Lawyers.com Blog

Most Common Types of North Carolina Trucking Accidents and Injuries

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:02:30 -0400

Trucking accidents in North Carolina can have serious consequences. With such a large vehicle, every movement and decision becomes magnified and even the smallest error can lead to a fatal accident. Whether the accident is caused by a faulty part, improper maintenance, or driver error, victims may receive compensation for losses if negligent actions are involved. Consult with a North Carolina trucking accident lawyer to discuss your particular case.

There are a number of different types of North Carolina trucking accidents, each with their own problems and resulting injuries. Some of the most common include the following:

Head on collision — Some of the most destructive and severe truck accidents are head on collisions. When a truck hits an oncoming vehicle the results are usually fatal or result in serious spinal cord or brain injuries that cause permanent disability.
Rear-end collision — The causes of rear-end collisions include brake failure, speeding, and following too close behind another vehicle. This type of North Carolina trucking accident often results in back and neck injuries, including whiplash.
Jackknife — When a truck brakes suddenly, or its brakes lock up or fail, a jackknife accident is likely. Jackknife accidents also occur when a driver enters into a curve too quickly or has an improperly loaded truck. Injuries vary from mild to severe dependant on how the jackknifed trailer and the other vehicle collide.
Rollover — With their height and high center of gravity trucks have a tendency to roll over. If a truck jackknifes, hits a curb on a turn, or takes a curve too fast the truck is likely to roll over. When a truck falls onto a passenger vehicle fatalities are likely. Rollover accidents also cause brain and spinal cord injuries in the truck driver when they are tossed through the cab.
Underride — Underride accidents happen when large trucks brake suddenly and the passenger vehicle behind them slides underneath the back of the truck. Because the back of the truck is usually the same height as the top of a passenger vehicle, those in the front seat are at risk for amputation, brain injury, and other serious injuries.

Get legal help from a North Carolina attorney today

With any injury sustained in a trucking accident in North Carolina it is important to seek medical attention immediately and remember that the full extent of an injury may not be apparent until later. Retain a lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. Claim filing deadlines exist, and the clock starts ticking immediately after an auto accident occurs.

If you are in need of North Carolina trucking accident lawyers, call Greg Jones Law in Wilmington, North Carolina, at 888-842-7985 or contact us online.

Greg Jones Law
3015 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-338-2629
Web: http://www.gregjoneslaw.com/

Treating Mesothelioma Pain

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:40:41 -0400

Acute or chronic pain is one of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma cancer, and the pain may be caused by a variety of factors including pain from the tumor itself or the cancer treatments, such as radiation.

The pain associated with mesothelioma cancer can be controlled through medication, called pharmacological therapy. Variables such as the patient’s overall health, the severity of pain, and the location of the tumor determines how a doctor will administer the medication.

Drugs for mesothelioma pain

Non-opioids such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are commonly used for the management of mild to moderate pain. Most of these drugs are available over the counter, but it is important to speak to a physician before using any of these medications, particularly if you are undergoing chemotherapy.

If the pain is severe and debilitating, some mesothelioma cancer patients may be prescribed opioids. Examples of these drugs include morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and codeine. Opioids may be used in conjunction with nonopioids to treat severe pain.

Side effects of medication

Pain medication for mesothelioma cancer comes in a variety of forms and may be orally ingested, injected, or administered through a skin patch. Like most medicines, these cancer medications may produce side effects such as dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, or more. Your mesothelioma cancer specialist will discuss these important side effects with you. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.

Mesothelioma pain therapy

In addition to pain management through medication, there are other non-pharmacological therapies that can be used either in conjunction with pain medication or alone, depending on factors such as the severity of pain. Therapeutic exercise and cognitive behavioral techniques, including meditation, are some ways that patients may relieve or manage their pain. In addition, mesothelioma treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy may also be useful in mesothelioma pain management.

Contact the professionals who care

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, call Greg Jones & Associates at 888-551-5738 to speak to an experienced mesothelioma attorney. We will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.

Greg Jones & Associates
525 North Tryon Street, Suite 1600
Charlotte, NC 28202
Tel: 888-551-5738
Web: http://www.usamesotheliomalawyers.com/

North Carolina Auto Accident Injury

nospam@example.com () — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:58:44 -0400

What Should You Do If You Are Seriously Injured in a North Carolina Auto Accident?

If you sustain an auto accident injury in Wilmington or elsewhere in North Carolina, you may feel scared and alone. A North Carolina car accident injury may be immediate and apparent or perhaps appear sometimes months after the accident. However, if a negligent person is responsible for your auto accident injury in North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation.

Below is a list of the steps you should take after a North Carolina auto accident:

Call 911: Remain calm and call 911. Emergency services can assist you and the other driver. Additionally, you police officer will probably file a report which will be valuable if you decide to file an auto accident lawsuit. Any on-site or immediate evidence relating to your automobile accident injury in North Carolina will be crucial to further litigation.
See a doctor: Your health is more important than anything else. Do not hesitate in seeking medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical aid immediately. Non-serious injuries can become worse without proper treatment, and serious injuries can be life threatening. Additionally, by seeing a doctor, you will have a medical record for your car accident injury in North Carolina. For litigation purposes the more detail of your North Carolina automobile accident injury the better.
Take photographs: Use your cell-phone or a camera to take photos of the scene of the accident. Be sure to take shots of your car from every angle. Also take pictures of the defendant’s car. Take photos as well of your Wilmington car accident injury as well. Any documentation of your North Carolina auto accident injury is necessary component in further accident litigation.
Witness: Make sure you speak to any witnesses who were at the scene. Write down their names, statements, and contact information.
Contact a lawyer: Once you receive medical attention for your auto accident injury in Wilmington, it is time to contact an attorney. Do not sign or settle anything without speaking to your lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you file a lawsuit so you can receive compensation for your automobile accident injury in Wilmington. A lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance companies, hire private investigators, and offer you expert witnesses.
Keep a journal: After the car accident, you should keep a journal documenting any pain you feel on a daily basis. Make sure you write down any changes in your condition and further discomfort relating to the Wilmington automobile accident injury. Also keep track of any work days or special events you miss as a result of your Wilmington auto accident injury.

A car accident injury can be a disorienting and troubling experience. If you are seriously injured by a negligent driver, you deserve reimbursement for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. Contact a skilled North Carolina auto accident attorney at Greg Jones & Associates at 888-842-7985 so you can put your automobile accident injury in Wilmington behind you.

Should I Be Worried About What My Doctor Says in My Medical Records?

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:07:24 -0400

The short answer is yes. In worker’s compensation cases, judges often have to make difficult decisions of trying to determine who is telling the truth. Usually the conflicting testimony comes from the employer and the injured worker. To break that tie, the judge will often look to the injured employee’s medical records. Therefore, if the doctor incorrectly records the employee’s complaints or mechanism of injury, it will often be to that employee’s detriment.

Here are some ways to make your claim winnable:

Make sure you clearly tell your doctor how you were injured or when your pain started.
If you have pain in more than one area, don’t just focus on what hurts the most—tell the doctor about all of the pain.
If you go to more than 1 doctor, be consistent in your description of the injury and location of pain.
Every 3rd or 4th visit, get a copy of your medical records and read them. Report any inconsistencies that you may find to your doctor at the next visit.
If the character or location of your pain changes, tell your doctor immediately.

Many of our clients report to us that they didn’t tell anyone that their injury was work related because their employer "promised to take care of them" and told the employee "to not report this as worker’s comp because our premiums will go up." Such a promise is almost never fulfilled if the injury is anything more than minor. If you don’t tell your doctor the true reason for your injury and how and when it happened, when your employer goes in front of the judge later and says they never knew you had a work place injury, you will have killed your own case.

Greg Jones Law
3015 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 888-842-7985
Web: http://www.gregjoneslaw.com/

When to Tell Someone About Your Workplace Injury in North Carolina

nospam@example.com () — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:53:09 -0400

North Carolina Workers Compensation Attorneys

Many employers have very specific and sometimes stringent reporting requirements when an injury occurs. Most of the time, the employer requires that the injured employee report the injury to a supervisor within 24 hours and sometimes before the employee leaves for the day. The employer’s requirements however have little effect on what the court system requires.

In North Carolina, an injured worker is required to given written notice within 30 days of the injury and must file a claim within 2 years of the injury. Before now, the 30 days was somewhat of a "e;soft deadline."e; That deadline though may be hardening up due to a recent Court decision in Gregory v. WA Brown. That decision makes it even more important to notify your employer about your injury. It may no longer even be enough just to tell your employer about your injury—you’ll also need to inform them IN WRITING.

The Courts here in North Carolina have specific forms upon which you can provide that written notice. Your North Carolina workers compensation lawyer can direct you to the correct forms or even file them for you. If you do not have a lawyer, contact our office and we will be glad to handle the filing for you.

Greg Jones & Associates
3015 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone: 888-842-7985
Web: http://www.gregjoneslaw.com/

Birth Injury Laws and Litigation

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:50:16 -0400

Birth injury litigation

Birth injury litigation is a type of medical malpractice litigation. As in any malpractice suit, to bring a birth injury lawsuit, negligence must be shown on the part of a professional health care provider such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, technician, hospital, or hospital worker. These parties are held to performance standards that are the accepted standard of care of others in the profession who have similar training and experience. When their actions result in harm to a patient, they may be liable for their negligence.

Plaintiff has the burden of proof

In order to prevail in a birth injury case, the plaintiff has the burden to prove:

The appropriate standard of care for the professional or professionals involved in the case. For example, the plaintiff needs to show the type of care and skill usually provided in the same or similar circumstances
That the doctor, nurse, hospital or other health care provider failed to adhere to the established standard of care
That the infant suffered a birth injury
That the child would not have been injured but for the failure of the doctor to adhere to the standard of care
That it is more likely than not that the birth injury to the child occurred because of the acts or omissions of the doctor or health care professional during the birth of the child

To succeed in birth injury litigation, the plaintiff must prove all of these elements of his or her case. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to prove any one of these elements results in the plaintiff losing his or her lawsuit.

Each state sets strict time limits for the filing of a birth injury lawsuit. A birth injury attorney ensures you meet all filing deadlines.

Seeking justice and compensation for birth injury

When serious birth injuries occur that could and should have been prevented by reasonable actions of average professionals, the injured parties deserve justice and fair compensation. Caring for a birth injured child long term is extremely expensive and time-consuming. Victims deserve compensation to help pay for additional medical care needed, therapy, pain and suffering, and more. Birth injury law is complex. An attorney skilled in birth injury laws can help families through the judicial process and guide them each step of the way.

Contact the birth injury attorneys at Greg Jones & Associates if you have questions about birth injury law.

Greg Jones & Associates
525 North Tryon Street, Suite 1600
Charlotte, NC 28202
Tel: 888-450-9773
Web: http://www.birthinjurylawyersusa.com/

Who Is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

nospam@example.com () — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:50:35 -0400

Asbestos exposure is particularly high because of the occupations of its population. During the past century, the United States’ industrial base focused on textiles, tobacco, and wood products, and asbestos was an element in work clothing due to its heat-resistant properties. Those workers, as well as those who come into contact with the clothing, such as family members, were exposed to the highly toxic fiber. Over a period of years, signs of mesothelioma became prevalent.

Consumer products have also contained asbestos and some products containing asbestos may still be in use in homes. Common household items such as cookware, electric blankets, hair dryers, wood burning stoves, and many more items all contribute to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure

Many cases of mesothelioma cancer have emerged from the use of asbestos in mills, power plants, shipyards, and construction sites. Besides workers at these sites, bystanders and family members have increased risks of asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos exposure has resulted in serious health conditions and death in those who worked among the toxic material and those affected by second-hand contact. Exposure to asbestos continues to plague its residents long after the toxic sites were shut down or abandoned.

Common workplaces containing asbestos

Workers who came in contact with the toxic fiber should contact an attorney regarding asbestos exposure. Common worksites likely containing asbestos include:

Asbestos product manufacturing (insulation, roofing, building, materials)
Automotive repair (brakes & clutches)
Construction sites
Maritime operations
Mining operations
Offshore rust removals
Oil refineries
Power plants
Railroads
Sand or abrasive manufacturers
Shipyards/ships/shipbuilders
Steel mills

Contact the professionals who care

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, call Greg Jones & Associates at 888-551-5738 or contact us online to speak to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. We will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.

Greg Jones & Associates
525 North Tryon Street, Suite 1600
Charlotte, NC 28202
Tel: 888-551-5738
Web: http://www.usamesotheliomalawyers.com

Mesothelioma Cancer

nospam@example.com () — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:01:25 -0400

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers work their way through the lungs into the lung - or pleural - cavity. The disease can grow on the lining of the lung, the gut, or the cavity in the chest where the heart rests. The sad fact is that sufferers of mesothelioma tend to die within six to eighteen months following diagnosis of the insidious disease.

Many cases of mesothelioma cancer have arisen out of the use of asbestos in mills, power plants, shipyards, and construction sites. Besides workers at these sites, bystanders and family members also have increased risks of asbestos-related diseases.

The mesothelioma attorneys of Greg Jones & Associates are skilled in cases involving mesothelioma cancer. We know how to effectively present your case so that you receive the maximum amount of fair compensation for your injuries.

If you have been officially diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, we will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.

Greg Jones & Associates
525 North Tryon Street, Suite 1600
Charlotte, NC 28202
Tel: 888-551-5738
Web: http://www.usamesotheliomalawyers.com/
Licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia

Finding the Right Birth Injury Lawyer

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:45:43 -0500

Experienced birth injury lawyers can help

If your infant has suffered a birth injury due to the negligence or malpractice of a health professional, you need the help of a skilled attorney with proven results in birth injury cases to protect the rights of your child and your family. The birth injury law firm of Greg Jones & Associates knows how to secure compensation to care for and to treat your baby for the expensive life care your child will require.

The smartest thing you can do if you suspect your child was injured due to the mistake of a treating doctor or hospital is to contact an experienced law firm to evaluate your potential claim. With an experienced birth injury law firm representing you, you have a significantly greater chance of receiving justice and fair compensation. Studies have shown that parties who have legal representation in birth injury litigation recover more than those who go it alone.

A skilled birth injury law firm works hard while you focus on helping your child get proper treatment. Your birth injury lawyer knows how to analyze your case and which experts to hire to present the best case possible for you. You only have a limited period of time to present your birth injury claim, and your lawyer ensures that all deadlines are met.

Your law firm should be experienced in birth injury litigation

The birth injury lawyer you choose should have the support staff, know-how, and determination to represent your birth injury lawsuit in court. You should be assured that your attorney is personally involved every step of the way. A birth injury law firm should have proven results in birth injury litigation to best present your case to a jury.

In addition, your lawyer needs to have a broad network of medical and life-planning experts available for consultation to determine the cause, extent, and prognosis of a birth injury, and to estimate the cost of future care for your child.

The birth injury attorneys of Greg Jones & Associates have years of proven results in birth injury litigation. We pride ourselves on getting to know your child and your family so that we can understand your situation and present a compelling case to a jury. We are relentless in fighting for a fair settlement, and if necessary we are ready to take your case to trial.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome Treatment

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:55 -0500

Treatment Options

If you develop Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), treatment may require hospitalization, usually in an ICU or burn unit. The most critical step in Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment is to stop any medications that are linked with causing SJS. This may entail stopping all of your medications initially as your doctor will have difficulty in determining exactly which drug or drugs are causing the syndrome. Because there is no standard procedure for the treatment of SJS, you are likely to receive a combination of treatment options. These options may include any of the following:

Skin grafting
Though rarely used, if a large portion of your skin is affected, the removal of skin from one area and placing it onto another will be utilized in your treatment within the hospital. Though skin grafting is rarely used, it is an effective method of dealing with SJS.

Medications
Because there is no standard procedure or practice in the treatment of SJS, there are a variety of medications that are commonly used for Stevens Johnson Syndrome treatment. Some of those medications include the following:

Topical steroids
Pain medication
Antibiotics
Antihistamines

Some of the newest treatment options include the following:

The administration of intravenous corticosteroids
The administration of corticosteroids through an IV can reduce recovery time and alleviate some or all symptoms provided this treatment is started within two days of when symptoms emerge.

Immunoglobulin intravenous (IGIV)
Recent clinical research has shown the antibodies in this medication assist the immune system in stopping the progression of Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Fluid replacement
Because of the nature of Stevens Johnson Syndrome, skin loss results in the loss of fluid from your body, and a replacement of fluids is an integral portion of treatment.

Skin nursing
Placing cold, wet compresses on the affected areas of you skin will help soothe painful blisters while they heal. Any dead skin will be removed gently by your hospital care providers and if needed a dressing and topical anesthetic will be applied over the affected areas.

Contact us for help

If a Stevens Johnson Syndrome diagnosis is made by your doctor, in many cases the syndrome can be eradicated. If properly treated, new, healthy skin may grow within a few days. In difficult cases, a full recovery may take many months. Contact the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawyers of Greg Jones & Associates if you have questions about Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

nospam@example.com () — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:20:26 -0500

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if you have lost a loved one to mesothelioma, contact an attorney skilled in mesothelioma litigation as soon as possible. Your attorney can begin the process of identifying the asbestos companies to sue and help you file a lawsuit naming those companies as defendants. The attorneys at Greg Jones & Associates are skilled in all aspects of mesothelioma litigation.

Some companies responsible for causing mesothelioma have been granted protection under bankruptcy laws and cannot be sued. However, many of those companies have set aside money to pay for injuries caused by their asbestos products. The mesothelioma attorneys of Greg Jones & Associates attempt to recover settlement of your claims from these companies in addition to any filed mesothelioma lawsuits.

The attorneys of Greg Jones & Associates are skilled in mesothelioma litigation and know how to effectively present your case so that you receive the maximum amount of fair compensation for your injuries.

Greg Jones & Associates
525 North Tryon Street, Suite 1600
Charlotte, NC 28202
Tel: 888-551-5738
Licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia

Birth Injury Laws

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:35:51 -0500

If your child is seriously injured and you suspect that your infant was injured at birth due to the negligence of a doctor or health care provider, you need to speak to an experienced birth injury attorney at Greg Jones & Associates. An attorney skilled in birth injury law can evaluate the situation and determine if the birth injury was, in fact, caused by negligence. Your attorney obtains and reviews all medical records and consults with experts regarding your situation in order to present the best litigation possible.

Negligent acts that may cause birth injury

Negligence may arise out of any of the following and cause birth injury:

Insufficient or incorrect pre-natal care—If your child was born with an injury that could have been prevented or detected through proper screening during pregnancy, this may be sufficient to show negligence. A simple blood test or an ultrasound often detects many birth injuries, treatable defects, and other serious conditions.
Cesarean section—The failure to give a mother a Cesarean section when the mother of infant is in distress can result in injury or trauma.
Too large a baby—When an infant is too large (sometimes called cephalopelvic disproportion), it cannot properly fit down the birth canal. Physicians should be able to anticipate this.
Failure to act quickly—Infant bleeding, irregular heartbeat, distress, umbilical cord entrapment, or other issues that are emergencies require prompt action and failure to act quickly is negligent.
Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractor—If misused, these devices to assist at birth can cause brain damage.
Pitocin—Pitocin is a hormone that speeds delivery. If misused, it can cause birth injuries or trauma.

Speak to an experienced birth injury attorney

Determining negligence during child birth is not an easy matter. If a child is injured, parents are coping with care and are under a great deal of stress. It is best to speak to a medical malpractice attorney skilled in birth injury cases. Your attorney ensures that you meet filing deadlines and helps you proceed with litigation if there has been negligence.

Greg Jones & Associates understand birth injury laws throughout the United States. We can review and evaluate your birth injury lawsuit at no charge to see if the injury was caused by the negligence or malpractice of a healthcare professional. Contact the birth injury attorneys at Greg Jones & Associates if you have questions about birth injury law.

Drugs Related to Causing Stevens Johnson Syndrome

nospam@example.com () — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:29:51 -0500

Stevens Johnson Syndrome causes

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is often triggered by an allergic reaction to some common drugs. Some of these drugs include the following:

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome: Dilantin is an anticonvulsant that recently has been linked as a Stevens Johnson Syndrome cause. Since 1998, there have been a number of reports of children developing SJS due to the anticonvulsant Dilantin. Recent research shows that the risk of SJS increased with the usage of Dilantin as opposed to other anticonvulsants.
Motrin Stevens Johnson Syndrome: Motrin, a brand name for the generic drug ibuprofen, has recently been recognized by doctors as one of the causes of SJS. Motrin-induced SJS may cause terrible skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis.
Advil Stevens Johnson Syndrome: Like Motrin, Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen. Recently Advil has been linked with causing SJS, especially in children where children’s Advil has been involved. A major concern today is that SJS caused by children’s Advil may result in rapid blindness or death. Because of these dangers, drug manufacturers have been pressed to add more warnings to their product, specifically addressing the side effects that are linked to SJS.
Bextra Stevens Johnson Syndrome: Bextra is banned in both Canada and Europe. In 2005, the FDA asked Pfizer, the maker of Bextra, to take it off the market. One of the reasons for the decision of the FDA was that major side effects including heart attacks and strokes occurred more often for patients taking Bextra than for other COX-2 agents. These COX-2 agents have been shown to increase the risk of contracting SJS.
Feldene Stevens Johnson Syndrome: Feldene, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The drug piroxicam is the generic version of Feldene, which has been around since 1982. Feldene, like the other drugs listed above, has been linked with Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Despite this link, there has been no action taken by the FDA to force the manufacturer to disclose this possible side effect.

Contact us for help

If you believe your usage of popular drugs resulted in Stevens Johnson Syndrome, please contact the Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawyers of Greg Jones & Associates. You owe it to yourself and your family to see if you can recover compensation for the damages that have been inflicted upon you and your loved ones.