Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Birth Injury Case Yields $15.35 Million Settlement

What was supposed to be a momentous day for the Jenkins family of Chicago ended in tragedy. Problems during the delivery of their infant son limited the oxygen available to the fetus, resulting in later diagnoses of mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The baby was eventually delivered via Cesarean section, but the malpractice suit that was later filed contended that the crucial damage occurred when the doctors continued to pursue vaginal birth aided by vacuum extractors, even after indicators suggested that the infant was experiencing distress.

Has your family suffered through the tragedy of a birth injury? If so, we can help.
Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Former Supreme Court Nominee Settles Slip-and-Fall Suit

When law professor and controversial former Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork ascended a dais at the Yale Club during a speaking engagement in June 2007, he might have expected his ideas to come under assault, but not his physical safety. Instead, due to what Bork has claimed was an unstable speaking platform, his attempt to reach the podium ended in a serious fall. Bork suffered numerous injuries from the incident, including a burst hematoma in his leg. The original suit asked for $1 million in damages, but the exact amount transferred in the settlement has not been released.

If unsafe conditions have caused you to take a spill, you need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Florida Woman Files Suit Against Makers of “Eco-Friendly” Power Generator

Nancy Younger and her husband William were trying to help the environment by installing a device known as the IdleAire into their big-rig truck, but they ended up losing much more. The device, which was supposed to harness solar energy to power devices such as air conditioners and electronics in idling big-rig trucks, is claimed to have siphoned deadly carbon monoxide gas into the cab where the Youngers were sleeping. William Younger died as a result of the incident, and Nancy sustained a near-fatal case of carbon monoxide poisoning. An award of up to $18 million is expected in the case.

If a defective device has negatively impacted your family, we’re here to help you understand your options for seeking recourse.
Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

New Jersey Man Receives $809,000 Following ER Misdiagnosis

When a 14-year-old male gymnast visited the emergency room complaining of nausea, abdominal pain, and groin pain, personnel at Heywood Hospital issued a diagnosis of appendicitis. When further tests disproved that diagnosis, a testicular infection was believed to be the cause of the illness. In truth, however, the boy was suffering from testicular torsion, a rare condition that is somewhat more common among young male athletes. However, because the condition was not diagnosed soon enough, the patient eventually had to have one of his testicles surgically removed. After a five-year court battle, the plaintiff was granted a combined award of more than $800,000 in compensation and interest.

Has a medical mistake impacted your family? You need an experienced personal injury lawyer to walk you through the legal options that are open to you. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

State of Ohio Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $1 Million

A tragic car crash in 2006 cost one Ohio mother her life. Lori Smith, 32, died in the fiery aftermath of a collision caused by an Ohio state trooper. The officer who caused the collision was traveling at a high rate of speed, reportedly en route to an area hospital to check up on the seriously ill infant of a coworker. According to court documents, the officers who caused the collision were not engaged in a legitimate chase that required traveling at such a high rate of speed. Smith’s survivors, including her husband and three young children, filed a wrongful death case in the incident. Although the exact details of the state’s settlement have not yet been released, officials have confirmed that the award will exceed $1 million.

Have you or a loved one been injured as the result of another’s negligence? If so, we’re here to help.
Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Texas Teacher’s Family Files Lawsuit in Big Rig Crash

33-year-old Texas schoolteacher Cynthia Carter was proceeding through an intersection one autumn afternoon in 2006 when the driver of a big rig ran a red light and struck her vehicle. After the collision, Carter’s truck was dragged 150 yards before it burst into flames. Carter was killed instantly, leaving behind a husband and three young children. Her family has filed a lawsuit in the incident, claiming that the driver has a troubled driving history. The suit also names the big rig’s operating company, which has faced several past citations for operating its trucks in an unsafe and careless manner. The driver, Jeremy Davidson, is also facing criminal charges in the incident.

Have you been injured in a collision with a big rig? Let us help.
Contact the California big rig attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Lawsuit Filed in Border Patrol Agent’s Death

36-year-old David Webb was monitoring the desert near Why, Arizona in his work-issued Chevy Tahoe truck on November 3, 2006 when a tragic series of events caused the Border Patrol agent’s untimely death. First, the tread separated from one of the truck’s rear tires, causing Webb to loose control of the vehicle. When the truck flipped over, the roof of the vehicle caved completely in, causing the fatal head and brain injuries that doctors say caused Webb’s demise. Last week, Webb’s surviving family members, including a wife and two young children, filed suit against both General Motors and Continental Tires, claiming that defects and safety problems with both the vehicle and the tires directly contributed to Webb’s death.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, we can help you determine your next step in seeking recourse.
Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Georgia Woman is Awarded $8.8 Million in Medical Malpractice Case

Lifelong diabetic Shirlyn Gallagher is well aware of the importance of keeping close tabs on her blood sugar levels and administering insulin when appropriate. Unfortunately, medical personnel at the Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida failed to adhere to this long-established standard of practice. After going without insulin for an extended period while undergoing treatment at the facility, Gallagher’s blood sugar peaked, causing her to experience a stroke and subsequent brain damage. Representatives of the hospital have stated that they intend to file an appeal in the matter.

Have you suffered as a result of a medical mistake? We’re here to offer you the professional advice you need.
Contact the California medical malpractice attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Excessively Rigorous PE Class Led to Student’s Death, Suit Claims

14-year-old high school freshman Kevin J. Stallard had a heart condition that prevented him from being able to participate in demanding physical activities. In fact, the pediatric cardiologist who treated Stallard had issued strict orders limiting Stallard’s participation in his high school’s physical education class. However, according to Stallard’s mother, these orders were ignored by the high school’s coaching staff, despite repeated reminders. Stallard died last year after being forced to run multiple wind sprints in hot summer weather, and questions remain as to whether the school staff provided appropriate resuscitation measures after the student collapsed. A $25 million suit has been filed in the case.

If a family member has suffered as a result of negligence, we can help you sort through your options.
Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Tennessee Woman Sues for $4.5 Million after Wreck

After a serious collision last year, doctors were forced to keep 51-year-old Tennessee resident Barbara Godfrey McCloud in a chemically-induced coma for nearly two weeks in order to stabilize her condition. The injuries, which included multiple fractures, torn ligaments, and a concussion, occurred after McCloud was struck at high speed by 28-year-old driver Michael Geames. To date, McCloud’s medical costs have exceeded $300,000, and disability experts have stated that her future quality of life and earning capability remain in question. A court date has not yet been set in the matter.

Have you or a loved one faced serious injuries as a result of a car wreck? If so, you need the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the serious injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Brooklyn Judge Files Suit After Slipping on Wet Courthouse Floor

A judge is sitting at the plaintiff’s table in one recently filed slip-and-fall case. Supreme Court Justice Jack Battaglia fractured his knee after leaving the restroom in the Brooklyn, New York courthouse where he works, typically presiding over civil lawsuits that often bear many similarities to the suit Battaglia himself has brought against the city and a city employee. The judge is asking for over $1 million in damages in the case.

No matter what their station in life may be, everyone is vulnerable to the careless actions of others. If you or a family member has been negatively impacted by negligence, we can help. Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Deadly Dallas Freeway Crash Spurs Wrongful Death Suit

Irregularities and mechanical problems have long plagued the large fleet of utility trucks operated by Dallas-based Texas Industries. Lawyers claim that this spotty maintenance may have played a role in the April 11, 2008 crash that killed a Dallas realtor and severely injured her 5-year-old daughter. A cement truck driven by Edward Magallon swerved out of control and skidded for more than 140 feet before flipping and landing on an SUV driven by 41-year-old Maria Gomez. The recently-filed lawsuit also claims that Magallon has a long history of traffic, speeding, and DUI convictions.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an auto collision, you need to understand your options.
Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Lawsuits Against Nail Gun Manufacturers Multiply

Air-powered nail guns offer construction workers, laborers, and hobbyists unparalleled convenience, but a growing number of injury and wrongful death suits suggest that the devices are too risky. One such suit was recently filed by the widow of construction worker Manuel Murrillo against nail gun manufacturer Hitachi-Koki U.S.A. Murrillo died in 2006 after accidentally puncturing his chest with a nail gun. The suit claims that the gun’s defective design emphasized speed over safety.

Has a defective or unsafe product harmed you or a loved one? We can help.
Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Hip Treatment Resulted in Patient’s Death, Suit Claims

Epidural injections are best known as a way to control pain during childbirth. However, they are also sometimes used to control chronic localized pain in the back, legs, and hips. This is the treatment that Oliver McAfoos submitted to in early November 2005 – and which his surviving family members claim was eventually responsible for his death the next year. The lawsuit filed against staff at a St. Louis-area hospital claims that the medical team there failed to elicit a full medical history from McAfoos prior to the procedure, and further failed to adhere to common standards of care during the execution of the treatment. Several days after the procedure, McAfoos was admitted to a regional trauma unit with a diagnosis of an epidural hematoma. Days later, he lapsed into the coma that would eventually kill him. A judge has been assigned in the case, but a court date has not yet been set.

Has your family suffered as a result of careless medical treatment? You need the help of an experienced team of personal injury attorneys.
Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Suit Filed in Car Collision Death of Ohio Woman

In October 2007, 33-year-old Michelle Kintsle was driving home when her car was struck with great force by another vehicle. Police believe that driver Mark Lusher was fleeing the scene of another minor car accident when he collided with Kintsle’s vehicle. Lusher, who was intoxicated at the time of the fatal accident, was traveling at speeds exceeding 80 mph in a residential neighborhood. Michelle Kintsle’s surviving husband has mounted a wrongful death claim against Lusher, as well as a charge of fraud, as it is suspected that Lusher’s recent divorce was a ploy to shield marital assets from the pending suit. Lusher also faces an array of criminal charges in the matter.

Have you or a loved one been hurt by the negligent actions of another driver? We can help.
Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Lawsuits Against Makers of ObTape Device Multiply

The device known as the ObTape Vaginal Sling was intended for use as a treatment for stress incontinence, a troubling condition that can make it hard for women to maintain control of their urinary flow. However, according to claims set forth in dozens of lawsuits that have been filed in Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, and other states, the device, manufactured by Santa Barbara, California-based medical supply company The Mentor Corporation, was responsible for causing a variety of painful symptoms and injuries. Plaintiffs report experiencing chronic pain, ongoing infections, and the erosion of vaginal tissues, along with many other symptoms. A court date has not yet been set in the matter.

Have you been victimized by a defective medical device? We can help.
Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Texas Landfill Worker Sues After Compacter Explosion

Beaumont, Texas municipal landfill worker Kenneth Allison has filed suit against Caterpillar, the manufacturer of a large-scale garbage compacter, after the device ignited and exploded while Allison was working nearby in March 2006. According to the details of the suit, the design of the machinery’s hydraulic hoses was defective, causing a rupture that resulted in the explosion. Allison suffered extensive injuries to his back, elbow, and hand after the force of the explosion knocked him to the ground. The lawsuit also claims that the injuries forced Allison to pursue early retirement and permanent disability.

If you’ve been hurt by unsafe equipment, we’re here to walk you through your options.
Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Parking Lot Fall Results in Six-Figure Settlement

After a protracted legal battle, Pennsylvania resident Robert Yusem was awarded $390,000 for injuries he sustained after falling in an industrial plant parking lot in 2000. Yusem claimed his fall was caused by an unsafe accumulation of runoff water in the lot, which the frigid Pennsylvania weather transformed into a mass of slush and ice. Yusem further contended that the business owners should have known that the pooled water would pose a safety hazard.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a “slip and fall” accident? If so, we’re here to help.
Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

$1.25 Million Settlement Awarded in Medical Error Case

When 34-year-old Ginger Williams was discharged from a Tennessee hospital in 2004, her family believed that that meant her renal disease was improving. Instead, to the shock of her relatives, Williams died one day after being released from the hospital. It was later found that the hospital staff had failed to diagnose or detect the sky-high potassium levels that doctors say contributed to Williams’ premature demise. A Columbia, Tennessee jury agreed with the plaintiff’s claims, awarding Williams’ mother and 11-year-old son $1.25 million in the case.

If a medical mistake has impacted you or your family, you need the guidance of a seasoned team of personal injury lawyers to help you evaluate your options.
Contact the California medical malpractice attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Settlement Reached in Kansas Wrongful Death Suit

16-year-old Ashley Drum was out on late-night stroll with two friends when her young life was cut tragically short. The Arkansas City, Kansas teen was crossing the street when she was struck by a car driven by area resident Jason Mills, who claims he did not notice the girl. Several hours after the collision, Drum died from the injuries she sustained at a local hospital. Months after Drum’s estate filed a wrongful death suit against Mills, a settlement in the case was announced in the amount of $50,000.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an automobile accident? We can help.
Contact the California personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.