DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

FDA Needs to Be More Strict With Bottled Water

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:45:42 -0500

Congressional hearings took place yesterday that were focused on multiple reports that found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates tap-water more carefully than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does bottled water. According to the Wall Street Journal (7/9, Zhang), "The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the $11.2 billion" bottled water industry, "doesn't keep track of companies that produce bottled water and doesn't require companies to report positive tests for contaminants, federal officials told a House hearing Wednesday. Consumer advocates testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee's oversight and investigations panel that bottlers should be required to disclose more information to consumers."

The report further noted that Joshua M. Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner, "testified that the agency regulates bottled water as a food and doesn't know which companies among registered food firms make bottled water. Moreover, he said, the FDA has limited power to require more information on labels, and he put in a pitch for legislation that would boost the FDA's funding and authority for food safety." A similar report can be found in the New York Times (7/9, Fuller).

Unfortunately, the FDA does not have the resources to adequately evaluate the safety of medicines and products. An FDA approval by no means assures that the product or medicine approved is actually safe. Be careful before using any product and always speak with your doctor before taking any medication.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including medical malpractice actions. He has also been named a "DC Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America. Our firm has experience pursuing cases for patients that involve tragic medical errors, including the failure to properly inform patients of abnormal test results. If you need a patient advocate, we recommend that you read an article about medical malpractice claims authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.

If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

WMATA Officials Speak Out About Metro System Failure

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:31:05 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Five days before last week's deadly Metro crash, Metro employees replaced a component of the rail system known as a Wee-Z bond, a device that keeps trains at a safe distance apart, said WMATA's Rail Chief, Dave Kubicek. Yesterday, transit officials confirmed that the device malfunctioned, and no one at Metro detected the problem, according to a report by Lena Sun and Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post. The report comments that investigators and transit officials commented yesterday that the circuitry malfunctioned and no one at Metro detected the problem.

According to the Post report, "Transit officials would not say yesterday whether they believe the malfunction was a result of faulty equipment or poor installation, citing the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board."

The track circuit at issue "fluttered", according to Kubicek. One moment it would detect a train, and then the train would "disappear". He added that "Metro did not realize that there was problem until officials began examining data after the accident."

Metro is now replacing many of the system's Wee-Z bonds because they are "approaching the end of their usefulness," according to David Couch, who leads Metro's infrastructure projects.Of course, this raises the question: Why weren't they replaced earlier? We know that at least one was well beyond its usefulness, unless it was incorrectly installed or maintained.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Many Americans are killed or injured each year in vehicular collisions. If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.

Metro System Repairs Days Before Crash Were Inadequate

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:46:01 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Lena Sun and Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post reported today that federal investigators confirmed that WMATA personnel attempted to replace a component of the signaling system of the tracks only five days before last week's tragic collision. According to the report, federal investigators commented that following the attempted repair work, "the control system circuitry that is designed to prevent crashes did not perform properly."

The horrible crash took place on June 22. According to the statement issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, a track circuit in the crash area "periodically lost its ability to detect trains after June 17"--five days before the collision. What WMATA did to test the system and why trains were permitted to operate while the system was defective are issues that must be addressed. My firm represents victims and their families, and we will determine what errors caused what has been the most horrific Metro accident in its 33-year history.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

July 4th: Common Sense Fireworks Safety Guidelines

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:39:41 -0500

Everyone associates the July 4th holiday with fireworks. All too often, it also is associated with injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 9800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related accidents in 2007. The following recommendations from CPSC offer common sense safety guidelines:

"Do not allow young children to play with fire-works under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay
Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
Observe local laws.
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
Don't experiment with homemade fireworks."

We wish all of our readers a very happy and safe celebration for Independence Day weekend.

Metro Accident Cases Filed

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:55:10 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

As you may have heard, lawyers have already filed lawsuits stemming from the recent tragic crash involving two Metro-trains on the red-line. My firm represents injured victims and their families, but we have not yet filed suit for several reasons. For one, the Nation's capital is in mourning still. Some time should pass before litigation begins. Second, investigations are continuing and we are unearthing more and more relevant evidence. Third, families and victims have gone through enough. It seems to me that working with WMATA to resolve cases fairly and effectively is a better approach than running to the courthouse. If a fair resolution cannot be achieved, then the courthouse is thankfully available so justice can be obtained.

My firm has secured the largest settlement in WMATA's 33 -year history. Perhaps it is due to our firm's reputation that allows us to resolve cases with large truck companies and entities like WMATA instead of filing suit so quickly. A resolution saves a client money, time, and emotional anguish. Early resolution--if possible--should be every attorney's goal in any case. Of course, again, if the defendant proves to be unreasonable, a lawyer should have the resources and experience to fight for full justice. Because defendants recognize that my firm has the resources necessary to litigate catastrophic cases and that we are always prepared to litigate cases aggressively, they more often than not want to settle cases with us early on, and on terms favorable to our clients.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Trucks Are Dangerous: Act Now to Prevent Size and Weight Increases

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:37:05 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Trucks account for only 3% of the vehicles on our roadways, yet they are involved in 12 percent of all crash fatalities. According to a Public Citizen report, "Every year, about 5,000 people die and over 100,000 people are injured in large truck crashes."

Congress is now considering taking action--action that is long overdue. Specifically, Congress is working on legislation that would limit or curb truck sizes and weights. Experts have acknowledged that the larger the truck, the more likely it is to kill or cause serious injuries. Increased weights and sizes also lead to greater infrastructure damage to our roads and bridges. And, of course, bigger trucks emit more toxic pollution into our environment.

We encourage you to visit Public Citizens' website and contact your representatives in Congress, encouraging them to limit the weight and size of trucks. It will lead to greater safety and public health.

About the author:

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against truck and bus companies, the Washington Metropolitan Area transit Authority, and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Young Child Drowns in Local Pool

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:15:43 -0500

Posted by Patrick M. Regan and Paul Cornoni

A 5-year-old girl tragically died last weekend in an apparent drowning at a crowded College Park community pool operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. This horrible story was published recently in the Washington Post.

In addition to the 50-meter pool, the aquatics center has a baby pool, but the girl was found in a 2-foot-deep area of the larger pool. The shallow end is separated from the deep end by a rope at a depth of about 3 1/2 feet. Witnesses have stated that in the minutes before the girl was found unconscious and not breathing, lifeguards reported seeing several children and "normal play activity" in the shallow end of the pool.

Tragically, similar incidents happen each summer. Although the cause of this event has not yet been identified, Regan Zambri & Long has handled several similar incidents. These incidents are usually due to a number of factors including: (1) poor supervision by lifeguards; (2) negligent training of pool staff and personnel; as well as (3) inadequate number of lifeguards for the amount of children in the pool.

A few important safety tips for parents as published by mychildsafety.net:

Always keep your swimming pools fenced and locked.
Pool owners should invest in a pool alarm.
Always remove covers from pools before swimming. Partially covered pools are dangerous and crucial to children's water safety.
Never take your eyes off your child even if he/she isn’t swimming.
Make sure diving boards are securely anchored and well constructed.

For information about this topic or your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.

Coffee Better Than Green Tea for Colon

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:07:37 -0500

By Victor E. Long, Esq.

Researchers reporting in the National Journal of Cancer believe that coffee – not green tea – reduces the risk of colon cancer. When researchers reviewed data on the beverage-drinking habits of more than 96,000 Japanese men and women over a 10-year period, they found that coffee significantly lowered the risk of colon cancer in females. The findings should be particularly interesting for women who enjoy coffee frequently. Women who regularly drank three or more cups of coffee a day had a 32% lower risk of colon cancer than those who almost never consumed coffee -- even after taking into account factors that could have affected risk. Colon cancer risk was not reduced for men, and neither women nor men had a reduced risk of rectal cancer. The mechanism by which coffee may prevent cancer is unknown. It might be due to the caffeine in coffee that could stimulate the working of the colon, or the effect could be due to the antioxidant properties of coffee.

Metro Control System Fails

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:15:31 -0500

By Victor E. Long, Esq.

According to the Washington Post, a train control system that should have prevented Monday's deadly Metro crash failed in a test conducted by federal investigators, officials said yesterday, suggesting that a crucial breakdown of technology sent one train slamming into another.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board performed the simulation Wednesday night. In the test, investigators positioned a train in the same location as the train that was rear-ended Monday. The system failed to detect that the idled test train was there, the NTSB said. Investigators did not say what caused the malfunction, and they stopped short of saying the system failure caused the crash.

The test results are significant because they confirmed earlier findings of "anomalies" in an electrical track circuit in the crash area.

Information regarding the accident has previously been provided in several earlier posts.

Metrorail System "Anamolies" Discovered

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:20:57 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

According to a recent Washington Post article by Lyndsey Layton, Maria Glod and Lena Sun, "Federal investigators said yesterday that they found 'anomalies' in a key component of the electronic control system along the Metro track north of Fort Totten, suggesting that computers might have sent one Red Line train crashing into another." The report comments that a senior WMATA offcial has now come forward to state that "the computer system appeared to have faltered."

There is a 740-foot-long circuit near the crash which provides critical information, as well as authorization and speed commands to a following train. If defective, major incidents, like the one recently experienced, can occur. "If the train protection system is working as designed, when one train begins to enter the two-block buffer behind another, the computers automatically deploy the brakes on the second train and force it to stop," remarks the report.

Although a system failure may have occurred, investigators are still evaluating the conduct of the novice train operator who, unfortunately, lost her life in the crash, along with eight others.

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Perverse Laws Make Location of Metrorail Crash Critical In Analyzing Relief

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:24:48 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Earlier this week, the nation’s capital experienced the deadliest Metrorail collision in WMATA’s 33 year history. Numerous lives have been lost, and dozens of other have been seriously and permanently injured. The victims of this tragedy and their families deserve justice. The civil justice system in parts of our country, however, does not always allow for justice.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is the creation of a compact between the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. If the Metro collision had taken place just a few thousand feet north in Maryland, the ability of those harmed and killed to receive fair compensation for their harms and losses would have been severely compromised.

Last year, the Maryland Court of Appeals issued a ruling, establishing that claims against WMATA are akin to claims against Maryland counties. Those claims are limited to merely $200,000.00--a shocking low and patently unfair amount. And if it is determined that another entity (like a sub-contractor) is responsible in part for the horrific crash, the claims against any such non-governmental entity will have a non-economic (pain, anguish, suffering, etc.) limitation of merely $650,000.00.

With respect to the claims against Maryland counties, the $200,000.00 per person limitation includes both economic losses and non-economic damages. The economic losses alone caused by the deaths and severe injuries of others will far exceed $200,000.00. And that does not even begin to compensate the victims for the extreme fright, physical pain, and mental anguish that they endured or will continue to endure for the rest of their lives.

The arbitrary limitation that applies to non-governmental entities is also unjust. Telling a spouse or a child (or a father or mother) that the impact of a lost loved one amounts to merely $650,000.00 is offensive. I represent a woman and her three daughters concerning a Maryland automobile accident claim that took the lives of her husband of 25 years and her only son, who was merely 14 years old. Needless to say, her dreams have been shattered and her life, and the lives of her 3 daughters, have been turned upside-down. The days and months immediately following the collision were unimaginably hard on the family. Even now, every day is a struggle emotionally, and the stresses and fears about the future are overwhelming.

It is un-American for our system to protect wrongdoers with artificial limitations to the great detriment of the innocent victims who are forced to endure the repercussions of the tragedies for the remainder of their lives. Consider this: In my case, the one who caused the accident--a person who drove over 100 mph into oncoming traffic, who struck my clients’ vehicle head-on, and who was drunk at the time of the crash--is protected by Maryland's illogcal damages limitation, while the surviving family members are stripped of any rights to full compensation. Why protect the reckless and harm the victims, the very ones who are left to deal with the horrible consequences of the crash? Common sense tells us we should be doing better as a country when such injustice can be allowed to exist in an American civil justice system.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who were injured in the Metrorail collision. No form of compensation can fully compensate those who have been killed or those who have suffered serious permanent injuries. There is some solace in knowing that at least the laws of the District of Columbia do not artificially limit recoveries. Judges and juries are able to evaluate the facts of each case separately and provide a full cup of justice without regard to special interest groups who seek to impose limits on recoveries in an effort to put profits over people.

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Emergency Brake Failure May Be Cause of Metro Rail Collision

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:55:53 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Lena H. Sun and Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post reports that federal officials have announced that "[t]he operator of the Metro train that slammed into a stationary train in front of it apparently had activated the emergency brakes in a failed effort to stop before the accident."

The emergency brake activator is known as the "mushroom," and sources say that it was depressed at the time of the collision. When before the crash the brakes were actually engaged has not yet been determined. What seems apparent, though, is that the train was in "automatic mode" and should have automatically stopped without operator intervention.

The report states that "experts say these facts point to several possible scenarios: The operator activated the brakes too late; the computers that are supposed to stop a train from getting too close to another train faltered; the train's brakes failed; or some combination of those. Some passengers on the striking train have said that they never felt the train slow down."

Although WMATA offcials are suggesting that there is no evidence of driver error or system signal errors, it is clear that this terrible event was avoidable and would not have happened but for carelessness.

And although WMATA officials maintain that the train cars are safe, "federal investogators consider the cars to be unsafe because of a tendency during a crash to collapse into one another like a telescope, reducing the 'survivability' space, or the area in a car in which passengers can escape harm," comments the Post report.

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Metro Train Should Have Never Been On Tracks

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:48:41 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

According to a recent Washington Post article, city officials announced today that the Metro train that collided into another yesterday "was two months past due for scheduled maintenance on its brakes, and the car was an older model that federal officials had recommended be replaced because of concerns about its safety in a crash." The authors of the article, Lena H. Sun, Lyndsey Layton and David A. Fahrenthold, reported that the death toll is now up to nine, making it the deadliest incident in WMATA's 33 year history.

Making matters worse, a National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson confirmed that the train did not have data recorders, which would have detailed the movements of the train prior to the violent collision.

The Post report also commented that "a federal official said that the car was an older model, of a kind that Metro had been advised to replace because of concerns about how it would stand up in a collision. Metro did not do so, its leaders said, because they believed it would be too costly and complicated. Instead, they made some improvements to the trains' braking systems and emergency exits."

It seems that WMATA was putting profits over people in failing to do what was both needed and recommended. Although the cause of the crash is still officially under investigation, it is clear that driver error and system failures are the likely causes.

Officials have identified all of the dead, according ot the Post report, including "Jeanice MacMillan, 42, of Springfield, was the operator of the striking train. The rest were passengers: retired Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., who headed the D.C. National Guard, and his wife Ann Wherley, both 62; Lavonda King, 23; Veronica DuBose, 29; Cameron Williams, 37; Dennis Hawkins, 64; Mary Doolittle, 59, and Ana Fernandez." Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and to all who endured this tragic crash.

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specialize in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. His law firm, in fact, has obtained the largest settlement ever in a personal injury case involving WMATA. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

WMATA Metro Accident Kills Many, Injures More

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:57:23 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (commonly referred to as WMATA) is a quasi-governmental entity created through a compact between the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland governments. This Authority is responsible for the rail service and bus service in the Washington-DC area. When system failures and operator errors cause serious injuries, those that have been harmed need to retain an attorney who is an expert in both handling personal injury matters and in dealing with WMATA in particular.

Metro train derailments and collisions are caused by a variety of reasons, including system failure, defective equipment, operator errors, excessive speeds and other reasons. A lawyer must thoroughly investigate all potential causes of the incident in order to properly advance a claim. The attorney chosen by a victim must be keenly familiar with the standard operating procedures of WMATA. Without this institutional knowledge, the injured person (or family of the deceased) cannot be effectively represented.

WMATA is not insured by an independent insurance company; rather, it is self-insured. As a self-insured entity, WMATA is responsible for paying claims on its own. In order to effectively prosecute a claim, the attorney for the injured person should have extensive experience dealing with WMATA’s risk-management department and legal counsel. The attorney must also have the resources necessary to litigate the case.

Our firm has obtained the largest settlement ever on behalf of a person injured by WMATA's carelessness. Our reputation, experience, and integrity are what allow us to pursue claims so effectively. The more serious the injury, the more important it is to secure the advice and guidance of a respected and competent attorney.

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. He has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine. Mr. Zambri has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Wrongful Death Settlement Against Metro

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:59:11 -0500

Posted by Patrick M. Regan and Paul Cornoni

In the District of Columbia, and the surrounding areas, the public bus system and Metro train cars are operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). WMATA is a quasi-governmental agency, also known as Metro. Every year numerous persons are injured by buses or metro cars across the country.

Unfortunately, the District of Columbia has suffered its share of tragedies as the result of such accidents. Within the last few months, our law firm, successfully obtained the largest wrongful death settlement against Metro on behalf of the estate of a woman who was killed by a WMATA bus while walking across the street. As a result of the carelessness of the Metro bus driver, two women were struck and killed while crossing Pennsylvania Ave in the crosswalk. One case settled for $2.3 Million and the case handled by Regan Zambri & Long settled for a very substantially higher figure . During the course of the legal case, our law firm focused on the safety, training and supervision that Metro should have been providing to its bus and subway train drivers.

For additional information concerning Metro bus and train safety, please email our firm or call 202-463-3030.

Metro System Failure, Operator Error May Have Caused Red-Line Tragedy

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:29:58 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

The death toll from yesterday's horrific Metro collision continues to rise. As of now, nine have been pronounced dead, and many dozens more are seriously injured. As mentioned in yesterday's blog, system failure and operator error could be two causes of the incident. The Washington Post has now reported that "[e]xperts familiar with Metro's operations focused last night on a failure of the signal system and operator error as likely causes of yesterday's fatal Red Line crash."

The Metro system was designed so that a crash like the one yesterday could never happen. The report notes that the system has been couched as a "fail-safe computerized signal system that is supposed to prevent trains from colliding. The agency's trains are run by onboard computers that control speed and braking. Another electronic system detects the position of trains to maintain a safe distance between them. If they get too close, the computers automatically apply the brakes, stopping the trains."

The "fail-safe" system, however, failed before, at least twice in recent years. The operators of those prior trains were paying attention and applied the brakes when the system did not automatically apply them. Crashes were avoided. Early investigation suggests that the driver of the train in yesterday's collision did not apply the emergency brakes, based on the extent of the damage and independent witnesses testimony regarding the speed of the train.

If the operator did not apply the emergency brakes, one must wonder why not? The trains were not in a tunnel, they were outside, and the weather was clear. Train operators are in the cabs of trains to observe dangers situations and react appropriately. Perhaps she wrongly relied on a system that was anything but fail-safe.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have died, as well as to those who have been injured. For those injured, we wish you a speedy recovery. For the families of those who died, we wish you peace.

Mr. Zambri has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters. He has successfully litigated multiple cases against Metro and other automobile owners. He has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

Death Toll Rises From Redline Metrorail Collision

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:43:29 -0500

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire

In our nation's capital, two Metro trains on the redline violently collided during the height of rush hour earlier this evening, killing at least 6 people and injuring many more. According to AOL News, "One official said the accident was a 'mass casualty event' as crews cut apart the trains to get people out." One of the Metro trains slammed into the rear of another at a very high rate of speed, causing multiple cars of the rear train to jack-knife, fly into the air, and land on the cars of the lead train. Cars of both trains were shredded. "Rescue workers propped steel ladders up to the upper train cars to help survivors escape. Seats from the smashed cars had spilled out onto the track," comments the report.

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The news report goes on to mention that "Metro chief John Catoe said the first train was stopped on the tracks, waiting for another to clear the station ahead, when the trailing train plowed into it from behind. Each train had six cars and was capable of holding as many as 1,200 people. Officials had no explanation for the accident."

This tragic incident should never have happened. An investigation is underway, and the cause of this avoidable event will be unearthed soon. Incidents like this can occur for a variety of reasons, including miscommunication among train operators and station managers, failure to keep a proper lookout, defective brakes, distracted operators, unsafe speeds, faulty equipment, failure to abide by standard operating procedures, and other reasons.

Mr. Zambri has successfully litigated cases against Metro and other automobile companies. He has authored an article regarding how automobile collision cases are evaluated. To read it, please click here.

FDA Recommends Continued Use of ADHD Drugs

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:49:40 -0500

By Victor E. Long, Esq.

Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that children shouldn't stop taking drugs that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, despite a study showing the stimulants may be associated with sudden death. Stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could increase the risk of sudden death in children who have no underlying heart conditions.

Popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in children and teens include such drugs as Shire’s Adderall and Novartis’ Ritalin. The drugs have previously been approved as both safe and effective in the treatment of ADHD in children by the FDA, and remain so despite the recent study.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: What Does It Mean for Consumers?

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:43:54 -0500

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that protects buyers from any product that has a value over $25 and a written warranty. The requirements and guidelines established by the law are to protect customers who buy products that have written warranties. Since its adoption, it has protected and helped victims of faulty and defective products. For consumers, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows them to get complete information about warranty terms and conditions up front, as well as learn what limitations or conditions may apply to their purchases.

For car buyers, knowing about their rights under warranty laws may prevent them from being stuck with a "lemon" vehicle. A previous posting on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog covered warranty issues relating to car purchases and lemon laws. Listed below are the lemon laws for the DC Metro Area.

4th of July - Independence Day Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign June 21 - July 5, 2009

jlawson@reganfirm.com (Regan Zambri & Long) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:20:54 -0500

Drunk Driving is a Deadly Problem

Every 40 minutes and nearly 40 times a day, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol impaired traffic crash according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is why highway safety, community health and law enforcement officials are reminding everyone this Fourth of July that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving and to designate a sober driver before the celebrations begin.

Alcohol is a major factor in fatal crashes during the July 4 holiday;
Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, so you can be alive to enjoy the next celebration;
Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk. Impaired driving has serious consequences.
Over the Limit. Under Arrest. This Fourth of July,

For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

In previous postings on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have addressed holiday driving and safety:

Drunk driving is deadly. Statistics can be quoted to indicate how deadly. But, dry statistics are just numbers. Real people and real lives are seriously affected every day by drunk drivers. More importantly, every injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable.