Florida Wrongful Death Suit Blames Comcast for 81-Year-Old Woman’s Demise

Boynton Beach resident Sidell Reiner was setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner in 2009 when she accidentally dropped a wine glass on her foot. The injury began to bleed heavily and Reiner, who was alone in her home at the time, dialed ‘0’ for operator assistance. However, the Comcast operator who responded to Reiner’s request was unable to provide the correct address to 911 dispatchers in the area, despite the fact that Comcast was the Reiner’s home phone service provider. Although Reiner repeatedly called back for help, a full 17 minutes elapsed before first responders arrived at the scene. Because of her injury, Reiner could not answer the door, and the rescuers left the premises without attempting to enter the residence. When Sidell Reiner’s husband arrived home with the relatives he had picked up from the airport, they found Sidell dead in a pool of her own blood.

Has your family been impacted by incompetence or improper procedures? If so, you need the advice of an experienced team of personal injury attorneys. 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.

Fatal Utah Tourist Bus Collision Results in Lawsuit

A pair of Japanese tourists who were celebrating their first wedding anniversary with a road trip through the American Southwest have filed a lawsuit pertaining to the August 2009 crash that killed three and wounded several more of the 14 passengers. Mai and Kei Maeda suffered a number of serious injuries as a result of the crash, including a punctured lung and a broken neck, respectively. The suit filed in the case alleges that the driver of the bus had smoked marijuana the evening before the accident and was operating the bus on very little sleep. It is further alleged that the driver was actually seen to be falling asleep when the crash occurred.

If someone else’s negligence has resulted in injuries for you or a family member, we can help. Contact the Los Angeles bus accident 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.

Mother of Child Killed by Disney Vehicle Files Wrongful Death Suit

The Brubaker family’s visit to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge in April 2010 turned tragic when their 9-year-old son Chase was struck and killed by a Disney bus. Chase Brubaker was riding his bike when he was side-swiped by the vehicle and was pulled under its rear wheels. Investigators have claimed that a flat bicycle tire may have contributed to the incident, but the Brubaker family produced reports indicating that Chase was adhering to safety rules when the incident occurred. The total amount of damages sought in the case has not yet been disclosed.

If a family member has been injured or killed due to another’s reckless behavior, we can help you assess your legal options. Contact the California motor vehicle accident 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.

Say Goodbye to Drop-sided Cribs

Yesterday, December 15, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, voted unanimously to ban the manufacture, sale and resale of drop-sided cribs. A new standard mandating fixed sided cribs takes effect in June 2011. Hotels, daycare centers and the like have two years to bring their inventory of cribs up to date.

Since 2000, drop-side cribs have been blamed in the deaths of at least 32 infants and toddlers and are suspected in another 14 infant fatalities. In the past five years, more than 9 million drop-side cribs have been recalled.

In addition to ban, the new standard also mandates tougher safety testing for cribs, tests that more closely mimic a child in a crib, and better labeling on crib pieces to prevent the assembly problems which can create a dangerous environment for children in cribs.

If your child has been injured by a drop-sided crib, we'd like to speak with you. Please contact us at www.unsafecribs.com or call 800.992.9947. There is no cost or obligation.

Maryland Lead Paint Lawsuit Ends With $21.9 Million Award

Many people born into impoverished families are able to overcome the disadvantages imposed by their socioeconomic background and break free from the cycle of poverty. Unfortunately, the tragic circumstances into which 23-year-old Marie Carter was born left her unable to strive for a more beneficial life outcome. After spending her infancy and early childhood in Baltimore housing projects that were riddled with lead paint and other environmental toxins, Carter suffered from development disabilities, including a very low I.Q. In the lawsuit she filed against the city of Baltimore, Carter’s legal team was able to establish that she had had elevated lead levels as a child and that she had frequently been witnessed eating lead paint chips. Carter received a jury award of more than $20 million in the case, although part of that award may be reduced according to provisions set forth in Maryland law.

If you or a loved one has been forced to suffer due to another’s carelessness, 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.

City of Philadelphia Sued by Owner of Capsized Duck Boat

The squat appearance of the duck-shaped boats that give waterway tours in many American cities may be humorous, but the tragic turn of events that befell a vessel carrying 35 tourists in a Pennsylvania river in July 2010 was anything but funny. On that summer afternoon, a “duck boat” showing passengers around Philadelphia’s Delaware River lost power and stalled. After making several distress calls and warning other boats in the area that it was stranded in the middle of the waterway, the boat was struck by a 250-foot barge. The impact threw all of the duck boat’s passengers into the water; two Hungarian tourists were killed in the crash and many passengers, as well as the captain, suffered serious injuries. The City of Philadelphia has failed to issue a comment on the pending lawsuits stemming from the incident.

If you or a family member has sustained injuries due to a government agency’s failure to maintain safe conditions, we can help you understand your legal 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.

Slip and Fall in Maui McDonald’s Results in $5.67 Million Award

A vacation in tropical Hawaii took an unexpected twist when Texas resident Beverly Munguia stopped in at a Maui McDonald’s for a meal. Arising from the table after she finished eating, Munguia slipped on an unidentified object on the restaurant’s floor and fell, fracturing a vertebra in her lower back in the process. Since the incident, Munguia has undergone two surgeries, but she is still permanently disabled and confined to a wheelchair as a result of the fall. The court recently decided in Munguia’s favor in the lawsuit she brought in the case, awarding her a total of $5.67 million.

Have you suffered as a result of a business owner’s negligence? If so, you need the advice of a skilled team of personal injury lawyers. Contact the California slip and fall 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.

Supreme Court Considers Whether Victims Can File Suits Against Vaccine Makers

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was enacted to balance the rights of patients injured by vaccines with the needs of vaccine manufacturers. However, in attempting to reconcile these dual aims, the lawmakers who created the legislation loaded the bill with confusing and seemingly contradictory language. A case that is currently under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court is forcing the justices to parse the legislation in order to determine whether children harmed by vaccines should have the right to sue for damages. If the Supreme Court votes to amend or reverse the law, thousands of lawsuits could be brought against vaccine manufacturers, including some by families who believe that vaccines caused their children to develop autism spectrum disorders.

Have you or a loved one been injured by a faulty medical treatment? If so, we can help. Contact the los angeles 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.

Florida Judge Sues Doctors After Medical Mistake of Massive Proportions

After undergoing abdominal surgery, 67-year old Nelson Bailey expected to have to endure a painful recovery. What he did not expect was that his condition would actually worsen after the procedure had been completed – but this exactly what happened. After months of consulting with different doctors and undergoing a barrage of tests to get to the bottom of his deteriorating health, it was finally discovered that the doctors who had performed the procedure had left behind a large surgical sponge, measuring 12 inches by 12 inches in size. When it was removed, attending staff reported that the sponge had begun to rot and was saturated in pus and other bodily fluids. Bailey reported recently having reached an undisclosed settlement with the hospital.

Has someone’s careless oversight caused you pain and suffering? If so, you need the advice of a skilled team of personal injury attorneys. Contact the Los Angeles 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.

Death in Georgia Nursing Home Leads to $43.5 Million Award

A jury recently ordered a lawyer and a nursering home operator in Sandy Springs, Georgia to pay a staggering $43.5 million award in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of 80-year-old Morris Ellison, who died in the company’s Rome, Georgia assisted care facility in April 2007. Before his death, Ellison had suffered several broken bones and was also severely malnourished and dehydrated. The suit alleges that one of the financial officers of the company had embezzled funds from the facility, to such an extent that the nursing home could not afford to maintain an adequate staff.

Have you or family member suffered due to inadequate or erroneous medical care? If so, we’re here to help. Contact the Los Angeles 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.

Michael Jackson’s Mother Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Concert Promoter

Katherine Jackson, the mother of pop music star Michael Jackson, who passed away under unclear circumstances in June 2009, has filed papers initiating a wrongful death lawsuit against concert promoter AEG. The company was responsible for planning the “This Is It” concert tour for which Michael Jackson was preparing in the weeks before his death. Katherine Jackson’s suit alleges that the company was indirectly responsible for Michael Jackson’s death. The most damning contention in the suit is that AEG staff was responsible for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician who dispensed the prescription drugs believed to have caused Jackson’s death. The suit also claimed that AEG failed to provide adequate emergency response equipment and safety procedures. Several specific AEG employees and officers are also named in the suit.

Has corporate indifference caused harm to you or a loved one? If so, you need sound legal advice. Contact the Los Angeles wrongful death 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.

Another 40,000 Cribs Recalled

On Friday, 3 U.S. companies announced recalls of more than 40,000 drop-sided cribs. Ethan Allen, Angel Line, and Victory Land Group voluntarily recalled their cribs as the drop-side can detach creating a dangerous gap between the crib and the mattress which can trap or suffocate a child.

Owners of this and other drop-sided cribs are advised to immediately contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit to immobilize the drop-side. Should a fix not be available, some companies are offering a voucher.

In the wake of more than 15 crib recalls in 2010, the CPSC is announcing a campaign promoting safe sleep and and child safety.

If you own a drop-sided crib, we'd like to speak with you. The consumer class action attorneys at The Heller Law Firm are investigating a possible class action against drop-sided crib manufacturers. Please contact us at www.unsafecribs.com or call 800.992.9947. There is no cost or obligation.

Unplanned Circumcision Prompts Lawsuit Against Florida Hospital

Accidental and mistaken medical procedures are on the rise in some U.S. medical facilities, and newborn Mario Viera fell prey to this troubling trend when he was circumcised against his families express wishes in a south Florida hospital in August 2010. The family, which is strongly opposed to the practice of circumcision, has filed both criminal and civil charges against the hospital, which says that staff members misread a consent form. The personal injury suit filed by the Delgado family in the case requests unspecified damages.

If you or a family member has been a victim of a medical mistake, we can help you understand your legal options. Contact the Los Angeles 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.

Tennessee Railroad Fatality Leads to Lawsuit

In August 2005, 43-year-old Jose Molina was working on a commercial cargo train car when he slipped from the car and fell to his death. Molina was employed by the Union City Grain Company at the time of his death, and was reportedly helping some coworkers move the railway cars when the incident occurred. Molina’s widow filed suit against Canadian National Railroad, the parent company of the Union City Grain Co., alleging that her husband’s death was the result of negligence on the part of the company, which had refused to furnish a locomotive engine that would have enabled the workers to move the railway cars safely. Mrs. Molina’s suit against the company requests more than $10 million in punitive and compensatory damages.

Have you or a loved one been injured by a company’s negligence? If so, we’re here to help. Contact the Los Angeles 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.

JC Penny Announces a Recall of more than 11,000 Cribs

Yet another crib recall was announced today, this time by JCPenny. The "Alexander Designs" Brand drop-sided crib manufactured by Jardine Enterprises and sold exclusively by JCPenny was recalled for repair due to entrapment, suffocation and fall hazards. The CPSC reports 2 incidents of drop-side failures of this crib which was manufactured between 2003 and 2007.

Owners of this and other drop-sided cribs are advised to immediately contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit to immobilize the drop-side. Should a fix not be available, some companies are offering a voucher.

If you own a drop-sided crib, we,d like to speak with you. The consumer class action attorneys at The Heller Law Firm are investigating a possible class action against drop-sided crib manufacturers. Please contact us at www.unsafecribs.com or call 800.992.9947. There is no cost or obligation.

Wrongful Death Suit Over Concert Shooting Settled

Thomas Holmes wasn’t expecting to get involved in a gunfight when he settled in to enjoy a live musical performance at the Granby Theater in Norfolk, Virginia in March 2007 – but that’s exactly what happened. After a dispute with a fellow concertgoer, Holmes was shot several times, sustained major injuries, and soon fell into a persistent vegetative state from which he never recovered. He died two years later. The wrongful death suit brought against the club owners by Holmes’ surviving family members resulted in a settlement of more than $1 million, some of which will be placed into a trust fund for Holmes’ young son, Dominic.

If a loved one or family member has been injured or killed, we can help you weigh your legal options. Contact the wrongful death 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.

Fall at Salt Lake City Airport Prompts Lawsuit

Returning home for the holidays should be a joyous affair, but the trip turned painful for flight attendant Natalie Maxwell. After completing her work duties and leaving the Salt Lake City airport on the day before Christmas Eve, 2008, Maxwell took a spill on an icy sidewalk outside the terminal. The fall resulted in severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury that has rendered it impossible for Maxwell to carry on with her professional and personal life in the manner she was accustomed to before the fall. At the current juncture, the dollar amount being sought in the case has not been named.

If you or a family member has been injured in a fall, let us help you determine the best course of action. Contact the premises liability 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.

Deaths prompt CPSC, FDA warning on infant sleep positioners

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to stop using infant sleep positioners due to suffocation risk.

The two main types of infant sleep positioners are flat mats with side bolsters or inclined wedge mats with side bolsters, both types claim to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by helping to keep sleeping infants on their backs.

Most sleep positioners claim to aid in food digestion to ease colic or the symptoms of reflux and to prevent flat head syndrome. In light of the new safety data, FDA believes any benefit from using these devices is greatly outweighed by the risk of suffocation.

Parents are encouraged to stop using the sleep positioners immediately and simply put their children "back to sleep."

At The Heller Law Firm, our attorneys and professional staff care deeply about our clients, their families and their futures. Together, our goal is to help our clients obtain the resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives. For a FREE CONSULTATION with a lawyer at The Heller Law Firm, call (866) 461-5791 or use the form below to contact us online at www.seriousinjury.org.

Birth Injury Lawsuit Against New York Hospital Moves to Appeal Phase

In the process of giving birth in a New York hospital in 2003, Mary Swanson experienced a setback when the infant become stuck in the birth canal. The condition, known as shoulder dystocia, occurs when an infant’s shoulder becomes lodged behind a pelvic bone. Shoulder dystocia can delay the birth process, increasing the risk for brain damage, cerebral palsy and other birth defects. The jury in the case found that hospital personnel did not respond to the incident in an efficacious manner, and thus was in part to blame for the complications. The $56 million award is being challenged on appeal by the facility named in the suit, Northern Westchester Hospital.

If your family has been impacted by the tragedy of birth injury, we can help. Contact the california birth 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.

Lawsuit Filed Over Fall from Palo Alto Shuttle Bus Settled

On a school field trip in 2007, Palo Alto, California teen Rodolfo Flores boarded a city shuttle bus and congregated with several friends near the back of the vehicle. However, when the bus turned a corner, Flores fell through the rear door of the vehicle, sustaining several significant injuries in the process. Months later, Flores began experiencing neurological symptoms, including difficulty concentrating. The suit filed in the case claimed that the city was negligent in allowing the bus, which had recently had a wheelchair station removed from its rear seating area, continue to serve passengers. Ultimately, the Flores family received a $125,000 settlement in the case.

If you or a loved one has sustained harm due to the negligence of a business or a government agency, we can help. Contact the bus accident attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Residents of Gulf Coast Region Challenge Use of Oil Dispersant in a Lawsuit

In the immediate aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster, BP and its agents began using a chemical compound known as Corexit 9500 to disperse and dilute the accumulated oil. Now, several residents of Alabama communities on the Gulf Coast have filed lawsuits against the petroleum giant, claiming that residents have developed an array of troubling symptoms and health conditions as a result of exposure to the chemical, including headaches, respiratory disorders and digestive difficulties. Specifically, the suits claim that the practice of spraying the chemical dispersant from the air has had negative consequences for public health in the region. The manufacturer of the chemical compound, Nalco Co., is also named in the lawsuit.

Have you or a family member suffered illness or injury because of improper actions on the part of a business or corporation? If so, we’re here to help you evaluate your legal options. Contact the toxic tort 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.

Beloved Baseball Mascot at Center of Injury Lawsuit

Although watching the zany antics of team mascots is often regarded as a highlight of attending a sporting event in person, the shenanigans of the Phillie Phanatic at a 2008 minor league game crossed the line, according to spectator Grace Crass. Crass says that the person donning the bird-like creature’s costume climbed atop her as she sat in the stands at an event in Reading, Pennsylvania, causing a knee injury that later required surgery to treat. The lawsuit filed against Tom Burgoyne (the man behind the mascot), the Phillies, and their minor-league affiliate seeks more than $50,000 in damages.

Has someone else’s reckless behavior caused you to suffer? We can help you understand your legal options. Contact the california personal injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Louisiana Slip-and-Fall Incident Leads to Lawsuit

New Orleans resident Nery Freire’s July 2009 grocery shopping trip had an unforeseen conclusion. At a local Winn-Dixie, the shopper says she slipped on a puddle inside the store and fell, sustaining injuries to her knee, ankle, shoulder and spine. Freire’s suit against the store and its cleaning contractor claims that the wet patch was negligently left behind after the floors were cleaned. The area was not marked by safety cones or any other type of warning. Freire is seeking compensation for injuries, medical costs, and other damages she sustained as a result of the injuries.

Have you suffered injuries as a result of a retail establishment’s careless practices? If so, we’re here to help. Contact the california slip and fall 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.

San Jose Utility Truck Crash Results in $5 Million Settlement

It wasn’t alcohol, illegal drugs, or even distraction that was behind the crash that killed 20-year-old San Jose, Ca. resident Mary Bernstein. The driver of the PG&E utility truck that killed Bernstein and her long-time boyfriend Robert Conway blacked out temporarily due to a sharp drop in blood sugar that was related to his diabetes. Driver John Mayfield failed to test his blood sugar as directed by his doctors and subsequently passed out while operating the vehicle, causing the fatal crash. Bernstein’s mother plans to use the award to help fund her efforts to require fleet drivers to test their blood sugar level before clocking in if diabetic.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of another’s negligence or carelessness, you need the advice of a team of skilled personal injury attorneys. Contact the motor vehicle accident attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

10 MANUFACTURERS ANNOUNCE RECALLS OF MORE THAN 2 MILLION CRIBS

Cribs should be the safest place in the home for your baby, but after multiple reports of injuries and death, the Consumer Products Safety Commission recommended recalls of approximately 2 million drop-sided cribs as the drop-side can detach, creating a gap which can strangle or suffocate your baby.

Do you own a recalled drop-sided crib? Recalls have been announced by the following manufacturers:
Graco
Child Craft
C&T International/Sorelle
Simmons
Million Dollar Baby
LaJobi
Jardine
Evenflo
Delta
Pottery Barn Kids

The Heller Law Firm is investigating possible class actions against each of these manufacturers and is looking for class representatives. If you own one of the recalled cribs and are interested in participating in a class action or would like more information please call 800.992.9947 or visit unsafecribs.com. There is no cost or obligation.

Connecticut Malpractice Suit Overlaps With Same-Sex Marriage Debate

In a case that some analysts say may impact the ongoing debate over same-sex marriage, a Connecticut jury has awarded more than $1 million to the partner of a woman whose substandard cancer treatment led to a loss of consortium. For several years, Margaret Mueller’s cancer was misdiagnosed, leading to surgery that unnecessarily removed part of her colon and intestines. She died in 2009. Although Mueller’s partner’s claim was initially denied, it was later validated with a $1.3 million jury award on appeal.

Have you or a family member suffered due to a medical misdiagnosis? We can help you sort out your legal options. Contact the california medical malpractice attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Contraceptive Device Blamed for Nebraska Woman’s Death

Approximately five months after beginning to use a contraceptive device known as the NuvaRing, Ann Tompkins, an otherwise healthy 43-year-old Omaha resident, developed a blood clot in her lung that physicians say led to her death. This is the latest in a string of similar instances involving the NuvaRing device, a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and then releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. Tompkins’ estate has filed suit against several pharmaceutical companies. The claims set forth in the case allege that the manufacturers of the device failed to adequately warn users of the risk of certain types of blood clots.

Have you or a loved one suffered due to the use of a defective device? If so, we can help. Contact the defective products attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

$2.4 Million Settlement Awarded in San Jose Bicycling Fatality

54-year-old Deborah Johnson was enjoying a pleasant bicycle ride with a friend when tragedy struck. Johnson collided with a raised lane divider that had become separated from its top section and fell from her bike, striking her head. Despite being rushed to the trauma center at Stanford University, Johnson never recovered from the injury and died two days later.

According to Johnson’s husband, the divider had been left behind after workers had completed construction on the road where the accident occurred. However, the divider is named as a safety hazard to bicyclists in the federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and a similar warning is posted in California’s state version of the same document. Gerrity recently received a $2.4 million settlement in the case, and has spent much of the time since his wife’s death speaking out on issues of bicyclist safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar incident, 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.

9/11 First Responders Set to Receive $712.5 Million Settlement

In one of the largest settlements of its kind on record, the attorneys representing more than 10,000 first responders and laborers who worked at the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have negotiated an award of more than $700 million. The funds will be distributed to workers who have developed conditions believed to be linked to potential toxins in the environment after the attacks and subsequent structure collapses, ranging in severity from asthma to terminal cancer. The judge in the case has approved the agreement, but the final approval must come from the claimants in the case, of whom at least 95% must agree to the settlement before the funds can begin to be disbursed.

Have you or a loved one experienced an injury or illness due to environmental factors? If so, we can help you understand your legal recourse. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Fatal Ohio Big-Rig Crash Results in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Vijayi Emani, a leading activist, spokesperson, and organizer in Cleveland’s rapidly growing Indian- American community, was involved in a car wreck on the Ohio Turnpike in January 2009. As she was walking near the guardrail to inspect the damage to the vehicles, she was struck and killed by a big-rig truck owned by regional freight company Con-Way Trucking. The driver of the truck, Matthew Smith, divulged to police that the windshield of his truck had been obscured by road salt and debris for approximately five miles before he struck and killed Emani. Speculation has been intense over why Smith continued to operate the vehicle with an obscured view after learning that he was out of windshield wiper fluid, but some industry experts say that commercial truck drivers are often under severe pressure to log as many miles as possible each day, to the point that some are loathe to stop to perform routine maintenance tasks. Matthew Smith is facing criminal charges in the case, and both Smith and Con-Way Trucking are named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Emani’s surviving family members.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by another’s malfeasance, you need the advice of a team of skilled personal injury attorneys. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Oregon Hospital’s Medical Mistake Prompts Patient’s Lawsuit

Waldport, Oregon resident Ben Sebastiani was admitted to the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for heart surgery in December 2007. Although the procedure was completed successfully, Sebastiani left the hospital with an unwanted souvenir of the surgery – namely, a ten-inch piece of copper wire that he claims was negligently left behind by the team of medical personnel who worked on him. The artifact was discovered a year later by another doctor to whom Sebastiani was referred when he developed a bacterial infection in the area that proved resistant to standard treatments. Sebastiani filed a lawsuit against the hospital and two staff members, seeking a combined total of more than $300,000 in damages.

Have you or a family member been harmed by someone else’s negligence? If so, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Accused Shoplifter’s Strangulation Leads to Wrongful Death Claim Against CVS

An attempted shoplifting ended in tragedy in Chicago, according to a wrongful death claim filed by the victim’s father. Antony Kyser, 34, was believed to be attempting to steal an unnamed item or items from a CVS drugstore when he was apprehended by a store manager in a nearby alleyway. The manager tackled Kyser and applied a chokehold, apparently in an attempt to subdue the suspect. Bystanders said that Kyser repeatedly yelled out that he couldn’t breathe, and an off-duty representative of the county sheriff’s office watched with her gun drawn as the struggle played out, but failed to intervene. Kyser was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital later that morning.

The suit filed by Kyser’s father seeks more than $400,000 in damages from the CVS store and the manager who carried out the attack.

If your family has suffered as a result of another’s reckless behavior, we can help you understand your legal 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.

IS YOUR CHILD SLEEPING IN A DEFECTIVE CRIB?

The CPSC just recalled approximately 2 million cribs made by SIMMONS, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, LAJOBI, JARDINE, EVENFLO, DELTA, CHILDCRAFT, GRACO and C&T INT'L/SORELLE as the drop-side can detach, creating a gap which can strangle or suffocate your baby. The Heller Law Firm (http://www.seriousinjury.org/) is investigating possible class actions against these manufacturers.

If you own a crib involved in any of the recalls, we’re here to help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours. No cost/obligation.

(Product Recall Notice/Advertisement provided by The Heller Law Firm)

Fall in Louisiana Wal-Mart Leads to Lawsuit

Opal Lennix was perusing the shoe section in her local Wal-Mart store in Laplace, Louisiana when she unwittingly stepped into a puddle of water that had accumulated on the floor. The slippery surface caused Lennix to lose her balance and fall, sustaining a number of injuries in the process. Her case against the discount behemoth claims that she experienced hip, knee, and back injuries from the fall, and that the impact caused her to develop a chronic joint disorder that continues to plague her. No word yet on the possibility of a settlement in the case, although Wal-Mart’s request to have the suit removed to federal court was granted.

Have you sustained an injury due to another’s negligence? If so, we can help you assess your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Toyota Lawsuits Advance to Next Stage

A federal judge in Santa Ana, California recently announced a significant development in what promises to be one of the most wide-ranging defective products cases ever undertaken. In recent months, nearly 350 personal injury claims have been filed against Japanese automaker Toyota, many of which claim that the company’s cars were based on faulty designs and defective parts that led to collisions, malfunctions, and other problems.

In the most recent announcement, the judge overseeing the case has said that he plans to form several committees to oversee the various cases against Toyota. Specifically, the judge has said that he will likely divide the cases according to category, such as economic loss, injuries, and other claims. This approach is relatively common in large class action suits.

Have you or a loved one suffered as a result of a defective product? If so, you need the advice of a skilled team of personal injury attorneys. 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.

Alleged Nursing Home Negligence Prompts Wrongful Death Claim

Betty Blanton, an elderly Kentucky resident who passed away in 2008, was one of the thousands of men and women who fall prey to fatal abuse and neglect at the hands of nursing home personnel, according to a suit filed by her daughter, Nadine Murakawa.

In August of 2008, Blanton had been residing at the Britthaven nursing home for only two days when she fell from her bed, incurring a severe leg fracture. Although the nurse on duty reported hearing the bed alarm in Blanton’s room, she said she was “too busy” to respond immediately.

After undergoing reparative surgery, Blanton was moved to another area nursing home, the Christopher East Health Care Center in Louisville. Within weeks, her health began visibly to deteriorate, and Murakawa’s claim alleges a litany of mistakes and errors on the part of the center’s staff, including prescription drug mix-ups. Only a few weeks later, Blanton died.

Have you or a loved one suffered as a result of medical mistakes or negligence? Let us walk you through your legal 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.

New Mexico Man’s Death at Hands of Police Leads to Lawsuit

When it comes to deciding whether to inflict injury on a suspect, police officers often walk a very fine line. Although most police departments allow officers to use force when they feel their own safety is threatened, they have an ethical obligation to inflict as little harm as possible in the process of subduing the suspect.

An even more complex situation exists when a suspect may be suicidal and may be goading the police into inflicting deadly harm. This is exactly the situation that witnesses say transpired when members of the Las Cruces, New Mexico municipal police force arrived at the home of 25-year-old Antonio Medrano in January 2010. Medrano was wielding a baseball bat and an 8-inch knife and ignored repeated requests to drop the weapon. Eventually, the police shot Medrano five times, inflicting a fatal wound in the process.

Although internal police department documents classify the shooting as justified, the wrongful death suit filed by Medrano’s family claims that they had been warned that the suspect may have been trying to commit “suicide by cop.” As such, the suit claims, the officers should have taken additional care to subdue Medrano using non-lethal methods.

If you or a family member has been harmed due to another’s negligence, we can help you understand your legal 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.

Photographer Files Personal Injury Lawsuit Against Wilson Brothers

Being rich and famous doesn’t mean you’re exempt from legal standards of good behavior, as proven by the personal injury suit that a celebrity photographer recently filed against movie star Owen Wilson and his older brother, Andrew. Clint Brewer, the plaintiff, claims that he sustained injuries and damages to his photographic equipment when the pair pushed him down a flight of stairs in a 2008 incident. Brewer is asking for $3,251 in reimbursement for medical expenses and an additional $500,000 in general damages.

Have you or a loved one fallen prey to another party’s bad behavior? We can guide you through your legal 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.

Taser Brain Injury Case on Tap in California

Having been the target of many defective product claims in the past, the Taser stun gun is being challenged again in a California case which alleges that the weapon caused cardiac arrest and, indirectly, brain damage. Police officers used Tasers to subdue Steven Butler, a 48-year-old Santa Cruz resident with a history of mental illness, when he refused to exit a city bus. After being hit, Butler experienced cardiac arrest; the case claims that problems with the resuscitation process led to brain damage and permanent disability. Butler’s lawsuit against Taser International claims that the firm does not adequately warn users about the potential for cardiac problems.

Has an unsafe consumer product harmed you or a family member? 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.

First Wrongful Death Suits Filed in Gulf Explosion

As the world begins to come to terms with the unprecedented size and scope of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, another incident that highlights safety issues in the oil industry has resulted in several wrongful death claims. On April 20, 2010, an explosion on a Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf left more than a dozen workers missing and presumed dead.

The first wave of suits, filed by the families of several missing workers, alleges that the rig was unsafe and not maintained to proper industry standards. In addition, at least one suit claims that the managers of the rig failed to comply with a number of federal and state regulations designed to ensure employee safety.

Have you or a family member fallen victim to unsafe conditions? 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.

New Jersey Family Awarded $18.5 Million in Birth Injury Lawsuit

The life of young Darius Morgan, now 12, has been beset by tragedy. During his birth, complications arose that caused the newborn to be deprived of oxygen, resulting in cerebral palsy. Then, in 2004, Darius’ mother died of an unrelated terminal illness. After a transfer of legal guardianship process that took more than three years to complete, Darius was adopted by an aunt, Darlene Kim, who also chose to move forward with litigation the boy’s mother had initiated against the Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, which had overseen the C-section delivery procedure.

The suit claimed that the emergency C-section was unnecessarily delayed, and that this prolonged process was likely the direct cause of the brain damage that resulted in Darius later being diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After hearing arguments from both sides, the jury returned with a verdict for the plaintiff and an award of $18.5 million for the family, most of which will be dedicated to paying for Darius’ round-the-clock medical care.

Has your family been impacted by the tragedy of a birth injury? 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.

Fatal St. Louis Crash Results in $2.25 Million Settlement

In 2009, off-duty police officer Christine Miller went out for a night of entertainment but wound up making an error in judgment that would change her life – and end the lives of four others. After drinking what witnesses described as a large quantity of alcoholic beverages at local eatery O’Leary’s Restaurant, Miller took to the road, driving her vehicle on the wrong side of the highway. Soon afterward, she was involved in a collision with a car carrying a group of Indian graduate students, four of whom did not survive the wreck.

In addition to the civil charges filed against Miller, the wrongful death suits filed by the victims’ families blamed the restaurant for continuing to serve Miller despite her obvious intoxication and for failing to intervene when she expressed her intention to leave. A total of $2.255 million was awarded to the victims’ families in the case.

Have you or a loved one suffered as a result of another’s negligence? If so, you need the advice of a team of experienced personal injury attorneys. 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.

Skydiving Injury Leads to Negligence Suit

Although it can certainly provide a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, skydiving can be dangerous if it is carried out improperly or with unsuitable or defective equipment. Christian Barton, 33, experienced this first hand in a 2006 jump that resulted in massive injuries. After jumping from a twin-engine Beechcraft airplane at 3,000 feet, Barton collided with the plane’s tail, suffering paralysis as a result of the impact. His lawsuit against the Acampo, California-based Parachute Center claimed that the pilot of the plane was flying in a manner inconsistent with industry safety standards, and further, that the Center’s instructors failed to offer adequate warnings about the possibility of striking the airplane’s tail after participants leap from the craft.

Barton, who later partially recovered from his paralysis, is asking for $8 million in damages in the case.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm as a result of another’s negligence, we can explain your legal 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.

Undiagnosed Blood Clot Leads to $2 Million Settlement for Pennsylvania Woman

71-year-old Pauline Raffaele of Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania entered a local hospital in 2005 to undergo knee replacement surgery after advancing arthritis had limited her mobility and caused her years of chronic pain. However, soon after surgery, Raffaele began experiencing numbness in her lower left leg and reported to doctors that she couldn't feel or use the limb. Soon afterwards, it was found that an existing blood clot had been exacerbated by the knee-replacement surgery and was beyond repair. Raffaele underwent an emergency amputation procedure soon afterwards, losing most of her lower left leg.

The doctor, an attending nurse, and the facility were all named in the resulting suit. After a jury trial, Raffaele was awarded $2 million.

Has medical malpractice impacted your family? If so, you need the advice of an experienced team of personal injury attorneys. 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 Development in Toyota Case May Impact Future Lawsuits

Still reeling from the first wave of personal injury lawsuits filed in response to revelations of defective design issues in several of its vehicles, Toyota is now facing yet another legal challenge. According to recent reports, the office of the Orange County District Attorney in California has filed charges against the company, claiming that the automaker negligently sold defective products and knowingly engaged in deceptive business practices.

Although some have claimed that the Orange County charges may be premature, legal experts are watching developments in the case closely. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the ever-expanding number of personal injury lawsuits that are being filed against the company.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by a defective product? If so, we can walk you through your legal 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.

Maryland Mining Fatalities Result in Lawsuit

In a month that has delivered several of the most severe mining safety breaches on record, the families of several miners killed in a 2007 incident have filed wrongful death suits. Dale Jones and Michael Wilt were working in a surface mine in western Maryland when a rock retaining wall at the site collapsed. The men were crushed by thousands of tons of rubble and killed instantly. The suit claims that insufficient site studies and poor design practices contributed to the collapse. Each of the families is asking for $4 million in the case.

Has a corporation’s unsafe practices put you or a loved one in harm’s way? 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.

$657 Million Settlement Offered to World Trade Center Workers

The first responders, laborers, and work crews who contributed to rescue efforts and clean-up details at the World Trade Center compound in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have been widely – and rightly – lauded as heroes. Unfortunately, many of these selfless workers got much more than they bargained for when answering the call to serve – a large proportion of them have developed serious illnesses and health problems that are believed to be linked to the toxic conditions that existed at the site in the days and weeks following the attacks.

It was recently announced that a package settlement of $657 million had been offered to the workers involved in a class-action lawsuit against the insurance group set up by Congress to handle such claims. However, unless at least 95% of the more than 10,000 plaintiffs agree to the settlement, the proffered sum will be rescinded. If the settlement is disbursed, most of the funds awarded in the case will be drawn from a $1 billion grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).


If you or a family member has been harmed in a crisis or catastrophic incident, 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.

Injury Lawsuit Stemming from Vaccine Controversy to Reach Supreme Court

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was instituted to protect vaccine manufacturers from the threat of lawsuits that could make it financially unfeasible for the companies to continue manufacturing the treatments. However, critics of the law argue that it goes too far in shielding the manufacturers and offers little in the way of protections to children who have been adversely impacted by vaccines.

A case debating the merits of the law is currently on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is based on a challenge brought by the parents of a young girl who developed a rare seizure disorder after receiving a standard diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine at six months of age. The girl, who is now an adolescent, requires round-the-clock care and has been rendered unable to care for herself due to profound developmental delays.


The case, which will likely be heard by the Supreme Court later this year, could have significant implications for the ongoing debate over the safety of childhood vaccines.


Have you or a loved one developed problems after receiving medical treatment? If so, we can help you understand your legal 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.

Boston’s “Big Dig” at Center of Another Lawsuit

The “Big Dig” is a massive public works project in Boston that rerouted one of the city’s major traffic arteries to a 3.5-mile underground tunnel. Since its inception, the project has been plagued by quality concerns and safety issues. The latest round of claims centers on the handrails that line an above-ground thoroughfare that is part of the project. In recent years, seven motorists have died in fatal crashes that have involved the pedestrian railings, including an on-duty motorcycle cop, State Trooper Vincent Cila.

In many of the incidents, the guardrails have been linked to disproportionately severe injuries, including dismemberment. Now, a lawsuit filed by Cila’s widow claims that the design of the rails is defective and may pose an inherent risk to drivers. A final determination is still pending in the case.

Has a defective design issue harmed you or a loved one? If so, we can help you assess your legal 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.

First Wave of Lawsuits Filed in Toyota Recall Incident

In a massive recall that has shaken the global automotive market to its core, carmaker Toyota recently stopped selling eight of its most popular North American models, and has also recalled more than 8 million existing vehicles for repairs. The issue at hand is a problem with the vehicles’ pedals and/or floor mats that can potentially lead to unintended acceleration.

Across the United States, lawsuits are already being filed linking Toyota’s defective components to recent deaths, injuries, and damages. According to some industry experts, the dollar amount of Toyota’s liability in the matter could run into the billions. Affected consumers have already begun to petition for class-action status in the case, allowing groups of Toyota owners to band together to file a lawsuit.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by a defective product? You need the advice of a qualified team of personal injury attorneys. 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.

Settlement Reached in Defective Crib Suit Against Wal-Mart

In 2007, West Boca, Florida resident Constance Bergey found her two-year-old daughter, Serenity, dead in her crib. The toddler’s head had become stuck between a crib railing and the mattress of the crib, which was produced by the manufacturer Simplicity Inc. and marketed domestically by retail giant Wal-Mart.

Following the incident, Bergey filed suit against both Wal-Mart and the crib manufacturer. The suit claimed that a dangerous defect in the product’s design had contributed to the incident. Although it was recently announced that a settlement between the parties had been reached, some of the specific details of the agreement were not provided.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by a defective product design? If so, you need the advice of an experienced team of personal injury attorneys. 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.

Ohio Woman’s Swine Flu Death Resulted from Substandard Care, Suit Claims

The swine flu epidemic that first reached the United States in the spring of 2009 has claimed more than 11,000 lives to date. However, in one case in Ohio, a recent lawsuit asserts that it was shoddy medical treatment, not the illness itself, that was responsible for the death of 20-year-old Kelsey Young, who was pregnant at the time that she contracted the H1N1 virus.

The patient was treated for the symptoms of swine flu at Dublin Methodist Hospital, where medical personnel failed to follow the protocols for treatment set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. After being sent home and experiencing worsening symptoms, Young sought treatment at a different area hospital, where her baby was delivered shortly before Young passed away from the virus.

Has your family been impacted by substandard medical care? If so, you need the assistance of a team of experienced personal injury attorneys. 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.

Popular Acne Drug at Center of Injury Lawsuit

Accutane is one of the most widely used prescription drugs for skin problems such as acne. However, in recent years, lawsuits have linked the popular drug with a number of serious side effects, including depression, digestive problems, bowel damage, and birth defects.

In one recent case, plaintiff Andrew McCarrell of Birmingham, Alabama was awarded more than $25 million in damages by a New Jersey jury. McCarrell claimed that his long-term use of Accutane resulted in the development of inflammatory bowel disease, a painful digestive condition that had significantly diminished his quality of life. McCarrell underwent five different bouts of surgery to try to improve his condition, and eventually had his entire colon removed.

Roche, the parent company that manufactures Accutane, is facing close to 1,000 lawsuits related to the potentially harmful side effects of the drug.

Have you or a loved one been injured by an unsafe product or device? 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.

Apple Hit with Defective Product Lawsuit that Targets iPod's Earbud Design

Those ubiquitous white earphones that seem to be everywhere you look these days are the focus of a defective product lawsuit that was recently filed against computer industry giant Apple. A class-action case claims that the unique "pod" design of the earphones could be linked to possible hearing loss, because they place the source of the sound much closer to the ear's delicate inner workings than other headphone designs do. In addition, the lack of a safe maximum volume control has been cited in the case as possible negligence in the design. At the current juncture, it is unclear whether and when the case will move forward.

If you or your family member has been injured by a defective product, we can help you assess your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Pole-Dancing Injury Prompts Lawsuit against New York Gym

Manhattan resident, Sue Ann Wee, was eager to try out aerobic striptease, a hot new form of exercise that is sweeping the nation's trendy gyms and fitness centers. However, her first experience in a pole-dancing class left the would-be dancer seriously injured. While learning a routine at a class in a New York-area Crunch fitness center, Wee slid off a pole and seriously injured her upper torso and shoulders. In the personal injury lawsuit she subsequently filed against the gym, Wee levels a number of charges against the owners and operators of the facility, including a lack of proper safety equipment and inadequate supervision and instruction.

If you or a loved one has sustained injury due to another's negligence or lack of supervision, we're here to help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us within 24 hours.

Illinois Immunization Injury at Center of Recently Filed Lawsuit

The introduction of immunizations represented a great stride forward in terms of public health, but some recipients have questioned the safety of the procedures used to perform immunizations. In one recent example, when Tanisha Thurman visited a Chicago public health center for her booster shots in 2007, the young girl sustained a serious eye injury when punctured by an errant needle. The girl's mother filed a lawsuit seeking over $500,000 in damages in the case, noting that since the incident, Tanisha has suffered from pain and visual impairment.

Have you suffered as the result of medical malpractice? If so, you need the help of a qualified team of personal injury lawyers. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Parents File Wrongful Death Suit against Fraternity in Kansas Alcohol Poisoning Case

Binge drinking on American college campuses has long been recognized as a rampant public safety issue, but some schools and student organizations still seem to have failed to implement appropriate prevention measures. In one recent tragedy, 19-year-old Kansas University student, Jason Wren, was found dead in his room at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house. In the wrongful death suit filed by Wren's parents, it was claimed that the fraternity, several fraternity members, and university officials negligently failed to incorporate stringent rules and oversight measures designed to prevent underage drinking and encourage responsible alcohol consumption. The Wren family is seeking more than $75,000 in damages in the case.

If you or a family member has suffered as a result of the negligence of a company, institution or organization, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Chocolate Plant Death Leads to Lawsuit

The surviving family members of a New Jersey plant worker who died after falling into an industrial-sized vat of cocoa have filed suit against the companies that operate the facility, Lyons & Sons Inc. and Cocoa Services. Vincent Smith, who was a temporary worker at the plant, died on July 8, 2009. While feeding ingredients into the vat, Smith fell into the 8-foot container and was struck on the head by a large rotating blade that is used to mix the cocoa. Smith's family claims that the lack of guardrails and other safety equipment in the area around the vat created unsafe working conditions.

Have you or a loved one sustained an injury due to another's negligence? If so, we can help guide you through your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us directly at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Settlement Reached in North Carolina Woman’s Death

Moments before jury selection was set to begin, the parties involved in a wrongful death suit surrounding the demise of Charlotte, North Carolina resident Kay Plyer announced that a settlement had been reached.

In March 2008, Plyer was driving her personal vehicle home from a shopping trip with her teen daughter when a tree fell on the car. Plyer was crushed and killed in the incident, while her daughter sustained serious but non-fatal injuries.

The lawsuit that was brought in the case charged that city authorities had documented the tree’s decaying root system in the past and were aware of the potential danger to passing motorists.

Although the dollar amount of the settlement will remain confidential, attorneys for Plyer’s survivors say that the amount should be sufficient to help the victim’s daughter defray most of her college expenses.

Have unsafe conditions caused you or a loved one to experience pain and suffering? 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.

State of Maryland Target of Suit in Baltimore Bridge Crash

On August 10, 2008, truck driver John Short was forced to act quickly after a car veered into his lane from oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, Short over-corrected his tractor-trailer and crashed through the barrier of the bridge upon which he was driving at the time. Short and his vehicle plunged into the Chesapeake Bay below, where he ultimately drowned.

The lawsuit filed in the case claims that the State of Maryland bears the blame for several design flaws that created unsafe driving conditions on the bridge, including the permeability of the barrier that allowed Short’s truck to crash through. The driver of the car that veered into Short’s lane and caused the crash is also named in the lawsuit.

Have unsafe conditions put you or a loved one into harm’s way? If so, you need the advice of an experienced team of personal injury attorneys. 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.

Des Moines Strip Club Death Case Goes to Jury

A wrongful death case brought against Midwest Hospitality Investments, a conglomerate that controls the Des Moines, Iowa exotic dance establishment, The Lumberyard, has moved into the jury selection phase. In 2006, 27-year-old Luca Pasa was stabbed to death in the club.

A subsequent wrongful death case brought by his girlfriend (also the mother of his 4-year-old son) contends that club personnel bore some of the responsibility for the attack, as they failed to confiscate a knife from Erik Gilge, the patron who murdered Pasa. Once the jury has been seated, lawyers expect for the presentation of the case to be concluded within several weeks’ time.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an attack, we can help you understand your legal 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.

Florida Court Affirms $5.75 Million Settlement in Drowning Case

Several families vacationing in Florida on February 20, 1997, were struck by tragedy when powerful winds generated deadly rip currents, resulting in the drowning deaths of jazz guitarist and father Zachary Breaux and the 66-year-old woman he tried to rescue, Eugenie Poleyeff.

The wrongful death suits filed by both families after the incident contended that the area’s city-managed beaches should have been staffed with lifeguards who could have posted warning flags when water conditions grew dangerous. In a recent phase of the ten-year-long legal proceedings, a previously awarded verdict of $5.75 million was upheld in federal court. The case also impacted Florida’s beach safety procedures in a separate Supreme Court ruling.

Have you or your family been impacted by negligence on the part of a municipality or government agency? 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.