2011 October Archive

With Halloween upon us, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a three-step safety checklist to help people of all ages prevent injury this holiday. Families in Rhode Island and around the nation are getting ready for a night of frights and fun, but every year there are many reports of serious injuries involving Halloween costumes, decorations, and lighting.

The CPSC checklist offers simple yet solid advice on how Halloween accidents often occur and what can be done to prevent them.

Fires and Burns

Burns can occur from open flames in candles and jack-o’-lanterns in houses, porches, and walkways, and flammable costumes can catch on fire and cause serious burn injuries to the wearer. Open flames should never be left unattended and candles and jack-o’-lanterns should be placed far from trafficked areas. For the greatest safety, use battery-operated candles and lights instead. When selecting or making a costume for yourself or your child, choose outfits made from flame-retardant materials such as nylon and polyester for added protection.

Visibility Issues

Halloween costumes tend to favor black or dark designs, but when out trick-or-treating at night, visibility can become a serious safety issue. In order to make yourself and your family as visible as possible, choose brightly colored costumes, trim clothing and candy bags in reflective tape, and carry flashlights and glow sticks after dark.

Ill-Fitting Costumes

Halloween costumes can look great in the package, but can sometimes be a poor fit. Costumes can be baggy and drag on the ground and masks can fit poorly and limit vision and breathing. Always make sure costumes fits correctly and adjust them accordingly when necessary. When a costume causes someone to trip or obscures vision, serious accidents can occur.

Halloween is a time for celebration and fun. An injury not only ends your night, but can also causes serious harm. If you or a loved one has been injured, please contact the Rhode Island injury lawyers at Marasco and Nesselbush today for a consultation on you case at (401) 274-7400.

Many recipients of Social Security will now receive their money via electronic deposits. Per a U.S. Department of the Treasury rule finalized in December of 2010, the U.S. government has begun phasing out the old method of delivery – paper checks – and implementing the cost-saving measure of depositing funds electronically for individuals who receive Social Security. According to wallstreetjournal.com, the Treasury Department is estimating this shift from paper checks will save the Social Security Administration a billion dollars in the next 10 years.

If you applied for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits after May 1, 2011, if approved, you will be required to receive your payments electronically. Those already receiving benefits via paper checks must convert to electronic benefits by March 1, 2013. If you do not, the Treasury Department may dispense your benefits through the Direct Express card program (a debit card you can use to access your benefits) to avoid any interruptions in payment. There is no charge to participate and enroll in the direct deposit program, and there are no monthly fees or overdraft charges.

Social Security benefits and changes in the program can often be confusing and complex. If you or a loved one is having difficulty with matters related to Social Security Disability benefits, please contact the trusted Rhode Island Social Security Disability lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush for assistance. Call (401) 274-7400 for a complimentary review of your case.

Recent studies have highlighted the dangers of distracted driving due to talking on cell phones and texting while driving. However, these studies have proven inconclusive concerning their roles in car crashes, according to a Reno Gazette-Journal article featured on the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website. Among many reports on distracted driving, a University of Utah study found that those who use cell phones while driving had the same level of impairment as those who were legally drunk.

The ever-growing amount of states taking a stand against distracted driving caused by cell phones has increased awareness of the dangers. Unfortunately, many drivers still illegally use their cell phones. Many states still have no regulations when it comes to cell phone use while driving. In Rhode Island, texting while driving is illegal. First-time offenders for texting while driving receive an $85 fine, $100 for a second offense, and $125 for a third. All school bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18 are banned from all cell phone use.

While distracted driving laws vary from state to state, drivers who use hand-held cell phones or text while driving become a danger to themselves and the people around them. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, the Rhode Island car accident attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP will secure your rightful compensation. Do not hesitate to call our offices at (401) 274-7400 to discuss your case today.