Munley News

What is the leading cause of workplace fatalities?

The leading cause of work-related fatalities

Overwhelmingly, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the U.S. Car and truck crashes account for 40% of job-related deaths each year, according to the National Safety Council. Motor vehicle accidents are the #1 or #2 cause of job-related death across all industry groups.

Motor vehicle workplace deaths by industry

All workers can be at risk of a fatal work-related crash, whether or not driving is a major part of their job duties. Of course, some industries are more prone than others. Not surprisingly, workers who drive a vehicle as a primary part of their job including truck drivers, delivery drivers, and first responders face the highest risk. Consider the fact that one in three long-haul truck drivers have experienced a serious crash during their career. Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for half of workplace fatalities in the gas and oil extraction industry and 46% of work-related deaths for EMS first responders. […]

National Trucking Law Award Renamed in Honor of Robert W. Munley

Marion and Daniel Munley receive national trucking law award renamed in honor of their father and Munley Law founder, Robert W. Munley

Marion Munley and Daniel W. Munley received the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group’s “Robert W. Munley Award” on Sunday July 12 during the AAJ’s virtual Annual Convention.  Formerly the “Chairman’s Award,” the award was renamed this year in honor of the late Robert W. Munley (1930-2019). The award is presented annually by the Chair of the Trucking Litigation Group to an attorney who has done extraordinary work to further the group’s objectives: educating other lawyers on trucking law matters and contributing to the improvement of highway safety through legal work and advocacy.

A trucking law pioneer

Attorney Jeanmarie Whalen, a partner at the Florida firm Domnick, Cunningham and Whalen and immediate past chair of the Trucking Litigation Group, […]

Who is to blame? Potential defendants in a truck case

In a truck accident case, who can be held responsible?

If you were hurt in an accident that involved a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, dump truck, big rig, garbage truck, or another large commercial vehicle, you may be wondering whether you can file a lawsuit and who you should sue.

To determine exactly which parties are appropriate to name as defendants in your case, you should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer about the specific details of your accident and injuries. A lawyer will examine the facts of your case and identify all possible sources of recovery – including some you might not be aware of.

The following are common defendants for claims involving catastrophic truck accidents:

• Truck Drivers – If a truck driver was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, […]

Employees sue companies in public nuisance lawsuits

COVID-19, workplace protections, and public nuisance lawsuits

The coronavirus pandemic has drawn attention to issues related to workplace safety and employee protections.

This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issues a new order requiring hospitals to better protect healthcare workers from the coronavirus. Hospitals will be required to provide respirators to staff involved in direct care of COVID-19 patients, replace soiled or damaged respirators on request, require universal masking, and notify staff members who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. They must also provide testing for their workers. These changes come after months during which nurses and other healthcare workers complained of inadequate protections, rationing PPE, and other safety concerns.

Workers suing McDonalds, Amazon test public nuisance theory in workplace safety lawsuits

Employees at McDonalds and Amazon seeking better workplace conditions have taken legal action against their employers. […]

Why Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle?

Will my personal injury case settle?

Although popular television shows and movies give the illusion that every legal case culminates with a dramatic trial, the reality is that over 95% of all cases and almost 96% of personal injury cases settle out of court. While many personal injury plaintiffs are eager for an opportunity to have their day in court so that they can tell their story to a judge and jury, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of both trials and settlements.

Master negotiators, experienced trial lawyers

It is also important that victims of catastrophic accidents choose a legal team that understands these nuances and knows how to negotiate with hospitals, businesses, and insurance companies in order to maximize their clients’ winnings. Time and time again, the experienced Personal Injury Team at Munley Law win millions for our clients because we understand how to negotiate our clients’ claims to get them what they deserve. […]