Norris Injury Lawyers | Injury Law Blog

May

Efforts Being Made to Reduce Wait Times on Veterans’ Disability Claims

May 21, 2013

With each day that passes, more veterans return from service overseas in need of assistance with injuries and traumas sustained on the battlefield. But the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the government agency charged with distributing benefits to soldiers and veterans, is unable to keep up with the demand.

There are more than one million veterans currently awaiting benefits. An estimated 10,000 of those individuals are awaiting Alabama Veterans’ Disability Benefits.

This leaves many concerned citizens wondering why there are such a high number of unprocessed claims. Experts point to trends showing excessive wait times during the processing claims as the main contributing factor to the problem.

The average wait time for a claim to be processed in Alabama is just under a year, while the agency’s goal for processing all first-time claims is within 125 days. Some veterans have waited as long as 1,000 days for their claims to be processed.

According to Al.com, officials are hoping to solve the problem by granting conditional decisions on numerous claims, and bonuses have been eliminated for top VA officials this year.

The Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers with Norris Injury Lawyers know what a complex process receiving veterans benefits can be. That’s why the firm suggests discussing your legal options with an attorney if you are considering filing a claim or you have been denied benefits in the past.

May

Students Call for Roadway Changes Following Fatal Alabama Car Accident

May 14, 2013

Following an Alabama Auto Accident that left a 17-year-old girl dead and her sister seriously injured, the teens’ peers are beginning to pressure state lawmakers to make changes to the intersection where the accident occurred.

Reports indicate that on the morning of April 30, the victims pulled out of a gas station near Alabama Highways 157 and 101. As the vehicle entered the roadway, it was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer. The impact of the collision almost instantly claimed the young driver’s life. Meanwhile, the deceased driver’s sister was left seriously injured. She was rushed to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

In the wake of the accident, students who attend the same school as the victims have begun a campaign aimed at improving the intersection where the crash occurred. Every student at the school is writing a letter to state lawmakers explaining their position of wanting the changes made to the intersection. One student even started a petition to be signed.

According to 48 News, the students are not only calling for a traffic signal to replace a flashing caution light at the intersection, they are also asking that the speed limit be dropped on the highway.

The Alabama Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers understand how devastating a loss of a life to a car accident can be. That’s why the firm is hopeful the students are successful in their mission to make the intersection safer for everyone.

May

Study Finds Driving with Pets Increases the Chance of a Car Accident

May 7, 2013

Most people think of cellphones when they hear about the dangers of distracted driving. But a new study has shown our pets may create a similar risk when they ride in the car, especially among the elderly.

Researchers at the University of Alabama-Birmingham have shown that drivers over the age of 70 are twice as likely to be involved in an Alabama Car Accident if a pet is in the vehicle. Data showed drivers with pets in the vehicle were likely to look away from the road and focus their attention on their animal, rather than the road. The risk was even greater for the elderly because of slowed reaction times.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offered several safety tips to consider when traveling with a pet in a recent article by The Inquisitr. Their experts explained the importance of an animal being placed in a carrier or crate when in transit. The carrier should be well ventilated and tied down, so as to prevent it from rolling over while the vehicle is moving.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyers with Norris Injury Lawyers acknowledge motorists can be distracted in many different ways and ask that drivers always keep their eyes on the road. Doing so will significantly reduce the chances of being involved in a collision.

Apr

Lack of Seat Belt Use Contributes to Alabama Car Accident Fatalities

April 30, 2013

Despite data showing that the use of seat belts can significantly reduce the chances of injuries and fatalities in the event of a collision, a large portion of Alabama citizens are still failing to buckle up. Alabama Department of Transportation data shows that almost 60 percent of those who died last year as a result of Alabama Car Accidents were not properly restrained at the time of the accident.

According to an article published in a recent issue of the Insurance Journal, a total 424 fatal accidents were reported in Alabama during 2012, resulting in the loss of 513 lives. Reports show that a lack of proper restraint was a contributing factor in 251 of those collisions.

State laws state that anyone riding in the front seat or any child in the vehicle between the ages of 6 and 15 must wear a seat belt at all times while a vehicle is in motion. Any child under the age of 6 must be secured in an approved child safety seat. Anyone who violates these regulations is subject to receiving a citation from law enforcement.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers recognize the risks that failing to buckle up in a motor vehicle can present in an accident. That’s why the firm urges everyone to make putting on a seat belt the first thing they do every time they get in a vehicle.

Apr

FDA Panels Schedules Meeting to Discuss Safety of Avandia®

April 23, 2013

A discussion has been scheduled by U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials to discuss findings of a study on the safety of the GlaxoSmithKline drug Avandia®.

The drug is used in the treatment of Type II Diabetes to help the body better control glucose levels. In September 2010, the medication was pulled from the European market because of serious Drug Injury dangers to patients, including cardiovascular risks.

The FDA acknowledged the drug’s risks by limiting its use to certain patients and calling for a new study to reevaluate the effects of the medication. The study was performed at Duke University and conclusive results were recently reached.

According to an article released by Medscape Today, the FDA has scheduled its Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committees to convene this June to discuss the results. Some experts believe the findings could lead to the drug being completely pulled from the market. Many feel this is the best solution because safer, more effective drugs are currently on the market.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts made to ensure that medications available to patients in the United States are safe. The firm is hopeful the upcoming panel meeting will be successful in determining the safety of Avandia® and the best course of action to take in distributing the drug.

Apr

Seminar Aimed at Educating the Public on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

April 16, 2013

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression are becoming increasingly common conditions in soldiers applying for Alabama Veterans Disability Benefits. Experts are attempting to help these individuals by offering more non-drug therapy solutions.

According to a story released by WKRG 5 News, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will be holding a special training event to help pastors, priests, and other church leaders better understand the effects that PTSD can have on soldiers.

The seminar will be held this coming Thursday and will discuss topics such as the warning signs of PTSD and depression, and the legal issues associated with soldiers and veterans suffering from these conditions.

Some of the warning signs a veteran may be suffering from PTSD include withdrawal from social situations, hypersensitivity, and mood swings.

VA Chaplain, John Bailey, explains getting this information out to church leaders is extremely vital because research has shown troubled veterans are more likely to turn to the church for help before seeking medical assistance from mental health professionals.

The program will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude at noon.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers are aware of the devastating effects that PTSD can have on veterans and their friends, families, and acquaintances. That’s why the firm urges anyone who is available to take part in the upcoming seminar.

Apr

Many Alabama Car Accident Fatalities Attributed to Lack of Seat Belt Use

April 9, 2013

Despite the proven effectiveness of seat belts in preventing injury or death, an astounding number of Alabama citizens still fail to buckle up.

Statistics have shown that buckling up can decrease the chances of a fatality in the event of an accident by as much as 50 percent. Yet, new data reported by the Alabama Department of Transportation has found that almost 60 percent of all motorists who died last year as a result of Alabama Car Accidents were not properly restrained.

According to an article from the Insurance Journal, Alabama State Troopers investigated a total of 424 fatal collisions in 2012 where seat belts were installed in the vehicle. Of the 513 individuals killed in those incidents, 251 were not buckled up.

The high rate of fatalities attributed to a lack of seat belts was reported even though state law requires all front seat passengers and children between the ages of 6 and 15-years-old to be properly restrained at all times. Furthermore, children under the age of 6 are mandated to ride in an approved child safety or booster seat.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers are aware of the dangers a motor vehicle accident can pose. That is why the firm asks that citizens buckle up every time they hit the road and encourage others in the vehicle to do the same.

Apr

“Every Fifteen Minutes” Campaign Aims to Prevent Alabama Car Accidents

April 2, 2013

Prom season results in a high number of Alabama Car Accidents each year. In an effort to help prevent such incidents from involving students at Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Alabama, the Shelby County School system has partnered with law enforcement and emergency medical services to conduct a campaign called “Every Fifteen Minutes”.

The Shelby County Reporter says the two-day program is kicked off with a mock crash set up to involve two vehicles. Each vehicle has been occupied by student volunteers who act as “victims” at the scene. The scenario plays out to include the “death” of one victim and others suffering injuries. The driver of one of the vehicles is also charged with driving under the influence.

Throughout the remainder of the campaign a mock trial for the drunk driver is performed, as is a funeral for the individual who “died” in the accident. That person isn’t the only one who will have their life taken by the campaign though. Throughout the two-days, students will be randomly selected to represent the individuals who are killed every fifteen minutes by a drunk driver.

Students commented that the program drove the idea home that it’s dangerous to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol.

The entire campaign was filmed and will be viewed by the student body before prom this Saturday.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers hope the campaign is successful in preventing a serious accident.

Mar

Family Files Alabama Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Jailhouse Fatality

March 26, 2013

The family of a 21-year-old man who died while in custody at the Walker County Jail has filed an Alabama Wrongful Death Lawsuit for their loss. The suit was filed against law enforcement officials who oversaw the man’s arrest and a hospital accused of failing to give the victim proper medical treatment.

An article from CBS 42 News explains that in Sept. 2009, the victim had stolen a dump truck. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a road and foot chase ensued. Details become murky during the arrest of the victim, as officers reported using a less-than-lethal compliance device, known as a Taser gun, on the victim during apprehension.

He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors determined the man had suffered no serious injuries. However, upon arrival at the jail’s booking station, it was noted the victim could not walk or stand and was having difficulty speaking.

Six days later, the man was found dead on the jailhouse floor. An examination of the body determined the man died of injuries sustained in an “automobile accident.” There’s no evidence indicating the chase ended in a crash.

The family is seeking $20 million in damages for their loss.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers are hopeful a decision in the case will help bring a sense of closure to the loss the family of the victim has suffered.

Mar

Defendant in Alabama Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Calls for Case Transfer

March 19, 2013

The defendant in an Alabama Sexual Harassment Lawsuit has asked the court to consider several changes to the case. According to an article from Al.com, the man has asked the case be transferred from circuit to federal court.

The case stems from claims made by a woman who worked for the defendant as a Clinical Healthcare Director at the Birmingham Health Center in 2002. She remained at the position until 2008, when the defendant retired from his position at the company. During that time, the woman claims the defendant forced her to have sex with him.

He also made her wear negligée and heels in his presence. Furthermore, she accused him of videotaping the encounters and then threatening to use the tapes against her if she did not further cooperate with him. During the six year period, the pair conceived two children.

The suit claims the man subjected the victim to gender discrimination, harassment, and invasion of privacy. The defendant and his attorneys have vigorously denied the authenticity of any of the allegations being brought against him.

The Birmingham Personal Injury Attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers are aware of the complications that can be involved in a sexual harassment case. However, the firm encourages anyone who has been the victim of such behavior to look into their legal rights by discussing their case with a qualified attorney immediately.

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