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

There are few states that can match the magnitude of waterways that our beautiful state of Maine has to offer. We boast over 6,000 lakes and ponds, 3,000 miles of coastline and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. And now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy our region’s many great bodies of water.

Boating in Maine provides benefits aside from leisure and relaxation. Each year, boating adds approximately $153 million to our state’s economy. With the additional revenue comes more watercrafts on our waterways, which in turn leads to an increase in boating accidents.

In 2010, the United States Coast Guard reported 4,604 recreational boating accidents in the United States, resulting in 672 fatalities, 3,153 injuries and approximately $35.5 million in property damage.

The following are important boating safety tips that all Mainers should know before they transition from land to sea:

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In Pliva, Inc. v. Mensing, 564 U.S. ___ (2011), a decision issued on June 23, 2011 by the United States Supreme Court ruled that generic drug makers cannot be sued under state law on the basis that they failed to provide adequate warning labels about potential side effects, effectively overturning U.S. appeals court rulings that allowed such lawsuits.

The generic drug companies in Pliva argued that federal law requires generic drugs to have the same labels as their brand-name equivalents.

Therefore, if the labels have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, then such lawsuits are barred by federal law.

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A new bill, expected to become a law in September 2011 after the current Legislature adjourns, will allow doctors, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses in Maine to provide certain patients with temporary, 21-day handicapped parking placards.

The idea behind this bill was first thought of by Waterville police Chief Joseph Massey and was introduced to the Legislature by state Rep. Thomas R.W. Longstaff, D-Waterville.

Under this impending law, medical professionals will be able to issue the temporary,  21-day parking passes to patients who are recovering from surgical or other medical procedures and therefore need to park close to pharmacies or doctors’ offices in order to obtain their medication.

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The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to once again be a corporate sponsor of the Cromwell Center’s Annual Dinner & Silent Auction. As part of our pledge of support for this important cause, we are donating time and space on Portland’s Time & Temperature Building to bring awareness to the organization and its event. For one week, Congress Street’s illuminated skyscraper will display the message ‘CROM WELL’ to honor the extraordinary, tireless efforts of those who advocate for disabled children and adults in Maine.

The 2011 Annual Dinner & Silent Auction is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 5:30pm to 9pm at Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland.

The evening will commence with a social hour and silent auction followed by dinner and presentation of the Guest of Honor to former Boston Red Sox All Star, Dwight “Dewey” Evans. The evening will conclude with an exciting live auction followed by dancing to the disco sounds of Motor Booty Affair.

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The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to be a corporate sponsor of the upcoming Walk For Rides, ITNPortland's 9th annual fundraising event. In honor of the organization and its upcoming event, we are donating the time and space on Portland's Time and Temperature Building to promote this worthwhile cause. The illuminated skyscraper sign will display the message 'ITN RIDE' for one week.

The Walk for Rides fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th at 9am at Back Cove across from the Hannaford on Forest Avenue in Portland.

ITNPortland is a service that provides safe, accessible and dignified mobility options to seniors and visually impaired adults. The local non-profit organization provides approximately 16,000 rides to 1,000 members annually.

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Governor Paul LePage has approved a bill that prohibits text-messaging while driving in Maine. With the Governor’s signature, Maine becomes the 33rd state to make texting while driving illegal and takes a crucial step towards fighting the national epidemic of distracted driving.

The law, which was unanimously passed by the Senate and House in May 2011, is expected to take effect in September, or 90 days after the current legislative session ends.

The minimum fine for texting while driving is set at $100.

In 2009, Maine lawmakers passed a distracted driving law that targets motorists who are engaged in various forms of distracted behavior. Under this law, drivers who commit traffic violations such as running red lights or stop signs can be cited for distracted driving if a police officer believes that to be the cause of the infraction.

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Summer is almost here, and you know what the means for us, Maine - it’s barbecue season! It’s time to dust off that Weber or George Forman, gather up some family and friends (and your appetite of course) and get cookin’.

Whether you’ll be hosting a big party on the Fourth of July or just a few guests over for a backyard BBQ, the safety of yourself and those cooking outside with you should always be your top priority.

By following these important steps, you will be sure to grill and chill safely:

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The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is using the advertising space on the Time and Temperature Building in Portland to support the wonderful accomplishments of Portland Trails, a nonprofit urban land trust organization that works to improve the quality of life in Maine.

Portland Trails is proud to announce the grand opening of the Forest City Trail. The 10-mile trail connects the city of Portland, including the Fore River Sanctuary, Evergreen Cemetery and Presumpscot River Preserve.

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