Key Tips for Toy Safety (Especially in December):

• Age Appropriateness: Always check the label for recommended age ranges and consider the child’s individual skills.
• Choking Hazards: Avoid toys with small parts for children under three; these are major causes of injury.
• Sharp Points/Edges: Inspect for sharp edges or parts that can fly off.
• Cords & Strings: Steer clear of toys with ropes, cords, or strings longer than 12 inches for young children.
• Batteries & Magnets: Be cautious with button batteries and small, powerful magnets, which are dangerous if swallowed.
• Material & Durability: Look for sturdy toys and avoid materials with lead or harmful chemicals, checking for safety seals like ASTM.
• Protective Gear: Gift sports equipment with the necessary helmet and pads.

Further Gift Considerations

This holiday season (and beyond), please consider the following Toy Safety guidelines:

• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. Avoid toys with sharp edges or points. Toys should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
• Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check recommended age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness before gifting.
• Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection – “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
• Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard)
• Keep kids safe from lead in toys by: Educating yourself about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and what kinds of toys have been recalled; being aware that old toys may be more likely to contain lead in the paint; having your children wash their hands frequently and calling your doctor if you suspect your child has been exposed to lead. Consult the last two websites listed below for more information.
• Give only crayons and markers labeled nontoxic.
• Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements.
• Do NOT give toys with small parts (including magnets and “button” batteries which can cause serious injury or death if ingested) to young children as they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three.

To sum up

Toy safety considerations are the best way to help avoid potential dangers. Planning before gift giving ensures a safer holiday season.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: American Public Health Association; The Toy Association

Image Source: Love To Know

December Is Safe Toys And Gifts Month 

Be cautious when purchasing new toys for children and never leave young children unsupervised with a new toy. Review the CPSC Recalls list before buying gifts for the children in your life. Review the Safety Education guides before sharing your child’s gift lists with family and friends. Keep all children safe.

Toy safety begins before toys are brought home. It’s important for parents and guardians to be aware of the suggested appropriate age group before allowing a child to play with a toy. Additionally, it’s important to encourage imagination and creativity. Consider gifting toys that promote developmental skills.

Take Precautions

Read the instructions and warnings completely prior to a child playing with a new toy. Be sure the toy doesn’t have any potential hazards that could cause harm. Avoid leaving children unattended when learning how to play with a new toy, especially young children.

Be careful of toys with magnets or batteries. These could cause serious injuries if swallowed. Remove strings, ribbons, tags, and other easily removable pieces from a toy before giving it to a small child. Younger children have an increased risk of choking or becoming tangled.

The CPSC’s Role in Safe Toys for Kids

Thankfully, the CPSC has created a strong toy safety program. This program requires toy testing by independent laboratories around the world. They enforce strict standards and stop the sale of dangerous toys before the toys reach a child. The CPSC lists toy safety and recall alerts on its website. Subscribe to CPSC’s mail alerts. If any holiday toys are recalled, you’ll know.

Tips To Increase Gift and Toy Safety

The National Today website offers the following advice:

1. Inspect Toys Before Buying

Look for sharp points and edges. Check for loose parts. Is the toy tough?  Can a child break, crush or pull the toy apart? Do not give kids toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements. Crayons and markers must be labeled “nontoxic.” Finally, NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button” batteries. These can cause serious injury or death if swallowed.

2. Increase Toy Safety By Ensuring the Toy Is Age-Appropriate

Not every toy is meant for every child. Consider the child’s age and development level (most toys offer an age range for guidance). Key Rule: If toy parts fit in a toilet paper roll, they are too small for children under three. Shopping for a child with functional needs? Choose toys that appeal to the senses (sound, light, movement, and texture)

3. Increasing Toy Safety After Gifts are Open

Discard plastic wrap and toy packaging. Keep toys for older children away from younger siblings. Supervise battery charging. Chargers and adapters can cause thermal burns. Some chargers lack a mechanism to avoid overcharging.

4. Share Information About Toy Safety

It’s crucial to share knowledge about unsafe toys with other parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, etc. Use the hashtags #unsafetoys and #toysafety on social media to share and learn.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission; National Today

Image Source: Realityworks

Decorate Safely Outdoors

You already know, Alaska is cold this time of year. When hanging lights or ornaments outside, decorate safely make sure power sources are rated for the colder temperatures. Replace broken bulbs before hanging lights and check cords to make sure there is no damage from storage or the previous season. Remove snow buildup before setting up a ladder and ensure you have a spotter to help in case of emergency. Frost bite is a real concern in Alaska, even if the temperatures rise, wear gloves when hanging decorations and go inside for a break when you start to feel cold.

The weather changes over the course of the season and storms can blow decorations away. If you know a storm is coming, decorate safely by ensuring decorations are tied down or bringing them inside. Things like wreaths or ornaments can blow away with strong winds, posing risks to drivers or animals. If you notice something is missing, do not assume it was stolen. Walk around the exterior of your home to see if you can locate the missing item.

Inspect Decorations To Decorate Safely

Decorate safely – be cautious when opening storage containers as decorations and ornaments may be damaged or broken and can cause injury. Repair or throw away broken ornaments and décor.

Electrical fires are a major concern this time of year. Protect yourself and your home by safely decorating for the holidays.

Check light strands thoroughly for fraying or exposed wires. Both outdoor and indoor light strands can become frayed from use or storage. Decorate safely by replacing old and worn-out light strands to avoid electrical fires.

Decorate Safely – Holiday Trees

Real trees are beautiful and make the house smell amazing. Alaskans have the option of cutting down their own tree, but there are laws in place to protect Alaskan forests. Follow Alaska laws when cutting down a tree. Plan before going out into the forest to cut down a tree. Wear gloves and take a friend (or two) to assist.

Whether buying a tree or cutting your own, choose trees that are healthy and keep the trees well-watered throughout the season. When bringing the tree home, adequately tie the tree to your vehicle so it does not fall off in traffic.

Decorate safely by placing trees in a level, stable location. An unstable tree can tip over and cause injuries. Real trees must be watered regularly so they stay hydrated and reduce the risk of catching fire. Keep holiday trees away from heat sources and candles to avoid potential fires. Never place a tree, real or fake, next to an open flame or heater.

Do not leave lights or decor on constantly. Turn off lights regularly to allow them to cool and prevent fires. Turn tree lights off when not at home.

Keep Children and Pets Safe

Keep small children and pets away from holiday trees when possible so they do not accidentally tip the tree over or cause harm to themselves or others. Explain to children the importance of decorating safely and keeping a distance from holiday decor. This will help prevent injuries. Watch your pets closely and coach them to steer clear of holiday decor.

Johnson Law, P.C. wishes you and yours a peaceful, healthy and safe holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Sources: Alaska Public Information Center

Image Source: Kirkland’s Home

• You crash because your airbag suddenly deploys, therefore you may have a claim against the manufacturer.
• A pothole blows your tire, consequently you may need to file a claim with the local state government or other authorities.

In these cases, appropriate legal advice is crucial in successfully pursuing civil justice in cases which were not caused by driver negligence.

Automobile Defects

When a crash is related to a defective automobile or car part, the lawsuit may be against the manufacturer of the automobile or part. Defective automobiles, defective automobile parts and faulty safety apparatuses are examples that may warrant a product liability lawsuit. Furthermore, when injuries are caused by a faulty auto part, a negligent automobile manufacturer may also be liable for damages.

Most often, these cases are very hard fought, by teams of attorneys hired by the company being sued. Those who bring a claim against a designer, manufacturer, or retailer of a defective product must find a law firm with the experience and resources to fight for them and ensure the injured person or persons receive fair compensation for their losses.

Roadway Defects

Getting hurt on the road isn’t anyone’s idea of a good day. One of the problems you could run into is a damaged or faulty road. For instance, if you reported deepening potholes on the highway on the way to your workplace and never saw them repaired before your crash. Hence, the authorities in charge of maintaining the roads could be held accountable for your accident.

If the crash is caused by a poorly maintained roadway, problematic road sign or government’s failure to clear away snow or cut down a tree, the city or government body in charge of the roadway or sign may be responsible. In these kinds of cases, different rules apply in a lawsuit seeking to hold a government entity accountable.

After a Crash – Which was Not Caused by Driver Negligence.

After a crash, stay at the scene. If you’re able to do so, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any injuries you have. Seek immediate medical attention. Exchange information with anyone else at the scene. No matter what happens, never admit fault, even if you think you may be partially to blame. It’s up to the police and insurance carriers to determine what happened and who to hold accountable for the accident. Finally, remember to look into your legal options. You need to take steps quickly to file a claim. Get help if you or a family member is hurt in a car accident.

An experienced Alaska personal injury attorney analyzes negligence in every case.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Source: FindLaw, “Car Accident Basics“

Image Source: Adobe Stock

When disagreements with a spouse go over-the-line … it is time to call a family attorney. When the District Attorney’s office charges you (or a loved one) with a crime … it is time to call a criminal defense attorney. These example are relatively obvious. Yet, who do you call if you are wronged in other ways? What if you are injured, or lose a loved one in an accident? How do you know if the law will help you?

What is a Personal Injury Attorney?

I am an Alaskan Personal Injury lawyer. Most folks know that I help people hurt (and the families of those killed) by another person’s bad conduct (“negligence”).

In the case of an automobile crash, the negligence is usually poor choices while driving – ignoring the Rules of the Road. People call me when they were hurt in an accident – caused by somebody else. For example: a Drunk Driver crossed the center-line, or ran a Stop sign … and crashed into them. When this happens, it may not seem too difficult to conclude that the Drunk Driver engaged was wrong or negligent. We all agree that accountability is good. The law should help injured people. The law must help families of a person killed by someone else’s wrongful misconduct. Holding Drunk Drivers fully accountable for their misconduct makes society better.

What about situations when an individual suffers serious injuries (or is killed) by products and machinery that have been poorly designed, built, or maintained? Was it because a manufacturer or vendor was negligent in their duties to the public and allowed a defective product to reach the market? In order to recover the highest amount of compensation for a defective product injury, you must be able to prove the following:

• The manufacturer (or vendor) had a duty
• The manufacturer (or vendor) breached that duty
• The breach caused the accident and resulted in the injuries

When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Imagine this situation. You are badly injured or a loved one is killed. Whether there is bad conduct or not is unclear. How is a person like you to learn whether another person engaged in the type of bad conduct giving rise to a tort claim for injury or death?

Or, what about situations where an insurance company tells you “there is no claim here,” “there is no coverage for that loss,” or “there is nothing we can do for you”? What should you do then?

The answer is simple: You can either: (1) Wilt away and let it drop; or (2) Find a good Personal Injury Attorney to investigate for you.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?

A good Personal Injury Lawyer will educate you about your rights, the legal bases of your claim, and the damages you may be able to recover. A good Personal Injury attorney should also advise you throughout the recovery process, helping you know what to expect. Finally, a good Personal Injury lawyer should be an effective and honest representative for you.

A good Personal Injury attorney is willing to expend the time and resources necessary to fully investigate potential injury and death claims. We hire investigators, collect the records, do the legal, engineering, and medical research to determine whether a claim exists. It is part of our job. You have nothing to lose by asking a good Personal Injury attorney to investigate an injury or death claim. Nothing. The worst that can happen is you spend 30 minutes explaining the situation to the attorney – who sees no merit, and declines to further investigate. On the other hand, the attorney may discover that a potential claim exists … and be willing to work with you.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped injured Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Dedicated to Recovering Fair Compensation for You

I’m Doug Johnson. I have been fighting for severe injury and wrongful death victims’ rights in Alaska since 1995. Johnson Law, P.C. have nearly 30 years of experience fighting insurance companies and large corporations to recover compensation for injured Alaskans and the families of Alaskans killed in accidents caused by another person’s mistake. Our firm has earned its reputation in the legal community as a committed and powerful legal team.

Johnson Law, P.C. knows Alaskan law and how to build strong cases for clients. We focus on the details of every severe injury and wrongful death case, leaving no stone unturned or matter unaddressed. Johnson Law, P.C. knows what you need to win your case, giving 110%, and employing the necessary resources for achieving successful recoveries in injury and death cases. We are a team of lawyers, paralegals and support staff who put our experience to work seeking justice for clients like you every day.

We work, litigate, and travel all over Alaska for our clients. No matter how far out you may live in Alaska, we will help you fight for fair compensation. Johnson Law, P.C. will go the distance to see you are treated fairly. We also know Alaska.

Severe Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

When you or someone you love is injured or killed because of another person’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for what you have lost. The process of personal injury or wrongful death claims can be complicated and overwhelming. Especially if you are unfamiliar with how insurance works and Alaska’s laws. Keeping track of the details involved in a personal injury or wrongful death claim is the last thing you have time for when you should be focused on recovering from injuries or healing after the loss of a loved one.

Hiring an experienced Alaskan personal injury attorney is the best decision in helping ensure you are treated fairly for your damages. At Johnson Law, P.C., we have the experience and resources to help you move forward successfully in making a demand, filing a lawsuit, negotiating settlements, or going to trial. We focus on showing all of your damages and losses after an accident. Our dedication to your success and obtaining just compensation for your injuries and losses will give you peace of mind while you focus on healing and taking care of your family.

Car Accidents

Almost all car crashes happen because a driver failed to act reasonably for road and vehicle conditions. Alaska law requires that every driver use reasonable care to avoid hitting other vehicles or people. Every driver is responsible for driving safely. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed because another driver did not drive safely, you are entitled to be compensated for all your expenses and losses. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling car accident cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

Part of a driver’s responsibility includes keeping a sharp lookout for other vehicles, including motorcycles. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injuries and death in a crash caused by another driver’s failure to drive safely. When a collision occurs between a car and a motorcycle, the insurance company will often try to blame the motorcycle driver for the accident. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases.

Trucking Accidents

Crashes involving large commercial trucks often cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. These collisions may be caused by the truck driver’s unsafe driving. They may be caused by the trucking company’s, truck owner’s, or dispatcher’s unsafe actions and decisions. Faulty equipment might cause a crash. A trucking accident might result from a combination of some or all these things. Sometimes, trucking companies may be held responsible for injuries and deaths caused by their failure to hire a safe driver, to professionally train, or to enforce strong policies and procedures to protect others on the Alaskan roads. Trucking companies are sometimes responsible for the employee’s actions. Insurance companies for large commercial vehicles defend claims against trucking companies very aggressively. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling truck accident cases.

Maritime Injuries

Commercial fishing is a dangerous job. Special laws protect injured maritime workers and seamen. When a commercial fisherman is injured, their employer and the vessel interests are required to pay for medical treatment, room and board during treatment, and the wages the injured worker or seaman would have earned without the maritime injury. If the injuries are caused by someone else’s mistake, anything faulty on the boat, or other equipment, the seaman is entitled to make a claim for pain and suffering, as well as other lost income, including future lost income. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling maritime injury cases.

Cruise Ship Injuries

Injured cruise ship passengers are entitled to compensation if they are injured due to unreasonable actions or mistakes made by the cruise company, its employees, or representatives. These claims also arise if the injuries are caused by faulty equipment or facilities. Cruise ship injuries claims are subject to different laws than those laws governing claims for injuries on land. Cruise ship passengers must be aware that there are VERY STRICT, SHORT DEADLINES FOR GIVING NOTICE OF CLAIMS AND FOR FILING SUIT against a cruise line or a cruise line contractor.

These short deadlines may apply to claims against tours, activities, transportation and concessions on land, when the activities were booked or scheduled through the cruise lines or connected with the cruise line. If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise or any excursion or activity relating to a cruise, you need to contact an attorney experienced in such claims right away. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling cruise ship injury cases.

Boating Accidents

Alaska is famous for its beautiful oceans and lakes. During the summer, Alaskans and visitors to Alaska are on the water. For many Alaskans and tourists, boating is the main form of transportation. Whether transportation or recreation, accidents involving boats happen just the same as car accidents. When someone injures or kills someone because of unsafe operation of a boat or other watercraft, this person needs to be held responsible for the harm they cause. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling boating accident cases.

Plane Crashes

Alaska is a rural state with many towns and communities that are best accessed by small planes. The state also depends on aviation for commerce and tourism. Injury and death claims arising from plane crashes require a law firm with aviation accident experience and resources needed for proper investigation, analysis, and pursuit of the claim. Johnson Law, P.C. offers what clients need to successfully pursue injury and wrongful death claims a private or commercial plane accident. Claims should be asserted as soon as possible following a plane crash. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling aviation accident cases.

Dog Bites

Nationwide, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Unfortunately, children seem to be the most common victims. Dog attacks can cause terrible physical and emotional injuries. A dog’s owner is responsible for keeping their dog under control and protecting others from being injured by an aggressive dog. When an owner does not protect others from their dog, the owner is liable for all the resulting injuries and losses. These loses include past and future medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling dog bite cases.

Defective Products and Machinery

Injuries and death can result from many diverse kinds of defects in products and machinery, ranging from defective aircraft or heavy machinery parts to children’s car seats or even common household items. Product manufacturers must extensively test products before making them available to the public. Designers, manufacturers and retailers may be held responsible for the harm caused by a defective product. When pursuing a claim against a defective product or piece of machinery, it is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling a defective products case.

Severe Injury or Wrongful Death Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers cause way too many injuries and deaths every year in our state. Johnson Law, P.C. will aggressively pursue claims for injuries and deaths caused by motorists who choose to drink and drive. We prosecute those cases as hard as we can to obtain fair and full compensation for our clients. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling claims against a drunk driver under Alaska’s DUI laws.

Wrongful Death

Claims for deaths caused by another person’s mistakes or unreasonable actions are called wrongful death claims. While most Alaska injury laws apply, claims for wrongful death in Alaska also have unique laws and rules. For example: Who can bring the claims and how the claim must be prosecuted. How the claim can be resolved, and who can receive compensation for the loss. Johnson Law, P.C. know how to properly assert and pursue wrongful death claim cases. It is very important to hire an attorney as soon as possible who is experienced in handling wrongful death claims.

The Results You Need to Move on With Your Life after Severe Injury or Wrongful Death

We fight for justice for our severe injury and wrongful death clients. For their own personal injuries and their losses from the wrongful deaths of loved ones. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, let Alaskan personal injury lawyer Douglas G. Johnson and his team guide you. Johnson Law, P.C. has recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. It will be our goal to get you full compensation. We offer free consultations and will travel where needed to take care of our clients.

For nearly 30 years, Johnson Law, P.C. has helped Alaskans navigate challenging times. And while you hope you never need us, we’re here if you do. Contact Johnson Law, P.C.: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

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