Omaha Personal Injury Lawyer - Miscellaneous

New Requirements to Get Driver’s Licenses in Nebraska

Sarah Cool — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:55:47 GMT

Local news agencies are reporting that drivers should be aware of changes in how to get new or replacement licenses. Starting in July, drivers will no longer be able to exchange an expired driver’s license for a new one. Neither will those replacing lost driver’s licenses be able to walk out with a new license the same day that they visit motor vehicles. In an attempt to up security and prevent fraud, drivers will receive a 30-day interim document that will allow them to drive and identify themselves while they wait for a new copy of their license to arrive in the mail. But the director of the Motor Vehicles Department is also alerting drivers to the fact that in order to get a license mailed, additional documents will have to be shown at the MVD as well.

If you need to get a new license, you’ll want to bring your old license with you to the MVD, unless it has been lost or stolen. Additionally, you’ll need utility bills, bank statements, or other statements with your name and current address on them. This requirement is aimed at decreasing cases of fraud, stolen identities, and sexual offenders avoiding registration – there are over 12,000 of these cases a year. Of course, while preventing these kinds of crimes may reduce the amount of money that police agencies expend on following up. However, mailing licenses out will also increase costs at the MVD. To offset this, a $2.50 security charge will be added to the current cost of getting a license.

While there is likely to be an adjustment period as Nebraskans get used to the interim documents, it is suggested that people visit the MVD website before heading out to get a new license, and also plan on arriving earlier at the airport for flights when using the interim documents. Additionally, if you happen to be involved in an accident, and you are exchanging information with another driver, ask to see interim documents if a driver’s license is not available.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sarah Cool

Hewlett Packard Recalls Laptop Batteries due to Potential Fire Hazard

Sarah Cool — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:30:18 GMT

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has released news of a voluntary recall of lithium-ion batteries used in Hewlett-Packard laptop computers. The voluntary recall went into effect last Thursday, causing many people to turn their laptop computers upside down and look at the model number that appears on the top of the service label stuck to the bottom of the laptop. The model numbers of the batteries recalled include those with the following bar code labels:

62940^^AXV^^^^65033^^B7U^^^^
65033^^B7V^^^^
65033^^BGU^^^^65035^^B7U^^^^
65035^^B7V^^^^
65035^^BGU^^^^
65035^^BGV^^^^67059^^V8U^^^^
67059^^V8V^^^^

Already, two batteries with those bar code labels have overheated and ruptured, resulting in fires that caused property damage. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. HP has asked all users of HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario, HP, and HP Compaq to check their batteries and if needed, contact HP for a free replacement. It is estimated that as many as 70,000 computers may be affected by the recall. Many of those computers affected may have been manufactured in China and distributed via HP in Palo Alto, California. Because many were sold through hp.com and hpshopping.com, all users should check their laptop or notebook batteries. Users can visit the HP Battery Replacement Program Web site at http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement or call (800) 889-2031 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. While users are waiting for replacements, they should use the AC cord without the battery while waiting for the replacement.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sarah Cool

Fitness Balls Recalled from Gyms, Department Stores, and Sporting Goods Retailors Following Explosions

Sarah Cool — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:11:33 GMT

US News and World Report publicizes that EB Brands has recalled about 3 million fitness balls from gyms and stores in the previous weeks. Fitness balls are generally used for physical therapy and exercise. The balls are made of a soft PVC inflated with air. The balls recalled by EB were sold between May of 2000 and February of 2009, in various colors and with various logos. Each of the fitness balls was 55, 65, or 75 centimeters in diameter, and was packaged along with instructions for inflation and use. However, some of the balls have been over-inflated, leading to the balls exploding unexpectedly. After 47 of the balls unexpectedly burst while in use, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced EB’s voluntary recall. Concerns were raised about injuries following a burst ball – the sudden deflation of the ball could cause a user to fall. Of the 47 reported incidents, many resulted in bruises and fractures. If you have purchased a fitness ball with a Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, or Valeo logo prior to May 2000, call 800-624-5671 for instructions on how to safely deflate the ball. Instructions are also available online through the SunSentinel.com website.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sarah Cool

AAJ ranks Ten Worst Insurance Companies for Consumers

John Inserra — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:44:46 GMT

The American Association for Justice has published its ten worst insurance companies for consumers. Forget what you see on TV, as a consumer you are not in good hands with Allstate, as they lead the list. As a consumer, let the buyer beware, each of the top ten companies will use various tactics to increase profit. The more you know as a consumer about the realities of the insurance business, the better you can decide which company will protect you and your family when you need the coverage you buy.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Can a Hospital Charge an Uninsured Patient more that an Insured or Medicaid Patient?

John Inserra — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:50:01 GMT

According to the Third Circuit case, DiCarlo v. St. Mary Hospital, No. 06-3579. June 24, 2008, they can. What has always seemed inequitable to me is that the people who don't have health insurance pay the most for the medical services. DiCarlo is an interesting read and certainly not wrong. What is interesting in the opinion is that the Judge clearly points the finger to the legislative process and not the courts. In reading the opinion, the Judge fully understands the inequities, but feels that there is nothing a Judge can do, only Congress or a State's Legislature can right this wrong. We can fix this only if we elect representatives who are willing to try.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Inserra

Bike-To-Work Week to Kick Off on May 12 with Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey's Annual Bicycle Ride

Craig Kelley — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:04:23 GMT

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey will kick off Bike-to-Work Week in Omaha on May 12 by leading a ride to the see current construction status on the eagerly-anticipated pedestrian/bicycle bridge spanning the Missouri River from Downtown Omaha to Council Bluff,s Iowa, linking the two cities' trail systems.

The ride will be under ten miles, but the new bridge, scheduled to be completed late this year, is kicking off additional riverfront development on BOTH sides of the River, and will be an exciting addition to avid bicyclists like myself.

Join me and Mayor Mike to check it out!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

Omaha Receives 20-Year Extension to 2030 From NCAA on its Beloved College World Series

Craig Kelley — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:46:24 GMT

Breaking news from Omaha.com!

We citizens had to build a new $140 million stadium to ink the deal, but who cares.

My family has had CS season tickets for 30 years, and I went to the Series (in Omaha since 1950) with my Grandfather as a child. I have taken my own children annually for tailgating and opening day since they were infants. Now they will be able to TAKE ME (or roll me) to the Series when I am retired, and I will get to introduce another generation of my family to the great game of baseball in its purest, non-steroided form!

A great day for Omaha! Come and see this great spectacle some day and bring your kids. I will have a cold beverage waiting for you out in the parking lot.

In these times of little loyalty and/or longevity, it was nice to see the sometimes-greedy NCAA reward Omaha for its handling and expenditures on this annual Classic in the River City.

Gotta go celebrate!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

HAPPY EARTH DAY - Omaha had a GREAT Celebration AND Announced Some New Recycleables

Craig Kelley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:02:00 GMT

Omaha had a fantastic Earth Day Celebration in it Elmwood Park this past Saturday, with over 60 booths, a concert, and many programs to educate us on how "THE POWER OF ONE", one person recycling one day at a time, can make a big difference.

To learn about how you can make a difference, and what you can recycle in Omaha's pickup program, click here:

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

Term Limits - Are They Accomplishing What Their Proponents Desired?

Craig Kelley — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Today 15 State Senators leave Nebraska's one-House Unicameral. Those State Senators have over TWO HUNDRED years of experience. Nebraska will lose it only African-American and Latino representatives, and the African-American Senator, Ernie Chambers, has long served (38 years) as the left-wing social conscious of our Republican-dominated statement. WHAT are the goals of term limits? Have they been served? The excellent article which prompted this Blog, from the Omaha World Herald, makes it clear that the goals of term limit proponents may NOT have been met in Nebraska and across the nation, as their consequence has frequently been less results and more conflict.

Only time will tell if the the loss of talent and experience is worth it.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley

Should Omaha Allow Minors in Bars or Lounges for Concerts? The Omaha City Council Decides Yes

Craig Kelley — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:12:41 GMT

Yesterday, the Omaha City Council listened to arguments from both side regarding a proposed ordinance that would allow Minors to attend concerts and music events at bars or lounges were alcohol is being concurrently served, as reported by WOWT.

What is your opinion?

As a BIG music fan and concert lover who is currently unable to see many shows with my music-loving 17 year old son, I LOVE the idea. Being a parent who realizes many kids will do anything possible to obtain nearby alcohol, I understand the concerns of the naysayers.

I think if the ideas are implemented for wristbands and different-appearing serving cups, added security, separation of adults and minorsections and other proposed solutions, this is a GREAT idea to bring more and better music shows to the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area.

YOUR thoughts?

After hearing the arguments the Council decided to let Minors attend concerts at alcohol-serving concert venue lounges, such as Omaha's Slowdown and Waiting Room lounges, but ONLY with the goofy new requirement that the minors have a NOTARIZED permission slip from the Minor's Parents or Guardians, amongst other requirements

WHAT A HASSLE! check out Omaha.com for more on the story, and arguments from both sides on the new ordinance

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Craig Kelley