American Association for Justice (AAJ) President Gibson Vance says litigation has played a crucial role in consumer safety and manufacturer accountability in the auto industry. Gibson said that litigation and the civil justice system have, “served as the most consistent and powerful forces in heightening safety standards, revealing previously concealed defects and regulatory weaknesses...
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More People May Be Involved in Federal Corruption Case
As mentioned in a prior blog entry, FBI agents arrested Prince George’s County Executive, Jack Johnson, on charges of felony witness and evidence tampering. Agents also arrested Johnson’s wife, Leslie, on the same charges. The arrests were part of an FBI sting operation. Jack Johnson is under house arrest, but he is able to...
Read MorePrince George’s County Executive Charged in Federal Corruption Investigation
The FBI arrested Jack Johnson, Prince George’s County Executive, on charges in an ongoing federal corruption investigation. Authorities also arrested Johnson’s wife, Leslie, in the investigation. Federal agents charged the pair with felony witness and evidence tampering. Johnson is currently wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet under house arrest. Former Washington, D.C. councilmember and expert in...
Read MoreParamedics Wrongfully Diagnosed Man’s Heart Attack in 2008 Death
In December 2008, Washington, D.C. paramedics made a medical misdiagnosis that cost a 39-year-old man his life. When Edward Givens told paramedics he was having difficulty breathing and experiencing chest pains, their recommendation was to take some Pepto Bismol for what they said was acid reflux. Mr. Givens later died from what was...
Read MorePaulette Chapman Running for President of the Washington DC Bar Association
Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer Paulette Chapman has been nominated to run for President Elect of the District of Columbia Bar. Ms. Chapman is a partner at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis and an honors graduate of George Washington University Law School. She is currently serving her...
Read More15 Injured in Virginia School Bus-Van Collision
Last month, a school bus and a van collided head-on at approximately 8:20 a.m. in Suffolk, Virginia. The bus accident occurred when the 32-year-old van driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and veered across the double lines into oncoming traffic. Twenty-five students, grades 2 to...
Read MoreMTA Talking Buses will Alert Pedestrians
Ten Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) buses are equipped with talking technology to warn pedestrians who may be unaware of an approaching bus. An audible female voice alerts pedestrians, “Pedestrians, bus is turning! Pedestrians, bus is turning!” The MTA is testing two different audio warning systems to help avoid devastating bus-pedestrian accidents. According to the...
Read MoreDC Construction Worker Killed On-Site
A Washington, D.C. construction worker lost his life last month when a heavy load of clay-like dirt collapsed on him in northeast DC. The construction accident happened when workers were performing utility work in a trench on Evarts Street. According to a fire department spokesperson, rescue workers arrived at the work site shortly...
Read MoreMetro Train Hits Woman at Rhode Island Avenue
A Metro train struck a woman at the Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood station last month at around 2:24 p.m. The accident victim apparently trapped herself between the third rail and the chain link fence when the train accident occurred. Rescuers moved the 23-year-old victim to the platform...
Read MoreSubway Accidents: Who is Liable?
The WMATA Metrorail subway system, which serves Maryland, the District and Virginia, is a transportation hub for many metro area commuters. While no mechanical system is without its flaws and occasional failures, WMATA has seen more than its fair share of safety concerns and mechanical problems. Mechanical...
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