Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers Blog

Group Hopes To Reduce Number Of Virginia Car Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

by | August 5th, 2013

August 5, 2013

Driver distraction is quickly becoming one of the leading contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents in the state of Virginia, especially in crashes involving teens. In an effort to reduce the number of these Virginia Car Accidents, an organization, called Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO), held an event on the campus of Lynchburg College aimed at making young drivers more aware of the dangers distracted driving can pose.

According to ABC 13 News, the campaign consisted of a driving simulator where teens got behind the wheel and maneuvered the simulated vehicle through a virtual reality setting. Drivers were then asked to operate the simulator while getting their phones out, taking a call, and even sending and receiving text messages.

Motorists in such a situation can typically take their eyes off the road for as long as five seconds. If a vehicle is traveling at highway speeds though, these short periods of inattention can become the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

The program hopes to promote a grassroots message with participants taking their experiences in the simulator back to their hometowns, where they can then discuss what happened and the risks of distracted driving with their peers.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the campaign and hope it is successful in reducing the number of distracted driving accidents that occur in Virginia each year.

Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit Set To Go To Trial

by | July 29th, 2013

July 29, 2013

The Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit filed on behalf of a University of Virginia Lacrosse player allegedly murdered by her estranged boyfriend will go to trial. Court documents indicated the hearing will begin September 29, 2014, and last approximately two weeks.

According to NBC 29 News, the suit stems from an incident that occurred in May 2010 at the victim’s apartment, located on 14th Street in Charlottesville, Virginia. Police believe the accused kicked in the door of the apartment, got into an argument with the victim, and killed her by striking her head against the wall.

The victim’s family filed the suit, claiming the accused’s negligent behavior that evening was the direct and proximate cause of the victim’s death. So far, the man charged in connection to the murder has denied any wrongdoing in the matter and has evoked his Fifth Amendment right not to speak in the matter.

The victim’s family is seeking more than $30 million in the suit.

One of the most important aspects of a wrongful death case is proving negligence on the part of the responsible party; however this can be an extremely complex process.

That is why the Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley hope a decision in the case will bring a sense of closure to the tragedy for the family of the victim.

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 Killed, One Injured In Virginia Drunk Driving Accident

by | July 15th, 2013

July 15, 2013

A York County Drunk Driving Accident that occurred earlier this week was responsible for claiming the lives of two young men and leaving another seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash occurred at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday, July 13, along Route 134.

According to an article released by the Daily Press, the 24-year-old driver of a 2005 Pontiac carrying two other passengers was intoxicated as he was heading north along the Hampton Highway. The driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a grove of trees.

The impact of the collision killed the driver and one of the passengers. The other passenger survived and was rushed by paramedics to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.

The results of a drunk driving accident can be devastating for not only the victims, but their families as well. This often leaves many victims wondering what rights to compensation for injuries and other losses they may qualify for.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that in order for a victim to qualify for compensation, they must be able to establish negligence on the part of the drunk driver; however, proving negligence in a court of law can be a complex process. Tthe firm suggests discussing your legal options with an attorney if a drunk driver has harmed you.

Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed By Family of Deceased Cyclist

by | July 9th, 2013

July 8, 2013

Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a woman who was struck and killed while riding a bicycle along a Richmond, Virginia, road last year. Reports indicate the incident occurred this past July, along River Road on the west side of town.

According to CBS 6 News, the victim was riding her bicycle home when a vehicle being driven by a 31-year-old man suddenly struck her. Instead of rendering aid to the victim though, the driver fled the scene. The victim was later found and declared dead at the scene.

The man responsible for causing the crash later confessed to investigators, saying he believed he had hit a deer, not a person, which led to him leaving the scene. A jury disagreed and sentenced the man to three years behind bars for fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in an injury.

Now, the family of the victim has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the man who caused the crash, claiming that his negligence was directly responsible for their loss.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the devastating effects the loss of a loved one to an unforeseen accident can have on a family. That’s why the firm would like to send their deepest condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life and hope a decision in the case will bring some closure to their tragic loss.

Local Man Loses Life In Norfolk Car Accident

by | July 1st, 2013

July 1, 2013

A 63-year-old Virginia man died as the result of a Norfolk Car Accident he was involved in with a tractor-trailer earlier this month. Reports indicate the crash occurred just before noon on Friday, June 14, along the eastbound lanes of I-64, near the Norview Avenue exit.

According to an article published by The Virginian-Pilot, the victim was driving a 1988 Isuzu along the highway when he failed to realize the 2003 International tractor-trailer that was in front of him was slowing. The Isuzu’s driver did not have time to stop and struck the rear end of the truck.

The accident supports the findings of a new study, in which researchers found that under ride guards on tractor-trailers may not do enough to protect victims of accidents with the big rigs. The research found that the current standards for the piece of equipment fail to prevent a vehicle from going under the trailer of a truck in the event of an accident where the vehicles collide off-center.

Officials are using the study’s findings to push for more sturdy equipment on commercial tractor-trailers.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the risks that are posed by an accident involving a tractor-trailer. The firm urges anyone who has been hurt in such a collision to discuss their legal options with a qualified attorney immediately.

 

Victim Searches for Canine That Caused Virginia Dog Bite Injuries

by | June 24th, 2013

June 24, 2013

Officials from James City County are searching for information on a canine responsible for leaving a man with Virginia Dog Bite Injuries after an attack that occurred last week. Records show the incident occurred on Sunday, June 16, at Windy Mill Mobile Home Park, located at the intersection of Jude Drive and Carol Lane in James City, Virginia.

According to an article by Channel 3 News, the victim was outside their house when a black and tan canine, wearing a blue collar, approached and bit them. Before the dog could be captured and held for animal control officers, it ran away.

Officials hope the public will be able to offer some information on the location of the dog. Otherwise, the victim may need to receive a series of injections to prevent the chances of developing Rabies.

The incident highlights the dangers a dog bite can pose and leaves many citizens wondering what they can do to prevent being bitten.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say a person should never attempt to pet a strange dog without receiving permission from the animal’s owner first. If a person feels a dog is going to attack, they should avoid making eye contact with the animal while slowly backing away.

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.

Speed A Contributing Factor In Hampton Car Accident That Injures Two

by | June 3rd, 2013

June 3, 2013

Speed-related auto accidents are a major problem on today’s highways. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately one-third of all fatal crashes are caused by vehicles driving too fast.

A recent Hampton Car Accident that involved a speeding vehicle was responsible for leaving two people seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened yesterday at around 6 p.m., along Beach Road.

According to an article from WVEC 13 News, residents in the area had called the Hampton Police Department to investigate reports of a speeding vehicle along the road. When police arrived though, they discovered a 1992 Honda Civic had left the roadway and crashed into the front of a home.

Both the 25-year-old driver of the vehicle and his 20-year-old passenger were injured as a result of the accident and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Records show a staggering number of speed related incidents in the area recently. Records indicate that in the last five years, a total of 69 complaints of speeding have been made on the road, with 841 tickets being issued along the same stretch. Officers have vowed to continue working to improve highway safety in the area.

The Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “ The Hammer” Stanley recognize the dangers involved with speeding and ask motorists to always obey the posted speed limit of the road being traveled.