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.

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.

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. 

Is Your Christmas Tree a Threat?

Christmas trees are a beautiful way to welcome in the spirit of the holidays, but be warned, they bring with them an element of danger.  You need to be diligent about how your tree is protected and placed in your home.

Christmas trees can catch on fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2007-2011 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of six deaths, 22 injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damage annually.

While the living room fireplace may be an ideal venue for Santa to stuff stockings, the heat from the fire, vents, and radiators dry out live trees quickly. 

At this busy time of year a Christmas tree is not the only threat to your safety.  More than 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents occur each year with an increase in statistics during the holiday as people gather together.  Heating equipment accounted for nearly 60,000 injuries in 2013.  Space heaters accounted for 19% of the total injuries, but more than two-thirds of the thermal burn injuries.

The Masters Law Firm in Charleston West Virginia hopes that you have a safe and happy Christmas season.  Remember that if you need representation due to any injury, contact The Masters Law Firm at (800) 988-4035.

Anchor And Stabilize Your Christmas Tree and Furniture

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a statement urging parents and caregivers to anchor and stabilize their furniture, appliances, televisions and Christmas tree, in order to put a stop to tip-over related accidents.

In a report released by the CPSC this past December, 379 people were killed and many more were injured in tip over related accidents between 2000 and 2012. Eighty-four percent of the people that were killed were younger than 9 years old. 2012 had the greatest increase in fatalities at 41 for the year. The CPSC estimates that over 43,000 people are injured each year in these types of accidents. Falling televisions accounted for 62 percent of the reported fatalities.

Most fatalities occur in the bedroom. Some reports believe that as a family transitions to a flat screen TV, their older, heavier TV is moved into the bedroom without the proper stand or anchoring device. A dresser is no place for an unanchored television and is involved in many tip-over related accidents. A TV should be placed on a stand suitable for its size and weight, in addition to being securely anchored.

In an effort to prevent tip-over related tragedies, the CPSC recommends the following safety measures in homes where children live or visit:

·         Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.

·         Place TVs on sturdy, low bases, or anchor the furniture and the TV on top of the base, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.

·         Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off of TV stands or furniture.

·         Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.

·         Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.

·         Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed.

Have a safe and happy holiday from the Masters Law Firm in Charleston West Virginia.

Recalls and Security Breaches You Should Know About

The Masters Law firm will keep you abreast of product, and vehicle recalls and security breaches on a weekly basis. Consumer products are recalled daily and there isn't a lot of coverage on many of them, but it doesn't mean it can't directly affect you.


Here are a few we've shared this month so far.

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/investigations/watch-how-hackers-get-inside-ohio-womans-computer-and-steal-personal-data

http://www.wvva.com/story/27366999/2014/11/12/gm-parts-ready-to-fix-suvs-that-can-catch-fire

http://abcnews.go.com/Business

Consumer Product Recalls

Bringing West Virginian's pertinent information regarding safety is our aim. We want you to be aware of the latest recalls on everyday consumer products. Many times, recalls go unnoticed if they don't concern automobiles or food/beverage.

The reality is, there are recalls everyday on products you may be using right now. A great way to stay informed as to what products are currently recalled. You can visit here and also "like" us on Facebook.

The OSHA Act

Injuries sustained while working on the job should always be reported and documented. Too often people work through the pain out of fear of losing their job. OSHA enacted the OSH act of 1970. To ensure worker's safety and rights. Don't compromise yours. Familiarize yourself with the OSH act of 1970, below.


www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owasrch.search_form?p_doc_type=OSHACT&p_toc_level=0

Legal reference.

Workplace Safety

Some eye opening statistics about the realities of being injured on the job. Your safety and health should be paramount to your employer. All too often people work through the pain; worsening the situation. If you or someone you know has been injured while on the job, know that there is recourse for you. You needn't suffer.



www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html

Protecting West Virginians

If you have been injured through no fault of your own or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, our diligent and compassionate personal injury attorneys can provide informed legal counsel and aggressive representation. We care about the safety and well being of West Virginians and vow to protect you and your family.

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