Attorney Blog

Contributing Factors in New Hampshire and Vermont Truck Accidents

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)27410 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The effects of being involved in a truck accident in Vermont or New Hampshire can be devastating. It can be catastrophic and may even lead to death.

As you hit the New Hampshire and Vermont roadways it is imperative that you are aware of the risks that you and your family face. You are obviously aware of the special dangers that trucks pose, but are you familiar with the common causes of truck related accidents?

They might not be as obvious as you think. Often, there are some signs revealing the cause of a truck accident, such as a blown tire or slick roadways. However, the causes aren’t always as apparent.

One top cause is brake problems. Though, you would see the aftermath, the actual culprit to the accident may not be easily seen.

An interruption in traffic can also be a leading cause to semi truck accidents. As you know, a sudden stop in traffic can have devastating results for a truck. Trucks are large and have a harder time stopping than cars do.

Also, truckers being unfamiliar with the road they are traveling on or even problems with the roads themselves can lead to a serious tractor-trailer accident.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Vermont or New Hampshire truck accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney at the law offices of Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC at (877) 611-9622.

Vermont Truck Accidents May Be Prevented Due to Texting Ban

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)27129 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Imagine being hit by a semi or bus and later discovering that it was caused because the operator was texting while driving. Recent studies show that texting and driving can pose serious dangers to Vermont drivers, especially if the texters are operating trucks or commercial buses.

This scenario has led to President Barack Obama instituting a national ban on truckers and commercial bus drivers prohibiting them from texting while operating their vehicles. If they are caught they can find themselves in risk of losing their license, as well as facing a $2,750 fine per offense.

“Today we’re sending a strong message,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We don’t merely expect you to share the road responsibly with other travelers, we require you to do so.”

Are you aware that Vermont does not currently have any laws on the books that prohibit truckers and commercial bus drivers from texting while driving? This fact has left Vermont officials scrambling to find ways to enforce the new rules.

The new national ban has not been greeted by the trucking industry with great enthusiasm. Many in the trucking industry feel that the new laws are inappropriate, especially with the speed that the new ban was instituted. However, we can all agree that the Vermont roadways will be safer.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Vermont truck accident, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney at the law offices of Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC at (877) 611-9622.

Health Insurance Reform

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)26915 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Think we don't need health insurance reform? Think you have good coverage? Think again. Check this out

EXAMPLES OF HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES DENYING COVERAGE

If you or a loved one have been in a serious accident caused by negligence and are having trouble getting insurance companies to pay the bills contact us. Call the toll free number above or use the contact form on this page.

What Will Help Your Vermont Car Accident Case?

mindy@fosterwebmarketing.com (Blog Author)26842 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever been involved in a serious car accident? It can be a frightening experience that can affect the rest of your life. It can lead to a permanent disability that will impact your family life, as well as keep you from performing your duties at work and eventually leading to a loss of wages.

As you are probably aware of, a car accident is a serious matter and can leave you with a mountain of questions to consider. The time period following the collision is crucial and you need to take the appropriate actions the improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your Vermont accident claim.

It makes sense that if you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver that you would want to seek compensation. Unfortunately, the success of your case will be determined by how your case is built.

There are five things that will help maximize the compensation you deserve, which include getting help, gathering as much information as possible, taking photos, seeing a doctor and calling a Vermont car accident attorney.

For more information about what can help your case, read our article, Five Things That Will Help Your Vermont Car Accident Case.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Vermont or New Hampshire car accident, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney at the law offices of Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC at (877) 611-9622.

HOSPITAL MISTAKES CAN BE DEADLY

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)25890 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

For any of you out there thinking that medical malpractice cases are frivolous read the following article from CNN and please take proper precautions to protect yourself when receiving hospital care.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to a Hospital Mistake

For many years the law firm of Van Dorn & Curtiss has been helping victims of hospital mistakes and medical malpractice obtain well deserved compensation from the responsible hospitals and doctors. If you think you or a family member are the victims of medical malpractice contact us by calling the toll free number above or using the contact form on this page.

COLLISION BETWEEN MILK TANK TRUCKS CAUSES FATALITY

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)25843 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Montpelier, VT A tragic three-vehicle collision took the lives of two people Monday morning, January 25th, in Vermont. Two milk tanker trucks and a car collided when the first truck jackknifed in the road. The accident happened in the south bound lanes of Route 89 in the Montpelier vicinity. One of the truck drivers, identified as 43-year-old Christopher Trivento, did not survive the crash. One of the passengers in the car, identified as 62-year-old Linda Hall, was also killed in the fiery wreck, while her husband, 66-year-old John Hall survived and was treated and released from an area hospital.

The driver of the jackknifed tanker was 59-year-old David Dike. He survived the collision and was treated at the hospital. Vermont State Police reported that both lanes of the interstate were shut down between Middlesex and Berlin for hours. The northbound lanes reopened at 630 p.m. while the southbound lanes remained closed for investigation and cleanup until 5:30 p.m. The milk that the trucks were carrying was taken via another tanker.

It is still unknown whether icy conditions were a contributing factor. However road crews are reporting that the highway was ice free at the time of the collision

What should I do after an on-the-job injury?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)25811 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

This is a question we get again and again. People are worried that if they do not do the right thing in the hours and days after an accident that their workers compensation claim may be adversely affected. This can be the case, but the steps outlined below may help you avoid making mistakes.

First be sure that you are seen by a medical professional. Getting prompt medical attention is a good idea for many reasons, the most important being your health and chances of a full recovery. Once you have been treated and are able ensure that your employer files your workers compensation claim. Ensure that the report is accurate, that your employer has not left out any important details. Get a copy for your records.

After the claim is filed your employers insurance carrier will take over the case. If your workers comp claim is denied then be sure to file an application for a hearing as soon as possible. Insurance companies do not want to give you full value of your claim; they are looking out for their bottom line. If your claim was denied you may be in for a long, hard fight.

If you think you'll need help with your claim and hearing please consider finding the best workers compensation attorney you can. If you have been injured in New Hampshire or Vermont choose a lawyer who is licensed in the state as workers comp claim rules and regulations can vary from state to state.

Do chained or tethered dogs attack more?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)25573 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite. The reason for this is that a chained or tethered dog is often left outside, without human contact, for weeks, even months. Dogs, by their very nature, are pack animals that love and thrive on interaction. When they do not receive the loving attention they need they can become neurotic, anxious and all too often, aggressive.

This month we reported on a dog attacking and biting a child. The dog had been tethered for an extended period of time and had shown aggressive tendencies for months before the attack.

The question is: What can I do to prevent bites due to chained dogs?

The website, unchainyourdog.org, will give you many ideas on how to spread the word about the dangers and cruelty of tethering.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we strive to keep you informed when it comes to preventing dog bites and attacks. A dog attack can lead to serious and long lasting mental and physical trauma. If you or your child have been attacked by a dog please contact your experienced New Hampshire dog bite attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

TRAGIC FATAL ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 4 IN SALISBURY NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24849 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Another fatal accident on Route 4 in Salisbury NH underscores the need for driver safety. On 01/10/2010 a Toyota Corolla driven by Kayla Martel lost control and struck a pick up truck head on. Alexis Gendron age 18 of Manchester, New Hampshire, the front seat passenger, was killed in the accident. The two passengers seated in the rear of the Toyota were ejected from the vehicle and were identified as: Michael Ellis age 19 and Christopher Cheney-Rolfe age 21 both of Penacook, New Hampshire. Following the accident, Martel and Ellis were transported to the Concord Hospital, while Cheney-Rolfe was airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with life threatening injuries. The New Hampshire State Police investigated the accident and issue a press release carried by the Nashua Telegraph.

This tragic accident again underscores the need for driver safety, espicially as regards young drivers. Also questions of legal responsibility are raised by this kind of accident. Every driver has responsibility to maintain control of their vehicle, even in inclement weather. When a vehicle crosses over a center line and hits another vehicle head on, in most cases it is because the driver breached their responsibility to maintain proper control This creates legal liability to those injured or killed as a result of the accident.

The law firm of Van Dorn and Curtiss has extensive experience representing accident victims who have been seriously injured or killed in automobile accidents caused by drivers who lose control of their vehicles. For more information see the Automobile Accident section of our website. If you have a question or a potential claim call the toll free number above or use the contact form on this page.

ROUTE 4 ACCIDENT UNDERSCORES NEED FOR DRIVER SAFETY

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24729 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Thursday January 7th, Nicole Patterson, a Northwood Elementary School teacher was seriously injured in an accident on Route 4. The accident occured when a vehicle coming in the opposite direction crossed the center line and struck her vehicle head on. The accident was investigated by the Northwood Police. I know from my 30 years as an attorney representing victims seriously injured in car accidents that head on collisions can be deadly. Both drivers are lucky to be alive. Nevertheless Ms. Patterson has sustained serious injuries requiring surgery to her leg and her shoulder. According to the story in Foster's Daily Democrat Nicole Patterson was required to be extracted from her vehicle by firefighters.

Head on Collisions are particularly dangerous because it is the speed of two vehicles, not just one contributing to the force of impact. In a one vehicle collision where the vehicle hits a stationary object going 40 mph, there is 40 mph of force at impact. But where two vehicles going 40 mph collide head on, there is 80 mph of force at impact and the potential for serious injury is exponentially greater.

The law makes the person responsible for causing the auto accident liable to pay damages for good reason. In this case the victim is the mother of three year old twins and a one year old. She will not only be disabled from work for an extended period, but it also be difficult to care for her small children. Plus there will be considerable medical expenses, pain and suffering and other harm caused by this serious accident.

The law firm of Van Dorn and Curtiss has extensive experience in representing seriously injured automobile accident victims. Learn more about our accident victim law practice here . If you want to discuss an accident claim with us call the toll free number above or use the contact form on this page.

AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION FOR CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24575 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Representing victims of car crashes that cause serious personal injury is one of the mainstays of our law practice. We take an aggressive attitude toward these cases so that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries. Over the years we’ve discovered if we let the insurance companies lead the negotiations and direct the timing of the case our clients are put at a disadvantage. From the time we first get a new case we take a proactive approach. First we put the insurance company on notice that we represent the injured victim. Next we inform the insurance company that we will decide when the case is ready for settlement. Then when the case is ready we aggressively pursue settlement through a variety of negotiation strategies so that the client can be assured that we will obtain the maximum settlement available for their case. In the event the insurance company drags its feet or attempts to negotiate a settlement that’s unfair to our client we immediately file suit so that the insurance companies delay tactics are nipped in the bud. We have one of the best track records for receiving verdicts in personal injury cases in both Vermont and New Hampshire so we are not hesitant to go to court if we must. We’ve found that this is the best and most effective way of representing our car accident victims who have been seriously injured.

Sad to say, many law firms who hold themselves out as personal injury and accident lawyers not only do not use these tactics but don’t even know about them. We firmly believe that the most important decision a seriously injured car accident victim can make is hiring the right law firm. To learn more about hiring the right firm see Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer section of our website.

If you would like to discuss your accident claim with a member of our firm call the toll free number above or use the contact form on this page.

NEW HAMPSHIRE TRAFFIC DEATHS LOWEST IN 47 YEARS

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24502 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Finally some good news from the personal injury motor vehicle accident front. In 2009 traffic deaths on New Hampshire highways were the lowest in 47 years. When the increase in traffic on our highways is considered this is a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations and thanks are due to law enforcement officials and others who work hard to make our highways safer. News articles on this accomplishment can be found here: Nashua Telegraph ; Union Leader and WBZ

One way of improving traffic accident safety in New Hampshire is to make those responsible for causing accidents liable for the harm they create. This is where personal injury lawyers come in. Making negligent drivers responsible is a great way to improve highway safety. It has been proven time and time again that people will change their behavior when maintaining their old ways becomes to costly. This can be seen in stiffer DUI penalties resulting in fewer drunk drivers and more aggressive civil pursuit of motorists causing accidents resulting in serious injury or death paying money damages for the harm they cause.

The law firm of Van Dorn & Curtiss has extensive experience in representing motor vehicle accident victims and their families. If you want more information about the rights of motor vehicle accident victims go to the Automobile Accident or FAQ sections of this website. If you want personal answers to questions call the number above or use the contact form on this page.

SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENTS KILL THREE IN LAST THREE WEEKS

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24479 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

In the past three weeks three women have been killed in seperate snowmobile accidents. These incidents dramatically demonstrate how dangerous the sport can be. Just like with other motor driven vehicles there are rules and safety practices that snowmobile riders must obey. Snowmobile riders who Violate these rules and safety practices and cause serious injury or death may be responsible for the harm they cause. We urge everyone who rides snowmobiles to take the rules and safety precautions very seriously. We recommend the Snowmobilers Safe Rider website. Go there for comprehensive informaton about snowmobile safety.

The women who were killed are Jessica Bolognani, 18, of Readsboro Vermont. See the Rutland Herald story for more information on this tragedy. Also killed on Dec. 31, was Kristen T. Bednar, of East Patchogue, N.Y. see the Boston Herald story for more. Finally the last tragedy occured when Rhea Parker, 46, was killed when her snowmobile she was a passenger on left a trail in Eden Vermont. See the Burlington Free Press article for more. All of these tragedies could have been prevented. In many cases those responsible for causing fatal snowmobile accidents may face criminal and civil liability.

Our law firm has extensive experience representing victims of snowmobile accidents and their families. For mor information countact us at the number above or use the convenient contact form on this page.

"OBJECT" ON SKI TRAIL MAY CREATE LEGAL LIABILITY

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24440 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On Christmas Eve a young man from Cheshire Conn. was killed while snow boarding at Killington Ski Resort. According to press reports the incident may have been caused by an "object" on the ski trail. Alex Westphal, 20, was home from college for the holidays when the tragic inciden occured. It is not yet clear what the "object" was or why it was on the trail.

Ski areas in Vermont enjoy legislation protecting them from liability for serious injury and death, unless the incident was caused by a unreasonable manmade hazard. The laws are spelled out in Vt. St. Ann. tit. 12, § 1037 and related statutes.
For more details about the Vermont Law go here .

For press coverage of the tragic incident the following: Cheshire Herald , Times Argus , and Newsday .

While the inherent dangers in snow boarding and skiing are well recognized, it is important that ski resorts be held responsible for serious injury and death caused by unreasonable manmade hazards found in these areas. Accidents are often caused by ski lift defects, improper placement and maintenance of snow making equipment and poor supervision of patrons. Many accidents causing serious injury and death might be avoided by proper ski area maintenance and supervision practices.

The law firm of Van Dorn & Curtiss has extensive experience with legal claims against ski resorts for serious injury and death caused by unreasonable manmade hazards.

Text Messaging While Driving Banned in New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)24332 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Planning on ringing in the New Year with a text message to friends? Great idea unless you plan on doing it while driving. In New Hampshire a new law banning text messaging while driving takes effect on January 1^st. People caught texting and driving will be given a $100 fine.

The law is aimed at reducing the mounting numbers of deaths and injuries that are being attributed to texting while driving. While many believe that teens are most responsible for this dangerous trend adults are often seen texting and driving; a new way to multi-task.

No matter how in control you think you are while text messaging and driving multiple studies have shown just how dangerous the habit is. Texting exceeds the dangers of drinking and driving.

While some view the law as another way for the government to meddle in the lives of New Hampshire’s citizens the law is here to stay. Hopefully it will make drivers think twice before they text and drive.

At Van Dorn & Curitss our attorneys would like nothing more than to see fewer severe injuries deaths occurring on our roadways. Hopefully the New Year will bring a better understanding as to just how crucial every decision made behind the wheel is.

If you have been injured in an auto accident please do not sign any insurance forms until you have spoken with our experienced attorneys. Contact an attorney today for your free consultation and let us fight the insurance company and get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

Do you drive a Lexus or Toyota? Has your car been recalled?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)23847 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you do it would be wise to check out safecar.gov to see if your vehicle is part of the many recalls that have been issued by Toyota.

Two issues affecting the vehicles are sudden stalling and acceleration problems. A current investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 26 reports of cars that suddenly stall out, even at high rates of speed.

The acceleration problem occurs when the gas pedal becomes entrapped in the floor mat. Toyota has issued a recall that applies to over 4.2 million vehicles. Models affected by the recall can be found here.

If you believe that your car is under investigation or has been recalled please check with the manufacturer to see if you need to have the vehicle serviced. If you drive any vehicle that you believe has a defect or fault then please report it to the NHTSA. Without reports of malfunction recalls don't happen- putting your life and others at risk.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we have the experience and dedication to pursue even the most complex cases. We consider ourselves advocates for the injured and want nothing more than to get your life back on track. If you have been injured or made ill and you believe that a defective or poorly made product is to blame please contact your experienced New Hampshire product liability attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

New Hampshire Legal News: Rear End Collision Critically Injures Farmington Woman

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)23831 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kelly Laughton, a 37-year-old woman from Farmington was critically injured and an infant girl was hospitalized after the car they were riding in was struck from behind on Route 11 Friday morning. The rear-end crash caused their vehicle to cross over into the oncoming lane and crash with a third vehicle head on. The driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the victims was Melissa Cunliffe of Alton. A section of Route 11 was shut down for five and a half hours as emergency personnel and investigators from the regional Traffic Accident Reconstruction team investigated the scene. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Farmington police at 603-755-2731.
Victims of rear end motor vehicle accidents have legal rights and are entitled to compensation for their injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, disability both temporary and permanent, pain and suffering. To find out more about accident victims legal rights see the Motor Vehicle Accident section of our website and related articles in our Library. Or feel free to call us at the toll free number above for information about the legal right to compensation for motor vehicle accident victims.

Motor Vehicle Accident in Newport Vermont Hospitalizes Driver

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)23827 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A two-car accident on Vermont 105 in Newport Center Friday morning sent one driver to the hospital. Brittany Leonard, 16, of Newport Center lost control of her GMC pickup, swerved into oncoming traffic and struck the Volvo driven by Steven Wright, 42, of Newport, police said. Wright suffered chest and shoulder injuries and was transported to North Country Hospital in Newport Vermont.
Injured victims of motor vehicle accidents may have a legal right to compensation. To find out more about accident victim's legal rights see our library articles and motor vehicle accident section of our website.

What should I bring to my initial consultation?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)22672 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

When preparing for your first consultation with an attorney you should bring every single bit of information you have reguarding your injury or illness. Even items you may think are trivial such as past insurance statements should be brought if you believe they pertain to your case.

Please ensure that you bring any photographs, police reports, medical records, medical bills, wintess statements and anything else that may help document your claim.

As always please feel free to call before your appointment to ensure that you have everything you need. If you need help obtaining medial records or other pieces of information please ask. We may be able to help you retrive these documents.

As always the initial consultation is free. At Van Dorn & Curitss we are passionate about defending the injured. We pride ourselves on this passion and our willingess to make tough calls. If we don't believe you have a case we will tell you. Our goal is not to lead our clients on, it's to help those in need to the best of our abilities.

If you have been injured please contact our experinced attorneys today. Though our office is located in Orford, NH we accept clients from across New Hapshire and Vermont.

How can I fire my attorney in New Hampshire or Vermont?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)22473 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

An unscrupulous attorney may do little to no work for you and then threaten you with fees if you leave him. Your lawyer may be impossible to reach and as you continue to see no progress on your case you may feel trapped. What can you do? Can you fire your attorney? The answer depends on the state.

Fortunately in New Hampshire and Vermont you have the right to fire your attorney at any time you see fit. The lawyer can and may have a claim for services rendered, meaning that you may owe him for the time he spent on your case.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we can and do take on clients who are unhappy with their current attorney. We work out any fee disputes with the attorney without you having to pay extra fees. This can include your old attorneys claim to any compensation you receive through a settlement or trial.

If you have an attorney and you are unhappy with the service you are receiving please let us take a look at your case. We pride ourselves on our honesty and frankness and will let you know if we think we can help. Contact our attorneys today to see if we can help you escape a bad lawyer. As always the consultation is free and our experienced and dedicated attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Phantom Drivers

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)21807 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

In Somersworth NH a pedestrian, 26 year old Nicholas Pepin, was struck and seriously injured by a hit and run driver. See the WMUR online article for details. If Mr. Pepin or a relative living in his household has automobile insurance, he may be entitled to financial relief from the injuries caused by the hit and run driver.

The term used in the insurance industry for a hit and run driver is "phantom driver". If the "phantom driver" cannot be found, many automobile insurance policies will provide uninsured motorist coverage as if the "phantom driver" were an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage provides that your own automobile insurance company will be responsible for damages and compensation the same way the uninsured driver's poicy would have, if he had insurance. We all pay for uninsured motorist coverage in our auto policies. By law the coverage must equal the coverage we have for our own liability. When struck by a phantom driver, an uninsured driver, or an underinsured driver this coverage can be very important for the personal injury victim. For more information call us at the toll free number above or use the contact form on this page.

Injured in an Accident With a Drunk Driver? | Attorney NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)20840 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured in an accident there are likely many thoughts going through your head. How can I get my life back on track? How long will it take for me to heal? How much will my medical bills be? Will I be able to return to work? How can I recoup lost wages?

When the accident is caused by a drunk driver these thoughts are mixed with anger, confusion and a feeling of helplessness. Why was the driver on the road? How could the accident have been prevented?

The answers to these questions are often unanswerable. However, there are steps we can all take to lower the incidence of drunk driving accidents. To learn more please visit our DWI resource page by clicking here.

Our goal is not only to fight for the rights of injured across New Hampshire and Vermont, but to prevent accidents before they happen. One less accident can mean one less death, one less spinal cord injury, one less grieving family.

Please think before you drive and do your best to keep yourself and others safe this holiday season. If you have been hurt and need help please contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. We're here for you when you need us.

Harmed by a Prescription Drug? | NH Medical Malpractice Attorneys

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)20772 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Recent lawsuits and large settlements have brought attention to the fact that millions of Americans are injured or killed each year by prescription drugs. Medication mix-ups and incorrect dosing information cause patients to fall ill when they are supposed to getting better. When medical mistakes hurt instead of heal we all must be more careful when picking up a prescription.

We have compiled two fact sheets on prescription drug mistakes. One covers the most common prescription errors and the other can help you avoid mistakes at the pharmacy. What each boils down to is one simple fact: You must be vigilant when filling your prescriptions.

Though we would like to think that each medication we receive is the right drug with the correct dosing this is not always the case. Therefore be sure that you ask your doctor to tell you what the medicine looks like, what the proper dose is and what you should expect when taking the medication. DO NOT LEAVE the pharmacy without opening the package and checking your doctor's information with the label and with the medication itself. If you have ANY questions or concerns ask the pharmacist and your doctor before taking the medication.

We hope that this information will help you avoid a prescription error. At Van Dorn & Curtiss we have seen too many people injured by the negligent actions of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If you have been harmed please contact your NH medical malpractice attorneys today for your free consultation.

Hunter Shot by Hunter. Is It Negligence?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)20555 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday we posted on a tragic incident that occured Sunday in Bradford Vermont when a hunter shot another hunter, mistaking him for a turkey. In researching the article we came across many incidents of hunters shooting hunters. With all of the attention given to hunter safety in today's society it is a wonder to us that tragedies like this occur as frequently as they do.

On Thursday October 22nd near Watertown Vermont, hunter Bernard Sharlow was shot in the abdomen by another hunter Ricky Brunelle. Sharlow remains in critical condition and Brunelle was charged with second degree assault. See Watertown Daily Times article for more information.

In Pennsylvania a 28 year old hunter, Seth Spangler was shot by another hunter in his hunting group. He was listed in fair condition. See the Lebanon Daily News article for the full story.

On Tuesday October 20th, a teenage hunter was shot to death by another hunter in northern Iowa. Police report that another member of the victim's hunting party was doing "random target practice" when he accidently shot and killed his companion. See Radio Iowa article for the story.

Most or all of these tragedies could have been avoided by proper care and careful hunting practices. The failure to take proper precautions when hunting is negligent and negligence under these circumstances costs lives.

Victims of hunting negligence and their families are entitled to compensation for their losses. To find out more use the contact form on this page or call our toll free number above.

Hunter shot by another hunter in Bradford Vermont

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)20550 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

On Sunday morning Ryan Terrill in full camouflage was sitting in a hunting chair at the treeline in a field in Bradford Vermont when he was shot by Richard Sylvester, another hunter. Sylvester was walking along the treeline and thought Terrill was a turkey. According to Fish and Wildlife Lt. Ken Denton, Sylvester violated the most important rule of hunter safety: First, identify the target. The officials agree that under no circumstances would a careful hunter mistake a human being for a turkey.

As personal injury lawyers this points up for us the tragedy and useless loss of life and limb caused by carelessness whether driving a car or hunting in a field. Time and time again it has been proven to us that most injuries and loss of life are caused by carelessness and negligence. That is why we have a legal system that addresses negligent conduct. Our negligence legal system provides a method for compensating the victim and to provide a deterrent to others.

To learn mor about this incident see the Burlington Free Press and WCAX artiicles on this story.

We wish for a speedy recovery for Ryan Terrill.

Our client Testimonials

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)20051 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we have been priviledged to represent a wide variety of clients with a vast amount of different types of personal injury claims over the years. We have also been honored by the kind thoughts and words our clients have graced us with. Years after their cases have been settled many clients still keep in touch. They share their important moments with us new births of family members, marriages, graduations and that kind of thing. They have also honored us with their willingness to go on record to recommend us and talk about their experiences with the Van Dorn & Curtiss law firm. You can find both written and videotaped testimonials on our website. To review written testimonials click here: WRITTEN TESTIMONIALS and to view the video testimonials, go to our home page by clicking here: VIDEO TESTIMONIALS

Best Personal Injury Law Firm in New Hampshire and Vermont

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)20049 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

We are often asked whether we are the best personal injury law firm in New Hampshire and Vermont. The answer is that no law firm can legally claim to be the best. The only answer we can give you is to look at our website and review its contents carefully. Look at our accomplishments in verdicts and settlements. Look at our background and experience. Look at what we offer to help personal injury victims understand the legal process of bringing a personal injury claim. Then decide for yourself whether we are the law firm you want to hire for your personal injury claim. We suggest you start with our testimonial pages. These are comments by former clients about their experiences with Van Dorn & curtiss. Click here: TESTIMONIALS to see what some of our former clients have to say. Thank you for coming to our site.

Accidents in Retail Stores

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)19775 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

There was recently a 7 million dollar recovery for a woman who was seriously injured when an automatic door at a Target store malfunctioned knocking her to the ground and causing a serious head injury. The elderly victim suffered a serious brain injury and could no longer take care of her special needs adult daughter. Learn more about the incident in this article from the Chicago Tribune website.
In our accident law legal practice we have handled many claims that occur when retail stores are negligent in maintaining their premises in a reasonably safe condition for customers. While retail stores don't guarantee the safety of customers it makes sense that they should be required to take reasonable steps to make sure dangerous conditions on the property are corrected. In this case it was a malfunctioning door that knocked the elderly woman to the ground and caused the injury. In other cases it can be allowing slippery conditions on store floors to exist without reasonable effort to clean them up. Other cases involve tripping hazards in store aisles and falling boxes. Retail stores want our business and invite us in to look at the products on the shelves. It makes sense that they should provide safe places for customers to walk when they are expected to look at the products on the shelves, not at the floor. To learn more about premises liability law click here to go the premises liability section of our website.

Dog Bites Serious Threat | Dog Bite Attorney | Orford New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)19291 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Those who have been attacked by a dog will never forget it. The terror and ongoing mental trauma can be too much for some to bear. When the victim is a young child the repercussion of the attack can last a lifetime.

Recently a group of student athletes were attacked by a pair of dogs as they ran past a familiar house. They had seen the dogs before and had no reason to fear them yet the dogs bit not only the girls but a bicycle and a car, flattening two tires.

If you or your child has been attacked and bitten by a dog, even a dog that you know, you do have the right to file suit. Dog bites can take years of medical treatment including reconstructive surgery and counseling. Negligent pet owners should be held responsible for their actions.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we have the experience to prove negligence on part of the pet owner, even when an insurance company denies the claim. We have won cases that other lawyers wouldn't touch. If you are ready to fight for and win your dog attack case please contact your Orford, New Hampshire personal injury attorney.

Have You Been Denied Workers Comp? | NH on the Job Attorney

rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)19188 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have been denied workers comp you are not alone. A new study has shown that workers, especially lower wage workers, are not being taken care of when they are injured. The study sheds light on a disturbing trend among those making around $8 an hour.

Every job has its challenges but when lower wage employees are hurt on the job they are often discouraged from filing for workers compensation. Even when they are severely injured their employers may force them to stay on the job, even threatening them with termination or deportation.

Each and every worker who is injured on the job has the right to file for and win their workers compensation claim. At Van Dorn & Curtiss we are passionate, some say fanatical, about our dedication to injured workers.

It is unacceptable that any worker, lower wage or higher wage, should be left alone after an on the job injury. If you have been injured while at work please let us fight for your rights as an injured worker. Contact your New Hampshire (NH) accident attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Free Legal Consultation

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)18723 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

At Van Dorn and Curtiss we have always offered a free consultation for accident victims. We do this a public service and to help select cases we are interested in accepting. We have even prepared a free Accident Victims Handbook that can be downloaded from our site. Over the years we have offered thousands of free consultations. Our highly trained staff is always available to answer questions. A problem arises when distinguishing a free consultation from free legal advise. There is an old adage that free legal advise is worth what you pay for it. While we don't think that is exactly right we do believe that specific legal advise can only be given when a law firm knows all of the facts and circumstances surrounding an issue. Unfortunately we cannot afford to be this thorough with everyone who calls, but if you have a claim that has caused serious personal injury and has likely been caused by the negligence of someone else chances are we may be able to help you. Sometimes we will accept the claim in which case our new client can rest assured they are getting the absolute best legal representation available. See our Client Testimonials to see what we mean. Or, when we can't accept a case we can point the inquiring party in the right direction. So, if you have been seriously injured in an accident caused by another please contact us for a free consultation.

Linking Universal Coverage to Tort Reform a Bad Idea

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17866 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Senator Bradley, Democrat of New Jersey, recently proposed linking universal medical coverage and tort reform further spreading the myth that law suits drive up medical costs. In fact, the cost of dealing with the rise in medical errors, missed diagnoses, improper care is far greater and of more concern.

Linking medical negligence suits to health care reform illustrates the deep entrenchment of insurance companies and reflects the interests of corporate giants who earn billions in profits as they undermine your consumer rights.

Who loses in health care reform? Doctors? No. Patients? No. Insurance Companies? Yes

OSHA Offers Free On-Site Consultation | NH On the Job Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17776 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are a business owner you should be doing everything you can to prevent on the job accidents and injuries. OSHA is known for levying heavy fines to business owners who commit safety violations. However, they also focus on prevention.

OSHA's on-site consultation service offers a great opportunity to improve workplace safety. During the consultation no penalties or citations are given. The free service is offered as a way to pinpoint and fix any workplace hazards.

To learn more about the free service please click here.

If you have been injured while at work please contact your New Hampshire (NH) workers compensation attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

OSHA Offers Free On-Site Consultation | NH On the Job Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17775 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Sign-up for CPSC e-mail Alerts | Avoid Recalled Products | NH Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17227 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Trying to keep up with the thousands of recalled products is seemingly impossible. It is simply outrageous that manufacturers continue to distribute unsafe and dangerous products to the public. These products injure and kill thousands of people, both adults and children, every year.

Aside from moving to a cave and becoming hermit how can you protect yourself from dangerous products? One tool is the CPSC's e-mail alert system. By signing up for their e-mail alerts you will automatically get a list of recalls straight from the Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

Click here to sign-up for one or multiple e-mail alerts.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we are passionate about defending the injured and keeping you safe. If you believe that an unsafe or defective product has hurt you or your child please contact your NH personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

Medical Malpractice Epidemic Persists Even as Compensation to Victims Decreases Part III

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17196 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Part III

Despite the hysteria surrounding debates over medical malpractice litigation, experts have repeatedly concluded that several times as many patients suffer avoidable injuries as those who sue. The best known such finding was included in the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) seminal 1999 study, "To Err Is Human," which concluded that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die every year because of avoidable medical errors. Fewer than 15,000 people (including those with non-fatal outcomes) received compensation for medical malpractice that year, and in 2008, the number receiving compensation fell to just over 11,000.

There is no evidence that errors are any less rampant today. Most of the IOM's safety recommendations have been ignored. Meanwhile, various safety indicators continue to raise alarms. For example, the Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals, learned about 116 occasions in which surgeons operated on the wrong part of a patient's body in 2008 and 71 times in which foreign objects were left inside patients' bodies. Health experts call these "never events," meaning that they simply should not happen at all.

Proposals to limit patients' legal rights have sprung up in the debate over health reform. The most popular idea this year is to establish special tribunals that would theoretically offer payments to more patients but in smaller amounts. Policy makers who wish to cut costs should steer clear of these proposals, Arkush said. The high volume of medical errors and the current infrequency of payments to victims ensure that proposals to increase the number of payments would inevitably cost far more than the current system.

The only economically feasible and, indeed, humane way to improve the system is to reduce the number of senseless and tragic medical errors in our hospitals. In its report, Public Citizen calls on Congress to put safety measures in place that would set the nation on course to meet the IOM's goal of cutting the number of avoidable deaths in half in five years.

Medical Malpractice Epidemic Persists Even as Compensation to Victims Decreases Part II

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17195 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

For Part I click here

The cost of the medical malpractice liability system - if measured broadly by adding all malpractice insurance premiums - fell to less than 0.6 percent of the $2.1 trillion in total national health care costs in 2006, the most recent year for which the necessary data to make such comparisons are available. The cost of actual malpractice payments fell to 0.18 percent - one-fifth of 1 percent - of all health care costs in 2006. Annual malpractice payments have subsequently fallen from $3.9 billion in 2006 to $3.6 billion in 2008, but comparative data on total health care costs are not available.

"Any way you measure it, medical liability accounts for less than 1 percent of the country's health care costs, and the vast majority of victims receive no compensation whatsoever," said David Arkush, director of Public Citizen's Congress Watch division. "These are people who died or were left with serious permanent injuries - out of work, with enormous medical costs for the rest of their lives - and they and their families are getting nothing from the doctors and hospitals responsible."

The relatively small amount paid out for medical malpractice generally goes to patients with the most serious injuries. More than 80 percent of the money paid out for medical malpractice in 2008 was for cases involving "significant permanent injuries"; "major permanent injuries"; injuries resulting in quadriplegia, brain damage or the need for permanent care; or death, according to NPDB reporting.

to be continued. . .

Medical Malpractice Epidemic Persists Even as Compensation to Victims Decreases

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17194 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Medical malpractice payments were at or near record lows in 2008, but the decline almost certainly indicates that a lower percentage of injured patients received compensation, not that health safety has improved, Public Citizen reported in a study released today .

Medical malpractice is so common, and litigation over it so rare, that between three and seven Americans die from medical errors for every one who receives a payment for any malpractice claim, Public Citizen's analysis of medical malpractice payment data and the best available patient safety estimates indicate.

For the third straight year, 2008 saw the lowest number of medical malpractice payments since the federal government's National Practitioner Data Bank began tracking such data in 1990. The 11,037 payments in 2008 were 30.7 percent lower than the average number of payments recorded by the NPDB in all previous years. Ratios of payments per capita and per physician have fallen even lower compared to historical norms. There were 13.5 payments per million physicians in 2006 (the most recent year for which the number of physicians is available), which is 29.2 percent lower than the average in previous years. The value of payments in 2008 (as distinct from the number of payments) was the lowest or second lowest on record, depending on the method used to adjust for inflation.

- to be continued

Lawyer Marketing - Why We Need It.

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)17092 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A law firm cannot stay in business if the phone never rings and new clients never walk through the door. So, when someone does walk through our door we are always interested in how they came to hear about us. What made them choose our firm? Our receptionist does an excellent job screening potential new clients. But with marketing costs approaching $1000 a case we would like to know which methods work and which do not.

We understand that if you are injured in an accident or have lost a loved one. This is the last thing on your mind. We get that. We also understand that your concerns are our concerns. But having a steady string of cases makes us a stronger law firm by giving us the revenue stream to go the extra mile like we do and by providing us with a chance to gain further expertise and experience that enhances our reputation as the personal injury law firm to go to in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Driving While Texting as Impairing as Driving Under the Influence

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)16900 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

OK call me naive but when I first heard that people were driving and texting at the same time I couldn't believe it. First of all, I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time so the thought of writing to someone while moving at 100 feet per second seemed impossible. Then I started noticing drivers doing it. Granted there are talents in today's youth that surpass my own. Just the other day I was in a conversation with a high school student who texted a friend the entire time. I was amazed by how fast she could move but she could not do it without taking her eyes off of me. What we have to convey to our kids is that in one moment of distraction your whole life and the lives of others can change. If you've been injured and need to speak to an attorney or would like some more information on the dangers of texting and driving please contact Van Dorn & Curtiss.

Experience, Passion Key in an Attorney | New Hampshire Accident Lawyer

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)16212 — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured while at work there is every chance that your employer, their insurance adjustor and lawyer will be pressuring you to settle your workers compensation claim right away. The problem is that this settlement may not cover the full extent of your physical and emotional trauma.

An insurance adjustors main job is to protect the companies' money by keeping it from you. They may seem like they have your best interests at heart but at the end of the day they are looking out for their bottom line, not your well being.

The only person who can accurately estimate the cost of ongoing care, treatments and medical procedures is an experienced accident attorney.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we know how much an injury will cost you and we will vigorously fight for this figure. Insurance companies are scared of us. Why? Because they know that we are passionate about our clients and that we work harder than anyone else to get accident victims maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.

A less experienced, less passionate lawyer will often settle a case just because they are nervous that the case might go to trial. We are not afraid to go to trial and prepare each case as if it were going to seen by a jury.

Dedication, experience and passion are what we are all about. If you have been injured while on the job please contact your New Hampshire injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. No one will work harder for you and your family.

Auto Accidents All too Common in New Hampshire | Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)16211 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hillsborough County is the only county in New Hampshire that has seen a steady decline in the number of traffic fatalities over the past four years. Every other county's numbers have remained nearly unchanged or risen.

Why is this?

There really is no short answer. Recent drunk driving accidents certainly add to the total. In addition, our tough winter weather often creates driving conditions that are poor at best. Distracted driving is another major issue on roadways across the country. Cell phone use and text messaging while driving have caused injuries and deaths in New Hampshire and beyond.

To combat these factors State Police have been putting extra effort into discouraging drunk driving and other dangerous behaviors. DWI checkpoints and safety projects have been utilized throughout the state.

However, at the end of the day only one person can prevent an accident by not drinking, putting down the cell phone and driving respectfully. That person is you.

Please help keep yourself and those around you safe everyday by making the right choices every time you get on the road.

If you or someone you love have been hit by a drunk driver you need an attorney who knows DWI cases. Please contact your New Hampshire accident attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Van Dorn and Curtiss Reaches Out to the Spanish Community

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)16182 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Cristina Rousseau was born in Quito, Ecuador as Ines Cristina Saltos Hildalgo but moved to the United States in 1991 to go to school. She earned her law degree from Vermont Law School and has been with Van Dorn & Curtiss since 2004. According to Mrs. Rousseau the Accident Victims in the Spanish speaking community in New England has been underserved.

Cristina speaks Spanish as her native language and understands the qualities that make our Spanish speaking neighbors unique. Just one more example of what makes Van Dorn and Curtiss, PLLC unique here in the Upper Valley and how we go the extra mile to serve our clients.

If you been injured please contact us for a free consultation.

What To Do if You Collide with an Animal

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)16164 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Motorists collide with deer, moose, and bear everyday in the North Country. It's just another hazard associated with operating a car on our roads. Stay alert and drive with caution but when all else fails;

Here's what you should do if you hit an animal while driving

• In New Hampshire, if there is damage to the vehicle when you strike something, including colliding with an animal, you are required to file a report.

• Call the police or animal control immediately so they can take proper measures if the animal is injured or dead.

• Examine the animal to make sure it is not injured or hurt. If it's a bear - stay in the car.

Do not pick up the animal, whatever size it is. It could kick or bite you.

Stay with the injured animal (in your car if necessary) until help arrives.

Alert oncoming cars of the accident with your high beams, hazards or flares.

Sharing the Road is a Two way Street.

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)15409 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

"Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles." According to the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, cyclists should obey all traffic laws and ride in a manner that is predictable to motorists. By behaving in this way a cyclist becomes a good ambassador for bicycling.

On the other hand, motorists must acknowledge a cyclists' legal right to the entire lane not just the two feet near the shoulder. No bicyclist sets off with the intention of slowing anyone down or getting in anyone's way. And no cyclist wants to be hit by a automobile either.

Vermont law requires motor vehicle drivers to drive in a manner that is safe and that respects the right of way of other vehicles on the road. Bicycles are given all the rights and responsibilities of other vehicles under 23 VSA § 1136(c). Bicyclists are legally allowed to ride on the road.

New Hampshire law even provides for a three foot buffer at 30 mph and 1 foot for every 10 mph above 30 mph when passing a bicycle on the road. Don't let impatience cloud your good sense; treat a bicyclist like you would a farmer on a tractor. Slow down, pass when it's safe. Both the farmer and the bicyclist represent attractive portions of our rural and scenic economy.

Make sure the firm you hire has lawyers experienced in trying cases.

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14923 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Incredibly, many of the heavily advertising personal injury lawyers and law firms have never tried a case to a jury. They are completely without this courtroom experience. This is as if you ask a doctor to perform surgery who has never operated before. Insurance companies know that a lawyer without experience in court is not likely to be as successful as an experienced lawyer and the settlement offer made by the insurance company will reflect this reality.

Many of the heavily advertising personal injury lawyers who don't go to court will tell you that it is not necessary to go to court to settle your case, as their reason why they don't go to court. Don't believe them. What they are telling you is not true. If they do not have a successful track record in the courtroom where it counts, insurance companies have no incentive to pay for your settlements because they know that ultimately the attorney will take whatever it is the insurance company decides to pay them. In these situations the insurance companies and defense law firms are in the driver's seat, not the plaintiff's attorney who doesn't go to court.

If an attorney handling your case has no experience in court, and the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, there are only two options.

1. The lawyer for the first time tries the case before a jury, and has a real learning experience, the problem is it is your case he is learning with; or

2. He must refer the case to an experienced firm. The problem here is that then the lawyer has to give the experienced firm the lion's share of the fee. Some lawyers may put their economic interests ahead of the client's and convince the client not to go to court and take a smaller settlement so they do not have to give up the majority of the fee.

Presently, about 60% of the cases in our firm are referrals from other lawyers. Fortunately, we deal with referring attorneys with high ethical standards who put their clients' interests first even if they will earn a smaller fee by referring the case to an experienced firm after the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement.

Make sure the firm you hire is willing to take the case to trial.

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14724 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Any lawyer can settle a case. The truth of the matter is that any lawyer can negotiate the settlement of a personal injury claim. The question is whether they will settle the case for a fair and just amount or will they take whatever the insurance company offers. Lawyers without track records and experience in trying cases to juries have no leverage with insurance companies and insurance defense law firms. The insurance companies and insurance defense law firms know that many attorneys will not go to court, and therefore they are not compelled to offer anything close to a fair and just settlement. They know that if the personal injury victim is represented by a lawyer who doesn't go to court that lawyer will have to recommend a settlement for much less than the full fair and just value of the claim. If you have a law firm for a serious personal injury claim make sure that law firm can prove to you that they have leverage based on their experience and track record. Have them put you in touch with former clients who they have actually represented in a courtroom and gotten jury verdicts for.

As we noted before, the only thing the insurance companies respect is a law firm that has taken cases all the way through to jury verdicts successfully.

Make Sure the Firm You Hire Has The Necessary Knowledge and Experience to Handle Your Case.

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14569 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we have been practicing law handling personal injury cases for over 25 years. Because of our experience and reputation, other lawyers often contact us with questions about their cases. Generally, this is a good idea. If you don't know the answer to a question - ask someone who does. But what is alarming is that some lawyers ask questions that make it pretty clear that they don't know the first thing about the complexities of personal injury law.
We do our best to answer the questions, but we often think about the poor client relying on a lawyer who simply does not have the necessary knowledge base to properly handle the claim.

The real scary thing is that we see big ads in the phone books advertising these same lawyers as personal injury attorneys. Personal Injury attorneys who do not go to trial and who lack the general knowledge base of know how to process a claim just to achieve a successful settlement. Don't just choose the lawyer who has the big advertisements. Rather, consider experience and reputation when choosing the right lawyer, especially if the case is at all complex.

Is your workplace safe?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14562 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured or have contracted an illness while at work the answer may be no.

Recent fines levied against a New Hampshire Ruger manufacturing plant show how lightly some employers take employee safety. The facility received over $255,000 in fines for 60 alleged health and safety violations. The most serious accusation is that the facility allowed their employees to operate dangerous machinery without proper safety measures in place.

Are you safe at work? You may think so, but if your employer is not taking the proper steps to protect you from both physical and environmental dangers then they are not doing their jobs.

If you have been injured on the job please do not hesitate to call an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. The consultation is free and if you have a good case we will stop at nothing to get you the compensation you deserve for your on the job injury or industrial accident. Winning a worker's compensation claim can be extremely difficult. Please contact us today to ensure that you get maximum compensation for your injuries.

How To Find The Best Law Firm For Your Personal Injury Case

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14499 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you want to hire the best firm for your personal injury case you have to look past the ads and find out about the credentials of the law firm. This means their experience, track record and the types of services they offer. Our firm outperforms other firms in our area both in the quality and range of services provided.

Make sure the firm you hire provides a full range of services.

We once had a women call us who was already represented by a law firm in an automobile accident case where she sustained a head injury. She needed help right away because she couldn't get her health insurance or automobile insurance to pay for the medical care she needed. She was very frustrated because the firm she picked to represent her from the yellow pages told her they "didn't take care of those kinds of problems and that she should get creative and handle it herself."

To us this was outrageous. Here is a woman who can't even work because of a severe head injury and her lawyers are telling her to use her head and figure it out herself. Well, she got creative all right. She fired that firm and hired our firm and two phone calls later the problem was solved and she was able to get the medical care she needed and the insurance company paid for it. On top of it all, the first law firm had the nerve to try and charge her a fee for the services they rendered.

The very good personal injury law firms do not only try to settle your case but they also provide a full range of related services.

Share the Road Safely During Bike Week and Beyond

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14479 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Bike Week in New Hampshire is a boon to the local economy and gives hundreds of bikers the opportunity to get together and celebrate their lifestyle.

The week also gives both bikers and drivers a chance to review basic safe driving tips. Sharing the road with biker's means giving the road your full attention at all times. The American Motorcycle Association offers the following tips for drives and riders:

Rules for riders:

Get trained and licensed
Wear protective gear
Ride unimpaired
Ride within your limits
Be a lifelong learner

Rules for drivers:

Look out for motorcyclists
Don't be distracted
Give two-wheelers some room
Use your turn signals
Keep it in the car

It doesn't matter if you crave the wind in your face or love the comfort of your car; there are ways to keep you and others safe. Sharing the road is important not only during Bike Week but every time you start your vehicle.

If you have been injured in an accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Ed Van Dorn Recognized For His Commitment to the Grafton County Drug Court

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14326 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Drug Court Sentencing Program in Grafton County offers addicts an opportunity to participate in an intense, court supervised rehabilitation program for two years instead of going to jail. The program is open to non-violent adult offenders, including probation violators, who have a history of addiction and drug-or-alcohol related crime and now face new criminal charges that are most likely to result in a prison term. Ed Van Dorn, senior partner at the Law Offices of Van Dorn and Curtiss, Orford, NH, received recognition from the Grafton County Drug Court for his extraordinary commitment and contributions to this program.

As part of a plea agreement with the Grafton County Attorney's Office, participants in the program report to the judge each week to talk about their progress. Each participant also undergoes regular drug testing and meets with treatment counselors. Their case is reviewed each week by a drug court treatment team, including the judge, and there are quick sanctions, including jail time, if a participant violates the program rules.

Mr. Van Dorn was recognized during the graduation ceremony of Marcus S. with Timothy Vaughan presiding. In attendance were Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte and Grafton County Commissioners Raymond Burton, Michael Cryans, and Martha Brown Richards as well as chief prosecutor Rick St. Hilaire.

5 ways to Put People at Ease When Taking Video Testimony or When Hosting a Dinner Party (Part 3)

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14250 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Life is so stressful for our clients when they come into our office. Putting them at ease by listening to their story is our gift to them. And let's face it; we all like to talk about ourselves. For instance, if you want to make certain that someone enjoys your company just let them talk about themselves when you are with them. You will learn more about this person and they will walk away thinking about how much better they feel when they get to spend time with you.

4. Be Respectful. Often, the person you are interviewing has just been through some terrible experience that you are asking them to recount. We need to honor that by being respectful and listening to their experience. Seek out ways in which you can empathize with them. Put yourself in their shoes and walk with them a bit. Ask questions. Make sure they understand that you know where their coming from even if you cannot identify with their plight directly.

5. Show Them Yours and They Will Show You Theirs. One way to get someone comfortable with opening up with you is to open up with them. They've just been in an accident. Tell them your accident story and how that accident affected your life. Be open, honest and forthright. Do not withhold details; give them the whole account even if you have some negative emotions associated with it. At worst, it will make you seem human and they will appreciate you taking the time to open up to them and at best they will see that you're a person with whom they can identify and trust and will feel secure in opening up with you.

Once you have created an atmosphere of mutual respect, gratitude, honesty, and authenticity then you can sit back and listen to them tell their story. If it's a testimonial then it is helpful to lead them through their case and let them relive it in front of you. When it comes time to ask them to recommend you to another person then they will come across as enthusiastic and genuine.

5 ways to Put People at Ease When Taking Video Testimony or When Hosting a Dinner Party (Part 2)

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14174 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Last night a friend joined me at the house for a mountain bike ride in the woods adjacent to our property. It was a beautiful night for a ride and we had a great time. I fell once and came home bleeding and bruised. My friend is having trouble at home and needed to talk about it. I don't think he would have felt comfortable opening up to me if I failed at any of these five steps.

2. Be Grateful. You have called this person in for your benefit. They have had to miss work and drive to your office to be interviewed about something that they would like to put behind them. They are doing you a favor by helping you with your case or by promoting your business. It's a simple gesture but thank them.

3. Film More Than You Need. Go Back and Edit. The other day, I watched a partner in our firm sing a country song into the microphone prior to recording a radio commercial. It was his way to get comfortable before the real take. He reasoned that it was harder to sing in front of someone than it is to read advertising copy. After watching him record two radio spots on the first take, I'm a believer. Let the tape roll. Get a few minutes under your belt before you go into the meat of the interview. This allows everyone to settle down and relax.

5 ways to Put People at Ease When Taking Video Testimony or When Hosting a Dinner Party

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)14141 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Last Thursday, we invited a few clients into the office to shoot video testimonials for our website. We knew these clients would say something nice about our firm. Honestly, how could they not? We helped them win a large settlement and gave them some hope for the future. But even with great results, clients are not actors. Discomfort in front of the camera can lead to forced or canned testimonials, leaving customers with a less than favorable impression of your firm. Getting them comfortable in front of the camera is the key to a good testimonial, video deposition, or any other situation requiring a open and relaxed atmosphere.

To help us do this we invited our friend Jeff Larrimore up from his home in the New Hampshire woods. He is licensed in California but resides in the Leominster. Jeff teaches at Gerry Spence's trial academy and has the gift of putting people at ease. I sat and watched the man work and picked up a few things from him. Here's five ways to help people relax and make them comfortable in front of the camera or anywhere else for that matter.

Be genuine. Just as a jury can spot a phony as soon as he or she walks in the door so can any person that you might have to interview for the camera. Keep a professional attitude. Remember your objective: to generate more cases for your firm. If you expect an authentic and honest response from your client then you have to offer yourself honestly as well, even if that means that you have to admit that you would rather be doing something else. Chances are the person you are interviewing would rather be doing something else also. So, now by admitting that to a person you have found common ground.

Seven Questions that You Should Ask if You Are Injured

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13611 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured in a way that may be someone else's fault then you need to ask these seven questions.

Am I entitled to compensation for the injury? Lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, reduction in quality of life, these should be compensated. It won't reduce the suffering or pain but it won't hurt either.
How is this compensation decided? Our firm handles medical liens at no extra charge to our clients. We take a standard 1/3 of the settlement as our fee but with us you get your money's worth.
Am I entitled to payment of medical bills? If you are injured, don't "tough it out" go see a doctor and keep good records of your bills, your time away from work, and your treatment. Remember the goal is to get better.
Am I entitled to payment of lost wages? You are if you have missed work due to your injury.
Am I entitled to compensation for pain and suffering? In some cases this makes up the biggest part of the settlement.
How do I prove who was at fault? Our attorneys know how to get to the bottom of an accident. We use expert witnesses and a relentless pursuit of justice to fuel our discovery.
Do I require the services of a lawyer? If you are not sure how you would go about handling a settlement or are not prepared to hold the insurance company responsible then the answer is yes.

Choosing the right lawyer makes all the difference. Let Van Dorn and Curtiss put our experience to work for you.

Using Caution on the Roads

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13438 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

On my way to work this morning, driving up I-91in the pouring rain, just South of Hanover, New Hampshire, I witnessed a taxi cab driver lose control of his vehicle and slam into a rock ledge. Water pooled on the road and visibility was low. At first, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. When mud started flying up from his car, I knew that I needed to slow down and give him plenty of room. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Both of us were travelling at speeds lower than the posted limit. I was doing 60 mph and made up no ground on him. Likewise, the taxi kept the distance between our two vehicles constant. But, when the roads are wet extra caution is required. The taxi driver bled from the nose and hand. I couldn't determine if there were other injuries.

In other news, a motorcyclist was killed in a head on collision on Route 2 in Vermont. The driver is being investigated for driving under the influence of drugs. I'm not sure if that means he was smoking marijuana or taking pain medication but either way it seems like negligent behavior to me. My heart goes out to the families of both drivers.

Finally, stimulus money has entered Vermont and New Hampshire and with it lots of new road construction. Slow down, give those folks a brake as they say and we'll all be safer.

Who is Responsible For My Injury?

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13284 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

It is by grace that I have only a few scars. This is not to say that I haven't been wounded. I have. Often, my injuries have been the result of my own actions, lack of foresight, or a combination of the two. At times, my injuries have resulted from being in over my head like when I broke my back snowboarding. We were riding at Wolf Creek in Colorado. I tried to keep up with a friend of mine who was a much better snowboarder than me instead of picking my own way down the mountain and I paid the price. Then there was the time I fractured my left foot when I jumped off a cornice on my snowboard. It was like leaping off of a two story house. The leap was too big; too soon. No one else could be blamed for these injuries and looking back on them I can see that they were avoidable. I have learned from these mistakes and I now avoid the arrogant mindset that got me into trouble in the first place. Experience is a great teacher but the tuition is high. In personal injury law, we encounter people who've been injured as a result of someone else's negligence. Meaning that they did everything right and someone else didn't live up to their responsibility. Live long enough and you see that bad things happen to good people, good people make bad decisions and sometimes those decisions cause harm

Willing to Take a Case to Trial

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13175 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

What leverage does your attorney have if he or she is not willing to take your case to trial in front of a jury? The answer is very little. Then why would you trust your case to one of our competitors whose ads you might see in a phone book or on television when they have only tried one case between them.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, our attorneys prepare your case as if a trial is a foregone conclusion. We take depositions, get experts involved and do all the things necessary to make an effective presentation to a jury of your peers. We know that people selected for jury duty are intelligent. We know that nothing gets by twelve people. And because of our experience in front of a jury we know how to prepare for this presentation.

We will come armed with the truth and ready for a battle. When the insurance company sees the case we've built, we then have the leverage we need for a successful negotiation. Don't settle for less. If you have been injured by someone else's negligence please call Van Dorn & Curtiss today for a free injury report.

The Bigger Story

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13137 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Personal Injury due to Product Defect

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13098 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A quadriplegic musician has won $18.3 million verdict against Ford Motor Company. Dax Pierson was on his way with his band to their next gig when their van slid off the road and rolled over. Mr. Pierson's seat dislodged from its position while upside down allowing him to hit his head on the roof, paralyzing him. No one else in the van was injured.

Mr. Pierson sued Ford saying that the company created a defective seat latching mechanism that caused his seat to come loose. But lawyers for Ford argued that the design was defective and that the driver was partly at fault. Did you read that? The design was not defective (denial) and that the driver was partly at fault (shifting of blame). That is the strategy of the defense and this is why you need a lawyer on your side that is ready to do battle. Because the guy on the other side is going to deny that you're injured and blame you for your accident, even if you are sitting there in your wheelchair unable to move your arms and legs.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we show up against these guys prepared for their antics. We've seen it before and we come armed with facts. We seek out truth and work to get you the best settlement or verdict possible.

Working to Combat Motorcycle Accidents | New Hampshire Accident Lawyer

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)13039 — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

New Hampshire is one of many states that have chosen to embrace the idea of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The American Motorcycle Association is helping run the campaign that focuses on bringing the number of motorcycle accidents and deaths down.

The question is: Are you doing everything as a motorist or biker to keep yourself and those around you safe? If you are a driver the most important rule to remember is not to become distracted while driving. From cell phone use to personal grooming routines distractions in the car are a growing problem. As motorcyclists are more vulnerable as the travel down the road distracted drivers are a real threat to their safety.

If you are a driver or a cyclist please follow this link to ensure that you are following the five rules for cyclists and drivers. Please help keep yourself and others safe and accident free this summer.

If despite your diligence toward driving and riding safely you are injured in an accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Do I need a New Hampshire asbestosis or mesothelioma lawyer?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)12913 — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Recent successful appeals for workers compensation remind us that your fight for recognition of your on the job injury or illness is never over. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are two illnesses that are debilitating yet difficult to win proper compensation for.

If you work in or around older buildings, both residential and industrial, you may be at risk for complications from asbestos exposure. The troubling part of exposure to asbestos is that it does not cause any immediate illness. The signs and symptoms often do not surface for 20 or more years after initial exposure. By then it can be next to impossible to get your employer and their insurance company to recognize your illness.

An experienced, local lawyer is your best chance at receiving the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Van Dorn & Curtiss have been fighting for the rights of workers in New Hampshire, Vermont and across Northern New England for many years. The key to winning worker's compensation cases is determination and experience. At Van Dorn & Curtiss we are determined to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

Please contact us today for your free consultation.

Van Dorn and Curtiss now on Facebook.

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)12846 — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

OK so now we're on Facebook. Why? You might ask. Well, we think that if you get to know our story a little better then you'll see that we live up to the bold claims that we make on our website. We're the best personal injury law firm in the Upper Valley. We humbly make that claim. But we're human too. We live in these communities and have ties here. We care about our clients because they're our neighbors as well. We care about their stories and we take pride in being able to brighten that story.
So, become our fan on Facebook and watch as we let our hair down a little where appropriate. But hey, it's not all fun around here and we'll show you how we prepare to do battle for our clients as well.
http://facebook.com/pages/Orford-NH/Van-Dorn-Curtiss-PLLC/110279490239?ref=nf

Van Dorn & Curtiss can now be followed on Twitter

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)12773 — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

There isn't anyone anywhere that's figured out how to use social networking sites to effectively market to their customers. If someone tells you they have then they've lied. But that's not going to stop me, Jeff, the summer intern, from developing new and interesting ways to reach out to potential clients, past clients, other attorneys, and people who are interested in the law here in New Hampshire and Vermont. Check our updates at http://twitter.com/TrialLawyer1

Further complicating our strategy is the fact that lawyer to client advertising is frowned upon. But that is changing. Besides, we're not a bunch of ambulance chasers looking to make a quick buck off of someone else's misfortune. On the contrary, we are regular people who have had our share of trying times as well. We know what it's like to be suffering and to require the assistance of others. When we take on a case, we do so out of respect for our client is going through. Our track record confirms it.

When speaking in front of a jury one thing is certain; the people who make up that jury are not stupid. They can spot a fake a mile away. If we were not interested in our client's best interest or in just making a buck then we would not have achieved our claim as the most experienced and most successful trial lawyers in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Vermont Acts to Make Drug Makers' Gifts Public

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)12355 — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Legislators in Vermont just passed a bill that would make it illegal for pharmaceutical
companies to give “meals, gifts, and other relationships” to doctors in exchange for
brand loyalty. An article in the New York Times states, “the new law would let Vermonters
learn each year which doctors have been paid, and how much, by the makers of brand-name
drugs from which they wrote prescriptions.”

Meant to discourage the influence of marketing efforts on doctors, the bill asserts,
that the company’s drug is used more often than a competitor’s even when evidence indicates
that another drug would be more beneficial, less expensive and safer.

The top 100 recipients received on average $17,700 each but that only counted 17% of the
gifts because the other 83% was hidden from public view by a trade secret exemption in
state law. Some doctors received over $100,000 dollars in gifts. How could that not
influence their practice?

When you are ill and must see a doctor, it is a team effort between your medical
professionals and yourself. If something doesn’t sound right to you, speak up, ask
questions, and get clarification. It is your right to understand what the doctor is
prescribing to you whether it is a drug or a course of action. Mistakes can lead to
wrongful death.

If you want aggressive and expert pursuit of your medical malpractice claim and full
recovery of all damages you are owed due to the negligence of a doctor or healthcare
professional, call Van Dorn & Curtiss at 1-866-632-8980 for a consultation. Trust the
lawyers other lawyers trust, and call Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

Robin Curtiss Settles Automobile Accident Case for $50,000

jeff@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)12256 — Wed, 20 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Colety Case Settles for $50,000

Denise Colety drove to work Wednesday, March 15, 2006 when another vehicle slid out of control on the snowy roads and into Denise’s lane colliding with her and totaling her car. She bit through her lip and later vomited blood. Her left knee hurt. Her left shoulder was swollen and ached as a result of her collision with the dash board. Mrs. Colety had never been in an automobile accident before. She was in tears, afraid to drive again.

As a grandmother, Denise enjoyed spending time with her grand children and gardening. As a result of her injuries, she no longer was able to so this at the level she had before the crash. Mrs. Colety had racked up some medical bills as well, over $15,000 to be more specific. She contacted Van Dorn & Curtiss attorneys who, for over thirty years have specialized in helping accident victims get back to normal.

The two parties agreed to have a mediator help settle the case in Portsmouth on May 19, 2009 before going to a trial. At first, the insurance adjuster didn’t show up, usually a sign that the case will not settle that day. Rob went ballistic arguing that his presentation would be more effective if seen in person. He took the adjuster’s absence as sign that Geico, the defendant’s insurance carrier did not intend to settle the case that day.

Withour mediator, William H. Mulvey, Jr., Rob began to argue for the strength of Denise’s case in terms of liability. By the time Rob had finished the defense attorney had apologized to Rob for not telling him that there would be no adjuster present and never really matched Rob’s skill level. Bids were exchanged back and forth between the two parties as Rob continued to show no aversion of taking this case in front of a jury. Just two and a half hours later the Coletys accepted Geico’s offer of $50,000 and by five o’clock in the afternoon were seen strolling through the streets of Portsmouth on their way to a celebratory dinner. Mr. Mulvey stated “another attorney would have settled this case for $25,000.” But with the hard working team at Van Dorn and Curtiss, the Colety’s got what they deserved.

Questionable Claims Make It Harder For Serious Personal Injury Cases

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)12199 — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Here’s one for the books. It appears that a California woman is suing Southwest Airlines over a dispute concerning the use of her cell phone. Any of us who travel by air know the rules. There comes a time when you’re sitting on the plane right before take-off that you must turn off your cell phone. I just assumed it was some kind of safety measure and never had a problem turning the thing off when they asked me to and turning it back on when they said it was ok. Well, I guess it wasn’t ok for Norma Stiener and she wound up getting arrested for disorderly conduct after she refused to turn off her phone when asked by the flight attendant.

Now, here’s the kicker Norma Stiener is suing Southwest Airlines for false imprisonment and asking for 2 million dollars in damages. I don’t know any details of the case, but it seems to me that if the airline wants you to turn off your cell phone for safety reasons and you refuse, then maybe you should face the consequences. Not only am I amazed that she is suing for 2 million dollars, I am amazed that a lawyer even took this case. To learn more about it, see the article in USA Today . The details may tell a different story, but in my opinion, on its face it looks like one of those law suits that give lawyers and the legal system a bad name. This makes it only harder for my firm to serve the interests of seriously injured personal injury victims. Ed Van Dorn

First Responders Often Injured as They Work to Save Lives | Vermont

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)11480 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

First responders are emergency personnel trained to respond to accidents and provide medical care for any accident victims. First responders include police officers, firefighters, EMT's, search and rescue volunteers, volunteer fire fighters, lifeguards and lay rescuers.

Recent fires and accidents in Vermont highlight the importance of first responders. Volunteer and paid firefighters responded to and kept under control a brush fire off Central Shaft Road in Vermont. In the same weekend volunteer firefighters responded to a motorcycle accident that injured four.

Though first responders act quickly and work to save others, they are often put in risky situations that can and do injure and kill thousands each year. If you have been injured while on the job and are having trouble getting the workers compensation you need please contact a lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. We work tirelessly to protect the rights of the injured in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Distracted Drivers a Real Threat | New Hampshire Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)11170 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent accident involving a cyclist in Vermont has been blamed on a distracted driver. At the time of the accident the driver was using her GPS to look for a place to eat. Though GPS, hands-free cell phones and other new gadgets promise to help lower driver distraction they can sometimes cause it.

Studies show that even using a hands-free cell phone can lead to driver distraction. As your mind focuses on the call your ability to pay full attention to the road is diminished. During the accident discussed above, the driver was looking down at her electronic map instead of focusing on the road ahead of her.

Distracted drivers are everywhere and I am sure that at some point you have looked away from the road to attend to other matters. In that moment we do not realize the seriousness of the indiscretion. In the blink of an eye a distracted driver can lose control of their vehicle, injuring and even killing a fellow motorist, pedestrian or cyclist.

If you have been injured in a car accident you deserve a New Hampshire attorney who's winning record speaks for itself. Please contact a lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation

Dog Bit, Attacked Women in New Hampshire | Dog Bite Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)10383 — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A New Hampshire woman was recently bitten by her son's dog. In this case the dog was a pit bull and was visiting with its owners, the victims' son and daughter-in-law. Often dogs that bite are known by the victim.

In Nebraska a pit bull viciously attacked a women in the front yard of her own home. The owner of this dog was her son, just like the New Hampshire attack. In two unrelated cases children were injured after a dog bit them in the family home.

However, not all dog bites occur at home. On March 28^th a dog came around a corner and ripped a baby out of its mother's arms. Both received injuries during the attack. The baby needed stitches while the mother had deep puncture wounds on her thigh.

In this case the owner was a friend of the victim. What should one do in such a situation? While you do not want to fracture a friendship is it crucial that you or an injured family member receive enough money to cover medical expenses now and into the future.

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog please contact a lawyer. Only an experienced attorney can ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries and mental trauma.

Please contact an attorney at Van Dorn and Curtiss today.

UVM Pays $325,000 in Fatal Vermont Car Crash

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)10337 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Back in November, 2001 three IBM employees were on their way to work in Essex Junction, Vermont when Theodore Pecor, age 25, veered into their lane of travel on Route 15. Lyman Dezotell Jr., 44, of Derby Line, Dean Fountain, 69, of Newport, and Kevin Baker, 44, of Coventry, all died in the crash. Although, at first, this may seem like a typical car accident based on the negligence of Theodore. Pecor, it wasn’t. Theodore Pecor was a college student who had been participating in a study at the University of Vermont. The purpose of the study was to determine ways to help drug addicts overcome opiate additions through medication other than methadone. Therefore, as part of the study, Pecor was given buprenorphine, two hours prior to the crash. It was determined that Pecor fell asleep at the wheel due to the sedative effects of the drug. The families of the victims claim that the researchers didn’t war Pecor about the sedative effects of buprenorphine. Although UVM had denied any liability thus far, Baker's widow, Ann Baker, won an $800,000 settlement last December and UVM agreed to pay $325,000 this past week. UVM was quoted as saying the settlements were "essentially a business decision based on the high costs of litigating cases of this nature and the prospect of even more significant costs associated with such cases going to trial." If you are wondering what happened to Pecor, he pleaded no contest to grossly negligent operation with death resulting and was sentenced to three to 15 years in prison.

Van Dorn & Curtiss frequently represents families of car accident victims. If you would like to find out more about these types of accidents, injuries, insurance claims, etc. visit our wrongful death and automobile accidents pages of our website. If you have been in an accident and are not sure what steps you should take to protect your rights, visit our Auto Accident Checklist For Negligence Claims for more information.

To see the full article published by the Associated Press, click here.

Injured on someone else's property? The basics of premises liability law.

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)10059 — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Premises liability is an area of civil law that holds a person responsible when someone is injured on his or her property. Some people commonly refer to these situations as “slip and fall” cases, however that name should not mislead the legal consumer into thinking that these are easy cases. To the contrary, it takes a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney to assess a premises liability case.

There are multiple factors that an attorney must take into consideration when determining whether or not you have a viable claim. For example, your attorney must evaluate whether or not the so-called defendant was truly the possessor of the land and premises at issue. Second, your attorney must evaluate the premises liability law in your particular jurisdiction to determine whether you are classified as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. These classifications will relate to the duty the defendant owned to you. Usually a property owner (or person in control of the property at issue) has the duty to use ordinary care and to protect and warn persons on their property of harm, if such harm is unreasonable. Included in this duty is the obligation to inspect the premises so that a property owner will become aware of potential hazards.

Interestingly, property owners whose premises abut sidewalks and public roads can be held responsible when dangerous conditions existing on those premises harm members of the public who are passing by.

Van Dorn & Curtiss frequently represents individuals who have been harmed by dangerous conditions existing on someone else’s property. If you would like to find out more about these types of accidents, injuries, or insurance claims, visit our website.

Common Medical Malpractice Cases | New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9976 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Medical mistakes happen in every part of the country and in every type of medical facility. Despite a dedication to helping, not hurting, doctors, nurses, lab techs, pharmacists and other staff members can and do make mistakes. Even the most modern hospital is not immune to serious, even deadly medical errors.

Some of the more common errors include:

medication mistakes
medication mix-ups
wrong diagnosis
surgery errors
infections caught in the hospital
lab testing errors

Over 15 million people are injured by medical mistakes each year. In addition, more than 50,000 people die at the hands of medical professionals. New Hampshire is not immune to medical negligence. Medical mistakes are one of top ten killers in the state.

If you have been injured and believe that a medical error is to blame, you need a lawyer who has a winning record. The attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss have the medical malpractice experience you need when you have been seriously injured.

Supreme Court issues opinion in Wyeth v. Levine

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9605 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A few months ago we posted a blog to our website titled “How does the United States Supreme Court affect personal injury claims in Vermont?” This blog addressed the case of Wyeth v. Levine. In this case, the musician Diana Levine had lost part of her arm due to an infection caused by a painkiller manufactured by Wyeth. During the case, Wyeth asserted that it was not responsible for the personal injuries suffered by Levine because the FDA had approved the painkiller. Wyeth argued that the federal government, through the FDA, regulates drugs, and that people injured as a result of taking such drugs should not be able to sue the drug makers in court as long as they had followed the FDA guidelines.

The Vermont Supreme Court issued a ruling in favor of Diana Levine, holding that Levine was not in fact barred from bringing her suit. The case was appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court in 2008. The Court issued its opinion, today and agreed with the Vermont Supreme Court and personal injury plaintiff Diana Levine!!

This is a major defeat for the pharmaceutical industry and a major victory for personal injury plaintiffs all over the country. In essence, the Supreme Court held that state law tort suits are not pre-empted by the federal law governing drug labeling. In other words, federal regulations do not trump state actions.

Both attorneys on the case issued opinions to the Wall Street Journal which can be found on their blog. Wyeth’s lawyer said: “We believed that Federal law prohibited the company from revising its product label as the Vermont court required, and we regret that the Supreme Court disagreed. The medical and scientific experts at FDA are in the best position to weigh the risks and benefits of a medicine and to assess how those risks and benefits should be described in the product’s label.”

Levine’s lawyer said: “The Supreme Court’s opinion reaffirms the important role state law plays in promoting consumer safety and providing compensation for injuries. More importantly, the decision permits Ms. Levine to put this chapter behind her and to move on with her life.”

As Weather Warms Dog Bites Increase | New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9506 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Each year as the weather warms, a disturbing trend emerges; an increase in dog attacks. Historically, spring and summer are the most common seasons for dog bites. Animals are out more after the long winter and children, the most common victims of dog attacks, are often outside with them.

Recent dog attacks across the country remind us that dog's can and do attack. There are ways to try and prevent dog bites. Prevention tips focus on both dog owners and parents of children. Even if you do not have a dog, be sure that your kids know how to avoid and protect themselves in the event of a dog attack.

Did you know that the most common dog bite injuries affect the victims head, face and neck? These areas often require extensive reconstructive surgery and have an emotional affect on the victim.

If you or your child has been attacked by a dog please contact Van Dorn & Curtiss today. We are your New Hampshire dog bite lawyer.

Latest Round of Seatbelt Legislation | Where do you stand?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9503 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Seatbelts are a major topic of discussion across New Hampshire. The House recently approved a measure that would make New Hampshire the last state in the union to enact a mandatory adult seatbelt law.

The question is...where do you stand on this issue?

Proponents of the bill site the federal money the state would receive if the law is passed. In addition, they believe that it will decrease deaths on the highways and save the state money that is now spent on medical treatments of the injured.

However, these points do not sit well with those opposed to the measure. Lawmakers and citizens alike believe that overregulation is a slippery slope. Many see the law as one more step toward an overbearing state government.

So where do you stand?

Tragic Rear-End Accident in New Hampshire: Two Killed; One Seriously Injured

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9443 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Late on Friday, February 20, 2009 a father and his 5-year-old son were killed in Rochester, New Hampshire. The accident occurred on Route 11 when Carl Lytle rear-ended a car that was waiting to make a left hand turn. Carl Lytle and Tyler Lytle were from New Durham. Ann Leighton, of Farmington, was the driver of the vehicle that was rear-ended. She was waiting to turn left into Lilac City Pediatrics. Immediately following the collision, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2007 Dodge Charger traveling east on Route 11 smashed into the vehicles.

Ann Leighton was taken to Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester and was listed in critical condition.

The highway was shut down for hours as police tried to determine exactly what happened. The Strafford County Regional Technical Accident Reconstruction team is investigating the accident. However, authorities have said that the motorist was driving too fast for the icy roads. Apparently, Route 11 is known for high-speed driving.

Driving too fast for conditions is a common issue in New Hampshire. For example, police counted 18 accidents on Seacoast highways (Route 12, Route 101 and Interstate 95) on Friday morning.

This story serves as a reminder to all drivers in the Vermont/New Hampshire area that road conditions can be very dangerous during the winter. If you are a passenger in a motor vehicle that is involved in a car accident due to negligent driving, you may have a personal injury claim. The driver of a motor vehicle has a duty to operate the motor vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner. This standard of care applies in dangerous, wintry weather conditions as well. If you have been injured in a car accident, see Auto Accident Checklist, for detailed information on how to protect your rights.

For the full store in the union leader, click here.

Motor Vehicle Accident Victim Concerns

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9384 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you probably have serious concerns that need to be addressed right away. How should you deal with your insurance company? What do you say to the insurance company that may or may not be harmful to the claim? Should you make a statement to investigating police, if so what should you say? Should you seek medical treatment for your injuries right away or are you afraid you will incur large medical bills that you cannot pay? Who will pay the medical costs for the treatment you already received? How can you make up missed time at work and be compensated for your lost wages? How and when should you get your motor vehicle repaired or replaced? Should you hire a lawyer? How do you get the best settlement for your claim?

This website can help. It is designed to provide answers to all these questions and more. Find answers to questions by going to our Frequently Asked Questions section or find more in depth information in our Library articles. Also our Automobile Accident practice area is a good source of information. Click on any of these links and find your way to valuable information on what to do if you are seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Finally, you are welcome to contact or call our firm with any questions you may have. Call us toll free at 1 (866) 632-8980 or fill out the Free Consultation contact form on the upper right hand portion of this page and someone will get back to you promptly. Please remember we are here to serve you.

Consumer Alert

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)9354 — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

As economic times get tougher there are many predatory firms out there claiming they can help with financial problems. Recently we received a call from a client complaining they wire money to a firm that held itself out as being able to fix IRS debts. The client never saw the money again and needless to say the firm did nothing to help. Now they won't even answer the phone. Legal proceedings are unlikely to help clients in this fix. Court costs and attorneys fees can make it prohibitive. The best thing to do is to check out these companies very carefully before giving them any money or signing any contracts.

Upcoming meeting with an attorney? What to expect in your first interview.

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8706 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Do you have a meeting scheduled with an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss to discuss the merits of a potential personal injury claim? If you don’t, and would like to schedule one, please contact us. If an appointment is already scheduled, you may be wondering what to expect or what information the attorney is going to ask you. The first meeting between you and your lawyer could be the most important meeting in your case. During your initial interview, your attorney will typically discuss several factors that may play a role in your potential personal injury claim. These factors include the statute of limitations in your case. Specifically, your attorney will need to determine when the statute of limitation begins to run on all your potential claims, and when it ends. Your attorney will also discuss issues bearing on liability. This is where details are very critical, and the attorney may spend a significant amount of time walking through the events step by step. For example, in an automobile accident case, your attorney will need to know how the accident happened, a description of the scene of the collision, the location of all vehicles involved in the collision, the point of impact, and other details such as speed, time, and road markings. Your attorney will also discuss damages. Damages may include out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, future expenses, medical bills, as well as intangible harm such as pain and suffering. Other potential topics to be discussed include the client’s background, other parties involved, potential witnesses, potential defenses, physical evidence, paperwork, the client’s goals, and the steps going forward. There is one important thing to should keep in mind: tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Don’t tell your lawyer what you think is important. It is crucial that you tell the entire story, making sure to include all facts that you might think are negative or harmful to your claim. This is the only way to ensure that your attorney gives you the best and most candid advice.

New Client Testimonial

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8695 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Today, we added another Client Testimonial to our site. Our client is Cheryl H. Cheryl was seriously injured in a car accident. She went to a local law firm near where she lived. The lawyers there tried to convince her to accept a settlement that would barely cover her medical bills. Dissatisfied with that firm, Cheryl then came to us. We advised her that she had a good claim and that we would represent her interests against the insurance company. Our skilled team put Cheryl’s claim together and then began negotiations with the insurance company. The insurance company balked at paying a fair settlement so we filed a lawsuit. We took the case through the litigation process and got ready for trial. (To learn more about the litigation process contact us for a free copy of our Personal Injury Victim's Handbook for Vermont and New Hampshire.)Finally, on the eve of trial the insurance company made what we thought was a fair settlement and Cheryl accepted it.

All to often we go through this process. After 30 years of representing seriously injured personal injury victims we know that sometimes insurance companies will not pay what we consider to be fair settlements until their backs are against the wall. Our background, experience and track record trying personal injury cases to juries gives us the leverage to make the insurance companies pay what we consider to be fair settlements, not what they want to pay. Sometimes we have to take them down to the wire, but that's ok with us as long as our client get's a fair settlement. To see Cheryl’s Testimonial, click here: Testimonial

What is premises liability?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8612 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

vMost people do not know that premises liability covers a wide range of liability cases. Most people assume that it covers accidents or negligence that occurs on a personal property, i.e. someone house. However, premises liability covers accidents that occur on any property.

FindLaw.com states that premises liability holds owners and occupiers of property legally responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on that property. So what does this mean to you?

This means that if you are hurt on anyone's property, be it a residence or a public space, and the negligence of the property owner caused your injury, then they can be held responsible.

Premises liability covers any injury that occurs on someone else's property. This includes but is not limited to:

Amusement parks
Big box store
Grocery stores
Residential properties
Hotels and hotel security
Nightclubs and restaurants
Sports arenas and stadiums
Parking garages or structures
Playgrounds and play areas

As premises liability is so far reaching, only an experienced lawyer can effectively battle insurance companies and corporate lawyers. If you live in New Hampshire or Vermont and have been injured on someone's property and believe that the property owner is to blame please contact us today.

Peanut Butter Product Recalls Affect New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8546 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

New Hampshire is not the only state affected by the recent outbreak of salmonella cases. 43 states and over 501 people have reported cases of salmonella poisoning due to tainted peanut butter.

Though the source has been found and recalls are topping out at over 200 products, be sure to double check any item you eat that contains peanut butter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration adds new product recalls to this site as they become available. Before consuming any peanut butter food item please check the list.

Recent outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli highlight the dangers of mass produced food. Sadly, food is not the only product that has a history of causing harm.

From cribs to toys containing toxic levels of lead, we as consumers must be wary of any item we bring into our home. Children's products are meant to bring comfort and joy yet the list of toys too dangerous to play with grows by the day.

Recent legislation attempts to fix some of the testing problems related to kids products, yet the numerous recalls, illnesses and even deaths have made consumers wary of buying things for their children and homes. Who can blame them?

If you or your child has been adversely affected by a product, please contact us today. Only a lawyer who knows product liability can help you and prevent others from being harmed.

What is a Tort?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8494 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Van Dorn & Curtiss specializes in tort law. There are three major kinds of torts: negligent torts, intentional torts, and strict liability torts. These are discussed in detail in our library articled titled “What is a Tort? A brief overview of negligent torts, intentional torts, and strict liability.” The purpose of the article is to provide our clients and potential clients with substantive information regarding civil law because we believe an informed legal consumer is our best client. Negligent torts and civil suits based upon principles of negligence. “Negligence” is the failure to exercise the type of care that a reasonable person would under the same circumstances. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their motor vehicles in a reasonable fashion. If a driver fails to act reasonably, or safely, as another driver would under the same circumstances, that person has breached their duty of care and civil suit may be brought to recover damages resulting from the breach of that duty. Intentional torts are civil wrongs resulting from the intentional actions of another person. These are also commonly referred to as battery, assault, false imprisonment, trespass, nuisance, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Although many intentional torts are punishable through the criminal justice system, civil law compensates the victim for any damages incurred.Strict liability is a tort, which holds a person responsible for harm caused by their actions regardless of their subjective culpability or fault. These cases typically arise in the context of defective products or animal attacks.

Van Dorn & Curtiss frequently represents victims of negligent torts, intentional torts, and strict liability torts. For more information about these types of injuries, visit some of our practice area pages such as personal injury; automobile accidents; wrongful death; product liability; and pet attacks.

The relationship between criminal law and civil law in drunk-driving accidents: the criminal justice system cannot provide adequate compensation when you lose a loved one in a fatal car accident.

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8270 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Unfortunately, people are seriously injured every day in traffic accidents due to other driver’s negligence. Recently, however, two stories remind us that the possibility of being seriously injured, and even killed in a traffic accident is even greater when the driver is operating his or her vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

The first story is of a fatal accident involving Eric Warner, 33, and Emily Brown, 26, of Sunapee New Hampshire. Apparently, Eric Warner was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol and speeding when he crashed into trees on Harding Hill Road. His passenger, Emily Brown was killed during the collision.

The second story is of a fatal accident involving Royal Kinsey, 44 and Jamie Lanager-White, 33 of South Londonderry, Vermont. Police responded to a single vehicle crash and found a truck upside down in the river, both the driver and passenger trapped inside. Jamie Lanager-White, the passenger died at the hospital. Police have determined that the driver had been drinking.

Both drivers in these accidents face criminal charges. Eric Warner is charged with negligent homicide and Royal Kinsey has been charged with manslaughter.

The purpose of criminal law in these situations is to hold the negligent driver responsible. Although the victim’s family may receive some minimal compensation called “restitution,” this would only occur if the Defendant pleads guilty to the charge or is found guilty by a jury. Even then, the restitution will only provide the victim’s families with minimal compensation.

The purpose of civil law, or personal injury law, is to compensate the victim’s family by holding the negligent driver civilly liable, in addition to criminally liable. In a civil tort case, the victim’s family would receive compensate for the harm they have suffered, above and beyond the minimal restitution they may or may not receive following a criminal prosecution.

Van Dorn & Curtiss frequently represents families of car accident victims who are in similar circumstances. If you would like to find out more about these types of accidents, injuries, insurance claims, etc. visit our wrongful death page of our website.

Massive Pile-Up in New Hampshire, 100 injured.

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8185 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

On January 11, 2009 vehicles piled-up on Interstate 93 in Derry, New Hampshire. Roughly 100 people sustained injuries, and 19 were transported to local hospital with more serious injuries.

Apparently, a car had stopped on the interstate, and in an attempt to avoid it, a school bus filled with Boy Scouts applied its breaks. When this happened, cars began sliding to avoid the bus at 50 mile per hour. In total, 46 cars, three buses, and two tractor-trailers were involved in the pile-up.

Seventeen ambulances and dozens of EMTs searched car by car in an attempt to identify the injured. Luckily, no one sustained life-threatening injuries, however many people did sustain serious personal injury, such as broken legs and ankles. On man had to be pulled out from underneath a tractor-trailer. The story was reported by WMTW and the Boston Herald.

This accident serves as a reminder that road conditions can be dangerous in New Hampshire during the winter driving season. Winter drivers, remember to give yourself more time to get to your destination and drive with extra caution to avoid an accident. If you have been injured in a car accident, see Auto Accident Checklist, for detailed information on how to protect your rights.

Recent car accidents in Vermont, remind us to use caution during the winter driving season.

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8184 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two recent motor vehicle crashes in Vermont, serve as a reminder to all Vermont and New Hampshire drivers that road conditions can be very dangerous during the winter.

On December 31, 2008, two family members from Richmond, Vermont were seriously injured on Route 117 in Jericho. According to the Vermont State Police, Diana Hansen, age 24 lost control of her vehicle and collided with Katherine Buxton, age 17. Diana Hansen was accompanied by 2 year old Jane Hansen. They were both taken to Fletcher Allen Hospital for treatment. Although the accident remains under investigation, the Vermont State Police have indicated that the roadway was slippery at the time of the collision. You can click here to read the full Burlington Free Press article.

Similarly, on January 14, 2009 two men were seriously injured on Route 140 in Tinmouth, Vermont. According to Vermont State Police, driver Kevin Ballantine slid off the roadway, hit a snowbank, and started to roll. Nicholas Jones was a passenger in his vehicle. They were both taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. You can click here to read the full Burlington Free Press article.

If you are a passenger in a motor vehicle that is involved in a car accident due to negligent driving, you may have a personal injury claim. The driver of a motor vehicle has a duty to operate the motor vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner. This standard of care applies in dangerous, wintry weather conditions as well. If you have been injured in a car accident, see Auto Accident Checklist, for detailed information on how to protect your rights.

Winter drivers, remember to give yourself more time to get to your destination and drive with extra caution to avoid an accident.

The Sources of Tort Law

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8044 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

A tort is a civil wrong resulting in injury or harm to another person. The tort, or civil wrong, provides the grounds for a lawsuit. For more information on torts, see What is a Tort? A brief overview of Negligent Torts, Intentional Torts, and Strict Liability. At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we specialize in personal injury litigation and helping injured people get monetary compensation for the harm they have suffered. One of the ways in which we provide outstanding legal service to our clients is by being familiar with the sources of tort law and the current developments in tort law.

Tort law is state law based upon common law and statutory law. Common law is also known as law created by judges while statutory law is that which is enacted through the state legislature. Both New Hampshire and Vermont have adopted state statues which apply to civil actions based on tort law.

Many judges and lawyers also refer to the Restatement (Second) of Torts. The Restatement (Second) of Tort is published by the American Law Institute and is considered a secondary authority (as opposed to a primary authority such as a state statute).

In addition, Federal law, such as the Federal Tort Claims Act is an important statute, which permits private parties to sue the United States in a federal court torts committed by persons acting on behalf of the United States.

Cornell University Law School’s Legal Information Institute is also a great source for information on tort law and federal statutes.

Settlements in Personal Injury Cases

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8040 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

There is a story that's been told among trial lawyers for years. The inexperienced, young, ambitious trial lawyer asks the older, experienced, successful trial lawyer, "Sir, how do you get a million dollar jury verdict?"
"Easy", the old timer says, "Just screw up a two million dollar case." Told as a joke or not, this story has a point. The point is when it comes to personal injury law suits, each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. This brings up all of the bragging done by so-called personal injury lawyers in their phone book advertisements, websites and that sort of thing. For example you often see the boast "Call us, we've settled millions of dolllars of cases for our clients." Well maybe that's true, but did those firms get complete and fair settlements for those clients or did you just settle a lot of cases because of your advertising. In other words were they just Settlement Mills. We have a section of our website that specifically discusses this issue and explains how to choose the right personal injury lawyer for your case. Click to these sections to find out more: How to Find the Best Lawyer For Your Personal Injury Case or 22 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer If you ever are in need of the services of a personal injury or accident law firm these special reports will help you choose the right lawyer for your case.

Does The Medical System Really Make Life Threatening Mistakes?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)8024 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

When people employed in the medical industry learn that I represent victims of medical malpractice against hospitals, doctors and other medical providers I often get a cold reception. With the medical professionals willing to talk with me about (yes I do have friends and colleagues in the medical profession and they do talk to me) they candidly admit that mistakes are made in hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices that often cause serious injury and sometimes death. For the most part they also agree that the victims of these mistakes should have legal recourse and should receive reasonable compensation for their losses.

Sometimes the mistakes are on an individual level and sometimes they are big and very dangerous mistakes that threaten the safety and wellbeing of large numbers of people. One of the big mistakes was made recently in one of the nation's biggest medical laboratories, Quest Diagnostics in the testing of vitamin levels in blood samples. To read about it see the January 7, 2008 NY Times article. Mistakes like these have the potential of causing serious problems. False results may lead to patient's changing or eliminating important supplements they are required to take to maintain good health. False results could even lead to toxic overdoses.

Does the medical industry make mistakes? You bet it does. Our legal system of medical malpractice law is necessary and vital to redress those mistakes asking only that the persons or corporations responsible for making them should be made to pay the costs of the mistakes. Otherwise the entire burden of medical mistakes would be thrust on the victim. This is unwise and unfair and contrary to our tried and true system of American justice. To learn more about medical malpractice and our law firm's experience in this area of the law visit the Medical Malpractice Section of This Website.

One Million Dollar Settlement in Medical Malpractice Claim Against VA Hospital

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7951 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

We are pleased to announce the recent settlement of a major medical malpractice case in our office. Our client Bill N. a disabled veteran suffered from a chronic debilitating skin disease known as hydradenitis suppurativa. For many years he was treated at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in White River Junction Vermont yet they could not control or cure the problem. At one point he was hospitalized for over a year. The treating doctor’s admitted they weren’t helping him but nevertheless they would not refer him to a specialist outside the VA system. So he continued to deteriorate. Finally, he saw a doctor at Brigham Women’s Hospital in Boston who was shocked that the VA did not give him better treatment. As a result Bill sought legal counsel and his local lawyer referred him to us, here at Van Dorn & Curtiss. After speaking with the doctor in Boston who said that if Bill had been treated by a specialist there was a lot that could have been done to help him that the VA didn’t do. We decided to represent Bill and filed the law suit on his behalf.

The Vermont US Attorney’s Office represented the VA and despite the fact that the attorneys there had no experience with medical malpractice law they adamantly denied that the VA was liable forcing the case into a long drawn out litigation. Finally before the case went to trial the VA settled for $1,000,0000 which was the maximum authority the Vermont US Attorney had for settling the case. Click here to see our Case Results article on this settlement.

Neighborhood Safety Helps Keep Pedestrians Safe

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7705 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Recent accidents involving pedestrians bring to light the importance of safety around pedestrians. Fortunately there are many non-profit and government agencies who are helping educate the public and keep pedestrians safe.

The US Department of Transportation implemented their Pedestrian Safety Campaign to help drivers and pedestrians avoid accidents. Getting your children involved at a young age will teach them to be aware of their surroundings and stay safe on the road.

The Pedestrian Safety Campaign targets children and their families, giving them the tools necessary to evaluate the safety of their streets and sidewalks. The checklist offered on the site allows children to fill out a worksheet that rates the safety of their neighborhood.

The checklist asks the following questions:

1. Did you have enough room to walk safely?
2. Was it easy to cross streets?
3. Did drivers behave well?
4. Was it easy to follow safety rules?
5. Was your walk pleasant?

Each question has several items to check. Depending on how many items you check, your neighborhood will get a rating of anywhere from, "Celebrate! You have a great neighborhood for walking," to "Call out the National Guard before you walk. It's a disaster area."

Once the weather warms go for a walk and rate your neighborhood; it just may prevent an accident.

Keep Safe on New Hampshire's Winter Weather Roadways

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7683 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

A lawyer is ready to help you in your time of need. However, if at all possible we would also like to help you before you become injured.

Above all we want you and your family to have a happy and healthy new year. To help you toward this goal this blog post is all about staying safe in the icy weather. Most of us have to go out and drive in the ice and snow here in New Hampshire and all over New England. While this is a necessary evil during the long winter months, there are some things you can do to keep you and your family safe this winter.

Properly inflated tires are a must. Check this before hitting the road.
Stow away a few blankets, any needed medications, an extra cell phone or spare battery, food, water, gasoline, hats and gloves. These things will help you survive in the event of a crash.
If you do have an accident or run off the road and become stuck stay with the vehicle. It offers shelter from the elements and may assist rescue units find you.
Tie a brightly colored cloth on the antenna of your car. If you are trapped at night leave on your dome light.
Check to make sure that your exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. If it is carbon monoxide could be forced into the compartment of your vehicle.
Run your car and heater in intervals. Do so just when you need to take the chill off in order to save gas and battery power.

Though these tips are basic, they could very well save your life. As winter weather worsens even seasoned driver can benefit from a refresher course on winter driving safety tips.

Was that person "negligent" and do I have a personal injury case?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7566 — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Many people are injured as a result of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, industrial accidents, construction site accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and medical malpractice. If the injury was the result of another’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case. Negligence is the failure to exercise the type of care that a reasonable person in society would exercise under the same circumstances, also known as reasonable care. Negligence does not simply mean that someone has done something wrong. Rather, there are elements of negligence that have to be established. These elements are duty, breach, causation, and damages. For a more detailed explanation of the elements of negligence, click here: The Elements of Negligence. If your personal injury attorney can establish these elements, then you may have a personal injury case. A personal injury case is a legal request for financial compensation for damages suffered as a result of another’s negligence. However, your personal injury claim may be subject to a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is the maximum period of time you have to initiate a claim, or bring legal proceedings, based on the negligent event that caused your injury. At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we can review your case and help determine your claim eligibility.

The Elements of Negligence

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7565 — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care with harm resulting. Reasonable care is generally defined by what the average person in our society would do or not do under the same circumstances. In a civil case, such as a personal injury case, including automobile accident cases, medical malpractice cases, product liability cases and premises liability cases to name a few, there are specific elements of negligence that must be established to make the case. . These elements are “duty”, “breach”, “causation”, and “damages” and are explained in more detail in the article on our website. To continue go here

How does the United States Supreme Court affect personal injury claims in Vermont?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7542 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Every year the United States Supreme Court rules on a wide variety of legal issues. In 2009 the Supreme Court is expected to issue an opinion in the case of Wyeth v. Levine. In this case the drug company, Wyeth is seeking to overturn a Vermont state court’s ruling in favor of Diana Levine, a musician who lost part of her arm after an infection caused by a painkiller manufactured by Wyeth. The legal issue before the court is whether federal law preempts conflicting Vermont state law and whether Diana Levine can bring a personal injury claim against a drug manufacturer for injuries caused by FDA-approved drugs. If the Supreme Court rules that Diana Levine’s is barred from bringing a suit, drug companies could be immune from personal injury claims as long as the drug was approved by the FDA. The Supreme Court will release its rulings in the spring and it will be interesting to see how the case is decided.

This is a frustrating example of how insurance companies often attempt to escape liability based on a technicality. As discussed in Personal Injury Law, Insurance and the movie “Sicko,” if you have a serious personal injury claim don’t think that the insurance company will treat you fairly. The only time an insurance company pays a fair settlement is when the injured individual is represented by an experienced personal injury attorney. At Van Dorn & Curtiss we know about a thing called insurance companies rules. Click here For a comical explanation of insurance companies rules.

What To Do If You've Been Involved In An Accident

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7512 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by another driver there are certain actions that you should take to preserve your rights. The accident attorneys at Van Dorn and Curtiss have been serving victims of auto accidents in Vermont and New Hampshire for years. During this time we have compiled lists of information it is important for every accident victim to know. These documents are found in our library pages. The first important document contains a checklist of things to do if you have been involved in an auto accident. You can find it by clicking here: Auto Accident Checklist for Negligence Claim.

The second document provides general information about steps to take if you are in a car accident. Find it by clicking here: Steps You Should Take If You Are In A Car Accident.

The third document and perhaps the most important is our checklist to use when hiring an accident attorney to represent you for your personal injury claim. You can find it by clicking here: 22 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney . This last document may be the most important one because the most important decision an accident victim can make is to choose the right attorney. To learn more about the differences in the firms that hold themselves out as personal injury attorneys you can click here: How To Find The Best Law Firm For Your Personal Injury Case. We hope that you and your loved ones are never involved in an auto accident, but if you are the information in these documents found in the Van Dorn & Curtiss library will be helpful.

Letting your car insurance lapse in these tough economic times?

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7435 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Driving without insurance is illegal in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The only states that don't require insurance are New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Therefore, even in good economic times, many people in New Hampshire drive without car insurance. However, it appears that even more drivers are allowing their car insurance to lapse because of these rough economic times. This is interesting in light of the fact that unlicensed and uninsured drivers are disproportionately involved in fatal accidents.

Apparently, several hundred thousand drivers throughout the country dropped their insurance in the past year and have chosen to enter the category of an uninsured motorist. This decision could be attributed to the increased jobless rate. However, this puts both yourself and others on the road at risk. If you are driving without insurance and cause an accident, you could lose whatever assets you own in a court judgment.

If you are hit in a car accident by someone without insurance, you may be unable to recover damages that you suffer. This is because many uninsured drivers do not have assets. If you have motor vehicle insurance, there are some steps you can take to make sure you are protected if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. You can add uninsured motorist coverage. This is extra coverage that will protect you if you are hit by an uninsured driver. Also, by setting your insurance coverage proportionate to your assets, this can help you determine the limit of your uninsured driver coverage. See our blog on New Hampshire Personal Injury Law.

About 20 states require drivers to buy coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists. The coverage compensates policy owners and their families for injuries, including if they are injured as pedestrians, caused by hit-and-run drivers and drivers without insurance. However, this extra coverage does come at a price. It usually adds between 7% and 9% to an average auto premium, according to State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. and Allstate Corp.

For more information, click here to see a recent Wall Street Journal article.

One person killed and five others injured in Arlington Vermont car accident

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7431 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday, December 13^th one man was killed and five injured in a serious car accident on Route 313 in Arlington Vermont. The accident happened when the driver, Raymond Smith, 27, apparantly lost control and failed to negotiate a curve in the road sending the vehicle, a 2000 Dodge Durango, off the road. The car became airborne when it hit large boulders, came to rest on its roof and finally rolled back to an upright position.

John Oney, 67, was killed in the accident. The five injured passengers were Elizabeth King, 33, Christopher Davis, 15, Nicholas Davis, 16 and Christina Smith, 36. One passenger, Smith was critically injured and airlifted to the Albany Medical Center. For a full report on this accident click here to see the recent Burlington Free Press Article.

Winter car accidents occur all too frequently in Vermont, especially on rural highways. This tragic accident is a somber reminder that we should all drive more carefully when winter weather effects road conditions.

Leveling The Playing Field

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7376 — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

When someone is seriously injured in a car accident most of the time the claim will be against an insurance company. Its important to know that insurance companies are not in the business of paying fair settlements on claims made against them. In fact the less an insurance company has to pay on claims the more profitable they are. To the insurance company its a matter of business not fairness. Insurance companies also have teams of lawyers to represent them and defend against claims. To level the playing field an injured claimant needs an experienced personal injury lawyer to help them. This is where we come in. Look at our website and you will learn that we are one of the most succesful personal injury law firms in all of New England.

Soft Tissue Injuries in New Hampshire Car Accidents

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7147 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Each year there are thousands of car accidents in New Hampshire. Statistically there are more car accidents in New Hampshire than many other states due to dangerous seasonal driving conditions, especially winter; antiquated secondary roads and rural highways. Some of these accidents result in death but the vast majority result in soft tissue injury.

A soft tissue injury is generally defined as an injury where no bones (hard tissue) are broken. In New Hampshire soft tissue injuries frequently result from car accidents in the winter when one car skids on ice and hits another car at relatively low speeds. The soft tissue injury victim often doesn’t realize that they have been significantly injured until some time after the accident occurs. The victim often doesn’t seek medical attention until days or sometimes weeks later. New Hampshire folks are known for being pretty tough and resilient so we often have clients in our office who come in and say they were just waiting for the pain, stiffness and other symptoms to go away, and it was only when they persisted that they finally sought medical attention. In this typical situation the insurance company for the negligent driver often uses the delay in treatment as an excuse to deny or minimize the value of the claim.

We here at Van Dorn & Curtiss know that simply because an accident victim waited some time before getting treatment, it doesn’t necessarily mean the soft tissue injury victim didn’t suffer serious injuries. Many doctors will tell you that some soft tissue injuries including, sprains and torn ligaments can be more problematic and difficult to heal than some bone fractures.

For a lengthier discussion on soft tissue injuries and car accidents see the article in our website library at: http://www.vandornandcurtiss.com/library/car-accidents-and-soft-tissue-injuries.cfm

Wrongful Death Facts and Statistics

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7019 — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Every year thousands of people are killed in accidents caused by the negligent conduct of others. We have recently added to our library a facts and statistics page laying out specific information about this tragic reality. For many years the lawyers at Van Dorn & Curtiss have been helping families who suffer these tragic losses. It is important to know that the laws concerning the rights of families and dependents can differ from state to state. For example the laws in Vermont and New Hampshire are different concerning wrongful death claims. Because we practice in both states we are very familiar with these laws and can insure that the family and survivors who experience this tragedy can recover all the compensation the law allows. See the wrongful death facts and statistics page in the Wrongful Death section of our library pages.

10 Worst Insurer's in America

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)7006 — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

These are the 10 worst, check to see if your company is on here. If so, and you have a complaint, give me a call...

Medical Errors Caused by Doctor Behavior

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)6921 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

In today's NY Times there is an article concerning doctor's behavior and medical errors that can lead to medical malpractice. There are some astonishing stories in the article, but unfortunately they are all too familiar to attorneys who regularly represent victims of medical negligence. The headline of the article refers to physician behavior that can be both arrogant and abusive. Physician behavior is blamed for low morale and high turnover among hospital staff. Most importantly poor behavior and attitudes of doctors often lead to medical mistakes causing serious harm and sometimes even death to patients.

The most troubling aspect of all of this is that outside of bringing a medical malpractice suit there is little that can be done. Unlike attorneys, doctors and physicians do not have ethical boards that can receive complaints of improper behavior of doctors. Some states have medical boards but they are often understaffed and underfunded and can do little about the underlying problem. Unfortunately medical malpractice law suits are often too expensive to pursue even though the wrong doing of the doctor is obvious but the harm caused does not rise to the level of bringing a law suit that may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses before a jury ever sees the case.

We are grateful to the NY Times for running this article and are hopeful that more public scrutiny may cause the medical profession to improve its ability to police itself and get rid of those doctors who should not be practicing medicine.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claim

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)6315 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

In thirty years of practicing personal injury law both on the plaintiff side and the defense/insurance side I've come to learn that aside from taking care of their medical needs the most important decision a personal injury victim can make is to hire the right law firm to represent them. That is why we devote so much time on this website to choosing the right law firm. The fact is that we cannot take all claims. But it is important to us that anyone with a valid personal injury claim hire the right lawyer for their case. In our Library (click above) we devote an entire section to Choosing A Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim. In that section there are several articles that should help you. Each approaches the question of choosing the right lawyer from a little different angle. But the basic message is the same. Only choose a personal injury firm with a proven track record in the court room, where it counts and a reputation for success, competency and trustworthiness. If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim please contact us. If we cannot take your case we will direct you to an appropriate law firm that can help you.

The Economic Downturn and Personal Injury Law

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)5766 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

Someone asked recently whether the economic downturn may effect the rights of personal injury victims. There are two areas where victims rights may be effected.

The first involves the investment losses suffered by insurance companies. When insurance companies receive premiums they invest those premiums in the market place. When the investments do well the profits of the insurance companies rise. And vice versa when the investments due poorly insurance companies suffer losses and sometimes must scramble to make up those losses. One of the areas where they scramble is paying out claims. Where in a normal economy many standard personal injury claims have a certain value and a certain time expectation for when the claim will be paid, in an economic downturn the insurance company may try even harder than they normally do to avoid paying fair value on claims to make up for investment losses and also delay paying claims so they may earn more interest on the claims money during the delay. This makes it all the more important to have an experienced personal injury law firm during an economic downturn. This leads to the second point.

During economic downturns many lawyers who normally make their living doing real estate closings, business contracts and the like, will see that part of their business dry up. Since the number of people injured or killed by the negligence of others is not impacted by the economy, some of the business lawyers will try their hand at personal injury law. In other parts of this website we explain at length why it is important for victims with serious personal injuries to be only represented by experienced personal injury lawyers. So in an economic downturn it is even more important for the victim to do their homework when choosing the right lawyer for their case.

As I often say to my friends and loved ones, I hope you never have the need for a personal injury lawyer. But if you do it is extremely important that you hire a lawyer with the necessary background, experience, training and reputation for successfully handling serious personal injury claims.

Personal Injury Law, Insurance and the movie "Sicko"

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)5626 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

We have written on this topic before. If you have a personal injury claim it is a mistake to think that the insurance company responsible for paying the claim will treat you fairly. The objective of the insurance company is to make a profit. Profit is made by collecting premiums and paying out as little as the company can get away with in claims.

Michael Moore’s new movie “Sicko” has a very good example of what we are talking about. In it a former insurance company (HMO) executive testifies before congress. While she is testifying about denying health insurance claims the same holds true about how insurance companies treat personal injury liability claims.

Here is an excerpt of her testimony:

“In all my work, I had one primary duty and that was to use my medical expertise for the financial benefit of the organization for which I worked and according to the managed care industry... [In the managed care industry] it is not an ethical issue to sacrifice a human being for a savings, no matter how that savings occurs. And I was repeatedly told that I was not denying care. I was simply denying payment.”

For a more complete record of her testimony you can go to: http://www.cchc-mn.org/issues/peeno596test.php3

or http://www.nomanagedcare.org/DrPeenotestimony.html

The bottom line is that if you have a serious personal injury claim it is a mistake to think the insurance company will treat you fairly. In our experience the only time an insurance company will pay a fair settlement for a serious personal injury claim is when the claimant is represented by an experienced personal injury attorney with the reputation and track record for going to court. It is only with this leverage that fair settlements are paid.

Welcome To Our New Website

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)5494 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

Welcome to our website. Recently we sent a postcard to all our clients and friends of the firm about the redesign of the Van Dorn and Curtiss website. If you received the postcard and have visited the site we are glad you are here and thank you for taking the time to visit the site.

This site will always be a work in progress. We are constantly thinking of ways to improve it to inform the public about our firm and about legal issues that are important to victims of personal injury and other wrong doing. This is where you can help. I would most appreciate any comment you have about the site – good, bad or indifferent. Comments about how you think we can improve the site are especially welcome. You can email me your comments directly at evandorn@nhvtlaw.com .

Again, thank you for reviewing the site and please remember that our greatest source of business comes from word of mouth. That is, from people who tell other people that we will do a good job for them serving their legal needs. I look forward from hearing from you. Ed Van Dorn

Soft Tissue Injuries

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)5492 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

In insurance company jargon they are called “soft tissue injuries”, with the implication that they cannot be serious. “Soft tissue injury” simply means that no bones are broken. The reality can be dramatically different. Personal injury victims who sustain serious neck and back injuries can suffer devastating impact on their lives. So-called “soft tissue injuries” can have serious permanent consequences that plague the victim for the rest of his or her life. Unfortunately many lawyers who call themselves personal injury attorneys but do not like to go to court and who have no meaningful experience in the court room don’t know what to do with these cases. Consequently many victims with serious neck and back injuries are short changed by the legal system. This underscores the importance of getting experienced personal injury lawyers to work for you.

It reminds me of a case my partner had a little while ago. Allstate Insurance Company is notorious for not paying fair value for soft tissue personal injury claims. Our client had a soft tissue injury and the driver who caused the accident was insured by Allstate. She had a serious neck and back injury that resulted in about $7,500 in medical bills and several weeks of lost work. The injury also had “permanent sequelae” meaning that our client would probably suffer from this injury in one way or another for the rest of her life. Needless to say Allstate didn’t believe any of this and offered a settlement of around $15,000. Knowing that these cases can be difficult to prove in court we thought the case was worth more but to avoid the risk of getting a jury that favored the insurance company we were willing to settle the case for $30,000, what we thought was fair value under the circumstances, weighing out the potential of winning the case or getting a low verdict. Of course Allstate pooh poohed our demand and we decided to try the case. In one day my partner presented the case to the jury and it returned a verdict late that afternoon of $100,000 for our client.

Many personal injury attorneys without experience in the court room would have taken the $15,000. Needless to say when we make a reasonable demand to Allstate on behalf of our clients Allstate usually pays the claim. This is just one example of why its so important to have a personal injury attorney with experience in the court room working for you.

Senate Passes Safety Bill for Toys

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3793 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

The United States Senate recently passed a bill designed to make toys geared towards children 12 years and younger safer. The bill sets new standards for materials that may be used for toys, including maximum lead amounts and banning certain types of plastics. The bill also restricts toy sales by internet and magazines. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 89-3, and passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 424-1. President Bush said that he will sign the bill into law.

Appeals Court Upholds $16 Million Bad Faith Claim Against Allstate

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3780 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Missouri Court of Appeals upheld a $16 million bad faith claim against Allstate Insurance Co. The claim stemmed from a car accident involving a drunk driver. The driver crossed the center line of a U.S. highway and hit a married couple's car head-on, resulting in hospital bills of over $320,000. The couple agreed to settle the claim for the drunk driver's policy limit of $50,000; however, Allstate failed to respond to the couple's settlement letter for over six months. The couple filed a bad faith claim and the court awarded over $10.5 million in punitive damages. Allstate claimed it lost the couple's letter and then said they were unsure the accident was the cause of the injuries.

Allstate was also recently recognized as the worst insurance company for consumers.

Research Your Potential Personal Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3745 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

A well known Milwaukee personal injury attorney is under investigation for possible ethical violations. The local attorney regulation board is reviewing potential violations including missed deadlines for filing a lawsuit. As a result of the deadlines passing, the clients' cases had to be dropped.

Many attorney offer potential clients quick results; however, it is important to research an attorney BEFORE you sign an agreement and give them your case. Our publication "22 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney" may be helpful in your research.

Insurance Institute Conducts Pickup Truck Safety Tests

rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3623 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a report on its tests on how well pickup trucks hold up during side impact collisions. The Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon were rated the lowest for side impact safety. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma was rated the highest for side impact safety for small pickup trucks.

I Call Insurance Company Rules!

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3566 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVpX5fUvPlg

This Youtube video is geared towards making the viewer laugh, and it does just that. However, this video actually makes a good point. If you've ever had a claim for benefits with your insurance company, or the insurance company of another, you know that these companies can make up the rules as they go. Insurance policies dictate the duties of both parties; the policy holder as well as the insurer. Yet, it has been repeatedly reported that insurance companies will find new and clever ways to get out of paying claims. The companies make money by accepting premiums and denying claims.

If you have been injured in an accident and are fighting with an insurance company, it may be advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

HR 6126: The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3545 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Last month, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez introduced a bill that would eliminate mandatory arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts. When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you have to sign a contract. These contracts generally have a clause that states that if something happens to your loved one, you must go through binding arbitration with a neutral mediator, as opposed to bringing a claim in court. Generally, these clauses give the nursing homes the right to choose the mediator. It is argued that in most cases the nursing home will choose a mediator that will be sympathetic to their position so as to get repeat business. The purpose of the bill is to motivate nursing homes to provide quality care.

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue. Call your local U.S. Representative and ask them if they support this bill.

Three Injured in Separate ATV Accidents

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3382 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

A man from Sandusky Ohio was seriously injured this weekend while riding his ATV. In a separate incident, two other men from Ohio were injured when their ATV's collided with one another. One of the victims had to be airlifted from the scene to a local county hospital.

During the summer months, many people from Vermont and New Hampshire spend their free time riding ATVs. As with any outdoor recreational activity, when riding an ATV it is important to put safety first. Due to their narrow wheel base, it is possible for ATVs to rollover, potentially resulting in serious injury. Always wear a helmet when riding and make sure the driver is physically capable of handling the ATV.

Woman Dies While Awaiting Treatment

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3305 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Today on CNN there was shocking footage of a woman who died at hospital at Brooklyn New York while awaiting treatment. Surveillance footage shows the woman lying on the floor of the emergency-room while hospital staff and doctors walked by, apparently ignoring her dire need for care. Sadly, nobody noticed her or offered help for nearly an hour. By the time she received medical attention she had already passed. Several hospital staff members were fired because of their neglect and abuse.

Though the facts of this situation were particularly shocking, medical errors happen. If you or a loved has been a victim of medical negligence, you should consider consulting an experience attorney to discuss your claim.

New Hampshire Man Dies In Motorcycle Accident

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3194 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

A man from Manchester New Hampshire died last night in downtown Manchester when he lost control of his motorcycle. Apparently the road where the accident took place was being repaved. The man may have hit the area between the new pavement and the rough graded pavement. The man was not wearing a helmet.

I have said this manytimes, helmets save lives. It is important whenever you ride a motorcycle, or drive a car for that matter, to take precuations to ensure your safety and the safety of others out on the road. New Hampshire does not require adults to wear helmets or seatbelts, but the statistics don't lie. Both helmets and seatbelts can greatly reduce your chance of serious injury or death in the even of an accident.

Vermont Makes Roads Safer

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3074 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

Two weeks ago, Vermont Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers conducted safety stops at a checkpoint on Interstate 91 near the Massachusetts border. The safety inspectors removed more than 75 unfit commercial vehicles from the road and arrested four people. The inspectors conducted vehicle weight checks and state inspections.

In conjunction with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers, Vermont DMV inspectors arrested four people for various charges including DUI, driving without a license, outstanding arrest warrants and possession of marijuana. In all, the safety check issued more than $45,000 in fines.

The inspections lasted three days from June 3rd through June 5th, and were part of the International Road Check 2008. Also included in the safety inspections were members of the U.S. Border Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service, and local Vermont state police agencies.

Laconia Motorcycle Week

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)3054 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

New Hampshire's Laconia Motorcycle Week began this Saturday to an ominous start with several accidents being reported this weekend. In Manchester on Saturday night, a motorcyclist ran into a Mini Cooper while traveling north on Elm Street. The driver of the Mini Cooper was drunk, and was charged with felony drunk driving. The motorcyclists was sent airborne and landed about 75 feet north of the collision. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and was reported to be in serious condition.

In a separate accident, a motorcyclist was killed traveling on Haverhill Road in Chester at around 6 p.m. on Saturday night. No details were available on this accident.

Another accident occurred in Winchester, also on Saturday night. No other vehicles were involved. The motorcyclist was seriously injured, and rescue attempts were delayed because of inclement weather.

Motorcycle week is a big event in New Hampshire every year, brining thousands of riders to New Hampshire. This time of year also bring many regular summer travelers to the area. It is important to be mindful not only of motorcyclists, but of all travelers on the road. With expected storms this week, extra precautions should be taken. Always maintain a safe traveling distance, never drink and drive, and for motorcyclists, though state law doesn't require the use of a helmet while riding, wearing one can save your life.

Insurance Companies and Personal Injury Lawyers

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2992 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

I recently read an article that discussed how insurance companies are the main force behind the negative publicity and stories that personal injury attorneys receive. The article discussed how injury victims who are represented by attorneys receive higher payouts than those who seek to settle their claims alone.

For the most part, this article is accurate. Insurance companies understand that experienced personal injury lawyers will know when a settlement offer or payout is insufficient for their client's needs. This article briefly mentioned that some personal injury lawyers bring the bad publicity upon themselves. To a certain extent this is true. We have had clients from Vermont and New Hampshire tell us that they were actively solicited by lawyers after their injury. One issue this article didn't discuss is that while claimants do receive more money when they have an attorney represent them, sometimes this isn't always in their client's best interest. Generally, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Meaning, if you win you claim, one third of your settlement or verdict goes to the attorney. Sometimes, this leaves the victim with less money than they would have received had they settled the claim on their own.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we don't believe it is always appropriate to take a full fee from a client. In fact, we have had some clients where we've greatly reduced our fee, or taken no fee at all. Some attorneys will take a client, not do much work, and happily take a one third fee. This is unethical. Our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your claim and we will tell whether it is in your best interest to settle a claim on your own.

New Hampshire Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2968 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

Laconia Motorcycle week is approaching fast, but New Hampshire's Safety Awareness Campaign is in full force. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce motorcycle accidents through education and safety training. New Hampshire state law only requires motorcyclists under the age of 18 to wear helmets, and the legislature doesn't intend on enacting any new helmet laws. The New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency believes that their promotion of safe riding practices will help reduce motorcycle fatalities, though they still recommend motorcyclists, especially novice riders, to wear helmets.

The campaign urges the public to be mindful of motorcyclists, share the roads and maintain safe following distances. The campaign also suggests motorcyclists participate in the Motorcycle Rider Training Program with the Division of Motor Vehicles, or with one of two private companies that offer such a program. The class focuses on instructing proper turning techniques, stopping techniques and how to avoid collisions. The class also recommends riders use helmets. Of roughly 64,000 motorcyclists registered in the state of New Hampshire, only 3,000 took the DMV classes, and only 650 took classes with private companies.

Pet Attack in Milwaukee

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2928 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

I recently read an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Why am I blogging about a story from a Milwaukee newspaper? The story was about a 17 year old boy who fractured his skull while running away from a Rottweiler. The Rottweiler was chained to a tree, but was able to break free. The dog did not bite the child. However, while the dog was in pursuit, the boy ran into a tree, fell to the ground and fractured his skull. The boy suffered bleeding of the brain, but fortunately is in stable condition.

Though Milwaukee is far away from New Hampshire and Vermont where I practice, this story is all too common. As a personal injury lawyer who has been practicing for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure the safety of their neighbors and their community by properly securing their pets. Though the dog was chained to a tree, the owner was cited for failing to secure the animal behind a fence. Rottweilers and other dogs can be tremendously powerful animals. Extra precautions must be taken for the safety of others.

Know Your Rights

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2812 — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

Many people nowadays have the perception that the only thing personal injury attorneys care about are their attorney's fees. While some of this misperception is due to insurance company propaganda, much of it is a result of unethical behavior by personal injury attorneys.

I recently read a case where a former client successfully sued her personal injury attorney. The client sued the attorney because the attorney forced her to settle her car accident claim for much less than it was worth. We often refer to these types of law offices as "settlement mills." Indeed, the jury in this case awarded the plaintiff $145,000 because they were outraged by the firm's "settlement mill" approach. The personal injury attorney held themselves out to be tough attorneys that would get top dollar from the insurance companies. In reality, their main concern was the fees they could collect with a quick settlement.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, our clients' needs come before our own fees. We will never force or pressure our clients to take a settlement for money that will not cover their own needs. Moreover, we believe it isn't always appropriate to take a full fee from a settlement. Before hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent your claim, it is always important to research their reputation. If at all possible, speak to their former clients to make sure your prospective attorney will represent your needs and protect your rights.

Unethical Lawyers

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2738 — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

Several years ago my partner, Rob Curtiss, was helping an attorney with a case he had involving a 10 year old boy who sustained a brain injury on a ski slope in Vermont when an out of control skier crashed into him. The insurance company for the skier had offered $300,000. We determined that the ski area had no liability, but the boy's injuries clearly warranted a settlement of over $300,000. We explained to the other attorney that if we moved forward aggressively and notified the insurance company that we were ready to try the case to a jury, the offer would probably increase and, if not, we felt a jury would make an award closer to the $600,000 range than $300,000. Nevertheless, the attorney who represented the boy convinced the family to accept the $300,000 so the case could be closed immediately. The lawyer took his full fee of $100,000 and walked away. We told the lawyer we wanted nothing to do with the settlement and refused our fees as consulting attorneys.

Most lawyers conduct their practices with dignity and professionalism. Unfortunately, there is a small minority of them that don't. It is all important to avoid the lawyers who will put their own economic interests ahead of their clients.

"...an informed client is our best client."

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2727 — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

I recently read an article that discussed how many personal injury victims do not seek counsel because they believe hiring an attorney to represent their claim will be too expensive. The point of the article was that many people do not realize that personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, personal injury attorneys only collect a fee if they reach a successful verdict or settlement for their clients. Typically, this fee is one third of any verdict or settlement.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we believe that an informed client is our best client. The more a potential client knows about their claim and hiring the right attorney, the more they can do to help themselves. While it is true that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, it is also true that most personal injury lawyers will be happy to take a quick settlement for your claim so that they can collect one third of your money reward. These attorneys will do this regardless of whether the two-thirds you collect will cover your medical needs.

This is why it is so important to choose an attorney that is willing to take your claim to court and has been successful doing so. As I have said in previous blogs, when the insurance company knows they are dealing with a lawyer who can win in court, only then will they offer a settlement that will cover your entire medical costs. This is what separates Van Dorn & Curtiss from most personal injury law firms. We have a proven track record of successfully taking claims to court when insurance companies refuse to offer an amount that will provide for a victim's needs.

True Story

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2700 — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

A while ago I received a call from an attorney in a city about 80 miles from our office. He said he represented a woman who seriously injured her foot in a motor vehicle accident. She needed surgery, lost a lot of time from work, had extensive medical bills and would always have a problem with her foot in the future. Also, the accident was clearly the other driver's fault. "Then what's the problem I asked." The insurance company's top offer is $85,000, and I think the case may be worth over $100,000 will you be willing to talk to this woman?" I said I would.

I met with her and learned the details about her case. I agreed that $85,000 was not a fair settlement offer for what she had been through and I agreed to take the case.

The insurance company told the other lawyer colleague that they wouldn't pay more than $85,000 so I didn't call to negotiate. I started the law suit by filing a complaint in court and sending a copy to the insurance company.

The next day I got a call from the insurance company's lawyer asking whether I would be willing to mediate the case. Mediation is more or less a settlement negotiation with a neutral third party present, called a mediator. I said sure. A month later we mediated the case and the insurance company agreed to pay $240,000.

After the mediation I asked the insurance company's lawyer, who I knew from other cases, "how come a month ago you would only pay the other attorney $85,000 to settle and today you were willing to pay me $240,000?" "Because I knew you were willing to try the case and that you knew what you were doing. And that's what I told the insurance company."

The moral of the story is that the lawyer you hire must have a successful track record in the courtroom with jury trials. The insurance companies will know if your lawyer is experienced in the courtroom or not.

Personal Injury Lawyers and Advertising

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2589 — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

It should come as no surprise that there is an epidemic of personal injury lawyer advertising. We see it on TV, the Yellow Pages, we even hear it on the radio. We hear the empty slogans: "Make it a fair fight" "LawPower" "We hate to lose". What does it all mean. Mostly, the empty slogans mean nothing. They are nothing more than advertising gimmicks. They have nothing to do with whether the advertising lawyer is competent and accomplished. They having nothing to do with whether that lawyer is the right lawyer for your personal injury claim. The slogan of the website for Van Dorn & Curtiss is "Choosing the right lawyer for your serious personal injury case may be one of the most important decisions you ever make." This is a true statement. The more serious the claim, the more important it is to choose the right lawyer. In the library section of our website you will find more information on this topic, including a checklist you can use to help choose the right lawyer for your claim. If you or a loved one has had a serious personal injury please don't make the mistake of hiring the wrong law firm for your case.

New Hampshire Personal Injury Law

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2569 — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

Personal injury law practice in New Hampshire has become more complex and challanging in the last several years. The basic legal concepts have remained the same, but in practice the insurance companies that pay the vast majority of New Hampshire personal injury law claims have become more and more difficult to deal with. Most often they will only full value of New Hampshire personal injury claims to victims represented by the very best New Hampshire personal injury law firms. If the law firm representing the New Hampshire personal injury victim does not have the reputation of being among the very best the insurance companies simply refuse to pay full value of the claim, knowing that the second tier law firms usually do not have the experience or skill necessary to successfully bring the New Hampshire personal injury claim to court. Therefore, it is extremely important for New Hampshire personal injury victims to hire only the most experienced and successful New Hampshire personal injury law firms to represent them. Van Dorn & Curtiss enjoys the reputation of being among the very finest New Hampshire personal injury law firms. We invite you to review our website and contact us with any questions you may have.

Vermont Personal Injury Law Blog

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2567 — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:00 EST

As clients and friends of our firm, and visitors to our website know Van Dorn & Curtiss is a personal injury law firm practicing in both Vermont and New Hampshire. In fact our attorneys sit on the Board of Governor's of Both the Vermont and New Hampshire Trial Lawyer's Associations. We consider this a great honor.

Personal injury law in Vermont has increased in complexity over the years. This is due to overall developments in the law and a tougher litigation environment. The basic premise of Vermont personal injury law remains the same. If someone is careless or negligent and that careless or negligent conduct causes harm to another then the negligent actor is responsible for the harm they cause. The harm is measured in what the law refers to as damages. Damages in Vermont personal injury claims can include: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, temporary and permanent disability and loss of quality of life. Spouses of injured parties may have claims for loss of consortium.

There are many complexities to a Vermont personal injury claim. Medical liens are a good example and will be addressed in a seperate blog. The bottom line is if you have a Vermont personal injury claim it is very important that you choose an experienced Vermont personal injury lawyer to represent you. As we say on our website "Choosing the right lawyer for your serious personal injury claim may be one of the most important decisions you ever make."

Automobile Accidents and Personal Injury Law

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2519 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

I have been a personal injury lawyer for thirty years. Ten years in NJ working for both insurance companies and for injury victims, and for twenty years in Vermont and New Hampshire representing only personal injury victims. One thing I've learned over the years is that the system is not fair unless the personal injury victim has an experienced and knowledgable lawyer working for them to level the playing field. The most common personal injury claim comes from automobile accidents. This is where most insurance companies take their stand. They will only pay what they are forced to pay. Attorneys with no experience and track record in the court room successfully trying personal injury cases simply do not have the leverage to make the insurance companies pay fair settlements. If you have been unfortunate enough to be seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident that was someone else's fault, don't get hurt twice make sure you hire the right personal injury law firm to represent you.

Beware of Settlement Mills

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)2074 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST

There are a lot of law firms out there who hold themselves out as "personal injury" law lawyers but in reality they are just "settlement mills". These law firms usually heavily advertise as "personal injury" lawyers on tv and in the phone books but do not really function as lawyers. What they do is collect information about the case, send it to the insurance company and try to negotiate settlements without ever leaving their desks. Eventually they accept whatever the insurance company feels like paying for the claim. They have no leverage because the insurance companies know that they wont go to court. They make up in volume for what they don't get for the individual clients. In many cases the client has no idea what their case is worth, so the case is settled and they are none the wiser. Sometimes they client senses they are getting a raw deal and will seek a second opinion about their case. Many of these clients wind up in our offices. We are often shocked by what their "settlement mill" lawyers were trying to get them to accept as a settlement. Because our law firm has a reputation for going to court when necessary to fight the insurance companies we are usually able to negotiate much better settlements for our clients. And in those rare cases when the insurance company won't pay a fair settlement we have no problem going to court and asking a jury for an award that usually winds up being greater than the amount we were originally willing to settle for. This gives us the leverage our clients need to get fair settlements. See our client testimonials and sample cases to learn about our results.

Welcome To Our New Website

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (Blog Author)1874 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST

Welcome to our new website. As of February 5, 2008 it is up and running. This new site allows us to put a lot more informative content on our pages. The site is no longer "stagnant". It is now a continual work in progress allowing us to keep updating content and stay in contact with our clients and vistors to the site. As we say in our opening statement the well informed legal consumer is our best client. The legal consumer is simply that person who requires the help of a law firm with their claim. Our aim is to keep you informed about personal injury law, developments in our firm, and how we can help members of the public with serious personal injury claims. There are many law firms out there who claim to be "personal injury lawyers" but very few of them have the background, reputation, knowedge and experience to get the best possible results for their clients. Many of these firms have little or no court room experience and ultimately must settle for whatever the other side is willing to pay. That is not us. We have a reputation for going to court and fighting for our clients whenever the other side is unwilling to pay our clients fair and just compensation for their injuries. We invite your questions and comments. Please let us know how we can improve this site. Ed Van Dorn

Merrimack Car Accident Leaves One Injured

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)13322 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Merrimack car accident involving two vehicles leaves at least one man injured after the vehicles collide during rush-hour traffic. The incident took place at approximately 7:30 AM on Wednesday morning, February 24, 2010, along Back River Road.

According to police, the wreck occurred when 39-year-old Christopher Pederson, who was driving a 2005 Nissan Altima southbound on Back River Road, apparently lost control of his vehicle. Pederson’s car slid into the northbound land and struck a 2008 BMW head-on. The driver of the BMW has been identified as 47-year-old Weir Lundstedt.

Rescue crews transported Pederson to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua where he was treated for injuries sustained in the crash. His injuries have been described as non-life threatening.

It was unclear as to whether Lundstedt was injured in the two-vehicle wreck, which occurred near the entrance to Bradford Wood condominium complex.

Morning commuters were inconvenienced for several hours in both directions as crews cleared the accident scene.

The Merrimack accident is still under investigation by local authorities. The cause of the accident has not been determined at this point.

Injuries sustained in a car accident can pose difficulties for those involved. Our thoughts go out to both victims and we wish them both a speedy recovery.

Georgia, Vermont Car Accident Sends Man to Hospital

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)13056 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Georgia, Vermont car accident involving a single vehicle sends one man to the hospital after his vehicle loses control and flips over. The incident took place on Sunday morning, February 14, 2010, along Interstate 89 in Franklin County.

According to police, the driver of a pickup truck lost control and crashed his vehicle. Troopers believe that black ice may have been a contributive factor in the wreck.

The driver has been identified as William Newton, 41, of Swanton. Rescue crews transported Williams to a local hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained in the accident. He was listed in serious condition.

An unidentified passenger was in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The extent of the victim’s injuries and condition were not made available.

“Conditions at the time looked pretty slick during that time frame,” said Vermont State Trooper Dustin Robinson. “He went off the roadway, hit the ledges and then overturned and came up when it was in the roadway.”

The single-vehicle Franklin County car accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

This is an unfortunate accident and our thoughts go out to all of those that have been impacted by the crash. We wish both victims a speedy recovery.

Sunderland Auto Accident Leaves Woman Seriously Injured

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)13006 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Sunderland auto accident leaves one woman with serious injuries and another with minor injuries after two vehicles collide on a snow-covered road in Vermont. The incident took place at approximately 6:15 PM on Tuesday evening, February 16, 2010, on Route 7A.

According to Vermont State Police, the incident occurred when a 2008 Hyundai Accent lost control on a snow-covered road and began to skid sideways and into the northbound lane. The driver of the Hyundai has been identified as Samantha Becker, 17, of Shushan, New York.

A 2000 Toyota sport utility vehicle (SUV), driven by Louise Kelly, 50, of Manchester, was traveling northbound on Route 7A and hit Becker head-on, slamming into the driver’s side of the Hyundai.

Rescue crews transported Becker to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center where she was treated for serious injuries sustained in the two-vehicle wreck. Kelly, the driver of the SUV was treated at the scene. Fortunately she was later released.

The Sunderland accident is still under investigation by local authorities. The Vermont State Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed or any information concerning the two-vehicle crash to contact them.

This is an unfortunate accident and we wish both victims a speedy recovery.

Vermont Car Accidents Leave Several Injured

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12939 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recent Vermont car accidents leave several people injured and another cited for driving under the influence of drugs. Weather conditions may have been a factor.

A Townshend car accident occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2010, after a vehicle skidded off the road and landed in a brook. According to Vermont State Police, Wendall L. Darrell, 35, of Springfield, was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Blazer when he lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of Route 35 and Deer Valley Road. Darrell was not injured in the wreck.

According to police, there were two passengers in the Chevrolet at the time of the accident. They have been identified as Paula Martin, 54, of Rockingham, and Thomas Moody, 53, also from Rockingham. They both suffered bruised ribs and facial injuries. It was unclear whether anyone was transported to the hospital.

Fortunately, according to reports, all three victims had seatbelts on at the time the vehicle skidded off the road. Police believe that icy conditions may have contributed to the accident.

A few days later, on Saturday, January 30, 2010, Jeremy Damon, 33, of Rockingham, was cited in a Rockingham rollover accident that totaled his 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The incident took place on Back Westminster Road.

Vermont State Police cited Damon for driving under the influence of drugs. Damon was not seriously injured. No other injuries were reported.

Being involved in a car accident is a serious matter and our thoughts go out to all those involved in these accidents.

Young Girl Injured in Rochester Car Accident - Driver Runs Red Light

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12776 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Rochester car accident resulted in a 9-year-old child being injured. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2000 Chevy Blazer was traveling north on Salmon Falls Road when it struck a 1992 Toyota Camry. The collision occurred at the intersection of Highland Street and Salmon Falls Road on Sunday, February 7, 2010.

Police have reported that the driver of the Chevy, 51-year-old Ellen Daigle, ran a red light and hit the Camry, which was driven by 30-year-old Kenneth Smith. Smith's 9-year-old daughter was a passenger in the car at the time of the crash.

The Chevy rolled over onto its roof, as a result of the impact. Frisbie Memorial Hospital EMS, police and firefighters responded to the crash.

Daigle and Smith did not suffer any injuries, but the young girl was injured. Fortunately, her injuries were reported as non life-threatening, according to police. It was reported that all of the occupants in the vehicles were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

Both vehicles were badly damaged and had to be towed from the scene of the accident. Diagle was cited for a traffic light violation.

Our thoughts go out to the Smith family, as we wish the young girl a speedy recovery.

Rochester Car Accident Leaves Woman Charged With DWI

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12618 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Rochester car accident involving a single vehicle that left a trail of damage and debris ends with a woman facing DWI charges. The incident took place early Monday morning, February 1, 2010, in the 100 block of Franklin Street.

According to the Rochester Police Department, a woman who was apparently drunk rolled her car in a ditch. She was able to drive her car home after her vehicle rolled back over onto its tires.

The suspect has been identified as Leighanne Page, 21, of Rochester. Page was apparently wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident. Though, she was treated by Frisbie EMS, she did not suffer any major injuries in the crash. It was unclear whether she was hospitalized.

When police arrived on the scene, they found damaged mailboxes, car parts and debris along Franklin Street. They suspected that these items were a result of the crash and that the debris along the road came from inside Page’s car.

Page is facing a DWI charge. She was later released after she made bailed. She is scheduled to be arraigned on March 1, 2010, at the Rochester District Court. Her arraignment is set for 8:00 AM.

The Rochester accident is still under investigation by local authorities.

Every year, thousands of people are injured in car accidents involving drunk drivers. If you have been injured in a New Hampshire drunk driving accident, you do have rights and should contact a New Hampshire car accident attorney.

Helmet Law Debated in New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12535 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Not for the first time a bill has been proposed that would require all bikers to wear helmets when riding. New Hampshire legislature has defeated similar bills each time they were filed.

It looks as though this bill does not have a lot of support either. Over 250 people came out to argue against the bill. The new law would require that all bikers wear helmets. Currently only those under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

One concerned citizen attending the meeting, John Wilkins of Gilmanton, believes that the bill infringes on his personal freedoms.

"I don't believe it is your job to take care of me, to protect me from myself," said Wilkins.

Though the majority of the public at the meeting were against the bill, Katherine Dawson came out to support it. Her husband was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. He was not wearing a helmet and his injuries were extensive.

"He'll never walk again. He'll never speak again. He'll never be himself again."

If the bill is not passed, New Hampshire will face sanctions, losing federal highway dollars.

In New Britain, CT Multiple Accidents Involve Emergency Vehicles

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12520 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Three separate accidents in New Britain, Ct involved emergency workers and their vehicles.

The first occurred when a fire truck assisting at a crash scene collided with a city vehicle that was sanding the roads. The firefighters involved were taken to the hospital and treated for minor wounds.

Shortly after the first accident a police officer was rear-ended as he was responding to a crash. The officer was sitting in his vehicle at the time. According to Sgt. Jeanette Saccente the officer, "did receive minor injuries."

The final accident occurred when an ambulance was responding to a separate accident. The ambulance crashed head-on into a car at the intersection of Black Rock Avenue and New Hampshire Drive. The EMT's and driver of the other vehicle were taken to area hospitals.

Police and firefighters in the area responded to about 20 crashes as a winter storm passed over the city. State police were also inundated with calls regarding accidents. Their officers responded to 150 crashes across the state.

First responders are often in direct danger as they stop along busy roads and congested areas to help accident victims.

The staff and attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss are glad to hear that all involved received only minor injuries. We hope that the injured parties all have speedy and complete recoveries.

Accident in Merrimack Highlights Residents Concerns Over Roads Safety

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12487 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Daniel Stone, of Merrimack, was headed east on Lawrence Road when he came upon two young boys riding their bikes in the same direction. When Stone attempted to pass the children one of them moved into his lane, causing him to swerve to avoid him. However, the correction was not enough and he struck one of the boys.

Police have said that they do not plan on filing charges and have deemed the crash an accident. The 11-year-old boy was taken to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The child was fortuante to survive the crash on a road that residents have been concerned about for some time. A new transfer station on the road has casued traffic to increse dramitically. Rick Barnes and his family live on Lawerence Road. He was at the scene shortly after the accident and his concerns about the street have increased.

"My biggest concern is this is an area leading to the transfer station," Barnes said. "It kind of forms an ‘s,' and people come flying through there."

Barnes is hopeful that the city council will take another look at the road. Though modifications, including major roadway construction have been made, residents of Lawernce Road are still concerned about the safety of the street.

The staff and attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss hope that the young boy injured in the accident makes a full and speedy recovery.

Workers Injured in Industrial Explosion | Nashua NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12449 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent explosion inside Worthen Industries injured four workers. According to Deputy Fire Chief Michael O'Brien employees were making welding repairs to an industrial process when the explosion occurred.

Four workers were injured, two seriously, in the explosion. Those seriously injured received lacerations and burns during the blast. All injured employees were taken to St. Joseph Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. The two most seriously injured workers were later flown by helicopter to Boston hospitals, said O'Brien.

Worthen Industries runs industrial plants that develop adhesives and coatings for industrial products. The incident is currently under investigation by both the Nashua Fire Marshal and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The staff and attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss hope that all of the injured workers make fast and complete recoveries.

Dog Attack Leaves Child Severely injured

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12358 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A dog attack in Ohio sent a ten-year-old boy to the hospital. Cory Davis was walking home from school when a dog that had been tethered by a chain broke free and attacked him. His cousin Courtney Davis heard screams and ran out to see her father tending to the injured child.

"I was here holding him in my arms and rubbing his head as my dad is pouring peroxide into his arm. He was so much in shock that he didn't even feel the peroxide hitting his open wound."

According to Courtney the wound was so deep that she could see down to the bone. The dog had already threatened many of the neighbors. A few days prior to the attack Courtney and her neighbor were outside when the dog nearly broke its chain trying to get to them.

Cory was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for the wounds that the dog inflicted. According to Cory's mother her son has a 2 ¾ by 1 inch gash in his arm.

The subject of tethering dogs has recently been in the news. Many states, to include Connecticut, California, Nevada, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia all have a state wide ban or restriction when it comes to tethering or chaining dogs. Proponents of the non-tethering movement believe that tethered dogs are not properly socialized and are more likely to attack.

The staff and attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss would like wish Cory Davis a speedy and complete recovery.

Texting Ban in New Hampshire Begins in January

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12036 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Tonight at midnight text messaging and driving will be illegal in New Hampshire. The new law will forbid texting and tickets will cost violators $100.

The law expands on a 2002 negligent and distracted driver law. Assistant Safety Commissioner Earl Sweeney says that the distracted driver law is more difficult to prove as police have to show that the driver knew their actions were negligent in putting others at risk.

Lawmakers decided to enact the new law as more and more accidents blamed on text messaging were reported. Many studies have been done on just how dangerous text messaging and driving is.

A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study showed that the collision risk was 23 times greater when drivers of heavy trucks texted while driving. In comparison dialing a cell phone or reaching for an electronic device only increased the risk by 6 times.

The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Richard Drisko, R-Hollis.

"Some of the texting is just amazing, using two hands and holding the wheel with your knees. That's crazy," he said. "Some kids have a keyboard on their dashboard so they can text."

The staff and attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss hope that every time you drive, you drive safe. Even one accident avoided, one injury prevented, would make the New Year brighter for all of New Hampshire.

Drunk Driver Causes Serious Accident With Tanker Truck

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)12002 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A serious accident resulted in surprisingly minor injuries.

Jason Babbidge of Londonderry, N.H. was taken to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua after the truck he was driving collided with a tanker truck on Route 102.

The accident occurred when Babbidge, driving a Ford pickup truck, left the westbound lane and swerved into the eastbound lane, striking the tractor-trailer. The driver of the tanker truck did not report any injuries while Babbidge suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Babbidge was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. He has been released on bail and will appear at Derry District Court on Jan. 5. The Londonderry Police Department continues to investigate the accident.

Millions of Blinds Recalled After Reports of Injury, Death

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11947 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you own roll up blinds or roman shades please check them to ensure that children cannot become entangled in their cords and drawstrings. The CPSC has issued a massive recall of Roman and roll-up blinds. The recall may affect upwards of eight million households.

Reports of five deaths and 16 near strangulations have been reported over the last three years. The mounting injuries and deaths have prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Safety Council to recall millions of blinds.

The two agencies have issues the following tips to homeowners. If there are ever children in your home please use the following guidelines to protect them:

Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side or back. Cordless window coverings are best in all homes where children live or visit.
DO NOT place cribs, beds or furniture close to windows as children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.
Make loose cords inaccessible.
If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut.

If you believe that an injury or incident has injured your child please report the event by following this link or by calling CPSC's Hotline at 1.800.638.2772. Remember that you can keep on top of all recalls by the CPSC. Click here to learn more about receiving e-mail alerts.

The attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss hope that you and your family can use this recall information and the automatic e-mail alerts to keep your family safe.

Recalls and Investigations Plague Toyota | Lexus

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11800 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

With recalls last month and various investigations this month Toyota could be in serious trouble. Their image may be tarnished after the rash of accidents and incidents with their vehicles. Though Toyota says that car sales are not lagging due to the safety issues it may be a matter of time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Toyota's Matrix and Corolla cars. The issue at hand is random stalling of the vehicles. The NHTSA has received 26 complaints from drivers of 2006 Matrix and Corolla vehicles. The car owners allege that their vehicles stall, "randomly while driving, including some on highways and some in intersections," the government agency said.

Toyota is already in hot water over multiple recalls and investigations.

In November Toyota announced a recall of over 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The design of the vehicle makes it possible for the accelerator to stick, causing the vehicle to accelerate out of control.

The models that fall under the acceleration recall include the:

2007-10 Camry
2004-09 Prius
2005-10 Avalon
2005-10 Tacoma
2007-10 Tundra
2007-10 Lexus ES 350
2006-10 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350

The recall comes after a serious accident in San Diego County that claimed four lives. Research shows that at least 19 people have died in Toyota vehicles due to the acceleration issue.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss our hearts go out to anyone who has been injured or killed in an accident caused by a defective product. Together we can help prevent needless losses.

Weston Teen Charged with DUI After Accident

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11730 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The man accused of striking a pedestrian while drunk is also facing charges stemming from a boating accident.

The auto accident occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 6 near Boston College. The driver, Benjamin D. Knott was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of personal injury and death, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and operating under the influences of alcohol causing serious injury, and negligent operation.

After allegedly striking Bethany Pfalzgraf of Londonderry, Knott left the scene of the accident. When Knott was pulled over by police he blew more than twice the legal limit. Pfalzgraf was taken to the hospital where she received treatment for "serious" injuries.

This is not Knott's first accident. A trial concerning a boating incident from last summer is scheduled to begin on December 18^th. In that case Knott will be facing charges of careless and negligent operation of a boat. These charges were issued after Knott drove over a kayaker in Lake Sunapee.

If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident please contact your New Hampshire (NH) personal injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curitss today for your free consultation. Let our experience and passion help you fight the insurance company and get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

Man Injured in Single Vehicle Accident | NH Personal Injury Attorneys

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11541 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to New Hampshire state police a Henniker man was taken to the hospital after the car he was driving ran off the road and into a river.

The driver, thirty-seven-year-old Sean Matheson, told officers that he lost control of his vehicle while attempting to avoid hitting a deer. When he did so his vehicle went over a guard rail and an embankment, finally stopping in a river.

The car was in such a position that it took a wrecker almost two hours to remove the vehicle from the water.

In their initial investigation police are saying that alcohol was a factor in the accident. Matheson has been charged with driving while intoxicated.

If you have been injured during a car, truck or motorcycle accident and the other driver was at fault you may have a personal injury case. Please contact your experienced accident attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Crib Recall Affects Millions of Families | Injury Attorneys NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11492 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have a drop-side crib you must check the brand and type immediately. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced their largest crib recall in history.

2.1 million Stork Craft drop-down-side cribs have been recalled. Four infants have died and at least 110 incidents have been reported. The issue is that the side of the crib detaches and babies can become entrapped between the side and the crib frame or fall out of the crib onto the floor.

Though the cribs were made by Stork Craft some have the Fisher-Price logo. To determine if you your crib is part of the recall please visit the CPSC website. You can also contact Stork Craft directly by calling their toll free number:

(877) 274-0277

In the last two years more than 5 million cribs have been recalled. Some states and the CPSC have discussed banning the manufacture and sale of drop side cribs all together.

If you have a drop side crib, or any crib, it is best to ensure that your crib is not part of the recall and that it has been properly assembled.

If you or your child has been injured while using a defective product there is something you can do. Located in New Hampshire, Van Dorn & Curtiss passionately defends the injured and ensures that companies that produce dangerous and defective products are held accountable for their actions. Please contact our experienced attorneys today for your free consultation.

New Traffic Signals on Route 125 | Experienced Accident Attorneys NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11484 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has approved the addition of two traffic lights on Route 125. One will be placed at North Road and the other at the Route 111A intersection. The projects, which will include widening the roadway and creating left- and right-hand turn lanes, are being funded by the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.

The program looks at roadways and intersections where safety improvements will make the biggest impacts.

Between 2005 and 2008, there were over 25 vehicle crashes at the Route 111A intersection. At the North Road intersection nine crashes occurred over a three year period.

Craig Green, the DOT's administrator of highway design, also stresses that the DOT does not just look at the number of accidents when deciding on traffic safety improvements; they also consider the severity of the accidents.

"Another location might have the same number of accidents, but if this location involved fatalities and serious injuries, there would be a stronger reason to address this particular intersection over another," Green said.

Hopefully the new traffic lights will decrease the number of accidents and fatalities on Route 125, making New Hampshire's roadways safer for all of us.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed during an auto accident you have rights. Don't let the insurance company talk you into a settlement that is too low. Contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today and let us fight for your rights as an accident victim.

Thanksgiving Accidents Top List | Auto Accident Attorney Manchester NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11466 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

For most Americans Thanksgiving day ends with a full belly and a good night's sleep. However, for thousands each year Thanksgiving ends much differently- with a trip to the emergency room. Thanksgiving Day is typically the most deadly holiday of the year.

In 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 504 deaths occurred on Thanksgiving Day. Though this was a drop from previous years it is still nearly five times higher than a typical day on the nation's roadways.

Why are there so many more accidents? While New Years is synonymous with drinking, drivers are more likely to plan for the night and get a sober ride home. However, according to a spokesman for AAA Thanksgiving good cheer leads to 50% more drivers on the road and a higher than usual alcohol consumption. Drivers may not plan to have more than one drink and therefore do not have a plan in place for getting home safely.

With holiday season in full swing please be sure that you have a plan for each gathering you attend. Let's work together to decrease tragedy during this and every holiday season.

If you have been injured in a truck, car or motorcycle accident please contact your experienced NH personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. We are located in Orford, New Hampshire and defend the injured across the state. From Manchester to Portsmouth we are here for you.

Workers Comp Rates | New Hampshire on the Job Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11175 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Workers compensation rates across New England are scheduled to change. Maine will see the biggest decrease. Maine employers will see an average drop of 7 percent. The positive change will be felt most by small businesses. This is good news as many are struggling in the poor economic climate.

New Hampshire's rates will drop by less than one percent while other states will see an increase in rates.

Why will Maine's rates be dropped significantly while others remain the same or increase? The proposal, which still needs to be approved by the Bureau of Insurance, reflects the drop in accident claims in the state.

This drop has been attributed to many factors. One is the fact that less people are employed due to the weak economy. With less new workers on the job fewer accidents have been occurring. In addition, Gov. John Baldacci sites the Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Co. for its aggressive safety programs.

Some common sense advice on the subject came from Peter Gore, vice president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

"The best way employers can lower their workers' comp costs is to make sure they do not have an accident in the workplace."

If you have been injured while at work you have the right to be compensated for your injuries. From a slip and fall injury to an industrial accident Van Dorn & Curtiss are prepared to fight for you. Contact our attorneys today for your free consultation.

FDA Alert: Dosing Errors with Tamiflu | NH Med Mal Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11089 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

With the number of swine flu cases rising everyday doctors are turning to Tamiflu, a prescription medication used to treat influenza, to shorten illness. In the past the drug had been approved for use in adults and children over one year. Those who were pregnant or nursing along with infants under 12 months were advised not to take the drug. However, in April 2009 the CDC approved Tamiflu for infants and pregnant or nursing mothers.

The danger of H1N1 for young children has prompted more widespread use of Tamiflu. This increase has, unfortunately, lead to dosing errors. The errors have been occurring with the liquid form of the drug and therefore have been primarily affecting children.

The errors have prompted the FDA to issue the following guidelines. Please CLICK HERE to visit the official FDA website concerning the dosing errors.

Dosing should be prescribed in mg. This is important as the dosing errors have occurred over confusion between dosing instructions and the dosing dispenser.
Check to ensure that the dosing instructions match the dosing dispenser.
If the dose is in tsp ask your pharmacist to convert the volume and make sure that the dosing device matches the dose.
If you have ANY questions or concerns consult your doctor and the pharmacist.

For a guide to avoiding prescription drug mix-ups and mistakes please click here.

If you have been injured or have become sick because of a medical mistake or prescription drug error please contact us today. Our experienced lawyers work tirelessly to defend the rights of the injured across New Hampshire (NH) and Vermont (VT). As always the consultation is absolutely free.

No New Trial in Drunk Driving Pedestrian Accident | NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11027 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

In 2004 Kevin Whittaker struck a fellow University of New Hampshire student. He was convicted of negligent homicide after he struck and killed the victim while drinking and driving.

Whittaker's attorney argued that an accident reconstruction expert could have proven to jurors that the accident was unavoidable. The state Supreme Court agreed and sent the case back to the Strafford County Superior Court. However, Judge Peter Fauver denied a retrial.

This means that Whittaker will have to serve out his seven and a half year term without a retrial.

The accident occurred on the campus of UNH in 2004. Whittaker's car struck the pedestrian on Main Street in Durham. According to testimony both the driver and victim had been drinking. Whittaker has been in prison since his sentencing in January 2006.

If you have been involved in an accident and want an experienced attorney please contact a lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. Out attorneys are passionate about defending the injured and work every day to get our clients maximum compensation for their injuries. Please call your New Hampshire (NH) personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curitss today for your free consultation.

Construction Accident Causes Workers Death | Attorney Vermont (VT)

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11046 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A construction site at the Longwood at Oakmont retirement community is the site of an ongoing OSHA investigation. A 29-year-old man was killed while working in a building. The building was under construction at the time.

The victim, Yamil Gonzalez, was moving a piece of machinery on the fourth floor of the building when a crane hit the floor above him. The concrete floor was broken by the crane and fell on the construction worker.

Gonzales was pronounced dead at the scene. He was a subcontractor with P&B Partitions of West Berlin, N.J.

Both local police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are currently investigating the tragic accident.

It is an employer's job to make your work place as safe as possible. If unsafe working conditions have caused you to become injured on the job please contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curitss today for your free consultation. We have been fighting for the rights of injured workers across New Hampshire and Vermont for over 20 years. Let us fight for you and your workers compensation claim.

Federal Grant to Prevent Prescription Errors in Vermont | Attorneys VT

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)11048 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Thanks to a $1 million federal grant doctors and pharmacists will be using a new electronic prescription system. The grant, championed by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, will be given to Vermont by the Department of Health and Human Services.

"In medical care, we're on the brink of a major breakthrough," Leahy said. "Electronic records hold the potential for literally billions of dollars in health savings.

The grant will give physicians and small pharmacists in Vermont a chance to use the e-Prescription system. The electronic system is already being used by many large pharmacies and some doctor's offices. Dr. Anthony Williams, an internist with a private practice in Berlin has been using the system for six months.

"The drug-drug interactions are checked automatically, it's hard when you're tired or sleep deprived or when you're busy, you don't always pick up on these things."

Aside from avoiding drug interactions the system would help reduce confusion between doctor and pharmacists. Hard to read handwriting and similar drug names are a common cause of medication mix-ups.

If a medication error has affected you or a family member you may have a medical malpractice claim. At Van Dorn & Curtiss we take your suffering seriously and are passionate about protecting your rights. Please contact our attorneys today for your free consultation. The sooner your call the sooner we can start fighting for you.

Drunk Driver Hit Police Cruiser | Hurt in Auto Accident | NH Attorneys

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10723 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Drunk driving is dangerous for the driver, pedestrians and any other vehicle on the road. While police know this all too well one officer had a close call with a drunk driver Saturday night.

A pickup truck driven by 24-year-old Robert Grenon of Salem, NH hit a Portsmouth police officer's cruiser. The officer was inside the vehicle and was treated and released from a local hospital. His vehicle suffered significant front-end damage during the crash.

The driver was unharmed in the accident and is facing a charge of driving while intoxicated. Grenon was released on $1,000 personal recognizance bail.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle, truck or car accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. We work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Accident Takes Life of Groveland Woman | Personal Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10597 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A serious accident in Albany, NH has claimed the life of a Groveland woman. Police report that the victim and three others were traveling in a golf cart on Route 16 when a minivan came up from behind and hit the cart.

All four of occupants of the cart sustained injuries. Two were treated at Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. The other two, including the driver, suffered serious injuries, one woman losing her life. Both were taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.

Alcohol was said to be a contributing factor in the accident. The driver of the van has been charged with driving under the influence. The driver of the cart is suspected of the same, though no charges have been filed. He remains in the hospital in serious condition.

According to Lt. Scott Carr the accident is still under investigation. Carroll County Attorney Robin Gordon said that her office is reviewing the case. If they believe it is warranted the case will be presented in front of a grand jury.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle, car or truck accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. The attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss are passionate about defending your rights and will work to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

National Study on Workplace Injury, Death | NH Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10548 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries there were 5,071 fatal work injuries in 2008. The good news is that this number is over 7% less than it was in 2007 and a full 13% lower than in 2006.

Still, it is evident that workers across New Hampshire and America are losing their lives or being seriously injured every day at work. Are you at risk for an on the job injury? The BLS also looked at which jobs were the most dangerous.

Transportation related injuries are highest across every field. Last year over 40% of worker deaths were transportation related. Transportation accidents include any type of transportation including airplane crashes, train accidents and highway incidents. Construction workers are particularly susceptible to highway related accidents.

The most dangerous jobs in America include:

Fishing workers
Logging workers
Aircraft pilots

These three occupations top the list of most dangerous jobs in the United States.

The study also showed that men accounted for 92.7% of workplace fatalities though women were much more likely to die from on-the-job homicide.

Even if you are not in one of the high risk categories being injured at work is all too common. If you have been injured while on the job please contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curitss today for your free consultation. We are passionate about helping you fight for and win your workers compensation claim.

New Hampshire Hit and Run Solved | NH Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10564 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run accident that occurred on Sept. 3 has been solved. The New Hampshire State Police and Kensington Police worked diligently to find the driver.

The accident occurred on Route 150 when a pedestrian jogger was struck by a car. Initial reports indicated that the suspect's car was a newer model blue Subaru Impreza. The impact of the accident damaged the passenger side mirror which was left behind at the scene.

With the help of Exeter Subaru the New Hampshire State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit was able to use evidence recovered at the scene to narrow their search.

If you have been injured in an auto, truck or motorcycle accident please contact your NH personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss for your free consultation.

Workers Compensation Denied to Many | NH on the Job Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10517 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent study shows that the workers compensation system is hurting those it is meant to help. Lower wage workers are most often failed when they are injured on the job. When a lower wage worker is injured on the job chances are they will not get the compensation they deserve. In fact only eight percent of these workers receive proper benefits.

In addition the study found that workers earning around $8 an hour are often not paid at least minimum wage. They are also more likely to be reprimanded for reporting labor law violations.

The study, titled Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers, looked at the low-wage workforce in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. The findings were based on interviews with over four thousand workers.

Many low wage workers are discouraged from filing for workers compensation. While twelve percent of the respondents suffered a serious on-the-job injury only eight percent of them filed for workers compensation.

Those who did not file attempted to work through their injuries for fear that they would lose their job or be demoted. A full forty three percent of seriously injured respondents said that they were required to work despite their injury. Many more were fired, made to come into work and sit all day or threatened demotion or deportation.

If you have been injured on the job you deserve maximum compensation for your injuries. Workers compensation is a right, yet your employer may be treating it like a privilege. If you have been injured you need an attorney who will fight for your rights as a worker. If you are ready to take action please contact your New Hampshire (NH) workers compensation attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Group of Kids Attacked Bitten by Dogs | Dog Bite Lawyer Vermont VT

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10520 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A group of Silver Lake students were running on a country road when they were attacked by several large dogs. Most of the runners and their coach had already passed the dogs when the 115-pound American bulldogs attacked.

Audrina Monteith was running when the dogs ran out and knocked her to the ground.

"I had fallen to the ground and they were attacking me at my feet, so I tried kicking them off," she said.

Coach Kevin Brokaw had circled back to check on a group of runners when he found two girls bitten and two others cornered. He used his bike to distract them so that the girls could run to safety. Though he was not bitten, the dogs did attack his bicycle.

The bike had blood on its tires as did the hubcaps of the first responder's squad car. When Lt. John Ritter arrived on the scene he used his car to protect the others. The dogs proceeded to flatten two of his tires.

The team had been running past the house for years with no problems from the dogs. Both dogs were tested for rabies and the owner was ticketed under the vicious animal ordinance.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss we not only want to get you maximum compensation for your injuries, we want to bring the owners of dangerous dogs to justice. If you or your child has been attacked by a dog please contact your Vermont (VT) dog attack lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Police say hit-and-run driver went home and vacuumed car after striking pedestrian

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10241 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

A motorist who struck and killed a 79-year-old pedestrian July 18 in Southeast Portland and then drove off was located after his fiance called police, court papers show.

The driver was returning home from a poker party in Tigard and was seen vacuuming out the glass in his car after he arrived at his Southeast Portland house, police wrote in a search warrant affidavit.

The accident occurred at 1:36 a.m. at Southeast Powell Boulevard and 36th Place.

Pedestrian James A. Stover was found lying on the road, near the curb. He was not breathing and sustained major blunt force trauma to his entire body, including his head, police reports say.

Stover was from Rochester, Vermont, and had family in Portland.

A witness saw a red Chevy Cavalier driving away, and obtained a license plate.

As police were completing the investigation at the fatal accident scene, the suspect's fiance called, leading police to Douglas Eric Green, 39, by about 4 a.m., the reports say.

Police said Green smelled like alcohol, his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slightly slurred when they approached him at his residence in the 2900 block of Southeast 134th Avenue.

He told police he had been at a poker party in Tigard, and knew he had hit something and went into shock. He drove home and removed the glass from his car. His fiance went to see what he had struck.

Police found Green's red Chevy Cavalier, which had major damage to the front windshield and obvious damage to the front end.

Green now faces charges of manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence of intoxicants. He was arrested two days after the accident, and pleaded not guilty to the charges on July 31.

A trial date has been tentatively set for Sept. 21.

Vt. woman involved in crash that killed twin fetuses appears in court

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10242 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont woman involved in a car crash that resulted in a pregnant woman losing her twin fetuses has pleaded not guilty to a parole violation charge stemming from the accident.

Police say on Aug. 10, 22-year-old Kelly Cook crossed the center line on a Bennington road when she struck a minivan being driven by Patricia Blair, who was pregnant.

The Bennington Banner reports Cook was placed on probation after pleading guilty in 2007 to taking $80 from a register and tip jar from a beauty salon. She received up to a three-month suspended sentence.

Police said Cook admitted after the accident to taking Clonazepan, used for panic and convulsive disorders, which she doesn't have a prescription for. Part of her probation conditions were that she not take medication not prescribed by a doctor.

Portsmouth, NH Accident Injures One | New Hampshire Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10216 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A two-car accident in Portsmouth, NH resulted in one woman being taken to a local hospital.

Police report that a Toyota Corolla and Dodge Ram collided on Woodbury Avenue. Officers on the scene determined that the Corolla was cutting across a lane of traffic and did not see the truck. The Corolla struck the Ram causing damage to the side of the Ram and heavy damage to the passenger side of the Corolla.

The damage caused the doors on the passenger side of the Corolla to jam. The Jaws of Life were used to safely remove the driver from her vehicle.

The unidentified female was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital and was said to have sustained "minor to moderate" injuries. Police Lt. Dante Puopolo said that no charges were forthcoming.

If you have been injured in an auto accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Accident Involving Truck & Motorcycle Injures Two Bikers | NH Lawyers

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10218 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The driver and passenger of a Harley Davidson motorcycle remain in the hospital. The pair, from Teaneck, NJ, were riding the bike when it collided with a Chevy S-10 pickup truck. The driver of the truck was treated and released.

The crash occurred on the evening of August 17^th at the intersection of Route 125 (White Mountain Highway) and Exit 18, the on-ramp to the Spaulding Turnpike.

The injured bikers were sent to Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester where they are being treated for serious injuries.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle, car or truck accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Hit and Run Driver Sentenced in Vermont Accident | VT Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10220 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Though any accident alters lives forever, a hit and run has larger and more serious repercussions.

Adam Desjardin of Vergennes, VT pleaded guilty to pulling in front of a bicyclist and leaving her critically injured in the street.   The victim, Rose Long of Sutton, was a University of Vermont student and a member of their cycling team.

Long suffered massive facial injuries and has been through multiple reconstructive surgeries.   The cost of surgeries so far exceeds $500,000.

On Friday Long told the driver that his actions changed her life forever. Desjardin was sentenced to three years in prison but asked to serve his term in a state work camp. The judge denied his request.

If you have been injured in a bicycle, car or motorcycle accident please contact your Vermont personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for a free consultation.

Driver Cited in Major Traffic Accident | MA, NH Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10222 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Local police have cited the driver who caused a major traffic accident. Sulma Aguilar of Everett , MA is facing charges of operating to endanger and marked lanes violations. Police say that the investigation is not closed and that more charges may follow.

The accident occurred on Interstate 95 near the Route 113 exit . The accident began when Aguilar collided with a tanker truck in the next lane.

The tanker was holding 10,000 gallons of gasoline. The gas spilled out of the truck and into the Merrimack River. The Coast Guard, Salisbury Fire Department and Clean Harbors worked to clean the spilled fuel.

The impact caused the tanker to slide onto its side, which caused two other vehicles to become involved: a Honda Odyssey and Toyota Corolla. The three vehicles contained 10 people. All ten were taken to area hospitals, many of them with serious injuries.

In addition to the injuries I-95 was shutdown in both directions for several hours. The back ups extended up to the New Hampshire rest areas and down to Newbury.

If you have been injured in an accident please contact your NH personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

IUSB professor, researcher dies in N.H. car accident

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10169 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

David G. M. Carville, a local biotechnology researcher and associate faculty member in chemistry at Indiana University South Bend, died Sunday in Manchester, N.H., from injuries suffered in a car accident.

Carville, 47, of Osceola, was a native of northern Ireland.

Through his research and businesses, Carville was well known in the area biotechnology community, said William Feighery, chair of the IUSB chemistry department. Carville made his classes very relevant to students, including bringing to class professionals he had met in clinical settings, Feighery said.

Carville had been scheduled to teach a clinical biotechnology course for IUSB's fall semester, which begins Monday.

"He was very proud of his Irish heritage. His generosity was one of his outstanding traits," Feighery said.

Carville had taught on the IUSB faculty since 1998. Carville earned his doctoral degree in 1989 from the University of Ulster in Belfast.

He worked as director of cardiovascular research at American Biogenetic Sciences in South Bend from 1989 to 1997, and also did post-doctoral research at the University of Notre Dame, according to IUSB.

In the late 1990s, while conducting private research in a laboratory at IUSB, Carville and research partner Kirk Guyer developed a new medical technology designed to make some common heart surgeries safer.

The innovation was named Plateletworks, according to a 2000 Tribune article. It was a blood test that could be performed within four minutes in operating rooms during surgeries, and helped surgeons determine the precise amount of life-saving drugs called platelet inhibitors to give patients, Carville said in that interview.

The new technology was the result of a collaboration between IUSB's chemistry department and Array Medical, a private biotech firm based in New Jersey.

Carville and Guyer developed courses for IUSB's chemistry department and mentored students through a summer internship program, hiring students for hands-on experience in their laboratory.

Carville also founded two companies: Clinical Solutions & Innovations in South Bend, where he served as chief executive officer and chief scientific officer; and Causeway Scientific in Mishawaka, where he was president.

Palmer Funeral Home-River Park is handling arrangements.

Woman extricated from car in Woodbury Avenue crash

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10170 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

PORTSMOUTH - A two-vehicle crash on Woodbury Avenue sent one of the cars involved up over a curb and embankment and resulted in one female being transported to the hospital.

At 4:35 p.m., police, fire and ambulance crews responded to a crash between a gold Toyota Corolla and a gold Dodge Ram pickup truck in front of Dunkin' Donuts. Police Lt. Dante Puopolo said officers determined the Corolla appeared to be cutting across a lane of traffic to pull into Dunkin' Donuts and did not see the pickup truck before striking it.

There was damage to the front driver's side of the Ram and heavy damage to the passenger side of the Corolla, which traveled over a curb and through mulch following the accident before coming to rest in the parking lot in front of Lo's Seafood & Oriental Market.

Portsmouth Fire Lt. Tom LaMontagne said one female was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital after being loaded onto a stretcher still conscious and alert, and Puopolo said later Thursday that her injuries were "minor to moderate." The doors on the passenger side of the Corolla were jammed, necessitating the extrication of the unidentified female passenger.

The drivers of both vehicles were walking around following the accident. Matt Chaille of Rye, the driver of the truck, said he hit his head but was otherwise all right following the accident, which he also said occurred when the driver of the Corolla either tried to move into his lane or turn right into Dunkin' Donuts and struck the front driver's side of the Ram.

Puopolo said no charges were forthcoming Thursday night.

No one at the scene appeared to have witnessed the accident, but Dunkin' Donuts employee John Kirwin said he was mopping the floors when he heard a "big bang" and came out to find the Ram resting up on the curb in front of the restaurant.

He noted that drivers in that stretch of Woodbury Avenue typically travel at high speeds.

Portsmouth police responded and provided traffic control in the area, though the road was not shut down. A New Hampshire State Police trooper was also on scene alongside firefighters and an ambulance crew.

Road Reopened Following Accident In Goffstown, NH

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10084 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Route 114 has been re-opened in Goffstown, N.H., following an accident between a car and a tractor-trailer rig.

WMUR reports a fuel tank has ruptured on the tractor-trailer rig and police were searching for the car driver. A passenger in the car was taken to a hospital. The other driver wasn't hurt.

The collision happened at about 3 a.m. Tuesday.

Police: N.H. Man Crashes Car into Mount Holly House

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10085 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Vermont State Police say a car crashed into a house in Rutland County early Monday morning.

The accident happened just before 2 a.m. on Route 103 in Mount Holly. State Police responded to a man who claimed to be injured when he struck a deer. They say further investigation revealed that 25-year-old Adam Coltey, of Charlestown, N.H., actually crashed into a home. The home was unoccupied, but the building was badly damaged.

Coltey suffered minor injuries, and police say he was lucky to have not been more seriously injured since he wasn't wearing a seat belt. Police say speed appears to be the primary factor in the crash. Coltey's license is under suspension and his car is uninsured. The crash remains under investigation and police say criminal and civil charges may be pending.

WCAX News

Motorcyclist Killed In Collision On Route 3

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10054 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

BOSCAWEN, N.H. -- A motorcyclist was killed in a collision on Route 3 in Boscawen Thursday.Police said three people were transport to Concord Hospital after the head-on collision between a car and two motorcycles. A male motorcyclist who was not identified died from his injuries.The highway was closed between Route 4 and Goodhue Road. A state police accident reconstruction team was responding to the scene to help conduct the investigation.

Hillsborough County's Fatal Accidents Decline | NH Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9690 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hillsborough County is the only county in New Hampshire that has seen its number of fatal car accidents decline. However, the positive trend is puzzling as highway safety enforcement in New Hampshire occurs on the state level or by towns and cities- not counties.

Statewide the State Police have been putting extra time and money into an effort to curb drunk driving. Cities across New Hampshire have been cracking down on drunk driving as well. DWI blockades and safety projects may have contributed to the counties success.

Hillsborough County receives a little less federal money through the state's Highway Safety Agency than Rockingham County. Still, Hillsborough has seen a steady decline in traffic fatalities over the past four years while Rockingham's numbers have remained virtually unchanged.

The relatively low number of deaths due to traffic accidents may have something to do with the state's overall numbers. Each year fewer that 140 people die during car crashes statewide. Therefore one major event can make a big change in a county's statistics.

Though no one can say for sure why the county has seen a decrease everyone hopes that the trend continues and catches on throughout New Hampshire.

If you have been injured in an auto accident please contact your personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

OSHA Levies Fines After Construction Accident | Vermont Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9689 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Associated Press the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $31,000 in fines against a Boston roofing company.

Reliable Roofing & Sheet Metal LLC was fined after a truck carrying a bucket lift toppled and crashed into a building, killing one worker and seriously injuring another. The construction accident occurred in Boston, Ma.

According to OSHA’s regional director, Brenda Gordon, better training and inspection would have identified defects in the equipment and prevented the fall.

As is standard, Reliable Roofing has 15 days to contest the fines.

If you have sustained an on the job injury and need help winning your workers compensation claim please contact your Vermont personal injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Drunk Driver Causes Serious Accident | New Hampshire Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9685 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

In the early morning hours the driver of a 2000 BMW sedan went the wrong way on an exit ramp and slammed into a Pontiac Grand Prix. The passenger of the BMW sustained life-threatening injuries while the driver and occupants of the other car escaped with only minor injuries.

The occupants of the Grand Prix were treated and released from Lawrence General Hospital while the driver, Ruben Sanchez of Cambridge, was taken to Parkland Medical Center. He will be held pending his arraignment.

The troopers who responded to the call have decided to press felony-level DWI charges because of the severity of the accident and the extent of injuries to his passenger. The accident occurred at the sharpest point of the curve on the exit ramp from Route 28 to Interstate 93.

If you have been injured in an accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Accident on I-93 (VT) Seriously Injures Two | Personal injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9674 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Fire and rescue personnel from New Hampton and Sanbornton responded to an accident on Interstate 93, just south of Exit 23. The accident left the driver and passenger seriously injured and backed up traffic for hours.

Reports from the NH State Police state that a sports utility vehicle cut in front of the truck and trailer, causing the driver to swerve and lose control. The truck and camper rolled over several times before the truck came to a rest on its roof. Both passenger and driver were ejected from the vehicle though the driver has stated that she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

According to New Hampton Fire Chief Michael Drake the passenger was "located a substantial distance away from the vehicle" and appeared to have suffered broken bones and head injuries. The driver was said to have suffered possible internal injuries along with numerous cuts and abrasions.

The passenger was taken by airlift to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. The driver was taken by ambulance to Franklin Regional Hospital but was later transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

Soon after the accident the driver was listed in fair condition and the passenger was listed in serious condition.

Drunk Driver Hits Cyclist | Accident Injury Attorney New Hampshire

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9254 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Driving drunk is never OK. Unfortunately it often takes a serious accident to bring the subject to light. A recent accident involving a drunk driver, a cyclist and damage to property is just such an incident.

A California man was driving a New Hampshire registered Ford Explorer when he struck a man riding a bicycle. Police report that the rider suffered minor injuries but the driver did not stop and instead drove on.

After driving away from the accident the driver, Myles E. Stout, drifted off the road and onto the grass at The Admiral's Inn, causing some property damage. As Stout continued driving across the inn's grass he ran into a parked car that was on the property.

This accident, however, did not stop Stout. He continued on Route 1 until police were able to stop him and make the arrest.

Stout has been charged with criminal operating under the influence, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and leaving the scene of an accident involving an unattended vehicle, police said.

If you have been injured in an accident please contact your Vermont and New Hampshire personal injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

Defective Children's Product Injured Many | VT NH Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)10037 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Unfortunately, defective children’s products are not new news. Thousands of products, from toys to cribs, have been recalled due to high levels of lead, defective parts and choking hazards.

The latest recall involves almost one million play yards, also called playpens, manufactured by Kolcraft Enterprises. The hazard that prompted the recall is the possibility of the play yard side collapsing. This defect has injured at least 21 children and infants and has brought about over 350 reports of collapsing sides.

Kolcraft has manufacturing operations in China, Spain and Italy. China manufactures the bulk of their products.

The defective playpens were sold from January 2007 to January 2009. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has ordered retailers to stop selling the play yards immediately and has asked consumers to stop using the play yards.

Sadly, this recall is a reminder of a 2007 recall of Kolcraft's play yards. This recall came only after a 10-month old baby died of strangulation on a Kolcraft play yard changing table. The most recent recall includes 12 different play pens from Kolcraft's partners such as Eric Carle, Contours, Carter’s and Sesame Street.

If you own a playpen and believe it is unsafe please contact your New Hampshire (NH) and Vermont (VT) product liability attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Wiffle Ball Tourney Benefits Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9657 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Wiffle ball is a not only a great way to spend time with family and friends, it can also help those affected by a spinal cord injury. The Travis Roy Foundation, created to help fund research for a cure for spinal cord injuries, is sponsoring its annual wiffle ball tourney.

The tournament will take place in Jericho, Vt. from Aug. 7^th to the 9^th. For local families the tournament is a great opportunity to get some exercise and support a great cause. After learning more about Travis Roy and his cause Todd Finn of Andover was excited to participate in the tournament

"While at BU, I lived over the hockey arena and became a fan of the game. I read Roy's book, Eleven Seconds, which detailed his injury and his life since the accident," Finn said.

For Finn the tournament is as much about the fun of wiffle ball as it is about helping Roy's cause and living in a spirit of charity. Finn and his son, Isaac, signed up for the tournament and hoped to play in August. However, the roster filled quickly and they did not get a spot on the team.

The lack of playtime did not slow the Finn's determination to help. The family plans to volunteer at the tourney and help raise funds in their hometown and across the country. The tournament and the cause is a family affair for the Finns.

"When I told them about spinal-cord injuries and paralysis, they paid close attention and asked many questions. I think most people take their ability to move around freely for granted," Finn said. If you would like to donate to the Travis Roy Foundation you can visit their website or mail checks to:

The Travis Roy Foundation
c/o Todd Finn
P.O. Box 3161
Andover, MA 01810

Vermont Man Injured Industrial Accident | On the Job Injury Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9256 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Vermont man was severely injured in an industrial accident while working in New York. The 57-year-old victim was working for a power line contractor when the crane he was working near became energized during a thunderstorm.

The crane then energized the ground around it, setting the man on fire. Workers used fire extinguishers to put out the burning clothing.

Fire rescue personnel worked to treat the man before he was transported to Albany Medical Center. First aid was administered on the scene.

The incident occurred in East Greenbush, New York.

If you have been injured on the job please contact your Vermont personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss for your free consultation.

New Hampshire Employer Faces Multiple Worker Safety Violations

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9257 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A New Hampshire gun maker is facing stiff penalties after the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found many violations at the plant.

The violations occurred between November 2008 and May 2009 and total $255,150 for 60 alleged safety and health standards violations. The company under fire is Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc. and the violations occurred at its Newport firearms manufacturing plant.

According to Rosemarie Ohar, area director in OSHA's Concord office, "Our inspections identified a large number of mechanical, respirator protection, electrical, lead, fire, explosive and other hazards that must be effectively and continually addressed to protect the workers at this plant from potentially deadly or disabling injuries and illnesses now and in the future."

One of the more serious violations was termed "willful" and carries with it a $63,000 proposed fine. The company failed to guard rotating parts of drill presses, sanding and polishing machines. If an employee made contact with the parts the risk of severe or fatal injuries would be significant.

OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

If you have been injured while at work please contact your industrial accident and workers compensation attorneys, Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Highway Workers Rescue Man After Car Accident| NH Attorneys

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9258 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

William Dennis, 84, of Franklin, NH crashed off the side of 311 West River Road at about 9 a.m. The car landed in a small gully and it was not visible from the road.

Fortunately for Dennis two highway workers, Zack Montoya and Dale Cutter were mowing grass in the area and heard his cries for help.

"We shut off the mowers, and we heard someone saying, ‘Help! Please help!'" Montoya said.

The pair was able to locate the vehicle and found Dennis trapped inside. The workers were surprised to find that the victim had been trapped in his car for hours.

The workers stayed with Dennis until fire and ambulance crews could make their way onto the scene. Dennis was taken to Elliot Hospital where he received treatment for minor injuries.

In a strange twist of fate the two workers were reported to have had an accident in the same area in August of 2007. The work vehicle they were driving was involved in a serious collision, causing it to roll over several times.

If you have been involved in an accident please contact your auto accident attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

New Hampshire Bike Week Begins with Many Accidents/Injuries

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)9200 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

June brought warm temperatures and a multitude of bikers to New Hampshire. Bike Week began on June 13^th and was, unfortunately, marred by some serious motorcycle accidents. The accidents highlight a need for caution and safety for both bikers and drivers.

Hollis police, fire and ambulance services responded to several accidents on the opening day of Bike Week.

One biker was injured when he collided with a pickup truck at a traffic light. The motorcyclist was taken to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and was then transferred to Boston Hospital.

Another accident led to yet another hospitalization. A group of riders from New York make their way to Bike Week each year. This year, however, one of their friends was hurt when he pulled out of a parking lot and onto U.S. Route 4 in Lebanon. A passing vehicle collided with the motorcycle causing it to crash and leaving the rider with possible broken bones and other injuries.

On the same day a multivehicle accident caused serious injuries. Two of the crash victims required medflight assistance and another was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in North Conway. All of the injured are expected to survive their injuries.

Late in the day there was a single cycle crash in Andover near the Franklin Highway. Police report that the biker was transported to the hospital.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident please contact your New Hampshire and Vermont personal injury lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. We have the trial experience and the dedication necessary to help you win maximum compensation for your injuries.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Settlement Reached | Vermont Attorneys

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8842 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

In January 2005 a boiler backfired in a Vermont housing complex. The backfire ruptured a now recalled plastic venting pipe, letting carbon monoxide into the building where Jeff Rodcliff and Ginger Aldridge lived.

Rodcliff lost his life and Aldridge was in a coma for weeks. Aldridge can now sit up and talk, but the exposure has left her in need of assistance for the rest of her life.

Because of her lifelong disability a settlement was reached by attorneys for Ginger Aldridge. The settlement will help her live more independently and will allow her to hire help when she needs it.

Though the settlement is private attorneys say that many people shared responsibility for the accident and therefore they are all paying some amount.

Aldridge asked that New England Air System's contribute money each year to local fire departments. The money is to be used for carbon monoxide education and prevention.

A bill requiring carbon monoxide detectors in any building where people sleep has already been signed into law.

If you have been injured by a defective product please contact your New Hampshire and Vermont product liability attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Mock Crash Prevents Drunk Driving | Vermont Car Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8843 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

In Montpelier a terrible accident appears to have occurred. A helicopter lands to rescue survivors and lights flash around the scene. Fortunately the scene of this accident is more like a scene in a play.

A group of Montpelier High School students reenacted a deadly car crash caused by driving while drinking. The mock crash took place a few days before prom and its intention was to prevent students from drinking and driving.

Though most of the current students at the school do not remember, two Montpelier teenagers died in an accident in 1998. Concerned students decided that a mock crash would help bring a dose of reality to the current student body.

Local firefighters, police officers and EMT's rehearsed with the students and participated on the morning of the mock car crash. The first responders were more than willing to give their time.

One of the actors, Maria Barbero Menzel, agreed that the workers were happy to help.

"They're way into this because they'd rather spend time doing this than be at a real crash," said Barbero Menzel.

If you have been injured in car accident please contact your Vermont personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month | New Hampshire Accident Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8833 — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) is sponsoring a month long campaign to stress the importance of motorcycle safety. The AMA has focused on New Hampshire, along with other states, to help keep motorcyclists and drivers safe.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month attempts to reach all drivers and riders. This year the AMA has even distributed videos to help keep motorcyclists safe. Part of their campaign focuses not on riders but on distracted drivers. A video titled "The Distracted Driver" aims to bring attention to the serious safety risk distracted drivers present to motorcyclist and every motorist who shares the road with them.

Rallies are another way that the AMA is working to spread the word about motorcycle safety. The education campaign strives to reverse the upward trend of motorcycle accidents that began in 2002.

To work toward this goal the AMA has five tips for drivers and five for riders that should help keep everyone safe:

Rules for riders:

Get trained and licensed
Wear protective gear
Ride unimpaired
Ride within your limits
Be a lifelong learner

Rules for drivers:

Look out for motorcyclists
Don't be distracted
Give two-wheelers some room
Use your turn signals
Keep it in the car

If you or someone you love have been injured in a motorcycle accident please contact your New Hampshire injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

Distracted Drivers Cause Serious Accidents | New Hampshire Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8822 — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Though distracted driving is often used as a joke it is no laughing matter.

A recent accident killed a motorcyclist as she waited for a red light to turn green. Anita Zaffke was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but still sustained life ending injuries when a car hit her from behind. According to Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran the driver was, "painting her nails while she was driving her vehicle. She conceded to us that she was not paying attention." The driver was only given a ticket for failure to reduce speed.

This tragedy begs the question: Should distracted driving be a criminal offense?

Currently the only distracted driver laws pertain to cell phone use, including text messaging. However, any other distraction, from reading to eating in the car is just as dangerous.

The National Safety Council reports that distracted drivers cause more than a third of all automobile accidents. John Ulczycki of the National Safety Council make the point that, "Drunk driving is now illegal. Distracted driving needs to be illegal as well."

However critics believe that regulating distracted drivers can lead to unnecessary tickets and regulations. They wonder where to draw the line.

"Truth be told, anything we're doing other than giving our full attention to the road is a potentially a distraction, but that doesn't make it a criminal case," states Darren Kavinoky, a California criminal defense attorney.

If you have been injured in a car accident please contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

NH Worker Closer to Receiving Disability | Asbestosis Attorney

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8725 — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Georage Gamas worked for Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack for over 20 years. When he became ill and attempted to file for disability benefits he was denied. The New Hampshire Compensation Board*re-do when library added* ruled that Gamas waited too long to file his notice. The board ruled that he should have known that his asbestosis was related to his work and therefore should have filed earlier than he did.

However the New Hampshire Supreme Court is going to allow Gamas to reapply for workers compensation benefits. The court reversed the CABs ruling and has sent the case back for further review.

According to records, Anheuser-Busch had been made aware of Gamas' on the job injury by May 23, 2004, the date the CAB set as a reporting deadline for Gamas. However, a doctor's report had been filed by that date and a few months later a civil suit had been filed by Gamas and his attorney. His deposition indicated that he was suffering from an asbestos related lung condition. The condition was caused by his exposure to asbestos during his employment.

During the civil suit an environmental safety manager admitted that he was "put on notice" of Gamas condition.

If you believe that you are suffering from asbestosis or mesothelioma please contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. We are your NH workers compensation attorneys.

Massachusetts Vermont and New Hampshire Workers Risk On The Job Injury

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8387 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A report on worker safety in Massachusetts was recently released. The report details how 66 people lost their lives while on the job in Massachusetts. According to Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, executive director of MassCOSH,

"This report demonstrates that the cost of cutting corners on safety is paid in human lives."

One of the victims was David Gonzalez of Worchester. Mr. Gonzalez was pulled into a piece of machinery at a paper manufacturing plant. The report, "Dying for Work in Massachusetts: The Loss of Life and Limb in Massachusetts Workplaces," outlined the details of the industrial accident that took Mr. Gonzalez's life.

According to the report his life would have been saved if the company had properly installed safety guards on the machinery, properly trained its employees and made sure that employees who do not speak English understood all of the safety measures in place.

The accident was investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Their investigation found that 12 serious safety violations had been committed.

Massachusetts is not the only state where working can cost you your life. Though New Hampshire has one of the lowest rates of worker death, on the job accidents, injuries and deaths do occur regularly.

Nationwide over 4 million workers are injured and more than 5,000 are killed each year.

If you have been injured on the job and need help filing for workers compensation or fighting the denial of your claim please contact your New Hampshire lawyers at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

Vermont Car Accident Injures Two

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8393 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent head on collision in Mount Tabor injured two people. The accident occurred when the driver of a Nissan Altima crossed the center-line and headed straight for an oncoming car.

The Altima was driven by Dennis Sverduk of Manchester. By crossing over the center-line Sverduk struck the Ford Taurus driven by Margaret Moyer of West Rutland.

Sverduk had to be removed from his vehicle after it struck the other car, turned over and landed on its side in a grassy area off the northbound lane of Route 7 near Troll Hill Road.

Severduk received extensive injuries including a broken left wrist, bruised left shoulder and cuts to his legs. He was treated at Southwestern Medical Center. According to Vermont State Police, Moyer was taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center with a bruised chest. Neither was reported to have serious head injuries.

Fortunately both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. In neighboring New Hampshire legislation is currently being reviewed by the state Senate that would make driving without a seatbelt illegal for adults. Currently only minors are required to wear seatbelts at all times.

If you have been hurt in a car accident and need help please contact a lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. Located in New Hampshire, the attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss represent clients from New Hampshire, Vermont and states across New England.

Firefighters Respond to Fire | Motorcycle Accident in Vermont

evandorn@nhvtlaw.com; rcurtiss@nhvtlaw.com; dawn@nhvtlaw.com (News Author)8360 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Volunteer firefighters, fire and forest warden departments from across Vermont responded to a large fire off Central Shaft Road in Vermont. Fire and rescue personal from Florida, Savory, Williamstown, Clarksburg, Lanesborough, Cheshire and Pownal, VT were on the scene to help battle the blaze.

Captain Mike Gleason of the Florida Volunteer Fire Department and Florida Fire Chief Mike Bedini alerted crews when someone at one of the states fire towers spotted a fire.

Firefighters used ATV's and Indian tanks to carry water into the woods. The teams also pumped water from Beaver Pond onto the blaze. Fortunately winds were not too strong and the blaze was successfully contained.

This fire was one of four in a week and a half. As the danger of fires from heating devices comes to a close the start of brush fire season begins across Vermont, New Hampshire and all of New England.

In addition to responding to the fire the Volunteer Fire Department responded to a motorcycle accident on Route 2 in Savory. State police report that four cyclists were involved when the lead rider got into an accident. The riders sustained minor injuries and were being treated at North Adams Regional Hospital.