Las Vegas Injury & Accident Attorney Blog

As fuel costs rise, NV Energy and other utility companies continue to struggle with providing low-cost dependable energy to their many ratepayers. Many states and utilities are looking to nuclear power to meet the needs of their customers, but for desert states like Nevada the significant water needs of this form of power rules out the smashing of plutonium molecules to generate power – even though much of the nuclear fissionable materials mined in this country come from the Silver State. While the Federal Government funds alternative energy technologies in an effort to reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, more and more utilities like NV Energy increase their reliance of coal power.

Coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels in the United States. Its significant subsidies from the federal government ensure the continued mining and burning of coal to power and heat Nevada’s and the country’s homes and businesses. However, the burning of coal has costs associated with it that are often not computed when determining price per kilowatt hour. While many coal plants have combustion emissions systems that reduce the toxins blown into the atmosphere, the burning of coal releases carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrogen and other carcinogenic compounds. If you or a family member have been poisoned by a nearby Nevada coal-power plant, and want remuneration for health care costs, lost work and suffering, contact Benson and Bingham for a free consultation today.

The Sierra Club in Nevada recently called for the Reid Gardner Coal Plant to be shut down after it was found that all the members of the Hernandez family, who live just 500 yards from the plant, were suffering from respiratory illnesses. If you or your family have been sickened by the burning of fossil fuels or other industrial pollutants in Nevada, contact Benson and Bingham for a free consultation today.

Benson and Bingham Attorneys at Law work every day to help their clients and their families survive catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. While we cannot promise to win your case, the satisfaction of our clients is what gets us up every morning. Please contact Benson and Bingham for a free consultation today.

Motorcycle riders and drivers on Las Vegas roads are urged to proceed with caution and always wear the best, most up-to-date safety gear. Obviously, full-head helmets are a necessity. For example, from 1993 to 2002, it is estimated that motorcycle helmets saved over 7,500 lives. Leather jackets and pants have also saved countless motorcyclists’ lives and reduced injury. Many protect their hands, feet, fingers and toes with boots and gloves designed specifically for motorcycles. Finally, some motorcyclists even wear jackets and pants with armor plating reinforcement on the elbows, knees, shoulders, back and hips. Regardless of what protection the motorcycle driver is wearing, if you or a relative have been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, contact Benson and Bingham for a free legal consultation today.

Southern Nevada summers are notoriously hot in the desert; however, many riders forego some of these precautions in Las Vegas’ intense heat. While the State of Nevada does require helmets for motorcycle riders, that protection can be less than is ultimately needed in a high-speed crash.

It is unknown what protection 18-year old Frederick Carapel was wearing on Sunday evening when his motorcycle struck the back of a 2009 Ford Focus stopped at a red light on Sahara Avenue and Grand Canyon Drive. In critical condition, Carapel was rushed to University Medical Center after he was thrown from his motorcycle. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Nevada motorcycle accident, contact Benson and Bingham for a free consultation. Our licensed Nevada injury attorneys will fight to get you reimbursement for medical costs, pain and suffering and for lost work.

Benson and Bingham are top Nevada personal injury attorneys who develop the closest possible relationship they can with their clients. Our staff of licensed Nevada personal injury attorneys cannot promise a successful outcome to your case, but our results speak for themselves. In the past two years alone, we have secured over $24,000,000 for our clients. Don’t take the word of insurance companies and try to navigate the personal injury process on your own – contact Benson and Bingham for a free consultation, today.

For many, their Las Vegas trip is the vacation of a lifetime. Most people come to Las Vegas for the gambling. Others travel to the Silver State to experience the multitude of nightclub offerings from Vegas’ many world-class casinos. Since the 1950s, people across the United States and from around the world have traveled to Sin City to see their favorite entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Penn & Teller, Celene Dion, Wayne Newton and Cirque du Solei. Some travel as families, some retirees, some are single men and women in their 20s.

Not everyone comes to Southern Nevada for casino entertainment, however. People travel to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Hoover Dam. Others travel to Vegas to check out one of America’s most spectacular national parks, The Grand Canyon. Science Fiction enthusiasts and conspiracy buffs come to see Area 51, which many believe holds the remains of interstellar aliens who visited the earth. Finally, many, young and old come for adventure travel – hiking canyons, bungee jumping and riding ATVs.

Unfortunately, thousands of people have been injured or killed while on their dream Vegas vacation. If you have been injured or a relative died due to a Las Vegas vacation accident, contact Benson and Bingham for a free legal consultation today.

Last week, Gerald Coichette died in an ATV accident approximately 55 miles north of Las Vegas. While Mr. Coichette was rushed to University Medical School via helicopter and was pronounced dead. Even if you or your loved one has signed a liability waiver before a vacation death or injury, contact an attorney.

Benson and Bingham Attorneys at Law represent Nevada residents and vacationers from around the world in personal injury matters every day. Our attorneys work to develop a strong relationship with our clients in the course of representing them. While we cannot promise a successful outcome to your case, in 2010 and 2011 we were able to secure over $24,000,000 in damage awards for our clients.

In October, multi-national drug companies Teva and Baxter were ordered to pay hundreds of millions of dollars due to the fact they repeatedly recommended the use of reusable vials of the Propofol anesthetic. One individual, Michael Washington, who had received the drug through the use of reusable vials and eventually came down with hepatitis, was awarded $14 million.

It is estimated that nearly 300 lawsuits are pending stemming from the multi-use vials of Propofol sold and recommended by Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and US based Baxter International. Of these 300 cases a number of verdicts have been announced. On October 10, three patients were awarded $162 million in punitive damages. The first case resulted in a verdict of $500 million. If you have been injured, sickened or a had a loved one killed due to bad drugs, please go to Bensonbingham.com and sign up for a free consultation.

The propofol reuse case caused significant alarm and changes throughout the Nevada Medical Community. In the 76^th Legislative session, Senate Bill 419 was proposed by the Nevada Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The bill initially required all medical professionals to take a Safe Injection Practices Continuing Medical Education Course as part of renewing their Nevada medical license and even fined medical professionals failed to take the course within an allotted time. These provisions were eventually amended out of the bill, instead requiring medical professionals to attest they are familiar with safe injection practices. By signing that they attest they are aware of safe injection practices, Nevada physicians open themselves up legally should they not obey the practices. The bill passed the Senate and Nevada Assembly as amended and signed by Governor Brian Sandoval. The bill amended the Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 630.

If you have been exposed to prescription bad drugs by a Nevada physician, pharmacy or hospital or sickened by an over-the-counter purchase of bad drugs, Benson and Bingham, leading Las Vegas personal injury attorneys, would like to speak with you during a free legal consultation.

At 6.30 am on Friday, at North Nellis Blvd. & Vegas Valley Dr.  a  car struck a motorcycle. Thrown from the motorcycle from the impact of the crash, the motorcyclist was rushed directly to the Sunrise Hospital Emergency room, even though his injuries were deemed to be non-life threatening.

While police have yet to determine who was at fault in the crash, all participants should do their best to be certain they admit no guilt when discussing the accident with other drivers, police and even insurance companies until Las Vegas Metro Police determine blame.

Once you are in a Clark County traffic accident is no time to learn you aren’t prepared for a car accident. There are many things you should have in your car ready to go should you be struck or strike someone, something or someone. Firstly, always have a first aid kit in your trunk or glove compartment – and check it periodically to be sure everything is current inside it. Place a notebook and a pen in the glove compartment as well – you will need to write down the other drivers information and retain information from the police. If your cell phone does not have a camera, it is suggested you keep a disposable camera in your car. If you are not injured and do not have to administer first aid, be sure to take pictures of the car accident scene. If you have room, it is advised to emergency flares or orange cones.

This information does not complete your Southern Nevada car accident kit, however. You should always have your insurance information handy, and have contact information for your insurance agent.

Once you get home and are safe, if you or a loved one was injured in the accident, call Benson and Bingham to schedule a free consultation from an experienced Las Vegas injury attorney.

Benson and Bingham are one of Las Vegas’ top law firms who work with victims in the aftermath of a Las Vegas car accident. While we cannot promise results, we will fight to ensure you are reimbursed for lost work, hospital costs and more. Again, if you or a family member has been injured, call us for a free consultation today.

Today it was announced that the allegation of rape from July 2008 by a South Lake Tahoe VIP Casino Hostess against Ben Roethlisberger has been settled out of court. The terms of the settlement were not announced.

It is alleged that in July 2008 a South Lake Tahoe Casino hostess went to the room of a guest, responding to a complaint that his TV was not working properly. Excited to meet the famous guest, two-time football championship quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, the un-named casino host rushed to the suite. At this point the events of that evening are in dispute.

The South Lake Tahoe VIP Casino Hostess alleges that when she went to Mr. Roethlisberger’s hotel suite, she was raped. In court papers, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback admitted to sexual contact with the woman but claims anything that happened between the two was consensual.

In 2009, the raped South Lake Tahoe VIP Casino Hostess filed a personal injury lawsuit against the quarterback and her employer, Harrah’s Casino, who she alleged had tried to cover up the assault.

While much of the court proceedings on the case had been to discuss change of venue – originally set for Reno, the defendant wanted the case moved to Carson City, due to the close proximity of this location to where the alleged South Lake Tahoe assault occurred.

If you have been the victim of a Las Vegas casino assault, contact the personal injury attorneys at Benson and Bingham for a free consultation today.

The VIP Casino hostess who alleged the incident did not file criminal charges in the case.

Roethlisberger was initially suspended by the National Football League for the incident for six games at the start of the 2010 season. The suspension was reduced to 4 games after the contrite Super Bowl winning quarterback adhered to a program prescribed by the NFL. Since the suspension, Ben Roethlisberger has not been accused publicly of any wrong doing.

Benson and Bingham have significant experience fighting to ensure those, through no fault of their own, a injured at work, home or in a public place receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost work and pain and suffering. While no one can promise your case will be successful, we pride ourselves on working closely with our clients to ensure their satisfaction.

In September 2009, University of Southern California running back, Stafon Johnson was lifting weights as part of his training regimen for the highly competitive world of Division 1A NCAA football. On the weight bench, Mr. Johnson was bench pressing 275 lbs., when the weight bar slipped and fell on his neck. Mr. Johnson sued USC and Jamie Yanchar, the assistant strength coach at the time for the personal injury.

For Stafon Johnson, the remainder of 2009 was extremely difficult. The star running back underwent numerous painful neck and throat surgeries. And even though Mr. Johnson was drafted and signed by the Tennessee Titans of the NFL in 2010, the suit moved forward.

Earlier this week, as Mr. Johnson’s suit against USC and Mr. Yanchar was about to come to trial the two sides settled for an undisclosed amount.

There are thousands of students athletes in Nevada, not only playing at UNLV or UNR but in high schools and recreational leagues across the state. Injuries to Nevada student athletes happen every day – some freak but many because of negligence and poor training facilities and playing fields. If you or a family member has been injured in an athletic training facility and you believe it could be a case of personal injury, please contact Benson and Bingham today for a free legal consultation.

Nevada’s amateur athletes accept many burdens as they compete in their favorite sports. In high school, many are subjected to arduous training schedules that prevent them from other school activities or holding part-time jobs. In college, scholarship student athletes are prevented from working and have even more rigidly defined training requirements. Due to Nevada’s and Las Vegas’ budget challenges, often times these gyms and practice facilities are poorly maintained and staffed.

One of the leading Las Vegas personal injury law firms, in 2010 Benson and Bingham secured over $15,000,000 in successful legal claims for their clients. If you believe you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a personal injury case, contact us for a free consultation today.

Remember the old days when you could replace a distributor cap, gap your own spark plugs, change the muffler – even fix your clutch? Today’s complicated computer-controlled modern automobiles make these and many other DIY auto repair tasks a thing of the past. Simply put, your car’s computer control system is much more complicated than even the Super Nintendo you wasted hours playing Mario Brothers on.

The computer control systems that make today’s cars impossible for DIY repair do bring significant benefits to drivers and consumers, however. It is the brains behind the anti-lock brakes that prevented you from rear ending the guy who just stopped short in front of you. It balances the air and gas mix in pistons and fuel injectors. It even controls your car’s cruise control!

While you are baffled by the computer control systems in your car, a recent study by the United States National Research Council, which is part of the National Academy of Science, showed that the National Highway and Safety Administration was ill equipped to evaluate and detect problems with many of today’s high-tech cars. One of the issues highlighted in the NRC report was the NTSHA’s inability to accurately assess the safety of complicated systems like adaptive cruise control.

As many of you may recall, last year there was significant coverage of a rash of sudden-unintended acceleration incidents by multiple Toyota makes and models. To refresh your memory, the sudden acceleration issue was seen in the Toyota Corolla, Camry, Tacoma, Avalon, Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

Even though the NRC’s scathing report covered many of the systems associated with sudden-unintended acceleration, the NRC found no issues or faults with the NTSHA’s recent analysis of the problem plaguing Toyota Motor Company.

If you or a family member was injured or killed due to the sudden acceleration of your automobile, and would like a free legal consultation, contact Benson and Bingham Attorneys at Law today. We are one of the highest ranked personal injury law firms in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benson and Bingham develop deep and long lasting relationships with their clients, relying as much on word-of-mouth for new clients as any firm in the South Valleys. Contact us to discuss your case today!

An analysis of 2009 FBI  statistics by the DC Violence Policy Center showed Nevada as having the highest rates of domestic violence in the country. With a rate of 2.7 homicides per 100,000, Nevada outpaced even Alabama’s 2.6 per 100,000. While the FBI downplays comparisons between different states’ crime rates, regardless, the news was sobering for Nevada residents and lawmakers.

In response to Nevada’s high domestic violence rates, Las Vegas Metro Police began referring domestic violence victims to SafeNest. SafeNest provides the victims of domestic abuse with helplines, group counseling, transportation assistance and even court advocacy.

This news has brought a decline in Nevada domestic violence incidents. In late December, when police reported to the North Las Vegas residence of Shaunna and Douglas Jones, Ms. Jones declined treatment for facial, hand and head injuries. Ms. Jones was later found dead by family on January 13^th by family. Her cause of death was determined to be head trauma by Clark County medical examiners. Further examination has led investigators to determine that the abuse suffered by Ms. Jones in December was the cause of Ms. Jones January death. Bail has been set for Mr. Jones of $1,000,000.

While many domestic violence incidents go unreported, many times Nevada domestic violence victims or their surviving family members of can and do sue for medical bills, lost work and other expenses. Significant medical injuries often call for experienced representation, so if you or a family member has experienced head trauma as a result of significant domestic abuse, contact us for a free legal consultation today.

Benson and Bingham are one of the leading Las Vegas personal injury law firms. While we cannot promise results, we  provide our clients with significant personal service as we strive for their satisfaction. In 2010, we were responsible for over $15,000,000 in judgments and settlements for our clients.

Las Vegas workplace violence is always a tragedy. When two Las Vegas city workers stab each other in front of city hall, well, that’s where it can get strange. During a break in safety training, two Las Vegas workers stormed out of the safety meeting they both were attending and began fighting with knives. If you or a family member have been injured in a Las Vegas workplace violence incident, and need help with medical bills or lost wages, please contact Benson and Bingham today.

Little is known as to why the two Las Vegas co-workers fought each other with knives. However, both are being investigated by both the Las Vegas Utilities department and the city attorney’s office. While many in a workplace violence situation are relieved when the authorities get involved, those affected should retain council that will protect their interested. If you have been involved in a Nevada workplace violence situation, log on to Bensonbingham.com today for a free consultation.

In Las Vegas, Benson and Bingham is a preferred personal injury law firm due to the close relationships they foster with their clients. While success cannot be promised, you can see on Bensonandbingham.com the $15,000,000 in judgments for our clients in 2010.