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Unsafe Car Parts from China December 22, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in Personal Injury Law.
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Is there any good news about products coming from China these days?  The New York Times writes about a few serious safety problems found in auto parts manufactured in China:

Child restraints that may come apart in an impact. Fuses that could catch fire when overloaded. Tires susceptible to tread separation.

A consumer safety organization, the Center for Auto Safety, has a whole page dedicated to recent recalls of products made in China.

This next quote really concerns me.  Like many others I tend to believe that some Chinese manufacturers don’t really look to the long term.  They are only concerned about short term profits.

The executive director of the Center for Auto Safety:

said his review convinces him that too many Chinese companies are unfamiliar with — or don’t care about — safety standards in the United States and thus don’t meet them.

Be sure to check out the recent recalls when you get a chance.

Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in Milwaukee, West Bend, New Berlin and Wauwatosa.

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Statistically Safer December 16, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in Motorcycle Collisions, Wisconsin Auto Accidents.
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration traffic fatalities in 2008 are down 10 percent.  This is compared to the same period in 2007.  So, Americans were less likely to be killed on the road in 2008 as compared to 2007.

The NHTSA discussed the number of people killed in vehicle accidents:

August is the month with the highest fatalities (3,612), while March has the lowest fatalities (2,804) during the ten months. When compared to the corresponding months in 2007, the estimates each month reflect a downward trend. While fatalities fell by 2.5 percent in February and 1 percent in August, there were much more significant declines March through July, Septem-ber, and October.
 

 

I can’t comment on the relationship of the statistics, but the NHTSA also discusses how helmet use and seat belt use were up in 2008 as compared to 2007.

 Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in West Allis, Sheboygan,  Plymouth,  and  Germantown.

If you’d like to submit a question or case please complete a case submission form.

Attorney Ed Wallis and the Mid South Trial Lawyer’s Blog December 15, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in Personal Groth, Personal Injury Law.
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I just added Ed Wallis and his partner Tim Edwards’ blog to my list of links (on the right side of your screen).  Ed is a trial lawyer in Tennessee and an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ). 

Ed and Tim have a lot of good information on their blog and website.  I took special notice of their information about cribs and recent recalls:

In the wake of a recall affecting nearly 1.6 million cribs, federal regulators plan to institute new standards governing crib durability and hardware problems. A spokeswoman for the Consumer Products Safety Commission said that while voluntary standards have decreased the number of crib injuries and deaths, they have not fully addressed comprehensive durability standards. Durability and hardware issues have been at the root of five recent crib recalls, according to the Washington Post. Read more HERE.

Take a moment to check out Ed and Tim’s site.  It’s worth the click.

Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in West Allis, Sheboygan,  Plymouth,  and  Germantown.

If you’d like to submit a question or case please complete a case submission form.

You’re Not Always in Good Hands October 13, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in FAQ Personal Injury.
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Either take less money or wait years until Allstate is forced to settle.  That is what has been reported about Allstate’s claims practices.   (Remember the ad: when you have Allstate Insurance you are “Always in Good Hands”).

Yesterday, I was talking with a friend whose client was hesitant to hire a personal injury attorney.  Simply asking the powerful question, “Why?”

I think the answer to “Why hire an attorney” is answered in that story.  It discovered a few things about Allstate’s injury claims:

First, the company evaluates claims with a computer program designed to reduce payouts by as much as 20 percent of what the company once paid for the same injuries.

Second, Allstate pushes policyholders to accept quick settlements without the help of lawyers. Policyholders who try to fight for more money face Allstate attorneys coached to refuse to negotiate and to drag out litigation.

A former Allstate attorney described their tactics:

They put pressure on people by establishing that they are a bully in the market.

I recommend you read the article or other blogs about the article.  Many other insurance companies are now using Allstate’s computer program or programs just like it.  If you have any questions about their tactics feel free to post a comment or contact me.

Don’t forget to read my previous post entitled “Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney.”

http://www.jonpgroth.com

Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in West Allis, Crivitz, Plymouth, and Germantown.

Waukesha’s Most Dangerous Road? July 16, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in FAQ Personal Injury.
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The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the intersection of Highway F and I94 in Waukesha County (Pewaukee to be exact) has been the site of 280 motor vehicle collisions since 2003.  The County Safety Engineer states that simply adjusting the traffic signals so drivers can only turn with an arrow might help.  They also note the high amount of traffic at that intersection.

I have some personal experience with this intersection.  I worked at a law firm located near that stretch of road in 2002.  Even then it was busy.  Since then, a number of commercial buildings have popped up.  At 5 o’clock it is a pain to drive anywhere near there. 

What to do?  Contact your county supervisor, aldermen, mayor and County Executive.  Hopefully, the more complaints the sooner they will take action.

www.jonpgroth.com

Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in Oconomowoc, Racine, Waukesha and Wauwatosa.

Dog Bite this week. Hope not! May 23, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in FAQ Personal Injury.
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This week was dog bite prevention week in Rock County.  Please take this opportunity to make sure your dogs (and other pets for that matter) behave and are safe and sound.

Keep this in mind: Rock County officials have said that children from newborn to 10 years old are the most common dog bite victims in Rock County.  I can’t imagine these statistics differ much from county to county across Wisonsin. 

The Rock County officials go on to state that 84% of Rock County’s dog bites are to the face, neck or head.  From my person injury practice I’d add arms/hands to the mix.  Usually, there are defensive injuries. 

In any event, be careful this week.  Tie your dog up, keep him or her on a leash when you go for walk and make sure your animals are up to date on all of their rabbies shots. 

www.jonpgroth.com

Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in Milton, Wauwatosa, Janesville and Beloit.

Pit Bulls: Man’s Best Friend? Probably Not. April 28, 2008

Posted by Attorney Jonathan Groth in FAQ Personal Injury.
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Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers or just plain Pits.  Whatever they are called most often it is preceded by “I just got bit by a…”  At least that is how most dog bite phone calls to my office begin. 

Recently I have had a great number of phone calls from victims of Dog Bites in Wisconsin.  Pit Bull bites to be exact.  Don’t get me wrong, I have handled cases where Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labs and other dogs bite.   But, the breed of dog that has bit my clients the most is probably Pits or Pit mixes. 

So, when I read the article this morning about the Village of Arpin (Wood County, Wisconsin) banning Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes I was not surprised. 

Honestly, I don’t have a problem with this.  It’s our government at work  (i.e. Federalism).  Local governments doing what they think is right for their community.  Arpin can’t ban Pit Bulls in Waukesha.  And Waukesha can’t ban German Shepherds in Arpin.  But, Arpin certainly can protect its citizens from what they see as a dangerous animal.

After listening to the calls I’ve recently heard about Pit Bull dog bites I’d probably feel a little safer vacationing in Wood County this summer.

www.jonpgroth.com

Jon Groth is a Wisconsin Personal Injury Attorney handling cases throughout Wisconsin and most recently in Muskego, De Pere, Oconomowoc and Portage.