Recent Blog Posts

Recent Gulf Oil Spill News

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:37:00 GMT

Reports indicate that the oil spill leak in the Gulf of Mexico is nearing an end. The static kill is working, as the mud that was forced down a blown-out well is holding down the flow of oil.

The next step would be deciding whether to cement the well. For the past three months, BP has been drilling a relief well, which will be used later this month to execute a "bottom kill." The "bottom kill" involves mud and cement being injected into the bedrock 2 1/2 miles below the sea floor. Federal officials said they won't declare complete victory until they get into the well from the other end.

There is a lot of work to do in the Gulf of Mexico. The amount of oil remaining in the water from this oil spill - or washed up on the shore - is still more than four times the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill.

This disaster could end up costing BP $21 Billion in fines. These fines are in additional to the $20 Billion escrow fund the company has set up to pay damage claims.

Summer Safety – Part 5 – ATV Safety

Cellino & Barnes — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:19:00 GMT

Driving ATVs is a popular and fun way to spend time with family and friends in the hot summer months.

Cellino & Barnes supports your desire to ride them, but we also want you to be safe. Did you know that, on average, there are nearly 280 deaths per year attributed to ATV accidents? These powerful vehicles are potentially dangerous and carry risks if you do not exercise caution.

Here are a few tips from Cellino & Barnes ATV accident attorneys on how to stay out of harm’s way this summer:

Perform Maintenance

Although we are midway through summer, some people are just now starting to enjoy their ATV’s. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to clean it up and check all of the hardware. Most importantly, check your wheels and brakes. Be sure your tires are secure and your brakes are properly maintained.

Make sure you dress appropriately as well. You’ll need a helmet, sturdy jeans, boots, and a riding jacket. Over 136,000 injuries were treated in emergency rooms in 2004 because riders were not properly equipped.

Hitting the Open Terrain

Now that you’re ready to taste the open air, be sure to know your vehicle. ATVs are capable of traveling at remarkably fast speeds, but they can be unpredictable, rolling over unexpectedly. These 700 pounds machines should only be driven by individuals of appropriate age to ensure that they are always under control. Anyone under the age of 16 should not be on an adult ATV, and there should only be one person riding a single passenger vehicle.

We want you to be safe and we hope that you’ll read the tips we’ve provided closely. Our tips are just a starting point. We encourage you to do some exploring of your own and look for safety classes as well.

Enjoy your summer.

Summer Safety – Part 4 – Auto/Pedestrian Safety

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:53:00 GMT

Long walks through the park and picnics by the lake are all a part of a great summer experience. But being on foot makes you susceptible to dangers you may not suspect. There are nearly 20,000 pedestrian related accidents per year.

Our New York pedestrian accident attorneys have come up with a few tips to keep you and your family safe.

Follow the golden rule

Look both ways before crossing. We know you’ve heard it before (from teachers, family and friends) but this is the single most important rule of pedestrian safety. Before crossing any road, even one-way streets, look to the left first, then right, and left again. While you’re walking across the street, continue to look both ways. Also, try to be predictable. It’s easier for drivers to know your patterns if you cross at legal crosswalks rather than crossing in the middle of the road.

Stay Wary

There are many pedestrian accidents that happen at crosswalks. The best advice is to take a second look before attempting to cross the street. It’s important to remain defensive, much like you do when you’re driving. Don’t assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact and ensure that they know you’re present before making any movements toward the road.

It’s a Two Way Street

Although pedestrians have an obligation to be aware of their surroundings, drivers can also reduce accident risk by doing a few simple things.

When driving up to a cross-walk, move cautiously and look to all entry points for pedestrians. Whenever you see a pedestrian in a cross-walk be sure to stop even if there are no signs telling you to do so. Finally, when braking suddenly for a pedestrian, be sure to check your mirrors for oncoming cars behind you or to your sides.

Your summer should be full of fun, spending time with family and friends. Keep you and your loved ones safe by following these simple tips. Watch the pedestrian related accidents video

Cellino & Barnes Announces 2010 College Scholarship Winners

Cellino & Barnes — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:10:00 GMT

The Cellino & Barnes Scholarship Selection Committee has reviewed all of the applications and determined that there were many "highly deserving" applications.

We were extremely impressed with the quality of the student applicants - with their dedication to education, extra-curricular activities and to their community.　

Cellino & Barnes has been successful in personal injury law because we work hard and are dedicated to making a difference. We encourage all students to make the most of your college opportunity, by learning from those around you and trying to make a difference.

The 2010 Scholarship winners are being notified by telephone and their names have been posted on our website.

2010 College Scholarship Winners

Ross Cellino and Steve Barnes thank you for being outstanding high school seniors. Study hard this fall.

Texting While Driving - Part 6: Conclusion

Cellino & Barnes — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:58:00 GMT

How did we get through the day before cell phones? We all managed somehow, didn’t we?

We were able to drive to work without texting our spouse a reminder to pick up the kids and we somehow made it two miles down the road without texting our friends "be right there".

At Cellino & Barnes, we believe this series of blog posts has shown the dangers of texting while driving and how quickly someone can be seriously injured and killed due to this distraction.

We ask that you educate your children, family and friends on the dangers of texting while driving. Be safe and drive responsibly.

Cellino & Barnes 2010 College Scholarship Update

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

(7/14/10) - The 2010 College Scholarship review process is just about complete and the winners will be notified this week.

The scholarship winners will be posted on our website, upon receipt and review of their transcripts.

Summer Safety – Part 3 – Motorcycle Safety

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:44:00 GMT

Summer is here, and riding a motorcycle is a great way to enjoy a beautiful day.

Bikers need to exercise extreme safety. Motorcycle accidents remain among the most dangerous with over 5,100 deaths per year.

Here are a few tips to review from the motorcycle accident attorneys at Cellino & Barnes on how to stay out of harm’s way this summer:

Prepare to Hit the Roads

Make sure your thoroughly check your machine. This includes your lights, turn signals, brakes, mirrors, chain, and cables to make sure they’re all up to the manufacturer’s specifications.

This advice may seem like a no-brainer for experienced motorcyclists, however, there are many new riders, of all ages, on the road.

You might also think about getting some new quality gear. Does your helmet need an upgrade? Do you need boots to cover your ankles? Frayed gloves? Try some new durable, non-slip gloves for extra safety.

On the Highway

You’re geared up and ready to go. But there is still a lot you can do to protect yourself and other motorist while you’re on the streets.

ALWAYS wear your helmet. Make sure that you’re wearing one that meets federal safety standards.
Be as visible to other drivers as possible. Keep your headlights on during the daytime, wear reflective gear, and equip your bike with a fairing or windshield.
Get proper training. Bikers who are well trained on how to ride and care for their bikes are less likely to be involved in Motorcycle Accidents.
Ride Sober. Alcohol and other drugs affect judgment and do not mix with motorcycling.
Finally, stick to the speed limit. Be smart and slow down.

We hope these tips may offer some help and that you will be able to enjoy the feeling of the open road for many years. Watch the Robert Schreck motorcycle related accidents video.

Texting While Driving - Part 5 - How Can You Help?

Cellino & Barnes — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:04:00 GMT

Think back to the times when you’ve texted while driving. Was it to text your boss those earnings forecasts? Or maybe a meet up with friends?

We’ve essentially been conditioned, like Pavlov’s dogs, to respond to our phone’s ringing and buzzes. It’s not as though our friends can’t wait till we get home to respond to their messages, nor does it make sense to focus our cognitive abilities on giving our bosses in-depth reports while we drive.

Our addiction to staying connected everywhere has essentially created a dangerous driving environment on the roads.

So, how can you help? Starting now, educate your children, family and friends on the dangers of texting while driving. The simple habit of waiting until you’re not behind the wheel could save a life.

Summer Safety – Part 2 – Swimming and Pool Safety

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:40:00 GMT

Pools are a great place for summertime fun. Unfortunately, pools can also be the scene of very serious accidents. Over 3,500 people died last year from unintentional drowning accidents alone.

Here are some basic tips to review with your family to help keep everyone safe.

Dangers to children

Children are always at the greatest risk of having a swimming accident . Following a few easy rules could make all the difference.

Keep toys, towels, chairs or anything that can easily trip someone away from the edge of the pool. Slip and fall accidents occur easily enough on the wet surface surrounding a pool.

Although it seems like common sense, keep tricycles, bikes, Power-Wheels, and skateboards off of the pool deck. Children can accidentally ride these into the pool and could quickly turn a carefree joyride into a tragedy.

Additional dangers

It seems basic but keeping electrical appliances away from the water can avoid many deadly situations. Also, know the depth of the water and do not allow any diving into shallow water.

Precaution can outweigh the tragic effects of an accident at the pool.

Texting While Driving - Part 4 - Oprah’s Distracted Driving Episode – Sad Reminder

Cellino & Barnes — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:42:00 GMT

While doing research for this series on texting while driving, we were reminded just how dangerous distracted driving is and how quickly a tragic accident can happen.

There are numerous shocking texting while driving videos on the web, but we wanted to find a video that would share with you the stories behind the tragedies. This video clearly shares the pain people feel when they have lost a loved one in a texting while driving accident. It also shares the sorrow and remorse felt by someone who was the cause of a tragedy.

OPRAH DISTRACTED DRIVING VIDEO

Although you may have seen this episode on texting while driving, which aired in January, 2010, it will have the same affect on you the second and third time you watch it. We encourage you to share this video with your loved ones.

Please do not text and drive.

CNN News Reports - 162 Cases of Illness Linked to Oil Spill Reported in Louisiana

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT

On June 28, 2010, CNN reported that 162 cases of illness have been reported in Louisiana, linked to exposure to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Louisiana state health department, released a report, which stated of those cases, 128 involved workers on oil rigs or individuals involved in the oil spill cleanup efforts.

The most common reported symptoms included throat irritation, shortness of breath, cough, eye irritation, nausea and headaches, according to the department's oil spill surveillance report.

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine said in a letter to BP's COO, "There exists anger, anxiety and uncertainty among the families and communities affected by the spill, which will easily manifest into addiction and various forms of mental health crisis if not confronted."

If you or a loved one has been affected by the oil spill, call Cellino & Barnes now at 800-249-7320 or use our CLAIM FORM online.

Summer Safety – Part 1 – Bike Accident Safety

Cellino & Barnes — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:22:00 GMT

Bike riding is a fun and fairly safe way to: commute to work, get some great exercise, or just spend time outdoors. Biking can be dangerous and we urge you to use caution and please be safe this summer.

Below is a list of some basic things you can do to keep yourself safer this season.

Wear your bicycle helmet.

In the United States, there are over 300,000 children who visit the emergency room each year as a result of being involved in bicycle accidents . Many of these children suffer brain injuries . The basic habit of wearing a helmet with the straps securely locked, could have prevented many of these injuries.

Keep yourself well lit.

If you enjoy cycling at night, keep yourself well-lit. Make sure you have reflectors facing in all directions and try to wear reflective safety-gear. Also, for less than $15 dollars, you can purchase red blinking lights for the front and back of your bike. These lights will alert motorists to your presence long before they have the chance to cause you any harm.

Avoid texting while biking and other distractions.

Texting while biking is just as dangerous as texting while driving , perhaps even more so. Teenagers attempt to text with one hand, while trying to steer with the other. This is a recipe for disaster.

Listening to music and talking on your cell phone is also very dangerous. If you’re not listening to the vehicles around you, it will be difficult to react when something unexpected happens.

Just pay attention.

The best overall advice is to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Regardless of how much safety equipment you are wearing, if you don’t pay attention, you increase your risk of being injured, or causing someone else to be injured.

So to protect you and your children while riding a bike pay attention, use reflectors and lights and wear a helmet!

This post is part 1 of 5, presented by Cellino and Barnes. Our firm is committed to keeping our community safe this summer.

Ocean Therapy Solutions - Status of Program

Cellino & Barnes — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:41:00 GMT

Ocean Therapy Solutions (Kevin Costner's company) and BP held a news conference to update us on the ongoing efforts to deploy Ocean Therapy's oil separating centrifuge devices in the Gulf of Mexico to clean up the Horizon oil spill.

Kevin Costner explained that BP ordered 32 of his oil cleaning machines. Three of the units are currently aboard ships in the Gulf, but it will take about approximately 1 to 1.5 months for the remaining units to be built.

Officials advised that skimmer vessels will pump oily water onto the ships where the centrifuges can process a total of 600,000 gallons per day, separating oil and debris from water. Costner said he is gratified the technology is being deployed.

VIDEO - Ocean Therapy Solutions and BP News Conference.

VIDEO - Costner Centrifuge Technology. In this video, Brian Musselman, Director of Operations for Hornbeck Offshore and Lance Ortemond, General Manager at D&L Salvage explain the centrifuge technology and how it will affect the Gulf Coast.

Texting While Driving - Part 3 - Potential Solutions and Issues

Cellino & Barnes — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:33:00 GMT

While state legislation punishes drivers for driving while texting, many still often fail to do so.

Watch texting accident - YouTube

While authorities don’t have the capability to always be watching over everybody’s shoulder. Some possible solutions may be to encourage the creation of technologies that will prevent drivers from accessing their text messaging while driving. For instance, Textecution is a mobile phone application that blocks text messaging functions on your children’s phones while they drive. Essentially, how the program works is that it links into the phone’s GPS system and disables the text messaging function if a vehicle is moving more than 10 mph.

Similarly, Xuesong Zhou, a University of Utah researcher, has developed a device that disables cell phones entirely when a specially engineered car key is inserted into the car’s ignition.

Finally, several states have outlawed texting while driving, and others are moving to ban the practice. Additionally, legislators are trying to move bills to create federal legislation to keep drivers from texting while driving.

Cellino & Barnes Assisting Gulf Residents with Claims Against BP

Cellino & Barnes — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:05:00 GMT

As one of the nation's largest personal injury law firms, Cellino & Barnes has established a team of attorneys focused on assisting residents of the Gulf Coast who have suffered economic damages as a result of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Cellino & Barnes attorneys are representing individuals and business owners who have lost income, been hit with decreased business revenues, experienced property damage or suffered other economic consequences or injuries as a direct result of the spill.

As the crisis has continued to drag on, the economic consequences for business owners and workers in the region have begun to accelerate. Last week, BP agreed to pay $20 billion into a compensation fund for victims of the oil spill, which was triggered by the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in April.

Newly released documents show that after the Deepwater Horizon sank, BP made a worst-case estimate of 2.5 million gallons a day flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.

"In addition to an accident that caused the tragic death of 11 workers and has resulted in the worst environmental disaster in American history, the oil spill in the Gulf has also triggered a chain of events that is causing massive economic disruption to thousands of families in the region," said Stephen Barnes, an experienced trial attorney at Cellino & Barnes, one of the nation's largest personal injury law firms. "This is a national tragedy."

According to Barnes, the attorneys at Cellino & Barnes have recovered more than $1 billion for its clients. Some notable national settlements include cases against the airline industry, pharmaceutical companies and the auto industry.

Cellino & Barnes Oil Spill Video