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Document Library

On the page below you can find links to documents, reports, publications and discussions provided by Van Dorn & Curtiss.

The documents below are available to the public so that they can gain a better understanding of the legal challenges facing them, and why an experienced attorney is so important for success.

Contact us for a consultation today.

Library Categories:

• Automobile Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Product Liability
• Medical Malpractice
• Premises Liability
• Dog Bites/Pet Attacks
• Industrial Accidents and Worker’s Compensation
• Attorney Motions and Court Orders
• Van Dorn & Curtiss News
• CLE (Continuing Legal Education) Courses
• Personal Injury Resources
• Choosing a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim
• General

Automobile Accidents:

• Top Causes of New Hampshire and Vermont Truck Accidents   
  Description: There are some obvious signs of what may have caused a Vermont truck accident, but other times there are factors involved that can only be identified by experts. Read this article to learn the top causes of truck accidents in New Hampshire, Vermont and throughout the country. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC at (877) 611-9622 for legal advice.
• Five Things That Will Help Your Vermont Car Accident Case   
  Description: Read this article to find out what can help you recover the compensation you deserve following a Vermont car accident. If you have been injured in an auto accident in Vermont or New Hampshire, we can help you. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC at (877) 611-9622 today.
• Don’t Hurt Your New Hampshire Car Accident Claim – 5 Actions to Avoid   
  Description: Do you know what actions can actually hurt your Vermont or New Hampshire car accident claim? Read this article to find out the answer and contact an experienced New Hampshire auto accident lawyer at the law firm of Van Dorn & Curtiss at (877) 611-9622. Our accident attorneys represent clients in Western New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont.
• Safecar.gov   
  Description: Safecar.gov is a website maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Find recent and past auto and auto part recalls here. If you believe that a faulty or unsafe product has harmed you or your child please contact your New Hampshire and Vermont product liability attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.
• New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT)   
  Description: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation works to provide safe and effective transportation options for New Hampshire residents and visitors. This page will help you learn more about the NH DOT. If you have been injured in on auto accident please contact an experienced attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

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Personal Injury:

• Hybrid Cars May Pose a Personal Injury Threat for the Blind   
  Description: With the ongoing spike in gasoline prices, more people are buying hybrid cars. More than 350,000 hybrid cars were sold in the United States last year. Hybrid cars not only cut down on monthly expenses, but they also cut down on carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere and they cut down on noise pollution too. The visually impaired use car sounds to determine how close a car is and whether it is safe to cross a street. Both advocates for the visually impaired and hybrid advocates disagree on the level of threat hybrids may pose.
• Cote v. Ziebart - Judgment [PDF]   
  Description: Maine Superior Court Order Certifying a $175,000 Jury Verdict Award
• Top Ten Worst Insurers In America - New report finds pattern of bad faith and unfair dealing by insurance companies   
  Description: When you purchase an insurance policy and pay your premiums, your insurance company owes you a duty of good faith and fair dealing. Some insurance companies will find ways to deny claims. A new report conducted by the American Association of Justice lists the top ten worst insurance companies for consumers.
• Personal Injury Victims and Traumatic Brain Injury   
  Description: Every year nearly 50,000 people die from traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Nearly 70,000 others suffer from impairment due to their injuries.For personal injury victims, their accident can be the most traumatic and difficult part of the life. Part of the job of a personal injury lawyer is to realize the accident and immediate aftermath isn’t the end of the victim’s struggles.
• Insurance Companies and Their New Dirty Tricks   
  Description: Recently, insurance companies have been developing new tricks to increase their profits. Among their new tricks are voiding policies once an insured makes a claims and pressuring claimants to find other means of benefits, such as disability.

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Wrongful Death:

• Wrongful Death Facts and Statistics   
  Description: Negligence and other wrong doing leads to thousands of avoidable fatalities every year.These tragedies can and should be prevented. The lawyers at Van Dorn & Curtiss have extensive experience helping families who suffer these tragedies.
• Legal Memo Re Admissability of EPA Study on the Value of Life   
  Description: This is a legal memoranda analyzing the admissability into evidence in a Vermont Superior Court product liability wrongful death case of an EPA study conducted to determine the value of human life in this country based on a comparison of the cost of regulations and the number of lives saved by the regulation.
• News Article Re EPA Study on the Value of LIfe   
  Description: This is a news article re an EPA study regularly conducted to determine the average value of life in this country based on a comparison of the cost of regulation and the number of lives saved.
• EPA Value of Statistical Life Analysis [PDF]   
  Description: This EPA study assesses the value of human life in this country by comparing the cost of regulations that save lives to the number of lives saved by the regulation

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Product Liability:

• CPSC   
  Description: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a government agency that is responsible for the recall of any unsafe or defective product. This article is intended as a basic guide to the CPSC website. If you have been injured by a dangerous or unsafe product please contact your NH injury lawyers at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

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Medical Malpractice:

• Wrongdiagnosis.com | Types of Medical Mistakes   
  Description: Medical mistakes can happen in your physician’s office, in a hospital setting and at the pharmacy. Please use this page to learn more about common medical errors such as failure to diagnose, surgery mistakes and negligence. If you have been injured or a loved one has died and you believe that a doctor, nurse or hospital error is to blame you may have a medical malpractice case. Please contact your experienced New Hampshire and Vermont personal injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. TOLL FREE 1.877.611.9622
• How to Avoid Prescription Mix-ups at the Pharmacy   
  Description: How can I avoid prescription mix-ups and mistakes at the pharmacy? With millions of Americans suffering after receiving an incorrect medication or dosage many are asking this question. This article outlines how to help avoid some of the common causes of prescriptions drug errors at the pharmacy and in your doctor’s office. If you have been injured or a family member has been killed by a prescription error please contact your experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. We work hard every day to help Vermont’s injured get their lives back.
• Avoid Prescriptions Drug Mistakes   
  Description: This article highlights of the reasons behind prescription drug mix-ups. Also included are tips on how to keep you safe from doctor and pharmacist mistakes.
• Hospital Infections on the Rise   
  Description: The major danger with hospital Staph infections is their resilience. 60% of Staph infections are drug resistant. McCaughey points out that many other healthcare systems in countries like Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands have drastically reduced the infection rate in hospitals. However, unlike the United States, healthcare in those countries is a not for-profit business.
• Medical Malpractice - Quick Facts and Stats   
  Description: We depend most on doctors and other healthcare professionals. We pay them for their services, and in return we assume that we will receive expert treatment. While we all know that people sometimes make mistakes, a doctor’s error has far more serious repercussions than most. When we go to a hospital and receive medical treatment, the last thing we want to think about is what if the doctor makes a mistake. Still, medical errors are common and it is important to understand the issues involved in medical malpractice cases. The following are some basic facts and statistics regarding medical malpractice claims and trials.

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Premises Liability:

• Preventing Lead Poisoning in Children   
  Description: A basic guide to preventing lead exposure and poisoning in children with a focus on Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. Links to many online resources for parents including product recall e-mail alerts.
• Lead Poisoning In Children   
  Description: Lead poisoning in children can have long-term effects. The following article is a basic guide to the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and long-term effects of lead poisoning in children.
• Commercial Premises Security Liability   
  Description: Commercial property owners may have a heightened duty to protect the public against the criminal acts of other people. If a commercial property owner knew, or should have known that their property was unsafe, they may be responsible for a third party's criminal acts.

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Dog Bites/Pet Attacks:

• UNchainyourdog.org   
  Description: As more dogs attack and maim concerned citizens across the nation are looking for ways to prevent dog attacks. Unchainyourdog.org is leading a growing movement revolves around the idea that tethered or chained dogs are three times more likely to attack when they break free from their restraints. Champions of the cause believe that finding a better way to contain dogs improves the dog’s life and helps reduce the chances that the dog will attack. If you or your child have been bitten or attacked by a dog please contact your New Hampshire and Vermont accident attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.
• Types, Rates and Treatments of Dog Bite Wounds   
  Description: Dog attacks leave long-lasting and serious scars- both physical and emotional. Read on to learn more about the types, rates and treatments of dog bite wounds. If you have been bitten by a dog you may need medical care for years to come. Contact Van Dorn and Curtiss, your New Hampshire lawyer, today.
• Definition, Causes and Treatment of Puncture Wounds   
  Description: This article discusses the definition, causes and treatments of puncture wounds. Puncture wounds are caused by dog bites, nails and splinters on construction sites or virtually any long, sharp object.
• Dog Bite Prevention Tips   
  Description: In order to help avoid being bitten by a dog the following tips include suggestions for the dog owner and parent. Dog attacks leave long lasting physical and emotional scars. Read on to learn how you can help prevent an attack.
• Cole v. Snyder - Jury Verdict Form [PDF]   
  Description: Jury Verdict Form Awarding $200,000

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Industrial Accidents and Worker’s Compensation:

• Common Occupational Illnesses   
  Description: Contracting an illness, disease or disorder at work can have serious and long lasting implications. In this article we will look at the different types of occupational illnesses. The problem with work related illnesses is that symptom of the disease or disorder may not surface for months, even years after exposure. If you believe that you have been made ill while on the job, even if the exposure was years ago, please contact your Vermont workers compensation attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Worker Safety and Health   
  Description: The United Sates Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data dealing with every possible aspect of work in the U.S. In this article we will be looking at their statistics and information on worker safety and health. We hope that the information provided here will give you a better understanding of what the most common work place injuries and illness are. If you have been injured while at work please contact your New Hampshire and Vermont workers compensation attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.
• Treatment of Burns (A Common on the Job Injury)   
  Description: Burns are one of them more common workplace injuries. They are especially prevalent in industrial and restaurant jobs. This article will focus on the treatment of burns from fire or grease, chemical burns and electrical burns. If you have been injured while on the job please contact your New Hampshire workers compensation attorneys today for your free consultation. Though our office is in Orford, NH we take cases from across the state including Berlin, Manchester, Nashua and Concord.
• The New Hampshire Department of Labor (DOL)   
  Description: The New Hampshire Department of Labor (DOL) is an excellent resource for both employers and employees. Use their services to prevent work place accidents and report on the job injuries. If you have been injured in an accident at work or have become ill after an on the job exposure please contact your experienced New Hampshire injury attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation. Let us fight for your rights as an injured worker.
• OSHA   
  Description: OSHA is a government agency that works to prevent work-related injury, illness and death. The following page in intended to help you navigate the OSHA website. If you have suffered from an on the job injury please contact your VT injury lawyers at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

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Attorney Motions and Court Orders:

• Hilley v. Healey - Court's Order on Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment [PDF]   
  Description: Read the New Hampshire Superior Court's order upholding Cristina Rousseau's memorandum in opposition to the defendant's motion for summary judgment.
• Hilley v. Healey - Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment [PDF]   
  Description: This memorandum was written by Cristina Rousseau and was upheld by the New Hampshire Superior Court.

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Van Dorn & Curtiss News:

• Newsletter - December 2007 [PDF]   
  Description: Included in this newsletter are articles that discuss current trends and issues in personal injury law in New Hampshire and Vermont.

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CLE (Continuing Legal Education) Courses:

• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Compartmental Regional Pain Syndrom (CRPS)   
  Description: This is a paper that was delivered by Attorney Ed Van Dorn to the annual meeting of the American Trial Lawyers Association in Chicago Illinois on the topic Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Compartmental Regional Pain Syndrom (CRPS). Attorney Van Dorn is the former chairperson of the ATLA Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Compartmental Regional Pain Syndrom (CRPS) Litigation Group.
• What is CLE?   
• NHTLA Lien On Me Featuring National Expert [PDF]   
  Description: New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association presents Lien On Me - Hallow-Lien Edition Featuring National Medicare/Medicaid Lien Expert, Jason A. Wolf.

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Personal Injury Resources:

• LawyerShop.com   
  Description: Lawershop.com is a clearinghouse of legal information. The site includes easy to understand explanations of hundreds of legal terms. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an auto, truck or motorcycle accident contact your New Hampshire (NH) personal injury and wrongful death attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.
• Vermont (VT) Hospitals   
  Description: This page will be updated frequently with links to hospitals across Vermont. If you believe that you have been the harmed by a medical mistake please contact you VT medical malpractice attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.
• Legal-Explanations.com   
  Description: Legal-Explanations.com is a great resource for anyone who wants to know more about legal terms. The site is easy to use and offers definitions in an easy to read format.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)   
  Description: The following page will help you navigate the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. The site offers information on keeping our roadways safe. If you have been injured in a car accident please contact your New Hampshire injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.
• New Hampshire Hospitals   
  Description: This resource will be updated frequently with links to hospitals across New Hampshire. If you believe that you have been the victim of medical malpractice please contact the attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today for your free consultation.

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Choosing a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim:

• Professional Memberships   
  Description: At Van Dorn & Curtiss our experience and passion for justice translates to a reputation of success. In order to ensure that all of our attorneys continue to grow we are members of many professional organizations. If you want a team of lawyers on your side that are ready to fight for you please contact your NH personal injury attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss for your free consultation.
• Trial Magazine and the American Association for Justice (AAJ)   
  Description: This page gives you basic information on Trial and the American Association for Justice (AAJ). If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for your rights as an injury victim please contact your New Hampshire trial lawyers at Van Dorn & Curitss today.
• Choosing The Right Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claim -- Avoiding The Pitfalls   
  Description: There are many law firms advertising and marketing for personal injury clients. This article describes the pitfalls and dangers when hiring a firm based only on advertising and how a personal injury victim can choose the right law firm for their case.
• Ethics and Personal Lawyer Advertising   
  Description: Sometimes with lawyer advertising, especially with personal injury lawyer advertising, it can be difficult to be informed. The ABA laws governing lawyer advertising are partially directed to protect the legal consumer from false claims or misrepresentations about a lawyer’s services. Still, many lawyers push the envelope with advertising and lawyer ethics.
• 22 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney   
  Description: Important factors that you should consider when hiring an attorney to represent your personal injury claim.

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General:

• Learn what elements are necessary to bring a personal injury claim based on negligence.   
  Description: This article answers questions about the elements necessary to make out a negligence claim. Most personal injury cases are based on negligence. This article helps you understand if you have a personal injury case.
• What is a Tort? A brief overview of Negligent Torts, Intentional Tort, and Strict Liability   
  Description: At Van Dorn & Curtiss, we specialize in tort law. A tort is a civil wrong resulting in injury or harm to another person. The injured person may seek the help of a court of law to prevent the continuation of harmful conduct or for monetary compensation for the harm suffered. In this respect, the tort, or civil wrong, provides the grounds for a lawsuit. One major purpose of tort law is to deter others from committing the same harms. For example, if a careless and reckless driver causes serious personal injuries to another person on the road, a civil suit based in tort will not only compensate the injured individual for the harm they suffered, but will deter the negligent driver from continuing to operate a motor vehicle in a careless and reckless manner. Hopefully, the negligent driver will be deterred from causing similar harm to another innocent driver. There are three major kinds of torts: negligent torts, intentional torts, and strict liability torts. These are discussed in more detail below.
• Sample depositions in New Hampshire Personal Injury cases including New Hampshire car accident cases and New Hampshire medical malpractice cases   
  Description: In personal injury cases and medical malpractice cases in Vermont and New Hampshire after the case is started in court but before the trial there is period of time called the discovery period. This is when the parties to the law suit find out infomation from each that will help to prove their cases. One of the methods used to discover information is the deposition. The deposition is a process whereby a witness gives testimony under oath about what they know relative to the case. Of particular importance in serious personal injury cases is the deposition of the expert witness. On this page you will find samples of depositions taken in cases handled by Van Dorn and Curtiss.
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• Doctors Struggle with Insurance Claims Process: Healthcare Costs Rise   
  Description: Doctors are also struggling with insurance company tactics and their quest to increase profits. Just as the insurance companies blame lawyers for pushing up healthcare costs through lawsuits, the insurance companies claim doctors are pushing up costs by “over treating” patients and ordering expensive procedures.

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