Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers Blog
by | May 19th, 2014
In Virginia, most employers are required by law to carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy that will cover the expenses related to an employee’s injury or death stemming from an on-the-job accident. Unfortunately though, many employers choose not to abide by these rules, leaving many workers struggling for compensation in the event of an accident.
To address this problem, the state has stiffened the penalties against companies that fail to comply with Virginia workers’ compensation laws. The new, stricter standards are set to go into effect later this summer.
According to an article from Tire Business, employers who fail to supply workers and subcontractors with workers’ compensation insurance will now face a fine of $250 per day they are not in compliance beginning July 1. The fines will continue to grow until they accumulate up to $50,000. Under the current laws, employers who do not carry the required insurance policy are only subject to a fine of up to $5,000.
The new laws also clearly define the roles that are classified as employees to prevent companies from using a title to exempt a worker from benefit coverage.
Norfolk personal injury lawyer Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley understands how confusing the state’s workers’ compensation laws and processes can be and encourages anyone with questions about filing such a claim to speak with a qualified attorney immediately.
by | May 13th, 2014
There’s an endless list of on-the-job hazards workers face that can result in accidents that cause injuries and can leave victims in need of Virginia workers’ compensation benefits to cover their expenses; however, two of the most common accident causes include:
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Slips, trips, and falls
An incident that occurred on a construction site last week in Virginia Beach has left two workers injured and highlights just how common these types of accidents are. According to an article from ABC 13 News, the incident happened Monday, May 5, at Town Center on Columbus Street when a steel beam fell. The falling piece of metal struck one worker who was on the ground and forced another to be thrown from the basket of a cherry picker. Both men were injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Accidents like this leave many workers wondering what they should do if they are hurt while working. The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain there are three steps that should be taken in this situation:
- Get medical attention– If you’ve been hurt on-the-job, your health should be a top priority.
- Document the accident– Gathering documentation of the accident can later be crucial evidence if a dispute arises as the result of an injury claim.
- Hammer the responsible parties– It’s important to hold those who cause accidents and injuries liable for their actions to not only help victims with the compensation they need, but to also ensure similar incidents don’t happen again in the future to others.
by | May 5th, 2014
Getting from one place to another can be time consuming and expensive. To help alleviate this problem in Virginia Beach, two companies are considering bringing their ride sharing services to the area, but the move is already being met with hesitation from government officials stemming from incomplete paperwork and concern over liability in the event of a Virginia car accident involving one of the companies’ drivers.
An article from WAVY 10 News explains ride share company, Uber, is facing civil penalties of $26,000 for failure to meet broker’s license requirements. The company argues that they should not have to pay the fees or carry the documentation, as they are not necessarily for hire, like a taxi or limo. Instead, they say their driver is the one who is hired and carries the onus of liability. Lyft is facing a $9,000 fine for a similar infraction.
While the companies are working to iron out the legal framework for this particular business model, several lawsuits have already been filed against the two companies stemming from accidents their drivers were involved in. In each incident, a passenger was injured and is seeking damages from the companies for their losses.
The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “the Hammer” Stanley recognize who complex the process of determining liability following an accident can be. That is why the firm urges anyone who is injured in a motor vehicle collision to discuss their legal options with an attorney immediately.
by | April 28th, 2014
Car accidents happen every day in the United States, but many of these accidents are the result of defective parts installed in vehicles during the manufacturing process. To help make the public more aware of these issues, here are three of the latest cases of defective vehicle equipment to be discovered:
- Brake System Failures– The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating whether a problem with a forward-collision prevention system in an estimated 60,000 Chevrolet Impalas may be to blame for the vehicle taking corrective action when a crash is not likely. A New York Times article explains the agency’s quick moves to examine the problem are likely the result of the failure to promptly open an investigation into the next problem on our list.
- Ignition Switch Failures– General Motors recently recalled 2.6 million vehicles after the vehicles were found to have turned off while in motion. Documents have shown the company and officials were aware of the problem years ago, but failed to take corrective action.
- Faulty Tires– Ford recalled a number of their Explorer models after it was discovered the tires the vehicles were outfitted with were prone to separation. This would cause immediate deflation, sometimes while the vehicle was in motion.
The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain it is important to speak with an attorney if you are harmed as the result of an accident caused by faulty vehicle equipment, so that any rights you may have to compensation can be protected. We are here to help and can be reached by calling 1-800-208-CASH.
by | April 21st, 2014
Employers in the state of Virginia have a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of their employees; however, accidents can still sometimes occur that can leave workers seriously injured. The medical bills associated with such incidents can grow out of control, especially if the injury leaves an individual unable to work. The stresses that can accompany life after an accident can be immense, but there is help available to these individuals through Virginia workers’ compensation benefits.
Most businesses and employers in the state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers the expenses associated with on-the-job injuries. But the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing. Norfolk injury attorney Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explains the steps for getting workers’ compensation in Virginia include:
- Filing a Claim- The injured worker or their legal representative must notify their employer of their injury within 30 days, and must file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the accident occurring.
- Processing- The employer’s insurance company will examine the claim, then either offer a settlement or deny the claim based on their findings.
- Appeal- If the settlement is not sufficient or the claim is denied, the individual has a right to seek to have the decision overturned through the court system.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of attorneys recognize how complex and confusing these processes can be, which is why they suggest speaking with a reputable lawyer if you have been hurt on the job.
by | April 14th, 2014
Dog owners in Virginia have a responsibility to keep their animals restrained at all times in order to protect the public from the risk of an attack that could cause a serious Dog Bite Injury. Failure to meet this requirement by a Portsmouth, Virginia, dog owner has ended with a 12-year-old girl being seriously harmed and requiring extensive medical treatment.
A report from WAVY-TV 10 News explains the victim was sitting on the porch of a Summit Avenue home on Thursday, April 10, when an animal escaped from its home and attacked. The child was taken to the ground by the animal, where she subsequently suffered injuries that would require more than 30 stitches, plastic surgery, and hours of medical care to correct the damage done.
The incident leaves many people wondering what they should do if they find themselves in the presence of an aggressive animal. The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain avoiding eye contact and giving the animal space is the best option; however, every animal and their reactions are different. That is why the firm would add that anyone who is hurt in a dog attack that is the result of the owner’s negligence should discuss their legal options with a qualified attorney immediately.
by | April 7th, 2014
The manufacturers of the automobiles Americans purchase and drive have a responsibility to ensure their products and parts are safe for use. Failure to do so can result in massive, costly recalls and, in some cases, civil litigation.
Several such Defective Product Lawsuits have arisen in the wake of a massive recall launched by auto manufacturer General Motors (GM). Reports indicate ignition switch failure caused several GM vehicles to shut off while in motion, and lead to several serious and fatal accidents.
Consumers reported a loss of braking and steering control when the ignition switch accidentally makes its way into the off position while the vehicle is in motion. The problem is attributed to a malfunction in the piece that locks the key into place when inserted in the ignition.
An article from CBS News states GM was aware of the defective part for up to five years before they took action to protect consumers from harm. The cost to replace the problematic part was less than $1 per vehicle, but GM officials declined to take action because of the expense.
Now, the company is facing more than a dozen lawsuits in connection to crashes caused by the faulty part.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the dangers defective auto parts can present and are here to help anyone who has been harmed in an accident caused by a product liability issue.
by actuate | March 31st, 2014
March 31, 2014
When an accident happens, victims are often unsure of where to turn for help. Many choose to hire an attorney to assist them with collecting compensation for damages. This raises the question of how accident victims choose their attorneys, and the answer for many is advertising.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recently got a nod for their advertising style in a recent podcast. In fact, the hosts of the series declared some of the firm’s ads worth of placement in the legal advertising record books.
99% Invisible’s host, Roman Mars, talked about Stanley’s use of flaming cars and explosions in his ads as a practice once prohibited by the American Bar Association. That restriction was lifted by a Supreme Court ruling stating that lawyers have the same rights to free speech as anyone else.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of attorneys are proud to take their place in legal advertising history books, and they encourage the public to stay aware of our media appearances by checking our Legal & Firm News.
by | March 24th, 2014
March 24, 2014
Motor vehicle collisions are a very serious danger to motorists in Virginia. In fact, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles shows that in 2012 alone, there were a total of 123,579 Virginia Car Accidents that led to 775 fatalities and approximately 64,000 injuries.
Statistics like these leave many motorists wondering what some of the most common contributing factors to these crashes are. The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain they can be:
- Speeding – Estimates show excessive speed to be a factor in as many as one-third of all fatal accidents. It is also being considered to blame as the cause for an accident ABC 13 News says claimed the life of a 18-year-old girl from Hampton, Virginia.
- Distracted Driving – As many as 60 percent of motorists have admitted to taking a call or sending a text while at the wheel. Teens seem to be at an especially high risk of being involved in an accident when engaging in this behavior.
- Drunken Driving – This is one of the most significant problems on the road today. Studies show that if the 17 million drunk drivers in our country had their own state, it would be the fifth largest in our nation.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of attorneys recognize these dangers, and they ask motorists to stay safe behind the wheel.
by actuate | March 17th, 2014
March 17, 2014
The history and technology that has powered the advancement of the automobile is of interest to many Americans. To help further cultivate such interests in the Hampton, Virginia, area, the Inaugural Virginia Hot Rod and Custom Car Show will debut next week.
The event will take place at the Hampton Coliseum beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, and will run until 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30. The event will feature a show of custom vehicles from several different classes that will compete for awards and honors. Some of the vehicles on display will include customized Triumph Bobber motorcycles, the 1969 Chevelle, the 1958 Volkswagen Beetle, and hot rods from the turn of the century.
Vendors will also be on hand selling goods, and several celebrity meet-and-greet opportunities are scheduled.
Tickets for the event can be purchased online for $10 – $20 or through the coliseum’s box office.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the crowds that will gather in attendance of this event could significantly increase the chances of a Norfolk car accident occurring in the area around the coliseum. That is why the firm asks attendees to stay safe by being vigilant at all times when driving near the event.
