Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

When someone’s negligence or misconduct results in the death of another, the victim’s family may choose to file a wrongful death claim. [1] A wrongful death can come about due to a car accident, medical procedure, a catastrophic injury, or because someone failed to warn about a hazardous situation.

At Allen & Allen, our attorneys have experience with the nuances of wrongful death cases, and are equipped with the expertise to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Here are a few ways an experienced attorney can make a difference in your case.   

Wrongful death claims have been specifically created…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

The average home contains many appliances and accessories that could cause potential burns. Stoves, ovens, fireplaces, and even hot water can cause burns in both adults and children. Children may not understand the risks of burn injuries or the concept of heat from a stove,[1] but following a few simple safety tips can help keep children safe in the household.[2]

Burn injuries in children are a serious concern.[3] On average, more than 100,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year for burn injuries.[4] Additionally, an average of 1,100 children die each year from fire and burn injuries.[5] These statistics are alarming,…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

Americans consistently rate the safety and quality of their car as one of the most influential factors when deciding which model to purchase, and recent decades have seen enormous advances in safety equipment and systems.[1] Anti-lock brakes, side airbags, and stronger, more absorbent chassis have all played a role in making our roads less dangerous than before. Out of all these advances, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has distinguished itself as perhaps the single most beneficial safety system added to our cars.

Growing from the same technology and system as anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) senses the beginning of a slide and automatically…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

Product manufacturers and the government have the power to recall products if the products pose a health or safety concern to the public.[1]  A recall can ask for consumers to return the product for a replacement or a repair, or it can ban the sale of a product.[2]  Product recalls can include things like vehicles and vehicle equipment, food products for humans and pets, and other everyday consumer products like toys or clothing.[3] It is important to make sure a product you are purchasing has not been recalled, and also to report any significant safety concerns that you may notice about any consumer product.[4] The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

Smartphones are a critical part of modern daily life. In 2013, 56% of Americans owned a smartphone.[1] Today, that number has risen to 64% of Americans.[2] More than a communications tool, smartphones have become so integrated into our lives that a recent study revealed that three-quarters of respondents never left their smartphone more than five feet away from them.[3] The fear of being without your smartphone, scientifically known as “nomophobia,” afflicts 40% of the population.[4] This data points to one conclusion – smartphone addiction is genuine and pervasive.

While a text message may not disrupt a conversation…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

Drunk and distracted driving frequently make the highway safety headlines today; however, drowsy driving is just as dangerous and far more prevalent. According to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, more than 60% of adult drivers admitted to having driven a car while drowsy in the past year, and more than 35% claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel! Numbers like these indicate a profound lack of understanding for how dangerous it is to drive while drowsy.[1]

To increase awareness of thiscombat this unawareness, the National Sleep Foundation has declared the week of November 6 - 12 to be Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. The purpose of this…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

Operation Safe Driver Week is coming the week of October 16-22, 2016. The week is made up of two initiatives designed to improve driver and roadway safety.

The campaign’s first initiative involves increased traffic enforcement on our roadways. The second includes educational activities designed to improve driver safety. The overall intent of the program is to minimize the risks faced by drivers on a daily basis, in order to reduce injuries and deaths from vehicle accidents.[1] The need for Operation Safe Driver Week is obvious: more than 4,100 deaths and 126,000 injuries resulted from bus and truck crashes alone in 2012.[2]

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

Halloween is right around the corner, and many parents have already started preparing themselves and their children for the annual parade of costumes and candy. To ensure that both you and your children have a safe and happy Halloween, review the following safety tips provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.[1]

Because trick-or-treating usually happens at night, parents should find costumes for their children that are bright and reflective. Adding reflective striping to costumes or treat bags can help increase a child’s visibility, not only to other trick-or-treaters, but also to passing vehicles.

Though masks are often considered…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

In the United States today, children have unprecedented access to the internet. The percentage of Americans who own a computer or cell phone has never been higher, with research showing that 84% of United States households contain a computer and 64% of Americans have cell phones.[1] While the internet can be a positive place for children to learn and connect with friends, there are many potential dangers involved if proper precautions are not taken.

Online threats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most dangerous being predators looking to harm children through the internet. These online predators are usually strangers using fake profiles and…

Author: P. Christopher Guedri, Richmond, VA Personal Injury Attorney

With the school year in full swing once again, approximately one million Virginia students will be riding school buses to and from school, field-trips, and other school related activities.[1] Many of these students (and their parents) will be lining up at their assigned bus stops. Because a good number of these bus stops are on busy streets, parents need to make sure that their children queue up and wait for the bus safely.

Parents should be thinking about bus stop safety even before their children leave the house. Though some parents might accompany their kids to the bus stop, many kids walk to the bus stop alone. As fall turns…