Summertime…Fun time.

Summertime in West Virginia is so special…isn’t it?  We shed the bounds of chilly weather and get out and do things that are harder or even impossible during the winter months.  The Mountain State is blessed with both natural and man-made wonders.  You already knew that, but when you have been cooped up for months you may have forgotten all that there is to see within driving distance.

Here is a list of just a handful of West Virginia’s most popular attractions. 

1.)  New River Gorge Bridge (Fayetteville) 

2.)  Coopers Rock State Forest (Bruceton Mills)

3.)  Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (Harpers Ferry)

4.)  Lost World Caverns (Lewisburg)

5.)  Blackwater Falls State Park (Davis)

6.)  The State Museum (Charleston)

7.)  American Mountain Theater (Elkins)

8.)  Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (Cass)

9.)  Spruce Knob (Riverton)

10.) Seneca Rocks State Park (Seneca)

When you think about it, people travel from other states to come and visit the wonders of West Virginia.  And here they are along with many, many more right in your own backyard.  Your friends at the Masters Law Firm, proudly serving all of the amazing state of West Virginia, wish you a safe and happy summer.  Go explore!

Swimming Pool Safety.

What is the best way to keep your child safe around the swimming pool this summer?  Adults may feel that they have better things to do, but nothing could be more important than to make sure that a functionally able swimmer of teenage or up be watching while children are playing in or around a swimming pool.  In the case of an infant or toddler an adult should be in the pool at arms-length at all times.  Even with older children someone of adult age should be concentrating on them at all times…not checking their cell phone.

If you are the owner of a swimming pool you must stick to a certain set of rules such as:

Empty blow-up pools after each use.

No toys that can be ridden around the pool.

No electrical appliances near the pool.

No diving in a swimming pool that is not deep enough.

Absolutely no running or roughhousing on the pool deck.

The Masters Law Firm serving all of West Virginia wants you to have a safe and wonderful summer.  The season is much too short, enjoy it safely and to the fullest.  And remember, if you ever need the services of the Masters Law Firm they are a phone call away from anywhere in the Mountain State at (800) 342-3106.

Celebrating Mom

May is the time to reflect on one of our most precious commodities…Mom.  Let’s face it, you would not be reading this without her.  Mom’s come in all shapes and sizes and all creeds and colors, but they all have one thing in common…an unequivocal love for their children.  Mother’s Day comes only once per year, but we believe it should be celebrated every day.

The bond that a child develops with his mother can never be severed.  She carried you and sustained you for 9 months before you ever appeared.  And when you finally did come into this world her unconditional love only grew from there.  Your mom may still be living or perhaps she has left us, but take the time to reflect on all that she did or has done for you.

Your friends at the Masters Law Firm of West Virginia celebrate Mom and hope that you have the opportunity to do the same.  Don’t put off doing something special for that most special person you will ever have in your life.  TIME is what we have to give so give it freely to your mom and pass along the love to all the moms of West Virginia and throughout the world.

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety is a Major Concern.

As summer approaches, more and more people are taking to trails throughout West Virginia to enjoy their All Terrain Vehicles (ATV).  While ATV’s are a source of enjoyment for many throughout the Mountain State, unauthorized use of ATV’s can lead to serious injury or death.  That’s why the state legislature has implemented laws regarding ATV use in West Virginia.  If you are going to be riding an ATV this summer, be sure to know the laws and regulations regarding ATV usage.

This is especially true for West Virginia’s teenage drivers.  No one may operate an ATV With a passenger under the age of eighteen, unless the operator has at a minimum a level two intermediate driver’s license or its equivalent or is eighteen years of age or older.

Also, an ATV is meant to operate at speeds of 25MPH or less.

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that the US. Consumer Product Safety Commission “reject the manufacture of a transitional, 'youth model' ATV for 14- to 16-year-olds that is capable of traveling at speeds up to 38 miles per hour.  James Perrin, president of the AAP, went a bit further, saying that “Children are not developmentally capable of operating these heavy, complex machines. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns all parents that no child under the age of 16 should drive or ride an ATV.”

The Masters Law Firm of Charleston West Virginia wants you to stay safe on ATV’s and other 4-wheelers this spring and summer.  If you need their assistance please call them at 1-800-342-3106.

Important News About Children’s Car Seats.

Graco, a well-known manufacturer of children’s safety products, has identified many of the harness buckles used on their infant and toddler car seats sold in the United States are difficult to open.  As a result, they are recalling the harness buckles used on select infant, toddler convertible car seats and harnessed booster seats.

Consumers can determine if their infant and toddler car seats are affected and order a replacement harness buckle. If the device becomes sticky or difficult to use clean it thoroughly to make it more pliable.  Meanwhile Graco is subject to 10 million dollars in fines because if their failure to issue a prompt recall.

Nationwide there are literally dozens of food and product recalls every month throughout the United States.  Many West Virginians have been and will be effected by them.  If you have a concern about any recall anytime call The Masters Law Firm of Charleston at (800) 342-3106.  The Masters Law Firm serves all residents of the Mountain State.

Flooding in West Virginia

Rain and melting snow this March have caused some serious flooding problems in West Virginia.  When the flood waters flow they move quickly and may cover various roadways in the state.  In addition flooding may cause landslides which are also prevalent in the Mountain State.

If you’re driving and you see moving or stagnant water on the roadway always observe the phrase “turn around don’t drown”.  Flooding is reported along most of the state’s mid-sized rivers like the Buckhannon, Guyandotte, Tygart, and Tug Fork. Those are starting to drain into the larger rivers like the Kanawha, Monongahela, and Ohio. 

The situation has created serious problems in low lying areas along the Buckhannon River at Buckhannon and the Tug Fork in Williamson. The high water has shutdown numerous roads across West Virginia and destroyed some homes and businesses.

Your friends at The Masters Law Firm in Charleston West Virginia remind you to exercise extreme caution this time of year.  Watch for any hazard that water may create from now through spring and stay safe.  You may call The Masters Law Firm anytime at (800) 342-3106.

Heart Stent Procedures at Raleigh General Hospital during the Periods 2010 through 2013

Raleigh General Hospital is investigating patients who may have received unnecessary angioplasty or stent procedures at the hospital by Dr. Kenneth Glaser. The potential affected patients are patients who had a stent placed when “the condition may not have warranted that stent placement.” This would include stent placement procedures on patients whose blood vessels were not sufficiently occluded to require the procedures–patients had no significant heart blockages to warrant stent placement procedures, among other possibilities.

You or someone you know may have already received a letter from Raleigh General Hospital.  In that letter it is explained that the stent may not have been necessary.  Others who have not yet received a letter may also be effected.  There is an investigation being conducted which encompasses 2010 through 2013.

On September 24, 2013, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia served a subpoena on Raleigh General Hospital for its investigations into certain unnecessary interventional cardiology procedures conducted by physicians in RGH’s cardiac catheterization laboratory.

If you have been involved in any procedure conducted by Dr. Kenneth Glazer at Raleigh General Hospital do not hesitate.  Call (800) 342-3106 and speak to an attorney at the Masters Law Firm in Charleston West Virginia for a free consolation.

Raleigh General Letter Re: Heart Stent Surgery

Raleigh General Hospital located in Beckley West Virginia is currently investigating whether certain heart procedures performed by a doctor there were necessary.  An ongoing internal review showed cases in which the patient’s condition may not have warranted the placement of a stent. According to one source the doctor has been identified as Dr. D. Kenneth Glaser.  Another source indicates that the doctor no longer works at Raleigh General.

Raleigh General Hospital issued the following statement: 

Providing quality care to our community is Raleigh General Hospital's top priority.

As a part of the hospital's quality oversight program, we recently identified some patients at our hospital who received cardiac stents from a physician that may not have been clinically appropriate. The physician in question is no longer practicing at our hospital. We hired independent medical experts to perform an objective review of all stent cases involving the physician in question.

We are not aware of anyone in the cases reviewed who has experienced an adverse reaction to a stent they received, but out of an abundance of caution, we have contacted all patients who received a stent that may not have been warranted by their condition to offer them a follow-up meeting with an interventional cardiologist or physician of their choice at no cost.

We have set up a special phone number – 800-494-2848 – which anyone with questions about this matter can call at any time.

If you, a loved one, or friend has been affected by a Stent received from Raleigh General, Call The Masters Law Firm, L.C. at 800-342-3106 for a free consultation.

Driving Behind a School Bus.

As you know, driving around school buses requires experience, understanding, and patience.  School buses are safe modes of transportation, but drivers of automobiles can make for a very dangerous situation.

If you see a school bus in your lane or coming towards you, pay close attention to what it is doing.  Give the bus extra space and be prepared to stop suddenly as it loads or unloads the kids.  Because they are walking on or near the road, kids are in some danger when they get on or off the bus.  It’s up to the cars around them to keep a close watch and make sure the coast is clear before continuing on.

 With that in mind, here are some cardinal rules to follow:

·         School buses are required to stop at railroad crossings, so be ready to hit the brakes if you're behind one.

·         School buses travel at slower speeds. Expect to slow down and only pass when the bus driver signals you to go by.

·         Pay attention to any stop signs or signals on the bus.

The Masters Law Firm of Charleston wants all kids to complete their daily journey safe and sound.  Be extra cautious when traveling anywhere near any West Virginia school bus.

Stepping up Safety Precautions for Coal Miners During Cold Winter Months.

When the weather is cold, the safety risks in coal mining can heat up. To raise awareness of winter coal mining safety risks, and to help protect miners when the temperatures dip down, the MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) has launched its annual Winter Alerts campaign.

Statistics show that coal mine explosions occur most often during the colder months, October through March. Low humidity and low barometric pressures, combined with seasonal drying of many areas in underground coal mines, have been major factors in past mine explosions. Colder weather also brings other potential hazards, such as limited visibility, icy haulage roads and walkways, and the freezing and thawing of highwalls at surface mines, which can make them unstable.

MSHA’s Winter Alert campaign outlines the actions that can prevent serious accidents in coal mines in the colder months: ensuring that snow and ice in travel ways are removed, salt and sand are applied where needed. In underground coal mines, mine operators should make certain that there is adequate ventilation, and should be familiar with emergency procedures that prevent ignitions and explosions.

It’s all part of MSHA’s goal to encourage employers and workers to understand that “Prevention is the Key to a Safe Workplace.”

Coal mining safety is imperative in West Virginia. The Masters Law Firm of Charleston wants you to be aware of the steps that are being taken to protect coal miners in the winter.  Please visit their website at www.themasterslawfirm.com.

Vehicles are Slipping and Sliding All Over West Virginia Roads This Time of Year.

Although statistically less people are involved in fatal vehicle accidents in the winter than in the summer this is still a time of year that you or a loved-one may have been involved in an accident on the road.

All told, auto accidents kill more than 40,000 people in the U.S. each year; they are the No. 1 cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 34.

The simple fact is, getting behind the wheel of a car is the riskiest thing most people do every day, says Russ Rader, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  In West Virginia there are other vehicles such as trucks hauling coal that enter and exit the highways frequently.

Instead, drivers are left to look at how and when fatal accidents occur and try their best to stay off the road at the most dangerous times, as well as make sure they’re focused solely on the road regardless of if they’re driving in dangerous conditions.

Please drive safely this winter and slow down.  This reminder comes from your friends at the Masters Law Firm of Charleston, serving all of West Virginia.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Overview.

Carbon Monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon.  Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage and death.  You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but carbon monoxide can kill you.

Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas known as the "silent killer." Carbon monoxide is produced by common household appliances. When not properly ventilated, CO emitted by appliances can build up. For example, gas stoves can emit hazardous levels of carbon monoxide.  Gas appliances should be serviced yearly by a qualified service technician.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mistaken for the flu because the deadly gas goes undetected in a home. Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death.

The Masters Law Firm of Charleston, serving all of West Virginia, has experience with CO cases.  We are here to help you or a loved one.  This is a legal advertisement from the Masters Law Firm of West Virginia.  Call us at (800) 342-3106.

Choose Carefully When Buying a Space Heater in West Virginia

The Masters Law Firm reminds you to exercise precaution when choosing a space heater this cold winter.  The best space heaters can quickly heat an average size room for as little as $40.  Not all of them are risk free.  Many of those tested by Consumer Reports got hot enough to cause the equivalent of a bad sunburn within a second of contact.

Consumer Reports and the National Fire Protection Association offer the following safety advice:

·     Don't leave an electric heater unattended while it's plugged in. Place the heater on a level, flat surface where children and pets can't reach it and never in a child's room. Use a heater on a tabletop only when specified by the manufacturer. If you place it on furniture, it could fall and be damaged.

·     Don't use a space heater in a damp or wet area unless it's designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms. Moisture could damage it.

·     Keep combustible materials such as furniture, bedding, and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from its sides and rear. Don't use a heater near paint, gas cans or matches. Keep the air intake and outlet clear.

·     Run the electric cord on top of area rugs or carpeting so that you can step over it and not abrade it underfoot. Plugging another electrical device into the same outlet or extension cord as the heater could cause overheating.

Look for safety features. All of the heaters that were tested include a sensor that shuts them off if they overheat. A switch that does the same if they tip over is a welcome plus for taller models, especially with kids and pets nearby. Instructions for all the models tested by Consumer Reports also warn consumers to keep them away from water. One model has a plug that's ground-fault protected, though kitchens, bathrooms, and other moist areas should already have protected outlets.

Stay safe and secure while you endure cabin fever.  The very best to you and your family this New Year from The Masters Law Firm of Charleston West Virginia.