Norfolk personal injury lawyers

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.

Researchers Discover Progesterone May Help Heal Traumatic Brain Injuries

by | July 22nd, 2013

July 22, 2013

Data indicates that as many as two million people per year are the victims of a Traumatic Brain Injury. The long-lasting effects of such an injury can be devastating, but scientists believe they have discovered a new and effective way of treating such injuries.

According to an article by KSAT News, researchers have shown that a certain hormone found only in pregnant women may help those who have suffered a brain injury heal faster. Reports indicate the study examined the effects progesterone may have on the victim of a brain injury. The hormone was given to the victim within eight hours of the injury and was then administered for another five days following the incident.

The team concluded those who received progesterone showed more rebuilding of the blood-brain barrier, a decrease in brain swelling, and less cell death than those who were part of a control group.

The team plans to continue their research by examining the recovery of the victims over the next six months. They also hope to expand their research to include more participants.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the discovery and the technological advancements that may accompany it. The firm is hopeful the research will lead to better treatments for those who sustain serious brain traumas.

Two Workers Injured As The Result Of A Norfolk Construction Accident

by | May 13th, 2013

May 13, 2013

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 15 percent of workplace fatalities that occurred in 2011 were the result of a worker being struck by an object or equipment on a jobsite. Such an accident was responsible for leaving two men seriously injured at a Norfolk, Virginia, construction site earlier today.

Reports from WAVY-TV 10 News indicate the incident occurred at around 2:00 p.m. in the basement of the public library located on Plume Street. Julian Williamson, Battalion Chief of the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Department, explained that the victims were hanging a steel support plate in a doorway when the 700-pound slab of metal came crashing down on top of them. Both men sustained non-life threatening injuries. They were both transported to local trauma centers for further treatment.

The incident leaves man workers considering what they would do if they sustained an on-the-job injury that left them with mounting medical bills and an inability to preform their job duties. The most common way these expenses are covered is through Workers’ Compensation Benefits. Most employers are required to purchase insurance that covers the costs in the event an employee is injured on-the-job.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that the process to receive such benefits can be complex and confusing though. That’s why the firm suggests discussing your legal options with an attorney if you have been injured in a workplace accident that wasn’t your fault.

Novelty Helmets Contribute To High Number Of Brain Injuries In Motorcycle Accidents Victims

by | April 22nd, 2013

April 22, 2013

Data has long supported the idea that wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle can drastically reduce the chances of injury or death in the event of an accident. Despite these numbers, more than 800,000 novelty helmets, which offer no protection during a collision, are distributed in the United States each year.

Motorcyclists sustaining serious Brain Injuries are often the result of wearing a novelty helmet when an accident occurs. An article from the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting discusses this risk and what is being done to solve the problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that as many as 754 people die each year when they are involved in motorcycle accidents while wearing novelty helmets. This high number leaves many wondering, why these items are still being sold if they offer no protection?

Selling the novelty helmets is legal as long as they make no misrepresentation as to their compliance with safety standards and regulations outlined by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Others ask, why aren’t the helmets banned from use?

Law does ban the use of novelty helmets when riding on the highway; however, enforcement of this law can be difficult. In Virginia, for instance, it is illegal for law enforcement to utilize helmet checkpoints to catch those breaking the state’s helmet law.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley encourage motorcyclists to stay safe by always wearing a DOT-Approved helmet when riding.

 

Virginia Dog Attack Leaves Chesterfield Woman Seriously Injured

by | April 15th, 2013

April 15, 2013

A woman from Chesterfield was hospitalized recently after suffering a Virginia Dog Bite Injury in an attack by a neighbor’s pet. Reports indicate the attack happened on the afternoon of March 20 at a residence located on the 9000 block of Husting Court.

The victim stated she was simply delivering a notice letter to a neighbor’s home when the animal leapt over a five foot high fence and latched onto her arm. She went on to explain the dog began to shake its head violently, tearing her fleshing and leaving gaping lacerations in the victims arm.

NBC 12 News stated the victim freed herself and got to safety before paramedics rushed her to the hospital to undergo emergency surgery and testing.

When asked about the incident, the owner of the animal acknowledged the canine’s dangerous temperament, but stated he had “Beware of Dog” sign posted. The owner also stated the dog had bitten before, but the case was dismissed because the sign was posted.

Experts say having such a sign may not necessarily take liability from an owner in the event of an attack though. Experts explain owners of an animal bear the burden of proving they didn’t have knowledge the animal presented a danger.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley may be able to help if you have been hurt in a dog attack that occurred at no fault of your own.

 

Three Norfolk Employees Awarded More Than $1 Million For Injuries

by | March 4th, 2013

March 4, 2013

The railroad company, Norfolk Southern Corp., has been ordered by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to pay more than $1 million to three employees who were wrongfully terminated after suffering work-related injuries.

According to an OSHA press release, a crane operator suffered an eye injury when struck by a piece of metal while working. The company took the worker out of service following the accident and formally fired him a short time later. Norfolk Southern listed the reason for the termination as giving false statements regarding the accident.

Then, the company fired a welder and his assistant after the pair was involved in a car accident. The men were said to be riding in a company truck when another vehicle ran a red light and hit a car. The second vehicle then struck the men’s work truck. The men initially didn’t seek medical treatment, but as their shoulder pains grew, they were taken to a local hospital.

An investigation determined Norfolk Southern had terminated the men’s employment based on their reporting injuries and claimed the men would not have been let go had they not reported the injuries.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain workers have a right to a healthy and safe environment in which to work. When an accident does occur, an employer has a responsibility to cover the expenses through Virginia Workers’ Compensation. Failure to provide either is against the law.

Sailors In Norfolk Receive Message About The Dangers Of Impaired Driving

by admin@gotechark.com | December 10th, 2012

December 10, 2012

Impaired driving is the leading cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States, yet is completely preventable. George Burch relayed that message to roughly 3,000 sailors at a program that was part of Naval Station Norfolk’s Safety Standown campaign.

According to the Suffolk News Herald, Burch is a retired sailor and police officer that currently works as a prosecutor in Suffolk County. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who sponsored the event, thought Burch’s past experience could make him a voice of reason in the importance of staying off the road if impaired. He also explained how impairment isn’t necessarily just from alcohol either, as illicit drugs and some over-the-counter medications can also affect one’s ability to make good judgments behind the wheel.

Mr. Burch’s speech included anecdotes about the roughly 20 fatalities and more than 300 arrests he has been involved in that were the result of drunk driving and was quick to point out that such arrests potentially save thousands of lives each year.

Burch added that if one sailor remembers and abides to what he said, he has made a significant impact.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley understand the dangers of drinking and driving. That is why the firm’s team of Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers encourage citizens to establish a designated driver before attending an event where any alcohol is consumed.

Three Former Norfolk Railway Employees Awarded $800,000 For Wrongful Terminations

by | July 16th, 2012

July 16, 2012

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently ordered the Norfolk, Virginia-based freight train company, Norfolk Southern Railway Co., to pay more than $800,000 in damages to three former employees who were fired after they filed Norfolk Workers’ Compensation claims. According to EHS Today, the company is also being forced to pay more than $500,000 in punitive damages.

The fines are in response to three cases of wrongful termination after an employee was injured. The first accident occurred on August 14 2009 when an employee was injured after being struck by a company vehicle. The employee filed an injury claim and was fired a short time later for improper performance of job duties.

Just seven months later, another worker was fired after filing an injury claim stemming from a fall, on the grounds that the claims were falsified. The company attempted the same tactic with another employee in July 2010, just days after declaring him an excellent worker for never having missed a day of work due to injury.

A closer look at the cases by OSHA investigators uncovered the flaws and resulted in the awarded damages.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley would encourage anyone who is injured while working at no fault of their own to report the injury to OSHA. Then, it is vital that you only discuss your case with an experienced attorney from that point on.

Gardasil Still Being Marketed Despite Thousands Of Problem Reports

by admin@gotechark.com | May 21st, 2012

May 21, 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing statements that urge not only teenage girls to receive human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines, but boys as well. According to statistics from the agency, more than half of all sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

In 2006, doctors began recommending the vaccine to girls between the ages of 11 and 12-years-old receive the vaccine as the virus has been linked to certain types of cancers. After research results were released earlier this year that found that nearly 7 percent of American teens carry HPV and that men are three times more likely than women to be carriers, the CDC began recommending that boys receive the vaccination as well.

With an increase in the number of individuals being vaccinated, the number of patients suffering from adverse effects also increased. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that one drug in particular, Gardasil®, has been linked to more than 12,000 reports of individuals developing autoimmune diseases, blood clots, and even dying. Other serious problems associated with the drug include:

  • blindness,
  • paralysis,
  • heart attack or stroke,
  • rheumatoid arthritis,
  • and lupus.

Gardasil lawsuits are being filed to help those who were injured by a drug manufacturer’s negligence. If you have suffered medical complications after taking Gardasil®, the Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley may be able to help you.