Tractor-Trailer Hit In Accident On PA Highway

A tractor-trailer has was involved in an accident on Pennsylvania's highways.  According to the story posted by Lancaster Online, two people were injured in a crash when a tractor-trailer was hit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  The tractor-trailer was overturned and was blocking the right land and shoulder. At the time of the report, the accident was reported to have been caused by a sportscar driver who was driving too fast for the conditions and crashed into the truck.  

As drivers in Pennsylvania, it is important to realize that we need to share the road with commercial truck drivers .  When truck drivers are put into a dangerous position, they are also a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents . As a result, passengers and other vehicles often bear the brunt of the activity and are can be seriously injured or die from a resulting collision. If you have been injured or a loved one has died as a result of a motor vehicle or commercial vehicle accident, please contact our law office for a consultation at no cost to you at the Law Offices of Attorney Doug Stoehr.

For more on the original article, please click here.

Pennsylvania Reports Increase In ER Visits for Head Injuries

Pennsylvania is seeing a significant increase in head injuries in their hospitals' emergency rooms.  According to a local central Pennsylvania news source, there was almost a 30% increase in the number of ER visits for head injuries from 2006 to 2010.  Among those statistics, the majority of reports came from children and adults over 60.  Right here in Altoona, the emergency department director, Dr. Bouchard, stated that they've seen a larger increase in the number of brain injuries in older people. He also believes that this is largely due to increased awareness and potential severity of brain injuries.

If you have recently been in a car crash, it is important to closely monitor your body's response to injury.  This is especially true if you suspect that you have sustained a significant head injury.  If your car accident was due to the fault of another, it may also be time to seek legal action.   If you or a loved one has recently been in a car accident due to the fault of another, please contact Altoona, PA area personal injury attorney Doug Stoehr to set up an initial, free consultation.  His law office can be reached by visiting his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or calling his firm at 814-946-4100.

Please visit the original article here.

An Editorial On PA's Distracted Driving Problem

Pennsylvania has had a driving and texting ban that has been in effect since 2011.  However, many drivers continue to text on the road, as well as engage in other forms of distracted driving.  What have Pennsylvania and other states done to address this issue?  Some of the things that police have done include sitting in unmarked SUVs and riding city buses to be able to look down on drivers.  You might want to read this editorial, written in Lancaster Online, to find out more.  

 Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents on the highway.  If you have been injured as the result of a distracted driver, it might be time to consult an attorney.  Tractor-trailer drivers are also cited with distracted driving, and can leave devastation in their wake after a highway accident.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania.  Please visit his website athttp://www.stoehrlaw.com for more information.

Truck Drivers Guilty of Distracted Driving

When you see tractor-trailers moving along our country's highways, you expect their drivers to be safe, alert, and vigilant. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  A local New York City news source just posted an article about the increased occurrence of truck drivers who text and drive.  According to the news report, through local ABC news station 13WHAM,  "A hidden camera investigation has uncovered a dangerous trend on highways. WABC-TV in New York City set up camera on several of highly travel roadways, catching truckers texting and talking on their phones and one driver even talking on two cell phones at once. The New York State Department of Transportation said nearly 16,000 truckers were ticketed for distracted driving in 2013, but only four of them were suspended and taken out of service." 4 out of 16,000 drivers who were caught texting while driving seems like a tiny percentage!    

If you are involved in a car accident, most states, including Pennsylvania, have at least one section on the incident report dedicated to distracted driving violations.  Fines and charges may increase if you are cited with one of these violations.  Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents on the highway.  If you have been injured as the result of a distracted driver, it might be time to consult an attorney.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania.  Please visit his website athttp://www.stoehrlaw.com for more information.

Please read more of the original 13WHAM article by clicking this link. 

Potential Genetic Basis For Chronic Pain

Anecdotal information suggests that some members of the population are more sensitive to pain and more susceptible to chronic pain than others. Recently, scientific research suggests that there may a genetic factor that influences the perception and persistence of pain.  To read more about this research, please visit the article here, as originally posted by Medical News Today.  As stated in previous blog posts, the majority of chronic pain begins in the joints and muscles, but then can move into the central nervous system. There is also research that has shown that persistent pain can re-map brain pathways, making pain worsen over time.  To manage this, it is best to consult with your physician as soon as you begin to feel chronic pain symptoms.  Catching the problem early may make treatment easier, less time consuming, and more effective.

Attorney Doug Stoehr takes cases for clients who are experiencing chronic pain due to an accident or injury due to the fault of another.  For more information on his Altoona, PA area practice, please visit his website at  http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his office at 814-946-4100.

Car Crashes Are Second Leading Cause of TBI

Often when people hear about traumatic brain injuries, they tend to envision accidents related to sports.  In reality, falls are the number one leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, followed closely by car crashes.  This information, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control, is true across all age groups.  

One news site (WATE.com) highlighted the story of a young college student who was in a car accident and suffered significant injury to her head.  Her traumatic brain injury was so severe that it was compared to the effects often seen in Shaken Baby Syndrome.  To read more about this girl's story and to educate yourself on the lasting effects of a TBI injury, please click here. 

If you have recently been in a car crash, it is important to closely monitor your body's response and recovery after the accident.  If you suspect a TBI, immediately seek help from a qualified physician who can diagnose you and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.  If your car accident was due to the fault of another, it may also be time to seek legal action.  This is especially true if your injuries cause you to miss extended periods of work or not be able to continue your line of work at all.  Other major expenses resulting from an accident may include medical bills.  If you or a loved one has recently been in a car accident due to the fault of another, please contact Altoona, PA area personal injury attorney Doug Stoehr to set up an initial, free consultation.  His law office can be reached by visiting his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or calling his firm at 814-946-4100.

How Chronic Pain Affects Daily Life

Chronic pain can have a major impact on day-to-day functions, including relationships, mental health, and emotional well-being.  An article from a Dallas, TX area news source recently reported on this issue and the many challenges that people with chronic pain face.

According to the article, people who have chronic pain are three times more likely to suffer from mental health issues than people who don't have chronic pain.  Chronic pain can also cause people to have trouble sleeping, eating, and trouble controlling tension.  Many sufferers of chronic pain also report problems with anxiety and depression.  To remedy these issues, many neurologists and pain specialists are compiling pain management programs.  Many of these programs not only involve medication, but also relaxation techniques, coping skills, and therapeutic remedies to manage chronic pain from the holistic perspective. 

For more information and to read the Dallas Morning News article in its entirety, please click here.

Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving Blair and the seven surrounding counties in central Pennsylvania.  He takes cases for clients who are experiencing chronic pain as the result of an injury due to the fault of another.   For more information on his Altoona, PA area firm, please call his office at 814-946-4100 or visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com. 

Drunken Snowmobiling?

Unfortunately, and perhaps unbelievably, sharing the snowmobiling trails with people who are drunk and driving is a legitimate cause for concern while enjoying the winter weather.  A recent report by an Erie, PA area news website just covered an incident relating a drunken snowmobiling accident.

According to the report, a New York man was drunkenly operating a snowmobile and crashed into a county sheriff's car last weekend in Marysville, PA.  The 28-year-old driver was charged with several offenses, including snowmobiling white intoxicated, reckless operation, and failing to stop before cross a highway.  The snowmobile nearly hit an oncoming car while attempting to enter the highway without stopping or yielding to traffic. 

Although enjoyable, off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are also a significant cause of serious injury among Pennsylvanians.  Attorney Doug Stoehr of Altoona, PA handles cases involving injury as a result of accidents involving off-road vehicles.  For more information about Attorney Doug Stoehr and his Blair county area practice, please visit his website athttp://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

for more information on the original article, please click here. 

Is Your Auto Insurance Appropriate For You?

In today's age, there are many choices when it comes to picking the appropriate automobile insurance to meet your needs.  Unfortunately, many drivers are underinsured and may suffer a large financial cost if they are ever in a car accident.  Although it is unpleasant to think about, car accidents are a fairly frequent occurrence, especially in the bad weather associated with the winter months.

In an effort to help area Pennsylvanians see if they have the right automobile insurance for them, Attorney Doug Stoehr has added a free auto insurance review section to his website.  You can find the link by clicking here, where you can fill out a form that Attorney Stoehr can review and consult with you about.  Attorney Stoehr is uniquely qualified to do this because he used to be an insurance agent before he became a personal injury lawyer.  Therefore, he can see the larger perspective of a potential insurance claim, especially when it involves a personal injury that you've suffered in a car accident!   Unfortunately, if you do not have the appropriate insurance coverage to meet your needs, your potential compensation from an accident could be limited as a result.   Attorney Stoehr works hard for his clients to get them their appropriate compensation for any injuries they've suffered as a result of an accident due to the fault of another. If you feel that you would like to take a second look at your automobile coverage, take a minute and fill out Attorney Stoehr's link by clicking here.

Attorney Doug Stoehr is an Altoona based personal injury lawyer who takes claims for many clients who have been injured in automobile accidents.  He also takes cases for victims of distracted driving accidents in Altoona, Blair County, and the seven surrounding counties in Pennsylvania. For more information on his central Pennsylvania practice, please call his office at 814-946-4100 or visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com

Slip-And-Fall Accidents Can Happen Anywhere

Are you familiar with premises liability and slip-and-fall cases?  In some situations, if you slip and fall while on a homeowner or business premises, you may be entitled for compensation for any resulting injuries.  This may happen in places where walkways are improperly maintained, areas are not well-lit, or there is not proper signage indicating danger or unusual walking conditions.

One such slip-and-fall case is recently in the news in Philadelphia, PA.  A city woman is suing the Wal-Mart Corporation for injuries sustained in one of their area stores.  The plaintiff claims that the Wal-Mart store had an accumulation of spilled and trampled foods, such as fruits and vegetables, on the store’s floor.  The plaintiff slipped and fell on the mess, and suffered injuries to her back, lower extremities, and hips.

If you have slipped and fell on the property of another, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and potential pain and suffering.  This may include cases where sidewalks were improperly maintained due to the winter weather, such as failure to remove snow and ice.   Attorney Doug Stoehr takes cases for clients who have sustained slip-and-fall injuries due to the fault or negligence of another.  For more information on his Altoona, PA area practice, please visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his firm at 814-946-4100.

For more information on the Philadelphia area case, please click here.

Does Your State Allow Elder Abuse Claims After Death?

In some states, elder abuse claims cannot be pursued after the victim has passed away.  In one recent case, a Minnesota nursing home was under attack after there were 15 alleged physical and/or sexual assaults of residents.  Many of the victims and their family members pursued lawsuits, but three years later, all of the lawsuits had been dismissed because the victims had died. This law known as Survival Law, mandates that a personal injury lawsuit can be dismissed if the victim dies of unrelated cases.  There are only three other states with this law.

Although this may appear unusual, the backers of this law claim that the law was created to compensate the victims for their suffering, not their family members.  Fortunately, Pennsylvania does not have any such law.  Personal injury lawyer Douglas Stoehr understands that family members suffer along with the victims when such incidents occur.

Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania.  He takes cases for older Pennsylvanians who have been abused or neglected in nursing homes or hospitals.  For more information on his Altoona, PA area practice, please call his office at 814-946-4100 or visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com.  Attorney Stoehr takes cases in Blair and the seven surrounding counties.

Pennsylvania Winter Driving-Be Safe!

We have had an unusually high amount of snowstorms here in Pennsylvania this winter.  Consequently, the number of potential road-related accidents will also increase.  Are you prepared to effectively and safely drive in the winter?  Pennsylvania's driving safety website, JustDrivePA.org, has posted some tips to keep you and other travelers safe on the road this winter.

Some important things to consider, as listed on their website, may be second nature to most native Pennsylvanians, but all the tips are worth checking out to see if there is anything you're missing!  Things you may wish to double-check in your car are: making sure your car's radio works properly, making sure your wiper blades don't streak, and having an emergency kit in your car.  Some things you should put in that emergency kit include a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, and a first aid kit.

Winter car accidents are frightening, expensive, and time-consuming.  These accidents may also result in injuries that are extensive, painful, and long-lasting.  If you suffered an injury due to a car accident caused by another, it might be time to consult with an attorney.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania. For more information on his Altoona, PA law firm, please visit his website athttp://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his office at814-946-4100.



To read more about JustDrivePA.org's website and to take their winter driving safety quiz, please click here.

Snowmobiling: A Common Way To Enjoy Winter Landscapes

During our wintry Pennsylvania weather, many residents enjoy outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.  Although snowmobiles are a fun way to enjoy our many outdoor spaces, all riders need to address potential safety concerns before enjoying the trails.  Here are some fast facts about snowmobiles that you might not know!

• In 2013, over 48,000 snowmobiles were sold in the United States.
• Currently, there are 1.4 million registered snowmobiles in America.
• For the 2012-2013 year, there were 38,500 snowmobile registrations in Pennsylvania.
• According to the source below, Pennsylvania ranks among the top 10 states for the number of snowmobiles registered in 2012-2013.

**All facts come from SnowMobile.org.

As you can see, snowmobiling is a very common winter sport in the United States.    It is an enjoyable way to get outside in cold weather and can be a way for families to spend time together. As stated on SnowMobile.org, “Historically individuals who snowmobile at a young age continue to snowmobile with their parents throughout their lives, sharing great experiences as a family. In many winter regions, snowmobiling is simply the main form of winter outdoor recreation and in some cases the main method of transportation available.”

However, off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are also a significant cause of serious injury among Pennsylvanians.  Attorney Doug Stoehr of Altoona, PA handles cases involving injury as a result of accidents involving off-road vehicles.  For more information about Attorney Doug Stoehr and his Blair county area practice, please visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

ATV Accidents By The Numbers: Part 2

To continue Attorney Doug Stoehr's recent blog posts relating to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, injury, and death, more information is reported from a February 2013 report compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  This report provided a picture of the frequency and severity of accidents surrounding American ATV users in the past twenty or so years.  

The CPSC reported a number of interesting statistics and facts relating to ATV use, which includes the following:

• In 2010, there was an estimated 10.4 million ATVs in use across the country.  
• At that time, there was a fatality risk of 0.7 per 10,000 ATVs in use. This means that out of 100,000 ATVs in use, about 7 people will be killed while riding one. 
• In 2011, 52% of children under the age of 12 were responsible for the total number of ATV-related injuries in children.
• The CPSC estimated a 98.8 person injury frequency per 10,000 ATV vehicles in use in 2011. This means that out of 100,000 ATVs in use, about 988 people will be injured while riding one. 

As noted above and in previous posts, ATV use can be extremely dangerous in certain situations.  Children appear to be the most susceptible, and account for a large portion of ATV injuries and deaths.  Children under the age of 12 may be especially at risk for harm. Please exercise caution when riding your ATV, wear a helmet, and remain at a safe speed.  Also, do not ride your ATV when the weather or trail conditions suggest a heightened risk for injury.

ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles are a leading cause of serious injury among Pennsylvanians, especially among our state’s youth.   Attorney Doug Stoehr of Altoona, PA handles cases involving injury as a result of accidents involving off-road vehicles.  For more information about Attorney Doug Stoehr and his central Pennsylvania practice, please visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

Interested in learning more? Check out the complete CPSC report, which can be found here: http://www.cpsc.gov//Global/Research-and-Statistics/Injury-Statistics/atv2011.pdf.

ATV Accidents By The Numbers: Part 1

In a February 2013 report compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), information was given regarding incidents relating to ATV (all-terrain vehicle) accidents and injuries.

This report was enlightening, and provided a more complete and detailed picture of the frequency and severity of accidents surrounding American ATV users in the past twenty or so years.  Some of the most interesting facts include:

• From 1982-2011, CPSC staff received reports of over 28,000 ATV-related deaths of  children younger than 16 years of age. Out of these fatalities, over 40% were children less than 12 years old. 
• These numbers do not account for accidents that were not reported to the CPSC, which may mean that the prevalence of ATV-related fatalities might actually be greater than expected.
• In 2011, there were over 100,000 ATV-caused emergency room treated injuries.  Over 25% of these injuries were in children under 16 years old. 
• The vast majority of these injuries were either contusions or fractures. Most injuries were found in either the arm/shoulder region or the head/neck region. 
• From January 1982 to December 2011, Pennsylvania had a reported 459 ATV-related fatalities.  They are behind only by California (504) and Texas (478) for the highest number of ATV-related fatalities in the country during that time period.

As noted above, ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles (such as snowmobiles) are a leading cause of serious injury among Pennsylvanians, especially among our state’s youth.   Attorney Doug Stoehr of Altoona, PA handles cases involving injury as a result of accidents involving off-road vehicles.  For more information about Attorney Doug Stoehr and his Blair county area practice, please visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

For more information on the CPSC's report, please visit the original report, which can be found here: http://www.cpsc.gov//Global/Research-and-Statistics/Injury-Statistics/atv2011.pdf

ATVS and Dirt Bikes: Pittsburgh Fights Back

Do you or anyone you know enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or dirt bikes? Did you know, that in Pennsylvania, you can not ride ATVs or dirt bikes on city streets?

Pittsburgh is having difficulty with these issues, as many teenagers have been found riding these vehicles on city streets.  Local residents have grown tired of these incidents, and have petitioned for mandatory insurance and registration for dirt bikes, ATVS, and other off-road vehicles.  They are also requesting that the drivers of these vehicles have a valid drivers license.  At this time, the petitioners feel that there is not enough protection against potential injury and property damage that may result from this kind of vehicular accident. 

It should be noted that, within the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, all-terrain vehicles need to be registered with the Department of Transportation.  A license is not required for drivers of these vehicles. There are no clear laws pertaining to the registration of dirt bikes. 

ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles (such as snowmobiles) are also a leading cause of serious injury among Pennsylvanians, especially among our state’s youth.   Attorney Doug Stoehr of Altoona, PA handles cases involving injury as a result of accidents involving off-road vehicles.  For more information about Attorney Doug Stoehr and his Blair county area practice, please visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

For more information about Pittsburgh residents’ battle against all-terrain vehicles on its city streets, please visit the original article here: http://wesa.fm/post/city-council-hold-meeting-illegal-dirt-bike-and-atv-riding.

Attorney Stoehr's Elder Neglect Case In The News

One of Attorney Stoehr's cases has been covered in area newspapers.  The case was an elder neglect/abuse claim against Warner's Home for the Aged in Altoona, PA.  The details of the case involved an elderly man who was residing in Warner's Home for the Aged and was taken to the area hospital after falling out of bed.  At the hospital, the hospital staff noticed that the man appeared to be in poor health.  He was covered in bedsores and fecal matter, was dehydrated and malnourished, appeared to be suffering from sepsis, and had urine-soaked bandages.  The man died a few weeks later.

When nursing home attendants were questioned about the man's health, nursing home staff reported that the workers on the third shift would often yell at residents and were open in declaring that they did not like their jobs.  The following morning, first shift workers would often find the man and his roommate covered in urine. Eventually, the owner of the nursing home and several aides were charged with neglect of a dependent person.  The owner of the nursing home was sentenced to 6-12 months in county prison and is forbidden from future work in a healthcare facility. The two aides also entered guilty pleas and face jail sentences and hefty fines.

Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania. He takes cases for older Pennsylvanians who have been abused or neglected.  For more information on his Altoona, PA area practice, please call his office at 814-946-4100 or visit  his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com.  Attorney Stoehr takes cases in Blair and the seven surrounding counties, including Huntingdon, Fulton, and Bedford counties.

Attorney Stoehr's Client in Local Paper

One of Attorney Stoehr's former clients, Mikayla Yanchik, was featured in the May 31st edition of the local paper, the Altoona Mirror. Miss Yanchik, 14, was featured for her work in starting a local charity mission to raise money for grocery cards in order to help fund a local soup kitchen.  So far, Mikayla raised over 1,600 in grocery cards, which earned her a local humanitarian award. Most of this money was raised via a religiously-minded social media page.  Mikayla has been quoted as being a "ray of light" in the community and is someone who stands out in a very positive way.

Mikayla herself has overcome many obstacles in her young life.  She has suffered from a wide range of medical conditions, yet still remains a positive and inspiring young figure in the community.  She is also a client of Douglas V. Stoehr, Attorney at Law.  Attorney Stoehr successfully represented Mikayla in a medical malpractice suit, and the money obtained from that settlement has been set aside for Mikayla's college education.  Attorney Stoehr is incredibly proud of his many clients who put their concern for others ahead of their own afflictions and setbacks. Good work, Mikayla!

You can learn more about Attorney Douglas Stoehr and his Altoona, PA area practice by visiting his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com or calling his office at 814-946-4100. v

Different Ways to Handle Chronic Pain

According to CNN, persistent pain-related conditions affect more than 100 million citizens.  This number is more than many other common afflictions combined, such as diabetes and cancer.  According to the CNN article, many chronic pain sufferers rely on prescription medication in isolation to manage their pain.  This is often not effective and can lead to addiction.

There is a fairly unknown speciality of medicine called interventional pain medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing pain disorders. These physicians use techniques such as injections and minor, non-invasive surgeries to manage chronic, persistent pain.  These doctors treat pain associated with disorders such as back/neck/spine pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and cancer pain.

Some other tips that the CNN article gave for those people who are suffering from chronic pain include:

1. Finding a good, reputable pain specialist.
2. Use any prescribed pain medication responsibly and as directed by your physician.
3.  Be informed about your condition and treatment options. Educate yourself.

4. Consider the options of nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulators.

5.  Manage your expectations, specifically about what you expect to gain from treatments or medications.

For more information and to read the CNN article in its entirety, please click here.

Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving Blair and the seven surrounding counties in central Pennsylvania.  He takes cases for clients who are experiencing chronic pain as the result of an injury due to the fault of another.   For more information on his Altoona, PA area firm, please call his office at 814-946-4100 or visit his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com. 

Elder Abuse Seminar in Altoona Area

The central Pennsylvania area has also gotten on board with holding elder abuse seminars to educate area seniors on how to protect themselves.  This latest seminar, held earlier this month, was attended by over 150 residents from across the Bedford, Huntingdon, and Fulton county areas.

For more information on this seminar, please visit the original article on WeAreCentralPa.com.

Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania. He takes cases for older Pennsylvanians who have been abused or neglected.  For more information on his Altoona, PA area practice, please call his office at 814-946-4100 or visit  his website at http://www.stoehrlaw.com.  Attorney Stoehr takes cases in Blair and the seven surrounding counties, including Huntingdon, Fulton, and Bedford counties.