Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers Blog
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
by actuate | 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.
