Give the gift of life!

Posted on 25. Apr, 2012 by Debi in Blog

In 2011, I received two priceless gifts: new corneas.  These surgeries prevented me from going blind. Without these gifts, my whole life would have changed.  I hope that the families of the cornea donors know how much I appreciate their invaluable gifts.

Here’s a video I did about my experience at the request of the eye bank, SightLife.org: http://www.sightlife.org/family/recipient/stories/toewsDebra.php

SightLife is a wonderful organization, which not only provides corneas to people who need them here in the Northwest, but is involved in setting up eye banks around the world. Organ donation can also help a grieving family know that their loved one’s passing is not without meaning. Next time you renew your driver’s license, consider becoming an organ donor if you’re not one already.

Gratefully,

Debi Toews

Washington State Supreme Court rules that Accident Reports are public records

Posted on 19. Apr, 2012 by Debi in Blog

In a 7-2 decision, the Washington Supreme Court has ruled that the Washington State Patrol improperly withheld files from a person seeking location-specific records.  This can help improve public safety when there are repeated accidents at the same location.

Click Here to Read the News Story

Non-Profit Insurers in Washington are sitting on $2.4 billion in surpluses

Posted on 10. Jan, 2012 by Debi in Blog

More than one million people in the state of Washington now have no health
insurance. At the same time, non-profit health insurers sit on $2.4
billion – yes billion – in surpluses. This is just plain wrong.

See this editorial in the Seattle times:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.

Fatal Consequence of Texting While Driving

Posted on 23. Sep, 2011 by Debi in Blog

A Seattle teenager texting his girlfriend rear-ended a family vehicle. The ensuing crash killed a 3 year old child. There are no words for the grief this family will always feel. Read more at: Click Here to Read the Seattle Times Story

Hot Coffee . . . the real story behind the McDonald’s coffee verdict

Posted on 22. Sep, 2011 by Monte in Blog

For many years now, the McDonald’s “hot coffee verdict” has been synonymous with out of control juries and the call for tort reform.  The impact of this verdict has been so powerful that many attorneys across the country specifically discuss the case with jurors during the jury selection process.  But there is a surprising new documentary about this now infamous case.  Take a look at this film.  Discuss it with your friends and family.  You might be surprised by how many erroneous preconceptions exist about this case and the jury’s verdict.

Loan Sharks Prey on the Injured

Posted on 11. Feb, 2011 by admin in Blog

You’ve seen the commercials on television, offering to advance you money on your personal injury claim. What they don’t tell you is that the interest rate can exceed 100% per year.  Sadly, this industry is almost entirely unregulated.

Injured people often have lost time from work and have unpaid medical bills.  They mistakenly believe that the “lawsuit lenders” offer a way out from financial pressures.  However, according to a recent New York Times article, borrowing $5,000.00 can result in a debt of nearly $19,000.00 in just three years. That shows how predatory these companies can be. For more information, click here Click Here to Read the NY Times Story

Ballot Initiative I-1082 lacks oversight

Posted on 14. Jul, 2010 by Monte in Blog

An important initiative will be on the ballot. I-1082 would allow private insurers to offer workers compensation coverage to employers without significant oversight or regulation.

• These insurers will be allowed to set their own rates without insurance commission approval unlike any other line of insurance offered in Washington.
• Gives insurance carriers special access to workers doctors throughout the claims process.
• Unlike any other line of insurance offered in Washington, this initiative would exempt these policies from all consumer protection laws and the Insurance Fair Conduct Act.
• Unlike the current workers compensation system, this initiative does not require carriers to fund workplace safety or vocational retraining programs. The cost of those programs would fall exclusively on tax payers.

More information http://www.voteno1082.com.

Tougher Cell Phone Bill is now Law!

Posted on 29. Jun, 2010 by Debi in Blog

An important safety issue was addressed in Washington state when Governor Gregoire signed the Cell Phone Bill (SB 6345) into law March 26th. Impact of the new law, which went into effect on June 10th:

• It is now a primary offense to be caught holding a cell phone to your ear while driving, or to be reading, writing or sending text messages. (Previously this was only a secondary offense, meaning that you had to be pulled over for another infraction before you could be ticketed for a cell phone violation).
• Additionally, it will now be illegal for drivers with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license (drivers under 18 years old) to use cell phones at all (even with a headset).

More information in this article in the Seattle Times: Click Here