Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers Blog

Lawmakers Consider Expanding Brain Injury Regulations for High School Athletes to Recreational Leagues

by | November 18th, 2013

November 18, 2013

Despite numerous regulations being put into place in recent years to protect Virginia’s high school athletes from the dangers of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), a large number of participants in the state’s sports programs are still suffering dangerous blows to the head. In fact, the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point out that a single doctor at one hospital in the city states he sees roughly 20 new TBI cases per week.

According to a story from WAVY 10 News, these numbers have prompted state lawmakers to consider further regulating sports in the region to help reduce TBI numbers. Laws are in place that create standards of care and education regarding TBIs for athletes participating in high school sports, but no such policies are in place for recreational sports leagues. That is why a group of legislators want to reform laws to include these organizations in the steps being taken to protect athletes from injury.

These changes would force recreational sports athletes, coaches, and parents to take an educational course on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI. Furthermore, any athlete suspected of having suffered such an injury would be pulled from participation immediately until they could be cleared to return to the field by a trained medical professional.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful the decision that is reached in the matter will help to better protect children from the dangers of brain injuries.

 

Norfolk High School Participating in Distracted Driving Awareness Competition

by | November 11th, 2013

November 11, 2013

Many drivers, especially teens, continue to drive while distracted despite knowing the dangers involved. In fact, studies have shown as many as 25 percent of teens admit to responding to one ore more text messages every time they drive.

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that in an effort to reduce the number of teens involved in distracted driving accidents, Norfolk High School is participating in a campaign titled “Celebrate My Drive”.

According to the Norfolk Daily News, students at each school can pledge to operate their vehicles safely each day. Each pledge counts as a vote, and the school with the most votes at the end of the campaign receives prizes. Awards will include the top school receiving a concert performed by three-time Grammy Award winner, Kelly Clarkson, and a $100,000 grant to be used to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving in the future.

Eight runner-up schools will also receive the $100,000 educational grants, while 90 other schools will receive grants of up to $25,000.

Students are working to promote the campaign via social media outlets.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud efforts being made to eliminate distracted driving, and they wish Norfolk High the best of luck in the competition!

Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers Discuss New Treatment for Veterans Suffering from PTSD

by | November 4th, 2013

November 4, 2013

Brain injuries are one of the most common injuries reported by soldiers returning from combat. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers say these injuries can lead to victims suffering from a number of conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

While there are currently several treatment options in place for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, none have proven highly effective. Now, according to an article from ABC 13 News, one doctor has stated he believes he has found a cure for these conditions using a technique typically used on scuba divers who surface too quickly.

Dr. Paul Harch has been using Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy to effectively treat PTSD in soldiers and veterans. The treatment works by placing the subject in a chamber where air pressures are changed in order to allow the blood to absorb more oxygen. Harch says increasing in the body’s oxygen is the key to healing victims of PTSD.

However, it is important to remember that the treatment has not been approved by the FDA and comes with several dangers to the patient, including death.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the need for better treatment options for soldiers and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The firm is here to help anyone suffering as a result of an injury sustained during service to our country.

 

Norfolk Worker Killed and Another Injured by Falling Objects at Stanton County Feedlot

by admin@gotechark.com | November 1st, 2013

October 28, 2013

Each year, thousands of workers suffer on-the-job injuries that leave them unable to work and in need of an insurance claim for benefits to cover expenses, such as lost wages and medical bills. One of the most common causes of such accidents is a employee coming into contact with objects or equipment on the jobsite. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that last year alone, such accidents where workers are struck by objects or equipment were responsible for approximately 15 percent of all workplace fatalities.

The Virginia Workers Compensation Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain a worker was fatally injured at a feedlot in Stanton County, Virginia, last week as the result of such an accident. Reports indicate the incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. Monday, October 21, at the facility located just east of the city of Norfolk, Virginia.

According to an article from the Norfolk Daily News, the 53-year-old victim was performing his job duties when grains were suddenly released from a silo above and came avalanching down on top of him. The victim was buried and died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident. Another 60-year-old worker was seriously injured as a result of the accident.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult recovering from a work-related injury can be, both physically and financially. That is why the firm suggests discussing your case with an attorney if you’ve been injured in an on-the-job accident.

Head-On Norfolk Car Accident Kills Two, Injures One

by | October 21st, 2013

October 21, 2013

Each year, head-on collisions are responsible for injuring or claiming the lives of thousands of motorists. The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that one such accident was responsible for claiming two lives in Virginia Beach recently.

According to an article from WVEC News, the crash occurred at around 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, along I-64, near Indian River Road. Reports indicate the victims were in a Hyundai sedan heading east along the highway, when a pickup truck crossed the median and struck the Hyundai head-on. The impact of the collision claimed the lives of the 31-year-old driver from Norfolk and a 12-year-old girl, while the driver of the pickup truck was seriously injured.

An investigation into the crash was launched and law enforcement was able to determine the driver of the truck was responsible for the collision. The 21-year-old North Carolina man who caused the crash is now facing charges of reckless driving. The charges in the case could be upgraded at a later time.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of how difficult handling the loss of a loved one to another motorist’s negligence can be. That is why the firm would like to send their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who were killed in this most recent tragic accident.

Lawsuits Claim Mold Contamination To Blame For Brain Injuries In Norfolk

by | October 14th, 2013

October 14, 2013

While the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer Stanley concede there can be numerous causes for serious brain injuries, perhaps one of the most uncommon would be mold; however, a U.S. District Judge in Norfolk, Virginia, has stated that a lawsuit alleges mold in military housing was responsible for causing just such an injury.

According to an article from the Hampton Roads Pilot Online, a private company signed a 50-year lease with the Navy in 2005 to privatize housing for military families in the region; however, nearly two dozen cases have been filed against the company alleging they have been negligent in failing to respond to claims of mold in the housing facilities. Complaints claim the mold is the result of “damp indoor spaces” that lack proper ventilation.

Some of the conditions plaintiffs say have resulted from the contamination include memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating, all of which are signs of serious brain injury.

Attorneys representing the company have stated the claims are exaggerated and added that settlements in the cases are highly unlikely; however, a trial date has yet to be set for the cases.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the serious harmed caused by both mold and brain injuries. That’s why the firm is hopeful a decision in the case will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the victims.

Stiffer Penalties For Drunk Drivers In Virginia

by admin@gotechark.com | October 7th, 2013

October 7, 2013

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that while many drivers are aware of the risks posed by driving under the influence of alcohol, there are some motorists who do not learn the lesson even after being caught. Data from the non-profit organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), shows an estimated 30 percent of motorists arrested for drunk driving are previous offenders. These numbers have led to stiffer penalties for violators of the law.

One such case was recently brought to court in Attleboro, Virginia, after a man was found to be under the influence at a local pizza shop. According to an article from The Sun Chronicle, employees at Domino’s Pizza at County Square called police regarding an intoxicated man at the business. Officers arrived and placed the man under arrest. It was later discovered it was the man’s fourth arrest for driving drunk.

While prosecutors asked during arraignment that the man be held in jail, the judge ordered instead that he be released on $1,000 bond and be placed under house arrest with an alcohol monitoring device. This will prevent the man from drinking or driving until the case is settled.

The law firm’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers is aware of how dangerous the behavior of drinking and driving can be. That is why the firm applauds the efforts being made to crack down on the behavior and asks that motorists refrain from getting behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Dangers Brain Injuries Pose To Athletes Gaining Attention In Virginia

by | September 30th, 2013

September 30, 2013

The National Football League (NFL) recently reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought against the organization by roughly 4,500 former and present players, regarding a lack of warnings about the dangers traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) pose to their long-term health. The Virginia Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the decision was made following new information regarding how TBIs can cause the tissue of the brain to deteriorate, resulting in brain damage.

Both of these findings have led coaches and staff at all levels of athletics to become more concerned than ever with protecting their players from risky injuries. According to an article from the Daily Press, coaches at both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are being lauded for their stance on always taking precautions with potentially injured players.

Typically, this means that when a player is hurt, the coaches will pull the player off of the field until a qualified medical professional can examine the hurt individual to determine if and when they should return to play. Coaches, players, and staff are also required to take part in an educational program that offers instruction on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to protect athletes from harm, but encourage anyone who does suffer a TBI to discuss their legal options with an attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Examine The Role Of Defective Highway Design In Crashes

by | September 23rd, 2013

September 23, 2013

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say that a common contributing factor in some motor vehicle collisions is defective highway design. The firm goes on to explain that sometimes, an increase in traffic volume over the course of numerous years can lead to a roadway not being able to handle its daily traffic load, which can lead to accidents.

This may have been the cause of a recent collision between a pedestrian and a minivan in the city of Norfolk Virginia. According to an article from The Sun Chronicle, the crash occurred at approximately 9:10 a.m. Thursday, September 5, at the corner of Pine and Everett streets.

Reports indicate the 69-year-old victim was jogging along the road when he was struck by a van. The impact of the collision left the victim with critical injuries that required airlifting to a local hospital.

Citizens have made numerous complaints about the road in recent years after an increase in accidents was recorded following a project that created a bypass using the roads around Route 1 and Foxboro; however, city officials have not announced any plans to improve the roadway’s safety.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognizes how devastating injuries from a motor vehicle collision can be. That is why the firm would like to wish the injured victim a full and speedy recovery.

Target Finds Lamps Pose Product Liability Risks After Electrocution Reports

by | September 16th, 2013

September 16, 2013

The Norfolk Product Liability Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that when a company fails to ensure the safety of their products, sometimes consumers can become the victims of accidents caused by malfunctioning products.

In an effort to reduce the number of these instances, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), examines and tests every product released. Any problems that are found can result in a recall of the product.

The CPSC recently took such action against Target Corp. after problems in one of their lamps was determined to be the cause of at least six consumers suffering electrocutions. Reports indicate the lamp can short out when a one-way bulb is screwed into the lamp’s three-way socket. When this occurs, the lamp can pose a risk of electrocution and burn to users and present a serious fire hazard as well. So far, the CPSC has received two reports of electrocution and four other reports of property damages caused by fires.

Anyone in possession of the affected lamp is instructed to stop using it immediately and return it to a Target store for a full refund.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers also urge anyone who has been harmed by a defective product to discuss their legal rights to potential compensation with a reputable attorney immediately.