Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer

What's more dangerous, cheerleading? ... Or foolish coaches?

Steve Lombardi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:01:00 GMT

Is Cheerleading too dangerous? Does it need to be changed? Or does the coaching system simply need to be tweaked to provide a more safety minded mindset?

A Wall Street Journal article on September 17, 2009 addressed the increasingly popular sport of cheerleading and the dangers it presents to girls across America. More news coverage of the injuries incurred by cheerleaders is causing debate on whether certain aspects of the sport should be banned or at least changed. With cheerleading being the cause of “65% of all female catastrophic injuries in high school and college…according to the University of North Carolina's National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research.” There is no wonder why people are upset that this high risk sport does not have the same quality of medical assistance present at all times, as with other sports such as football. To help decrease the risk factor different levels of cheerleading are taking preventive measures such as, “College teams are no longer allowed to perform three-person-high pyramids and do double flips from them. High school teams can't perform flipping basket tosses and last year, twisting dismounts were banned on basketball courts.” Some states (like Wisconsin) view cheerleading as a high risk sport and called it a “contact sport” which the Wisconsin's Supreme Court’s decision “prevents injured cheerleaders from suing their schools or teammates.”

If cheerleading is such a high risk sport as to be considered a contact sport, should not the association which regulates it, make changes to protect the participants or change the way the sport is performed all together. To truly estimate the risk of cheerleading first the sport must attempt to account for all participants across the country. The Wall Street Journal says that “estimates say there are about 400,000 public high school cheerleaders, but the NCAA doesn't track participation (it's not considered a sport) and the number of cheerleaders on private teams isn't known.” The number of cheerleaders all together is hard to pinpoint, but “if you go by the consensus estimate -- that there are about 4 million cheerleaders across the country -- the activity looks about as risky as women's soccer.”

What was the original purpose of cheerleading: to get the crowd’s energy up and to support and “cheer” on the team. There is no doubt that the ways of cheerleading have shifted with regular stunts in routines consisting of split jumps called the “Herkie”, flipping basket tosses, and twisting dismounts. If the stunts of cheerleading of today remain, maybe the activity should be reconsidered an organized sport, instead of just a “girly athletic activity.”

There have been motions set in place to attempt in helping injured cheerleaders. Kimberly Archie founded the National Cheer Safety Foundation in 2008, created this program as a parent of a cheerleader who broke her arm during a practice. She hopes this program will help parents be more aware of the injuries and ultimately help reduce the risks that cheerleaders face constantly. Archie’s organization has been in the forefront of cheerleader safety issues and advocating for positive changes. She’s a positive force that has successfully resisted the headwinds pushing against change.

Should this highly dangerous but popular activity be changed all together, have tighter regulations, or continue to victimize America’s young girls of today. As a parent it’s your choice to accept the status quo or push for changes that may protect your child from a life of misery. All coaches need to get on the safety band wagon for the sake of the cheerleaders. It’s a terrific sport.

Video Library | Lombardi Law Firm

Description: Cheerleading has become the leading cause of catastrophic injury in young female athletes, says Amy Miller Bohn, a physician at the UMHS ...
www.lombardilaw.com/video/ - Cached - Similar

The Lombardi Law Firm Blog | Lombardi Law Firm

Oct 16, 2009 ... Cheerleading Safety and the Law of Cheerleading ...... Child Safety: Who get's sued when they drop the Cheerleader and . ...

Or on the Injuryboard:

Iowa Cheerleader Bibliography of Safety Titles | InjuryBoard Des ...

Steve Lombardi. Posted by Steve Lombardi August 07, 2009 5:39 PM ... I collect articles of interest and post on the Cheerleading Safety and the Law of ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../iowa-cheerleader-bibliography-of-safety-titles.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

Cheerleading Parents, to Avoid Catastrophic Injury to your Teen ...

Aug 13, 2009 ... Cheerleading Parents, to Avoid Catastrophic Injury to your Teen, Get Busy Learning the Cupie/Awesome. Email Member · Steve Lombardi ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../cheerleading-parents-to-avoid-catastrophic-injury-to-your-teen-get-busy-learning-the-cupieawesome.asp... - Cached - Similar –

Let's work to keep Cheerleading Safe | InjuryBoard Des Moines

Today we're going to talk more about cheerleading safety standards and parental involvement with the cheer squad. ... Steve Lombardi InjuryBoard Attorney ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../lets-work-to-keep-cheerleading-safe-.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

Child Safety: Wisconsin Supreme Court cheerleading issue to be ...

Child Safety: Wisconsin Supreme Court cheerleading issue to be decided. Email Member · Steve Lombardi. Attorney (866) 735-1102 Ext 335 ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../child-safety-wisconsin-supreme-court-cheerleading-issue-to-be-decided.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

Here is what is wrong with Wisconsin's Anti-Cheerleader Tort ...

Aug 6, 2009 ... Here is what is wrong with Wisconsin's Anti-Cheerleader Tort Reform. Email Member · Steve Lombardi. Attorney (866) 735-1102 Ext 335 ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../here-is-what-is-wrong-with-wisconsins-anticheerleader-tort-reform.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

A New Era In Safety May Be Dawning for Cheerleaders | InjuryBoard ...

I collect articles of interest and post on the Cheerleading Safety and the Law of Cheerleading page of Lombardi Law Firm. ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../a-new-era-in-safety-may-be-dawning-for-cheerleaders.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

If cheerleading is so safe why have so many cheerleaders died ...

If cheerleading is so safe why have so many cheerleaders died? Email Member · Steve Lombardi. Attorney (866) 735-1102 Ext 335 ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../if-cheerleading-is-so-safe-why-have-so-many-cheerleaders-died.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

Child Safety: Wisconsin Appellate Court cheerleading issue ruling ...

Child Safety: Wisconsin Appellate Court cheerleading issue ruling. Email Member · Steve Lombardi. Attorney (866) 735-1102 Ext 335 ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../child-safety-wisconsin-appellate-court-cheerleading-issue-ruling.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

School Safety / Cheerleading: Fitting the uniform...and the image ...

Sep 25, 2008 ... As highlighted in my previous post(s), the sport of cheerleading can ... The Lombardi Law Firm (866) 735-1102 Ext 335 www.lombardilaw.com/ ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../school-safety-fitting-the-uniformand-the-image.aspx?... - Cached - Similar –

Cheer Safety Clinic in Louisiana | InjuryBoard Des Moines

Posted by Steve LombardiOctober 31, 2009 8:58 AM ... If you're a cheerleading squad coach in Louisiana follow the link to read the entire article. ...
desmoines.injuryboard.com/.../cheer-safety-clinic-in-louisiana.aspx?...

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Can homicide be a workers compensation case in Iowa?

Steve Lombardi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:01:00 GMT

On Thursday October 8^th John Versypt of Cordova Ill. was found in a common area hallway with a gun lying next to him. Mr. Versypt owns rental units in the complex and was reportedly in Iowa City, Iowa to attend to those properties. The investigation remains open and we have to question what would lead to the death of this 63 year old man.

Whose gun was it? Was the gun Mr. Versypt’s or someone else’s?

What caused his death? Was it a bullet or blunt force? If either, was this the gun used in what appears to be a homicide?

Did he die of natural or unnatural causes?

If he died from being shot what does ballistics show us about if it were this gun?

Was it an argument over the collection of rent?

Or did someone know his routine and that he might have rental receipts on him, tried to rob him and he died or was killed?

In shows name is the gun registered?

What will the autopsy tell us about the cause or causes of death?

Who was home in this apartment complex around the time he was killed?

What did they see, overhear or know about what went on?

Why was he there? Was a tenant behind in the rent and he was having a face-to-face meeting with them?

Personal safety never takes a break. Carrying a handgun may seem like a good idea but what if the assailant gets his/her hands on your gun? Then what? You could hire a lawyer and take the matter to court. Sometimes it’s better to spend a little money and be safe. All that said I’m still interested in the homicide and the police investigation. Perhaps by the time this publishes we will have further information and an arrest will be made.

Now let’s get back to the subject of the title, whether or not this is a workers’ compensation claim. It could be, it depends primarily on whether the business owner covered himself with a workers’ compensation insurance policy. The legal system has been taking such a bad rap lately that many people just don’t think about what’s in their best interest. Workers’ compensation insurance is relatively inexpensive. When you consider that it provides at least four kinds of insurance all in one it’s amazing just how cheap and inexpensive it is.

Consider what workers’ compensation benefits come from this type of insurance.

Life Insurance – If the worker dies it provides a weekly pay check the widow or widower.

Burial Insurance – It provides burial benefits to the dead worker.

Disability Insurance – It provides a weekly benefit check for wage loss in the event of disabling injuries.

Medical or Health Insurance – It pays all medical bills but without a deductible or coinsurance provision.

Uninsurance and Underinsurance Insurance – If you’re working and a third party injures you, that would be someone not working for your same employer, then the workers’ compensation policy pays you a decent amount of money for the claim while providing all of the above. Now if you collect from the other guy you have to pay back your workers’ compensation carrier, but what the heck you’re still better off.

Perhaps Iowa’s workers’ compensation insurance is the ultimate universal healthcare benefit. I can’t say that about state programs like Indiana’s because that program tends towards being worse than nothing. Not only do they pay low benefits but you have some adjuster with little or no education directing your medical care. That is worse than being in Communist Russia.

Now back to the landlord; if he covered himself with a workers’ compensation policy under Chapter 85 his widow or dependent children, if any, can receive weekly benefits (the widow for life). His estate will receive a check for funeral and burial expenses. Any ambulance or ER care will be covered along with the doctor and hospital charges. The burial benefits are somewhat limited at $12,000.00 but still they are there and get a person buried.

We wish his family well, and encourage them to know there are better days ahead.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

U.S. Chamber "Madoff" With the Truth

Steve Lombardi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:01:00 GMT

Mike Bryant wrote an interesting piece on the underlying facts behind the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ads and how distorted the conclusions are from the facts that underlie those ads. What I believe Mike concludes is that if you examine the facts the conclusions seems to be a mockery of the truth. Mike’s analysis shows just how naïve people are when it comes to believing a firmly stated conclusion presented by someone with money. In essence the Chamber has “Madoff” with the truth. I find this subject fascinating because during the Bush Administration it was like we were in Alice's looking glass. And now hardly anyone who voted for him will admit it.

Guess What: The U S Chamber TV Ad Attack Really Did Need A Closer Look, Mike Bryant, November 3, 2009, 3:27 PM

For me, the truth with the US Chamber of Communism is a fleeting thought. They operate sort of like a communist regime and like most communist regimes the truth isn't something that gets in the way of stating the conclusion we are all to believe; irrespective of the facts. Like any communist culture the end run is always the same, corruption infects those in power for the sake of taking a profit from the citizens that actually did the work or saved their earnings. It just happened and it’s happening repeatedly, and under their watch. But when it comes to corporate corruption and irresponsible citizenship the US Chamber along with the other two evil triplets say nothing.

You’ve got the ATRA and the Chinese arm of the Chamber. Together they brought us Y2K, Enron, Worldcom, Health South, Wall Street bonuses, Madoff, Davis Investments, hedge funds and now CDO’s backed by liar’s loans and then raiding the Treasury through a $700 Billion bailout. Think for a minute about why this seems to be happening at an increasingly faster pace and the fact we’ve heard nothing of any significance from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the ATRA or their evil sister in China. Trillions of your hard earned money, savings that were put away for a rainy day, dividends that never get paid to the shareholders and now your tax dollars bailing out the very CEO’s who created the latest mess; and we hear nothing about corruption and corporate irresponsibility from those who claim to be the corporate honor guard in America. How can that be?

Why isn’t the U.S. Chamber of Commerce saying anything about the SEC’s look the other way approach in the Madoff Ponzi Scheme?

We saved our pennies in pension funds and they robbed us of it. Then they told you if you don’t give us bonuses that we didn’t’ earn, we won’t be able to rob you anymore – AND THAT’S UNAMERICAN! Of course with this being America the U.S. branch of the Chamber of Commerce change their approach, not by much but enough to distract most voters from the truth that they were being robbed. And that’s the point of how they are operating; in the end the truth still suffers and never seems to get in the way of the conclusion they want the American public to believe. Truth is exactly the opposite of what the Chamber preaches. Their style is commonly referred to in Communist countries as propaganda.

Below are several video clips: One of the CCP and several others of the US Chamber of Commerce. Is this the America they stand for? As for the CCP versus US Chamber of Communism, each would have its people believe free thought and speech is anti-Country. Each believes they have the only good ideas. Each organization believes in a lack of tolerance and hording the profit earned by public corporations.. Each is rigid in thought, rejects the acceptance of new ideas and each believes in itself and not the people that did the actual work. They claim those who ask for a piece of the pie aren’t sacrificing for the good of the country, while those in charge reap billions in unearned bonuses and stock options. In each instance they steal what they can’t get legitimately. Welcome to Wall Street and Madoff’s world of thugs roaming the hallways of Wall Street glad-handing with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the ATRA. Mind you I’m a Republican saying this. Those on Wall Street stole from me just like they did you Democrats.

Remember Senator Ted Stevens and the charges in Alaska?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIc9xjiBnto

Here is the challenge the U.S. Chamber of Commerce faces and ignores. The U.S. Chamber believes Wall Street’s CEO’s in charge of mismanaged public corporations actually earned billions of dollars in bonuses and yet they strongly oppose (d) quality of life damages for those injured through no fault of their own. The Chamber preaches that common citizens should receive no compensation when the mistakes of others cause their arms and legs to have to be amputated and then hand out Participation Trophy bonuses to the Wall Street gang. It’s an unconscionable position they take: One that sanctions Wall Street corruption and denies quality of life and an earned retirement to working Americans. We’ve seen and heard this before. Their rhetoric is a throw back to the Stalinist Era with the Communist Manifesto that believed no one was entitled to pain and suffering damages or a decent retirement since all workers owed their pain and suffering to the state. (or the Red Army)

Who are the real Americans? Where are the real Americans? Why are they putting up with this?

You do realize the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is in China? They are no longer the U.S. Chamber, but instead appear to me to be the U.S. Chamber of Communism, exporting our jobs overseas, spending tens of millions of dollars on ads meant to disenfranchise American taxpayers from American workers and thereby allowing more American jobs to be exported, while real Americans stand around arguing. This Chamber is not on our side. They are in every sense a false “profit”. And I have to wonder if the Chinese Communist Party isn’t providing financial support for their work. It would make complete sense that they would; because the more jobs America loses, the more China gains and the wider the U.S. trade deficit. If you were Chinese why wouldn’t you want a greater trade deficit and all the American manufacturing jobs? What is occurring is the largest transfer of wealth in the history of the world. And don’t wait for the Congress to come to your aid because through campaign contributions our Congressmen and women work for corporate America, not the voters.

http://www.uschamber.com/international/asia/china/default

Who really is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chAJeuBmmog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePW0Dpuuu6c

These guys ought to do a little traveling and I’m not referring from the board room to the water cooler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2kRH9-UazY

The Bonus Boys at AIG – Good US Chamber Members

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K02pnuWfON8

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce should disclose all of its contributors, even those from Communist China.

I apologize for the length of this post, but this subject bothers me and it should you. Our jobs, the American middle class and the welfare of our country is at stake. We took this country back during the 1960's and 70's and we can do it again. Join me by protesting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its evil twins, The USCCC and the ATRA. They are ruining America, but together if we reject their ideas, we can take back our country.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Crashing Into A Sheriff Deputy is a Bad Night

Steve Lombardi — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:01:00 GMT

What caused 21 year old Travis Scott to veer straight into oncoming traffic? That is the question Council Bluffs police are asking after the accident in the late hours of October 9th 2009 between Mr. Scott and Pottawattamie County Deputy Jahn Kirlin left Mr. Scott, his two passengers and the deputy injured. The accident happened on 23rd St.; the driver Travis Scott and passenger Leah Wenninghoff were in serious condition, another passenger Anthony Biggert was listed in stable condition, and the Deputy was treated for hand and arm injuries. The case remains open for investigation.

This is one of those types of crashes we are seeing more and more of on the Interstate highways: I-80, I35, I235, I380 and all the other parts of Iowa's interstate highway system. As the accident causes accumulate distracted driving is the number one, two or three cause. It's got to be right behind drunken driving or speeding. Many that we see are by drivers distracted with cell phones, either because of talking or tweeting or texting. I wonder what this one was about. What was the distraction that caused this young man to run right into a police car?

Yesterday as I was driving by an elementary school where parents must have been attending a school activity the function ended and we all drove off together in a line. As we turned onto the main drag, University Avenue, I got in the left lane to pass them. I passed six cars in a row and every one of the drivers was a parent with a cell phone glued to their ear. With the cell phone being held to your left ear the driver's hand creates an added blind spot by the hand and arm. You can see how the driver is required to turn their entire body to see the left side if they want to see what's coming to the left. These are all distracted drivers who can cause an accident, and injure others or kill pedestrians.

And that's why personal injury lawyers aren't going anywhere. This is why people will continue to need more personal injury lawyers who care about their clients and understand the business of personal injury legal work. There will always be those who want us gone or who work through large advertising campaigns to convince people the problems are all the lawyers' fault. And people can choose to believe that, at least until it's them that are struck by a distracted or drunk driver. And then they need Lombardi Law Firm and alll the other law firms that make up the InjuryBoard, because when you come right down to it, we aren't the problem we are a part of the solution. When you're in an accident, call us at the Lombardi Law Firm and we'll use our 30 plus years of experienced trial work to assist you with your fight against distracted drivers. For more information about the types of distracted drivers read the other blogs at the Des Moines InjuryBoard site.

Welcome Mr. Scott you're now a member of the distracted drivers' club.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Bulldozer slips off jacks and kills operator

Steve Lombardi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:04:00 GMT

What caused a bulldozer to slip off the jacks and kill 60 year old Patrick O’Shaughnessy? That will be the question his family is asking after an accident at a construction equipment company in Ossian in northeast Iowa on October 14^th 2009. His co-workers tried to save him by using a crane to life the bulldozer, however it was too late and Mr. O’Shaughnessy was pronounced dead at the scene. Workplace accidents happen every day and most are avoidable; could this accident have been avoided?

Hopefully, if he's married she is covered under a workers' compensation policy of insurance. That should pay her a lifetime benefit. She can commute the amount and should seek a consult with an attorney to determine her rights under Iowa's workers' compensation laws. What widows and widowers of workers killed while doing their jobs, need to know is that the workers' compensation carrier isn't your friend. You are in an adversarial relationship. That means they have no duty to advise. Heed the warning and see an attorney; we are happy to assist when asked.

We wish the family well.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Tequesta Pedestrian Run Over by Elementary School Bus

Steve Lombardi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:36:00 GMT

Florida School Bus Hit and Killed a Pedestrian

In Palm Beach County, Tequesta, Florida, a pedestrian was hit by a school bus on Monday, October 5, 2009 at 7:15am, according to online news sources Justice News Flash. The bus was picking up Limestone Creek Elementary students when it made a left turn from Seabrook Road onto Tequesta, when Jerry Licklider, a 69 years old from Jupiter, walked in front of the bus, was hit and then pinned underneath the bus. Tequesta Fire Rescue got Licklider out from under the bus, and then Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crew brought him to St. Mary’s Medical Center. He later died from serious injuries. The bus had on it 20 students at the time of the accident, but were reported to have no injuries, and arrived safely to their school by another bus. I'm not sure that's a safe assumption. Young children seeing a pedestrian run over and then later learning he died could develop some very mixed up emotions and thinking. They could suffer from PTSD. Better check that out.

Tequesta police are investigating the pedestrian collision.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Why might a pedestrian not realize a garbage truck is backing?

Steve Lombardi — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:08:00 GMT

When we receive real life examples of how personal injury accidents occur sometimes we post them as a Q&A. In this instance see how easily you can become victimized by injuries in which you had no part in creating.

QUESTION: Hi, I just read your article about injuries with the trucks backing up without the back up alarms. My car today was hit by a garbage truck (Ankeny Sanitation) when my boyfriend was getting out of the car- the truck came from behind our car and was backing up without a back up alarm. It hit the door and bent it forward- luckily my boyfriend did not already fully step out because when he turned his head the truck was inches from his face- if he had it probably would have taken his head off!

I left a message with their company today to see if they will do anything about my car- the driver of the truck said he had brought up the issue that his back up alarm didn't work just this morning in a company meeting, but they obviously still sent him out without it working.

I'm wondering if there are laws that say they have to have their back up alarm working now? This is so horrible what I read happen to others and it really is a dangerous problem!

Thanks so much, Sarah

ANSWER: Hi Sarah, thank you for the excellent question. I'm happy to answer it. Yes there are laws that require companies with trucks manufactured with back-up alarm systems to maintain them. The truck isn't supposed to be put back into service until the rear-warning device is repaired and fully operational. You're right on the money. They will certainly have to pay for your car. And your boyfriend should thank his lucky stars he wasn't killed. Tell him it will make him a wiser juror and more understanding father.

Steve Lombardi

Here's an example of a garbage truck accident with a pedestrian. In this instance the pedestrian is a fellow worker of the truck's crew.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAbM6OR-V40

To read more about these types of accidents visit our blog The Verdict.

Truck Accident Prevention: Garbage truck backing over woman may be ... - 2 visits - Sep 18 In the latest case a Des Moines woman died of massive head and leg injuries on November 7, 2008 when a garbage truck backed over her while in an alley to ...
www.lombardilaw.com/.../truck-accident-prevention-garbage-truck-backing-over-woman-may-be-an-accident-but-it-is-preventa.cfm - Cached - Similar -

Illinois Highway Construction Worker Backed Over | Lombardi Law Firm Sep 18, 2009 ... At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that ... Truck Accident Prevention: Garbage truck backing over woman may be an ...
www.lombardilaw.com/.../illinois-highway-construction-worker-backed-over.cfm - Cached - Similar -

Car, Truck, Semi Tractor Trailer and Interstate Highway Accidents ... With Steve Lombardi on your side, you will be well cared for and will recoup as .... Truck Accident Prevention: Garbage truck backing over woman may be an ...
www.lombardilaw.com/practice.../car-and-tractor-trail.cfm - Cached - Similar -

Pedestrian Safety: To avoid being hit you need to keep your head ... Aug 6, 2009 ... At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that affect ... Vancouver, Canada – November 2008 – A garbage truck struck and ...
www.lombardilaw.com/.../pedestrian-safety-to-avoid-being-hit-you-need-to-keep-your-head-on-a-swivel.cfm - Cached - Similar -

The Lombardi Law Firm Blog | Lombardi Law Firm At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that affect those ... Vancouver, Canada – November 2008 – A garbage truck struck and killed a ...
www.lombardilaw.com/blog/?catid=1429 - Cached - Similar -

Sitemap for Lombardi Law Firm | Lombardi Law Firm - Oct 5 Highway Safety - A Primer for the public on U.S. Bridge Safety Information · Truck Accident Prevention: Garbage truck backing over woman may be an accident ...
www.lombardilaw.com/sitemap.cfm - Cached - Similar -

The Lombardi Law Firm Blog | Lombardi Law Firm At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that affect those who ... Truck Accident Prevention: Garbage truck backing over woman may be an ...
www.lombardilaw.com/blog/?catid=857 - Cached - Similar -

The Lombardi Law Firm Blog | Lombardi Law Firm At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that affect those who ... and pedestrian-bus and pedestrian garbage truck accidents of lately. ...
www.lombardilaw.com/blog/index.cfm?page=2&catid... - Cached - Similar -

The Lombardi Law Firm Blog | Lombardi Law Firm At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that affect ... The car that didn't obey the stop sign then crashed into the truck that had ...
www.lombardilaw.com/blog/index.cfm?page=14 - Cached - Similar -

The Lombardi Law Firm Blog | Lombardi Law Firm At Lombardi Law we make it a point to blog about the issues that affect those ... Multiple car-truck collisions kills two Indianola residents and injures ...
www.lombardilaw.com/blog/index.cfm?page=10 - Similar -

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Cheer Safety Clinic in Louisiana

Steve Lombardi — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:58:00 GMT

Becky French has posted all the details you need to get low cost certification for cheerleading safety training with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and Universal Cheerleading Association.

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana High School Athletic Association and Universal Cheerleading Association will hold the Inaugural Louisiana Cheerleading Coaches Clinic in conjunction with the Athletic Directors Conference January 27 – 28, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge.

This clinic is designed to offer low-cost training for cheer coaches, while providing an excellent opportunity to educate these individuals on safety awareness, the value of good sportsmanship and leadership goals. Cheer coaches will have the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops and roundtable discussions on multiple topics in the sport of cheerleading. Workshops may include conditioning for cheerleaders, choreography, pep rally ideas and much more! To view a tentative clinic agenda visit the “Annual Convention” link on the LHSAA website. This agenda is not official, and is subject to change.

If you’re a cheerleading squad coach in Louisiana follow the link to read the entire article. Remember the high school years are some of the best times of you life. Be safe!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

10 Reasons Why People Get Injured on I-35 in Iowa

Steve Lombardi — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:05:00 GMT

I’m going to step out of line today and answer this question about why clients get injured while using I-35 (or I-80) while traveling through Iowa. I could probably answer this question equally well, well maybe, for Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma or Texas but I’ll leave that to Brooks Scheulke, Mike Bryant, Noble McIntyre or Jeremy Thurman to do since they know those states better. Iowa’s intestate is mostly flat, but some rolling hills. From the north to the south I-35 is pretty straight and all four lanes. In central Iowa it jogs around Des Moines and becomes a part of I-80. Once you get to the south end of that loop you’re almost out of West Des Moines and I-80 separates off and heads west to Omaha, Nebraska. From there it’s a straight shot through to Missouri.

I’ve been studying the cause of accidents along I-35 for the better part of thirty years and although I’m not capable of naming all the reasons there are several that stick with me as a personal injury lawyer.

1. Alcohol related – driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2. Speed – driving too fast for the conditions, those conditions include weather and construction zones.

3. Distracted driving – driving while using a cell phone, an iPod, controlling the kids, eating, pets, arguing or any of the myriad of distractions that form a part of the epidemic of driver distractions.

4. Look out – driving without looking where you’re going and I mean paying close enough attention and focusing your attention to changing conditions.

5. Anger management issues – this one I’ve seen more and more of on the Interstate 35 and 80. Road rage is a popular term that doesn’t quite describe what this one is about. I say that because it makes pissed off drivers sound like they have an uncontrollable disease; when in fact it’s all controllable. Even women suffer from it although I suspect men allow anger management issues to creep into the driver’s seat more often.

6. Deer – OMG! It’s a deer. Yup this is Iowa and when the crop starts coming out of the field so goes their habitat and they must keep moving. Deer are more active at dawn and dusk so watch closer during those times. Especially you who are on motorcycles.

7. Being in a hurry – especially around the cities of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Council Bluffs, Waterloo and Cedar Falls we have people using the interstate system for inner city travel. There’s nothing wrong with it but it does add cars, trucks, motorcycles, delivery vehicles, lawn car trucks and all those other errand types of traffic that seem to add clutter with people in a hurry. Being in a hurry is no excuse for not being courteous, thoughtful, mindful and realizing that you’re now on the Interstate highway system. So slow down and use other roads if you can.

8. Inexperienced or youthful drivers – You know everyone sees these kids and younger adults driving. We rent parking spaces to high school students and their cars are always so easily spotted. There are a million dangly things hooked onto the rear view mirror, that block the view out the windshield. The driver’s head is down many times because they are texting. Many times there are a bunch of them in the car and that youthful exuberance seems to get everyone talking at once and heads bobbing to the conversation. Since many know they aren’t following their parent’s rules they are always looking around furtively hoping you’re not their PARENT! Anyway you know it’s true and you’ve seen them violating most of these rules of the road.

9. Not thinking – drivers forget when they get to a construction zone that they need to adjust their attitudes for the changing conditions. The drop in speed limit isn’t just a suggestion. Those road crew workers aren’t crash test dummies; they are real people that actually die if you strike them. Road workers can’t always be watching you so get as far over and away from their area as you can. When you see a road crew, the sign should give that away, adjust your attitude to slow down, pay more attention, look for the crew members and get out of the hurry-up mode.

10. Fatigued semi-truck drivers – truck drivers are being used by transport companies to fill-out phony logs and we all know it. They will deny it and say I don’t know what I’m talking about. When the truckers are in an accident, and this doesn’t apply to them all, many have phony log books that cover for the company they work for. If you want to keep your job as a truck driver you have to make the delivery on time or else it’s see-ya-time.

Here in Iowa we don’t have a tourism industry like they do in Florida but people still travel through Iowa on I-35 to visit Prairie Meadows to gamble, the Iowa Barnstormers, and the Iowa Cubs, on their way to Ames to see ISU play or on their way to Iowa City to see the Hawkeye football teams. They travel to attend schools at the major colleges like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Northern Iowa, Drake University, Des Moines University Medical School, Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport or Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids. People travel to all the major hospital systems like Iowa Health, Mercy Medical Center, McFarland Clinic or the University Hospitals and Clinics. And of course 1 million people travel into central Iowa every year to visit the Iowa State Fair. To visit family, friends or to just attend the Des Moines Metro Opera there are as many reasons to travel as there are people.

Be careful when you travel and pay attention. The life you save may be your own. And if you’re in an accident while in Iowa, even if you’ve traveled from one of our sister states call the Lombardi Law Firm for assistance. We are happy to work with your attorney from your home state.

And for fun today, here’s the Husband Calling Contest, which I’ve never seen or heard!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOV7R_PT1Wg

Series on I-35 (I-80) Travel from Texas to Minnesota

Steve Lombardi, 4200 Corporate Drive, Suite 112, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

Tel: 515-222-1110 Fax: 515-222-0718 Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

Noble McIntyre, 1300 S. Meridian Ave. Suite 501, Oklahoma city, OK. 73108 | ph: 405-917-5200

Jeremy Thurman, 1300 S. Meridian Ave. Suite 501, Oklahoma city, OK. 73108 | ph: 405-917-5200

Schuelke, C Brooks, 1717 W 6th St # 375, Austin, TX (512) 476-4944

Mike Bryant, 1505 Division Street | Waite Park, Minnesota 56387 | T: 320.259.5414 | F: 320.259.5438

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Chicago Woman Pedestrian Struck by Distracted Driver

Steve Lombardi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:25:00 GMT

I love downtown Chicago. Over the past two years I've spent several weeks at the Guest Quarters and walked every morning to De Paul's conference center for classes. But really I've been following Chicago pedestrian-car collisions and it's a nightmare. Being a pedestrian in Chicago is a dangerous way to travel if your head isn't on a swivel.

Here is the report from the 24-7 Press Release article released October 7, 2009, the settlement for a personal injury case of $2 million. Marla Gray-Moores, who worked at Startbucks in the Loop of Chicago, was walking in the cross-walk at the time of the pedestrian crossing light when struck by the car driven by Kevin Hwang. Hwang was on westbound Randolph turning left onto southbound Clark while talking on his cell phone, and hit Gray-Moores. He said he did not see her until she had already hit the front of his car. Hwang’s ex-girlfriend was in the car and warned him of the woman but testified that he did not listen to her warning.

Gray-Moores was brought to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and then had “a fusion at L5-S1 performed by Dr. Christopher Bergin at Oak Park Hospital.” She has since moved to Wisconsin.

It is reported that in court Gray-Moores was “granted leave to seek punitive damages at the time of trial and Mr. Hwang provided pertinent personal financial information for use at trial. Settlement discussions accelerated at that point and Mr. Hwang's $2,000,000 umbrella policy was tendered.”

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi