Norfolk Personal Injury lawyer

GM Facing Defective Product Lawsuits in Connection With Defective Ignition Switches

by | April 7th, 2014

The manufacturers of the automobiles Americans purchase and drive have a responsibility to ensure their products and parts are safe for use. Failure to do so can result in massive, costly recalls and, in some cases, civil litigation.

Several such Defective Product Lawsuits have arisen in the wake of a massive recall launched by auto manufacturer General Motors (GM). Reports indicate ignition switch failure caused several  GM vehicles to shut off while in motion, and lead to several serious and fatal accidents.

Consumers reported a loss of braking and steering control when the ignition switch accidentally makes its way into the off position while the vehicle is in motion. The problem is attributed to a malfunction in the piece that locks the key into place when inserted in the ignition.

An article from CBS News states GM was aware of the defective part for up to five years before they took action to protect consumers from harm. The cost to replace the problematic part was less than $1 per vehicle, but GM officials declined to take action because of the expense.

Now, the company is facing more than a dozen lawsuits in connection to crashes caused by the faulty part.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the dangers defective auto parts can present and are here to help anyone who has been harmed in an accident caused by a product liability issue.

Three Major Contributing Factors to Norfolk Car Accidents

by | March 24th, 2014

March 24, 2014

Motor vehicle collisions are a very serious danger to motorists in Virginia. In fact, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles shows that in 2012 alone, there were a total of 123,579 Virginia Car Accidents that led to 775 fatalities and approximately 64,000 injuries.

Statistics like these leave many motorists wondering what some of the most common contributing factors to these crashes are. The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain they can be:

  • Speeding – Estimates show excessive speed to be a factor in as many as one-third of all fatal accidents. It is also being considered to blame as the cause for an accident ABC 13 News says claimed the life of a 18-year-old girl from Hampton, Virginia.
  • Distracted Driving – As many as 60 percent of motorists have admitted to taking a call or sending a text while at the wheel. Teens seem to be at an especially high risk of being involved in an accident when engaging in this behavior.
  • Drunken Driving – This is one of the most significant problems on the road today. Studies show that if the 17 million drunk drivers in our country had their own state, it would be the fifth largest in our nation.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of attorneys recognize these dangers, and they ask motorists to stay safe behind the wheel.

Inaugural Virginia Hot Rod and Custom Car Show Comes to Hampton

by | March 17th, 2014

March 17, 2014

The history and technology that has powered the advancement of the automobile is of interest to many Americans. To help further cultivate such interests in the Hampton, Virginia, area, the Inaugural Virginia Hot Rod and Custom Car Show will debut next week.

The event will take place at the Hampton Coliseum beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, and will run until 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30. The event will feature a show of custom vehicles from several different classes that will compete for awards and honors. Some of the vehicles on display will include customized Triumph Bobber motorcycles, the 1969 Chevelle, the 1958 Volkswagen Beetle, and hot rods from the turn of the century.

Vendors will also be on hand selling goods, and several celebrity meet-and-greet opportunities are scheduled.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online for $10 – $20 or through the coliseum’s box office.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the crowds that will gather in attendance of this event could significantly increase the chances of a Norfolk car accident occurring in the area around the coliseum. That is why the firm asks attendees to stay safe by being vigilant at all times when driving near the event.

Worker Seriously Injured in Manufacturing Warehouse Accident

by | March 10th, 2014

March 10, 2014

There are countless hazards that workers in the manufacturing industry face each day they show up for work, but one of the greatest dangers is the risk of coming into contact with objects or equipment on a job site. In fact, the Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2012, these incidents accounted for roughly 15 percent of all workplace fatalities.

More recently, a worker at a James City County, Virginia, manufacturing warehouse was left seriously injured as a result of an accident involving contact with a forklift at the facility. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. this morning at the Nicewood Enterprises, Inc., facility located on Westmont Drive.

Reports indicate the 30-year-old victim was performing his job duties when he fell off the piece of machinery. His hand became caught in the machine, crushing his fingers.

The incident leaves many workers wondering what they can do to stay safe while on the job. The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain there are several steps that can be taken, which include:

  • Always obey safety rules and regulations
  • Wear proper safety equipment
  • Report any problems or defects that could cause an accident
  • Speak with a qualified attorney if an accident does occur while working

 

Top 4 Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

by | March 3rd, 2014

March 3, 2014

Brain injuries are a health condition that affect as many as 1.7 million Americans each year. To help educate the public about the problems brain injuries can pose, the Brain Injury Association of America has declared March Brain Injury Awareness Month.

The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say one of the most common questions they receive is what are the most typical causes of brain injuries today. The team points to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that listed the following contributing factors as the most common causes of brain injury today:

  • Falls– Accounting for 35. 2 percent of all brain injuries, falls were the leading cause of such head trauma today. Falls accounted for more than half of the injuries sustained by young children and the elderly.
  • Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes- A total of 17.3 percent of reported brain injuries were sustained in collisions. These incidents also accounted for the largest number of brain injury-related fatalities, with 31.8 percent.
  • Struck By/Against Events– These accidents accounted for 16.5 percent of all brain injuries and include incidents that occur while playing sports.
  • Assault- Roughly 10 percent of brain injuries are caused by the violent act of another person.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the dangers posed by brain injuries and ask citizens to be aware of these risks as well.

Man Injured in Virginia Hit-And-Run Accident

by | February 24th, 2014

February 24, 2014

Motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and bicycles are a serious problem in Virginia. In fact, a total of 2,790 such crashes occurred in 2012 alone. The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the severity of the danger posed by these accidents was highlighted over this past weekend when a cyclist was left seriously injured as the result of a hit-and-run accident he was involved in with a vehicle. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the crash happened at approximately 1 p.m. this past Saturday afternoon near the intersection of Route 17 and Owl Trap Road in Gloucester County. Reports indicate the victim was riding his bicycle north along the highway when what is believed to be a tan Toyota pickup truck with a camper cover attempted to pass the cyclist and struck him.

The driver responsible for causing the crash turned around and observed the victim before speeding away north on the road. Witnesses called for help and the victim was taken to a local hospital, where he continues to recover from injuries sustained in the crash. Investigators say they are continuing to search for the truck and driver involved in the crash.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley know how difficult overcoming injuries sustained in a crash can be. That’s why the firm would like to wish the victim a full and speedy recovery.

CPR Training Available in Eastern Virginia

by | February 18th, 2014

February 17, 2014

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley know that when a person’s life is on the line as the result of an accident, rendering aide to the victim as soon as possible can mean the difference between life and death. That is why learning the skills that are necessary to saving a life is so important for all citizens to know.

Learning Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a basic skill that is necessary to reviving a person who has stopped breathing and whose heart has stopped beating. Being able to render this type of aide to an accident victim can prevent serious harm, such as Brain Injury from a lack of oxygen.

Those wishing to learn CPR can do so by participating in a course that being offered through the Adult Learning Center of Hampton Roads. Classes are also available through the Eastern Virginia Medical School, with the next training session being offered this coming Wednesday. During the 5-hour class, participants will learn how to perform CPR on both adults and children in accordance with guidelines provided by the American Heart Association. Students will also learn to use Automated External Defibrillators.

The attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize how vital these skills can be when put in a life or death situation. That is why the firm urges all who are available to attend one of these upcoming safety courses.

 

Study Shows Testosterone Treatment May Lead to Heart Attacks

by | February 10th, 2014

February 10, 2014

Manufacturers of the medications we take have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the products they put on the market. Any failure to do so can lead to the drug being deemed defective and thus, subject to recall and costly court battles. The Norfolk Product Liability Attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain such allegations may be in the future for medications used in testosterone therapies after studies showed use of the hormone could increase the chances of heart attacks in patients.

The data was culled from information gathered by Truven Health Analytics and examined the cases of roughly 55,593 men who were undergoing testosterone treatments because they suffered a condition known as “Low-T”, where a man’s testosterone levels drop off with age. The large study concluded that men undergoing the therapy who had a history of cardiovascular disease had a risk of suffering a heart attack that was two times greater than other participant’s risk levels. The study also showed the risk was directly related to the medication and not to engaging in sexual behavior.

The study was not the first to reach these conclusions though. Three years ago, a smaller study was published that found testosterone treatment could increase the chances of adverse cardiovascular events. Read more about the study here.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell Stanley say we are the hammer and dangerous medications, along with the doctors who prescribe them, are the nails. Let us help you hold those who have caused you harm responsible for their actions!

Researchers Find New Way to Identify Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients

by | January 28th, 2014

January 27, 2014

One of the most difficult parts of a doctor diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is being able to properly identify the condition, considering many of the symptoms of a TBI are not visible to the naked eye. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say researchers at the University of Virginia may have developed a solution to this problem.

An article from YottaFire explains the team is using positron emission tomography (PET) scans and immune responses to identify changes in the brain at a molecular level, thus allowing the team to identify changes to brain biology and chemistry that can confirm a TBI has occurred.

Typically, less advanced imaging systems are used on TBI patients, which leaves doctors to heavily rely on patients describing their symptoms to diagnose their conditions. Now, the PET scan allows physicians to note when a compound similar to the structure of a radioactive tracer attaches to a white blood cell known as neutrophils. When a TBI occurs, the neutrophils attach to the brain at the site of the injury, allowing the team to collect images of the injury.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the advancements being made in the treatment of TBIs and are hopeful to see further research conducted in the field of brain injury treatment in the future as well.

Virginia Wrongful Death Lawsuit Results in $3 Million Settlement

by | January 20th, 2014

January 20, 2014

When a person is killed as the result of a car or truck accident caused by another person’s negligence, the family of the victim has the right to seek compensation for their loss through civil litigation. The Norfolk Wrongful Death Attorneys with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain such a case was recently settled outside of a Virginia courtroom.

According to an article from the Claims Journal, a 27-year-old Newport News, Virginia, woman was killed June 14, 2012, along Interstate 664 in the city of Chesapeake. Reports indicate the victim’s vehicle had broken down along the highway. The driver of a tractor trailer didn’t see the broken down vehicle and plowed into its rear, killing the woman inside.

The victim’s family later filed suit against both the driver responsible for the crash and the company who hired him. The family claimed the company and driver’s negligence was directly responsible for their loss. In order to avoid a costly court battle, an agreement was reached between the three parties that the family of the victim would be paid a sum of $3 million in order to lay the matter to rest.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult it can be to lose a loved one to an unforeseen accident. That is why the firm hopes the settlement brings some sense of closure to the incident for the family of the victim.