Norfolk Personal Injury Attorneys

$125,000 Settlement Reached in Norfolk Medical Malpractice Case

by | June 1st, 2015

Medical professionals have a responsibility to properly diagnose and treat their patients’ conditions. Any error in care or any act of negligence could lead to the patient who was harmed taking legal action through civil litigation.

Our Norfolk medical malpractice lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers say the case of an 11-year-old girl successfully suing the federal government over her negligent medical care serves as an example of such litigation.

Reports indicate the tip of the girl’s thumb was cut when it was accidentally closed in a car door in 2011. She was taken to Sewells Point Branch Medical Clinic—which is operated by the U.S. Navy—in Norfolk to have the injury stitched. Staff applied a pressure wrap to the injury to control the bleeding, but the pressure was too much and shut off circulation to the injury. This resulted in necrosis and the loss of the appendage.

An article from WAVY 10 News says the girl and her family filed suit and a settlement in the sum of $125,000 was recently reached. The money will go into a trust and the child will receive payments from the settlement when she turns 18, 21, and 25 years old.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we believe in holding those in the medical industry accountable for their actions and our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are hopeful the settlement that has been reached in this particular case brings closure to the incident for the victim and her family.

Changes to Reckless Driving Law Could Contribute to Virginia Car Accidents

by | January 26th, 2015

Speed is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions today—especially in Virginia. Data from the Department of Motor Vehicles shows that in 2012, the commonwealth reported 14,299 people were injured and another 313 lost their lives as the result of a Virginia car accident.

Despite these numbers, legislators in Virginia have advanced a bill that would loosen the penalties for speed-related traffic law violations. On Monday, January 19, a subcommittee consisting of lawmakers from the state House of Representatives approved HB1317, which would increase the limit for a reckless driving charge from 80 MPH to 85 MPH.

According to The Virginian-Pilot, those in favor of the reform say it isn’t fair that an individual caught driving 81 MPH on the interstate can face a reckless driving charge, while an individual driving 55 MPH in a 35 MPH zone would not. Individuals who are against the changes say the lower speed limit for reckless driving acts as a deterrent to motorists who may otherwise choose to speed.

The bill must now receive approval from the full committee before making its way to the floor for a vote.

Lawmakers are also hoping to improve highway safety by passing a law that would make it illegal to follow non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles, too closely.

The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers recognize the importance of always striving to improve highway safety. Thats why we’re hopeful lawmakers will work to ensure protecting Virginia’s motorists remains a top priority.

How to Avoid Drowsy Driving Car Accidents This Holiday Season

by | December 29th, 2014

The holidays are upon us and between the long drives to visit family or friends combined with the late night parties that accompany New Year’s Eve, it can be difficult to stay awake while behind the wheel. That’s why many are working to minimize the number of drowsy driving car accidents that occur this holiday season.

One program with a mission to reduce the number of drowsy drivers who are on the road is “Awake At The Wheel.” The campaign is sponsored by the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project and, according to Sleep Review, works to educate lawmakers and the public on the importance of getting plenty of rest prior to getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. The organization was recently represented at the National Transportation Safety Board’s Highway Safety Forum by President-Elect of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Nathaniel Watson, who offered tips on how drivers can avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

Some of those tips include:

  • Don’t Depend on Gimmicks– Drinking caffeinated beverages, rolling your windows down, or turning up the stereo have all been proven ineffective in preventing motorists from falling asleep.
  • Get Plenty of Rest– Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep prior to driving. If you find yourself drifting off during your trip, pull over at a safe location to rest.
  • Don’t Drink And Drive– Alcohol tends to make many drivers drowsy on top of impairing judgment, so never get behind the wheel after drinking.

Our team of Norfolk personal injury attorneys here at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers hopes these tips help you have happy—and safe—holiday travels!

Tips for Avoiding Virginia Car Accidents This Thanksgiving

by | November 17th, 2014

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for many Virginians, that means it’s time to hit the road to visit family. Unfortunately, this travel rush can lead to an increase in traffic volume, which can in turn cause a rise in the number of Virginia car accidents.

This year is expected to be no different, considering experts believe the number of motorists on the road for the holiday this year will be even greater than previous year’s totals. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, TripAdvisor polls showed 43 percent of Americans were planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, which was a seven point jump from 2013. The trips aren’t short either, with 60 percent of travelers saying they plan to be in the car for more than 200 miles.

So what can you do to stay safe when traveling for Thanksgiving this year? The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers suggest:

  • Leave Early- One of the best ways to avoid holiday traffic is to get out of town before everyone else.
  • Plan Ahead- Know the route and traffic conditions along the roads you plan to travel. Also, look for alternate routes in areas where traffic may become congested.
  • Inspect Your Vehicle- It may be wise to have your vehicle serviced and inspected prior to traveling. This can include changing your oil, rotating the tires, replacing wiper blades, and filling up with gas.
  • Obey the Law- Stay safe by buckling up, slowing down, eliminating distractions, and adhering to traffic signals.
  • Be Patient- Road rage is one of the leading causes of accidents today, so remember to breathe deeply and take your time if caught in traffic.

 

3 Most Common Types of Defective Products

by | June 2nd, 2014

When companies create a new product to release to the market, it must undergo a rigorous set of tests to ensure it is safe for use. Despite the testing and review process, sometimes products that are unsafe for consumers to use still make their way to the public’s hands. That is why it is important to recognize the three most common types of defective products, which include:

  • Problems With Design- When engineers create plans for a product, they are not always identifying the potential issues that may arise. This was made evident when several companies attempted to market metal-on-metal hip implants that prematurely wore and caused patients serious injury. The products were later replaced with a more durable ceramic option.
  • Manufacturing Problems- When the wrong materials are used in the creation of a product, the results can be devastating. The scandal surrounding the separation of Goodyear tires that were installed on Ford Explorer SUVs is a prime example of such a defect.
  • Contamination- When dangerous germs make their way into a product, there is a potential for serious harm. The Listeria outbreak that was connected to cantaloupe from Colorado several years ago underscored these risks.

So what should you do if you have been harmed as the result of a product liability issue? The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley believe getting in touch with an attorney to discuss your legal rights should be the first step. We are available to speak anytime.

Drunk Driver Charged In Norfolk Car Accident That Left One Person Injured

by admin@gotechark.com | 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.

Virginia Dog Attack Leaves Two Children Seriously Injured

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.