Norfolk Personal Injury lawyer
by | November 16th, 2015
Hockey players are at high risk of suffering brain injuries because of the hard hits and slick playing surfaces associated with the game. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say hockey produces the second highest number of head and brain injuries in the United States each year, coming in just behind football.
Wearing a helmet is the best way to prevent brain injuries, but a new study shows they may not offer as much protection as once believed.
A report from WAVY 10 News examines research conducted at Virginia Tech’s School of Bio Engineering and Mechanics. A team of researchers placed each helmet through a series of 48 separate impacts to test performance. The study took 32 different helmet models into consideration and found very few offered a noteworthy level of protection.
Data indicates nine of the helmets failed to receive a single star, suggesting the models offered players little to no protection from a potential brain injury. Furthermore, no helmet received four or five stars—the highest ratings available.
As a Norfolk personal injury lawyer, Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers is committed to helping athletes protect themselves from injury. That’s why we ask young hockey players to consider these precautions:
- Check helmet safety ratings- Take a look at the reviews and testing on a helmet’s functionality. This can provide you with the information you need to choose a safe helmet.
- Ensure a proper fit- Once you have a helmet that can help prevent a brain injury, it’s important to make sure it’s the right size. A helmet should sit just above the brow line and the strap should fasten securely under the chin.
- Learn proper technique- Experts say that learning safe methods to make contact on the ice is the best way to prevent players from suffering brain injuries.
We hope these tips help keep you and your loved ones safe on the ice this season!
by | September 22nd, 2015
Tens of thousands of women undergo surgery each year to treat conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. One of the many devices used in these procedures is transvaginal mesh—a sling that can support a woman’s internal organs; however, reports of these devices failing have surfaced over the years and have led to thousands of lawsuits being filed in response. Now, many of these transvaginal mesh failure lawsuits could soon be resolved.
One of the largest transvaginal mesh manufacturers in the U.S.—C.R. Bard, Inc.—has offered to pay $200 million to settle roughly 3,000 transvaginal mesh failure lawsuits that have been filed against the company. According to an article from Bloomberg Business, this would bring an end to roughly 20 percent of all current litigation stemming from a transvaginal mesh failure.
If the terms of the settlement receive final approval, it means that each plaintiff could receive as much as $67,000 in damages. This amount would fall in between a $43,000 settlement that was reached with one victim and the $2 million the courts ordered the company to pay to another.
Our legal staff at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers have seen first hand the struggles that many transvaginal mesh failure victims face along the road to recovery, which is why our Norfolk defective product lawyers are hopeful the terms of this settlement will bring peace and closure to the matter for each of those who were affected.
by | June 15th, 2015
When we think of elder abuse in the United States, what may come to mind is an elderly person who has been physically or mentally harmed by another person’s actions. However, a new study shows that neglect may actually be the most common form of abuse the elderly suffer.
Our Norfolk nursing home abuse lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain how researchers from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services examined tens of thousands of reports stemming from incidents where elderly patients were harmed. They found that more than half of those cases were the result of neglect, including improper supervision.
According to an article from the Daily Press, a majority of these neglect cases occurred within the patient’s home. Roughly half of those victims were Caucasian women age 60 or older. Another 400 of those victims were over age 90.
The home isn’t the only place neglect can occur though. There were 286 cases of nursing home abuse reported in assisted living facilities and another 570 cases that occurred within a nursing home. Another 834 cases were reported in the home of someone other than the patient.
If you or a loved one have become the victim of neglect, it’s important to know that you aren’t alone and that help is out there. Our team of Norfolk personal injury lawyers from Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have if you suspect you or your loved one aren’t receiving the appropriate care. We can be reached to discuss your situation by calling (757) 459-CASH.
by | June 8th, 2015
The construction industry is a vital component to the economy of Virginia, bringing millions of dollars to the region annually; however, construction sites and zones are also where a large portion of Virginia’s on-the-job injuries and fatalities occur as well. Our Norfolk workers’ compensation attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain that unfortunately, some of these victims don’t receive the treatment and compensation they are legally entitled to.
One of the reasons injured workers aren’t getting the care they deserve is because some employers choose to misclassify their workers in order to lower costs. By claiming an employee is an independent subcontractor, an employer can reduce the number of workers they must claim. This not only reduces insurance payments and rates, but also prevents a misclassified worker from filing a claim if they’re injured.
That’s why, according to Safety +Health magazine, the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health program is working to reduce incidents of worker misclassification.
The agency has adopted new policies that will allow officials to request contractors and subcontractors provide proof of licensing from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation if inspectors suspect a worker has been misclassified. The new rules will go into effect beginning July 1.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the struggles that can accompany an on-the-job accident and our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are here to help. If you’ve been hurt while working, give us a call at (757) 459-CASH and let us assist you along the road to recovery.
by | April 27th, 2015
When a car accident occurs due to another person’s negligence, the responsible party or their insurer is typically expected to cover the expenses and damages; however, the Norfolk car accident attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers point out that determining liability for a crash isn’t always a cut and dry matter.
Take the case of a local woman who says her car was totaled in a collision that occurred last October at the corner of Granby Street and Little Creek Road in Ward’s Corner. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the woman says a police officer directing traffic along Granby in a construction zone waived her vehicle through the crossing; however, another officer directing traffic on Little Creek Road instructed a vehicle to pass through the intersection at the same time, causing the two vehicles to collide.
The woman states the car was totaled and she filed an insurance claim. Her insurer wouldn’t cover the full cost of the loan—only the value of the vehicle— leaving the victim to foot the bill for $3,000. She then contacted the District Attorney, claiming the city was responsible for the cost; however, the DA denied the city’s liability, saying the officers were off-duty at the time of the crash and were employed by a company working at the site.
Now, the woman is battling with the paving company who employed the officers in an effort to have the expenses covered.
Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers and our staff understand how difficult dealing with car insurance companies can be and urge you not to fight the battle alone. Give us a call anytime at (757) 459-CASH to speak with a member of our legal team about a crash you have had or any questions you may have regarding your legal rights to compensation.
by | March 9th, 2015
Using talcum powder on your body can be an effective way to feel fresh and clean, but it may also present some serious health risks. Studies have shown that using talcum powder on certain parts of the body can significantly increase the user’s chances of developing either Ovarian cancer or Mesothelioma.
The American Cancer Society highlights several studies that have concluded the use of talcum powder on the genitals can result in an increase of an individual’s chances of developing cancer later in life. The reason for the increase in cancer risks is because talc- the naturally occurring substance that’s used to make talcum powder—contains a chemical substance known as asbestos.
Asbestos has also been linked to talcum powder users who developed mesothelioma after inhaling the powder on a consistent basis while applying the product to the body. In fact, one particular study tracked the asbestos-laced talc from the area where it was mined until the product was placed on the shelf and purchased. Researchers then examined the individuals who purchased the powder and found at least one patient who developed mesothelioma.
If you’ve been harmed as the result of using a defective product, the Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers would like to let you know that help is available. We have our legal staff standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding your illness and how you can get compensation. Contact us today at (757) 459-CASH and let us help you get on the road to recovery.
by | March 2nd, 2015
Laboratory developed tests (LDTs) are diagnostic procedures that are often used to determine if a child suffers from a genetic disorder. Currently, these tests are overseen by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Now though, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a set of new regulations for these procedures, claiming they have the authority to control these tests as if they were a medical product.
While many believe the new set of regulations can improve patient safety in the medical industry, others believe the new laws could implicate LDTs as a defective product.
An article released by The National Law Review highlights several recent cases in which parents of children suffering from genetic disorders successfully sued laboratories for failing to supply them with accurate test results. This has forced many labs to seek refuge under the Virginia Medical Malpractice Act, which places caps on the amount of damages that can be awarded in cases where a medical professional or facility’s mistake led to a patient suffering harm.
A decision on the new regulations is expected to be released in the near future. In the meantime, the Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are here to help if you’ve been harmed by a medical error that occurred through no fault of your own. Just give us a call at (757) 459-CASH to get started on your case today.
by | February 17th, 2015
Winter weather has descended on Norfolk and coastal Virginia. That’s why the Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers would like to let you know about several resources that will be available, as well as offer several tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has prepared the roads for ice and snow, but this often isn’t enough to prevent a Norfolk car accident from occurring. Most experts advise drivers to stay off the roads during winter weather, but for those who must travel, consider following the safety tips that are being provided by WAVY 10 News.
Even if you don’t leave your home, you may still be at risk of dangers from the storm—like losing power and heat. If you lose your heat and power source, it may be important to know where your local shelters are located. In Norfolk, Maury High School will be open from 7A.M. until 7:30 P.M. as a safe place to stop in and get warm. Virginia Beach’s winter shelter program will be in full swing as well.
Lowell Stanley and his team of Norfolk personal injury lawyers are aware of the risks and dangers winter weather can pose and we are hopeful this information helps to keep you and your loved one’s safe and warm during winter storm Octavia.
by | February 2nd, 2015
Police dogs can be crucial to the completion of an officer’s investigation or apprehending a suspect, but they must be used under tight control in order to prevent a dog bite injury from being inflicted on a helpless victim. In fact, a complaint has been filed against an officer with the Norfolk Police Department after his canine inflicted a serious dog bite injury to a young woman’s leg. The incident has been ruled an “unreasonable” use of force.
According to an article from The Virginian-Pilot, the victim was leaving a party on Godfrey Avenue at around 2 A.M. after a fight had broken out on the front lawn of the home. As the victim was leaving with her father and two friends, officers approached and attempted to stop the party to discuss the incident. The victim told officers she didn’t know what happened and attempted to walk away. Officers then released a canine unit onto the victim and the animal bit her leg until she was arrested.
The victim required more than 40 stitches to close the wound and will require plastic surgery to repair the damage that was done.
Since the incident occurred, the Chief of Police stated the officer’s use of force was “unreasonable.” Furthermore, the officer has been placed on administrative duty.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen just how devastating a dog bite injury can be. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers would like to wish the woman who was recently injured a full and speedy recovery from her wounds.
by | December 15th, 2014
Manufacturers of products—especially those designed to improve safety—are required to ensure their items don’t present a serious danger to members of the public. Any failure to do so could result in a product being deemed faulty, which could result in costly legal action.
Take the Virginia defective product lawsuit the commonwealth recently filed against Trinity Industries in regards to defective guardrails the company sold. Virginia is one of several states to file such legal action and is among 42 other states and the District of Columbia who have stopped using the guardrails.
According to an article from Bloomberg, the suit claims Trinity failed to inform the state of changes made to the design of the product after the company submitted specifications for the units. The lawsuit alleges that certain parts of the guardrails were shortened, which caused them to fail when struck by vehicles. Instead of properly crumpling and acting as a safety barrier, the lawsuit states that the guardrails impaled vehicles, causing serious injuries to some vehicle occupants.
The suit calls for Trinity to pay to replace the faulty guardrail units. Trinity has stated they are “disappointed” in the move and continue to deny any wrongdoing.
This case could take years to be settled. In the meantime, drivers wonder if they are at risk of being harmed by defective safety equipment. The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers encourage you to speak with a legal representative if you were injured by a guardrail in a car accident. We can be reached to discuss your case by calling (757) 459-CASH today.
