Norfolk Personal Injury lawyer

FDA Announces Recall of Defective Medical Devices

by | June 17th, 2013

June 17, 2013

Symbios Medical Products has partnered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to initiate a voluntary recall of the company’s GOBlock™ and GOPump™ Rapid Recovery System kits. The recall is being implemented due to several reports that deem the device a Defective Medical Product that could cause serious harm to users.

The faulty devices were manufactured before July 2012, but were distributed to patients between April 1, 2011, and April 30, 2013. The pumps are used to administer medications to patients suffering from numerous conditions.

An FDA Press Release explains the problem with the devices was discovered when the company received five reports claiming the unit had an excessive flow rate for medications. Such a high flow rate could result in a patient suffering from a number of adverse health events, including:

  • toxic medication levels,
  • seizures,
  • heart dysrhythmias,
  • and even death.

While no reports of fatal events have been made, two patients claimed to have suffered serious injuries associated with the use of the defective products.

Those who are in possession of the affected products have been instructed to contact the manufacturer regarding any questions or concerns.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley acknowledge the risks associated with the use of a defective medical device. The firm may be able to help if you or a loved one has been hurt by such a product.

On-The-Job Norfolk Auto Accident Claims 52-Year-Old Man’s Life

by | June 10th, 2013

June 10, 2013

An on-the-job Norfolk Auto Accident was responsible for claiming the life of a 52-year-old man last week. Reports indicate the accident happened at around 1:00 p.m. on the afternoon of Sunday, June 2, at a grocery distribution warehouse located on Kingwood Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia.

According to an article released by WAVY 10 News, the victim was an employee of the facility who was working near a loading dock on the day of the accident. When a vehicle hauling a trailer attempted to back up to the facility’s dock neither the driver or the worker recognized one another and the trailer of the vehicle struck the victim.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital, but died shortly after arrival. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The accident highlights the dangers vehicles in the workplace can present to employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 41 percent of all workplace fatalities that occurred in 2011 were the result of transportation accidents.  And the transportation and warehousing industry alone that year saw a total of  733 employee deaths.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the risks workers in numerous industries face daily when it comes to motor vehicle collisions. That is why the firm would like to send their deepest condolences to the family of the victim involved in this tragedy.

Family of Norfolk Brain Injury Victim Awarded $10.9 Million In Damages

by | May 20th, 2013

May 20, 2013

A settlement has been reached in a Norfolk Brain Injury Lawsuit that was filed on behalf of a Virginia toddler who was seriously injured after falling at a Virginia Hotel. Reports indicate the child will be awarded roughly $11 million in damages.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on September 4, 2011, at a Ramada hotel in Norfolk. According to the Claims Journal, the child was playing near a railway on the second floor of the hotel when he suddenly went through the barrier and fell roughly one story.

The child sustained serious brain injuries as a result of the fall and will likely require specialized medical care for the remainder of this life due to the injuries.

The child’s parents filed suit against the hotel, claiming it was negligent in failing to better protect its guests from the hazards of a fall presented by the insufficiently protected walkway. Last month, a Norfolk County Circuit Court judge approved the settlement under the stipulations that roughly $4 million of the damages be used to pay unpaid medical bills and attorney’s fees. The rest will be dispersed to the child through a trust fund that was established.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize the financial strain such a serious injury can place on a family. The firm is hopeful the decision will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the family.

A New Study Shows Promise In The Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

by | May 6th, 2013

May 6, 2013

Cerebral palsy is a very common Birth Injury that occurs in the United States today. The condition is caused by a lack of oxygen going to the brain during the child birthing process and can result in motor skills being drastically affected in a victim. The condition can lead to life-long disabilities such as an inability to walk, sit up, or speak.

New research is showing there may now be an effective treatment for this condition. A study published in a recent issue of the journal, Nature Biotechnology, data has shown that scientists are able to transform normal skin cells, or fibroblasts, into brain cells that are missing or damaged during the child birthing process. The technique is called “cellular reprogramming” and can alter the make up of the cell to allow it to transmit information to other myelinating cells.

The cells are created in a lab and then injected into a patient’s brain, where they quickly begin to repair damage to axons through the generation of compact Myelin.

The study was successful in the treatment of mice with suffering from Cerebral Palsy and now researchers are beginning to look into the testing of human cases.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are excited to see such advancements in the treatment of this disabling disease being made. The firm is hopeful the technology gained will be successful in helping those who have been affected by this condition.

Virginia Bus Accident Leaves One Person Dead And Another Seriously Injured

by | April 8th, 2013

April 8, 2013

A Virginia Auto Accident involving a charter bus that occurred this past Friday was responsible for leaving one man dead and another seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened just after 7:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 58 outside the town of Capron, Virginia.

According to an article from WRAL News, the bus was transporting eight passengers to an Open House Day event on the campus of Hampton University. As the bus traveled though, the 62-year-old driver began to veer the vehicle off the right side of the road, where it then hi a ditch and overturned before skidding to a halt.

The impact of the collision left a 58-year-old passenger of the bus dead and ejected another passenger from the vehicle. Paramedics transported the individual who was ejected to a local hospital for further treatment to injuries she sustained.

Investigators stated they had ruled out alcohol and speed as contributing factors to the crash, but later charged the operator of the bus with reckless driving and say more charges may be filed at a later time.

Data shows the company that owns the bus has been involved in two other accidents within the last three-years, which resulted in one other serious injury.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are here to help if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at no fault of your own.

 

Norfolk Auto Accidents Being Blamed On Defective Roadways

by | April 1st, 2013

April 1, 2013

Defects in roadways, such as potholes or uneven areas of a highways surface, are responsible for numerous Norfolk Auto Accidents each year. Just this past January, a city police officer was seriously injured when he drove over an uneven patch of asphalt on Tidewater Drive, lost control of his motorcycle, and crashed. Another motorcyclist reported jarring his back after striking one of the bumps while riding.

Several other motorcyclists in the area are making their voices heard about their concern for safety along Tidewater Drive. According to WVEC 13 News, these individuals have called for city officials to examine the need for repairs and maintenance along the stretch of road. While city officials have sent an inspector to examine the need for such projects, they have also stated the roadway met standards established by law last time it was examined.

In the meantime, many motorists are concerned for safety. Experts say it is important to slow down when driving a car on an area plagued with uneven pavement. The risks associated with riding a motorcycle in these types of highway conditions can be even more dangerous. Some riders suggest driving a proposed biking route in a car prior to hitting the street on a bike. This way, a rider knows what areas to avoid before approaching them.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley hope more is done to better protect motorists from the dangers associated with defective highway designs.

Norfolk Car Accident Claims One Life and Leaves Two Others Injured

by | March 26th, 2013

March 25, 2013

Norfolk Car Accident claimed the life of a 25-year-old woman recently. Police believe speed may have been a contributing factor.

According to News Channel 3, the crash happened at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, along Chesapeake Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia. Investigators say a car carrying three passengers was driving south on the road, when a van attempted to enter the highway from a secondary road. The van failed to recognize the oncoming vehicle and the two collided.

The impact of the crash left three vehicles seriously injured. They were each transported to a local trauma center for treatment, where the female later died. Doctors expect the other two victims to recover.

The Norfolk Police Department has stated they are continuing to look into the crash, but believe speed may have played a role. This comes as no surprise though as speed plays a part in a staggering number of accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that speed is a contributing factor in roughly one-third of all fatal accidents.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize how dangerous speeding can be. That is why the firm asks motorists to be aware of how fast they are traveling and to only go as fast as the posted speed limit allows. Doing so may just save a life!

Brain Injury Education Becomes A Priority In Virginia

by | February 25th, 2013

February 25, 2013

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 62 percent increase in the number of young athletes who suffered traumatic Brain Injuries over the past decade. This has brought heavy attention to the problem and prompted the state government to take action aimed at protecting athletes from harm.

NBC 29 News says Virginia enacted a law requiring coaches, athletes, and their parents to participate in a brain injury education seminar before hitting the field. The program is aimed at teaching individuals how to recognize the signs a brain injury has occurred and what action should be taken in the event an athlete is injured.

One trainer stated she has identified more than 30 such injuries in her school alone and say the most common symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Sensitivity to Light and/or Noise
  • Disruption of Sleep Patterns

Knowing the signs of this particular type of injury is becoming ever more important, as research emerges showing the effects repeat injuries can have and just how long recovery can take. Experts say the average college student will need 10 days to recover from a brain injury, while a high school student could need up to a month.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley encourage citizens to become aware of both the dangers and symptoms associated with brain injuries.

FDA Issues Recall On Resuscitation Systems with Blenders

by | February 18th, 2013

February 18, 2013

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced it would be partnering with medical device manufacturer, GE Healthcare, in conducting the voluntary recall of the resuscitation systems with blenders installed in GE Giraffe and Panda Infant Warmers. According to a press release from the agency, the recall is being conducted due to a malfunction in the device.

The units are used to regulate the amount of gas that is released to a patient through the device. Experts say the device presents a Product Liability issue though, when the oxygen and air wall fittings on the back panel of the device are reversed during assembly. This can lead to the blender knob on the device no longer giving an accurate reading, resulting in a patient potentially getting too much or not enough oxygen. This could result in serious side effects, including death.

Anyone who is in possession of an affected unit has been instructed to contact the manufacturer so that a specialist can inspect the devices for any malfunctions, correct any problems they discover, and replace any units that cannot be fixed.

The Norfolk Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are hopeful the recall will prevent any patients from being harmed by the defective products, while also promoting medical device manufacturers to ensure their products are safe to by on the market.

Study May Give Answers On Why People Continue To Drink And Drive

by | February 11th, 2013

February 11, 2013

While numbers from the Virginia Department of Motor vehicles shows a slight decline in Virginia Car Accidents related to drunk driving, the number of motorists convicted on charges of driving under the influence remains steady. Studies show that roughly one-third of these convicted drunk drivers are repeat offenders. This leaves many people wondering what can be done to curb the problem of repeat drunk drivers.

While many believe harsher punishments are the answer to this conundrum, a new study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse offers some new insight that contradicts this theory. According to EurekAlert!, researchers found that rats involved in a study examining alcohol consumption and associative punishment will go back to drinking alcohol once negative consequences for their drinking is removed. During the study, rats were given alcohol in a home environment. They were then offered alcohol again, but this time in an environment where punishment was administered for the behavior. This caused the rats to stop drinking, but only temporarily. Once reintroduced to alcohol in the home environment, they began drinking again.

Experts say the results can likely explain why a drunk driver will engage in the behavior after having already been punished numerous times.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley hope a better understanding of the psychological triggers that cause a person to drink will help to reduce the number of drunk drivers in the state of Virginia.