Archive for September 10th, 2011

Headline News Woman dies 8 injured after exposure to odor at McDonalds-795

Sep
10

By JIM DANKO

An 80-year-old woman died and several others were hospitalized after exposure to toxic fumes at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pooler, Ga., just west of Savannah, on Sept. 7, according to a report in CNN.

Emergency personnel responded to a call and found two women unconscious in a McDonald’s restroom. The first responders had to back out of the restroom and put on their breathing apparatus before re-entering, sources told CNN.

Nine people, including three firefighters, were treated at Memorial University Medical Center. One of the nine people injured died on Sept. 8: Anne Felton, of Ponte Vedra, Fla.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the contamination. According to Savannahnow.com, the OSHA probe will focus on employees of the restaurant (OSHA is charged with ensuring workplace safety). One employee was sent to the hospital and 14 more had to be decontaminated, Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons told Savannahnow.com.

Firefighters suspect the chemicals used to clean the restaurant bathroom made the nine people sick. However, a restaurant manager said people started getting sick hours after employees last cleaned the restrooms, according to Savannahnow.com.

Others injured include Carol Berry, 56, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Sharon Barefield, 50, and her two sons, Troy Barefield, 19, and Justin Barefield, 22, all of Savannah.
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Georgia grandchildren safer with grandparents behind the wheel

Sep
10

Older drivers have some of the safest driving habits on the road. They wear seatbelts more than younger drivers. They’re involved in fewer drunk driving accidents. And when they have their grandchildren in the car, they’re less likely to be in an auto accident. That’s the conclusion of a recent scientific study written about in Time Magazine. Specifically, children are twice as safe when their grandparents are driving instead of their parents, the report states.

Even so, accidents happen. Do you know what you would do if you were injured in an accident caused by another driver in Georgia? You need a Georgia personal injury lawyer who puts people first. You need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Serving clients in Georgia, our experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys have years of experience successfully fighting for auto accident injury victims. We know how disruptive an auto accident can be to people’s lives. That’s why we work tirelessly to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve to get your life back on track. Contact a Georgia personal injury attorney dedicated to fighting for justice. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

Older drivers can take certain steps to stay safer on the road. They include:

  • Exercising regularly. Staying fit keeps your senses sharp.
  • Having your eyes checked once a year. Good vision saves lives!
  • Asking your doctor if you’re taking the right medicines.
  • Planning your route before your drive.
  • Leaving enough space between you and car in front.

But no matter what steps you take, even the safest drivers can easily be injured in an auto accident. Don’t let someone else’s reckless behavior ruin your life. Take back control. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Our lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting for auto accident injury victims throughout Georgia. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and attention to detail. We will leave no stone unturned when you choose us to represent you. The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates – we mean business!