Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers Blog
by | May 20th, 2013
May 20, 2013
A settlement has been reached in a Norfolk Brain Injury Lawsuit that was filed on behalf of a Virginia toddler who was seriously injured after falling at a Virginia Hotel. Reports indicate the child will be awarded roughly $11 million in damages.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on September 4, 2011, at a Ramada hotel in Norfolk. According to the Claims Journal, the child was playing near a railway on the second floor of the hotel when he suddenly went through the barrier and fell roughly one story.
The child sustained serious brain injuries as a result of the fall and will likely require specialized medical care for the remainder of this life due to the injuries.
The child’s parents filed suit against the hotel, claiming it was negligent in failing to better protect its guests from the hazards of a fall presented by the insufficiently protected walkway. Last month, a Norfolk County Circuit Court judge approved the settlement under the stipulations that roughly $4 million of the damages be used to pay unpaid medical bills and attorney’s fees. The rest will be dispersed to the child through a trust fund that was established.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize the financial strain such a serious injury can place on a family. The firm is hopeful the decision will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the family.
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.
by | May 6th, 2013
May 6, 2013
Cerebral palsy is a very common Birth Injury that occurs in the United States today. The condition is caused by a lack of oxygen going to the brain during the child birthing process and can result in motor skills being drastically affected in a victim. The condition can lead to life-long disabilities such as an inability to walk, sit up, or speak.
New research is showing there may now be an effective treatment for this condition. A study published in a recent issue of the journal, Nature Biotechnology, data has shown that scientists are able to transform normal skin cells, or fibroblasts, into brain cells that are missing or damaged during the child birthing process. The technique is called “cellular reprogramming” and can alter the make up of the cell to allow it to transmit information to other myelinating cells.
The cells are created in a lab and then injected into a patient’s brain, where they quickly begin to repair damage to axons through the generation of compact Myelin.
The study was successful in the treatment of mice with suffering from Cerebral Palsy and now researchers are beginning to look into the testing of human cases.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are excited to see such advancements in the treatment of this disabling disease being made. The firm is hopeful the technology gained will be successful in helping those who have been affected by this condition.
by actuate | April 29th, 2013
April 29, 2013
A 39-year-old man has been charged in connection to a single-vehicle Norfolk Car Accident that left a passenger in the car seriously injured. Reports indicate the man was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed.
An article from the Norfolk Daily News stated the crash happened at around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, along South Second Street. Police say they observed a vehicle traveling east along West Michigan Avenue at a high rate of speed. The driver then ran a stop sign before veering onto Second and crashing in the front yard of a residence. The driver then fled the scene on foot before officers could arrive.
A passenger in the vehicle was seriously injured and identified the driver to police before being rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators were then able to track the driver to a nearby residence, where he was placed under arrest on several charges.
The accident has left many citizens wondering who is responsible for covering the costs associated with injuries sustained by passengers in a single-vehicle crash. The Norfolk Personal Injury Attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that if the driver’s negligence was to blame, the driver may be able to be held liable for the costs associated with a crash. Proving such negligence can be a complex process though. That’s why the firm suggests an individual discuss their legal rights with an attorney if they have been hurt in an accident that wasn’t their fault.
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.
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.
by | April 8th, 2013
April 8, 2013
A Virginia Auto Accident involving a charter bus that occurred this past Friday was responsible for leaving one man dead and another seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened just after 7:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 58 outside the town of Capron, Virginia.
According to an article from WRAL News, the bus was transporting eight passengers to an Open House Day event on the campus of Hampton University. As the bus traveled though, the 62-year-old driver began to veer the vehicle off the right side of the road, where it then hi a ditch and overturned before skidding to a halt.
The impact of the collision left a 58-year-old passenger of the bus dead and ejected another passenger from the vehicle. Paramedics transported the individual who was ejected to a local hospital for further treatment to injuries she sustained.
Investigators stated they had ruled out alcohol and speed as contributing factors to the crash, but later charged the operator of the bus with reckless driving and say more charges may be filed at a later time.
Data shows the company that owns the bus has been involved in two other accidents within the last three-years, which resulted in one other serious injury.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are here to help if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at no fault of your own.
by | April 1st, 2013
April 1, 2013
Defects in roadways, such as potholes or uneven areas of a highways surface, are responsible for numerous Norfolk Auto Accidents each year. Just this past January, a city police officer was seriously injured when he drove over an uneven patch of asphalt on Tidewater Drive, lost control of his motorcycle, and crashed. Another motorcyclist reported jarring his back after striking one of the bumps while riding.
Several other motorcyclists in the area are making their voices heard about their concern for safety along Tidewater Drive. According to WVEC 13 News, these individuals have called for city officials to examine the need for repairs and maintenance along the stretch of road. While city officials have sent an inspector to examine the need for such projects, they have also stated the roadway met standards established by law last time it was examined.
In the meantime, many motorists are concerned for safety. Experts say it is important to slow down when driving a car on an area plagued with uneven pavement. The risks associated with riding a motorcycle in these types of highway conditions can be even more dangerous. Some riders suggest driving a proposed biking route in a car prior to hitting the street on a bike. This way, a rider knows what areas to avoid before approaching them.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley hope more is done to better protect motorists from the dangers associated with defective highway designs.
by | March 26th, 2013
March 25, 2013
A Norfolk Car Accident claimed the life of a 25-year-old woman recently. Police believe speed may have been a contributing factor.
According to News Channel 3, the crash happened at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, along Chesapeake Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia. Investigators say a car carrying three passengers was driving south on the road, when a van attempted to enter the highway from a secondary road. The van failed to recognize the oncoming vehicle and the two collided.
The impact of the crash left three vehicles seriously injured. They were each transported to a local trauma center for treatment, where the female later died. Doctors expect the other two victims to recover.
The Norfolk Police Department has stated they are continuing to look into the crash, but believe speed may have played a role. This comes as no surprise though as speed plays a part in a staggering number of accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that speed is a contributing factor in roughly one-third of all fatal accidents.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize how dangerous speeding can be. That is why the firm asks motorists to be aware of how fast they are traveling and to only go as fast as the posted speed limit allows. Doing so may just save a life!
by | March 18th, 2013
March 18, 2013
A man has been charged with crimes in connection to a Virginia Dog Bite incident that left two young children seriously injured. WRIC 8 News explains the attack occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, along Corann Drive in King William County, Virginia.
Reports from deputies with the King County Sheriff’s Department indicate the two children, an 8-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy, were outside playing together when a neighbor’s dog began chasing them. The animal pursued the children into the yard of another neighbor and began to attack them both.
The young girl sustained serious injuries to the neck as a result of the attack and also had her thumb bitten off by the animal. Her male friend sustained injuries to the chest. Both were transported to a local hospital to receive treatment. The female victim remains in serious condition, while the boy was treated and released.
Law enforcement has charged the dog’s owner with owning a nuisance animal and allowing a dog to run at large. The dog in question has been taken into the custody of Animal Control Deputies pending further investigation into the incident.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize how devastating injuries from an animal attack can be. That’s why the firm would like to wish both victims a full and speedy recovery from their injuries.
