Amputations

         Serious accidents in the workplace, on roadways, and on private property can lead to painful, disfiguring physical damage, including amputation of fingers, toes, arms, and legs. Aside from the physical hardships faced by amputees, amputation requires expensive and lengthy medical treatment; amputees must also come to terms with the emotional trauma often involved in these changes to their appearance and ability to function in life. If you have suffered an amputation as the result of an accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your pain, suffering, lost wages, loss of mobility, mental anguish, and other damages.

Federal Employer's Liability Act (F.E.L.A.)/Railroad Accidents

         The Federal Employer's Liability Act (F.E.L.A.) allows railroad workers to obtain compensation when they are seriously injured as a result of their employment. In order to receive compensation under F.E.L.A., injured workers must be able to demonstrate that the railroad was either completely or to some degree responsible for the accident. It is not necessary for the accident to have occurred on railroad property, but the injury must have taken place while the worker was in commission of job-related duties. Most types of personal injuries are covered under F.E.L.A., including head, back, and muscle injuries; carpal tunnel syndrome; and diseases such as cancer and mesothelioma. k to top

Burn Accidents/Gas Explosions

         Each year in the United States, over two million people receive burn injuries of varying degrees, many in accidents for which they were not at fault. Many victims receive severe, sometimes fatal, burns due to natural gas explosions. In addition, a defective motor vehicle or piece of machinery can result in accidental fires or electrocution. The failure of a property owner to warn people of hot surfaces or scalding liquids can also contribute to serious burn injuries. Many burn victims are injured in the commission of their job-related duties, often as the result of unsafe working conditions or the failure of their superiors to provide proper safety equipment or adequate supervision. Whatever the cause, serious burn injuries can lead to lost wages, tremendous pain and suffering, and substantial medical bills.ack to top

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

         Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a chronic nerve disorder that affects many victims of serious injury. Those who suffer from CRSP/ RSD generally experience extreme burning pain at the site of the injury, in addition to pathological changes in skin and bone, swelling, sensitivity to touch, sweating, and an overall reduction in strength and mobility. Although CRSP/ RSD often occurs in those who have sustained serious injuries, it can also result from relatively minor injuries and surgical procedures involving nervous tissue. If you or someone you love has CRSP/RSD as the result of an accident that was someone else's fault, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent party.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are held to the highest, most stringent standards of safety for good reason; even the most well maintained construction sites are inherently dangerous to employees and anyone else in the vicinity. When those responsible for a construction site fail to meet their obligation to protect their employees and the public from undue harm, or if they do not provide adequate employee training, they may be liable for any injuries that result. In cases involving defective or malfunctioning construction equipment, it is often possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the equipment.

Dangerous Drugs

         Recently, a number of pharmaceutical drugs have been linked to serious illnesses and even deaths in users. Many of these drugs were voluntarily withdrawn from the market by their manufactures, while others remain available for the time being. At the Osborne & Associates, our attorneys can help those who have been injured from the use of a dangerous pharmaceutical drug, including:

• Accutane®
• Ephedra
• Fen-Phen
• OxyContin
• Rezulin
• Serzone
• Vioxx®

         If you lost a loved one who had used any of the above drugs or any other potentially dangerous pharmaceutical drug, you and your family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the drug's manufacturer.back to top

Dog Bite Injuries

         Owners of dogs have a responsibility to protect anyone who legally enters on their property, such as an invited guest or a postal worker, from being attacked. Likewise, they must obey all relevant leash laws and other laws regarding the care and housing of their pet. Unfortunately, many dog owners are negligent in their responsibilities, leading to serious injuries, often to small children. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured as the result of a dog bite, our personal injury attorneys in Northeastern Pennsylvania may be able to help you obtain compensation for pain, suffering, and other damages. As with all accident cases, it is generally a good idea to contact an experienced attorney before negotiating with insurance companies, if indeed insurance is an issue at all in your case.  

Firearm Accidents

         The increase in gun violence over recent decades tragically reflects how accessible guns have become in our society. Firearm accidents have become common occurrences throughout the United States, claiming an increasing number of victims of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. To minimize access to firearms, gun owners must take extreme care in safeguarding their weapons from unauthorized use. Likewise, gun manufacturers must meet the highest standards of quality and safety to ensure that accidents do not result from defective or malfunctioning parts.

Motorcycle Accidents

         In the event of a relatively minor collision between two automobiles, it is common for everyone involved in the accident to emerge without major injuries. Motorcyclists, however, are particularly vulnerable to serious injury whenever they are struck by another motor vehicle, even if they are wearing the appropriate safety gear required by law. Often, motorcycle accidents occur due to the failure of other motorists to pay due attention to their surroundings, either out of carelessness or flagrant disregard of the law. Such negligence can lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, and other permanent and debilitating conditions. Tragically, a relatively high percentage of motorcyclists involved in accidents do not survive. If you or someone you love has been seriously harmed in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation for pain, suffering, lost wages, loss of mobility, mental anguish, and other damages.

Spinal Cord Injuries

         Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating and expensive of all personal injuries. Almost all victims of spinal cord injuries will face some permanent impairment of bodily function and sensation; the higher on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the more likely the victim will lose the ability to control movements at or below the site of the damage. Often, spinal cord injuries result from accidents for which the victim was not responsible, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and collisions during sporting events. Sadly, many spinal cord injuries occur as the result of intentional acts of violence upon the victim.

Swimming Pool Accidents

         Swimming pool accidents frequently result in serious injury and sometimes in death, particularly in cases involving young children. The owners of swimming pools are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for those who enter upon their premises and must take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents. Posting warning signs and safety instructions near the pool area does not, in and of itself, preclude the owner from being liable for injuries that occur in or near the pool.