Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Could A New Concussion Lawsuit Take The NFL Down?

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new federal lawsuit has more than 100 former NFL players claiming that the league failed to protect them from brain injuries linked to sport-related concussions.

This particular case involves former Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson, ex-Georgia star Lindsey Scott, and veteran quarterback Don Majkowski.

They will be joining the more than 1,000 NFL players who are also suing their former league.

A countless amount of players say that there wasn’t enough done to inform them about the dangers of concussions in the past, nor to take care of them for the future.

Multitudes of players have come out to sue the giant league. If so many people are coming out of the closet, shouldn’t we all wake up?

Football players make millions of dollars a year. Big money can be made on the professional level – which makes it a puzzlement to think that players would sue a league that gave them millions, put their kids through high school, retired their parents, and everything else UNLESS they actually have serious brain damage that is worth fighting for.

A lot of these players do not want what happened to them to happen to future footballers.

If you or someone you know has been injured by serious sport injuries that could have been prevented, visit our website which is loaded with FREE information that you can use to help you find answers.

To contact our offices for a FREE consultation, call toll free: 888-473-1258.

How Can I File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Texas?

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The death of a family member is often sited by many polls to be one of the most stressful experiences one can go through in their lives.

If you have experienced a wrongful death, you are not alone. Countless of people go through unimaginable loss and with it, an immense amount of expenses with funeral costs, medical bills, and emotional trauma.

Visit our Wrongful Death Cases page to learn more about how the lawyers at V&B can point you in the right direction.

What does the law say?

If someone you love dies in a negligent accident in Texas, only spouses, children, and parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, these terms are often argued about since in this day and age we have many adopted families and common law marriages.

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, there are two claims you can make:

A Wrongful death claim is a claim that is made by a family member based on that person’s loss of a loved one.

A Survival Claim is a claim that is made on behalf of the person who died for the pain and suffering he/she endured. Typically it can only be brought on by a family member. Probate court is usually involved to determine which person can hold this claim.

The lawyers at V&B have vast experience in dealing with wrongful death claims. (See our Case results page)

We urge you to visit our website which is updated every day with FREE information that you can use to answer all the questions you have. It’s about time that you learn exactly what the law states in an easy and understandable way.

For a free consultation, contact our offices. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Are Repeat Offenders Still Driving our Metro Buses & Trains?

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Metro bus in Houston, Texas, rear-ended a vehicle in northwest Houston Tuesday, May 1, 2012. This accident then caused a chain-reaction crash involving 11 vehicles.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority reports seven passengers who were on the bus and two occupants of the vehicles suffered minor injuries. All were transported to area hospitals, and they say that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The bus driver, according to MTA, will be tested for drugs and alcohol, which is standard procedure in all accidents involving Metro buses.

While no other details were immediately available, it is obvious an investigation will be undertaken to find out the cause of this accident.

Houston has its share of Metro accidents, like this one in 2010 involving a Metro bus and a Metro train.

We are thankful that no one was critically or fatally injured in this crash, and we pray for full and speedy recoveries of all who have been hurt.

As the video linked here makes note of, 1/3 of all Metro drivers have been in two or more accidents that they either caused or could have prevented. This frightening statistic was provided by Houston MTA.

Vuk Vujasinovic, a founding partner at V&B, is asking again, two years after the bus-train collision, are repeat offenders still driving metro buses and trains? Should Houston's MTA rules be stricter about repeat offenses to keep drivers and passengers safe?

The "common carrier" rule applies in this accident. Essentially, it means that buses must use extreme caution to keep their passengers safe. Vuk explains more in this video. The bus companies require that after an incident occurs, drivers have to be able to prove that they were extra careful, otherwise the common carrier will be at fault for the accident.
When we see statistics like the 1/3 of all Houston Metro drivers have at least 2 at-fault accidents on their records, we must ask ourselves whether or not Metro will be able to prove they have followed the "common carrier" rule in this accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bus accident, and you seek more information, please call us at 888-473-1258 for a FREE and private consultation. OR visit our bus accident practice area where you can read more articles and watch more videos about this kind of accident.
You can also request one of our FREE consumer reports about vehicle accidents.

A Bryan, TX Motorcyclist Is Killed After Losing Control And Hits 18-Wheeler

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At just 3:30 am, a motorcyclist lost control of his bike and hit the rear of an 18-wheeler’s trailer in the 600 block of North Earl Rudder Freeway in Brian.

31-year old Michael Daniell was the motorcyclist and was wearing a helmet. The trucker was not injured.

A small area of Texas 6 was closed for investigation while police tried to understand as to exactly what happened, though several witnesses were interviewed.

Motorcycling can be extremely dangerous, especially at night. To someone who isn’t experienced, little things like debris can be a huge factor to someone losing control of their bike.

When behind an 18-wheeler, we must always be extremely careful. Motorcyclists, literally, carry their lives in their hands.

If you have been injured in a car accident, visit our website to research FREE information that you can use to help. Learn what the law says about your situation. Knowledge is Power!

Contact our offices for a FREE consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Reckless Driver Slams Into 18-Wheeler, Kills Two People

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Early this morning at 3:20am, police received a call about a reckless driver in a pickup on I-35 South. Not long after that, the pickup slammed into an 18-wheeler who was at a rest stop.

Instantly, both vehicles caught fire. The fire was so massive that it killed the two men inside the pickup truck, who are believed to be from Austin.

The 911 caller who made the first call reported the pickup as being "all over the road" and traveling at about 60 mph when it hit the 18-wheeler. Investigators are seeing if whether alcohol played a factor.

It is necessary, when we are on the road, to beware of drunk drivers. Even though we may do everything right, it just takes one fool to create a tragedy.

If you have been injured to due to a negligent car accident, we urge you to visit our website. Our site is loaded with FREE information that you can use to research your case.

We believe that knowledge is power. Take the first step and find your answers!

Contact our offices today for a free consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Van Dives Into The Bronx Zoo, Kills 4 Adults & 3 Children

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A van carrying seven people, including three children, plummeted nearly 100 feet off the Bronx River Parkway into the Bronx zoo. The fall killed everyone inside, but thankfully no one in the zoo was hurt.

An 84-year old man, three women aged 80, 45, and 30, and three little girls aged 7, 10, and 12 were the ones inside the vehicle. All of them died.

The van bounced off the roadway’s median and crossed the southbound lanes where it fell off the parkway nearly 100 feet into the Bronx zoo property.

Oddly enough, this isnt the first time a vehicle took a dive from the Bronx River Parkway. In June, another driver feel from the same road, but thankfully survived.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, during this extremely traumatic and painful day.

The lawyers at V&B strive to make sure that everyone who has been a victim to a horrific car accident has the option to receive their settlements that they deserve.

We urge you to do some research on our website. Our site is updated every day with FREE information that can be used to your benefit. We believe that knowledge is power. Educate yourself today!

For a FREE consultation, contact our offices. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Keppel AmFELS Has Gas Leak, Sends 7 Men To Hospital In Brownsville

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Brownsville maritime services company had a carbon dioxide leak, sending seven men to the hospital Thursday afternoon with Respiratory Failure.

The unidentified men are employed by a contractor and were at Keppel AmFELS, a company which builds and services mobile drilling rigs and platforms at the Port of Brownsville.

While working on a fire suppression system on a vessel, the men became ill due to the gas leak. They were in stable condition when they were sent to the hospital.

Carbon dioxide is a very serious issue and is often underrated. It is very hard to detect which is why people can be vulnerable when working in an environment that has a leak.

If you or someone you know has been affected by gas poisoning, you have legal rights to damages.

Visit our website to learn more about your rights and what the law says about your situation. Our site is updated every day with FREE information that you can use for research.

Contact our offices for a FREE consultation today. Toll free 888-473-1258.

Accident In Northwest Houston Sends Driver To A Ditch

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A car crash that threw a car in a ditch in northwest Houston early Friday morning has people wondering if alcohol played a factor.

The unidentified driver of a white car was going east on Creekmont when he ran a stop sign and smashed into another car and sent it to a ditch.

Both drivers were stable when they were taken to Memorial Herman Northwest Hospital.

An investigation is currently being held and police are testing the driver that ran the stop sign for possible intoxication.

Driving drunk is a serious crime that has the power to change lives through death, injury, and trauma.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, you have legal rights to damages!

Visit our website to research more about your situation and learn more about what the law says. We update our site every day with FREE information you can use.

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258

Texas state lawmaker arrested for ambulance chasing

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to the Houston Chronicle, State Rep. Ron Reynolds was arrested yesterday for ambulance chasing. This is a practice where lawyers unethically and illegally approach injury victims and try to get them to hire that lawyer for their case. It is ironic that a state legislator would engage in this behavior, as the Texas Legislature recently enacted a civil law providing remedies to people who fall victim to this inappropriate practice. We recently posted a video on the new Texas ambulance chasing law. It would be interesting to see how this lawmaker voted on the ambulance chasing law that he is alleged to have violated?

The Plaintiff's Resource Talks to us About Medicare Set Asides

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Will Shapiro from The Plaintiff's Resource joined us today for po'boys as we discussed Medicare Set Asides.

An encyclopedia of knowledge on the subject, Will answered our questions and provided us with great information.

We learned more about Medicare Set Asides because they can apply in our longshoreman claims cases as well as in our liability cases where Medicare might be at risk for paying future medical expenses.

We would like to thank Will for taking the time to sit down and talk with us about this part of the settlement process.

Lubbock Driver Smashed When Trying To Pass 18-Wheeler On I-40

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A driver named Donald Waldenmayer from Lubbock was driving west bound on I-40, near Alanreed, when he tried to pass an 18-wheeler truck going the same direction.

When Waldenmayer was in the middle, the 18-wheeler veered into his car and pushed it into the center median where they collided.

The driver and the passenger of the 18-wheeler didn’t have life threatening injuries and were sent to Northwest Teas Hospital.

The passenger inside the 18-wheeler was not wearing a seatbelt.

In America, 18-wheeler trucks are monsters of the road and they must ALWAYS be passed with caution. It is unclear what the exact details are about the accident, but one must always assume that if you are competing with an 18-wheeler, you will lose every time.

If you have been injured due to a negligent 18-wheeler driver, you have rights to legal damages! Visit our website to research more about your situation and what the law says!

Our site is updated every day with free information that you can use!

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Texas Judge Punishes A Houston Drunk Driver With Humiliation - Did It Go Too Far?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A convicted drunk driver that killed a man in Houston got a rather unpleasant sentence from the judge.

For the next four Saturdays Michael Giacona, the convicted driver, must visit the site where the June 2011 car crash occurred. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, he must wear a sign that says he killed Aaron Pennywell in a drunk driving incident.

The judge is also forcing Giacona to keep a picture of the wreckage in his living room.

A probation officer will be making random home visits to be sure that he has the picture, and will also be visiting the crash site during the times Giacona should be there.

IS THE PUNISHMENT TOO HARSH?

A spokesperson from Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is in favor of the idea, especially since it is Giacona’s second DWI.

However, there are a few critics that disagree with the judge’s punishment saying it is barbaric and is reminiscent of the Scarlet Letter.

There have been studies to show whether public humiliation proves progress in a person’s actions. It is unclear the results and mostly is up in debate.

But what we do know for sure is that drunk driving is a deadly killer and is most common in young people. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you have legal rights to damages!

Our website is loaded with FREE information that you can use to answer all your questions. It is updated daily with you in mind!

For a FREE consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Are Truck Companies Expecting Too Much From Their Drivers?

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In Longview Texas, an 18 wheeler truck driver was traveling eastbound on 1-20 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control. The rig turned over into a ditch and spilled countless of tomatoes all over the freeway.

It’s currently unknown whether the driver was injured or not, but we do know that the Gregg County Sherriff’s Department did not issue a citation for the accident.

Who’s really at fault here? Every day we see case after case of drivers falling asleep at the wheel, none more than in 18 Wheeler cases. Thankfully in this incident, no one was hurt. Others are not so lucky.

Could truck companies be expecting too much from their drivers?

V&B has dealt with big corporations like the ones that run these trucks, and the majority of them do not have YOU in their thoughts when dealing with business.

Truck drivers are not getting enough rest and are constantly pressured by their bosses to get their transports to the location ahead of schedule.

These Companies are gambling with the lives of these drivers and everyone else on the road, all for the benefit of their business.

Visit our website to research more about what the law says! We update our site every day with FREE information that you can use to answer all your questions!

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Federal Safety Standards Have Increased, But Will Working Offshore Really be Safer?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The White House has released a fact sheet about "expanding safe and responsible oil production while investing in the future," in which the Department of the Interior's safety standards for offshore practices are outlined.

The increased federal safety standards and certification protocols work to improve safety for both the offshore workers and the environment.

The following are areas of the industry that are impacted by this increase:

well design
testing
control equipment

The Department of the Interior is "establishing rigorous performance standards to reduce workplace error and require comprehensive safety and environmental management."

To this effect, operators must now submit well-specific blowout scenarios as well as revised worst-case discharge calculations. These changes to the submission of scenarios and calculations are a direct result of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy in 2010. Operators of deep-water rigs must also show they can handle and contain a sub-sea discharge like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

While these federal safety standards have been put in place, it remains the responsibility of the company to enact these changes and increase their own safety standards and practices.
With the increase in permits in the Gulf of Mexico, it will remain to be seen if deep-water drilling becomes safer as these new safety standards take effect.

If you or a loved one have been injured working offshore, you are entitled to a free consultation with our firm. Please call us at 877 -473-1258.

OR, if you want to read more about your rights as an injured maritime worker, our free books and reports provide you with important information. Request your free copies of our reports here.
White House Fact Sheet Page 1:

White House Fact Sheet Page 2:

Government Agencies Do NOT Have Your Back In A Work Accident - Find Out Why!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the nation’s premier worker safety agency. It was reported by the Associated Press that a new report from government auditors stated that the OSHA takes nearly eight years on average to adopt new safety regulations!

The entire process of approving new regulations takes 50% longer than the Environmental Protection Agency and twice as long as the Transportation Department.

Why So Long??

Officials from the OSHA blame lengthy waits on greater procedural requirements that they face, more so than most other federal agencies.

However, these "other" agencies are saying that the OSHA has become overly cautious in setting new rules on dangerous chemicals and other on-the-job hazards, confined by procedural and political roadblocks.

Lives are at stake! The delays are unacceptable because workers are injured or killed every day. It took nearly a decade for the agency to issue safety rules on construction cranes and in that time, many cranes toppled and killed people in horrible work accidents.

Since the OSHA has been under scrutiny, other agencies are popping out in support of more investigations, adding to it their own experience with the agency.

Groups claim that the OSHA creates problems for itself by ignoring employer concerns when they develop new standards. David Sarvadi, a lawyer in the U.S Chamber of Commerce, says that OSHA officials often don’t seek out guidance until AFTER they make a risky assessment. OSHA should talk to people before they sit down and write new rules.

OSHA has approved just 11 new rules since the 1990s.

A GAO report recommends that OSHA officials should collaborate more with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a federal research agency that makes workplace health and safety recommendations.

OMB Watch, a nonprofit advocacy group that monitors federal regulations, says OSHA should pick a few hazards and see those priorities through without shifting gears so often, suggesting the agency to rely more on scientific evaluations prepared by other agencies to avoid duplicating work.

Also in the arguement is Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi who says OSHA can pursue safety by other means, not just stiffing more regulations and enforcement. Voluntary programs involving employees and management such as the Voluntary Protection Programs have been shown to make workplaces considerably safer and save money.

If you have been injured in a work accident, you have the rights to legal damages! Do not wait for a worker’s union to help you!

Companies and agencies like these do not have your back!

We strongly urge you to visit our website, which is loaded with FREE information about what you can do to help your situation.

Knowledge is power. Our site is updated every day for your benefit. Take advantage!

Contact our offices today for a free consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

German Plant Explosion Puts A Halt In The Car Industry!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Two weeks ago, an explosion at a German chemical plant called Evonik killed two workers. However, the explosion created a bigger crisis in the car industry.

Have you ever heard of Nylon-12?

Nylon-12 is a resin that is used in ever car brake and fuel line around the world! It is known for its durability, flexibility, and chemical stability. Not only is it used in cars, but its used in the medical world and in the solar power industry.

Nylon-12 is only made at a few places in the world, Evonik being the main place!

A French firm named Arkema also had to hault work on the chemical since they get raw materials from Germany. Ube, A Japanese company which supplies Nylon-12, suffered setbacks following the 2011 earthquake.

To sum it up, the explosion at Evonik cut the world’s supply of Nylon-12 by half!

General motors and Toyota, along with other major carmakers, had an emergency meeting in Detroit to discuss the matter and draw up an action plan. They are working to see if another chemical can replace Nylon-12.

When new chemicals get used in cars, it requires up 5,000 hours of testing. This will not be feasible before all the nylon-12 in the world runs out.

It is believed that this disruption will affect Europe primarily, since the U.S. and Asia had enough Nylon-12 to last for several weeks.

Till then, I’m sure the carmakers around the world are rushing to get their army in check.

If you have been victim because of an explosion at a chemical plant, like the one in Evonik, you have legal rights to damages. Visit our website so that you can research about your situation and find answers.

Our site is updated every day with FREE information. Contact our offices today for a free consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

New York Subway Operator Suffers Severe Burn Injuries At Work

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A 45-year old New York subway operator named Michael Lee suffered second and third degree burns on nearly 30% of his body in a freak work accident.

Lee had been preparing a work train when he dropped a coupler that he was carrying. A coupler is used to connect two different types of subway cars.

After dropping the coupler, bolts flew off the third rail with tremendous force and knocked Lee down, engulfing him in flames. After trying to roll on the ground with no success, Lee was forced to take his burning clothes with bare hands.

Thankfully Lorraine Sills, another worker, was nearby and helped. Sills was hospitalized and treated for trauma.

Today, doctors say that Lee’s burns are drastic and are considering performing skin grafts.

When an accident happens involving burns, it can result in lifelong emotional trauma. The lawyers at V&B understand what it is like when medical bills become overwhelming and it seems there is no one to help you.

If you have been a victim of a work accident or an accidental fire, you have rights to legal damages!

We urge you to visit our website which is updated every day with FREE information that you can use to help you answer all your questions.

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

Baltimore Motorcyclist Gets Charged For Negligent Driving

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Thomas David Wilkinson, a motorcyclist, was riding his 2007 Harley Davidson eastbound on Kent Narrows Road near Baltimore, Maryland when he crashed and sent his passenger to the hospital.

Wilkinson is being charged with negligent driving and failure to control speed, all of which was the primary factor for the accident.

Terri Lee Hickman was the passenger on the bike and was thrown off during the crash. Hickman was flown to shock trauma with non-life-threatening injuries. She is in fair condition.

When operating an motorcycle, it is extremely important that we take the role extremely important. One wrong slight of hand can bring danger to you and anyone riding on the bike, much less everyone else on the road.

If you have been a victim of negligent driving, you have legal rights to damages. You may be wondering what exactly needs to be done and which steps you should take.

We urge you to visit our website, which is loaded with FREE information that you can use to your benefit. We update our site every day to bring you everything you need to know.

For a free consultation, contact our offices today. Toll free: 888-473-1258.

A New Study Shows Promise In Preventing Cell Damage After Head Trauma

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Neurosurgery, a journal that primarily targets stories about the human brain, published a study about a new device called Mechanical Tissue Resuscitation (MTR).

MTR can be used to prevent cell death and has been demonstrated to dramatically reduce the size and extend of damaged tissue that’s been caused by a traumatic brain injury.

The study was funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Defense and was made by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Thus far, it is proving to have promise in the future.

For over 15 years, professors at Wake Forest Baptist have been using negative pressure devices to treat wounds and burns. It is with these devices that they have removed toxins and fluids that cause cell death from an injury within the brain.

When you receive a brain injury, irreversible cell damage can take place as well as immediate cell death.

When a cell gets damaged around the wound, they release toxic substances which causes the brain to swell and restricts blood flow and oxygen, causing further cell death.

The goal of the study was to see if by removing fluid and toxic substance from around the injured cells that they can improve survival of the cells which were damaged.

The researchers placed a bioengineered material matrix directly on the injured area of the brain and attached the device to a tube, which was connected to a microcomputer vacuum pump so that they can suck fluid from the injury over a period of 72 hours.

Mice treated with MTR had considerably reduced brain swelling and the release of toxic substances.

Also, 50% more brain tissue was preserved in all the animals that were treated with the MTR versus the ones that were not.

An 18 Wheeler Crash Spills Fuel On A Southwest TX Freeway

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This morning, an 18-wheeler carrying 120 gallons of fuel was crashed into on the Southwest Freeway near Wilcrest.

According to authorities, a car slammed into the rig. The driver of the 18 wheeler had no idea that the rig caught fire until a few moments after the collision.

Upon realizing that it was on fire, the driver tried to back down the ramp, but one of his wheels became stuck on the guard rail. Fuel was trainling all along the freeway and ramp.

An investigation is underway to find out the cause of the accident.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of a car crash, the lawyers at V&B know exactly what you are going through.

We urge you to do some research on our website, which is loaded with FREE information that you can use to answer all the questions you may have.

Contact our offices today for a FREE consultation. Toll free: 888-473-1258.