Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers Blog

Researchers Find New Way to Identify Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients

by | January 28th, 2014

January 27, 2014

One of the most difficult parts of a doctor diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is being able to properly identify the condition, considering many of the symptoms of a TBI are not visible to the naked eye. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say researchers at the University of Virginia may have developed a solution to this problem.

An article from YottaFire explains the team is using positron emission tomography (PET) scans and immune responses to identify changes in the brain at a molecular level, thus allowing the team to identify changes to brain biology and chemistry that can confirm a TBI has occurred.

Typically, less advanced imaging systems are used on TBI patients, which leaves doctors to heavily rely on patients describing their symptoms to diagnose their conditions. Now, the PET scan allows physicians to note when a compound similar to the structure of a radioactive tracer attaches to a white blood cell known as neutrophils. When a TBI occurs, the neutrophils attach to the brain at the site of the injury, allowing the team to collect images of the injury.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the advancements being made in the treatment of TBIs and are hopeful to see further research conducted in the field of brain injury treatment in the future as well.

Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit Results in $3 Million Settlement

by | January 20th, 2014

January 20, 2014

When a person is killed as the result of a car or truck accident caused by another person’s negligence, the family of the victim has the right to seek compensation for their loss through civil litigation. The Norfolk Wrongful Death Attorneys with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain such a case was recently settled outside of a Virginia courtroom.

According to an article from the Claims Journal, a 27-year-old Newport News, Virginia, woman was killed June 14, 2012, along Interstate 664 in the city of Chesapeake. Reports indicate the victim’s vehicle had broken down along the highway. The driver of a tractor trailer didn’t see the broken down vehicle and plowed into its rear, killing the woman inside.

The victim’s family later filed suit against both the driver responsible for the crash and the company who hired him. The family claimed the company and driver’s negligence was directly responsible for their loss. In order to avoid a costly court battle, an agreement was reached between the three parties that the family of the victim would be paid a sum of $3 million in order to lay the matter to rest.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult it can be to lose a loved one to an unforeseen accident. That is why the firm hopes the settlement brings some sense of closure to the incident for the family of the victim.

Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyer Discusses Virginia’s Dangerous Dog Registry

by | January 13th, 2014

January 13, 2014

Each year, an estimated 4.7 million Americans are the victims of dog bites. The Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain these attacks result in hundreds of thousands of victims seeking medical treatment for the injuries they sustained.

Such numbers have prompted the state of Virginia to evaluate what it can do to reduce the number of canine attacks in the state and many feel the state’s dangerous dog registry is the first great step towards that goal. In an article from The Carroll News, Carroll County Supervisor, Sam Dickinson, stated dogs that attack and injure a person or a companion animal are placed on the list. Owners of animals placed on the list can face increases in homeowner’s insurance rates as well as having to face a requirement to keep the animal muzzled in public.

Carroll County District Attorney, Jim Cornwell, went on to point out animals placed on the list are then divided into two categories, those who are dangerous and those who are vicious. Dogs that are considered to be vicious are terminated immediately, while those considered to be dangerous are allowed to live if owners meet certain standards of care.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to better protect the public from dangerous dogs and are hopeful the registry successfully reduces the number of attacks that occur in the state.

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Top 3 Ways to Reduce Crashes

by | January 6th, 2014

January 6, 2013

The dangers posed by car accidents are a serious risk the residents of Virginia face each day. In fact, data indicates that in 2012 there were 123,579 motor vehicle collisions reported in the state. These crashes led to more than 67,000 individuals suffering serious injuries, while another 775 lost their lives.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers explain these numbers often leave many citizens questioning what they can do to help reduce the chances of being involved in traffic crashes. The firm states there are three behaviors that, if avoided, will drastically slash a motorist’s odds of being involved in an accident. These behaviors include:

  • Speeding– Research has shown that roughly one-third of all fatal crashes list excessive speed as a contributing factor. Motorists should remember to obey posted speed limits at all times.
  • Driving While Intoxicated– According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of 229 Virginians in 2012.
  • Distraction– Failure to concentrate on the road is listed as a contributing factor in an increasing number of crashes in recent years. Many states are creating laws that prohibit the behavior, in an effort to prevent these types of crashes.

Lowell Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful motorists will refrain from engaging in these behaviors, creating a safer and friendlier travel environment.

NHTSA Launches “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

by | December 30th, 2013

December 30, 2013

Drunk driving is a major problem on the highway, especially around the holidays. In fact, data indicates that last year, the number of fatalities associated with drunk driving rose by as much as 4.6 percent. Furthermore, roughly two out of every five deaths that result from motor vehicle accidents during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday are the result of drunk driving.

The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say these numbers have prompted many Virginians to become concerned over what actions are being taken to keep intoxicated motorists off the streets this holiday season. Officials have stated the concerns have prompted the launch of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign.

According to a press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency has partnered with numerous other organizations to implement the program. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” provides funding to law enforcement organizations throughout the nation to implement operations focused on deterring motorists from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

The NHTSA also stated it has began an initiative aimed helping states create legislation requiring breath alcohol ignition interlock systems to be installed on vehicles that are driven by those charged with Driving Under the Influence.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the dangers posed by drunk driving and are hopeful the actions being taken by the NHTSA are successful in reducing accidents caused by intoxicated motorists.

Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Discuss Dangers of Transportation Accidents

by | December 21st, 2013

December 20, 2013

There are numerous ways an individual can be injured while on the job, but the Norfolk Workers Compensation Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain one of the most common types of work-related incidents to result in injury or death are transportation accidents. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates transportation accidents were responsible for more than 40 percent of all workplace fatalities that occurred last year.

Such a crash was responsible for claiming the life of a 56-year-old truck driver in Virginia Beach, Virginia, earlier this week. According to a story released by WVEC 13 News, the incident happened at approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, along Virginia Beach Boulevard.

Reports indicate two trucks, a box truck and a soda delivery truck, were heading westbound along the road. Somehow, the trucks came into contact, pushing the box truck off the road and into a power pole. The impact of the collision claimed the life of the 56-year-old driver of that vehicle.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the accident, if it could have been prevented, and if either driver should face charges in connection to the incident.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are aware of the serious dangers transportation accidents pose to employees in the industry and would like to send their condolences to the family of the man who was killed earlier this week.

Norfolk Car Accident Leaves One Motorist Seriously Injured

by | December 16th, 2013

December 16, 2013

Each year, thousands of Virginians are injured in motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the state Department of Motor Vehicles reports that last year alone, an estimated 67,000 motorists sought medical attention after being involved in crashes.

To bring into perspective just how common such accidents are, the Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point to an accident that recently left a motorist seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened just before 1:30 p.m. this past Saturday afternoon along Battlefield Boulevard South in Chesapeake, Virginia.

According to an article from ABC 13 News, the driver of a Mercury sedan was southbound along the road. As he began to approach traffic stopped ahead of him, the driver whipped his vehicle into the adjacent lane in an effort to pass the stopped cars. When he did so though, he pulled into the path of an oncoming Volkswagen and struck the other vehicle.

The impact of the crash caused the driver of the Mercury to veer off the road, where he struck a pole before plowing into a tree. He was seriously injured as a result of the crash and was rushed to a local trauma center by rescue crews who responded to the scene.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult it can be to recover from car accident injuries and the firm would like to wish the victim of this latest accident a full recovery.

Virginia Lawmakers’ Actions to Prevent Drunk Driving Paying Off

by | December 9th, 2013

December 9, 2013

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents today. In fact, the Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that data shows the intoxicant plays a part in roughly one-third of all fatal car accidents that occur annually.

In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents, the state has recently stiffened penalties for motorists who drink and drive. The recent reforms not only include longer incarceration times and higher fines, but also the implementation of laws requiring offenders to use ignition interlock systems.

The new efforts seem to be paying off, considering a number of charges have stemmed from the new regulations, including those a 25-year-old Suffolk, Virginia, man is facing. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the charges stem from a fatal crash that occurred September 18, along Route 460.

Reports indicate the collision, involving six vehicles and two tractor-trailers, claimed the life of a 48-year-old Virginia Beach man. Now, the 25-year-old is facing charges of homicide, involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license related to a DUI and operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are glad to see the new laws holding offenders accountable for their actions and urge motorists to stay safe by refraining from drinking and driving.

Organizations Offer Assistance to Virginia Families with Children Who Suffered Birth Injuries

by | December 2nd, 2013

December 2, 2013

Each year, a portion of the children born in the Commonwealth of Virginia are brought into this world suffering from any number of birth-related injuries and neurological issues. These problems can often leave parents struggling to both make ends meet financially and to get their child the best medical care possible.

The Norfolk Birth Injury Lawyers explain that there may be help available to those whose child suffered an injury during birth, considering there are several organizations focused on offering assistance to these families.

One of those organizations is the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program. This group offers help to families with children who have suffered birth injuries and require specialized medical care. The program also offers funds that can be used to cover medical expenses that insurance will not, such as rehabilitation and in-home nursing care.

There are certain catches to the program though. For example, any family who uses funding from the program is not entitled to receive compensation from a medical malpractice lawsuit.

This is just one reason Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers suggest discussing your legal and financial options with a qualified attorney before making any decisions on how to care for a child who has suffered a birth injury. Doing so will ensure any rights to compensation you and your child may have are protected.

Electronic Health Record System Helps Reduce Preventable Medical Errors at Virginia Hospitals

by | November 25th, 2013

November 25, 2013

Each year, a large number of hospital patients lose their lives or are seriously injured as the result of preventable medical errors made by doctors and staff. The Norfolk Medical Malpractice Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain some hospitals in the state of Virginia are working to prevent such mistakes through the use of electronic health records.

According to a story from U.S. News, facilities owned by Sentara Healthcare began implementing the electronic system in 2005 to the tune of roughly $237 million. By 2011 though, the system had produced almost double the expected savings through the prevention of an estimated 180,000 medication errors. Other savings were accumulated by the program through the slashing of hospital stay durations, lowering of healthcare costs, and increasing savings.

Experts say the program reduces errors by providing hospital staff members with an easy way to access and update information regarding a patient. Despite such ease of access to patient information, the program is being touted as also having created a better way to protect patient privacy as well.

Lowell “the Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the use of this new technology in order to reduce the number of patients who are harmed annually. The firm is hopeful to see similar programs implemented at other hospital facilities in the future.