Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLPBlack, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP2026-08-25T01:42:20Zhttps://www.blhfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402174/2020/02/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[3 reasons car accidents increase when school starts]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501992026-08-25T01:42:20Z2026-08-25T01:42:20ZThe return of children to school after the summer break can be a dangerous time on the roads. Drivers and pedestrians alike may have gotten used to a different pattern of traffic over the last few months, and it can take some time to adapt to the school day routine again.
Here are a few of the factors that can make accidents more likely:
Drivers don’t realize the speed limit is lower
Some roads have speed limits that are lower during school times. So a driver might have been passing by at 30 mph all summer, and fail to realize that school is back in and the “school zone” speed limit now applies. That excess of speed can make all the difference when there are more people using that stretch of road.
Kids don’t realize they need to be more cautious
Your child may have spent weeks playing out on the street with their friends, riding their bicycle or playing ball games next to the road. If they relaxed their guard due to a low volume of traffic, they might be unprepared when traffic increases. They might run into the road to fetch a ball without looking for traffic simply because there haven’t been any cars the last fifty times they did the same.
The stress can leave drivers distracted and in a rush
Allowing your child to get up, get dressed and eat breakfast in their own time is a luxury many parents relish over the summer. That disappears as soon as classes start again, and you may have to take charge to make it all happen on time. It can leave kids and parents stressed and running late, and that can make for less attention being paid to the road when driving.If you or your child are injured in a collision, it’s wise to learn how best to pursue the compensation you may need.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[What is the deadline to file an injury claim after a car crash?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501952026-08-10T14:44:28Z2026-08-13T14:42:48ZUnderstanding the statute of limitations
New York generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This period applies to most personal injury lawsuits arising from injuries caused by the crash. New York courts also list three years as the general time limit for car accident and other negligence-based personal injury cases.
The three-year period generally begins on the date of the accident. If you wait too long to bring a lawsuit, the court may dismiss the case as time-barred. Once the applicable limitations period expires, you may lose the ability to pursue the claim in court.
Other exceptions can affect the filing deadline in specific situations. For example, different rules may apply when the injured person is a minor. New York law contains special provisions that can extend the limitations period for people who were under a legal disability when the claim arose. Because these exceptions depend on the facts, you may want to determine which deadline applies to your situation.
Different deadlines for different claims
Not all car accident claims follow the same timeline. Claims against a government entity can involve much shorter notice requirements. For many claims against a municipality, you generally must serve a notice of claim within 90 days after the claim arises. You may need to satisfy this requirement before bringing a lawsuit.
Claims involving New York State can follow different procedures. For certain personal injury claims caused by the negligence of a state employee, the Court of Claims Act generally requires the claim or a notice of intention to be served within 90 days. Different deadlines can apply after you serve a notice of intention.
Wrongful death actions also have a different timeline. In general, a wrongful death action must be commenced within two years of the person's death. This differs from a standard personal injury lawsuit, which generally must be filed within three years of the date the accident occurred. If the person dies immediately, those dates are the same. If the person dies later from crash-related injuries, the wrongful death period generally runs from the date of death.
No-fault insurance claim deadlines
New York has a no-fault auto insurance system. It generally provides first-party benefits for certain economic losses after a covered motor vehicle accident. A no-fault claim is separate from a potential lawsuit against the person who caused the crash.
You generally have 30 days from the date of a crash to provide written notice of your injury to the applicable no-fault insurer. The notice should include information that identifies the injured person and describes the time, place and circumstances of the accident. An exception may apply when you provide a clear and reasonable justification for late notice.
You may also need to submit claim forms, medical bills and other documentation within specific timeframes. Check your policy and insurer's requirements and keep copies of the documents you submit.
Protecting your interests after a car accident
Several deadlines may apply after a car accident in New York. A three-year period generally applies to personal injury lawsuits, while government claims and no-fault benefits can involve shorter notice requirements. Wrongful death actions have their own time limit.
After a crash, consider keeping copies of medical records, insurance correspondence and other documents related to your injuries. Tracking each applicable deadline can help you avoid missing an important notice or filing requirement. If you are unsure which deadline applies to your situation, consider seeking guidance about the specific facts of your claim.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Bedsores and neglect: When is a nursing home responsible?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501972026-08-11T02:22:52Z2026-08-11T02:22:52ZNursing homes provide an invaluable service for people who require skilled care around the clock. Because of the love and dedication provided by the staff, family members can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones' needs will be met.
So when a resident develops a bedsore, their family may wonder how it happened and whether the facility could have prevented it. Not every bedsore is the result of neglect. However, when nursing homes fail to provide adequate appropriate care and a resident suffers harm as a result, the nursing home may face legal liability.
What causes bedsores?
Bedsores typically develop on people with limited mobility who spend most of their time in bed or a wheelchair. Continued pressure, especially on bony areas such as tailbones, hips, heels, elbows and shoulders, eventually causes ulcers to develop. They can be painful, difficult to treat and, in severe cases,lead to serious infections and other complications.A bedsore doesn't automatically mean the nursing home was negligent. Some residents are more vulnerable and may develop pressure ulcers despite staff intervention.However, neglect may be a concern when a facility fails to take preventative measures, such as:
Regularly repositioning a resident who can't move independently
Monitoring a resident's skin for early signs of pressure ulcers
Ignoring redness, swelling or other changes in the skin
Providing appropriate mattresses, cushions or other pressure-relieving equipment
Keeping a resident's skin clean and dry
Providing adequate nutrition and fluids
Following the resident's personalized care plan
Obtaining appropriate medical treatment after a pressure ulcer develops
Properly documenting or communicating a resident's change in condition
In some cases, the problem may extend beyond a single employee. Inadequate staffing, poor training, ineffective supervision or failures in the facility's policies and procedures may also contribute to the neglect.If you believe your loved one's bedsore may be theresult of neglect, it's crucial to take immediate action. First, ensure they receive the appropriate medical attention. Next, speak with someone who can review your situation and discuss potential legal action. A prompt response can help protect your loved one's health and rights.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Why you should not actually run from a dangerous dog]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501932026-07-24T11:15:20Z2026-07-24T11:15:20ZFor many people, if a dog seems dangerous or likely to bite, their instincts tell them to run. And if you notice a dangerous dog in advance, it can be best to keep your distance or avoid it. But once the confrontation has begun, running is often counterproductive.
Part of the issue here is that many dogs experience prey drive, which means that they want to chase. It is part of their instincts. If they see you running away, they want to pursue you, and they view you as prey.For this reason, it is often best to stop and remain still. Rather than giving the dog a reason to chase or act aggressively, you want to act calmly. A dog will sometimes bark or snarl and act like it is going to attack, but if you remain calm and slowly move away, the attack may never occur.
Key tips that may help
If you are facing a dangerous dog, it is often best to keep your arms close to your body. Do not try to strike the dog or grab it, or you may be bitten.It can also help to turn sideways, giving yourself a smaller profile. You want to look as small and unthreatening as you can. Avoid making direct eye contact, but do not turn your back on the dog entirely.If possible, try to slowly remove yourself from danger. Begin taking slow steps away from the dog and try to put something between you and the animal, such as a car parked on the street. Remember that dogs are often territorial, so if the dog sees you retreat, it may be less likely to bite.
Seeking compensation for injuries
Even if you are able to suppress your instincts and respond appropriately, you could still suffer serious injuries in a dog attack. If you do, you need to know how to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[What if a driver swerves to avoid an animal and hits you?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501912026-07-16T14:34:08Z2026-07-16T14:34:08ZWhy these crashes become more complicated
No two animal-related crashes happen under the same circumstances. A motorist might react purely on instinct, but other details often influence what happens next. Traffic conditions, vehicle speed, visibility and the time available to react can affect whether the driver's response was reasonable.
As a result, deciding fault means looking at every single detail. Insurance companies do not simply blame the wildlife for causing the crash, especially when another person suffers injuries.
How insurers and courts determine fault
Drivers do not automatically escape liability just because an animal ran into the lane. Likewise, swerving to avoid an animal does not automatically make a motorist responsible for everything that follows either.
Insurance companies evaluate whether the driver acted reasonably under sudden pressure. They might also consider whether speeding, distracted driving, following too closely or unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident before deciding fault. That review can affect whether an injured person may be able to pursue compensation for their losses.
Legal options after the crash
Getting hit because of another driver's sudden maneuver often leads to severe injuries, significant medical expenses and lost income. Fault disputes might take time to resolve, but knowing how responsibility is evaluated can help you better understand what to expect as your claim moves forward.
If another motorist's split-second reaction caused the crash, talking to an attorney can clarify how New York law applies to your particular situation and what options might be available]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[What type of compensation can you recover after a car accident?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501882026-07-02T08:47:37Z2026-07-02T08:47:37ZA car accident can lead to serious physical strain on the body. However, victims may suffer from financial strain for weeks, months or years after a car accident. It is important for victims of car accidents to know what type of financial compensation they can recover when filing a personal injury claim.
Car accident victims may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages. Here is what you should know:
Economic damages
Economic damages refer to any kind of actual monetary loss that can be calculated. An economic loss can be shown on bills, receipts or pay stubs. Here are a few types of economic damages that can be recovered from a car accident:
Medical bills: This can include coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications and medical equipment. Victims may also be eligible for anticipated medical expense coverage.
Property damage: A victim’s vehicle may be severely damaged after a car accident. Compensation may cover any expenses to repair or replace the vehicle.
Income loss: A victim may be unable to work after a car accident because of their injuries. This can lead to income and job loss. Compensation may cover a victim’s lost income.
The amount of economic damages a victim can recover can be determined by the total damages and the percentage of fault.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses caused by a car accident. Some examples of non-economic damages can include:
Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress a victim may experience after a car accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: A victim’s inability to enjoy and participate in activities as a result of their injuries.
Scarring and disfigurement: A victim may suffer from permanent physical damage that leads to their emotional distress and impacts their life.
It is often harder to identify and recover compensation for non-economic damages. Legal guidance is available to help victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries. ]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[When hospital workers overlook warning signs of sepsis]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501842026-06-17T01:35:14Z2026-06-17T01:35:14ZWhat are the signs of sepsis?
People often conflate sepsis, which is a bodily reaction, with the infection that triggered the reaction. When hospital workers know that a patient has already developed an infection or when they are at risk of an infection due to an incision or open injury, monitoring the patient for signs of sepsis is important for prompt medical intervention.
Sepsis can progress into a life-threatening condition within hours. The top warning signs of sepsis include:
Rapid, shallow breathing
A sense of lightheadedness
Unexplained shivering
Sweating without reason
Confusion or a shift in mood
Medical professionals should be aware of how sepsis presents and ready to respond assertively in cases where patients show warning signs of sepsis, as the condition can progress rapidly in a matter of hours.
Establishing that another health care professional could have diagnosed a patient and intervened in time to stave off the worst consequences could help people pursue compensation after experiencing serious medical negligence. A successful medical malpractice lawsuit can cover care costs, lost wages and other financial consequences triggered by unreasonably delayed medical intervention.]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Local dog bite rules for Pennsylvania parents to know]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501822026-06-15T17:23:06Z2026-06-15T17:23:06ZStrict liability covers medical bills if no trespass or provocation occurred
The legal system in Pennsylvania treats animal attacks with a ruleset called strict liability for medical costs. This means an owner is automatically responsible for the care costs of an injured person.
This rule applies if the victim did not tease the animal and was not trespassing on private property. This automatic coverage applies to common medical needs:
Emergency room visits and hospital stays
Stitches and reconstructive plastic surgery
Tetanus shots and rabies preventative treatments
Physical rehabilitation and future scar care
A family does not need to prove the owner committed a mistake to receive reimbursement for these expenditures. The collection process for these specific out-of-pocket healthcare expenses uses the exact same standard, whether the wounds are minor or severe.
Proving negligence or prior knowledge secures non-economic damages
Automatic medical coverage takes care of healthcare bills, but it does not cover the full impact of an attack. To seek financial support for pain, emotional trauma and permanent scarring, parents must take an extra legal step. State rules require you to prove the owner acted carelessly or knew the animal was prone to violence.
This requirement remains identical even if the attack causes a severe injury like broken bones or deep cuts. Careless behavior usually means the owner violated state safety laws, such as failing to leash or fence their pet. Proving that the handler knew the dog previously growled, lunged or bit someone also fulfills this notice standard.
Protect your child by securing professional legal guidance
Reclaiming peace of mind for your family requires careful navigation of insurance policies and state liability laws. Consider discussing your options with a legal professional who understands the unique intersection of medical recovery and state law.
]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Spotting elder emotional abuse in nursing home care]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501802026-06-10T15:11:04Z2026-06-10T15:11:04ZPsychological abuse in a nursing home can be hard to see because it may leave no bruises. Unfortunately, its impact can be deep, especially because elderly patients depend on others for daily care.
Unlike physical abuse, emotional mistreatment happens through words, tone, intimidation, humiliation, isolation or repeated actions that undermine a resident’s dignity and sense of security. Because emotional abuse is often subtle, families should know what warning signs to watch for and how those signs may appear in everyday interactions and behavior.
Quiet clues that something is wrong
To detect emotional harm in elderly patients, pay close attention to behavior, mood and the care setting. Warning signs may include:
Sudden fear, crying or panic when a caregiver enters the room
Refusing to speak when staff members are nearby
Loss of interest in visits, meals, hobbies or personal care
Unexplained sleep problems, confusion or nervous habits
Being called names, mocked, blamed, threatened or ignored
Staff limiting phone calls, visits or private conversations
A noticeable drop in confidence, eye contact or trust
Statements like “I am a burden” or “They will be mad at me”
These signs do not always prove abuse, but they should never be brushed aside. Write down dates, names, changes in behavior and anything your loved one says. Visit at different times, ask calm questions and try to speak with the patient privately. You can also look at the environment. A respectful care home should allow dignity, privacy and safe communication. If staff seem defensive, dismissive or unwilling to explain concerns, that may be another warning sign. Psychological abuse can harm an elderly patient’s health, safety and sense of worth. When something feels wrong, careful documentation and timely legal guidance can help you understand the next steps while protecting your loved one in a steady, respectful way. ]]>On Behalf of Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP<![CDATA[Why do semi-truck have underride guards?]]>https://www.blhfirm.com/?p=501762026-05-27T16:15:26Z2026-05-27T16:14:34ZSemi-trucks travel alongside passenger vehicles every day, but the size difference between these vehicles can make collisions extremely dangerous. Even a low-speed crash involving a large truck may lead to severe injuries or permanent damage.
Safety equipment on commercial trucks is designed to reduce some of these risks. One important feature found on many trailers is the underride guard.
The purpose and history behind underride guards
Underride guards are metal bars attached to the rear of many semi-trailers. Their purpose is to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath the trailer during a rear-end collision. Although underride guards were patented as early as 1913, they did not receive widespread public attention until after the tragic death of actress Jayne Mansfield. Mansfield was just 34 years old when she was traveling to New Orleans with her driver, attorney and three of her children. Heavy fog obscured a slowed semi-truck ahead of them. Her driver could not react in time, and their vehicle slid underneath the trailer in a fatal underride crash. Mansfield, her driver and her attorney tragically lost their lives in the crash.Underride accidents happen when a passenger vehicle crashes into the back or side of a semi-truck and becomes trapped underneath the trailer. Because the trailer sits much higher than a standard car, the upper portion of the vehicle can be crushed on impact. These crashes often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage or fatal injuries, even when the collision occurs at moderate speeds.It would take 31 years after Mansfield’s death for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish rules that mandate that most trailers and semitrailers over 10,000 lbs must be equipped with rear impact guards to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding underneath. Despite these requirements, concerns remain about their effectiveness. Some guards may fail during high-speed impacts or may not provide enough protection in certain crash angles. Side underride guards are also not required on most trucks in the United States, despite safety advocates arguing they could help reduce serious injuries and deaths in side-impact crashes involving cyclists, pedestrians and passenger vehicles.If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an underride crash, speaking with an experienced legal professional may help you better understand your options and the steps that can protect your health, finances and future.]]>