Personal Injury Law Blogs

Don’t give into the Hype: Voice Texting is Not a Safer Option

voice textingOn the outside, it looked as if the texting while driving problem may have been resolved. Voice texting apps were introduced and they were thought to be a safer option than manual texting. Car manufacturers have even jumped on board by installing new technology into their vehicles that allows for voice-activated texting. After all, the driver’s hands should theoretically never leave the steering wheel, and because of that, voice texts should be safer to send than manual texts. As it turns out though, that isn’t the case after all.

Two independent studies, one conducted by Texas A & M University and another by AAA with the University of Utah, each yielded similar results. When a driver sends a voice-activated text it is no safer than when he or she sends a manual text

  

Texas A & M Study

It seems a bit counterintuitive that a voice-activated task would make a driver just as distracted as a completely manual task. But, Texas A & M University conducted a study and, to some, the results were surprising. On the test course, the reaction time of the subjects who were texting was double that of those who were driving undistracted. The result was the same for those who were voice texting and those who were manually texting. But, why was that?

In the A & M University test, the drivers who were texting manually had their eyes on the road ahead of them for an average of 27.2 seconds for every minute of driving. Drivers who were voice texting had their eyes on the road for an average of 28.6 seconds (Siri) and 25.8 seconds (Vlingo) for every minute of driving time. The average of 28.6 and 25.8 is 27.2 seconds, which means that the amount of time spent focusing on the text message was, on average, identical whether the driver was sending a manual text or a voice text.

 

AAA Study

 The results of a comprehensive study done by AAA Insurance Company and the University of Utah seem to echo those of the Texas A & M study. In the AAA study, which focused on cognitive distractions, drivers were tested performing a series of common in car activities, such as talking on a cell phone (either hands free or handheld) or to a passenger, listening to audiobooks and music, and using voice-activated speech-to-text apps to send texts and e-mail. The results showed that, for all of the listed activities, those who send voice-activated texts and e-mail measured the highest level of distraction. On the workload rating scale used for the study, speech-to-text application use measured a 3.06 out of 5.0. The next most distracting activity was the use of a hand-held cell phone, which scored a 2.45 out of 5.

The reason voice texts are so distracting is that they aren’t completely hands free. The user has to bring up the app, speak the message (holding the phone to his or her mouth in many cases), and confirm the entry is correct before sending it. Those actions distract the driver on every level: manual, visual and cognitive.

One of the biggest takeaways from the studies conducted by both A & M University and AAA is that sending a voice-activated text can give the driver a false sense of safety. Both independent studies showed that voice texting is no safer than manual texting, and, in fact, voice texting causes much more of a distraction than many other in car activities.

 

States with the Best Environmental Track Record

While many green efforts are federally mandated, there are several states that go above and beyond federal requirements to support green living. This can mean anything from providing easy access to recycling facilities, reducing statewide emissions, supporting resource preservation, or establishing conservation programs. Below is a list of states whose green efforts go above and beyond federal mandates, and who lead the nation when it comes to protecting the environment.

Washington

Known as the Evergreen State, Washington is dedicated to implementing and supporting green living and green business practices. They have the highest number of LEED certified buildings in the country, and one of the highest green business ratios in the nation. While Washington is famous for its cloudy and overcast weather, the state is at the forefront of renewable energy source use, including solar power technology and wind turbines.

Oregon

While Oregon does not have as many green businesses as many other states, it has the largest number of green businesses per capita. The state’s commitment to recycling is so significant that almost 50 percent of the state’s businesses and residents recycle, a notably higher percentage than any other state. Oregon also produces a significant amount of hydroelectric energy.

California

When it comes to all around green initiatives California leads the pack by a landslide. They are the leaders when it comes to recycling, investing in mass transit, and using renewable energy sources. Many areas of California have gone as far to ban plastic water bottles and plastic bags, encouraging residents to opt for reusable alternatives.

Vermont

Vermont is a small, yet mighty state, and has the lowest carbon footprint in the country — proving that all states can make a difference. The Green Mountain State supports the environment by investing resources in alternative energy sources, energy efficiency, and emission reductions.

Colorado

Colorado is best known for its mountain ranges, high altitude, and consistently sunny weather — even when it is snowing or cold out. The state proudly produces more than six percent of its energy from alternative energy sources. Their water is the sixth cleanest in the country when it comes to carcinogens and toxins in their water.

Idaho

Where renewable energy is concerned, Idaho is the clear winner, as the Gem State produces over 85 percent of its energy from alternative energy sources. Much of this is produced by power created from the state’s rivers, as well as their many geothermal energy sources. They also have the fourth lowest emissions rate in the country.

While the states above lead the pack when it comes to overall environmental awareness, there are many other states making notable changes. Some of the states listed above have always focused on recycling, conservation, and green living. However, some states have only recently paid more attention to green initiatives, and they have far more room for improvement. By establishing environmentally friendly green living and green business practices, states can reduce their carbon footprint, create a healthier environment for their residents, and save their communities money by turning to alternative energy sources.

Byline

Nelson Stewart writes on eco-conscious living, green energy, alternative fuel, environmental science, preservation, conservation, off-the-grid living, plastic tanks for storage purposes, environmental law, the EPA and other related subjects. For more info on storage tanks Nelson recommends Go-To-Tanks.

5 Tips to Winning a Claim in a No-Fault State

Most people in America live with the understanding that if they’re involved in a car accident due to a negligent driver, the negligent driver’s insurance company will have to provide compensation. In a minority of states, however, this isn’t always the case. In “no-fault insurance” states, the insured person’s insurance company actually has to pay for their policyholder’s losses suffered due to an auto accident. This is a complex structure that most aren’t used to, so it’s imperative for individuals in these states to understand the best steps to take to be successful in these situations.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

It seems almost common sense to seek medical attention after an accident, but unfortunately, the stress and adrenaline that comes along with these accidents can lead a person to not fully recognize the injuries that they’ve sustained. Sadly, the few days between a person’s accident and when they seek medical attention can be detrimental. Insurance companies will often try to assert that an injury was unrelated to the accident and occurred some time thereafter.

2. Follow Doctor’s Instructions

An injured person should also follow all of their physician’s instructions. If they don’t, an insurer can claim that the injury must not have been as serious as the victim initially let on. Additionally, they can claim that a person’s continued pain and injury is a consequence of them ignoring their doctor’s orders. It’s best to meet this challenge head on before it ever arises.

3. Obtain and Keep Good Records

It’s also imperative for an accident victim to hold onto all of their medical records. Insurers in no-fault states, and every other state for that matter, will want copies of everything medically related that they’re required to provide compensation for. Without these records, an individual isn’t likely to get the financial recompense that they deserve.

One auto accident in Orlando law firm states that even for “minor injuries, a no-fault insurance claim may be made to allow you to get a portion of your lost wages covered and to get your medical bills paid.” Keeping good records will be important, even to a claim for these small injuries that can be obtained.

For more minor injuries, a no-fault insurance claim may be made to allow you to get a portion of your lost wages covered and to get your medical bills paid. – See more at: http://www.injurylawyers.com/orlando-car-accident-lawyer/#sthash.2UXBEzZJ.dpuf

4. File Claim in a Timely Manner

It’s also essential to file a claim as soon as possible. Every state has specific deadlines related to filing a claim, and once this deadline passes, the victim is likely out of luck. This is one of the many reasons that a person should hire an attorney to help them in their quest for compensation. Legal professionals will know these deadlines and be able to properly file claims on time.

5. Know State-Specific Laws

Maybe one of the most important tips to winning a claim in a no-fault state is to understand the state’s specific laws. Even though a minority of states require this type of insurance, each state has its own rules. If an accident occurs in Orlando, FL, for instance, the victim of the accident may still be able to sue the negligent driver for damages. This will only occur, however, if the injuries sustained meet a certain level of seriousness.

In other states, such as Hawaii, however, a driver can only bring forth a suit against a negligent driver if their financial losses, medical bills included, reach a certain threshold. Once again, it’s imperative to have an attorney in either of these situations. An injured victim will often have to take on two insurance companies in these instances, and the legal aptitude of these companies often overtakes victims who aren’t represented legally.

The insurance laws in no-fault states definitely seem convoluted, but with the right preparation and knowledge of the law, a person can successfully file an accident claim in a no fault state. Whether filing for an auto accident in Orlando or Detroit, count on the fact that insurance companies are in the business of making money, and if this means that they need to try their best to find any reason to deny a claim, that’s what they’ll do. In these cases, having an attorney is essential, and legal help especially comes in handy since it’s still possible to get compensation from a negligent driver in some instances.

Decreasing Personal Injury Claims for Property Owners

As a property owner, it can be challenging to know who you can trust to work on your home or commercial property. Something as simple as another person slipping on your sidewalk can cost you thousands of dollars in a personal injury lawsuit, so you want to be careful with who you invite to your home.

How can you protect yourself from personal injury claims on your own property? Here are some of the things you need to be aware of, and what insurance options you have to protect yourself.

Keep Your Yard Hazard Free

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their yard free of hazards. A large crack in your driveway, ice on the porch steps, and large trees falling over can all be serious hazards If someone injures themselves on your property, they can legally sue you for damages. As such, homeowners need to be aware of the various hazards on their property and take the right precautions to protect their guests.

There are a number of common hazards homeowners should know about. Owning a pool can increase your insurance rates, as they are one of the most common safety hazards. If you have a dog, you need to take the right steps to warn people about the pet, especially if it is territorial or prone to biting. Other common reasons for personal injury lawsuits against property owners include a failure to adequately maintain property, poor lighting, broken structures and facilities, falling objects, lack of security, lack of fencing, improper signage or lack of signage, slippery surfaces, and faulty pool equipment.

It is important to perform routine yard maintenance to prevent yourself from becoming the victim of a lawsuit. Trim your trees and do not allow them to grow to a height where wind can easily blow them over. If you hire anyone to work on your home, always verify their liability insurance. This is the best way to make sure they can pay for any accidents or problems that might occur when they are on your property.

Also, remember that there are certain cases where trespassers are not protected by the law: if a homeowner can prove a person was illegally trespassing on their property, they may not need to pay damages if the trespasser injures himself or herself.

What is covered on Insurance Plans?

There are some things that property insurance will cover. To find out what your plan offers, you need to speak to your agent or read the fine print of your contract. It is important to know what your plan covers to protect yourself from legal action. Most insurance plans will cover slip and fall accidents, assaults, dog bites, and injuries from serving intoxicated guests.

There are strict rules pertaining to most personal injury claims, so you need to disclose any pertinent information to your insurance company. For instance, if you have a dog, you need to inform your insurance provider. Whether their breed is considered a “bite risk” or not, even the nicest dogs can attack someone if they feel they are intruding on their property.

When you serve alcohol to guests at your home, they might become intoxicated. These individuals could injure others if they drive, or injure another person while intoxicated, and you could be liable for damages. Liability will stay with the other party if they brought their own alcohol, or if they were not intoxicated when they left your home.

Byline: Thomas Dehrkoop specializes in assessing properties for hazard and danger from structural problems or landscaping problems. Click here to learn more about tree removal as a way to reduce hazard near your home.

New York Drivers: Are You Safe?

Driving in New York can be considered an art form, especially in metropolitan regions such as New York City. Defensive driving practices can be difficult to maintain in aggressive and congested traffic. The result is a high accident rate, as the NY state experienced 250,000 automobile accidents in 2012. Of course, the aggregate statistics for pedestrians and cyclists is much lower, but the averages per million may be similar. The general social conditions associated with living in urban areas could be contributory, but ultimately the safety practices of all motorists have the most impact. 

Automobiles, Pedestrians, and Cyclists

With over 250,000 accidents in 2012, fatalities on NY highways totaled over 1,000. This resulted in a death rate of over 10 victims per 100,000 residents. This also included an injury rate of approximately 1500 victims per the same population. David Perecman, a car accident attorney New York based states; “New York has no-fault laws in car accident cases, which means every auto accident victim can have his or her medical bills and lost wages covered by insurance regardless of who was to blame for the crash.”

There were over 15,000 accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians, with approximately 6,000 more involving bicyclists. There were 312 pedestrian and 45 bicyclist fatalities. Total accidents for motorcycles are also approximately 6,000, but they are considered as motor vehicles by law. However, motorcycle operators experience many of the same safety concerns as pedestrians, even though they use the highway almost exclusively.

Commercial Vehicles Statistics

The regional commercial environment also creates a huge amount of traffic involving commercial vehicles. These vehicles can range in size from a van to a tandem of eighteen-wheelers, but they are a significant portion of the traffic density. Although each accident involving a huge highway vehicle is serious and often deadly, the total number of accidents in NY is relatively low. There were approximately 10,000 accidents involving eighteen-wheelers in New York state, with 83 fatalities.

State Comparisons

New York state did have higher rates when compared to surrounding states, such as Pennsylvania. However, most of the surrounding region is generally rural with nothing to compare to the megalopolis that is New York City. Even the area across the Hudson River is densely populated and practically a state unto itself population-wise. One advantage of the urban area is the comprehensive network of public transportation that many residents utilize completely. This greatly helps alleviate what would surely present a worse congestion and accident rate scenario.

So, how safe are New York drivers? New York appears similar to other states in the New England area, but may be vulnerable to higher statistical ratings because of aggregate levels of socioeconomic activity in the metropolitan areas. New York City is infamous for aggressive traffic. Ultimately, New Yorkers are “as safe as they drive” if the typical motorist will implement good driving skills and make good driving decisions.

Anyone involved in an accident that occurred in the the big apple should retain a local car accident attorney New York based for legal representation because New York is a “no-fault” insurance state and an injury victim may be entitled to damages from multiple respondents with a maximum compensatory award. Also known as first-party insurance, it provides coverage of the drivers injuries and vehicle damage from their own insurance policy up to a certain amount, but does not exclude the possibility of an additional suit against a negligent “at-fault” driver.

What Does FDA Approval Mean For You?

(U. S. Personal Injury Claims law and generally) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency that was designed to protect consumers from dangerous foods, medications and medical devices. The FDA has established many different testing and product standards that businesses must comply with to sell their products in the United States.

The most common thing that the FDA is known for is the approval of new medications and medical treatments. The FDA requires extensive testing periods and clinical trials before it will allow a new medication or device to become available on the market. It is thought that this extensive testing period would protect the consumers. But this is not always the case.

Recalls and Relabeling

Sometimes, despite the extensive testing that was thought to have taken place before a medical product is available on the market, it is released and causes harm to many people. When this occurs, the FDA usually first requires the pharmaceutical company to re-label their product and post new warnings, unless the injuries are so severe that it requires immediate recall. If a product has been forced to be re-labeled, he FDA will begin an investigation to determine if there are other issues wrong with the product and if it needs to be removed from the market.

One of the more recent recalls has been the Stryker Hip Replacement Device. This device, intended to replace damaged hip joints, has been found to release metal shavings into the bloodstream, collapse under pressure, and even cause damage to surrounding tissue and muscle. If you have had a hip replacement and want to learn more, search for information about the Stryker hip recall online.

A labeling change was recently required by the makers of Januvia. This medication is used for the treatment of Type II diabetes. It was discovered that Januvia increases the risk of pancreatitis in patients that use the medication. The manufacturers were required by the FDA to place a black label warning on their medication stating this risk.

Other labeling issues usually occur in the food division of the FDA. The FDA will review products that are for sale and determine if the list of ingredients are complete. In many cases, if soy, nuts, whey, or milk are in the product but not on the label, the FDA will issue a recall of all available products and require the manufacturer to disclose their findings on the label.

What Does This All Mean To You?

The FDA is in place to make sure that consumers are protected from dangerous products. In most cases, they do their job very well. The FDA is very swift bout removing dangerous products from the market and demanding very high standards on product labeling and instructions.

However, sometimes they may not realize that a product is not exactly what it says or what the testing reveals. Several pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers have been sued by the FDA itself for falsifying tests and providing fraudulent clinical studies.

If you are injured by one of these dangerous medications or failed medical devices, you should see compensation for your injuries. For more information about the Stryker hip recall speak to your medical provider. Speak to a personal injury attorney about your case. By standing up to these manufacturers, you may help protect others from the same type of injury.

Golf Course Accidents: Who’s Liable For Injuries On The Link?

While some individuals may view golf as a boring game, these are usually the people who haven’t actually hit the links and given it a chance. The sport is a favorite of everyone from stay-at-home dads who enjoy weekly Putt-Putt sessions to corporate millionaires who like to get away from the office every so often. Though the game is usually played as a way to relax and enjoy oneself, individuals have actually been injured while on the greens. This makes it imperative for golfers, the world over, to understand potential accidents and liability.

Accidents On The Greens

Many people find it hard to imagine how an accident can happen on the golf course, but if one were to really think about it, it’s surprising that these incidents don’t happen more often. There are literally hard golf balls flying in various directions, from often long distances away. Golfers even know to yell “fore” to alert others that a ball is flying through the air. Unfortunately, this warning is sometimes not enough and an unsuspecting golfer can catch a fast moving ball right in the head.

While the potential to get hit by flying golf balls does exist, many individuals actually suffer slip-and-fall accidents while on the links. These accidents, which can easily happen while on vacation as well, can lead to broken bones and even spinal cord injuries. One law firm, who residents feel have the best personal injury lawyer in Columbia SC, expresses,”Although most of us think of vacation as a break from work or studies for relaxation, travel, or recreation, the reality of it is that it does not provide us any exemption from injury.”

On courses that offer golf carts, a simple judgment error on upcoming terrain or a mechanical problem with the machine can lead to rollovers which can cause potentially serious injuries or death.

Who’s At Fault?

The question of who is at fault for an accident on the links can have a variety of answers. These answers often vary by state, and they can even vary within a state depending on what property the course is located on.   In instances where mechanical failures lead to an accident on a golf cart, it’s often the case that those who run the property will be at fault. If another golfer acts in some negligent way and causes an accident, however, the injured party can have their attorney file a claim against that individual.

One of the main contributors to accidents on the greens is poor grounds keeping. This can lead to various sorts of accidents, and in the majority of these cases, proper investigative techniques can show that the property owner was at fault due to the lack of premises care. Of course, it’s not always the case that the owners of the golf course will be at fault.

Accident Contributors

Everyone has experienced accidents in their lives, and if most individuals were honest with themselves, the majority of accidents were likely their own fault. This can also happen while out on the greens. A golfer who hurts himself while overreacting to a missed putt, for instance, will likely be unable to secure any compensation to help cover their medical bills.

Many individuals see having a few drinks on the links as an integral part of golfing. This, of course, can lead to accidents as well. Even in cases where some form of negligence on the part of the property owner leads to an accident, it’s possible, due to comparative negligence laws, that a person won’t recover as much compensation as they would’ve had the accident occurred while they were sober. Those injured in golf cart accidents while drinking and driving, however, likely can’t recover damages and may even face driving under the influence charges.

Golfing is actually one of the safest sports that a person can engage in. There’s no roughhousing and the potential for disputes is so minimal that, other than in major tournaments, officials are rarely used. When accidents do occur on the greens, however, they can be just as harmful as any other type of sporting injury. This is why every golfer should recognize the danger of being on the links while trying their hardest to avoid injuries. When this fails, however, it’s best to speak with a personal injury attorney.

Nadine Swayne gained a great deal of information by searching best personal injury lawyer in Columbia SC online, which led to the inspiration for this article. If you are a victim of an unfortunate accident while playing the greens, understand that liability is also covered on the links to get you fair compensation.

Winning Maximum Compensation in a Wrongful Death Suit

No one wakes up in the morning expecting to be involved in an accident before the day is out. Unfortunately, due to the negligence of others, many people are incorrect in this assumption. Around 40,000 people are killed every year in car accidents alone, and when combined with other unintentional accidental deaths, over 120,000 people die yearly.

When another person’s negligence causes this type of accident, it’s possible for the victim’s family members to bring forth a wrongful death case; but it’s essential that they understand what is necessary to win.

What must be Proven

According to an estate planning attorney, about any type of civil case can be difficult, but there are a variety of things that must be proven in a wrongful death suit for a victim’s family to be successful. The surviving family must show, for instance, that the other party’s actions were at least in part the cause of the victim’s death; it must be shown that the defendant’s negligent actions led to the tragedy. If a loved one recently has passed away, then you may need to contact a estate planning attorney or a will attorney and a cremation service to get the funeral planned right away. 

In addition, it must be proven that the victim’s death had a negative effect on surviving family members, and fortunately, this isn’t usually a difficult burden to prove. Lastly, it must be shown that the victim’s death resulted in financial damages. Since a funeral will be necessary and the victim will no longer be able to earn wages for the family, this is also often not a difficult burden to prove. Retaining an experienced wrongful death attorney, like Williams Law Association, P.A., is essential when legally filing such a claim.

Winning the Case

Winning a wrongful death suit is contingent on the victim’s family’s ability to prove the aforementioned factors. Luckily, the burden of proof in this type of case is only a preponderance of evidence. This means that if the jury believes that it’s more likely than not that the defendant’s negligence led to the victim’s death, the burden of proof has been met.

The best way to understand this complex proceeding is to hear an example. A person who dies after a car accident caused by another driver’s failure to stop at a traffic light, for instance, will have died due to the other driver’s negligence. The running of the traffic light was a negligent action, and sadly, it directly led to the victim’s death. The victim may have been a source of income for the family, so these damages can easily be recovered. It’s important to note, however, that damages related to mental anguish and lost companionship can also sometimes be recovered.

Ensuring Maximum Compensation

Knowing the aforementioned elements of a wrongful death suit can go a long way, but for a claimant to receive maximum compensation, they should focus on a few specific things. It’s first important to get all police and medical records related to the incident. This will show the driver’s negligence and the fact that the injuries sustained due to that negligence were a direct cause of the victim’s death.

The best way for a person to help ensure maximum compensation, however, is to hire a wrongful death lawyer. These legal professionals are adept at gathering the appropriate evidence necessary to fully meet the burden of proof in wrongful death suits. In addition, it’s likely that a lawyer can help secure a fair settlement without having to go through the hardship of a trial. This is because insurance companies are far more likely to offer a fair settlement if they know they’re up against a trained legal mind.

There’s not a thing in this world that can take the place of a lost loved one, and this heartbreaking reality is often made even more disheartening when survivors realize that they lost their loved one due to another person’s negligence. Family members who are in this situation, can search Williams Law Association, P.A. online, to find out what steps to take next and how to file a claim.

Car salvage firm heavily fined after worker suffers serious burns

A car salvage firm in Wigan has been heavily fined and ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution after a worker was seriously injured in a fire at work.

Mr Lee Roberts, 33, worked for Douglas Valley Breakers Ltd as a car mechanic until the accident at work on 22 July 2010. Mr Roberts was walking into a pit to remove fuel from a van when a spark ignited fumes in the pit, causing an explosion. CCTV footage then showed Mr Roberts rushing from the pit, his clothes aflame. He was rushed to hospital and sustained sever burns to his hands, legs and nose in the fire. He has been unable to work since.

The Health and Safety Executive were subsequently informed of the accident and sought to investigate. Their investigation found the following health and safety breaches by the firm:

  • A failure to implement a safe system of work, with workers climbing up the outside of storage racks and riding on the forks of a forklift truck to reach items high on racks
  • A failure to provide proper equipment for work to be undertaken safely, including a failure to provide suitable fire detectors and alarms, and a failure to provide adequate fire safety training

The investigation also found that workers should never have been allowed to drain fuel into inspection pits and that there should have been no sources of ignition nearby.

The criminal case came before the Preston Crown Court on 31 October 2013. Douglas Valley Breakers Limited pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, one breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and two breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. As a result the company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £25,000 towards the costs of the prosecution.

Neither Douglas Valley Breakers Limited nor their criminal defence solicitors appear to have commented after the judgment.

HSE Inspector David Myrtle stated after the hearing: “Douglas Valley Breakers was guilty of several serious safety breaches. It failed to properly consider the risks its employees faced while removing fuel from vehicles, or to do anything about them. It was therefore almost inevitable that a worker would be badly burned in a fire. The company had the right equipment to do the job properly but instead it allowed workers to stand in a pit surrounded by fuel vapours where just one spark from electric equipment could start a fire.”

Chris Hadrill, a solicitor at Redmans, commented on the case: “Employers have an obligation to implement a safe system of work for their employees and this is arguably especially so when there is a risk of fire. The business in this case failed completely to take the necessary steps to avoid injury to Mr Roberts and was heavily fined for doing so. However, Mr Roberts has paid the real price in this case.”

Redmans Solicitors are employment solicitors in Putney and can help you claim personal injury if you’ve been injured at work.

The Oldest Prisons in the U.S.

The prison system in the United States dates back more than 230 years and is as old as the country itself. The system was created based on the English penal code and has many characteristics resembling the English system. The number of prisons in the United States grew from a handful of debtor prisons in early times to the more than 4,500 facilities in operation today. The current prison population in the U.S., according to U.S. Department of Justice data, is 1.6 million (2011). The State of Louisiana has the most prisoners per 100,000 people (1,619) while the State of Maine houses the fewest inmates per capita of any state (151 prisoners per 100,000 people).

The oldest prisons in the country that are still in operation today are the Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York, and the San Quentin State Prison located in Marin County, California. Read on for a short history of each facility.

Sing Sing Correctional Facility (1826)  

The Sing Sing Penitentiary is located just outside New York City on the Hudson River. The prison has been in continual use as a correctional facility for 187 years. The facility is a maximum security, male only correctional institution designed to house approximately 1,700 people, although the current population at Sing Sing is around 2,200 prisoners.

The facility first opened in 1826 as a replacement for the older Newgate Prison, built in 1797 in New York City. Initial inmates held at Sing Sing were those convicted of felonies, as well as mentally incompetent persons and individuals adjudicated as being insane. By 1848, insane and mentally incompetent prisoners were transferred to a new state mental hospital located in Utica, New York. Women were first housed at Sing Sing in the Mount Pleasant Female Prison opened in 1839 and were subsequently transferred to county facilities and finally to a new women’s prison built in Auburn, New York in 1893.

San Quentin State Prison (1852)  

The oldest prison in the State of California is the maximum security men’s facility located in the unincorporated town of San Quentin, California. The prison was opened in July 1852 and currently serves as the only death row facility in the state. San Quentin houses 3,955 male prisoners in a facility only designed to hold 3,082, as of January 2013. The 734 inmates that currently live on death row constitute the largest male death row population in the world. The most famous inmate to have been executed at San Quentin is possibly Stanley Tookie Williams, founder of the L.A. Crips street gang.

Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth (1875)  

The Disciplinary Barracks are located on the oldest military installation west of the Mississippi River. The barracks are the only maximum security military prison and this is the oldest prison in the federal correctional system. The facility houses 440 male inmates convicted of military crimes. Of the housed prisoners at Fort Leavenworth (known as “The Castle”), six are currently on death row, including former Army Major Nidal Hasan, who was found guilty of the shootings at the base at Fort Hood, Texas that left 13 dead. Another notable prisoner being held at Leavenworth is Chelsea (nee Bradley) Manning, a former Army private and intelligence analyst who was convicted of providing classified documents to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Byline

Jason Belmont is a freelance writer based in Issaquah, Washington who focuses on law & society. Those who find themselves in trouble and in need of assistance in Texas should consider going with OK Bail Bonds, located in Houston, Texas.