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

Mainers who have an outstanding fine or fee due in any of the state’s courts can now conveniently pay online.

Outstanding fine amounts are updated online every Tuesday morning and can be searched by name and date of birth or court docket number. Those that use the new service will be charged a premium service fee of $6.

When paying an outstanding fine or fee online, you will need:

• Your name and date of birth or court docket number
• A valid credit card (Discover, Visa or MasterCard)

It is important to note that the online service may take up to two business days for the transaction to be processed by the state. During this grace period any outstanding warrants and/or license suspensions will remain in effect.

Also, payments made through this service do not cover attorney fees or restitution. Once a fine has been paid in full, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles must be contacted and paid reinstatement fees.

A confirmation of payment will be sent via email and serve as a proof of payment. It is advised to print this email and save it in your records as the court will not send a receipt.

To pay an outstanding court fine or fee online please visit: www5.informe.org/online/courts/fines.

And for any additional questions regarding attorney fees or restitution, and for a complete list of Maine courts please visit: www.courts.state.me.us/maine_courts/district/directory.shtml.
 

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Underinsured and uninsured Mainers are now eligible for free colon cancer screening.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. among men and women over the age of 50. An estimated 900 people in Maine develop colon cancer each year with roughly a third of them dying from the disease. It is estimated that 90% of these deaths are preventable with proper screenings and follow-ups starting at age 50.

Maine recently received a 5-year federal grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide the free screening as well as educate the public on the seriousness of the disease. One of the biggest problems faced with colon cancer is that there are often no symptoms. Therefore, regular testing and follow-ups are a necessity.

Eligibility for the free screenings is based on both financial and institutional considerations. Those over the age of 50 who earn less than 250% of federal income guidelines will generally be accepted.

For more information on free colon cancer screening or to setup an appointment, please call the Colorectal Screening Hotline at 1-877-320-6800 or visit: www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/index.shtml.
 

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If you earned less than $50,000 in 2009, you may be eligible to have your taxes done for free.

Every year, thousands of Mainers miss out on income tax credits that they would qualify for, often totaling thousands of dollars per family. In 2009, an estimated 25 percent of qualifying Maine residents did not apply for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), missing the opportunity to collect upwards of $5,657.

As a benefit to low and moderate-income Mainers, CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide together have set up statewide tax sites to help ensure residents get their due tax refund. For Mainers who made less than $50,000 in 2009, they can have both their federal and state income taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers at the sites, and, be educated about free programs and services in the community that help make the most of their money.

To participate, Maine residents should gather all of their tax statements from all income received in 2009 (W-2, 1099, 1098, SSA and unemployment), gather Social Security cards for each person claimed on their tax return, and dial 2-1-1 to set up an appointment. Interpreters are available upon request.

In 2009, CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide helped Maine residents get back more than $13.9 million in federal and state refunds, including $3.62 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. The extra refund not only helps the deserving families, it also helps the local economy. And that’s a WIN-WIN situation for the state of Maine.

For more information on free tax preparation in Maine please call 2-1-1 or visit them online at: www.211maine.org.
 

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A recession, rising unemployment rates, and state budget cuts are making Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application backlogs worse than ever.

The Social Security benefits program provides monthly benefits to those who have health problems that prevent them from working. To get Social Security benefits, one must prove they are severely disabled and are unable to work for more than a year. The claims process can take upwards of two years.

The Social Security benefits program has been experiencing rising claims levels due to the aging of the baby boomers. It now can add the recession as another influence. In 2009, the Social Security Administration (SSA) received 2.8 million initial benefits claims, an increase of 15 percent from 2008. The estimate for 2010 is 3.3 million applications.

In addition to the large increase in applicants, the Social Security benefits program is suffering due to the Social Security Administration paying states to handle claims. Cash-strapped states such as Maine are instituting statewide furlough programs which cause a delay in paying benefits. States that furlough all disability determination employees have an average of 14 percent less capacity than they need to handle claims. Currently, there are 13 states with full or partial furloughs.

From January through September of 2009, 30 states and the District of Columbia failed to meet federal standards that say they should pay at least 87 percent of unemployment claims within 14 to 21 days of the application. Nationwide, 2 million people received their first checks later than normal with some coming after more than 70 days. In an attempt to solve the problem, the U.S. Department of Labor has given states $150 million to improve their technology.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we know how frustrating it can be when applying for Social Security benefits. If you’ve been denied benefits, don’t give up! In over 35 years of practice, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve.

With a dedicated Social Security Disability team featuring 4 attorneys and support staff of 12, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein will fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation, and find out how we can help Tell The Federal Government You Mean Business!

For more information on the Social Security benefits program please visit: www.ssa.gov. 

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

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Two new community outreach vehicles are travelling through Maine providing veterans with health care.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently unveiled a fleet of 50 new outreach vehicles that travel to rural communities to meet with veterans. With many miles of backcountry, Maine was awarded two of the new vehicles, one based out of Caribou and the other out of Lewiston.

The 38-foot outreach vehicles carry Vet Center counselors and outreach workers to the remote areas of the state. The vehicles have space for confidential counseling, portable exam tables, locked storage, and refrigeration for medication. An electronic medical records system connects each vehicle with the VA Medical Center at Togus, a video system allows veterans to talk remotely to a psychiatrist for medication purposes, and each vehicle is handicap accessible.

Veterans who live in Maine have access to health care clinics in Augusta, Bangor, Calais, Caribou, Fort Kent, Houlton, Lewiston, Machias, Rumford, Lincoln, and Saco, but the commute from rural Maine can be long. Which is why the government elected to take the healthcare show on the road.

 The VA awarded Maine a three-year federal grant of $600,000 per year for the operation of the mobile health clinic. The clinic provides primary care, mental health and lab services to veterans on a rotating basis in rural Maine. Overall, the mobile unit is expected to serve about 800 veterans annually. Equipped with a generator, shower, toilet, microwave, and satellite service, each vehicle can also be used during catastrophic events such as a flood or storm.

Currently, across the country, there are 271 Vet Centers that provide treatment for veterans. Now, however, veterans in rural areas will have access to health care without having to make a long trek to bigger towns and even bigger cities. A well deserved honor for those that served.

For more information on the mobile outreach health care program please visit: www.togus.va.gov/visitors/Mobile_Vet_Center.asp.

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Mainers love fishing. This weekend they can do it for free.

On Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, people can fish for free on Maine’s waterways. The free fishing event is open to all anglers except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All normal fishing laws and regulations apply.

With over 6,000 lakes and ponds and nearly 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, fishing is one of the most popular activities in Maine. Approximately 286,000 people purchase fishing licenses each year and the sport has a $300 million impact on the state’s economy. The free fishing promotion takes place over Valentine’s weekend as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife continues to promote Family Fishing Days.

Despite the cold weather, many Mainers are expected to take advantage of the free fishing. But with the free fun comes the inherent danger of fishing on the frozen waterways. The following are safety tips that we’d like to share with you to keep you safe and sound while fishing the frigid waters:

• Be sure the ice of a pond or lake is frozen solid and at least six inches thick.
• “Black Ice” is considered the safest kind ice. It is bluish in color, mostly clear, and contains air bubbles. It is also safer than “white ice,” which has been refrozen multiple times while covered with snow. Snow hinders the ability of ice to freeze.
• Ask other fisherman in the area about the quality and thickness of ice. Small bodies of water freeze faster than larger ones.
• Test the ice by drilling a couple holes near the shore where the water isn’t deep. This helps determine the quality and thickness.
• New clear ice is generally stronger than older ice. 
• Ice rarely freezes the same throughout a pond or lake. Just because it is thick in one spot doesn’t not mean it will be in another.
• Do not build a fire on the ice.
• Always bring blankets, first-aid and emergency kits, and rope for safety.
• Wrap ice picks around your neck or place them in pockets in the event you fall into the water. They will help pull you back onto the ice. 
• Do not drive large vehicles on the ice.
• Never ice fish alone.

Fishing is one of Maine’s favorite pastimes. By following a few simple safety tips, it will continue to be for years to come. And when it’s free for a weekend, other than an extra ten degrees, what more can a Mainer ask for?

For more information on Free Fishing Days and a complete list of fishing regulations, please visit: www.mefishwildlife.com.
 

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February is Heart Health Month.

Established in 1963, Heart Health Month is a nationwide campaign designed to educate Americans on the benefits of making healthy living choices to improve cardiovascular health. Considered among the most preventable diseases, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Health Association, one out of every three adults suffers from a cardiovascular disease, with more than half under the age of 60.

Often regarded as a "man's disease," heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., accounting for nearly 50 percent of total heart disease deaths. In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, with about 470,000 expected to have a second.

The chance of developing cardiovascular problems can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at risk. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack are important both before and after suffering one. People who have survived a heart attack can work to reduce the risk of another and help prevent a stroke in the future.

Though heart attacks can be sudden and intense, most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Waiting too long before getting help can be fatal, which is why we’d like to pass along a few signs and symptoms to be aware of:

• Chest discomfort - Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. An uncomfortable feeling, pressure, or pain often accompanies it. 
• Discomfort in the upper body - Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach can be common. 
• Shortness of breath - May occur with or without chest discomfort. 
• Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Cardiovascular impairment can be congenital or acquired, but most importantly can be prevented. Obesity is a leading risk factor for heart disease, which means good nutrition and physical activity are crucial in prevention. Avoiding tobacco, trans fat, drinks high in sugar, and curbing your portions are also good ways to combat heart disease.

By taking time out of your busy day to exercise and eat right, you will help make your heart a healthy heart. Which is exactly what Heart Health Month is trying to do.

For more information on Heart Health Month please visit: www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth.
 

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A new federal law prohibits truck and bus drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving.

The new law was established to help reduce the number of accidents involving “big rigs” and is effective immediately. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles will be subject to fines upwards of $2,750.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this results in a driver traveling the length of a football field, including end zones, without looking at the road. The research also shows that drivers who text are 20 times more likely to get in an accident than those who keep their eyes on the road. In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than 500,000 were injured.

Nineteen states, plus the District of Columbia and Guam, have passed laws banning texting while driving. Six states, plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, ban the use of handheld devices while driving. Now, no matter where in the U.S., truck and bus drivers cannot send or read text messages while driving.

Currently in Maine, it is illegal to drive while distracted. The fine for a single traffic infraction can range up to $500 with the surcharges and fees added to the original ticket amount. Examples of distracted driving include: using a cell phone or GPS device, eating, and applying makeup.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of truck accidents and bus accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And the next time you’re behind the wheel, save the distractions for a time when it’s safe to do so, such as the side of the road or at your final destination. It just may save your life.

For more information on distracted driving, including the different laws for each U.S. state, please visit the federal website: www.distraction.gov.

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

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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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