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

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein recently gave $1,000 to the Springvale Public Library to benefit the ‘Future Access Technology Sponsorship’ program.

As part of this initiative, the library works with local businesses and organizations to provide the Greater Sanford community with free access to high-speed internet services in the area.

The funds from contributors will help to sponsor and maintain computers at the library that can be used for research, job searching and social networking purposes.

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The Maine Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court today upheld a jury verdict entered against the plaintiff in a product liability case arising out of an allegedly defective overhead door. Burns v. Architectural Doors and Windows, 2011 ME 61 (Saufley, C.J.)

Plaintiff was injured at work when an overhead door closed while he was walking through and struck him on the head. Plaintiff knew that the door had no safety mechanism to prevent it from stopping if it encountered an obstruction. Basically, once one pushed the "down" button, the door would slam down with no emergency shut-off switch.

Plaintiff brought suit against Defendant ADW which had installed the door and against the manufacturer of the door on one product liability count alleging defective condition because the door did not contain a safety mechanism. Neither Defendant had manufactured the allegedly defective closing mechanism. The Superior Court entered an order on the Defendants' summary judgment motions, allowing Plaintiff to go forward on a failure to warn theory although this was not included in his pleadings. Plaintiff settled with the manufacturer and proceeded to trial against ADW.

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On Sunday, May 1st, 2011, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein had the privilege of participating in the annual March of Dimes Greater Portland "March for Babies" walk at Payson Park/Baxter Boulevard in Portland.

As official corporate sponsors of the event, our law firm had a table on the walking path on Baxter Boulevard. The dedicated walkers and joggers, including many members of our staff, stopped by for a quick hello, a refreshing cold water bottle and an official Law Offices of Joe Bornstein trucker hat.

Other sponsors of the event included: Emera Bangor Hydro Electric Company, Hannaford, Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital and WJBQ 97.9 radio station.

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Be it on our state’s rural back roads or the open lanes of I-95, motorcycles are back in action. The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein would like to remind Maine bikers about the importance of safe riding.  

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national initiative aimed at getting drivers and motorcyclists to coexist on the road. Typically, May is one of the deadliest months for bikers, as many begin riding again after taking the winter months off.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the two key factors in motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities are:

• Age - As bikers get older, their reaction time starts to diminish. Nearly half of all motorcycle accidents involve a rider over the age of 40.

• Helmets - A recent study found that motorcyclists are 37 percent less likely to die in an accident when wearing a helmet, yet only 20 states have mandatory helmet laws. Maine bikers are urged to carefully consider wearing a helmet when they ride.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of tragic motorcycle accidents and would like to remind bikers of some critical safety tips to keep in mind this season:

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As the weather in New England continues to warm, May will quickly turn to June and Mainers are embracing the chance to spend more time in the beautiful outdoors. Sixty degree weather brings the the joy of taking refreshing jogs and bike rides, walking the dog in the park and going for relaxing drives up the coast.

As a result of these new spring activities taking place, our streets and roads undoubtedly become more crowded and being able to coexist on the roadways is crucial. We all have a shared responsibility for being street-smart and obeying the rules of the road.

So whether you’re cruising around on four wheels, two wheels or walking your friendly, four-legged companion on our state's roadways, remember to follow these important guidelines:

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