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Will Hands-Free Texting Lead to Fewer Car Accidents?

Auto manufacturers who are looking to find a solution for frustrated drivers who don’t want to holster their hand-held communication devices while driving are designing cars using new technology that allows drivers to text with little to no use of their hands. This “hands-free” technology allows drivers to hear messages read aloud by an onboard computer and offers a preset or recorded and transcribed response from the driver.

But, will this technology really solve the problem and decrease the level of driver distraction and car accidents?

Hand-Held Versus Hands-Free

Though long-term studies on the topic of hands-free texting while driving have yet to be published, the answer can be logically surmised by looking at other models of distracted driving.

What we do know is that nearly 3,000 people were killed and another 900,000 were involved in car accidents last year, all as a result of distracted driving. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.”

While these statistics clearly denounce using hand-held devices while driving, the idea of using hands-free technology is still largely up in the air.

Minnesota’s Position

Currently, distracted driving is a factor in one out of four vehicle crashes in Minnesota, according to Minnesota State Police. In 2008, a ban on texting and Internet use while driving became law. In addition, cell phone use while driving is currently banned for underage drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses.

Nationwide, 35 states have outlawed the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, but the wording of these laws may leave room for hands-free devices.

Is Newer Hands-Free Technology the Key?

Something that the auto makers may be missing is that, just because a driver does not take his or her eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, that does not mean that he or she is not distracted.

The National Safety Council (NSC) argues that just talking on a phone is distracting, whether it’s hands-free or not. Citing a phenomenon called “inattention blindness” (where a driver can look at an object but not really see it, making it easy to miss traffic signs and signals as well as exits and turns), the NSC says that having a phone conversation can force a driver’s brain to multi-task, switching back and forth between the two very different tasks. This multi-tasking creates a distracted state of driving.

Mounting Evidence

Other recently released studies like those by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) point to mounting evidence that driver distraction exists whether the phone is in the hand or not. Because of this evidence, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently called for a nationwide ban on driver use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) while operating a motor vehicle.

Those safety recommendations specifically call for a 50 state and the District of Columbia ban on the non-emergency use of PEDs for all drivers. According to the NTSB, the safety recommendation also urges use of the NHTSA model of high-visibility enforcement to support these bans and the implementation of targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and heightened enforcement.

As former NTSB Chairman and CBS News Transportation Safety Consultant, Mark Rosenker, explained on CBS News’ The Early Show, “it’s going to be a long haul” before we ever see this NTSB recommendation become law across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. “It has now left the NTSB and has been put in the laps of the 50 state legislators,” said Rosenker, “When you get into the legislative process, it becomes a political process.”

How to Prevent Surgical Infections

When it comes to managing surgical infections, prevention is the answer. The risk of developing a surgical infection is small, but should one occur, the consequences can be life-threatening.

To ensure that you do all you can to aid in preventing surgical infection, here are some recommendations you can employ at the time of your surgery.

Before the Surgery

Antibiotic Use

Check with your doctor to find our whether or not antibiotics are recommended for your type of procedure. For some minor surgeries, antibiotics are not necessary, while others, such as hip replacements, would require them. Remember, if antibiotics are necessary, they should be administered within 1 hour of the beginning of your surgery.

Operating Room Procedures

It is well within your rights to ask that the number of people in the OR be limited to only those required for your procedure. Additional personnel can add additional risk. Discuss this with your surgeon ahead of time.

You should also inquire about having your operating room temperature maintained at a reasonable level or make other warming preparations. Though staff may tell you that a cold OR decreases your risk for infection (this is a common myth perpetuated at hospitals but is NOT based in fact) it is often kept cooler for the comfort of hospital personnel. In fact, reports the New England Journal of Medicine, infection risk is actually reduced when the patient is kept adequately warmed.

Prep

Make sure that, if hair removal is required for your surgery, it is done right before surgery, not the evening before. Also, make sure that clippers are used, rather than a razor. Be sure to bathe with antiseptic soap the night before.

Diabetics

If you’re diabetic, you could be at a higher risk for post-surgical infections. Elevated blood sugar levels have been linked to increased risk. Be sure to discuss your blood sugar concerns with your physician and anesthesiologist prior to surgery, and ask how they plan to keep your blood glucose levels normalized during and immediately following the procedure.

Post-Care

Proper Wound Care

Be sure to go over proper wound/incision care with your physician – both how to care for your wound and the bandage properly to reduce risk of infection. Ask these questions:

  • How to care for the bandage
  • When can you remove or change the dressing
  • How best to care for the wound to aid in healing and reduce infection risk
  • How and when to clean the wound

Remember, if you have problems with your bandage or wound care or suspect a possible infection, contact your physician immediately.

Signs of Infection

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Excessive sweating
  • Inflammation and redness around the incision
  • Nausea or vomiting

Though it’s normal to have a small amount of drainage from the incision in the first couple of days post surgery, if drainage persists, or you see the appearance of pus, contact your physician’s office immediately.

The best way to beat infection is to catch it early. By being vigilant both before and after surgery, you can help prevent infection and complications from surgery.

Avoiding Snowmobile Accidents

There are thousands of injuries and at least a hundred deaths reported every year in the U.S. due to snowmobile accidents. You don’t have to become a winter weather casualty. A significant number of these deaths are a result of collisions with trees, other vehicles, bridges, and wires. Preventing snowmobile accidents is easy, if you follow these simple safety tips.

Snowmobile Safety Course

First and foremost, complete a snowmobile safety course (required by Minnesota law for anyone born after December 31, 1976). You can find a course through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that will help provide you with the skills and information necessary for safe and legal operation of your snowmobile. In addition, be well-versed in the snowmobile laws and regulations for the area you are in.

Drinking and your Snowmobile

It is NEVER safe to drink and ride. For your safety and the safety of others, NEVER consume alcoholic beverages before or while operating a snowmobile.

Road Safety and Conditions

  • Keep safety in mind and use common sense when approaching roads or railroad tracks.
  • Signal with each turn you make and watch for other vehicles.
  • Keep road conditions in mind when making decisions, including speed.
  • Watch out for hidden rocks, downed trees, barbed wire, or other obstacles in your path by keeping your eyes on your trail at all times.
  • Avoid operating a snowmobile in bad weather. Check for storm advisories and warnings before beginning your ride.

Ride with a Buddy

  • Always use the buddy system in case of accident, injury, or unexpected emergency.
  • Refrain from crossing unfamiliar territory—especially without a more familiar guide.
  • Use only clearly established trails and marked areas.
  • Avoid water and frozen lakes. Since it is impossible to judge the thickness or depth of ice, this is an unnecessary risk to take.
  • Always maintain a safe following distance of 2-3 seconds when riding with others.

Speed

  • Always slow down on the tops of hills or snow banks to avoid unexpected hazards and collisions.
  • Do not attempt to jump snow banks – snowmobile lose their ability to be effectively controlled when the skis are off the ground.
  • Slow down – most snowmobile fatalities can be prevented if accidents happen at slower speeds.

Night Driving

  • Use extra caution when operating a snowmobile at night. Low light conditions can make seeing obstacles with enough time to avoid them more difficult and potentially fatal.
  • Nighttime speeds should never go above 40 mph. You up your chances of avoiding a hazard at this speed, since you’ll see it illuminated by your headlamps in time to swerve or stop.
  • Never ride new trails at night.

By following these simple, common sense safety precautions, you can avoid or reduce your risk of snowmobile accidents this season. Also, remember to carry snowmobile insurance, just in case an accident does occur.

Have a safe and fun winter season!

Best Criminal Defense Movies

Being a lawyer is not nearly as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. Still, it’s fun to watch courtroom dramas and legal thrillers on the big screen – especially when they get it right (albeit with hefty exaggerations and sometimes infinitely higher stakes).

If you think it’s hard to come up with a list of movies involving court room scenes or lawyers, think again. There are movies ripe with divorce, malpractice, and even discrimination, but nothing beats a great criminal defense flick.

Why?

Maybe it’s because so many of them focus on defending the wrongly accused, or maybe we like watching the epic internal struggles some of these silver screen attorneys have within themselves when defending someone they suspect may actually be guilty. Or could it be that we all hope that, were we ever accused of wrong-doing, someone like Gregory Peck or Jimmy Stewart would step up to the bench in our defense?

To Kill a Mockingbird

Not only is Atticus Finch the lawyer we’d all want defending us, but he’s the father we’d all love to have, and he was voted the greatest screen hero of all time by the American Film Institute in May 2003. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee, this 1962 drama stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a lawyer in living in Alabama during the Depression era, who is tapped to defend a black man, Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), accused of raping a white woman. Though Finch (a widower) is raising two kids (Scout and Jem), he refuses to knuckle under to the racism of the town for his defense of Robinson, vowing to defend him to the very best of his ability. Mockingbird explores the topics of racism, isolation, and growing up in the South, through the eyes of a six-year-old child. It is the very best of what a criminal defense attorney can hope to be.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Based on Michael Connelly’s crime novel, this 2011 release stars Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillipe, Josh Lucas, William Macy and Marisa Tomei in a tale filled with plenty of surprises. McConaughey plays an unscrupulous LA defense attorney named Mick Haller, a heavy drinker who likes to do business from the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car (thus the title.) Though Haller regularly hangs with some pretty unsavory clients, he suspects he may just be a pawn in someone’s game. What he finds leaves him in a conundrum that no lawyer ever wants.

Anatomy of a Murder

This 1959 film directed by Otto Preminger and starring Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick, and George C. Scott may just be the beginning of true life crime movies. Written by Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker under the pen name Robert Traver, Anatomy of a Murder is said to be based upon a client/case for which Voelker was the defense attorney.One of the first films to address sex and rape in graphic terms, Anatomy follows small-town lawyer Paul Biegler (Stewart) in his quest to defend U.S. Army Lieutenant Frederick “Manny” Manion (played by Ben Gazzara), who has been charged with first degree murder of an innkeeper, whom Manion claims raped his wife (played by Remick.)

Chicago

Adapted from the Broadway musical of the same name, 2002’s Chicago features Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger as Velma Kelly (killed her husband and sister after finding them in bed together) and Roxie Hart (killed her boyfriend) respectively. It is a snapshot of Chicago’s jazz era, based on the stories of two real-life killers, Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. These murderesses end up on death row together, fighting for their lives and the fame they both desire in 1920s Chicago. The only man that can keep them both from a death sentence is the fame-loving, goes to the highest-bidder defense attorney Billy Flynn (played by Richard Gere.) Though being a defense attorney can at times, feel like tap dancing, it’s never quite the show that Chicago is.

Sleepers

Though the plot for this 1996 movie is as stellar as its cast, it’s not one that an attorney for the defense or the prosecution can advocate for. Way outside the lines of the ethics of the law, this movie is a taut, systematic game of cat and mouse that turns in phenomenal performances by the likes of Jason Patric, Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, and Kevin Bacon. Bacon takes a truly reprehensible turn as the victim, an unscrupulous head guard at the Wilkinson Home for Boys, who is murdered for his crimes years later by two of the boys (now men) that he raped.

My Cousin Vinny

Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei star in this comedic look at the criminal justice system in a polarized America. Pesci stars as the loud-mouth, wise-cracking, Brooklyn-based, newly-minted personal injury attorney who is called in to help his young cousin and friend when they are arrested for attempted murder in a case of mistaken identity. Hilarity ensues as Pesci bumps up against the local Alabama judge, stumbling his way through his first trial. Tomei won an Oscar for her performance as Vinny’s fiancée and auto expert Mona Lisa Vito.

Murder in the First

1995’s Murder in the First with Christian Slater and Kevin Bacon is a defense attorney’s nightmare. It involves a nearly impossible client to defend – a life-long convict who is technically guilty of murder in the first degree, Henri Young (Bacon). His circumstances (3 years in solitary confinement) were so extenuating, that the murder he committed may be understandable, but legally unforgiveable. Bacon’s performance is unbelievably committed, with the actor having spent days on set, naked, cold, wet, and shackled to a cell wall with live bugs in his hair, and filming during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. This is a film not to be missed.

Adapting to Life After Limb Loss

The loss of a limb is overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, leaving you with questions like: “How will I care for myself?” “What will life be like?” “Will I be able to do the things I enjoy?”

Though the loss of a limb can feel devastating, there are many people living productive, exciting, and fulfilling lives after limb loss. The first step, after you’ve come to terms with the reality of the loss, is to not let it stop you from living a full, rich life. You can take care of yourself and find a way to participate in many, if not all, of the activities you once enjoyed. The key is to remain positive in spirit and to not let anything hinder your recovery, while remaining committed and determined, not letting the loss of a limb define you or interfere with your lifestyle. With this outlook, you’ll find there’s next to nothing you can’t overcome.

With over 1.75 million people living with limb loss in the United States, you are not alone. It is best to be prepared for what lies ahead and to gather support, especially in the early days, when the loss felt is the greatest, and when learning to use your new prosthesis is most crucial. Be sure to consult with a Prosthetist early on to help you understand what to expect, and to get expert advice and fittings.

One of the most important aspects, outside of healing, rehabilitation, and any prosthetic devices that may be necessary, is the emotional support you and your loved ones are going to need to move your life forward. It’s a good idea to seek out those who’ve been through what you’re going through. They can help you deal with your limb loss and the new challenges you may be facing.

Though everyone experiences limb loss uniquely, there are commonalities and lessons that others have learned that you may be able to benefit from. Some experience anger, and others depression or hopelessness, while others may take it in stride, as just another challenge. It’s important to note that there is no right or wrong way to experience your loss, nor is there a magic timeline for healing, but there are things you can do to help ensure your future success and fulfillment.

Invoking gratitude for the abilities you do have and remembering that you lost a limb, but not your life, can be a helpful way to find the strength to move forward in your time of loss. It should also be noted that losing a limb does not automatically mean you are incapable, disabled, or a burden on your friends and family.

While it can be difficult to see past your lost limb to your future, most people who experience such a loss are still capable of enjoying life to its fullest, just as they did before. The ability to focus on what you have, what you can do, and how you can adapt, instead of focusing on any deficiency or disability, will serve you well as you recover.

Treating Burns from Explosions and Fires


Burns from explosions and fires can have serious, long-lasting consequences. Explosions in particular can cause burns and injuries that require extensive reconstructive surgery. Accidents like electrocution can also cause serious and even severe burns and permanent nerve damage. All of these types of injuries can result in expensive medical treatments, exorbitantly high medical bills, missed work, and lengthy recovery times.

Burn victims involved in serious accidents like these will often tell you that the physical scars pale in comparison to the emotional toll and often deep psychological pain that coincides with the trauma of the incident, the resulting disfigurement or loss of mobility, and any long-term medical treatment that may be necessary.

While it’s always best to practice accident aversion through the use of safety measures, accidents are sometimes unavoidable. If you cannot prevent the explosion, fire, or accident from happening, you can be prepared to help minimize the damage by applying the proper steps and treatments until emergency services arrive.

According to MedicineNet.com, burns are classified based upon their depth and are as follows:

A first degree burn is considered superficial, causing localized inflammation of tissues. Most mild sunburns fall into this category.

Second degree burns are deeper and, in addition to increased pain, cause inflammation and reddening of the skin. Blisters will also be present.

Third degree burns are moving layers deeper, involving all layers of the skin and severely damaging it. Third degree burns are often whitish and leathery in appearance, due to the nerve and blood vessel damage.

First aid treatment for 2nd and 3rd degree burns:

  • Remove the victim from the fire, explosion, or heat source, remembering not to take on any undue risk yourself.
  • Remove any burning material from the victim’s body and/or the affected area.
  • Call 911 or activate the emergency response system in your area.
  • Once the victim is safely secured from additional harm, treat the person for shock by keeping him or her warm, still, and focused on conversation. Try to wrap the injured areas in a clean sheet if possible.
  • DO NOT use ice or cold water to treat the burn or the victim, as this may result in a drop in body temperature, increasing the risk for shock and hypothermia.
  • Burns on the face, hands, and feet are always to be considered a significant injury.

    Treatment of minor burns (1st or 2nd degree in a small area of the body):

    • Gently clean and cool the wound with lukewarm water.
    • Do NOT use butter or oil to treat the burn.
    • Remove all rings, bracelets, and articles that may cause further issues as swelling occurs.
    • Apply a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to help treat the burn.
    • If the burn appears to be more severe than initially thought and you suspect 2nd or 3rd degree burn status, medical advice should be sought.

    Treatment of electrical burns:

    Always seek medical attention.

    Treatment of chemical burns:

    • Identify the chemical(s) involved.
    • Victims of chemical burns should always consult the Poison Control Center in the area or go directly to the local hospital’s emergency room. You can also contact the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to be directed to your local poison control center. Though many chemical burns may be treated with local wound care, some chemicals can cause life-threatening injuries and need emergency intervention.
    • Those experiencing chemical burns to their eyes should seek immediate emergency care.

    If you’ve been burned as the result of a fire, explosion, or accident, seek qualified medical attention and then contact Meshbesher & Spence as soon as possible for a consultation with our personal injury attorneys and medical experts. Our attorneys are available to visit you in the hospital or in your home, as well as in our offices, and will help you determine if you will be able to recover damages for your injuries.

    The preceding information is provided as a courtesy and was gleaned from the medical articles at MedicineNet.com http://www.medicinenet.com/burns/article.htm

    Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents

    Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents

    An estimated 32,788 people died in car accidents last year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, traffic fatalities went down in most regions of the U.S., with the exception of three regions, including the Great Lakes states. While this is the lowest number of fatalities on record since 1949, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. Region 5, which includes Minnesota, saw traffic fatalities rise an estimated 3.9%.

    So, what can you do reduce your risk of becoming a traffic statistic?

    Avoid These Top Causes of Traffic Accidents:

    1. Distracted Driving

    Research at the American Automobile Association’s Traffic Safety Division says that between 25-50% of all motor vehicle crashes are caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving includes:

    • Talking on cell phones
    • Texting
    • Rubbernecking
    • Driver fatigue
    • Looking away from the road at scenery
    • Engaging with passengers or children
    • Adjusting the radio, cassette or CD player
    • Reading books, maps, newspapers or other documents

    2. Drunk Driving

    The NHTSA reports that drunk drivers accounted for approximately 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States last year. The only way to prevent this type of accident is to not drink and drive. Your best bet is to designate a sober driver in advance if you plan to consume alcohol.

    3. Speeding

    Speed is one of the deadliest factors in any car accident. Not only does increased speed reduce the time you have to avoid a crash, but it also increases your risk of crashing, and it magnifies severity of the accident.

    Remembering to obey posted speed limits and observing the basic speed law (never drive faster than is safe for current weather conditions) will go a long way toward making the roads safer for everyone.

    4. Aggressive Driving

    In 2009, Minnesota’s HEAT (High Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) Program defined aggressive driving as “Driving in a manner that presents a threat to other drivers,
    passengers, pedestrians, and/or bicyclists.”

    Aggressive driving includes:

    • Unlawful or unsafe speeds
    • Inattentive driving
    • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Texting while driving
    • Failure to follow traffic signals (running red lights/stop signs)
    • Failure to yield
    • Following at an unsafe distance
    • Unsafe or illegal lane changes (weaving in and out of traffic)
    • Driving without a seatbelt and/or improperly belted/seated child
    • Aggressive tailgating

    If you find yourself in traffic with an aggressive driver, try to keep your distance, changing lanes once it’s safe to do so. Do not attempt to pass an aggressive driver. If the driver is behind you, remain calm and adhere to all speed and safety laws – do not interact with the driver with gestures, words or other signals. If the situation escalates or you feel endangered, call 911 and report the aggressive driver.

    5. Inclement Weather

    Heavy rain, hail, snow, ice, high winds and fog can make driving conditions much more difficult. Make sure you adhere to the basic speed law, traveling only as fast conditions allow, and that you provide yourself with extra time to stop and additional space between you and the car in front of you. If conditions are really bad and you feel nervous or unsure, pull off to a rest stop or restaurant until weather conditions improve.

    Though accidents aren’t completely avoidable no matter how careful a driver you may be, avoiding the top 5 causes of accidents can greatly reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident.

    If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact Meshbesher & Spence for a consultation with our personal injury attorneys. Our attorneys are available to visit you in the hospital, in your home, or in our offices, and they will help you determine if you will be able to recover damages for your injuries.

    Making a Difference: Lawyer John Sheehy

    Being a personal injury lawyer is about more than just winning. Each client is not just a client: It’s a person, possibly going through a rough patch in his or her life. We sat down with John Sheehy while he discussed his passion for his career and his clients.

    Preventing Fire Risks in Your Home This Holiday Season

    Fire Risk Prevention

    Each year, holiday home fires cause over $990 million in damage and injure or kill thousands of people nationwide. But, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of fire and ensure your property and loved ones are safe this holiday season.

    Basic Holiday Home Safety

    • Check that you have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home by testing them monthly and keeping them clean and equipped with fresh batteries.
    • Install well-maintained carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home.
    • Have a home escape plan and make sure all of your family members know the plan and where to meet.
    • Have emergency numbers posted where everyone can easily access them in case of emergency.
    • Have a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure all family members can access it.
    • Store all ladders and other holiday decorating equipment properly to minimize unnecessary home accidents.

    Christmas Trees

    Christmas Tree Selection

    Make sure that needles on fresh trees are green and fresh. Buying a U-cut tree means you know exactly when that tree was harvested. But even then, your tree could be suffering from drought.

    • Check needles by tugging on branches to see if the needles stay in place or come off in your hand. On a fresh, well-hydrated tree, the needles will not break free and will feel flexible, not dry.
    • The trunk, especially at the cut end, should be sticky to the touch.
    • Cut trees should pass the “bounce test.” Bounce the tree trunk on the ground and check for loose needles falling to the ground (this should be minimal.)
    • Loose needles mean your tree is dried out and could be a fire hazard.

    Caring For Your Christmas Tree

    • Do not put your tree up too early (two weeks for a fresh tree is the max.)
    • Keep trees away from heat sources like fireplaces and heaters. Heat will dry out your tree at a more rapid rate.
    • Keep candles, cigarettes and other flammables away from trees.
    • Keep your tree well hydrated by refilling the stand regularly.

    Proper Tree Disposal

    • Discard your tree promptly, once it becomes dry.
    • Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood stove.
    • Dispose of your tree properly by community pick-up service or by taking it to a tree disposal or recycling center.

    Holiday Candles

    Though candles can bring a warm glow to your holiday festivities, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that it’s best to avoid using lit candles when possible. If you do choose to use candles, make sure to use stable holders or bases, and that candles are placed safely in areas in which they cannot easily be knocked down or catch something nearby on fire. Never put lit candles on or near a tree or leave them unattended, as this could very well cause a catastrophic fire in your home.

    Lights

    • Inspect your holiday lights. The U.S. Fire Administration advises you to check for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
    • Don’t overload outlets.
    • Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
    • Don’t leave holiday lights on when you’re away.

    Decorations

    • Use only nonflammable or flame-retardant decorations placed away from open flames or heating sources.
    • Don’t dispose of wrapping paper in a fireplace. This can throw off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a very large chimney fire.
    • Use only flame-retardant artificial trees.

    By following these tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration, you can reduce your chances of a devastating holiday fire.
    The attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and fun holiday season.

    Advocacy With Conviction, Minneapolis Attorney Pam Spaulding

    Personal injury law is a unique form of advocacy that takes more than just knowledge of the law and technical ability. An effective personal injury lawyer forms a deep understanding of their client’s situation and can present every aspect of the case with conviction.

    In this video, we talked with Minneapolis attorney, Pam Spaulding about her very personal approach to advocacy and why she loves representing people.