The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

Iowa sexual abuse by priests and brothers

Three more priests have been named to the Diocese of Davenport’s list of credible cases of child sexual abuse by a priest. Two of those are dead; the third was a brother in the Franciscan Brothers of Christ the King.  According to the report the two that died are William Kerrigan and James Lawrence.

The list is four pages long and can found through the Diocese of Davenport home page.

List of Credible Allegations Against Priests and Brothers.  Of the 31 names 11 remain alive and one’s whereabouts appear unknown so his death can not be reported.  The list includes the name of the living as Francis Bass, Paul Deyo, Daniel Emrich, James Janssen, James Leu, Frank Martinez, Mark Quillen, Brother Francis Skube, Eugene Smith, Lawrence Soens and Gerald Stouvenel. For more detailed information see the list by following the link. You can download the list as an Adobe Acrobat file.

As a person born and raised as a Catholic I have to wonder if those guilty of abuse are burning in hell or banished to purgatory.

The story is covered by KCCI News.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Iowa Premise Liability Law: Door swept by wind strikes woman in head, killing her

Yesterday we reported on a man dying from being thrown from his truck as it rounded a curve. The way the story was written it left me with the impression he was the driver.

Today we have a report of a 61-year-old woman dying from being struck by a wind-swept door. Seems the woman in rural Alton was struck by the door of a machine shed that was blown open by a gust of wind. According to the news reports she was found unconscious in her own yard. She later died at a Sioux City hospital. Very strange indeed.

Fifty-mile per hour winds broke the door free, from what is unknown, but it then struck her in the head causing what proved to be a fatal injury.

Years ago the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a release targeting garage door deaths. It seems like this is a separate issue from the issue with the machine shed. See Release No. 91-082.

It is certainly a tragedy for the Schuetz family. We wish them well in getting over this tragic accident.

This story was covered by the Chicago Tribune, KLEM 1410, Omaha World Herald, the Quad City Times online, KCRG, the Des Moines Register and KCCI-Des Moines. KCRG did something I’ve not seen before; they put the story on Twitter using a tinyurl.

Multiple car-truck collisions kills two Indianola residents and injures five others

Two people died while another five suffered injuries in Washington County, Iowa. This multiple car collision happened on May 23, 2009 at Highway 92 and Lexington Avenue around 2:37 P.M.  The crash seems to have occurred when a 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck failed to stop at a stop sign causing a crash with a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer being driven by Samuel Langstaff of Indianola. As they say in the movies, bada-bing bada-boom!

Langstaff’s car suffered more than three collisions and appears to have been the most seriously impacted. The first was with the 1997 Chevrolet truck driven by Andrew Brock of Washington, Iowa. The truck struck Langstaff’s car in the passenger side. That forced Langstaff into the westbound lane where it was then struck a second time on the driver’s side by a 1999 Mack diesel semi-truck driven by Jared Freel. Langstaff’s car after the second collision ended up rolling and came to rest on its top. Rolling on the pavement was the third collision.  But that wasn’t all there was because Langstaff’s car then caught fire. Langstaffs died in this series of four collisions. Also, a passenger Jacqueline Langstaff was killed. Both Langstaff’s are from Indianola.

At 17-years of age Brock is a younger driver. He too was injured. The way this report is written if the facts are that Brock ran a stop sign, failing to yield the right of way, then he’ll more than likely be found at fault and be liable for all the damages.  That can be significant, to say the least. There are the owner’s property damage for three vehicles one of which is a semi-truck. The semi truck may have had cargo in the trailer that is owned by someone else. Any damage to that cargo will result in a forth property damage claim. The there are the drivers and passengers in each vehicle who can file a claim against him. Young people need to understand how the world works and who pays what and when. Young drivers should heed the lessons in this case. This will be an expensive lesson to learn.  Aside from him there were 8 other people injured or killed.

He has his own damages to contend with as well.

The accident report shows both Langstaff’s wore their seatbelts and they were 29 and 30 years old.

The semi truck was owned by Black Hawk Soil Service, Inc. of West Chester, Iowa. The driver of that semi, Jared Steel isn’t shown as one of the injured in the preliminary report although in the summary he was noted to have been taken to the Washington Hospital by ambulance.

What a mess. This is going to be a mentally exhausting lesson for the young driver. Also injured are Spencer Miller, age 15, David Haifley age 16 and Travis Filben age 19.

I follow just about every accident happening in Iowa that results in a fatality and consistently you see distractions causing the drivers to make mistakes. I have no way of knowing in this case what caused the driver to not stop at the stop sign, but it won’t be surprising if all these young people are found to be in the same car.  Were they all talking? Were they fooling around? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

The Iowa State Patrol’s final report will probably out in the next 7 to 10 days.
This story is also covered by the Des Moines Register and KCCI News.

Highway 92 & Lexington Blvd, Washington, Iowa 52353

Highway 92 is an east west highway. Lexington Road is a diagonal in a northwest to southeast direction. The aerial map from Mapquest shows this to be a rural area between West Chester and Washington.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Iowa Motorcycle News – Two dead and three in the hospital after separate motorcycle crashes

A 50 and 51-year old couple died Saturday after the motorcycle they were riding on was hit head-on by a car being driven by Michelle Currier of Preston, Minnesota. Miss Preston is reported to be 38-years of age. The location of this collision was Iowa Highway 139 south of Kendallville, Iowa. The Wiercks are from Fairbank, Minnesota. There is no Iowa State Patrol report and facts sufficient to determine fault was not available. Neither the report from the Des Moines Register or WQOW was specific enough.

[Update: The Iowa State Patrol indicates the Currier vehicle crossed the center line.]

 Kendallville, Iowa is in Winneshiek County. It appears to be an extremely small rural Iowa community.

Kendallville, Iowa 52136 is very small, and sets at the junctions of Iowa Highway 139, 347th Street and 324th Avenue. It’s fairly close to the C. Baker County Park at Bluffton. The accident location appears to be about 6 miles south of the Iowa-Minnesota border.

In another motorcycle accident a 20-year-old Knoxville man had to be airlifted to a hospital after his cycle ran into the back end of a car. It’s reported he wasn’t wearing a helmet and suffered trauma to his head and back.

In a third motorcycle crash the passenger apparently suffered severe head injury when the motorcycle she was riding on crashed in rural Fulton, Illinois. The passenger was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. The driver was taken by ambulance to a Mercy Hospital. There is no report on their names or whether either was wearing helmets. Fulton, Illinois is in Whiteside County.  This collision is reported by WQAD.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident or wreck?  Do you need a lawyer to assist you? Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Lombardi Law Firm has litigated in the area of motorcycle accidents since 1981.

We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or been killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe or if injured or killed to assist with your legal claim for civil damages. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety questions that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in keeping the construction site safe.

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 28 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Iowa Pedestrian Injuries and Deaths - News Roundup

Today we continue with the pedestrian-car-truck-bus-train collision news items that have been sitting around in my box for months on end. There are so many of them just since the first of the year. You can tell its spring. Today we’ll look at three news items that each provides a theme or reason (cause) as to why pedestrians get struck so much.

Toronto, Canada, April 2009 – In this car-pedestrian collision we see that the safety dance between pedestrians and cars is a two-way tango. This pedestrian walked into the cross walk when she was supposed to, but her attention directed to talking on a cell phone rather than looking to see if the crosswalk was clear, allowed her to walk right out in front of a car and be killed.  The driver remains at fault but pedestrians have an obligation to avoid walking out in front of vehicles. Be safe, not sorry.

Los Angeles, California, April 2009 – According to this blog two pedestrian elderly women were killed after two cars collided and one losing control was knocked into them.

Joplin, Missouri, March 2009 – A 74-year-old woman was struck and killed as she stepped into the path of a pickup truck being driven by a 21-year-old. Another example of pedestrian’s not paying enough attention to their surroundings.

Westway, Texas, March 2009 – In this case a pickup truck driver struck a pedestrian walking along the side of the road. After striking the pedestrian witnesses reported the truck stopped, backed up, and then drove away. Witnesses gave chase and stopped the ma. Of course a hit-n-run is always an indication of something else going on. In this case police arrested the man for driving while intoxicated. Seeing and avoiding pedestrians is made so much harder when you’re highly intoxicated.

Come back tomorrow for more on pedestrian collisions.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

OWI: How do you maintain your silence when they are asking you questions??

An officer has to honor your request to talk to a lawyer and to remain silent.  That is your constitutional right.  You have the right under the 5th Amendment to not be a witness against yourself, and you have the right under the 6th Amendment to the assistance of counsel.  Be prepared however since the officer is not going to take your silence as a friendly gesture.  Some officers view silence as an admission of guilt.  Many officers view the constitution as an obstruction to justice and some have the view that the “end justifies the means.”  Those officers do not care if you’re constitutional rights are violated.  They do not like it when people do not respect their authority and refuse to answer their questions.  They threaten to file additional charges, such as Interference with Official Acts for refusing to answer their questions.  Even if you do not answer their questions and do not take their “tests”, they will still charge you with OWI.  If you have decided, either on your own or through the advice of an attorney, to remain silent then you need to stick to your guns.  If you initially decide to remain silent, which then draws the officer’s anger, and you decide to talk about your charge, you are then in the worst situation which is making statements about your charge in additional to having an angry cop.  Most officers will honor your request and fill out their paperwork as long as you sit quietly.  If you do initially indicate that you are going to remain silent, you can not decide to ask questions and expect the officer to talk to you.  All of your questions should go to your lawyer, not the officer.

OWI law is the most complicated and therefore misunderstood area of criminal law by both the public and practicing attorneys, which means that justice is often not served due to wrongful convictions and punishment greater than that required by law.  Attorney Todd Miler has represented persons accused of Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa since 1997.  Miler Law Firm has been located in West Des Moines since 1999.  Through the dissemination of information, Todd Miler is attempting to help the public better understand their legal rights.  You may call Todd Miler directly (515-457-9843) if you have questions about Iowa‘s criminal law. 

Email: milerlaw@msn.com

Iowa Pedestrian Injuries and Deaths - News Roundup

Today we continue with the pedestrian-car-truck-bus-train collision news items that have been sitting around in my box for months on end. There are so many of them just since the first of the year. You can tell its spring. Today we’ll look at three news items that each provide a theme or reason (cause) as to why pedestrians get struck so much.

Salt Lake City, Utah, April 2009 - In this instance a motorist was charged with striking a pedestrian who was walking her dog in a crosswalk. She was propelled 50 feet from the initial point of impact. The driver was charged with driving while under the influence (a 3^rd degree felony in Utah), leaving the scene of the accident, failing to yield the right of way of a pedestrian in a crosswalk and not having insurance.

Vacaville, California, April 2009 – This day was not the day for a transient pedestrian who was seriously injured while attempting to cross outside a crosswalk. After being struck by a car driving 35-mph his body remained lodged under the pickup truck and firefighters were summoned to get him free. Clothing may have been a factor in this instance. The accident happened just after midnight. Being after dark, darker clothing doesn’t help a pedestrian stand out.  This report comes to us from the law firm of Estey and Bomberger.

Joliet, Illinois, April 2009 -  In this case Levin & Peconti report on a 19-year-old woman who was struck and killed after walking along a busy street. Chicago has more than 1,000 pedestrian collisions each and every year.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

OWI: Why does the officer ask if I've been drinking?

Under Iowa’s OWI law, there are strict requirements that must be met for an officer to eventually charge someone with OWI. There are essentially three stages and before an officer moves from one stage to the next, he must satisfy certain requirements within each stage. To move from one stage to the next, an officer has to have evidence that he is trying to obtain which allows him to proceed on. Most of the evidence is founded upon a determination of reasonable grounds to believe someone is drinking and driving. Keep in mind that it is not illegal to drink and drive. It is illegal to drink and drive drunk. But the law says that any admission that you have been drinking allows the officer to move on to the next stage, in other words he can advance towards an arrest. Some officers, and some people in general, believe that any alcohol consumption should result in an OWI. An officer can ask if you’ve been drinking as soon as he pulls you over, even if he doesn’t smell alcohol or have any other basis for suspecting a drunk driver. When a person admits they have had a drink, they are then going to be subjected to field sobriety testing, and those "tests" are designed for you to fail.

So what is the lesson to be learned and why should you listen to this advice?

The lesson is that there are no casual conversations with a police officer. It's like you hear on television, everything you say can and will be used against you.

OWI law is the most complicated and therefore misunderstood area of criminal law by both the public and practicing attorneys, which means that justice is often not served due to wrongful convictions and punishment greater than that required by law.  Attorney Todd Miler has represented persons accused of Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa since 1997.  Miler Law Firm has been located in West Des Moines since 1999.  Through the dissemination of information, Todd Miler is attempting to help the public better understand their legal rights.  You may call Todd Miler directly (515-457-9843) if you have questions about Iowa‘s criminal law. 

Email: milerlaw@msn.com

Pedestrian Safety: News Roundup Continues

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

What are some "investigative techniques" officers use??

OWI law is the most complicated and therefore misunderstood area of criminal law by both the public and practicing attorneys, which means that justice is often not served due to wrongful convictions and punishment greater than that required by law.  Attorney Todd Miler has represented persons accused of Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa since 1997.  Miler Law Firm has been located in West Des Moines since 1999.  Through the dissemination of information, Todd Miler is attempting to help the public better understand their legal rights.  You may call Todd Miler directly (515-457-9843) if you have questions about Iowa‘s criminal law. 

Email: milerlaw@msn.com

OWI: Who decides whether someone should be charged with OWI??

OWI law is the most complicated and therefore misunderstood area of criminal law by both the public and practicing attorneys, which means that justice is often not served due to wrongful convictions and punishment greater than that required by law.  Attorney Todd Miler has represented persons accused of Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa since 1997.  Miler Law Firm has been located in West Des Moines since 1999.  Through the dissemination of information, Todd Miler is attempting to help the public better understand their legal rights.  You may call Todd Miler directly (515-457-9843) if you have questions about Iowa‘s criminal law. 

Email: milerlaw@msn.com

Iowa Pedestrian Injuries and Deaths - News Roundup

What are the many ways pedestrian’s can be injured or killed? That question comes up more times than you can quickly think of.  In this post, which is being turned into a page for our Iowa pedestrian viewers, we examine the infinite number of ways pedestrians can be seriously injured or killed.

Many of you want to blame the driver or the pedestrian, depending on the camp from which you start you will draw conclusions based on predetermined and preconceived prejudice. But read through these over the next few weeks and see if you haven’t found yourself or your children in these precarious situations. They aren’t as far fetched or easily avoided as you might think. And again I can’t believe how many there have been in just the past few months. There are more to report on but I grew weary of reading and writing about so many.

So sit back, read and be patient. If you find my advice lacking, I invite you to comment to add your own words of advice. As always my point in writing is about safety; and in this instance, pedestrian safety.

Spokane, Idaho, May 8, 2009 - A 68-year old North Idaho man was struck and killed by a race car spinning out of control at the Spokane County Raceway. With Iowa just having built and opened the Newton Speedway and being the state where races take place at the Iowa Fair grounds along with Knoxville, pedestrians may find this case of interest.  The man was struck hard enough to be thrown up into a tree. He was said to have died instantly.

Alberta, Canada – November 2008 - A 44-year-old man was run down and killed as he walked across the parking lot of a busy Flying-J truck stop. The semi-truck driver was visibly shaken after the collision.

Edmonton, Canada – August 2008 - A 53-year-old man crossing the street was run down by an oncoming motorist while attempting to cross a busy street at a place other than a crosswalk. The driver of the 1976 Datsun was 19-years-old.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Police in San Francisco shoot tiger, zoo visitors are at risk, be aware

A 252-pound Siberian tiger was shot and killed by Police in San Francisco. It took four police officers with .40 caliber service revolvers to take down the best amongst the confusion of a highly volatile situation. Officers aren’t trained as grounds keepers but when the bell sounds they come out fighting.

There are around 140 million zoo visitors each year.

Over here at the Insider, we still are pretty awed by the performance of officers Scott Biggs, Yukio Oshita, Kevin O'Leary and Daniel Kroos. The men had little training to deal with any sort of escaped-animal emergency at the zoo -- let alone one involving a tiger -- and by all accounts, there was a lot of confusion among zoo staff. Not to mention they were staring down the 252-pound beast with just their .40 caliber service weapons.

The officers will be honored by the San Francisco Police Commission for their bravery on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at a special awards ceremony. We're still waiting for more information on the event, but we're sure there will be appropriate pomp and circumstance. Capt. Paul Chignell at the Taraval Station, where all four men were stationed during the event, called them "excellent" officers who did something utterly amazing. Biggs and Oshita are still at Taraval as plainclothes officers, while O'Leary walks the beat in that district. Kroos now works out of Mission Station.

This video tape shows the San Francisco Zoo tigers.

Tiger Attack After Escaping Cage at Columbus Zoo

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Giraffes and zebras can kick a grounds keeper to death

In January it was reported that a zebra attacked a female giraffe in Lahore City Zoo killing it by kicking it to death. Zoo workers and visitors alike witnessed the attack that resulted in the giraffe’s death.

Workers, including cleaners coming into contact with these animals must always remain vigilant against injury or death caused by these wild animals as they tend to kick to kill.

Angry giraffes kick their way to freedom - BBC wildlife

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Pet Advice and Dog Attacks Causing Injury and Death

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Grounds Keeper Safety:

A groundskeeper in Singapore died after being mauled by two white tigers. Questions were raised about exactly how the cleaner came into contact with the tiger. It’s unclear from the report in World Zoo Today whether the cleaner deliberately entered the tigers’ confined space and taunted them or whether he fell into the moat. Perhaps he fell in and then did what we all see being done on stage in Las Vegas.

White Tiger at Singapore Zoo

Tampa Zoo has white tigers and recently had two cubs born to “Nikki”. In describing white tigers WZT states:

White tigers originate from Bengal tigers. They are not albinos and they are not a separate subspecies of tiger. They have blue eyes, a pink nose, and white fur covered with chocolate-colored stripes. White tigers are born to tigers that carry the unusual gene needed for white coloring.

Attack by White Tiger in Singapore Zoo

Wild white tigers are very rare, because their white coats provide poor camouflage, making them easily spotted by prey.

White tigers have been known to kill their own cubs.

Grounds keeping is a dangerous business, the work gratifying but dangerous.

Suicide by jumping into an animal’s caged space is not unheard of.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

OWI: When should you refuse the breath test?

OWI law is the most complicated and therefore misunderstood area of criminal law by both the public and practicing attorneys, which means that justice is often not served due to wrongful convictions and punishment greater than that required by law.  Attorney Todd Miler has represented persons accused of Operating While Intoxicated in Iowa since 1997.  Miler Law Firm has been located in West Des Moines since 1999.  Through the dissemination of information, Todd Miler is attempting to help the public better understand their legal rights.  You may call Todd Miler directly (515-457-9843) if you have questions about Iowa‘s criminal law. 

Email: milerlaw@msn.com

Iowa I-80 semi-truck rear-end crash victims now being identified

I-80 Iowa Interstate rear-end crash victims identified

We had earlier reported on an I-80 multi-vehicle collision. A semi-truck driver ran into the rear of one vehicle pushing it into others. It’s reported that several people died in the crash.  The Iowa State as a 39-year-old woman 61-year-old man. The woman is Diana Nesseler of Milan, Illinois and the man, James Daly also of Illinois. Charles, Illinois. Patrol has now identified the dead

As we earlier wondered aloud, what could the semi-truck driver’s distraction have been.

This pile-up accident is covered also by the Des Moines Register.

What distraction caused a semi-truck to drive into the rear of a line of vehicles on I-80 in eastern Iowa?

The video of the bus driver is again worth watching.

If you’ve never seen a semi-truck crash-collision-accident here is one that will certainly make you drive slower.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Hit-and-run strikes 9-year-old in Treynor, Iowa

Jayden Anderson was walking along Highway 92 about 8:45 last Friday evening when he was struck by a red car with black stripes. The car was occupied by three or four people who’ve not been identified.  So who is this Iowa hit-n-run driver?

Nine-year-old Jayden Anderson was struck by a vehicle while walking along Highway 92 in Treynor at about 8:45 Friday evening.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office says the vehicle that struck Jayden left the scene, and the driver failed to report the accident. The vehicle is described as a red car with a black stripe, and was occupied by three-or-four subjects.

“The second-grader was walking with two other children near Elementary Avenue and Highway 92 Friday night when he was hit by a westbound car. The car drove off.

"He was just with some friends. They weren't doing anything but what kids do. Unfortunately, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Anderson.

Jayden was hospitalized in critical condition with what his father described as trauma to the head.”

If you know anything call Crimestoppers at 1-800-247-0592.

Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff
Jefferey Danker
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501

Non-emergency: (712)328-5737

Visit Department's Homepage

County: Pottawattamie

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

How long does it take to settle a workers’ compensation case?

It takes as long as it takes. It should take long enough to do it right. Okay, so what is it in months? Well, probably about 18 months on average; or a little longer. Why, you ask?

Well because the hold up is your medical condition and the treatment it takes to get you to a point of maximum medical improvement. It’s all about doctor’s opinions. The sooner the doctor lets you go back to work or finish up with your treatment the lawyers can do the rest of their work to settle or try your care. 

Think of doctor opinions like you do gasoline in a car’s fuel tank. If there is no gas in the tank, then the car won’t start up. Same goes for the workers’ compensation benefits engine. If you don’t have a doctor’s opinion the work comp benefits engine won’t start. So doctor opinions are the fuel of the workers’ compensation benefits engine. Simply stated your work injury must be related to your work.

Now what kind of gas do you need? You need a positive doctor opinion that relates your injury and need for treatment to what you do at work.

Then you’ll need a medical opinion that says because of that injury or the need for medical treatment you need to be off of work. That’s a doctor’s work excuse.

And then you’ll need a doctor’s opinion saying you can go back to work. That’s a work release.

After you go back to work and you’re finished with treatment the doctor will decide if he thinks you have permanent impairment or activity restrictions.

All this takes time and has to be done in sequence. Nothing can be rushed or done sloppy.

So be patient; don’t worry it will get done, but in time.

Call us if you have questions. 1-515-222-1110 We even take email. sdlombardi@aol.com

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer.  Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for almost 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois.  Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.

Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, sex, what the Molly are you talking about?

Let me start with a question: How can any adult be experienced enough to legally kill a person but too immature to know who they should have a sexual relationship?

After writing mega Sex No-No Number One I got more interested in knowing what other states have done when an 18-year-old student, an adult, has sex with another adult that is his/her teacher. I read something on another blog that gave me a laugh for the day because I couldn’t believe the justification I read from the writer who stands behind this societal puritanical hypocrisy. Look what the writer states on Parentdish when the State of Washington ruled the law was not clear whether adults, when one was a teacher, could not have a sexual relationship.

“If I was a parent living in Washington, I'd want this law changed now. Yes, 18-year-olds are technically adults, but they are very, very new adults, and that teacher/student relationship puts them in a vulnerable position. I mean, if it's true love, can't you wait a few months until after graduation? (But not with my kid, buster!)”

Teacher-Student Sex - Legal at Age 18?, by Bethany Sanders Jan 15th 2009 4:00PM

Let me put this in perspective for these hypocrites. What these folks propose is a new idea in legal-illegal behavior norms in society; one that is completed unworkable and full of hypocrisy.

TEACHER STUDENT SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS

First we have children, then teenagers, followed by new adults and lastly at some unknown age finally, FULL-FLEDGED ADULTHOOD. So during the new very, very new adulthood period you can quit school, go out into the workforce, move out of your parents homes, enlist in the armed forces, get drafted if the very, very old adults decide they want conscription and have you sent home in a body-bag. But, and this is a big butt, you can not have sex with another adult, even a very, very new adult if that person is your teacher. It is illegal to have sex with another adult because these very very new adults don’t know what’s best for themselves between the sheets but when it comes to signing yourself up for the armed services where you very well may get killed you’re level of maturity is sufficient.

Old Army basic training chant: Bang, bang, this is your gun, this one’s for pleasure and this one’s for fun.

The reasoning goes like this, if we need your body to protect whatever it is we prize, oil maybe, you can sign up to be killed but don’t think about having sex with another adult because you’re not mature enough. Once enlisted, the miracle occurs and you can now have sex with your C.O. but never your high school gym teacher. One day you’re too new to this adult game but even on the same day you aren’t too new to this game. Sign up for enlistment in the morning you’re mature; have sex with the English teacher in the afternoon and you’re too new of an adult to know what is right for you.

Bang-bang your dead! Bang-bang she’s pregnant! Bang-bang you sex partner is a criminal.

What a bunch of hypocrites. The Courts are pandering to the legislatures untrained and immature legal reasoning by allowing them to pass any laws no matter how absurd the result and ideas behind them. In the long run the reasoning used in this sexual predator law will lead to more and more absurd results as this concept of gradating adulthood takes hold in other laws.  It should stop and the Courts should find this law unworkable, leading to an absurd conclusion and full of unsound reasoning. Just because some mother and father don’t want their kid sleeping with the blonde headed English teacher doesn’t good law. Adults are adults and if they can sign up to shoot a rifle and die for their country then they should be allowed to sleep with whomever they choose; including the teacher. Simply stated, if these 18-year-olds aren’t mature enough to decide about having sex with adult teachers then are they mature enough to work under supervisors who may be older, or commanding officers who will be older or for that matter college professors.

The more we treat young people like idiots without a brain the more we have to dumb-down the cash registers at McDonalds. The truth is children, teenagers and young adults have to make mistakes to build good strong character. Without good character you become a weak link in society. With enough weak links we get a barrel full of rotten apples. Mommies and daddies can’t follow junior onto the battle field of life. If you want junior to be able to right for your oil then start treating him like the man he is.

These are what I call Molly Laws. Molly is our dog. She’s very good about barking when anyone walks by, but whenever we have a thunderstorm she runs and sticks her head under the bed; as if just hiding her eyes from what she thinks is bad will somehow protect her. It's the laws of physics and reason according to Molly.

You want strong armies; then you need strong young men and women. This reasoning that allows enlistment but not sexual engagement is self-serving. It’s the same reasoning that is used to hand out participation trophies. Enough already let the school districts deal with these relationships between teachers and students. Society has more important things to worry about.

Let us not forget WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq I, Afghanistan and Iraq II.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Wrong is wrong, but not everything that is wrong should be a crime.

Should everything that is “wrong” be a crime?

Society decides what is right and what is wrong. Society has now decided that consensual sex between adults is wrong. A 28-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man had sex and now she is a sex offender. She was an Iowa teacher at the time of their relationship.

Shocking isn't it.

How much are we spending prosecuting this woman?

So now a 28 year old female teacher who had a relationship with an 18-year-old student is a criminal. Something is wrong with this picture. Not everything society might think wrong can be a criminal act.

A teacher that used to pay taxes now is a tax burden.

If I were the judge I would have sentenced Erin M. Rohwer, 28 to write on the blackboard 500 times, “Good people do stupid things and that doesn’t make them a criminal; just stupid for a minute, but not a lifetime. In the future I will strive to be a better person; and I will remember students are off limits.”

And the boy, I would have sentenced him to washing teacher’s cars in the parking lot without the pleasure of an iPod and a cold shower. I would have called the football coach and asked him to design a physical education program that would have taken the legs right out from under him and making him too tired to be chasing his English teacher.

The boy’s mother and father I would have sentenced to confession. Give the teacher and the boy a break for God’s sake; do you think your boy had no part in making this happen?

Iowa needs to grow up and get over their aversion to anything sexual. Get over it, this is an adult man-boy who society can register and send to war where he can be shot to death and sent home in a body bag. If he wants to sleep, with what I’m sure is about 90% of the young men’s dreams at Dowliing, then let him.

He’s 18 and she’s 27. Get over it they are adults. The real criminal act is not the doing of the teacher. The criminal act is the act of society in trying to make every conservative’s hang-up about sex a crime.

The Court’s then compound the ridiculousness of making this a criminal act by ordering the woman to stay away from the boy. What if they are really in love? Can society and the courts order hold their loving hearts in contempt? The Courts have enough to do without managing a teenager’s love crush.

Does the fact she’s a teacher mean she controls the boy’s raging hormones?

Is every sexual relationship between a teacher and student always a bad thing?

Consider the following.

Yesterday morning I was talking to a colleague who I’ve known since law school. We are good friends. I know his wife she’s a wonderful woman. They have been marred since law school and have raised some wonderful children. Today on the phone we weren’t talking about this Dowling situation, but he reminded me that Beth is ten years his senior. It was scandalous at the time they met and started going out together, because he was only 18. Scandalously beautiful I’m sure.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Raising children is difficult enough without trying to do it from a jail cell

Recently we've read disturbing news alerts, here are a few reports that alarm us. We report on stories like this hoping others will read and learn the lessons having to do with child safety. Keep in mind these are the news reports and news is not always the way things turn out nor are news stories always true; meaning the facts may be different than what is reported.

A 21-year old woman from Norfolk, Nebraska faces felony charges of abuse and neglect of her 2 year old son who was left home alone overnight in their apartment on May 1, 2009. Police responded to a call that the child was alone and had the child removed immediately. The apartment manager informed the mother who returned more than 12 hours after leaving that her son had been removed.

On May 4, 2009, another mother from Omaha, Nebraska left her 3 month old baby home alone and was arrested for drunk driving while out to buy more booze! Besides the DUI charge, this woman faces felony child abuse, and driving with a suspended license.

In late April 2009, also in Omaha, a 2 year old and 4 year old were found home alone when a neighbor called the apartment manager about water leaking through his ceiling. The manager found the children home alone with an overflowing toilet. The children told the officers that they were usually home alone when their mother was at work. The father of these children has been cited for neglect……was he supposed to be home watching them?

Nebraska’s safe haven law which was enacted in September 2008, allows parents to abandon their children at a hospital without fear of prosecution, NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

If nothing else consider the consequences ……if you don’t want the responsibility of raising children, or if they are in the way of your good time at least allow them to be adopted by people who would provide good homes, people who wouldn’t think about leaving a baby home alone. Think of the child.

Another wrong-site or wrong-side surgery at a Rhode Island Hospital

Placing the surgeon and surgical staff on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island is reporting a wrong-site or wrong-side surgery during oral surgery.  It makes me wonder if these types of mistakes, as common as they are, have to do with tort reforms being added to the hurdles patients must straddle to successfully litigate for a favorable verdict. After getting so many breaks a professional begins to expect he or she is invincible or untouchable.

This is an example of what I meant this morning by tort reform increasing the number of personal injury claims. I think doctors are overworked and that hospital systems put too much emphasis on brick and mortar projects rather than patient safety training programs.

What distraction caused a semi-truck to drive into the rear of a line of vehicles on I-80 in eastern Iowa?

Names of those killed are not being disclosed until relatives are notified. What we know is the driver of a semi-truck on I-80 in Scott County, Iowa drove into a construction zone and rear ended a series of cars stopped in the construction zone.

The 2009 Kenworth Semi-truck was driven by 34 year-old Anthony Johnson of Arlington, Texas. It appears as though the driver of a Chevrolet Corvette and a van driver were both killed and perhaps a third person was injured.

Trooper’s Accident/collision Description

VEH 4, 2006 REITNOUER SEMI, DRIVER TODD IAGULLI 39 YRS WESTAMPTON NJ VEHS 2,3,4 WERE STOPPED 80 EB AS ENTERING CONST ZONE VEH 1 STRUCK THE REAR OF VEH 2 PUSHING IT INTO S DITCH, VEH 1 THEN STRUCK REAR OF VEH 3 PUSHING IT INTO REAR OF VEH 4, VEH 1 CONTINUED NE TOWARDS THE MEDIAN INVEST PENDING

Crash occurred at 18:16 or 6:16 PM on May 11, 2009 in Scott County in the eastbound lane at mile marker 305.

The Des Moines Register reports the same basic information; making it obvious names are not being reported until relatives have been notified.

Take a look at this bus driver texting as he drives his bus down an interstate highway. He keeps texting right up till he runs into the back of stopped traffic. Then he gets mad.

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who may have suffered an injury or whose relatives have been injured or killed. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death.  We are here to assist you to stay safe and with your legal problems. Call us if you have legal questions or if you have safety concerns. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety measures that readers bring to our attention. Good luck on the job and be safe. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer in Iowa, but prides himself on doing more than just practicing law.  Email: sdlombardi@aol.com

If you, your spouse or a member of your family or friends are involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We can assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from car, semi-truck, motorcycle, pedestrian and construction accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay, call him today. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com)

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.