dangerous. Roads are slick with snow and ice, and it gets dark early, limiting one’s visibility. And despite the fact that many Mainers have lived in-state for much of their lives and have experience with winter driving, it’s important to refresh oneself on how to best navigate the slippery season.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of dangerous winter driving. The results often do not paint the picture of a winter wonderland. But by being careful and following a few winter driving tips, you’ll be much more apt to make it from point A to point B safe and sound. Because with only a few winter storms under our belt, it’s inevitable that Maine has many more to go.

The following is a list of winter driving tips that all Mainers should follow: 

• Avoid unnecessary driving during storms. If you must travel, allow time for maintenance trucks to plow, salt, and sand the roads.
• Do not assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel drive cars and trucks can encounter trouble on slick roads.
• Keep at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. A distance of 10 seconds or more between you and the next car is considered safe.
• Look ahead to anticipate actions well before they happen. 
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills and unplowed roads.
• Do not use cruise control on slick roads.
• Be careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways. Black ice is commonly found on roads winding around lakes and rivers, in tunnels, on bridges, and in highly shaded areas. 
• When you find yourself on ice, avoid braking if possible. Try to remain calm if you experience a skid, and look and steer in the direction you want to go. 
• If you find yourself stuck in snow, do not spin your wheels – this will only make you dig deeper. Instead, turn your wheel side-to-side to clear snow out of the way and then lightly press on the accelerator. If necessary, shovel away snow and put down kitty litter to help with traction. 
• Keep a charged cell phone and fully stocked winter driving kit in the event of an emergency.

With many more storms in the forecast this winter, it’s important to be prepared in case you find yourself driving in the middle of one. Because after all, snow may look nice covering trees and mountains, but it paints a whole other picture on the road.

And if you’ve been injured in a car accident by the negligence of someone else, call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation. In over 35 years, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

Even during the depths of winter.
 

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A new website is making finding a new home or apartment in Maine easier.

Mainehousingsearch.org is an online rental listing service that “links people who need housing with the housing they need.” Funded by the Maine State Housing Authority, the Department of Health and Human Services, and 2-1-1 Maine, the website is designed to help Mainers with all of their house hunting needs.

Currently, the website has over 700 listings with over 7,000 units and 450 vacancies across all 16 Maine counties, with the numbers expected to grow. Searches can be done on criteria such as location, price, and accessibility features, and vacancy details are updated daily. Maps and pictures of properties are also available, as well as a calculator to help determine what’s in your price range depending on your income. All property managers and owners who list on the site must abide by Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity regulations that prohibit discrimination.

The website offers a rental checklist that can be printed and brought to properties to track what each has and what each needs, a sample moving expense spreadsheet, a calculator to help figure out exactly how much a move will cost, and a glossary of different housing definitions. The website also acts as a reference for other services that can be helpful when searching for a home, including many educational links.

For homeowners and landlords, the benefits of listing property on the website include a statewide marketing campaign and the ability to update information in real time. The information can be accessed 24-hours a day at the prospective buyer or renter’s leisure.

While the housing website is still new, the state funded programs that started the site are committed to making it the most popular rental listing service in Maine. The centralized information is free, and for those without access to the internet they can call 1-877-428-8844 for a complete housing listing. And perhaps in due time, mainehousingsearch.org will be the place to be online if you’re looking to move in Maine.

For more information about the new housing website and to view all of its resources including available homes and apartments, please visit www.mainehousingsearch.org.
 

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With winter in mid-season form, Mainers are feeling the freeze. Unfortunately, when temperatures drop, oil prices don’t typically follow. There are, however, programs that can help Mainers heat their homes during a cold frigid winter.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists those who cannot afford to heat their home or pay electric bills. The federally funded program aids those in need both throughout Maine and nationwide.

Maine State officials report that over 49,000 households have already applied for help with heating bills this winter, with approximately 46,000, or 94 percent, being approved benefits. On average, families receive roughly $940 for the winter, an increase of $200 from last year. The amount of money a family receives depends on household size, income, and overall energy costs.

The Maine State Housing Authority expects the federal program to assist over 70,000 homes in Maine this winter. Despite the high percentage of homes applying and receiving benefits, it is estimated that only 15 percent of eligible homes take advantage of LIHEAP’s benefits. Even if heat is included in rent, a home or apartment may still be eligible. Last year, 61,000 homes benefited from LIHEAP’s financial aid.

To apply for heating assistance, Mainers should contact the regional agent that serves their county and provide them with the required information, including: names and social security numbers of all family members living in your home, proof of gross household income, proof of present address, and recent copies of utility bills. The list of regional agents can be found on the Maine Housing website: www.mainehousing.org or by calling 1-800-452-4668. The average wait time to be approved for assistance from LIHEAP is six weeks.

Due to rising oil prices, cold temperatures, and a struggling economy, Congress voted to extend LIHEAP benefits to more families throughout the U.S. and increase the level of benefits. A total of $4.5 billion dollars is being doled out to needy families this winter, with nearly $28 million allocated to Maine. To qualify, a household’s income must fall within 230 percent of the poverty level, or 75 percent of the state’s median income. In 2009, 75 percent of the U.S. was eligible for assistance.

For Mainers who need immediate heating assistance, such as those whose oil tank is dangerously low and cannot afford to fill it, they should call 2-1-1. The toll-free non-profit service directs calls to local resources that can help those who need immediate relief. For those that expect their need to last an extended period of time, they should contact LIHEAP.

Thanks to the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the goodwill services of 2-1-1 Maine, people across Maine and America won’t be left in the cold this winter. And that’s warm news nationwide.

For more information on LIHEAP, please visit: http://www.mainehousing.org/ENERGY
 

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It’s inevitable that car accidents happen. Even with proper safety precautions, accidents happen daily. With hope, they won’t include you or a loved one, but they are, however, accidents. And the worst part is that they’re unpredictable.

While no one expects to be in an accident, it’s important to be prepared in the event that one occurs.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of auto accidents on a daily basis. In over 35 years, we have helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve, which is why we’d like to pass along the following tips for what to do in the event that you’re in an accident. After all, accidents happen – we just hope they don’t happen to you.

Ten Important Steps To Take When In An Accident:

1. Stop – State law requires you to remain at the scene of an accident.
2. Take Safety Precautions – Use flags, flares, cones, etc., to warn oncoming drivers of your accident, preventing further accidents.
3. Medical Attention – See that any injured parties receive medical attention immediately. If you have any symptoms or injuries, seek medical attention immediately. This protects your health and documents the injury.
4. Call The Police – Contact the State, local or city police. Give the facts of the accident to the police but do not admit responsibility.
5. Identify Other Drivers – Obtain the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of all other parties involved in the accident. 
6. Verify Information – Make sure the driver’s license is current and the registration number matches the license plate number on the vehicle for all drivers involved.
7. Identify Witnesses – Get the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and comments of everyone who witnessed the accident.
8. Note Details of Accident – Make note of time, weather, road and light conditions, length of skid marks, and make a diagram of the accident scene. 
9. Take Pictures – Use a digital camera or the camera on your cell phone to take pictures of the accident. Take as many pictures as possible from varying angles and distances to capture the accident scene, damage to cars, nearby road signs and landmarks, skid marks, debris in the road, and all other pertinent evidence. Keeping a disposable camera in your glove compartment is also a good idea.
10. Contact Your Insurance Company And The Law Offices Of Joe Bornstein – In over 35 years, we have helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve. Contact us today at 1-800-CALL-JOE to find out how we can help you.

If you’ve been in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And the next time you’re on the road, be alert and be aware, and be prepared in the unfortunate event that you’re in an accident.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

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After nine deaths in the 2009 season, the state of Maine is stressing snowmobile safety this winter. The safety campaign is asking snowmobilers to “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly.”

Snowmobiling is one of Maine’s favorite pastimes. With 13,000 miles of signed trails in the state, there’s an abundance of room to ride for the 100,000 registered snowmobiles. Yet despite the land reserved for riders, it’s up to snowmobilers to maintain their safety.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association worked together to create a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) that promotes snowmobile safety. The PSA speaks of the good times snowmobile riding provides and warns of the inherent dangers. In addition to the fatalities, many more snowmobilers are injured each season.

The good news is that the Maine Warden Service patrols Maine’s trails to protect our riders. Last year, Warden’s conducted 46,000 safety inspections, issuing 850 violations, including 30 arrests for operating under the influence of alcohol. The Warden’s services help look out for those that practice safe riding.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of risky and dangerous riding. Each year, many Mainers are seriously injured in snowmobile accidents, which is why we’d like to offer you a few snowmobile safety tips.

• Speed – While there is no speed limit on trails, it’s important to keep your machine under control. Remember to slow down when you approach other sledders, come to a curve, bridge, or rise in the trail. Sledders are judged by the standard of "reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions." It is illegal to operate a snowmobile in a manner which endangers another person or property. 
• Drinking and Driving – Like operating any other motor vehicle, for those over the age of 21, it is illegal to ride a snowmobile with a Blood Alcohol Content over .08 percent. 
• Law Enforcement – It is mandatory to stop for game wardens, foresters, rangers, and local law enforcement. 
• Lights – All snowmobiles must have headlights and rear lamps. They must be on during the time period 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. It is advised to keep your headlights on at all times.
• Wildlife – Yield to all wildlife on the trails and keep your distance. The wilderness is their natural habitat and they have the right of way.
• Preparation – It is advised to carry a trail map with you at all times and tell someone where you are sledding. Dressing in layers will help keep you warm when cold and cool when hot, and it is advised to carry an emergency kit that includes a few necessary repair tools. 
• Safe riding – Always wear a helmet and never ride alone. Take caution when crossing public roads or travelling over bodies of water, and never try to hurdle snow banks. You are most in control of your sled when it’s on the ground.

Safe riding is the beginning and end to an enjoyable day on a snowmobile. By taking the proper safety precautions, all of your rides can be fun, and bring you home safe and sound at the end of the day.

And the next time you’re out on the trail, “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly." It just may save your life.

To view the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Snowmobile Association’s Public Service Announcement please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGIFqBCepv0&feature=player_embedded
 

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