Going to the shooting range is a great way to practice for hunting deer, but there may be some hidden risks of shooting for a long period of time.  According to a study I recently read, many shooting ranges have poor ventilation which increases the risk of injury from lead exposure.  Lead used to be found in gas and paint, but it was banned in those products several decades ago because of the very serious health-risks it presents, especially to children.  To learn more about the health effects of lead, visit the lead poisoning injuries section of my law firm’s website. 

The study, put on by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, indicates that many shooting ranges, especially those with low ceilings, have very poor airflow.  The problem is made worse by tight corners, large ornaments or displays, and other barriers to air circulation. 

Poor airflow on a shooting range becomes a problem for the gun user when smoke from discharges fills the air near the shooter.  Particles of lead from the ammunition clog the air and can enter the body during the normal breathing process.  This can cause lead to enter the blood stream and be transported throughout the body and to the brain.  At high levels, adults can suffer loss of IQ points and other brain damage.  In children, brain damage occurs at much lower levels and other developmental disabilities can begin.  In fact, several recent studies suggest that lead is unsafe at any level for a child. 

For more information about Michigan firearm injury cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan gun accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

Now that it is hunting season, it is important to remember some of the common causes of accidents so that you can avoid injuries.  According to the Center for Disease Control, about 28,000 people die from firearm injuries each year.  Homicide, suicide, and accidental gun discharge are the leading causes of these deaths.

Accidental discharge occurs when the gun discharges unintentionally.  Although many people blame hunters or other gun owners for accidental discharge, the real leading reason that accidental discharge occurs is defective manufacturing.  Some models are considered defective but have not yet been recalled.  These owners of these guns may be at a higher risk of injury due to accidental discharge.  These guns include Excam Derrigner, Lorcin pistols, Remington Model 700 hunting rifle, and the Sturm, Ruger, and Company’s Old Model single action revolver.

Accidental discharge can also be caused by improper handling or when a loaded firearm is transported in a car or truck, or by other reasons.  If an accident discharge occurs because of someone’s negligence, the person injured as a result of that negligence may be able to bring a lawsuit against the negligent person.

For more information about Michigan firearm injury cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan gun accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

A Hope College Norovirus food poisoning outbreak infected over 400 people.  The food poisoning outbreak started at some point prior to Friday, November 7, 2008 and was severe enough to force Ottawa County Health Department officials to close the campus on Friday.  On November 10, 2008, Hope College officials estimated that over 400 students and staff had been infected with Norovirus, including several students who started to exhibit symptoms after returning home to their parents.  Students have been advised to avoid congregating in large crowds of people to avoid spreading the disease, but the college is not under quarantine. 

I am very sorry to have read about this food poisoning outbreak.  Although the article does not indicate the source of the Norovirus, the Michigan food poisoning lawyers at my law firm are very familiar with Norovirus and how severe its symptoms are.  We hope everyone infected recovers quickly and completely. 

You can get more information about the causes and symptoms of Norovirus food poisoning infections by visiting the food poisoning section of my law firm’s website.  This section contains background information on food poisoning, information about different types of food poisoning including Norovirus, and a set of Frequently Asked Questions about food poisoning cases. 

In the mean time, it is important to remember Norovirus infections are generally not severe and in most cases clear up after 1 – 3 days, it is important to note that Norovirus is highly contagious.  Infected people can remain contagious for up to two full weeks after their symptoms disappear.  In addition, although many cases require no more than a few days in bed, persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which itself can present a very serious health threat, again especially to young children, the elderly, and people with already-weakened immune systems.  Anyone who may be infected with Norovirus should drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Reporting your illness, either through ReportFoodPoisoning.com, or directly to the health department, allows your health department to identify outbreaks and prevent others from becoming sick.  Persons suffering illness from food poisoning can also pursue their legal rights against the restauarant or seller of food.

I recently read an article about winter bicycle accidents.  As winter approaches, bicyclists should remember the following safety tips:

• Avoid biking at night or at peak driving times like rush hour
• Equip the bicycle with lights and a reflector
• Wear brightly colored clothing including a reflective vest
• Wear proper glasses or contacts if necessary to see vehicles, traffic signs, and signals
• Avoid busy roads where accidents are more likely to occur

For more information about Michigan personal injury cases, visit our law firm web site at www.BuckfireLaw.com.  If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan personal injury attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.