Munley Law Blog

Canada Issues IVC Filter Warning After Numerous Reports of Complications

IVC filter warning tells of defective blood clot prevention product

At the end of last month, Health Canada issued an updated IVC filter warning for physicians and patients.

After receiving 121 reports of severe problems associated with IVC filters as of June 6, the Canadian government’s public health department released updated information regarding the safety of these devices.

IVC Filter Warning: Blood Clot Filters Can Cause Harm

IVC (inferior vena cava) filters are tiny, spider-like wire filters used to prevent pulmonary embolism by catching blood clots that travel from the legs toward the lungs. Unfortunately, the FDA has received over 900 reports of complications. IVC filters can break apart, sending small metal fragments throughout the body. This can result in serious injury or death.

The longer the IVC filter remains in place, the greater the risk of complication.  […]

How effective are night driving restrictions for teens?

Most nighttime accidents among teens occur before midnight, a new study shows. This means that night driving restrictions on teens that prohibit driving after midnight may be ineffective.

Driving in the dark increases crash risk for all drivers.  Young and inexperienced drivers face an even greater risk; one-third of fatal teen car crashes happen at night. That’s why every state in the U.S. (except VT) has laws restricting how late newly licensed teen drivers can be on the road unsupervised. In 23 states and the District of Columbia, the ban goes into effect at midnight or later. New research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that this is too late.

Ruth Shuts, a researcher at the CDC, suggests 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. might be a more appropriate curfew for unsupervised newly licensed drivers. […]

Common Car Seat Mistakes

New laws & common car seat mistakes

Pennsylvania’s new car seat law goes into effect next month. The new law will require  all children to be restrained in a rear-facing car seat until at least two years of age.

Why is rear-facing safer?

A rear-facing car seat supports the head and neck, and is designed to distribute the force of a crash across the shell of the car seat in the event of a car accident. Babies’ necks and spinal cords aren’t yet strong enough to withstand the force of a crash or sudden stop. Children under two are five times less likely to die or suffer serious injury in a car accident when restrained in a rear-facing seat.

Switching to a front-facing seat too soon is one of the most common car seat mistakes parents make. […]

Dog Bite Prevention Myths Debunked

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

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, 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. […]