Norfolk Personal Injury lawyer
by | January 13th, 2014
January 13, 2014
Each year, an estimated 4.7 million Americans are the victims of dog bites. The Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain these attacks result in hundreds of thousands of victims seeking medical treatment for the injuries they sustained.
Such numbers have prompted the state of Virginia to evaluate what it can do to reduce the number of canine attacks in the state and many feel the state’s dangerous dog registry is the first great step towards that goal. In an article from The Carroll News, Carroll County Supervisor, Sam Dickinson, stated dogs that attack and injure a person or a companion animal are placed on the list. Owners of animals placed on the list can face increases in homeowner’s insurance rates as well as having to face a requirement to keep the animal muzzled in public.
Carroll County District Attorney, Jim Cornwell, went on to point out animals placed on the list are then divided into two categories, those who are dangerous and those who are vicious. Dogs that are considered to be vicious are terminated immediately, while those considered to be dangerous are allowed to live if owners meet certain standards of care.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to better protect the public from dangerous dogs and are hopeful the registry successfully reduces the number of attacks that occur in the state.
by | January 6th, 2014
January 6, 2013
The dangers posed by car accidents are a serious risk the residents of Virginia face each day. In fact, data indicates that in 2012 there were 123,579 motor vehicle collisions reported in the state. These crashes led to more than 67,000 individuals suffering serious injuries, while another 775 lost their lives.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers explain these numbers often leave many citizens questioning what they can do to help reduce the chances of being involved in traffic crashes. The firm states there are three behaviors that, if avoided, will drastically slash a motorist’s odds of being involved in an accident. These behaviors include:
- Speeding– Research has shown that roughly one-third of all fatal crashes list excessive speed as a contributing factor. Motorists should remember to obey posted speed limits at all times.
- Driving While Intoxicated– According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of 229 Virginians in 2012.
- Distraction– Failure to concentrate on the road is listed as a contributing factor in an increasing number of crashes in recent years. Many states are creating laws that prohibit the behavior, in an effort to prevent these types of crashes.
Lowell Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful motorists will refrain from engaging in these behaviors, creating a safer and friendlier travel environment.
by | December 30th, 2013
December 30, 2013
Drunk driving is a major problem on the highway, especially around the holidays. In fact, data indicates that last year, the number of fatalities associated with drunk driving rose by as much as 4.6 percent. Furthermore, roughly two out of every five deaths that result from motor vehicle accidents during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday are the result of drunk driving.
The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say these numbers have prompted many Virginians to become concerned over what actions are being taken to keep intoxicated motorists off the streets this holiday season. Officials have stated the concerns have prompted the launch of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign.
According to a press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency has partnered with numerous other organizations to implement the program. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” provides funding to law enforcement organizations throughout the nation to implement operations focused on deterring motorists from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
The NHTSA also stated it has began an initiative aimed helping states create legislation requiring breath alcohol ignition interlock systems to be installed on vehicles that are driven by those charged with Driving Under the Influence.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the dangers posed by drunk driving and are hopeful the actions being taken by the NHTSA are successful in reducing accidents caused by intoxicated motorists.
by | December 16th, 2013
December 16, 2013
Each year, thousands of Virginians are injured in motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the state Department of Motor Vehicles reports that last year alone, an estimated 67,000 motorists sought medical attention after being involved in crashes.
To bring into perspective just how common such accidents are, the Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point to an accident that recently left a motorist seriously injured. Reports indicate the crash happened just before 1:30 p.m. this past Saturday afternoon along Battlefield Boulevard South in Chesapeake, Virginia.
According to an article from ABC 13 News, the driver of a Mercury sedan was southbound along the road. As he began to approach traffic stopped ahead of him, the driver whipped his vehicle into the adjacent lane in an effort to pass the stopped cars. When he did so though, he pulled into the path of an oncoming Volkswagen and struck the other vehicle.
The impact of the crash caused the driver of the Mercury to veer off the road, where he struck a pole before plowing into a tree. He was seriously injured as a result of the crash and was rushed to a local trauma center by rescue crews who responded to the scene.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize how difficult it can be to recover from car accident injuries and the firm would like to wish the victim of this latest accident a full recovery.
by | November 25th, 2013
November 25, 2013
Each year, a large number of hospital patients lose their lives or are seriously injured as the result of preventable medical errors made by doctors and staff. The Norfolk Medical Malpractice Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain some hospitals in the state of Virginia are working to prevent such mistakes through the use of electronic health records.
According to a story from U.S. News, facilities owned by Sentara Healthcare began implementing the electronic system in 2005 to the tune of roughly $237 million. By 2011 though, the system had produced almost double the expected savings through the prevention of an estimated 180,000 medication errors. Other savings were accumulated by the program through the slashing of hospital stay durations, lowering of healthcare costs, and increasing savings.
Experts say the program reduces errors by providing hospital staff members with an easy way to access and update information regarding a patient. Despite such ease of access to patient information, the program is being touted as also having created a better way to protect patient privacy as well.
Lowell “the Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the use of this new technology in order to reduce the number of patients who are harmed annually. The firm is hopeful to see similar programs implemented at other hospital facilities in the future.
by | November 18th, 2013
November 18, 2013
Despite numerous regulations being put into place in recent years to protect Virginia’s high school athletes from the dangers of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), a large number of participants in the state’s sports programs are still suffering dangerous blows to the head. In fact, the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point out that a single doctor at one hospital in the city states he sees roughly 20 new TBI cases per week.
According to a story from WAVY 10 News, these numbers have prompted state lawmakers to consider further regulating sports in the region to help reduce TBI numbers. Laws are in place that create standards of care and education regarding TBIs for athletes participating in high school sports, but no such policies are in place for recreational sports leagues. That is why a group of legislators want to reform laws to include these organizations in the steps being taken to protect athletes from injury.
These changes would force recreational sports athletes, coaches, and parents to take an educational course on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI. Furthermore, any athlete suspected of having suffered such an injury would be pulled from participation immediately until they could be cleared to return to the field by a trained medical professional.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful the decision that is reached in the matter will help to better protect children from the dangers of brain injuries.
by | November 11th, 2013
November 11, 2013
Many drivers, especially teens, continue to drive while distracted despite knowing the dangers involved. In fact, studies have shown as many as 25 percent of teens admit to responding to one ore more text messages every time they drive.
The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that in an effort to reduce the number of teens involved in distracted driving accidents, Norfolk High School is participating in a campaign titled “Celebrate My Drive”.
According to the Norfolk Daily News, students at each school can pledge to operate their vehicles safely each day. Each pledge counts as a vote, and the school with the most votes at the end of the campaign receives prizes. Awards will include the top school receiving a concert performed by three-time Grammy Award winner, Kelly Clarkson, and a $100,000 grant to be used to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving in the future.
Eight runner-up schools will also receive the $100,000 educational grants, while 90 other schools will receive grants of up to $25,000.
Students are working to promote the campaign via social media outlets.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud efforts being made to eliminate distracted driving, and they wish Norfolk High the best of luck in the competition!
by | November 4th, 2013
November 4, 2013
Brain injuries are one of the most common injuries reported by soldiers returning from combat. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers say these injuries can lead to victims suffering from a number of conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
While there are currently several treatment options in place for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, none have proven highly effective. Now, according to an article from ABC 13 News, one doctor has stated he believes he has found a cure for these conditions using a technique typically used on scuba divers who surface too quickly.
Dr. Paul Harch has been using Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy to effectively treat PTSD in soldiers and veterans. The treatment works by placing the subject in a chamber where air pressures are changed in order to allow the blood to absorb more oxygen. Harch says increasing in the body’s oxygen is the key to healing victims of PTSD.
However, it is important to remember that the treatment has not been approved by the FDA and comes with several dangers to the patient, including death.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the need for better treatment options for soldiers and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The firm is here to help anyone suffering as a result of an injury sustained during service to our country.
by | October 21st, 2013
October 21, 2013
Each year, head-on collisions are responsible for injuring or claiming the lives of thousands of motorists. The Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that one such accident was responsible for claiming two lives in Virginia Beach recently.
According to an article from WVEC News, the crash occurred at around 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, along I-64, near Indian River Road. Reports indicate the victims were in a Hyundai sedan heading east along the highway, when a pickup truck crossed the median and struck the Hyundai head-on. The impact of the collision claimed the lives of the 31-year-old driver from Norfolk and a 12-year-old girl, while the driver of the pickup truck was seriously injured.
An investigation into the crash was launched and law enforcement was able to determine the driver of the truck was responsible for the collision. The 21-year-old North Carolina man who caused the crash is now facing charges of reckless driving. The charges in the case could be upgraded at a later time.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of how difficult handling the loss of a loved one to another motorist’s negligence can be. That is why the firm would like to send their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who were killed in this most recent tragic accident.
by | October 14th, 2013
October 14, 2013
While the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer Stanley concede there can be numerous causes for serious brain injuries, perhaps one of the most uncommon would be mold; however, a U.S. District Judge in Norfolk, Virginia, has stated that a lawsuit alleges mold in military housing was responsible for causing just such an injury.
According to an article from the Hampton Roads Pilot Online, a private company signed a 50-year lease with the Navy in 2005 to privatize housing for military families in the region; however, nearly two dozen cases have been filed against the company alleging they have been negligent in failing to respond to claims of mold in the housing facilities. Complaints claim the mold is the result of “damp indoor spaces” that lack proper ventilation.
Some of the conditions plaintiffs say have resulted from the contamination include memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating, all of which are signs of serious brain injury.
Attorneys representing the company have stated the claims are exaggerated and added that settlements in the cases are highly unlikely; however, a trial date has yet to be set for the cases.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the serious harmed caused by both mold and brain injuries. That’s why the firm is hopeful a decision in the case will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the victims.
