Blog
- Holidays May Lead to More Truck Accidents
Dec 5, 2017
For decades, Black Friday has been known as the biggest shopping day of the calendar year. However, Cyber Monday is overtaking Black Friday as people choose the convenience of shopping online at home. There are no crowds to battle and the deals are just as good or better. Free shipping is also a big incentive, and that means more packages being delivered. The holiday delivery rush means more trucks out on the road trying to...Read More - Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling on Bad Faith Claims
Nov 27, 2017
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled on a case concerning a bad faith insurance claim, unanimously upholding the decision of the state Superior Court in favor of the plaintiff. At issue was whether a policyholder must demonstrate ill will on the part of an insurer as well as lack of a reasonable basis in denying a claim. While malice can be used as a factor to determine whether an insurer acted in bad faith, the...Read More - CarMax Open Safety Recalls
Nov 22, 2017
A recent study by safety advocates found that more than 25 percent of vehicles sold at CarMax had unrepaired safety recalls. The study used about 1,700 cars listed for sale at eight different CarMax locations in three states. Some cars contained recalled Takata airbags, which have been linked to fatal malfunctions in accidents. The study was conducted by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety Foundation, the Center for Auto Safety, and the MASSPIRG Education Fund. It...Read More - Thanksgiving Travel Safety Tips
Nov 16, 2017
Thanksgiving is one of the most popular American holidays with millions of people driving to meet their friends and family to celebrate. Unfortunately, this also means heavy traffic on all roads throughout our communities and more car accidents, some of which result in serious or fatal injuries to passengers. By preparing for your trip and planning ahead, you can avoid common travel mishaps. Each year, the AAA is called to rescue hundreds of thousands of...Read More - Self-Driving Vehicles Bill
Nov 10, 2017
Self-driving automobiles may seem like a futuristic fantasy, but they are already here. In fact, there is currently a U.S. Senate bill to address self-driving vehicles. The bill – The American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act – was recently amended. Lobbyists from companies that are developing self-driving technology wanted to limit federal restrictions on road-testing self-driving vehicles. Consumer and safety advocacy groups were able to reduce the number of vehicles...Read More - Trial Lawyers Push Back Against Pennsylvania Drug Formulary
Nov 3, 2017
The state senate recently passed a bill mandating a drug formulary for Workers’ Compensation. Although insurers are welcoming of the bill, it is being rigorously opposed by trial attorneys, who believe it is an attempt to curb utilization review organizations. Formularies have been historically used by medical insurers to control prescription costs by listing the drugs that they will cover. Pennsylvania is the most recent state to adopt this strategy. According to the bill’s latest text,...Read More - Most Dangerous Jobs in America
Oct 25, 2017
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) records data on all fatal work-related accidents across the country every year. The data is compiled in the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. In 2015, there were nearly 5,000 fatal work injuries – the highest number in a single year since 2008. Some professions are more prone to accidents and injuries than others. According to the BLS census, the top ten deadliest occupations in the United States are:...Read More - Lawrence R. Chaban Named One of Pittsburgh’s Finest 2017
Oct 20, 2017
We are proud to announce that Lawrence R. Chaban of AlpernSchubert P.C. has been recognized as one of Pittsburgh City Paper’s “Pittsburgh’s Finest 2017” for his achievements in the fields of Workers’ Compensation, Social Security disability and short and long-term disability claims. The Pittsburgh City Paper’s Profile Series features businesses and professionals in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Larry began his career in Workers’ Compensation law, and is highly regarded...Read More - Safe Halloween Decorating
Oct 19, 2017
With Halloween right around the corner, thousands of children across the state will be donning elaborate costumes and running from door to door in their town, hoping to gather up some sweet treats. In Pittsburgh, late October means shorter days and colder weather, putting children and adults alike at risk of becoming the unwitting participants in a premises liability case. Premises Liability Basics Owners of private properties and businesses have an obligation to keep their...Read More - Permanent Headlight Usage Linked to Fewer Accidents
Oct 18, 2017
Many studies, both national and international, have shown that the use of daytime running headlights reduces the risk of being in a car accident. Motorists and pedestrians can better see vehicles with headlights than vehicles without headlights even during the daytime. Despite the evident benefits of permanent headlight usage, there is a debate regarding whether drivers should be able to decide if they want to use daytime headlights or whether the use of daytime headlights...Read More