It’s almost the 4th of July! Do you know PA’s new fireworks law?

The first July 4th holiday since PA’s new fireworks law was signed

With the Fourth of July holiday almost here, it’s important for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania to understand our state’s new fireworks law.  As of October 2017, the fireworks laws in Pennsylvania have changed.  The new law allows PA residents to purchase consumer-grade fireworks, including firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material.

Display-grade fireworks – large fireworks designed to produce visible or audible effects for entertainment purposes by combustion, or detonation – remain limited to operators with a permit.  Display fireworks are what you would see at a firework show, and they are set off by a firework technician.

Under the old law, only out-of-state residents could legally purchase The previous law (The Fireworks Act of 1939) limited residents to only novelty fireworks, […]

Parking lot accidents spike during the holiday season

From now until the end of December, holiday shoppers will be out in full force. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, drivers and pedestrians are more distracted than ever, especially in parking lots and garages. The PA personal injury lawyers at Munley Law want to remind everyone to slow down and take care as you run your holiday errands this season.

Parking lot car crashes and pedestrian accidents

Many drivers tend to be less cautious when navigating a parking lot than out on the open road. In a National Safety Council poll, more than half of respondents said they would be likely to talk on the phone, text, program their GPS, use social media, and even check email when driving through a parking lot or parking structure. Add to that the distraction of to-do lists, the impatience and frustration of crowded shopping centers, […]

Pennsylvania Among the U.S. States with the Most Dog Bites

Dog Bite Prevention Week

April 9-15 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. The American Humane Association, the U.S. Postal Service, and other groups observe this week each year in an effort to help reduce the number of dog bites nationwide.

This year, multiple reports have come out indicating that dog bites increased in 2016. According to the USPS, More than 6,700 postal workers suffered a dog bite last year. That’s 200 more than in 2015. Some researchers connect this increase with the growing popularity of online shopping and home delivery services.

The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm also report that dog bites increased by as much as 18% overall last year. Note that this number may other types of include dog-related incidents – not just bites.

Which states experience the most dog bites? Pennsylvania ranks #4 in the country, […]

Dog Bite Prevention Myths Debunked

When it comes to dog bites, can you separate fact from fiction?

At Munley Law, we love our dogs. But, we’re also very familiar with how devastating a dog bite can be. Many of these bites are preventable. Knowing the signs and brushing up on some dog-safety tips can help you or your child avoid an attack. That means sorting out fact from fiction, and dispelling common myths and misinformation.

Dog Bite Prevention Myths vs. Facts

1. You can tell whether a dog will be friendly or aggressive based on the breed: FALSE.  While some types of dogs account for more bites than others, any dog can bite, so you shouldn’t assume a dog is friendly based on breed.
2. Most dog bites happen with strange or stray dogs: FALSE. You’re most likely to be bitten by a dog at the home of a friend or family member. […]

5 Tips to Stay Safe at the Water Park

Are you planning a trip to a water park this summer?

Water parks are a popular destination for people looking to cool down in the summer heat, especially in landlocked states like Pennsylvania.There are numerous water parks in our area, including Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, Montage Mountain, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Knoebels Crystal Pool, Kalahari Resort, CamelBeach Mountain Waterpark, Aquatopia, and more.

Last week, an 8-year-old boy died after he was found unresponsive in the water at Knoebels Crystal Pool. Investigators say the cause of death is still inconclusive, but this tragedy serves as a reminder that drowning can occur even in shallow water in a controlled environment.

Possible water park hazards include dehydration, too much sun, chlorine poisoning, slip and falls, and drowning. We’ve got 5 easy tips to help keep you and your family safe during your next water park visit. […]

If you slip and fall on ice, who is responsible?

If you slip and fall on ice, the property owner or business responsible for clearing ice and snow may be held responsible if you are injured after they failed to clear the hazard in a reasonable amount of time. How can you know for sure? The best thing to do is to simply consult an expert – call a personal injury lawyer who will listen to the details of your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Should you choose to pursue legal action, the team of slip and fall attorneys at Munley Law will not only investigate the case on your behalf, but we will not collect any fee from you unless we win your case.

In the meantime, there are some important things to keep in mind in case of a slip and fall.

1. […]

The Most Dangerous Summer Attraction: Facts on Water Park Accidents

True or False:

1. High-speed roller coasters are more dangerous than water slides.
2. Children are more likely to be hurt in a Go-Kart than a water slide.
3. Water rides account for 20% of amusement park and carnival injuries.

Believe it or not, all of those statements are false.

In fact, according to a study by the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs, water park rides comprised 40% of the injuries sustained at amusement parks and carnivals in NJ over a five year period. Water slide injuries were more than twice as common as Go-Kart, roller coaster, and water rapids rides.

“Unlike rollercoasters, where people are tightly strapped in, water rides are largely unrestrained,” according to Tammori Petty, a spokesperson for the state Department of Community Affairs. “Water flow is still not an exact science and unpredictable things can happen.”

Now, […]

It’s Parks and Recreation Month! Follow These Tips to Avoid a Park Injury

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, according to the National Recreation and Park Association.

Parks can be wonderful for both physical and mental well-being. In addition to providing space for recreation and exercise, spending time outside in nature is good for one’s psychological health, according to a study recently published in the New York Times. But, parks and playgrounds can also be the scenes of serious falls or injuries. Take a look at these safety tips and reminders to help make sure that your next trip to the park goes smoothly.

Falls

Every year more than 200,000 injuries occur on playgrounds or in parks, and falls are the most common type of playground or park injury. Playground falls can result in sprains, broken bones, or traumatic head injuries like a concussion. Proper supervision can help reduce the risk for falls. […]

Dog bite prevention: What everyone should know

A dog bite can turn a trip to the park into a trip to the emergency room. It can leave both physical and psychological scars.

As the weather warms up, people spend more time outdoors, especially with their pets. That means that dogs and people, particularly young children, come into contact with each other more frequently. What many people don’t think about is the possibility of a dog bite situation.

In fact, over 4 million dog bites occur each year. And while it might not sound like a serious concern, dog bites or dog attacks can be traumatizing and can result in extremely  serious injuries or disfigurement. Children are more likely to be bitten by a dog than any other age group.

Fortunately, there are some ways that dog-owners, parents, and everyone else can help prevent a dog bite from happening. […]

Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning

New PA law requires landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in all units

You would not move into a house or apartment that did not have a smoke detector – but what about a carbon monoxide detector?  Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and often goes undetected until it is too late.

A new law in Pennsylvania, the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act,   requires landlords to have carbon monoxide alarms installed in all of their units by June, 2015.  Pennsylvania is reportedly among the states with the most accidental carbon monoxide poisonings in the country. Whether law requires it or not, it is best practice for all homeowners and renters to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. They are generally inexpensive and it is the only means of detecting an otherwise undetectable substance that could cause serious harm or death. What is carbon monoxide poisoning? […]