Injuries

How to Avoid Scams When Offering Aid to Victims

August 15, 2023 | Kearns Rotolo Law

Natural disasters like the recent wildfires in Hawaii have a way of bringing people together. It is common for those not directly affected by the devastation to want to reach out and help those who have lost so much. But while events like these bring out the best in some people, they also bring out the worst in others.

Scam artists often use news of destruction to prey on people looking to offer monetary aid to those directly affected. There are ways, however, that you can help without becoming a victim yourself. For tips on how to avoid playing into scam artists’ schemes when attempting to help victims of the Hawaii fires or any other natural disaster read, “NJ Attorney General: Help Hawaii Fire Victims Without Being Scammed.”

Children’s Bicycles Recalled Due to Handlebar Defect

July 15, 2023 | Kearns Rotolo Law

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall of children’s bicycles due to a defect that causes the handlebars and stem of the bike to loosen or, in some cases, detach from the frame. To date, this defect has resulted in about 19 reported injuries.

The recall affects more than 80,000 bikes manufactured by woom Bikes USA and designed for children ranging in age from toddler to 14 years. For additional information concerning this recall and the bicycles affected, read “Thousands of children’s bicycles recalled after reports of handlebars detaching.”

Scam Alert: The Best Response Is No Response

March 15, 2023 | Kearns Rotolo Law

Scammers are becoming increasingly more cunning and sophisticated in their attempts to extract personal information and/or money from their victims. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly $5.8 billion was lost in 2021 to scams, up 70% from the previous year. And that’s just from the scams that were reported.

Often victims of scams are too embarrassed to admit they had been taken, or simply don’t know where to report the crime. Many of these victims are seniors who can ill afford to lose their retirement savings. Regardless of your age or status, being robbed of personal information or money through fraudulent means can be devastating. There are steps you can take to protect yourself. To learn more read, “Most Common Consumer Scams in NJ – And How To Protect Yourself.”

Don’t Let Your Holidays Go Up in Smoke

December 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

This time of year the flickering glow of candles, the bright lights decorating our homes and holiday trees all add to the festive nature of the holidays, but they also pose a high risk for house fires. The National Fire Protection Association has reported that most December house fires can be attributed to candles, which are used in the celebration of many holidays that fall this time of year. Christmas trees are another major contributing factor. These fires can be devastating, leading to property loss, and putting you, your family, your neighbors, and emergency responders at risk for injury.

To keep your holiday celebrations from going up in smoke, it is important to take some extra care to make sure your decorations are safe, and your fire and smoke detectors are in working order. The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety issued a few tips—many of which are common sense but worth revisiting—to help you reduce your risk of holiday fires. For more information read “Follow These Tips to Prevent Holiday Fires, NJ Expert Says.”

Children’s Strollers Recalled

November 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

Parents and caregivers who have purchased a Mockingbird stroller between March 2020 and September of this year can expect to receive a letter from the manufacturer announcing a recall due to the risk of injury certain of these strollers pose to young children.

It was reported recently that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had received numerous reports of the frames of certain of these strollers cracking, causing children to fall inside the strollers and risking injury. Parents are urged to stop using these strollers immediately. To learn if your stroller is one of the affected ones read, “Stroller recall: Nearly 150K strollers recalled sue to this hazard.”

Time To Give Your Property A Pre-Halloween Safety Check

October 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

Halloween is just a little over two weeks away. As you decorate your yard and fill your candy bowls in preparation, it’s a good idea to take a few moments to check your property for safety hazards.

Trick-or-treaters donned in masks and flowing costumes are focused on one thing only—the treats they are about to receive. These children are easily distracted by spooky decorations, the antics of their friends, and the general excitement of the holiday. They aren’t watching for hidden hazards like sticks, stones, uneven pavements, loose pets or open flames from candles and torches. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure your property is clear of any obvious hazards that could lead to slip and falls or other injuries. For a convenient safety checklist of what to look for, read “How to Prepare Your House for Trick-or-Treaters.”

Highlighting the Importance of Reading the ‘Fine Print’

August 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

These days it is hard to engage in organized physical activities without being asked to sign a waiver. Exercise classes, sporting events, charity races/challenges and the like all require participants to sign forms agreeing to accept responsibility for any inherent risk associated with the event. Unfortunately, few people take the time to read these waivers to understand exactly what they are signing, and it isn’t until an injury occurs that they learn what they have given up.

In some cases, the wording of the waiver may be too vague to hold up in court. However, most waivers clearly state that, by signing, participants agree to assume responsibility and not hold the event organizers or sponsors responsible for injuries they may incur. For an example of why it is important to read the fine print before signing any form, read about a recent case involving USA Cycling.

5 Elements Necessary for Proving a Slip & Fall Lawsuit

July 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

When you think of a slip and fall injury, images that come to mind may be of snowy, icy conditions, or maybe an elderly person. The truth is slip and falls can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time of year.

Injuries sustained from slip and fall accidents can range from minor to major and in extreme cases even death. Victims who suffer major injuries can be faced with extensive medical expenses and potential lost wages during convalescence, and they may seek to recover damages through a lawsuit. To successfully prove a slip and fall lawsuit, certain essential elements must exist. To learn what those elements are, read “Necessary Elements to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case.”

Sorry Folks, But Pets Are Property According to the Courts

June 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

To many people, pets are family but, under the law, dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are property. This question comes up in court from time to time, most often in divorce cases but more recently in a personal injury lawsuit.

According to reports, a woman claimed she was injured while attempting to rescue a dog from a local canal. She attempted to sue the dog’s owners under a “rescue doctrine,” but the court determined that doctrine applies only to injuries suffered in an attempt to rescue another person and, only under special circumstances, to attempts to save property. Subsequently, her claim was denied. What is New Jersey’s rescue doctrine and why did the courts rule that it didn’t apply in this case? To find out, read “Woman injured rescuing neighbor’s dog cannot sue its owners, N.J. Supreme Court rules.”

When Pranks Cross the Line

May 15, 2022 | Kearns Rotolo Law

In a few short weeks, schools will close for summer vacation and that means senior pranks will soon be underway. While most people may consider pranks to be nothing more than playful, amusing tricks intended to get a reaction, there is a fine line between mischievous and malicious. Crossing that line can lead to serious consequences.

When a prank results in damage to property or in harm or injury to another person, participants can find themselves facing criminal charges for everything from vandalism to assault and battery. Understanding the law can help you—or your teen—avoid serious consequences. To learn more, read “Teen Pranks Can Turn into a Criminal Charge.”