Injuryboard Commentary - Outer Banks

Harmful Bacteria Advisory Posted in Southern Shores Waters off the Outer Banks

Rick Shapiro — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:37:43 GMT

A section of the Outer Banks had to post an advisory against swimming at a sound-side site in Dare County because of bacteria levels, according to a news release from the state’s Division of Environmental Health. The advisory is posted at a Southern Shores access off North Dogwood Trail. This swimming advisory is in effect for the water within 200 feet of the posted sign.

This advisory should be taken very serious. People that would risk swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than recommended have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness or skin infections.

It should be noted that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards in a test sample taken Monday. NC officials are testing the site again today and will remove the sign and notify the public when the bacteria levels decrease to levels below the standards.

Environmental health authorities have sampled at least 240 sites throughout the coastal region, most of the time on a weekly basis, from April to October. Water testing will continue on a reduced schedule during the rest of the year when the waters are colder.

Coliform or other bacteria in drinking or swimming water will not necessarily make you ill. However, since these organisms are present, other disease-causing organisms may also be present. Health symptoms related to drinking or swallowing water contaminated with bacteria generally range from no ill effects to cramps and diarrhea (gastrointestinal distress).

Two common waterborne diseases are guardianship and cryptosporidiosis; both cause intestinal illness. E. coli 0157:H7 has also been associated with drinking contaminated water and can cause intestinal illness. In very rare cases, it can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney condition.

Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injur law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro

Tighter Safety Standards Sought In Wake of Tragic Fireworks Accident

Pierce Egerton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:51:43 GMT

According to State Senator Marc Basnight, new legislation will be introduced next week to tighten safety standards for the handling of large quantities of fireworks. The move comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of 4 workers in a fireworks explosion on Ocracoke Island.

The AP is reporting that the bill will direct the state fire marshal to provide oversight in the handling of pyrotechnics. Further details were not available at this time. While the change comes too late to help the families who lost loved ones in the recent explosion, let’s hope new safety standards will prevent future tragedies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

1 Killed and 4 Injured on Ocracoke Island in Fireworks Explosion

Emily Mapp Brannon — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:08:00 GMT

Tragedy hits the small Outer Bank’s island of Ocracoke when a truckload of fireworks exploded Saturday morning on a dock, killing one worker and critically injuring four others preparing for an Independence Day celebration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB14PML6KFw

So big was the explosion that it shook homes and businesses and was heard across a village on the southern end of Ocracoke Island, which is the only inhabited part of the 15-mile spit of land.

Ocracoke Island is only accessible by boat or plane. Three medical helicopters had to take the injured workers to hospitals. One of the workers was taken to a burn center in Chapel Hill, about 180 miles away, though it was unclear where the other workers were taken.

Fortunately there were several doctors, including a medical examiner, and a nurse that were visiting the island. They were able to help paramedics and staff from the local health clinic in treating the workers. The names of the workers have not been released until all family have been notified. Also, there is no known information on the company involved with the fireworks or what may have caused the blast.

There are agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as other federal officials coming to the island to investigate. Dock master Robert Raborn noticed the workers unloading the truck from the Anchorage Marina about 200 yards away. He heard the explosion, which he described as one of the loudest things he has ever heard, and then turned to see what happened.

The explosion was described by one witness as “40 minutes worth of fireworks going off in four seconds”. The explosion stopped ferries to the island for a few hours, but service was restored around noon Saturday. By the afternoon, things were returning back to normal. This incident definitely had some locals reflecting on the fact that their beloved island is far removed from major medical services. Although there is a medical center, immediate attention from a major hospital is hours away.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper,Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

UPDATE: 4 Dead, 1 Injured in Tragic Fireworks Explosion

Pierce Egerton — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:42:18 GMT

The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that two more workers have died from injuries sustained when a truck loaded with fireworks exploded on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The workers were apparently employed by Melrose South Pyrotechnics of Catawba, S.C. Melrose was going to provide the island’s annual Independence Day fireworks display.

www.youtube.com/watch

WAVY video.

One worker died at the scene. Of the other four injured workers, two were apparently airlifted to the Jaycee Burn Unit at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and two were airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C.

One of the workers taken to the burn center and one of the workers taken to Pitt Memorial subsequently died according to reports.

Several government agencies are investigating the explosion including the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the SBI. Ferry service to the island was closed to the public for several hours.

UPDATE 7/5/09: Sadly the death toll in yesterday's explosion rose to 4 this morning.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

One Dead, Four Wounded in Fireworks Blast

Pierce Egerton — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:15:58 GMT

One worker was killed and four others seriously injured when a truck filled with fireworks exploded this morning on Ocracoke Island, NC. WFMY is reporting that one of the injured suffered serious burns and was airlifted to UNC’s burn center in Chapel Hill.

According to a story by ABC11 the fireworks were for an annual Independence Day celebration on the remote island. Jane Hodges, Hyde County interim emergency manager, said, "There was an immediate response from Hyde County Sheriff's Department, the National Park Service, NC DOT Ferry Division, Marine Fisheries, and volunteers to handle the crowds and assess the situation. Fortunately, there were three doctors including a medical examiner and volunteer nurses who responded immediately along with the staff of the Ocracoke Health Center and Hyde County EMS."

Ferry service to Ocracoke was closed to the public for most of the day as use of the ferry was dedicated to emergency traffic.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Tips on Avoiding Pool Accidents While Vacationing on the Outer Banks

Jim Lewis — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:38:00 GMT

Part of a great vacation on the Outer Banks usually involves swimming at a pool. Whether the pool is at is at a condo, hotel, or house there are some things to keep in mind. Although a fun activity that is enjoyed by young and old alike, there lies a danger just beneath its surface that you need to know about.

It is important to keep in mind that a faulty pool drain cover can lead to serious injuries, and the beginning of the summer season is a good time to review basic safety measures that pool-owners should keep in mind to avoid a disaster.

Since originally enacted in December 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires that anti-entrapment devices be installed on drains that resist UV degradation and prevent body parts from becoming trapped due to suction. The act was named for a girl who died in 2002 when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water.

NSF International, a public health and safety organization, has therefore offered suggestions to help create a safer swimming environment. They include making sure properly-sized drain covers are installed and teaching children not to play with or remove a drain cover.

Moreover, it is a good idea to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool cover, as small children can drown in even the smallest amount of water. Before allowing anyone to swim, the cover should be completely removed.

Lastly, a key to avoiding accidents is responsible adult supervision at the pool side at all times. For additional safety, some people have chosen to surround their pool or spa area by a fence with a self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry on to their property.

As personal injury lawyers we want you to first be safe, then have fun. Tragically, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports some 300 children under the age of 5 drown each year and 5,000 to 6,000 are severely injured as a result of faulty draining systems in the swimming pool. Please be safe this summer while enjoying a swim at the pool.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet Struck by 70ft Boat

Rick Shapiro — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:11:00 GMT

The Herbert C. Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet was struck by a 70-foot sportsfishing boat this morning, the Coast Guard confirmed. The Manteo-based vessel struck the bridge near the center span around 6 A.M. Saturday morning, said Coast Guard Senior Chief Ron McCready at the Oregon Inlet station. McCready said that the bridge is still open, and the vessel has been towed back to the marina with no apparent injuries. Investigators have not determined the cause, McCready said.

The Bonner Bridge spans Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It carries traffic on NC 12 from Bodie Island just south of Nags Head to Hatteras Island. The Bonner Bridge is the only connection between Hatteras Island and the rest of Dare County. The bridge has served Hatteras Island for 43 years. However, it has now served past its intended lifespan. Plans to replace the bridge have been in the works for more than 15 years, but environmental concerns and disagreements about replacement options have prolonged the process. With each passing day, the situation becomes more pressing for Hatteras Island residents, landowners, entrepreneurs, and visitors.

Since 2003, nearly 2 million cars per year have crossed the bridge. On an average day, 5,000 vehicles use the bridge. That number rises to almost 10,000 on a busy summer day. If Bonner Bridge were to be closed for safety reasons or repairs, access to Hatteras Island would be cut drastically. The results would be catastrophic.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro

3 Safety Tips for Jet Skiing on the Outer Banks

Randy Appleton — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:43:00 GMT

Jet skiing may be fun. But just like any other motor vehicle on water, it can impose great danger if used improperly. So to assure that you will get a 100% fun while eliminating the possible danger, here are some safety tips you should follow:

Learn how to operate the machine before hopping in…

It may be pretty basic but the simplicity of its look combined with your excitement to take the waters keep people from neglecting this. It may operate the same as a motorcycle or a snowmobile but it is still advisable to learn how to use the Jet Ski.

1. Wear life preservers…

This is a must. Like helmets when you ride a motorcycle, the Law requires anyone who uses Jet Ski to wear life jackets. It doesn’t matter if you know how to swim or not. If you are going to drive or ride a jet ski, you must wear life jacket. Aside from life jacket, you should be in proper attire when riding jet ski. These are gloves, goggles, and a wet suit.

2. Never ride close to another watercraft…

Most Jet Ski accidents are caused by collisions, so in order to prevent this from happening, stay at least 100 feet away from another watercraft, divers, rafts, and swimmers. Most beaches and lakes have set of rules with regards to the use of jet skis so you should know them first.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh0et6Jfdng

3. Never use the Jet Ski at night…

You might wonder why this riding at night should be avoided. Well, here is the main reason: open sea is dangerous at night. Never attempt ride on pitch-black waters. You will never know if there are other watercrafts on your way and you will never know the behavior of the water at night. And another thing: in case you get in the middle of the ocean, you have to wait for the sun to rise before anyone can see you.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Randy Appleton

Chesapeake Woman Arrested for Hit and Run with Carova, N.C. Horse

Emily Mapp Brannon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:18:00 GMT

N.C. authorities have charged a Chesapeake woman in the hit-and-run injury and ultimate death of a wild horse in Currituck County, N.C.

Charged in the crime is Kendra K. James, 21, of Chesapeake, VA. She was arrested for failing to immediately notify the sheriff's office of the incident, an ordinance violation punishable by a fine of up to $500.

According to a summary of the incident from the Currituck County Sheriff's Office, James eventually told a sheriff's investigator that she had accidentally hit a horse with her Jeep Cherokee on March 28. The offense happened near mile post 21 at the North Beach Strand in Carova,N.C.

Based on Jame’s statement she was driving about 20 mph to 25 mph on a foggy beach when a herd of wild horses ran in front of her. She said she tried to avoid the herd but couldn't because of deep ruts in the sand.

Here is a quick video showing the beauty of these wild horses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R29ruf1Uk8

With injuries too severe the horse was euthanized according to the Sheriff’s office. In her own defense, Jame’s told the sheriff's office that she did not know whom to call about the accident or that she was required to report it.

Unfortunately, this type of event happens all too frequently on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. In fact, there was a second wild horse that had to be put down after it was hit back on May 23 and there is a reward of up to $3,500 being offered for information leading to an arrest in that incident.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

US 158 By-Pass Near the Wright Brothers Memorial has an Ominous History of Car Crashes

Emily Mapp Brannon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT

There have been numerous car crashes from terrible traffic snarls tying up US 158 By-Pass near the Wright Brothers Memorial at the Collington intersection. It has been the host of many fender benders. Some of these wrecks have caused some tragic fatalities over the years.

Here is an example of a bad car wreck at busy intersection…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slAJm8rvSZk

It was only ten years ago that a terribly tragic fatal 4 person crash occurred at that very interesection. Those teens were torn from their wonderfully vibrant 17 years of life they had enjoyed up to that moment in time. Through no fault of their own their Chevy Cavalier was sidestruck by an SUV that was operated by a single drunk driver in the middle of the afternoon.

This particular intersection is often a bottleneck to both visitors and residnets alike. You have vacationers usually coming in from the North and South, then you have working locals and teens from First Flight High scool that are driving in and out from the east and the west. If you take all this into account and pepper in a little impatient agressiveness on the road you can have a recipe for disaster in the form of either road rage or worse, a car crash that could quite easily turn into family anquish and sorrow from a traffic fatality.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon