Call for a Free Consultation

Blog

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Contact an Accident Attorney

Slip and Fall WarningAn accident can happen when you least expect. From falling in a store to stumbling and twisting an ankle because of a broken sidewalk, all kinds of mishaps occur to people every day. If you are involved in an incident, reach out to an accident attorney as soon as possible. Law offices, such as Mallon LLC, always have a slip and fall lawyer in Baltimore, MD, available to help you.

 

You shouldn’t wait to call a legal professional if you are injured.  This is important because an attorney can help you with the following:

  • Filing Your Case within the Statutes of Limitations and Government Tort Claim Deadlines
  • Collecting Evidence before It Is Destroyed or Lost
  • Conducting an Interview with You and Witnesses Before the Event Fades from Memory
  • Helping You Take Advantage of a Chance to Collect a Quick Settlement
  • Give You Peace of Mind That Your Case Is in Good Hands

 

If you are still not sure about calling an attorney and money is the issue, please remember that many slip and fall lawyers offer free or low-price consultations. Several also take on cases on a contingency fee basis. This way, you can get the representation you need without having to come up with any money upfront.

Legal Ramifications of Texting While Driving

Texting While Driving AccidentToday, smartphones have become a necessity that everyone should have. Many individuals have become more dependent on these electronic devices. Whether they need to make a quick call or check their email, smartphones are accessories that can be used to handle different tasks quickly. However, so many of us have become plugged into our devices that they are effecting lives in negative ways. One of the most alarming is texting while driving.

 

This behavior is not only risky but also illegal in almost every state. There are strict laws that prohibit drivers from using mobile devices while operating their vehicles because it can lead to auto accidents in Baltimore, MA, and other areas. The consequences for texting while driving vary in severity from simply having to pay a fine to even jail time. And while these penalties are bad, the ultimate ones could be injury or death of your or others on the road. It isn’t worth it. If an incident does occur, contact a car accident lawyer from Mallon LLC.

 

Avoiding the legal ramifications and life-changing consequences of texting while driving is easy. Just unplug yourself from your smartphone when you get behind the wheel. Whether you need to lock it in your glove compartment or leave it in your purse, do what it takes to keep your eyes on the road.

Understand Your Rights as a Cyclist Following an Auto Accident

Cyclist vs AutoCyclists, like motorcyclists and pedestrians, are extremely vulnerable while riding on the road. Even with the proper protective gear on, they don’t have the benefit of being surrounded by thousands of pounds of metal that can shield them during a collision. Fortunately, Maryland bicycle laws are structured explicitly to create a safe environment for everyone sharing the road.

Laws for Cyclists

If you ride a bicycle on the road, you are subject to all of the usual rules as they relate to traffic signals and right-of-way. It’s also important to remember:

  • Follow All Traffic Safety Signs and Signals
  • Avoid the Highway
  • Stay on the Right Side of the Road
  • Use the Bike Lane
  • Keep Hands on the Handlebars and Eyes on the Road
  • Passengers Must Be Seated
  • No Clinging to Other Vehicles
  • No Headphones Allowed
  • Helmets Are Required for Cyclists Under Age 16
  • Bikes Must-Have Brakes
  • Lamps and Reflectors Are Required on Certain Highways

Laws for Drivers

If you encounter a cyclist, treat them with respect, and help keep them safe by:

  • Keeping Your Distance
  • Yielding to Cyclists When Turning
  • Respecting Bike Lanes
  • Yielding to Cyclists on Sidewalks, Bike Paths, and Crosswalks

 

If you’re a cyclist and have been involved in an accident, remember that you have rights. Protect your rights following a cycling accident by turning to Mallon LLC, a reputable personal injury law firm that you can count on.

When Unsecured Carpets or Slippery Mats Can Cause Injuries

Slip and FallWhen you’re in a place of business, you expect the premises to be safe. Even when businesses take measures to prevent hazards in the workplace, there are potential problems that may not have been considered — especially during the winter months. Wintery weather can be pretty, but it’s best left outside. Regular foot traffic can carry snow, ice, and other debris through your door and can create a slippery situation for anyone else who comes through.

 

Snow and ice aren’t going to keep patrons from coming into a building, so it’s important for businesses to consider ways to prevent them from bringing the elements indoors. And while it’s crucial that they protect their entrances in the winter, it’s also important to review the interior for potential hazards. Loose rugs or a run in the carpet can lead to unfortunate trips and falls.

 

If you or a loved one have taken a tumble and suffered an injury that resulted from a fall at a business, it’s important to speak to an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Baltimore, MD. For more information regarding your legal rights after a dangerous slip, trip, or fall accident, turn to the dedicated representatives at Mallon LLC for help in your time of need.

Understanding Worker’s Compensation Coverage

Worker’s CompensationWorkplace injuries can dramatically alter the course of your life and leave you unable to do the things you love. For many, the key to a successful recovery is worker’s compensation in Baltimore, MD. However, this protection only applies in certain circumstances, and knowing what is and isn’t covered can help you plan your strategy for the future.

 

There are two necessary components for worker’s compensation to apply: first, the injury must occur because of conditions required by your employer. Second, it must occur while you are doing your job. This can include anything from illnesses developed due to toxic fumes on a worksite to broken bones from unsafe equipment.

 

Typically, the benefits awarded depend on the severity of your injury. They can be claimed to cover things like:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Funeral Expenses
  • Vocational Training

 

Once you file a claim, both you and your employer have the right to request a hearing that is presided over by a member of the state Worker’s Compensation Commission. This is where the right representation can make all the difference. Fortunately, worker’s compensation attorneys cannot charge a fee until compensation is awarded, and the cost will typically be a percentage of that award, allowing you to seek reliable counsel without worry.

Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident

Uber or LyftOn the busy streets of Baltimore, crashes aren’t limited to individuals driving their own cars. Since ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft remain popular among many people, it’s important to consider that drivers using these apps can end up in an accident, too — with you as the passenger. If you find yourself in this situation, you need to know your options before you head to court. Here are some of the most important things to consider when it comes to ride-sharing services and auto accidents in Baltimore, MD:

 

Drivers Are Independent — Both Uber and Lyft drivers are usually considered independent contractors, a designation that’s legally distinct from an employee. This means that you probably can’t sue the companies for the actions of people using their app to make money. Instead, holding the companies financially responsible requires legal action aimed at their insurance.

 

Insurance is Key — Ride-sharing companies require drivers to carry active insurance and will supplement it in the event of an accident. This is where you may be able to seek the compensation and accountability you deserve.

 

Professionals Can Help — While every case is different, the best way to make sure you’re taking the right course of action after an accident is to contact an attorney.

You’ve Been Affected by Medical Malpractice: What’s Next?

Medical ErrorThroughout the years, many people have suffered fatal and non-fatal injuries that are due to medical malpractice in Baltimore, MD. If you suspect that you’ve been affected by the carelessness or error of a medical team or professional, you need to know what to do next. Below, we have outlined what you should do if you think you are a victim:

Find a New Doctor – Your health is very important and should be your first priority. For this reason, you must find another doctor quickly to assess and correct (if possible) the medical mistake of your previous physician.

Request Your Medical Records – You will need these records as they will play a critical role in your malpractice case.

Keep a Journal – For added evidence, write down any changes to your health that are due to the medical error of your physician, as well as other impacts on your life. Make your entries as detailed as possible.

Contact an Attorney – You will need representation to help hold the responsible party accountable for their professional negligence.  Your attorney will also speak to the other party on your behalf. You should avoid making contact with them to avoid unnecessary stress and legal complications. The professionals at Mallon LLC are happy to assist you and look into your case.

Who Is and Isn’t Covered by Worker’s Compensation Benefits?

Injured WorkerSuffering an accident on the job can not only be a scary experience, but also a stressful one. After you’ve spent time seeking medical help and receiving treatment, you then have to deal with paying for your medical bills. These, along with other bills, add up, especially if you can’t return to work right away. For their business and employees’ protection, many employers have workers compensation insurance in place. However, not every worker who experiences an on-the-job accident is covered.

To be eligible for workers’ compensation in Baltimore, MD, your injury or illness must have resulted from an accident and occurred during or in the course of employment. If you meet these criteria, you can then file a claim.

 

Covered Injuries and Illnesses

There are many occupational injuries and diseases that are covered by workers’ compensation. For instance, if you sprain your ankle due to a slip and fall while completing a work task, it is compensable. Illnesses that are covered included those that are caused by workplace conditions, such as exposure to a toxic chemical or substance.

If you need help with proving your ailment was caused by an on-the-job accident or ongoing condition, consult a knowledgeable attorney from Mallon LLC. We’ll review your case and determine if you’re due compensation.

Identifying Discriminatory Harassment in the Workplace

Discrimination in the Workplace

The law dictates that all employees be treated equally, and all job applicants considered fairly regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, physical disability, and other considerations. However, discriminatory harassment still occurs in the workplace. Discriminatory harassment takes many forms, and its expressions can be mild or severe. It is the obligation of employers, though, to ensure that their employees receive equitable and respectful treatment.

If you have experienced workplace discrimination, you have options. At the offices of Mallon LLC, you can speak to a knowledgeable discrimination lawyer in Baltimore, MD. Our law firm will review the details of your claim and advise you on the available courses of action.

You can identify instances of workplace discrimination by one or more of many markers of class- or group-based exclusion. Examples include:

  1. Slurs directed toward an employee of a different race.
  2. Degrading comments about a disabled employee.
  3. Intolerance towards an employee’s religious holidays or customs.
  4. Teasing an employee for their gender identity or sexual orientation.
  5. Unequal compensation for the same job based on race, sex, age, etc.
  6. Refusing a job or promotion to an individual due to pregnancy.

How to Protect Yourself from Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe, productive work environment for all of their employees. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still an all too common occurrence. Individuals who have experienced this type of harassment understandably feel a range of negative emotions, from humiliation and fear to anger and depression.

If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it’s vital that you consult with a sexual harassment lawyer in Baltimore, MD. At Mallon LLC, we’ll review your legal options with you and stand up for your rights.

Typically, workplace sexual harassment falls into two categories: hostile work environment and quid pro quo. In a hostile work environment, individuals receive ongoing harassment that interferes with their ability to perform their job and disrupts their sense of wellbeing. Quid pro quo, or this for that, refers to instances where a supervisor or manager promises a subordinate a reward for agreeing to sexual behavior or threatens punishment for refusal.

Dealing with sexual harassment is difficult. But here are some suggestions on how to protect yourself:

  1. Find a supportive coworker and discuss the problem.
  2. Keep notes that detail each instance of harassment.
  3. File a complaint immediately with your manager or HR department.
  4. Be direct and express your discomfort with your harasser.
  5. Follow up and be persistent with your employer that they take action.
  6. If your employer does not act, call us at Mallon LLC.