Apr

Redhook Brewery Employee Killed By Keg Explosion

A 20-year old employee at a New Hampshire brewery is dead after a keg exploded in his face Tuesday morning. According to ABC New Hampshire, Ben Harris was pressurizing a keg at the Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth for sanitation purposes when the aluminum barrel exploded into two pieces, striking him in his chest and head. By the time emergency personnel arrived at the brewery Harris had a weak pulse and went into cardiac arrest shortly after. He was pronounced dead at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital around 1 PM Tuesday afternoon. Redhook President Andy Thomas released a short statement on the accident but deferred to investigators for any further comment.

Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH

“We are doing everything in our power to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident, and have closed down all non-essential operations at the Portsmouth brewery, including the pub, while the investigation continues.We believe it would not be appropriate to comment further until the investigation is concluded.” Thomas said in the statement. ”Our sympathy is with his family and everyone touched by the tragedy.”

The incident is being investigated by the Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments along with officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA spokesman Ted Fitzgerald outlined the agency’s participation in an e-mail to the Portsmouth Patch Tuesday.

“The purpose of OSHA’s inspection is to determine which workplace safety standards apply in this situation and whether or not the employer complied with those standards,” Fitzgerald said. “If the inspection determines there were violations, OSHA could issue citations to and propose fines for the employer.”

Brewers use pressurized hoses as part of the cleaning process to clear remaining beer from the bottom of used kegs. Assistant Chief Steven Achilles of the Portsmouth Fire Department said it appears the keg structure “failed”while Harris was pressurizing it. Achilles went on to state that the brewery has an excellent record of workplace safety.

“They’re great citizens,” Achilles said. “They have a very progressive and responsive safety system. We’ve always worked very well with them, and it’s an unfortunate accident this morning.”

A look inside the Redhook Brewery. Compliments of Trip-Advisor.com

Kirsten Neves of the nearby Tuckerman Brewery told Foster’s Daily Democrat that using high-pressure air or carbon dioxide to clean kegs is a standard practice among most professional brewers. She said the keg cleaning systems usually have pressure regulators to prevent explosions, leading her to believe a keg defect likely caused the accident.

“It’s really a very tragic situation,” Neves said. “It’s very, very uncommon to hear about a keg exploding like that. I’ve never heard of it happening.”

The Redhook brewery remains closed to the public indefinitely while investigators work to determine the cause of the explosion.

If you or a loved one has been severely injured from a catastrophic workplace accident, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website.

For more information on the tragedy at Redhook Brewery, please visit the following sites.

ABC New Hampshire Story on Redhook Explosion

Portsmouth Patch Story on Ben Harris

Portsmouth Patch Story on Redhook Explosion

Seacoast Online Story on Redhook Explosion

Foster’s Daily Democrat Story on Redhook Explosion

Mar

Jack Jablonski Inspires Team to State Championship

Jack Jablonski, the 16-year old Minnesota hockey player paralyzed in a New Years Eve high school tournament game, is a state champion. Jablonski’s Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights cruised to a 5-1 victory over The Hill-Murray School Saturday at the Minnesota State Hockey Championship with their sophomore teammate cheering them on from a suite in the arena. The Red Knights entered the tournament unseeded and scored a last-minute 3-2 upset of Edina in the quarterfinals before crushing Lakeville South 10-1 to reach the finals.

Jack Jablonski cheers his teammates to victory at the Minnesota State Hockey Championship. Compliments of the Minneapolis Star Tribune

The fact that Jablonski attended the tournament and could celebrate with his teammates in the locker room after the game shows just how far he’s come since his January surgery to fuse two fractured vertebrae in his spinal chord. Doctors initially said he would lose all muscle function below his biceps, yet Jablonski continues to prove them wrong not three months removed from the injury. Look no further than the picture posted at left, which also adorned the front page of Sunday’s issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, to see that Jablonski is regaining function of his right hand and making progress on his left. Perhaps the most impressive part of Jack’s recovery is his unwavering positivity and determination to return to a life of normalcy.

“If I’m doing this so quickly and I’m not supposed to be doing this at this time, what could I be doing a month down the road?” Jablonski told Kare-11 in February.

Jablonski made enough progress to surprise his team in late February by attending their first section 6 tournament game and was able to join the team on the ice for the trophy presentation after the team won the section championship game. Seeing Jablonski hoist the trophy surrounded by his teammates was an emotional experience for BSM coach Ken Pauly after the two most challenging months of his 22-year career. In the face of such an unforeseen tragedy, Pauly did a phenomenal job keeping his players focused on the season while still paying tribute to their injured teammate.

Jack Jablonski shares a laugh with BSM coach Ken Pauly before a playoff game. Compliments of the Minneapolis Star Tribune

“We’ve had the right perspective on it from the beginning,” Pauly said. “The noise gets amplified the farther we go, and it isn’t always easy. Every question asked goes back to Jack. But we don’t hide from it. We embrace it.”

Once Jablonski began to heal in the weeks after surgery, Pauly started giving him game tapes to watch and analyze from his hospital bed. Constant visits from teammates, coaches, friends and family kept him updated on the team’s progress and by the time sections rolled around Jablonski felt strong enough to return to the rink for the first time since his injury. His return gave the team an emotional lift that carried them through Saturday.

“You can’t overplay the Jabby card but I guess you can’t underestimate the power of that sort of motivation, that love for a teammate and what that does for you,” Pauly said.

The BSM student section pays tribute to Jablonski during Saturday's State Championship game

That motivational energy could be felt all over the Excel Energy Center Saturday night, with the BSM student section engaging in chants of “All for Jabs” and “We love Jabby” throughout the game. The team responded on the ice with five goals from junior Grant Besse and a relentless offensive attack that didn’t stop until the final buzzer rang. After the on-ice celebration, Jablonski joined his teammates in the locker room for what Pauly called “a chance to be back together as a team alone away from the cameras.”

The Star Tribune reported Tuesday that Jablonski will receive a State Championship medal even though he wasn’t able to celebrate on the ice with his teammates after the game due to Minnesota State High School League rules. While he never imagined his team’s emotional saga ending in storybook fashion, Pauly stressed throughout the weekend that winning the championship is only a chapter of the story. Jablonski still has a challenging road ahead and needs the support he received during the season to continue through the ups and downs that lie ahead in his continued recovery. But for one night, Jablonski and his teammates could celebrate, together, everything they’ve accomplished on and off the ice in two and a half difficult months.

“It’s been emotional,” Pauly said. “It’s been spiritual. It’s been life-changing. I’ve seen a bunch of guys really grow, in a lot of different ways, in terms of caring about someone else. And not just putting words to it, but putting action to it. Considering the situation, we’ve all just kind of kept going forward. It is a relief and a release all at once.”

Keep inspiring us Jabs.

To make a donation to the Jack Jablonski Fund, visit
http://www.jabby13.com/

To follow Jack’s recovery, visit his Caring Bridge Page at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackjablonski

For more information on BSM winning the Minnesota State Hockey Championship and Jablonski’s recovery, visit the following links:

Star Tribune Article on Ken Pauly and BSM Hockey Team Coping with Jablonski Injury

Star Tribune Article on BSM Winning State Championship

Star Tribune Article on Jablonski Getting Championship Medal

Star Tribune Article on Crowd Support for BSM

Star Tribune Article on Benilde Winning Sections With Jablonski in Attendance

Kare-11 Story on Jablonski’s Recovery

Star Tribune on Jablonski in Post-Surgery Recovery

If you or a loved one has been severely injured from a catastrophic accident, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website.

Mar

Woman Spurns Karma, Saves Driver and Child From Burning Car

A 22-year old Tampa woman brushed off the universal gesture of disrelish to rescue a young girl and her contemptuous mother from their burning car Monday evening. According to The Tampa Bay Times, Kristyn Dominy was driving home when the driver of a black Jeep sped past her and gestured her displeasure with Dominy’s driving prowess.

“She did flip me off whenever she passed me,” Dominy said.

Dominy noticed black smoke coming out of the woman’s vehicle but didn’t think much of it until she turned a corner and saw the Jeep engulfed in flames in a patch of trees off the road. The driver was on fire outside of the vehicle trying to rescue her daughter from the back seat. Apparently not one to hold a grudge, Dominy pulled over to help the women untangle her daughter from her seatbelt .

“My first thought when I came around the corner and saw that her vehicle was on fire, I was thinking karma,” Dominy said, “but the same time, I could never — even though she flipped me off down the road — I could never just sit there and watch that happen.”

After freeing the child from the vehicle and helping extinguish the flames burning the mother and daughter’s clothes, Dominy helped them to her car a safe distance away from the Jeep and called 911. The mother and daughter were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where the daughter was still in serious condition as of Wednesday morning. The mother did not sustain any serious injuries.

A friendly reminder to all drivers: If you see smoke coming out of your vehicle, pull over and have it towed to the nearest auto repair shop. Even a small amount of smoke indicates that something is likely awry inside of your vehicle.

Contrary to popular belief, car fires are rarely caused by collisions. The majority of car fires in the U.S. are caused by mechanical and electrical failures. The best way to prevent vehicle fires is to have your vehicle checked regularly by a licensed mechanic to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones on the road. For more information on car fire prevention, see our post on another recent near-tragic vehicle fire.

See below for the Tampa Bay Times’ interview with Dominy.

If you or a loved one has been severely injured from a catastrophic automobile accident or vehicle fire, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website or our auto safety resource center.

For more information on the car fire in Tampa and car fire prevention, please visit the following links:

Tampa Bay Times Story On The Fire

Fox 4 Story

NFPA Vehicle Fire Research

NFPA Vehicle Fire Fact Sheet

What Happens Now Page on Car Fires

Mar

Postal Worker Killed In Tragic Auto Accident

A Los Angeles area postal worker died Wednesday after his legs were severed when he was hit and pinned between his truck and another vehicle. According to CBS Los Angeles, 31-year old Anthony Dunn Jr. was sorting mail near the back of his truck when he was struck by Felipe Soto, who claimed he had swerved to avoid hitting a dog. LAPD Investigators have a different theory of what caused the horrific incident – that Soto, who was driving with a suspended license, was asleep at the wheel.

Screenshot of the accident from CBS LA

Dunn’s legs were severed on impact and he was rushed to LA County USC Medical Center where he died from his injuries. Soto remained at the scene after the accident and was not taken into custody, though LAPD Officer Karen Rayner said they are still investigating and charges are likely. Soto reportedly works for Blue Horizon Trading and a photo of the accident suggests that the vehicle he was driving was a delivery truck. Blue Horizon refused to comment on the story, and it is unclear whether Soto was working at the time of the incident or whether the company was aware its employee was driving with a suspended license. The vehicle was impounded when authorities discovered Soto did not have an active license.

Given the gruesome nature of this tragedy, one would presume these types of accidents are few and far between. Sadly, that is not the case. According to PostalNews.com, this is the fourth known incident in recent years where a USPS worker has been killed or severely injured while working near the back of a postal truck. The blog entry reporting Dunn’s death on PostalNews.com starts with this shocking note:

“In 2006 Maureen DePrince, a carrier in Ventnor NJ lost both legs, her eyesight, and normal brain function after being pinned at the back of a van when a drunk driver crashed into it. In 2009 Roy Rondeno, a 34 year veteran carrier from New Orleans, just weeks from retirement, was sorting mail at the back of a van when a car pinned him, severing his legs. Rondeno died a week later. And just a few weeks ago, Columbus Ohio carrier Doug Poole was working at the back of his USPS van when he was pinned by an SUV, breaking both legs. According to the NALC, “He is still undergoing treatment and it’s questionable whether he’ll regain the use of his legs.”

Our thoughts go out to Dunn’s family during this difficult time. We hope tragedies like this remind drivers to always be aware of their surroundings and on the look out for other drivers and pedestrians on the road. If you’ve been drinking or are feeling too weary to drive safely, STAY OFF THE ROADS. There are no acceptable excuses for operating a vehicle under a state of cognitive impairment.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website or at mncollisioncenter.com.

For more information on Anthony Dunn’s death and distracted driving, see the links below.

CBS LA Story w/ Video

Blog Entry on PostalNews.com

Government Info Center on Distracted Driving

National Safety Council Page on Distracted Driving

Feb

Deadly Presidents Day On Minnesota Roads

Six people were killed in three separate accidents on snowy, fog covered roads in western Minnesota Monday. The fatalities occurred near the end of a dry, mild winter that has produced well below the 50+ inches of snowfall much of the state averages annually, raising concerns that drivers are belittling the dangers of driving in wintry weather due to lack of exposure. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, four of the deceased were freshmen at North Dakota State University returning to school after a long weekend home in the Twin Cities.

The grisly aftermath of a crash that killed four young women near Alexandria Monday. Property of the Alexandria Echo Press

The four women were traveling west on Interstate 94 near Alexandria around 3 P.M. when their vehicle crossed the median and was broadsided by an oncoming SUV, which was subsequently hit by a third car. Three passengers from the other vehicles were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. State Patrol authorities have not officially determined if the weather played a role in the accident, though strong winds, fog and heavy snowfall led to diminished visibility in the region Monday. Irregardless of cause, there was no denying the level of tragedy stemming from the loss of four young lives.

“Been at this for 32 years and this is one of the worst that I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot of ‘em,” Lt. Dan Vickmark of the Minnesota State Patrol told Kare 11 news.

Less than thirty minutes after the accident, the driver of a Buick LeSabre in nearby Pope County spun into an oncoming Mack semi-truck and careened into a ditch. According to CBS Minnesota, the driver of the LeSabre was killed while the semi-truck driver walked away unscathed. Other drivers in the area reported icy conditions at the time of the accident.

A third fatal crash at 6:15 in Douglas County killed one and injured two others. The inclement weather continued into Tuesday and forecasters are predicting snow showers throughout the state for the rest of the week. Kent Barnard of the Minnesota Department of Transportation is anticipating a busy week for road cleaning crews and urged drivers to be patient while traveling on slick roads.

“We’ve been spoiled this year,” Barnard said. “We just want to warn people to keep their cruise controls off if the roads are a little bit slippery, don’t tailgate and stay off the phone.”

Barnard said the one positive for road conditions is that pavement temperatures are too warm for snow to freeze quickly so it takes longer for icy conditions to form. Even so, State Patrol Sgt. Josh Grabow hopes drivers across the state see Monday’s tragedies as a sad reminder of the diligence required when driving in inclement winter weather.

“I’d advise people to use caution while traveling,” Grabow said. “This is a reminder that winter is still here and we need to slow down and pay attention.”

For more information on Monday’s accidents in western Minnesota, please visit the following links.

Star Tribune Article on All Three Accidents

Kare-11 Story on Crash That Killed 4 Roommates

WCCO Story on Accident on Pope County

WCCO Video on Crash That Killed 4 Roommates

Jan

Snowmobile Safety

A Washington man is counting his blessings after being engulfed by an avalanche while snowmobiling Sunday. Seattle’s Q13Fox News reports that John Swanson was snowmobiling with a group of friends in the Casacade Mountains when the hill he was running on collapsed and buried him in snow. Fortunately, two of Swanson’s friends were able to dig him out before he sustained any serious injuries. The avalanche and the rescue can be seen in the video below captured on a rescuer’s helmet camera.

Swanson said he was completely immobilized under the snow and thought there was a snowmobile on top of him due to the weight of the snow.

“It’s like being in concrete,” Swanson said. “I guess I always figured you could move somewhat, wiggle here, wiggle there and create yourself an air pocket but there was nothing. The snow filled totally in, filled my mask.”

While there’s really no way to prepare for an avalanche, Swanson said he hopes his story creates awareness for the importance of snowmobile safety.

“I’m sure everyone will be a lot more aware, have avalanche beacons and safety gear if nothing else. This was a good end. Hopefully, it saves somebody down the road that gets caught in a similar situation,” Swanson said.

Rescuers Search For Two Missing Snowmobilers on Lake Charlotte. Property of the Star Tribune

Most aren’t so fortunate. Two young snowmobilers recently lost their lives after driving into open water during a moonlit ride on a lake just outside of Minneapolis. According to the Star Tribune, the bodies of two young men were recovered from Lake Charlotte on the afternoon of January 15 after their snowmobile went missing the night before.

Gail King, who lives on the lake, told the Tribune he spotted a snowmobile heading toward open water on the north side of the lake around 9 P.M on January 14 when he heard a crunching noise and saw the taillights disappear. By the time he and a neighbor got on their ATVs to help, all they found was the sled’s trail heading straight into open water. The conditions in that area of the lake were so poor that King’s friend crashed into the ice on his four wheeler. Fortunately, King was able to pull him out safely. The tragedy produced the first two ice-related fatalities of the season in Minnesota.

While safety should always be the top priority when operating any type of motor vehicle, snowmobilers need to be especially cautious because they typically drive on rough trails and open wilderness. In lake states like Minnesota, snowmobilers falling into open ice on lakes is sadly an annual occurrence. Minnesota averages 6.2 ice-related deaths a season

Whether it’s on a mountainside or a frozen lake, the stability of terrain and surrounding conditions for snowmobilers are dangerously unpredictable and can become life-threatening in a matter of seconds. Thus, it’s important to always keep in mind basic safety procedures while snowmobiling. Compliments of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, here are a few tips to remember before hitting the trails.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE – Drinking and driving can be fatal. Alcohol can impair judgment and slow reaction time. Snowmobilers who have been drinking may drive too fast or race across unsafe ice. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, increasing the likelihood of hypothermia.
SLOW DOWN – Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should drive at a pace that allows ample reaction time for any situation. When driving at night, a speed of 40 miles an hour may result in “over driving” the headlight, so the driver can’t react in time to avoid danger.
BE PREPARED – When traveling, bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, waterproof matches, and a compass.
STAY ALERT – Fatigue can reduce coordination and judgment.
ICE ADVICE – Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket to prevent safe ice from forming. Never travel in a single file when crossing bodies of water.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS – Use a full-size helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice and flying debris. Clothing should be worn in layers and should be just snug enough so that no loose ends catch in the machine.
WATCH THE WEATHER – Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.
BRING A BUDDY – Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in some personal injury. The most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. When traveling alone, tell someone the destination, planned route and expected return time.
REPORT ACCIDENTS – Snowmobile operators involved in accidents resulting in medical attention, death or damage exceeding $500 must file an official accident report through the county sheriff’s office within 10 days.

For more information on motor vehicle safety, visit the GoldenbergLaw Auto Safety Website at
http://www.mncollisioncenter.com/
or our firm site at
http://www.goldenberglaw.com/
.

For more information on snowmobile safety, visit the following links:

Q13 Fox News Seattle Report on John Swanson

Star Tribune Article on Tragedy at Lake Charlotte

Minnesota DNR Snowmobile Safety Information

Minnesota DNR Ice Safety Web Site

512 days ago Short URL Comments

Catastrophic Death/Catastrophic Injury/Drowning/Snowmobile Safety/Sports Safety

frozen lake safety/GoldenbergLaw/GoldenbergLaw PLLC/ice-related death/ice-related deaths/lake charlotte drownings/minnesota ice-related death/minnesota snowmobile death/snowmobile death/snowmobile injury/winter safety

Jan

Costa Concordia Wreck Exposes Regulatory Void In Cruise Line Industry

As the death toll rises from the Costa Concordia tragedy, observers have begun to question the regulations, or lack thereof, that govern the global cruise line industry. According to CNN, 11 passengers are confirmed dead and 21 are still missing nearly a week after the ship hit a reef off the Tuscany Coast. The Italian Coast Guard has suspended rescue operations after sensors aboard the marooned vessel picked up movement, making it too dangerous for rescue divers to operate. Barring a miracle, the hope for finding the missing passengers alive is bleak.

The aftermath of the Costa Concordia Disaster. Photo property of the Associated Press

According to the New York Times, the stock for Carnival Corporation, the Miami-based parent company of the Costa Concordia, has dropped nearly a fifth in the last week. While the image of the $450 million boat listed on its side is more than enough to send investors into a panic, the details of the disaster have exposed a troubling lack of oversight in the cruise line industry.

As the industry has grown, cruise line companies have continued to develop and operate under their own regulations and standards. This includes the training and safety procedures for crew members and the amount of discretion a captain has to alter routes. Both of these issues played a critical role in the recent disaster.

“There are legitimate questions as these vessels have substantially evolved in recent years” said Helen Kearns, a spokeswoman for the European Union transportation commissioner. “The way these vessels have grown in size does mean finding the right balance to make sure regulations are stringent enough to ensure there are procedures like safe evacuations.”

The disaster was allegedly caused by ship captain Francesco Schettino’s decision to veer from a set course to show off his boat to Gilgio Island. The ship struck a reef as it approached the island and punctured the starboard side of its hull, causing it to take on enough water to eventually list on its side. Unlike the airline industry, where pilots are guided by controllers on the ground and follow precise computerized routes to their destination, cruise line captains are in complete control of their vessels.

Schettino’s boss, Pier Luigi Foschi of of Costa Crociere S.p.A., claims a safe route was programmed into the ship’s navigation computers and any deviation would have set off alarms.

Rescue operation have been postponed after sensors aboard the ship picked up movement

“The route was put in correctly,” Foschi said. “The fact that it left from this course is due solely to a maneuver by the commander that was unapproved, unauthorized and unknown to Costa.”

Foschi also acknowledged that the ship did a similar deviation last summer with the company’s approval. Shettino is currently under house arrest as Italian authorities contemplate charging the 52-year-old with manslaughter and abandonment. More damning evidence against the captain emerged this week after a cook claimed the captain ordered dinner nearly an hour after the collision.

According to survivors of the wreck, the captain’s behavior after the collision was a microcosm of the rest of his staff. Many survivors have blamed the crew’s delayed and unorganized response to the catastrophe for the panic that ensued once the ship began to tilt on its side.

“The staff, you know, they seemed younger than me. They did not know what to do. They got on the lifeboats. They could not even drive the lifeboat,” said Justin Evans of Atlanta.

Added Georgia Ananias of California, “Not one person from the ship assisted us in any matter. There wasn’t one officer. We got on a lifeboat that wouldn’t function. We were all thrown out of the lifeboat and thrown against the walls of the ship.”

In today’s age of advanced navigation technology, catastrophes like the Costa Concordia are not supposed to happen. Clearly, captain Schettino has become the scapegoat for the whole ordeal, and given his reckless decision he certainly deserves much of the blame. But the accident could have been avoided if the cruise line industry had effective regulations limiting the power of ship captains to alter routes. The industry should take a hard look at the regulations that govern airline pilots and adopt a similar set of protocol for ship captains.

This will be an expensive lesson for Carnival and the cruise line industry as a whole, and one can only hope that there is positive change to come out of it to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a catastrophic accident, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website.

For more information on the Costa Concordia disaster, please visit the following links:

New York Times Story on Cruise Line Regulation

CNN Story on the Suspension of Rescue Operations

Survivors Remarks to CNN

Jan

Student Death at School Pool Raises Safety Questions

A 15-year-old Connecticut boy is dead after drowning in his high school swimming pool during gym class Wednesday. According to WTNH News, CPR was performed on the student at the school and en route to the hospital, but the boy was pronounced dead upon arrival. Speaking for the family, the student’s aunt said it was his first time taking swimming lessons.

“We don’t know what to think anymore. We are very disappointed with the school,” she said.

School aquatic centers can be great teaching tools, but they require the utmost commitment to safety

According to NBC Connecticut, the boy died of asphyxia due to submersion. Reports say there were multiple adults supervising the pool when the boy went under, but authorities don’t have answers for why the student’s drowning went unnoticed.

“Yesterday’s tragic event at East Hartford High School still remains under investigation and we have no findings that we can share with you at this time,” Superintendent of Schools Mark Zito said Thursday. “Because of student confidentiality laws, the school district cannot provide you with any information relating to the student involved in the incident.”

In the wake of this tragedy, it’s hard not to raise questions of pool safety at middle schools and high schools. Teaching children how to swim is certainly a valuable skill and pools allow for fun and diverse gym class activities. But is it worth the risk of a child suffering a serious injury or death?

Particularly with nationwide school cuts leaving less staff for supervision, schools with aquatic centers need to place the highest emphasis on safety for pool-related curricula. Most importantly, all pool staff should be experts in CPR and water rescue training. If a school is going to make the monetary commitment to building and maintaining a pool, it should make an equal, if not greater, commitment to employing staff capable of handling worse case scenarios. Equally important, the staff must have the experience and awareness to know how to control a group of excitable teenagers to avoid accidents stemming from misbehavior before they happen. Swimming pools are great places for kids to have fun and burn energy, but they are not venues for shenanigans.

Students need to be aware that diving in shallow water and horsing around in deeper areas can have dangerous and deadly consequences. And the emphasis on safety shouldn’t be confined to the pool itself. Slip and falls on wet areas surrounding the pool or in locker rooms can lead to broken bones and head injuries, as can falls from diving boards and starting platforms. Violating these and other pool rules should be met with sufficient discipline to thwart future misconduct.

While it’s not clear what caused the drowning in Connecticut, schools with aquatic centers should use the tragedy to ensure their pool curricula and environment are as safe as possible. The potential liability is far too high for schools, many already strapped for cash, to take this matter lightly.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions at a pool or other public gathering place, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website.

For more information on the tragedy in Connecticut and pool safety, visit the following links:

NBC Connecticut Story

MSNBC Story

WTNH Story

Government Website for Pool Safety

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool Safety Resource Center

524 days ago Short URL Comments

Catastrophic Death/Catastrophic Injury/Drowning/Pool Safety/Safety

Connecticut drowning/drowning/east hartford high school/GoldenbergLaw/GoldenbergLaw PLLC/high school drowning/high school swimming pools/pool death/pool safety

Jan

Tragedy Strikes Minnesota High School Hockey

What started as an awkward check in a junior varsity hockey game has snowballed into a gut-wrenching tragedy and placed the dangers of hockey in the national spotlight. Jack Jablonski, a 16-year old sophomore at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Louis Park, MN, was paralyzed Friday after a check from behind sent him crashing head-first into the boards. He reported no feeling in his extremities and was immediately rushed to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. According to the Star Tribune, Jablonski had surgery Wednesday to fuse two fractured vertebrae after doctors discovered his spinal cord had severed at the C-5 level. The prognosis for full recovery is bleak.

Jack Jablonski

A C-5 spinal chord injury typically allows for limited motion of the neck, shoulders and biceps, but any further movement below these muscles is restricted. Almost immediately after Jablonski’s injury, friends and family took to social media to create awareness for his story and garner support. The response has been overwhelming. Professional athletes and celebrities, among thousands of others, have offered well wishes of hope and support for Jablonski as he faces his steep climb to recovery. We at GoldenbergLaw wish Jack and his family nothing but the best as they begin a long, difficult journey.

The ripples from Jablonski’s injuries quickly spread across the North American hockey community, especially among those concerned that the sport is growing too violent. While observers said the hit that caused the injury was neither vicious or intentional, it was still an illegal check from behind that warranted a five minute major penalty and game misconduct. In an effort to further curtail hits from behind among youth players, USA Hockey extended its “Stop” sign rule this season to players ages 11 and 12. The rule requires all jerseys to have a red “Stop” sign just below the neck to teach players to pull back when lining up a check from behind. In the days following Jablonski’s injury, many close to the game have criticized hockey official’s lax attitude toward dangerous hits that they believe has contributed to the increase in the sport’s traumatic injuries. Benilde St. Margaret’s varsity hockey coach Ken Pauly said as much when asked to comment on the injury.

“We have the rules against checking from behind. We just have to apply them better,” said Pauly. “We have to start from a young age. Just like taking a stick and slashing a player across the face is unthinkable, we have to make checking from behind unthinkable.”

Keith Hendrickson, a scout for the Buffalo Sabers of the NHL, was at the tournament Thursday and expressed dismay at the increasingly violent nature of the sport.

“There’s a big difference between hitting and checking, and there is more malicious hitting going on in the last year,” said Hendrickson, a former Minnesota high school coach. “Nobody condones it, but all I hear from coaches is, ‘Body! Body! Body!”

As a former hockey player and Benilde St. Margaret’s alumni, Jablonski’s sad story has hit close to home on a number of levels. While thunderous hits and fighting are as much a part of hockey as slap shots and sleek stick handling, there has to be meaningful change implemented throughout the game to avoid further tragedies like Jablonski’s. That change needs to start at the top. With mega-stars Sidney Crosby, Chris Pronger and Marc Savard sidelined indefinitely with concussions sustained from vicious hits, the NHL needs to take steps now to reduce the violent play that has defined play the last two years and is beginning to infiltrate the youth levels of the sport. Catastrophic injuries and violence have no place in any sport, regardless of how much physical contact is allowed under the rules.

We at GoldenbergLaw urge athletes of all sports to make the safety of themselves and their opponents a priority in the heat of competition. Get well soon Jack.

For more information on Jack Jablonski’s injury and recovery, please visit the following sites.

Jack Jablonski Caring Bridge Site

Star Tribune Article – Pre Surgery

Star Tribune Article – Post Surgery

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Catastrophic Injury/Paralysis/Sports Safety

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Dec

(Rein)Deer Safety

A Houston Santa Claus for hire nearly experienced a nightmare before Christmas last Wednesday when two reindeer escaped from his truck (sleigh?) and pranced into a blizzard of rush hour traffic. Fortunately ABC Houston reports that no one, including the deer, was hurt thanks to a number of people who stopped traffic to retrieve the fugitives before any damage could occur. With tragedy averted, the city can look at the incident as an anomaly and have fun with the wacky story, as the author of the ABC story clearly suggests. But for drivers in northern cities like Minneapolis the issue is no laughing matter this time of the year.

Deer are particularly mobile during November and December

As children across the country flock to their bedroom windows to scan the skies for reindeer prancing through the night, it’s important the rest of us remember to do the same on the roads. After all, tis the season that deer-car accidents hit their peak as deer activity increases due to mating season. As documented in this 2010 Star Tribune investigation, November and December are historically the worst months for deer-car crashes in the United States.

These crashes can cause significant human injuries along with thousands of dollars of damage to automobiles. A recent USA Today story cites an October crash just outside of Chicago that claimed the lives of seven people and injured three others as evidence of how important it is to keep two eyes out for deer crossing the road. The family of ten was driving on an Indiana highway when they struck a deer and slowed down after impact. Seconds later the van was struck by a semitrailer traveling around 65 MPH, killing three adults and four children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 1 million automobile accidents with deer that cause close to 10,000 injuries, 200 deaths and over $1 billion in damages.

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to suffering injuries from deer collisions given the lack of protection the vehicles offer and risk of riders being thrown from their bike if they try to swerve out of the way. Ultimately the best defense from deer-car collisions is keeping both eyes on the road and constantly being aware of your surroundings. Compliments of the Star Tribune, below are some Frequently Asked Questions on when to look for deer and what to do if a deer suddenly appears in the road.

When do deer pose the highest threat to drivers?

- Deer are typically most active during November and December. They are typically on the move most during the morning and evening hours. During darker hours, drivers should watch for the reflection of deer eyes and deer silhouettes in the road.

Why are deer so much more active in the fall and early winter?

- Mating season for deer is typically November and December, thus bucks travel from their primary living areas to search for doe and fight other males for breeding grounds. Also, hunters keep deer constantly on the move during this time of year as well as farmers harvesting the last of the year’s crops.

What do I do if a deer suddenly appears in the road in front of me and it’s too late to stop?

- According to Capt. Matt Langer of the Minnesota State Patrol, it is better to hit the deer than swerve out of the way, as swerving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and puts other drivers at risk. “The best defense is to be buckled and brake,” Langer said. If there is time, the best course of action is to slow down and swerve around the deer at a low speed.

How much damage can a deer-car accident cause?

-According to State Farm spokesman Dan Luedke, the national average for damage from a deer collision is $3,100.00.

What states have the most deer-car accidents annually?

-According to Luedke, the likelihood of hitting a deer is highest in West Virginia and Iowa, while Michigan, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota are all in the top ten.

If you or a loved one has been severely injured from a catastrophic automobile accident, please contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can also learn more about GoldenbergLaw, PLLC by visiting our website.

For more information on deer-car crashes, please visit the following links.

ABC Houston Article on Runaway Reindeer

2010 Star Tribune Story on Deer-Car Accidents

2011 USA Today Article on Deer-Car Accidents

549 days ago Short URL 1 Comment

Catastrophic Injury/Deer Accident/Deer-Car Accident Safety/Deer-Car Crash/Safety/Unsafe Roadways

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