Maine Injury, Accident, & Disability Law Blog

Winter Driving Safety Tips

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:09:11 -0500

Over the course of a Maine winter, Mother Nature tests even the savviest of drivers with snow, sleet, and freezing rain. And with the ample amount of precipitation that our state receives, it is to be expected that roads will become slippery, and when roads become slippery, accidents happen.

While slick roads may be inevitable in the Pine Tree State, preparing for poor driving conditions is not. And with a little preparation and the right mindset behind the wheel, drivers will be more apt to travel safely and avoid any unforeseen complications that may arise amidst their winter commute.

Here are a few driving tips that will help keep you safe and sound during the winter, and help minimize the risks on the wintery roads:

Check the weather report and road conditions prior to venturing out. The state of Maine offers up-to-date road and travel conditions online at: www.511maine.com or by calling 511 from any phone.
It is advised to stay 8-10 seconds behind vehicles in front of you during the winter, allowing sufficient time to stop on slick surfaces.
Pay attention to traffic in front of you. The action of vehicles ahead can signal any upcoming problems or impediments, and give you adequate time to react and get out of harm’s way.
Avoid using cruise control in bad weather, and always brake gently to avoid skidding. If skidding occurs, ease off the brake until you are back in control. Never pump your brakes if you have an automatic braking system; instead apply firm pressure until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Car preparation is essential for a Maine winter, as the last thing anyone wants to do is breakdown when the outside temperature has dropped below freezing. Items of note to maintain and monitor include: snow tires and their pressure gauge, proper winter fluids including antifreeze, winter windshield wipers, the car battery, and its lights. A simple routine maintenance can ensure that all of the aforementioned are in proper working order for the winter.
Prepare a travel kit to keep in your car that includes: a flashlight, ice scraper, salt, and warm clothing and/or a blanket. Food and water are also advisable if you are to be travelling long distances.

By taking the time to educate and prepare yourself for winter driving you will help minimize the risk of any sudden incidents or accidents that may be caused by inclement weather. Because as if inclement weather wasn’t bad enough during a Maine winter, any kind of accident, large or small, would only snowball winter’s discontent.

For more information on winter driving safety, please visit AAA online at: www.aaa.com.

Number Of Insured Drops With The Economy

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:03:29 -0500

As the economy continues its downfall, and unemployment rates reach new heights, more and more drivers are letting their car insurance lapse, putting both themselves and others at risk.

According to the Insurance Research Council, several hundreds of thousands of drivers have dropped their auto insurance in the past year. Some experts accredit rising insurance premiums as part of the problem, while others blame the poor economy and industry wide layoffs. Regardless of the reason, the increasing trend of uninsured motorists is bad news for all parties involved.

If an uninsured motorist causes an accident, he or she will not have insurance coverage for any injuries suffered and medical bills incurred by a non-negligent party. Likewise, the failure of an uninsured motorist to procure insurance will leave them vulnerable to claims by non-negligent injured parties.

One way to offset the risk of being injured by an uninsured motorist is to purchase what’s known as uninsured motorist coverage, an insurance premium that can be bought to protect oneself. In this case, your own insurance policy would kick in and cover damages and medical bills up to a preset amount. Although this premium will come at an additional cost to the insured and raises the total cost of the insurance policy, it is essential that you purchase the highest levels of both liability and uninsured motorist coverage that you can afford. In our 34 years of practice, we have seen numerous examples of clients who have received catastrophic injuries, clients who have not been fully and fairly compensated because there were inadequate limits of insurance coverage.

Maine law requires all motor vehicles to carry limits of both liability and uninsured motorist coverage in the minimum amounts of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. Often times those minimum limits are woefully inadequate to fully and fairly compensate injury victims. In addition to having ample insurance coverage to compensate injury victims, your insurance coverage will also help protect your personal assets if a personal injury claim is made against you.
It is also being reported that those who are insured are stripping their insurance policies to the bare minimum to save money in the down economy, often omitting important parts of their insurance coverage such as uninsured motorist coverage. And for those that let time lapse between renewing their auto insurance, they are often subject to a 25 to 50 percent surcharge for a new policy, as insurance companies typically charge more for people they consider careless and thus more apt to cause an accident.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand the causes and effects of auto accidents, and too often our clients who are in serious wrecks do not have the adequate insurance coverage to be properly compensated for their injuries or disabilities. Don’t leave your insurance coverage to chance - protect yourself today by purchasing uninsured motorist coverage in the highest limits you can afford, and be prepared in the unforeseen event that an accident does occur.

For more information on uninsured motorist coverage contact your insurance agent, or call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein for free legal advice.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Helping Maine People

Joe Bornstein's Holiday Cheer

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:41:12 -0500

The season's changed to winter and the snow is yet to come.
The holidays are upon us as the drums plays rum pum pum.
Candles illuminate windows, and burn in menorahs too,
The holidays are a time to rejoice and that's precisely what we should do.

You've heard of Dasher and Dancer, and the rest that pull Santa's sleigh,
Carrying holiday spirit, along with games for children to play.
Rudolph is the most famous reindeer, something everyone can recall.
But do you know the name of Maine's most favorite lawyer of all?

It's not whether you are naughty, or whether or not you've been nice,
Because regardless of what Santa says, it's Mother Nature that gives us ice.
So when the snow begins to fall and the roads start to get slick,
Please be careful driving, or flying if your name is Old Saint Nick.

With five offices throughout the state, Joe is accessible to one and all.
And ready to get Mainers justice if they're in an accident or slip and fall.
And if you can't come to us, we'll take the time and come to you.
Because recovering from an injury would be our gift to you.

Wishing all 15,000 of our current and former clients, their friends and loved ones a Happy and Healthy Holiday season.

With warm regards for the winter months,
Joe Bornstein

FDA Orders Suicide Warnings On Epilepsy Drugs

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:33:24 -0500

Makers of epilepsy drugs must now add a warning that states the medicines carry a risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. The companies must also develop a patient-friendly guide explaining the risks.

In January 2008 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that 11 epilepsy drugs doubled a person’s risk of suicidal behaviors or thoughts. In December 2008 the FDA announced it would be mandatory to place this warning on all eleven drug containers.

The 11 epilepsy drugs that must now include a warning are:

Lyrica
Neurontin
Lamictal
Topamax
Carbatrol
Felbatol
Keppra
Trileptal
Gabitril
Depakote
Zonegran

Epilepsy drugs were the fifth best-selling class of drugs in the U.S. in 2007 with sales exceeding 10 billion dollars. In addition to treating epilepsy, the anti-seizure drugs are also used for nerve-pain disorders, migraines, and psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder.

The FDA voted not to make the warning on the containers a “black box warning,” the strongest of its kind, as doctors and other outside experts advised that it could do more harm than good if patients in need of treatment were to stop using the drugs. It is, however, recommended that patients consult with their doctors before making any changes to their treatment, or if they have any questions about their medication.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is working with highly respected national counsel in an effort to assist the family and relatives of anyone who has committed suicide or serious attempt cases while taking any of the above medications. Please phone our office at 1-800-772-4624 to speak with one of our staff members if this alert applies to you and your family.

For more information on epilepsy drugs, their risks, and all advisories, please visit: www.fda.org.

How To Deal With Weather Related Property Damage

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:06:47 -0500

In the wake of the ice storm on Friday December 12, 2008, the Maine Bureau of Insurance has outlined the proper steps to take when filing for weather reported property damage. Mainers are advised to follow these procedures when safe to do so, and to contact the Bureau with any questions before or while in the process of reporting the damage.

1. Contact your insurance agent immediately to report your loss.

2. Take notes when speaking with your insurance company, including names of people you talk to and summaries of all conversations. Be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand something.

3. Take photos, or if possible, videotape all damage.

4. Determine what is damaged and to what extent, and organize it accordingly for when your insurance adjuster comes to look at it.

5. Save receipts from any temporary repairs you make.

6. Never throw away damaged property until your adjuster says it’s appropriate to do so.

7. If your home is damaged, make only temporary repairs until the damage is examined. Making permanent repairs before an adjuster's inspection could lead to the denial of your claim.

8. If your home is uninhabitable during repair, ask your adjuster if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. If so, be sure to save all receipts to document these costs.

The Maine Bureau of Insurance advises Mainers to check with their insurance company to see exactly what their plan covers. Events typically covered under most standard homeowners policies include: Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure caused by weight of ice or snow.

Events not generally covered under standard homeowners policies include: Frozen pipes due to negligence, food spoilage due to a power outage, water damage from backed-up drains or sewers, removal of fallen trees if they do not land on and damage your home, and interior water damage from a storm when there is no damage to the roof or walls. In some cases endorsements can be purchased to help cover certain stipulations not included in standard policies. For more information about this additional protection contact your insurance adjuster.

The Bureau also urges Mainers to prepare for future storms and natural disasters. In addition to reviewing your insurance coverage to make sure it is adequate, take inventory of personal property, including all model names and serial numbers, and store the information off premises, such as in a bank safe deposit box. The Bureau also recommends learning the facts about flood insurance. Doing so will help ensure that your belongings will be properly compensated if damaged by any unforeseen natural disasters.

For more information on how to deal with weather related property damage, or additional information to help prepare your home and belongings for future storms, please contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance at 1-800-300-5000, or online at: www.maine.gov/insurance.

Holiday Season Safety Tips

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:59:11 -0500

The holiday season is upon us, and that means an abundance of decorations, dreidels, and desserts. But with all of the causes for celebration comes an increase risk in all things safety-related. And while it’s exciting to be swept up in the sea of holiday spirits, it is important to remember to be conscious and careful. Because after all of the gifts have been given and all of the trees have been trimmed, the only thing that matters is that we are safe and sound, and together again for the holiday season.

Here are a few Holiday Season Safety Tips that we would like to pass along to our friends, loved ones, and clients. Following these guidelines will help everyone have a happy and healthy holiday season, which is all that we really want for the holidays.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips:

When purchasing a live tree, make sure it is fresh. The needles should not fall off easily when shaken or tapped on the ground, and the trunk should be sticky with resin.
When purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled fire resistant. This does not mean it cannot catch on fire, but rather that the tree has been treated and should resist burning and be extinguished easily.
Be sure to keep your tree away from heaters and fireplaces, and keep the stand full of water to prevent the tree from drying out.
Never use lighted candles on a tree, and be sure that decorations and ornaments are not sharp or dangerous as they could be hazardous for young children.

Decorations and Lighting Safety Tips:

Always check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Never try to repair damaged lights; instead properly dispose of them and purchase new ones.
Be careful not to overload electrical outlets. A general rule of thumb is to never use more than three sets of lights per single extension cord.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Before using lights outdoors, be sure to check labels to see if they have been certified for outdoor use.
Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect them from damage. Use insulated staples to hold strings in place, or run the strings of lights through hooks purchased at a hardware store. Never use nails or tacks to hang wires.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Turn off all lights when going to bed or leaving the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Toy Safety Tips:

Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with one that he or she has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully. If the toy is appropriate for your child, show him or her how to properly use it.
To prevent burns and electrical shocks, give young children toys that are battery operated instead of those that need to be plugged into an outlet.
Be wary of toys with small parts for young children, as they are liable to choke on parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result, as the paper can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

And finally, don’t forget about your pets! All of the excitement and commotion of the holidays may affect them. Be sure to take the time to make your pets feel at ease and at home, and that your house is safe for them to be in.

By following these simple yet effective holiday safety tips, your family will be more apt for a safe holiday season. And a safe holiday season will help for a happy holiday season.

For more information on holiday season safety, please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics at: www.aap.org.

When Roads Get Slick - The Slick Wear Seat Belts

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:54:24 -0500

With winter upon us, and snow and ice inevitable, driving conditions can take a turn for the worse at the drop of a flake. And while it is mandatory for everyone in the state of Maine to wear a seatbelt, now is the time for a friendly reminder of all state seatbelt rules and regulations.

In May 2007, Maine passed regulation that made seatbelts mandatory for all motorists and their passengers. Children, however, have slightly different safety laws than adults to obey.

Until they are 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds, children must ride in a vehicle rear-facing.
A child who weighs less than 40 pounds and is less than 4 years of age must ride in a Child Safety Seat (Infant, Convertible, or Combination Seat).
A child who weighs at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds, and who is less than 8 years of age, must ride in a federally approved child restraint system (Booster Seat, EZ-On Harness/Vest).
A child who is less than 12 years of age and weighs less than 100 pounds must be secured in the back seat, if possible.

Other seatbelt safety tips to remember include:

Never place a child safety seat in the front seat of a car that has a passenger side airbag.
An approved safety seat or restraint system will be labeled: “The child restraint system conforms to applicable federal motor vehicle Safety Standards.”
Always register your child safety seat with the manufacturer.
Not every child fits in every seat, and not every seat in every car.

There are penalties for failure to obey the law, as police may pull violators over and ticket them. But more important than a fine is the safety of our loved ones, as seats belts really do save lives. So buckle up for safety, and also because it’s the law!

For more information on Maine’s child safety seat and seatbelt laws please visit: http://www.portlandmaine.gov/hhs/hhschildsafetyseatlaw.pdf.

Ride The Bus For Free On Fridays

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:46:51 -0500

In an attempt to increase ridership, public transit buses in Maine will be free on Fridays through the end of 2008.

Free Fare Fridays is a month-long campaign designed to educate Mainers about low-cost transit options available throughout the state. This is the third promotion of free rides, following previous campaigns where ridership was up as much as 38%, as hundreds of new riders got to travel for free in their local communities.

The Free Fare Fridays campaign is a partnership between the Maine Department of Transportation, the GO MAINE commuter assistance program, and the Greater Portland Metro Services. In addition to the increase in transit riders, more and more commuters are visiting the GO MAINE commuter website in search of carpooling and vanpooling options. Since 2008, the GO MAINE database has increased by more than 100% and has had over one million hits to its website.

For more information about Free Fare Fridays, the GO MAINE commuter assistance program, and a complete list of participating transit services, please call 1-800-280-RIDE or visit: www.gomaine.org.

A Time To Be Thankful

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:05:30 -0500

When talks turn to our economy, it’s easy to get anxiety in regards to our country’s current state of affairs. And with the uncertainty of the future, that anxiety is as much justified as it is tangible. But if there’s one thing the holiday season can do like no other time of the year, it’s lift the spirits of the young and the old, the wealthy and the less fortunate, the healthy and the injured, and everyone in between.

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful. It’s a time to be with the ones you love, and a time to be grateful for what you have. With so much dissension in the world, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. But if you stop to reflect on how fortunate we undeniably are, and how wonderful it is to live in the great state of Maine, you may agree with the adage that life here really is the way it should be.

At The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we are grateful for all that we have and all that we’ve accomplished. After 34 years of hard work, perseverance, and continuity, we are happy to be able to give fellow Mainers access to justice on a daily and convenient basis. It is through helping our clients through tragic injuries and disabilities that we get the most pleasure in our practice. And by showing our unyielding commitment and care to our fellow Mainers, we continue to build our law firm through the referrals of former clients to their loved ones and friends.

With the commencement of a long Maine winter upon us, and the uncertainty of our county’s future in front of us, the overall outlook may indeed look bleak for the moment. But if we were to take a minute, or a day, or even a holiday season, to reflect upon the many joys, wonders, and blessings in life, we just might realize that with a little hope, a little patience, and a lot of love, everything will turn out all right in the long run, and that we’ll all make it together. And after all, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is really about, being together? And at the end of the day, isn’t that one of life’s great common denominators?

So Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

May Your Holiday Season Be Happy, Healthy, and Heartfelt.

With warm regards from Joe Bornstein and his staff.

Process To Renew Driver's License Changes

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:20:09 -0500

Beginning November 15, 2008, obtaining or renewing a driver’s license in the State of Maine has become more difficult. Applicants must now prove that they are both a Maine resident, and either a U.S. citizen or in the county legally.

In compliance with federal Department of Homeland Security regulations, all Mainers seeking a new or renewal passenger vehicle or commercial license now have to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and show proper identification. After the initial visit they may renew their license online.

The easiest way for Mainers to obtain a license is to bring a document that includes their name and physical address, and a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate to the DMV. Other documents that prove residency include: a tax return, paycheck stub, utility bill, and hunting or fishing license. While other documents that prove legal presence include: a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, and United States Citizen Identification Card.

State officials are predicting longer waits at DMV’s, and worry about Mainers waiting for long periods of time before being turned away for not having proper identification. The state also predicts that DMV employees will feel an increased and immediate burden until they become familiar with the new system.

One thing that will remain the same, however, is the cost for obtaining or renewing a license. For a passenger vehicle, the fee is $30 for drivers under age 65 and $21 for senior citizens, and for a commercial license, the cost is $34 for drivers under the age of 65 and $28 for senior citizens.

For more information on the new laws regarding Maine driver’s licenses, please visit: www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses.

Don't Hang Out In The "No-Zone"

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:15:10 -0500

Buses, 18-wheelers and RV’s are notorious for having blind spots. In addition to not being able to see behind their vehicle, drivers also have difficulty seeing directly in front of them, and to either side starting at the end of the cab and running about 20 to 40 feet back. These blind spots are known as “No Zones,” and are the danger areas where accidents are most likely to occur.

Sharing the road with these types of large commercial vehicles can be dangerous to drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. But with the proper education and advised caution, all of the aforementioned parties can travel safely and simultaneously, and arrive at their destination and out of harm’s way.

A common rule of thumb when driving alongside a tractor trailer is that if you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirror, they can’t see you. And while a truck driver must be responsible for his or her surroundings, it’s imperative that other drivers be alert and aware of the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of large commercial vehicles.

For example, when making a right hand turn, truck and bus drivers often swing their vehicle wide to the left. Drivers should never try to sneak past the truck on the curb side of the road, as the results can be fatal. Also, it is important to remember to stop at the white line when at a stop sign or stop light, as these road marks are designed to give large vehicles room enough to safely maneuver a turn without running into the waiting traffic.

Although there are many dangers that come associated with driving a large commercial vehicle, one advantage that truck and bus drivers have over the average car or SUV is that they can often oversee the flow of traffic. And because these drivers know the limitations of their vehicle, including the necessary braking distance at any given speed, they can be great indicators of traffic jams or upcoming work areas. By paying close attention to the brake lights of a bus or 18-wheeler, a driver can help minimize the risk of an accident. It is also important to never cut in front of a truck, as they take nearly twice as long to brake than the average car, and often lead to accidents involving multiple vehicles.

Each year there are an estimated 250,000 accidents between automobiles and tractor trailers in the U.S., and at The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand how tragic the results can be. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a tractor trailer, call us today. We will protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve. And by taking the time to learn about “No Zones,” and carrying that wisdom to the highways and byways, we can all stay safe and arrive alive.

For more information about “No Zones” and how to properly share the road with all vehicles, including tractor trailers, buses and RV’s, please visit: www.nozone.org.

Medicare Plans Set To Change - Are You?

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:56:56 -0500

Each year Medicare plans are subject to change, and each year those individuals enrolled in the health care program may change their coverage during the “Open Enrollment Period” that runs from November 15th through December 31st.

During this time, beneficiaries of Medicare have the option to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and its changes for the upcoming year, and compare it to any of the forty-six total plans offered by the national health insurance program.

Medicare recipients are informed of any and all changes to their health care plan for the upcoming year in an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter that is mailed in October, and for those who must change their health or prescription drug coverage because their plan is being discontinued, they will receive a Plan Termination Letter.

It is recommended that Medicare recipients closely examine all available possibilities and find the plan that is right for them. And, if one is to make any changes to their health care coverage, he or she should do so by early December to experience a smooth transition to their new plan on Jan. 1, 2009.

For those who would like assistance in deciding which plan is right for them, they can call 1-800-633-4227 to speak with a trained Medicare representative. And for a complete and thorough source of information regarding Medicare, including the educational publication Medicare and You, please visit: www.medicare.gov.

Law Night - Back By Popular Demand

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:21:14 -0500

This Thursday, November 20, 2008, The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein will be extending our business hours once again for Mainers who do not have access to a phone during the daytime. Our office will remain open until 10pm to give Mainers throughout the state the opportunity to call us with their legal questions and speak directly with one of our experienced legal professionals.

Our staff will stand ready to answer your questions about:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Personal Injuries
• Social Security Disability
• Medical Malpractice
• Worker’s Compensation
• Maritime Injuries
• Injuries Related to Certain Prescription Drugs

We are the only law firm in the state of Maine to extend our business hours into the evening in an attempt to give Mainers an even greater access to justice. “Law Night” is a free service provided by The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein and a regular fee schedule is applied to all accepted cases.

Of course our office is open every day, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm. With a statewide practice and five convenient offices in Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, and Bangor, you can be sure there’s a Law Offices of Joe Bornstein near you. And in the chance that you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.

So give us a call this Thursday Night and be part of Maine’s only “Law Night,” brought to you by The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein.

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

Now After Dark On Law Night!

Law Night:
When: Thursday, November 20, 2008
Time: 5pm - 10pm
Phone: 1-800-CALL-JOE (1-800-2255-563)

Find and Compare Hospitals Online

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:17:07 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a website for consumers to compare hospitals and the medical procedures they provide.

Visitors to the website: www.hhs.gov, can view data, graphs, and tables comparing and contrasting different hospitals and the surgical and medical procedures they offer throughout the U.S. The data is derived from surveys to both hospital staff and patients, and is available free to the general public.

Medical conditions that can be researched on the website include:

• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Chronic Lung Disease
• Pneumonia
• Diabetes
• Chest Pain

Surgical procedures that can be researched on the website, each containing one or more procedure, include:

• Heart and Blood Vessels
• Abdominal
• Neck, Back, and Extremities (Arms and Legs)
• Bladder, Kidney, and Prostrate
• Female Reproductive

When researching medical conditions and surgical procedures, consumers can learn which hospitals in their area offer the proper care they require, the number of patients treated for similar conditions, and the average cost to the patient. Consumers can also find out about the overall wellbeing of a hospital thanks in part to former patient and employee surveys. Information learned from these surveys includes, whether the nurses and doctors were accessible and helped properly educated the patient, whether patient questions and concerns were answered and addressed in a timely manner, whether the rooms were clean, quiet and comfortable, and whether former patients would recommend the hospital to others.

The information provided on the website is meant to help assist consumers in finding the hospital and medical procedure that is right for them. All prospective patients are advised to consult with their physician before making any medical decisions.

For more information and a complete set of medical conditions, surgical procedures, and list of hospitals that can be reviewed online, please visit: www.hhs.gov.

Off-Road Vehicle Being Investigated For Safety

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:07:15 -0500

The Yamaha Rhino, a popular off-road vehicle, is being investigated for improper safety.

The two-seat UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), used primarily for trail riding, on farms, and for hunting, was recently featured in a front page article in the Wall Street Journal. It is reported that Yamaha is currently facing over 200 lawsuits in state and federal courts, and as many as 30 deaths have resulted from accidents involving the Yamaha Rhino in the U.S. alone.

The roughly $11,000 UTV has resulted in numerous injuries, especially in children, and even at safe speeds the four-wheel recreational vehicle is prone to rollover, often ejecting riders and trapping them under the weight of the vehicle.

Plaintiffs' lawyers say that the vehicle is too narrow and too tall which causes the vehicle to tip, while Yamaha defends that many of the complaints are due to improper operation, modifications such as taking off the "protective roll cage", and failure to wear a helmet or seat belt. There are currently no regulatory standards on UTV’s, which have a steering wheel, yet do not adhere to automobile safety requirements, and it’s not until after an injury is reported do lawmakers and regulators intervene.

In response to the injuries and resulting lawsuits, Yamaha has developed new doors and passenger handles to improve vehicle safety, and has issued warning stickers to all registered owners. Yamaha has volunteered to install the new doors and handles for free, regardless if the UTV was purchased new or used, and lists local dealers on their website for Rhino owners to contact: www.yamaha-motor.com.

For more information on the safety issues regarding the Yamaha Rhino, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission online at: www.cpsc.gov.

And if you’ve been injured in an accident while riding a Yamaha Rhino, contact the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Joe Bornstein Opens New Augusta Office

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:00:37 -0500

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to announce the grand opening of our newest law office located at 285 State Street in Augusta.

Conveniently located in the state capital, our new office will give Mainers from Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties even more access to justice in their personal injury and Social Security disability claims.

For more than 34 years, The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has represented over 15,000 Mainers with their personal injury and Social Security Disability claims. We are proud to expand our statewide practice with the opening of our fifth office in Augusta. Our office wide team of 45 professionals stands ready to serve your legal needs in an intelligent, creative, aggressive, and compassionate way, and we have the depth of staffing and financial resources to ensure that your claim will receive the enthusiastic and detailed attention that it deserves.

If you've been injured or have become disabled and are unable to perform activities of daily living or go to work, call our local help line today at 622-3000 to set up an appointment. All of our offices are handicap and wheelchair accessible, and if you're unable to come to us we will come to you.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Helping Maine People

Now In The State Capital

Health Care For Kids

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:50:29 -0500

The State of Maine is urging parents to enroll their children in health care coverage so they can get the medical attention they need to stay well and to succeed.

With nearly 19,000 children and teens uninsured in the state of Maine, and roughly 11,000 eligible for the state’s Medicaid program known as MaineCare, the nonprofit organization Maine Children’s Alliance has partnered with Key Bank to help make it easier for those in need to get proper coverage.

Key Bank is now providing MaineCare applications at all 62 of the bank’s locations throughout the state, and has trained business personnel to help assist Mainers in the application process. Families who earn up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or approximately $28,000 annually for a family of four, qualify for MaineCare.

For those families who earn too much to qualify for MaineCare, but cannot afford private insurance, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) also helps provide health insurance for children. Families who earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or approximately $42,000 annually for a family of four, are eligible for coverage under S-CHIP.

For more information on health care, and to see if your child is eligible under either MaineCare or S-CHIP, please visit the Maine Children's Alliance website at: www.mekids.org.

And take advantage of the opportunities that Maine offers to help protect your children. Because the children of today, are the leaders of tomorrow.

Trick Or Treat - Halloween Safety Tips

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:44:00 -0500

Halloween has long been one of children’s favorite holidays. Between dressing in costumes, bobbing for apples, and going door-to-door collecting candy, kids in the U.S. have been celebrating Halloween since the nineteenth century. But while costume parties, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating provide entertainment, the real key to having fun on Halloween is safety.

On a night when innocent boys and girls transform into innovative ghosts and goblins, it’s important that both parents and children take the proper safety precautions. Here are a few tips from the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein to help ensure that you and your children have a happy and safe Halloween:

Before Halloween:

· Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Adding reflective tape to a costume increases the visibility of your child.

· Use make-up instead of wearing a mask, as a mask impedes a child’s vision at nighttime.

· Give all children a flashlight, as it will be dark outside and not all roads have sidewalks.

· Clear the path leading up to your house for trick-or-treaters and be sure that it’s properly illuminated to prevent any unnecessary injuries.

· Use caution when carving pumpkins. Young children should not use sharp knives, and when possible, use lights or glow sticks inside a jack-o’-lantern instead of a candle.

· Incorporate a Halloween theme to dinner and eat a good meal before trick-or-treating. If a child is full he or she will be less likely to eat a lot of candy so late in the evening.

During Halloween:

· Parents should accompany young children at all times.

· Kids should never trick-or-treat alone, no matter what their age, and always find safe and well lit neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in.

· If in a large group of friends, kids should buddy up. And, there should be one parent at the front of the pack and one at the rear at all times.

· Obey the rules of the road. Children should only cross the street in a proper crosswalk, and walk, not run, to their next destination. Drivers too should be alert for children inattentively running across the street at any time.

· A safe alternative to trick-or-treating in neighborhoods is to visit your local mall or nursing home. Stores often offer candy to those in costume, and seniors would adore the attention and surely spoil their visitors.

· Do not accept or consume unwrapped treats or open beverages at any time.

After Halloween:

· An adult should inspect all candy before it is consumed.

· Ration your children’s candy supply to ensure they don’t eat too much too soon. If you spread it out over a few weeks, they will be happy to have candy to eat for days to come.

· Properly dispose of or put away any and all decorations. Many holiday decorations can be recycled and more often than not reused again the following year.

· If you still haven’t gotten your fill of Halloween decorations or candy, visit your local stores who will be selling their remaining supplies at a discounted rate, and save yourself a buck or two down the road.

Halloween is a time to let loose, have fun, and be creative, so go for it! But remember, a safe Halloween is a fun Halloween. And you can take our word for it, candy always tastes sweeter when you’re safe and sound in the confines of your home.

Happy Halloween from your friends at The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein! And don’t forget to take a picture of your kids and their friends, the memories will last a lifetime.

Keeping Seniors At Home

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:02:11 -0500

As the number of senior citizens in Maine continues to grow, fewer and fewer elders can afford to pay for assisted living, congregate housing, or nursing home care. And when compared to staying at home in one’s local community with natural supports in place, the costs of the alternative living situations are astonishingly high to both seniors and the taxpaying public.

Founded in 2003, Keeping Seniors Home is a statewide program designed to assist Maine’s low-income elders who would like to stay in their homes throughout the aging process. The program focuses on making homes safe, energy efficient, accessible and affordable, and partners with other community support services to ensure the health and well being of senior citizens.

The organization provides inspections of homes, a repair plan to bring them up to standards, and loan and grant packaging to make repairs. Services provided include:

Home repairs and modifications for accessibility
Energy conservation
Falls risk assessments and prevention education
Fire safety and fire risk assessments

In addition to their hands on assistance, Keeping Seniors Home also gathers information about the elderly across a wide range of issues using what is known as the “Fallon Survey.” The study learns about seniors’ housing situation, socialization, medication costs, activity levels, and anticipated future needs.

Since 2003, Keeping Seniors Home has renovated over 800 homes, completed over 700 Fallon Surveys, and leveraged over $5 million in elder housing investments throughout the state. To be eligible, Maine residents must be at least 65 years old and qualify for the fuel assistance program: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assitance Program).

For more information on Keeping Seniors Home, and all of its eligibility requirements, please call the Western Maine Community Action toll free at 1-800-645-9636, or visit them online at: http://www.wmca.org/keeping_seniors_home.htm.

And help keep seniors where they truly want to be: Home Sweet Home.

Life Flight Turns Ten

itinfo@joebornstein.com (Joe Bornstein) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:35:10 -0500

Since its inception, LifeFlight of Maine has transported over 8,000 critically ill and injured Mainers to state emergency rooms. Now, in its tenth year of operation, the nationally renowned helicopter service looks to expand its services by adding a helicopter launch pad at every hospital in the state.

With two helicopters in operation, the nonprofit organization has decreased the response time for paramedics to reach injured patients throughout Maine and its outer islands considerably. In addition to transporting patients from accident scenes or places of injury, the helicopters also transport patients from one hospital to another as necessary.

Moving into their second decade, LifeFlight of Maine continues to be on the leading edge of advanced medical safety and technology. Purchased new in 2005, the two helicopters are equipped with virtually all of the specialized critical care equipment that would be found bedside in a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and are capable of reaching speeds up to 165 miles per hour. Once contacted, the LifeFlight crew can have a helicopter in the air within ten minutes, and a trip from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor to the Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston can be done in under an hour. New state-of-the-art equipment is also enabling the helicopters to fly in a wider range of weather, and nighttime vision goggles are currently being implemented to help pilots fly after dark.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand the results of tragic accidents on a regular basis. We would like to give our support and appreciation to the wonderful job LifeFlight of Maine does in helping Mainers in such dire times. Without their time and efforts, many Maine lives would be lost each year.

So happy tenth birthday LifeFlight of Maine! Our state is both lucky and proud to have you on board!

For more information on LifeFlight of Maine, its history, and all of its services, please visit: www.lifeflightmaine.org.