alabama personal injury lawyer
Alabama Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed Against Hospital
| December 8th, 2015
The law protects citizens from unwanted sexual advances and physical contact. The Alabama sexual harassment lawyers at Norris Injury Lawyers point out that any victim of such unsolicited contact has a right to hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions. That’s precisely what two women who were the victims of sexual assault at an Alabama hospital are doing.
According to an article from Al.com, a 29-year-old Florida man, whose criminal history was known to police, entered the Riverview Regional Medical Center on May 6 to receive treatment for a cut above his eye. After receiving care, the man then made his way to the third floor of the hospital, where he then allegedly sexually assaulted two women.
The two women later filed a lawsuit, which claimed the hospital and its staff had a duty to protect the health and safety of its patients. The suit goes on to allege the hospital was negligent in failing to provide adequate security and inspections within the facility.
The hospital has responded to the suit with a statement saying they take patient safety and security very seriously.
The aftermath of suffering sexual harassment or a sexual assault can be difficult to overcome, and that’s why our Alabama personal injury lawyers are hopeful that a resolution in this particular lawsuit can bring a sense of peace and closure to the situation for each of the victims.
Investigation Shows Company Knew About IVC Filter Injury Risks
| November 3rd, 2015
A recent investigation determined that medical device manufacturer, C.R. Bard, Inc., had knowledge of risks its inferior vena cava (IVC) filters posed to patients, yet the company took no corrective action to protect public health and safety.
Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows as many as 27 deaths are linked to IVC filter injuries. An estimated 300 other patients suffered serious injuries due to device failure.
The unit can break apart or dislodge from the location where it was placed and can travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or heart. When this occurs, a patient can experience serious health complications or death.
According to NBC News, Bard became aware of the risks after the reports of injuries and deaths began to surface. Rather than take corrective action after an independent study found the company conducted supported the initial findings, Bard continued to sell and distribute the flawed IVC filter.
Many of those harmed by or lost loved ones to the Bard IVC filter have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for their losses. Those cases continue to make their way to the court systems.
Protecting the rights of those who have been harmed by defective medical devices is one of our missions at Norris Injury Lawyers. That’s why our defective medical device attorneys are hopeful decisions in these lawsuits will bring closure to each of those who were harmed.
FDA Issues Drug Injury Warning Regarding Two Hepatitis C Medications
| October 27th, 2015
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that can last a lifetime and cause damage to the liver that can ultimately results in organs failure. Medications can help treat this disease, but the drug injury attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers would like to warn patients about the use of certain drugs.
An article from WSFA 12 News explains the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding two medications used to treat Hepatitis C, Viekira Pak and Technivie. Officials say using these products may cause patients suffering from advanced liver disease to develop serious liver damage.
As many as 26 cases of patients experiencing adverse side effects associated with the drugs has been reported worldwide. Of those cases, a total of 10 patients died or required a liver transplant. Another 16 patients developed some form of liver dysfunction within weeks of beginning to take the medication.
The FDA has issued warnings to users of these products to be aware of the risks. Patients taking Viekira Pak or Technivie should not stop taking the drug without consulting a physician first. If you experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or light-colored stools, you may want to speak with your doctor, as these may be signs of liver damage.
The Alabama personal injury lawyers at Norris Injury Lawyers hope this information helps to protect you and your loved ones from the harm certain medications may cause.
Birmingham Veterans Disability Attorneys Discuss VA Internal Policy and Procedure
| April 28th, 2015
When members of our nation’s armed forces are injured in the line of duty, they may be entitled to veterans disability benefits. However, the Birmingham veterans disability attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers explain that hundreds of thousands of former and current service members are awaiting decisions on their claims.
One Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) office reported a backlog of roughly 31,000 veterans’ claims, with individuals waiting an average of 312 days for a decision.
Problems like these have prompted the VA to take corrective action. According to 12 News Now, the VA has pledged to begin a review of policies and procedures to help ensure veterans are receiving the benefits and care they deserve.
VA officials announced they would be reexamining strategies for improving productivity, such as requiring employees to work overtime and procedural systems that encourage workers to use shortcuts to complete tasks. Replacing top management positions at problematic offices is being considered as well.
Officials hope resolutions can be implemented within a 180 day time frame.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we recognize the struggles many veterans face in order to receive the care they deserve. That’s why our Birmingham personal injury lawyers are here to help if your claim for veterans disability benefits was denied. Give us a call at (800) 477-7510 to get help now.
Many Alabama Car Accident Fatalities Caused by Not Using Seatbelts
| February 24th, 2015
Studies have shown a majority of Alabama’s citizens consider highway safety to be a top priority. But data indicates that many drivers and passengers who have perished in Alabama car accidents failed to properly restrain themselves with seatbelts prior to the crash.
According to al.com, there were a total of 255 deaths on Alabama highways where lack of seatbelt use was considered to be a contributing factor in the victim’s death in 2014—more than 60 percent of all the Alabama highway fatalities that year.
These numbers seem consistent with what we are seeing this year. Troopers say that an estimated 79 percent of Alabama’s highway deaths have listed failure to use a seatbelt as a contributing factor.
The state is working to reduce the number of roadway deaths through the “Drive Safe Alabama” program, which focuses on educating drivers of all ages about the dangers and risks they face on the road.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we know how dangerous riding in a vehicle without using seatbelts can be. That’s why our Birmingham personal injury lawyers encourage you to be a role model to others by buckling up every time you drive.
The Dangers of Asbestos and Mesothelioma
| October 14th, 2014
While advancements in technology have helped create a variety of innovative construction and manufacturing materials, some of the products can be harmful to humans.
Take asbestos as an example. While this material is extremely durable and capable of conducting heat and electricity while being fire and chemical resistant, exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to the development of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer of the lungs and membranes in the abdomen that has no cure. Exposure to asbestos is also the only known cause. Despite these risks, Asbestos is still found in many structures we use today.
This problem is highlighted in an article from the Dothan Eagle that discusses how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has alleged a condemned Alabama apartment complex may still contain asbestos that could put workers at risk of harm.
Officials say the site contains “friable” material that could still contain asbestos. But the contractor who removed most of the material stated he determined it was non-friable. The owner of the property has stated the site is free of danger.
The Birmingham personal injury attorneys with Norris Injury Lawyers are aware of the harm exposure to asbestos can cause and are here to help you if you’ve developed mesothelioma. Call (888) 318-4245 today to learn how we can assist you.
Getting Social Security Disability Benefits in Alabama
| September 23rd, 2014
When a person is no longer able to work because of a debilitating injury or medical condition, they may be entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits. There are currently millions of Americans who depend on such payments as their main source of income, many of whom live in Alabama.
A recent survey found there are currently an estimated 237,000 individuals living in Alabama who receive disability payments from the federal government. If spouses and children of those individuals are included, the number of disability recipients in Alabama swells to more than 300,000, or roughly 6 percent of Alabama’s population. According to Al.com, this leaves our state with the second highest number of Social Security Disability recipients in the nation.
Experts contend there could be several factors that have caused Alabama’s disability numbers to inflate, including the types of medications injury victims are prescribed. Data indicates states with high numbers of opioid painkiller prescriptions —such as Alabama—can expect to see higher rates of citizens applying for and receiving Social Security Disability.
Alabama’s top industries, such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, could also play a part in high accident numbers, as these are some of the most dangerous lines of work one could be involved in.
If you can no longer work due to an disability or medical condition, an Alabama Social Security Disability Lawyer from Norris Injury Lawyers can help you get the benefits you need—even if you were denied in the past. Call us at (888) 318-4245 to learn what we can do for you.
Alabama Auto Parts Workers May Be Victims of Environmental Injuries
| July 15th, 2014
Employers have a responsibility to protect the health of their workers, and failures to do so may result in victims filing lawsuits.
Such an Alabama environmental injury case is building as workers at an auto parts manufacturing plant come forward with an assortment of respiratory ailments.
According to an article from NBC News, a worker developed a cough in 2013 and was diagnosed with Asthma. Eight other workers and three former employees at the facility are also suffering from similar conditions.
The workers believe a chemical used in the manufacturing of foam car seats is to blame for their poor health, and testing has confirmed their exposure. But while experts agree this could be the cause of the workers’ health issues, no action is being taken to reduce the risk of chemical exposure in the factory. Furthermore, the injured workers are now struggling to receive the care and compensation they need for their injuries.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we understand the serious risks associated with environmental hazards at work. That’s why we encourage injured workers to get in touch with an Alabama personal injury attorney to ensure their legal rights to compensation are protected. Our legal team can be reached anytime by calling (888) 318-4245.
Settlements Reached in Alabama Wrongful Death Lawsuits
| April 8th, 2014
When a person is killed as the result of someone else’s negligence, the family of the victim has a right to seek compensation for their loss from the responsible party. This legal right was underscored by a settlement recently reached in several Alabama Wrongful Death lawsuits filed against the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) by the families of seven service members who died while under the care of the organization.
According to an article from Al.com, there were five Alabama cases listed in an examination of court records conducted by the Center for Investigative Reporting. Their research showed the VA to be responsible for each of those deaths.
In five cases, the VA was found to have failed to monitor or treat patient for medical conditions. In another case, a medication error led to a veterans death, while failure to diagnose a condition or illness was responsible for claiming another Alabama service member’s life.
The VA and the families of these victims were able to reach settlements that will lay the disputes to rest, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $219,000.
The Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers with Norris Injury Lawyers are aware of how devastating it can be to lose a loved one to another person’s hands, which is why the firm is hopeful the settlements will bring a sense of closure to the families of the victims.
Alabama Wrongful Death Lawsuit Questions Legality of State’s Gay Marriage Ban
| February 25th, 2014
An Alabama Wrongful Death lawsuit is raising questions about the legality of a statewide ban on gay marriage. At the heart of the matter is whether or not a gay man should be heir to his legally wed husband’s estate after a fatal car crash.
According to an article from Raw Story, the accident happened in Aug. 2011 when the 54-year-old victim was killed as the result of his vehicle being struck by a commercial tractor-trailer on his way to work.
The victim had been married to his partner in a ceremony three months before the accident in Massachusetts. That partner was named as the sole beneficiary of the victim’s last will and testament. However, the marriage is not recognized due to Alabama’s Marriage Protection Act of 1998, which bans gay marriage in Alabama. State law also prohibits wills from recognizing gay marriages from outside of the state.
The victim’s husband has filed a lawsuit claiming the legislation violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
The Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyers with Norris Injury Lawyers recognize the significance of this case and are hopeful the judgment brings a sense of closure to the victim.