Norfolk personal injury lawyers

The Battle Against Mesothelioma and Asbestos in Virginia

by | December 28th, 2015

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that’s used for it’s insulating and fire-retardant properties in many of the products we’re exposed to daily. While the use of asbestos has certain benefits, the risks the substance poses are substantial.

Contact with asbestos has been linked to the development of a deadly form of cancer known as Mesothelioma. This particular type of cancer can cause growths to develop on the lungs and inside the body cavity.

These dangers are why asbestos is often removed from structures and products that could cause exposure. However, removing asbestos is an extremely delicate process that requires numerous precautions and safety measures in order to protect the safety of workers and prevent asbestos contamination.

The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has created the Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors as a means to control the way asbestos is handled in Virginia. The organization monitors all projects containing asbestos and enforces all regulations of the substance.

The processes and laws that are in place are successful in reducing much of the public’s exposure to this harmful substance. However, many citizens were exposed to asbestos before these rules were implemented and some people still come in contact with asbestos today.

If you developed Mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to asbestos, Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and our legal staff at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers is here to help. You can contact us by calling (757) 459-CASH anytime—day or night.

Virginia Replacing Guardrails to Protect Motorists in Car Accidents

by | December 21st, 2015

Guardrails that line the highway may be one of your first defenses in a car accident. But what if these supposedly lifesaving devices weren’t as safe as we previously believed? Unfortunately, the risks of defective guardrails seem to be a reality here in Virginia. Luckily, a solution is on the way.

The Hampton Roads car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain that concerns began to arise when a link between the length of guardrail end caps and the devastating results of impacts with the devices was discovered. Research shows the guardrail caps were shortened after undergoing federal testing and approval, which undermined their ability to function properly.

With these discoveries coming to light, the state began removing each of the defective guardrails. According to an article from the Press Telegraph, officials say the faulty units are to be replaced with newer and safer units.

Virginia also filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the faulty rails, claiming negligence in failing to disclose the changes in the product’s design.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we are aware of the important role safety equipment plays in keeping our highways safe. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers would like to applaud Virginia for taking steps to help ensure motorists are protected in the event of a crash.

5-Year-Old Girl Suffers Dog Bite Injuries in Chesapeake Attack

by | December 14th, 2015

The force of a dog’s bite is immense. Estimates show that when a canine’s jaws lock, more than 300 pounds of pressure per square inch can be applied.

With numbers like these, it comes as no surprise that a dog’s bite can inflict serious injuries. An incident in which a 5-year-old girl sustained life-threatening dog bite injuries over the weekend brings this likelihood into perspective.

Reports from WAVY 10 News say the attack happened on Sunday, Dec. 13, at a home on the 500 block of Margaret Drive in Chesapeake, Virginia. Witnesses say the victim was visiting family friends and playing with the two dogs outside. For unknown reasons, one of the animals turned on the young girl and bit her neck, causing lacerations and puncture wounds. The bite required the victim to be transported from the scene via helicopter for treatment at a local hospital.

The two dogs involved are being quarantined to ensure they are not carrying any infectious diseases.

Recovering from a dog bite wound can be a long and difficult process, which is why the Norfolk personal injury lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers would like to wish the young girl who was injured a full and speedy recovery.

Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Buckling Up This Thanksgiving

by admin@gotechark.com | November 23rd, 2015

For years, statistics have shown the benefits of wearing your seat belt. Despite these numbers, data from Virginia’s Smart, Safe & Sober program shows a little less than 25 percent of Virginians chose not to buckle up last year.

With Thanksgiving and the influx of traffic the holiday can bring just around the corner, knowing the causes of car accidents and the importance of wearing your seat belt can help you stay safe on the road. One of the methods to raise awareness is the “Click It or Ticket Mobilization” campaign.

The program launched on Nov. 20 and will continue through Nov. 26. During that time, officers, deputies, and troopers will not only focus their efforts on enforcing Virginia’s seat belt laws, while also making an effort to provide the public with information about how seat belts can save lives.

Officials say they hope the campaign can help contribute to boosting Virginia’s seat belt compliance from around 77 percent this year to 82 percent in 2016.

The National Safety Council has announced that if everyone wore seat belts, it could an estimated 164 lives this Thanksgiving holiday. Programs like this could have a significant impact on achieving these numbers. That’s why the Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are happy that efforts are being made to protect motorists from accidents by providing them with information to help make safe choices.

 

Norfolk Defective Product Lawyers Discuss the Recall of 35,000 High Chairs

by | October 12th, 2015

Millions of children use a high chair each day. The Norfolk defective product lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers point out that if your child is using a high chair designed by Safety 1st, he or she may be at risk of injury.

According to WAVY 10 News, child product manufacturer, Safety 1st, has recalled three different models of high chairs due to a fall and injury risk the units pose. Reports indicate children can remove the trays that attach to the 35,000 affected high chairs, which allows the child to fall from the seat. Injuries that have been associated with these falls include cuts, bruises, and chipped teeth.

So far, the company says it has received 68 reports of children removing the trays, with 11 of those cases resulting in a child being injured.

The affected units include model numbers:

  • HC144BZF
  • HC229CZF
  • HC229CYG

If you are own one of the affected units, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated you should stop using the high chair immediately and contact Safety 1st for a free repair kit.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we know the dangers using a defective product can pose. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers applaud the efforts being made to correct the problems with these high chairs and are hopeful more injuries can be avoided in the future.

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Collision Rates and Safety Projects in Virginia

by | July 21st, 2015

Dozens of traffic accidents occur in Virginia each day and the latest reports from officials say the trend shows no sign of slowing down.

Our Norfolk car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain that data from the Department of Transportation show that a motor vehicle collision occurs in Virginia every four minutes. These crashes result in approximately 66,000 injuries per year and an average of two fatalities per day—a rate that has increased since 2014.

An article from WTOP News shows rear-end collisions were the most common type of crash reported in Virginia this year; however, striking a fixed object has been the leading cause of fatal accidents in Virginia during 2015.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is vigorously working to reduce the accident rate in the commonwealth by implementing several roadway construction and improvement projects. These projects include installing brighter traffic lights and more rumble strips, along with adding bike lanes on certain roads and replacing signage in curves on the highway. Areas where improvements like these were made in the past saw a decrease in accidents of as much as 92 percent.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the important role an area’s infrastructure can play in highway safety. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are anxious to see these highway improvements made sooner, rather than later.

 

 

Recent Changes to Virginia Traffic Laws

by | July 6th, 2015

Highway safety is a major concern in the state of Virginia. That’s why lawmakers have passed several new laws aimed at preventing traffic accidents in the commonwealth. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers would like to fill you in on the changes that took effect July 1.

Move Over Law

Motorists are now required to give at least one lane of space to any emergency vehicle that is stopped and has its lights or sirens activated. If a driver is on a two-lane road and is approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, the driver should slow down to at least 10 MPH below the posted speed limit and give at least two feet of space when passing the stopped vehicle.

Tailgating Laws

In an effort to reduce Virginia bicycle accident numbers, lawmakers have passed new regulations that prohibit motorists from following bicycles too closely. Violations of the law will result in a citation.

Crossing Double Yellow Lines

In another effort to keep cyclists safe, legislators passed an ordinance that will now allow motorists to cross double yellow lines when passing a bicycle on the road, as long as the maneuver can be made safely. An article from NBC 29 News explains this will allow cyclists and pedestrians more space on roads that do not have specified bike or pedestrian lanes.

Stay Safe

Our legal staff at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers understand the dangers motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians each face on the road. That’s why we’re hopeful these changes will offer vulnerable travelers more protection when on the road.

DMV Launches Campaign to Reduce Virginia Bicycle Accident Numbers

by | June 29th, 2015

The number of collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles has steadily increased over the years. Data shows that last year, a total of 12 cyclists lost their lives as the result of a Virginia bicycle accident, which was a 50 percent increase from the previous year’s total.

To help reduce Virginia bicycle accident numbers, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is sponsoring several campaigns to help spread the message of bicycle safety across the commonwealth. One of those projects involves citizens sharing photos of themselves wearing bicycle helmets.

Wearing a helmet can reduce a cyclist’s chances of being seriously injured or killed in an accident by as much as 65 percent. So the DMV is asking area residents to post “selfies” to social media platforms using the tag #safetylooksgoodonyou as a heading. The DMV will then use the photos to promote helmet use and bicycle safety.

An article from NBC 29 News says children can get involved with spreading the message as well by printing off one of the DMV’s coloring pages. Kids should then ask their parents to mail in the finished coloring job, where it will then be displayed at the DMV’s Richmond Central Customer Service Center.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the importance of staying safe while riding a bicycle. That’s why our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are encouraging you to do your part to help promote bicycle safety in our communities.

Norfolk Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Importance of Having Your Child’s Car Seat Inspected

by | June 22nd, 2015

Statistics show that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of accidental death among children under age 12 and are also a leading cause of accidental injury as well. One of the best ways to protect your child from death or injury in the event of a crash is to ensure they are always seated in a child safety or booster seat that’s been properly installed. While this may sound like a pretty simple solution, our Norfolk car accident lawyers at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers explain that it’s important to ensure you have the right fit in a seat for your child.

One of the most common errors that can put a child in danger in a car seat is not properly installing the unit. It’s estimated that roughly 70 percent of all child safety and booster seats aren’t installed correctly. The best way to prevent such a mistake is to take your vehicle and the seat to your local fire, police, or emergency responder location to have the seat installed and inspected.

Another common mistake is putting a child in the wrong size seat. Booster and safety seats have a minimum and maximum height and weight limit. Check the specifications on your child’s seat to ensure it’s the proper size.

An article from ABC 13 News touches on another common problem, which is how children with special needs may require a specialized seat to give them the protection they need in a car.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how valuable car safety seats can be in protecting a child’s life in an accident. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers urge you to have your child’s safety or booster seat checked and inspected for safety.

Norfolk Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Discuss National Dog Bite Prevention Week

by | May 18th, 2015

Did you know that in the United States, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year? That’s a scary thought! Our Norfolk dog bite injury attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers point out that an even scarier thought is the fact that more than half of those victims are children.

To help reduce the number of dog bite injuries and fatalities that occur each year, May 17-23 has been declared National Dog Bite Prevention Week. As part of the campaign, several organizations are making efforts to raise awareness about the risks dog bite injuries can pose, as well as educate the public about what they can do to reduce the chances of becoming a dog bite victim.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is doing its part to teach children about the proper way to approach a dog by releasing a series of videos on their YouTube channel. Each of the videos features Jimmy the Dog covering different topics of dog safety, such as the importance of not teasing or scaring a dog, as well as how to recognize an aggressive canine. It’s important to check back to the AVMA’s channel regularly as well, as a new video will be released each day this week.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we understand the impact a dog bite injury can have and our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are hopeful you can utilize these tools to help reduce you and your loved ones’ chances of becoming dog bite injury victims.