Tanning beds, cancer risks and you — know your rights
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on July 30th, 2009
Well, it's official -- the use of UV tanning beds that are popular in tanning salons, health clubs and even in homes is now being labeled as cancer-causing to humans by a group of 20 researchers with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The group, which is part of the World Health Organization, met in June to "to reassess the carcinogenicity of the types of radiation previously classified as 'carcinogenic to humans,'" including...
Is your child “sexting?” A guide for parents
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on July 29th, 2009
Among teens today, the recent phenomenon of "sexting" -- taking nude photos of themselves or other teens and e-mailing them to others -- is getting lots of attention from parents and law enforcement officials. So what's it mean to you as a parent? And what does it mean if your child is sexting using a cell phone that you have given them? Well, that depends, but it's something that you need to be aware of...
Video Blog: Torts
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on July 27th, 2009
The difference between full tort and limited tort auto insurance coverage is widely misunderstood, but vitally important. Limited tort coverage limits your right to recover compensation after being injured in an accident. It’s a choice that can save you a little money on your insurance premiums, but cost you tens of thousands of dollars should you sustain a serious injury in a car accident. What’s a tort? What’s the difference between full tort coverage and...
U.S. Congress has some explaining to do about cell phone driving safety
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on July 26th, 2009
This is a public service announcement on British television, highlighting the dangers of driving while texting. Caution: The images in this clip are very graphic and disturbing. Video Credit: YouTube.com How many people have died needlessly on U.S. roads in the last six years because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was too afraid of Congress to do a formal, detailed study to look at how mobile phones and texting devices were affecting driving across...
Pennsylvania Taking Baby Steps On The Cell Phone Front…
By Dean I. Weitzman, Esq. on July 10th, 2009
Driving while texting: proposed Pa. law would levy $100 fine Tired of seeing drivers texting from cellphones and PDAs while they’re behind the wheel of their cars, minivans and trucks? So are we, as is every other rational person who doesn’t want to get hurt in a vehicle accident due to someone else’s carelessness. Well, some good news came out of the Pennsylvania State Senate yesterday – a bill passed the Senate by a 44...
Auto Accident Checklist from MyPhillyLawyer
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on July 9th, 2009
If you have ever been involved in a car accident, even one that is minor, you know that the aftermath can be very hectic and chaotic. If you have serious injuries or property damage, you will definitely want to document as much information as possible about the accident, the drivers, the vehicles and objects involved. MyPhillyLawyer provides a helpful Auto Accident Checklist as well as six critical steps you should follow immediately after an accident....
GM Bankruptcy Amended to Address Some Concerns
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on June 30th, 2009
Since the announcement of Chrysler’s bankruptcy plan nearly a month ago, opponents have gathered to express outrage at the injustice of this plan. As we discussed previously, the Chrysler bankruptcy plan leaves people who are injured as the result of defective Chrysler vehicles without legal claims against the “new” emerging company. This outrage did little to alter the fate of Chrysler; the bankruptcy was approved with minimal interruptions. Chrysler has emerged from bankruptcy without liability...
Breathalyzer Source Code as an Issue in DUI Defense
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on June 25th, 2009
For years, DUI defense attorneys have questioned the reliability of breath test results used as evidence of alcohol intoxication in DUI cases. Criminal defense attorneys across the nation have suggested that the source code used to program alcohol breath test machines have errors that make the machines render unreliable results in certain circumstances. Reliability of the results is important because in a criminal prosecution, defendants have a right to cross-examine witnesses against them. But for...
Philly Hospital Errors Demonstrate Need for Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
By Dean I Weitzman, Esq. on June 23rd, 2009
Last Saturday, the New York Times published an article about rampant medical negligence in a Philadelphia hospital, drawing national attention to a terrible local problem. According to the article, with broken equipment and minimal oversight, a "rogue cancer unit" at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center botched 92 of 116 procedures intended to help prostate cancer patients. The article cites many problems, from a regulatory system that allowed the doctor to revise his surgical plan after...
