News

Worst States for Overall Nursing Home Staffing
This U.S. News & World Report article explains the federal government evaluation system for nursing homes.
CDC Guidelines to Help Prevent a Concussion
Helpful guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to prevent a concussion. Common signs and symptoms of a concussion are listed in the event a head injury does occur.
Car Crash Victim Thought to be in Coma for 23 Years was Conscious
A Belgian man involved in a near fatal car crash in 1983 was presumed to be in a vegetative state for 23 years. However, a neurologist discovered his brain was still functioning and he was conscious the entire time.
Brain injury sustained by young man while playing football as a lineman causes well known author Malcolm Gladwell to write New Yorker piece on the realities of brain injuries in the NFL
Astronomical Profits of Medical Malpractice Insurers Refutes Industry Claim that Frivolous Lawsuits Responsible for High Medical Costs
A recent study shows that medical malpractice insurers are more profitable than a whopping 99% of those companies listed as Fortune 500 companies (the 500 richest companies in America). This study discredits the insurance industry’s well lobbied claim that “frivolous lawsuits” raise the cost of insurance, which health care providers must then pass on to patients. Instead, the insurance industry makes extraordinary profits by charging exorbitantly high medical malpractice premiums. That profitability would be far less if the medical malpractice insurers were actually paying out claims or spending money defending suits. Instead, this study proves that the insurers are not paying out claims or spending money defending suits, but are rather putting the money directly into their pockets, or using the money to lobby for tort reform, which further limits an injured person’s ability to defend their rights and seek redress for injuries caused by negligence. Those tort reform efforts further increase the insurance industry’s profitability, as they continue to charge higher and higher premiums to medical providers while injured individuals face more legal hurdles to pursuing valid claims.
Fatal Outcome Following Surgery Complication at California Hospital
Maryland Emergency Medical Services Board Changed Guidelines Following a 2008 Helicopter Crash
Increase in Motorcycle Deaths Raise Concerns
This Washington Post article discusses the recent increase in deaths of motorcycle riders in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
Tractor Trailers Lethal on Interstate 81 near Winchester
Using Light to find Potential Treatments of Brain Diseases
Researchers are testing the usage of flashes of light delivered through fiber optics threaded into the skull to find more effective treatments for brain diseases.
Progresterone Showing Promise as Treatment in Warding off Brain Damage due to Head Trauma and Strokes
Signs Posted for "Move-Over Law" are Misleading
This Virginia Lawyers Weekly article discusses the discrepancy in signs posted for the "move-over law" and the statute language.
Advances in Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Improves Outlook
Medical Liability Improves Patient Safety
Limiting physician liability for medical malpractice will not help reduce health care costs, Tom Baker writes in an op-ed for the New York Times. According to Baker, research shows that there is too much medical malpractice, not too many medical malpractice lawsuits.
Treating Back Pain
This article from AARP Magazine outlines the best treatments for lasting relief of back pain.
AARP Urginig Congress to Make Binding Arbitration Clauses in Nursing Home Contracts Illegal
American Academy of Pediatrics 2009 Car Seat Safety Guide
Teen Drivers at High Risk for Distraction and Death
Study of Brain Injuries in Soldiers
Public Justice: Access to Justice Campaign
Public Justice, a public interest law firm, launched the Access to Justice Campaign to help educate the public and legal community.
President Obama nominates Judge Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court
Barbara S. Williams recently selected for the inaugural class of "Influential Women of Virginia," an award to recognize the outstanding efforts of women in all fields, including law, business, health care, education, and the arts.
Virginia Lawyers Weekly has chosen Barbara S. Williams as one of the Influential Women of Virginia for 2009.
Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act Introduced in the House of Representatives
Inova Fairfax on List of Top 50 U.S. Hospitals
A list produced by HealthGrades America named Inova Fairfax Hospital one of the top hospitals in the United States.
Will Changes to the Law Help Reduce Car Crashes and Injuries
Traffic Deaths Dropped in Virginia and Tennessee in 2008
According to the American Automobile Association and state data, the number of traffic fatalities on Virginia and Tennessee roads dropped in 2008.
Causes of Childhood Deaths
This article from The Washington Post discusses childhood death rates and safety tips for keeping children safe.
Doctors Gain New Insights into How Vision Works
Later School Start Times Reduce the Risk of Car Crashes for Teenagers
A study by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows a link between later school start times and a reduction in car crashes for teenagers.
Studies Show that Doctor Behavior can Lead to Medical Errors
A survey of health care workers at 102 nonprofit hospitals from 2004 to 2007 found that 67 percent of respondents thought there was a link between disruptive behavior and medical mistakes.
Nursing home violations
According to a report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 90 percent of nursing homes were cited in 2007 for violations of federal health and safety standards.
Walking is Good For Your Brain
Centreville man who hit trooper must help with "Move Over" program
Hip replacements my be related to recalled socket components
Video shows dying woman ignored in New York hospital
A New York woman was left to die in an emergency room. Video surveillance captured the ailing woman waiting for 24 hours without medical attention, then falling out of her chair and lying on the floor of the waiting room for hours. The woman was ignored by medical personnel, including a doctor, who saw her lying on the floor, until a kick from a nurse without a response finally revealed that she was dead.
Company found liable for trucker's 'negligent hiring'
Family Files Malicious Prosecution Suit After Battle With Insurer
Move Over Law Protects Troopers, EMT's, and Firefighters in Emergencies
Researchers fail to reveal consulting fees from drug makers
Radiologist failed to get test results to primary doctor before patient's death
The Supreme Court of Virginia has decided that the family of a woman who died after a radiologist failed to get test results to her doctor regarding a life-threatening medical condition should get a second chance to try their medical malpractice case against the radiologist.
Medical device debris left behind in patients presents unknown danger and can lead to years of suffering
Jury awards twice the amount of medical malpractice cap to woman for chronic foot pain that led to amputation
A Roanoke jury awarded $3.5 million dollars to a woman whose foot had to be amputated following an apparently botched foot surgery. The plaintiff’s verdict was then reduced by the court in accordance with Virginia’s medical malpractice cap. Virginia’s statutory malpractice cap allowed a maximum recovery of $1.6 million in a medical malpractice case during the year that the plaintiff’s surgery occurred, despite the fact that the plaintiff’s medical bills and lost wages totaled $2.25 million dollars.
Drug maker Merck accused of improper ghostwriting during peer review process to gain FDA approval
Mother of badly injured boy sues over use of metal bats in Little League Baseball
Federal Regulators asked to review heart stent advertisements
Why do car accidents happen?
U.S., China Reach Auto Safety Agreement
The Importance of Experience in Brain Injury Cases
Lawsuit Filed in Killing Of Man by Fairfax Police
State Farm Suspends New Homeowner Policies in Mississippi
Bob Woodruff Recovers From Wounds in Iraq
Insurance Industry Posts Record Profits In 2006
State Farm agrees to Katrina Settlement
Having trouble contacting an insurance company? Click here.
Teen's brain injuries are slow to heal
New Study Sheds Light on Hospital Infections
Brain Injury May Occur Within One Millisecond After Head Hits Car Windshield
Virginia Suffered 347 Alcohol Related Fatalities in 2005
Army explores issue of living wills as more return from war in comas
New Report on Insurance Companies Performance After Hurricane Katrina

Brain injury sustained by young man while playing football as a lineman causes well known author Malcolm Gladwell to write New Yorker piece on the realities of brain injuries in the NFL

Astronomical Profits of Medical Malpractice Insurers Refutes Industry Claim that Frivolous Lawsuits Responsible for High Medical Costs

Fatal Outcome Following Surgery Complication at California Hospital

Maryland Emergency Medical Services Board Changed Guidelines Following a 2008 Helicopter Crash

In this Washington Post article, the events surrounding the crash of a Maryland State Police medical helicopter on September 27, 2008 are recounted.

Increase in Motorcycle Deaths Raise Concerns

Tractor Trailers Lethal on Interstate 81 near Winchester

In a recent Washington Post article, C. Davenport reports on the recent deaths caused by tractor trailers on Interstate 81. The interstate highway has become a magnet for trucks and the Washington Post reports that I-81 has more than twice as many fatalities for crashes as that on I-95, a more heavily traveled road in Virginia. Apparently the state cannot afford any solutions to this safety problem, rejecting an idea to build a parallel highway for trucks only or widening the road from two lanes in each direction to four.

Using Light to find Potential Treatments of Brain Diseases

Progresterone Showing Promise as Treatment in Warding off Brain Damage due to Head Trauma and Strokes

Signs Posted for "Move-Over Law" are Misleading

Advances in Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Improves Outlook

Medical Liability Improves Patient Safety

Treating Back Pain

AARP Urginig Congress to Make Binding Arbitration Clauses in Nursing Home Contracts Illegal

American Academy of Pediatrics 2009 Car Seat Safety Guide

Teen Drivers at High Risk for Distraction and Death

Every year, teenage drivers are involved in 6,000 to 8,000 car crashes -- four times the rate of older drivers. A recent National Teen Driver Survey attempted to find out why. And to get more honest answers, researchers asked thousands of high school students what their friends do while driving. While some 90 percent of teen drivers say they don't drink and drive, nine out of 10 say they've seen passengers distracting the driver, or drivers using cell phones. More than a third say they don't wear seat belts consistently.

Study of Brain Injuries in Soldiers

Public Justice: Access to Justice Campaign

President Obama nominates Judge Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court

Barbara S. Williams recently selected for the inaugural class of "Influential Women of Virginia," an award to recognize the outstanding efforts of women in all fields, including law, business, health care, education, and the arts.

A new awards program established by Virginia Lawyers Weekly recognizes outstanding efforts by women who are making notable contributions in all fields, including law, business, health care, education, and the arts. Please follow the link below for a complete list of the honorees.

Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act Introduced in the House of Representatives

This article from the American Association for Justice discusses the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act, a bipartisan bill that was introduced in the U.S. House last week. Please follow the link below for further information.

Inova Fairfax on List of Top 50 U.S. Hospitals

Will Changes to the Law Help Reduce Car Crashes and Injuries

Traffic Deaths Dropped in Virginia and Tennessee in 2008

Causes of Childhood Deaths

Doctors Gain New Insights into How Vision Works

Later School Start Times Reduce the Risk of Car Crashes for Teenagers

Studies Show that Doctor Behavior can Lead to Medical Errors

Nursing home violations

Walking is Good For Your Brain

Centreville man who hit trooper must help with "Move Over" program

Hip replacements my be related to recalled socket components

According to physicians, an artificial hip component known as the Durom cup has been failing in hip replacement patients at a high rate. The manufacturer of the device, Zimmer Holdings, is the nation's largest producer of orthopedic devices.

Video shows dying woman ignored in New York hospital

Company found liable for trucker's 'negligent hiring'

Family Files Malicious Prosecution Suit After Battle With Insurer

Move Over Law Protects Troopers, EMT's, and Firefighters in Emergencies

Trooper P.C. Gardner is the fourth Virginia trooper to be struck by a passing vehicle in only six weeks. Virginia’s General Assembly, recognizing the dire need to protect troopers from the danger of inattentive drivers, has passed an amended version of Virginia’s “move-over” law. The law requires that motorists who are able to move into an adjacent lane away from the emergency vehicle that is on the side of the road must do so or face criminal penalties, including up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine, and license suspension. The bill as revised and passed by the General Assembly takes out language that was previously used to differentiate between whether the emergency vehicle was actually in a lane of traffic or was instead on the shoulder of the road. As now written, all drivers must move over, if able, regardless of whether the emergency vehicle is in an actual lane of traffic or completely over on the shoulder of the road. A full text copy of the new law and its revision can be found here:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+CHAP0818

Researchers fail to reveal consulting fees from drug makers

Radiologist failed to get test results to primary doctor before patient's death

Medical device debris left behind in patients presents unknown danger and can lead to years of suffering

Jury awards twice the amount of medical malpractice cap to woman for chronic foot pain that led to amputation

Drug maker Merck accused of improper ghostwriting during peer review process to gain FDA approval

Mother of badly injured boy sues over use of metal bats in Little League Baseball

Federal Regulators asked to review heart stent advertisements

Why do car accidents happen?

Dr. Mannering’s study of accidents in Washington State from 1992 to 1997, a period during which air bags and antilock brakes became prevalent, showed that counter to what would seem logical, there was no major reduction in accidents even with the spread of two seemingly effective safety features.

“It just shows how hard it is to determine what causes an accident,” he said. “The one thing you might conclude — it’s called an offset hypothesis — is that people have an acceptance of a level of safety. If they felt safer because of the air bags and brakes, then maybe they drove faster or switched the radio on and off more to, so to speak, compensate.

“What seems like an exact science — determining who or what causes accidents — is actually quite difficult,” Dr. Mannering said.

Insurance companies, carmakers, inventors, safety advocates and clearly drivers themselves all have an interest in learning about what might reduce the number of accidents or at least make them less severe. Yet there is surprisingly little data to help them.

U.S., China Reach Auto Safety Agreement

The government on Wednesday signed an agreement with China that will improve information sharing on auto safety following last summer's recall of thousands of defective Chinese-made tires. The "memorandum of understanding" signed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and China's National Reform and Development Commission will "strengthen cooperation and communication" on several motor vehicle regulation and safety issues. In June, NHTSA ordered a U.S. importer, Foreign Tire Sales Inc., to recall as many as 450,000 tires it had bought from Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. The Union, N.J.-based importer initially said it did not have the financial resources to conduct a full recall, but then announced in August that it would recall 255,000 tires.

The Importance of Experience in Brain Injury Cases

The most important thing that Barbara Williams brings to her clients is her experience.

For more information, follow the link below.

Lawsuit Filed in Killing Of Man by Fairfax Police

The parents of Salvatore Culosi, who was shot to death last year by a Fairfax County tactical officer, filed a federal lawsuit yesterday against the county, the police chief and the officer, alleging that police exercised gross negligence by using deadly force to arrest a suspected sports gambler.

"Nearly 14 months and still no justice for Sal," Culosi's parents, Salvatore and Anita Culosi, wrote in a statement yesterday. "Despite all our efforts, the county continues to refuse to answer our questions. This leaves us no recourse but to pursue truth and accountability through the courts."

For more information, follow the link below.

State Farm Suspends New Homeowner Policies in Mississippi

Bob Woodruff Recovers From Wounds in Iraq

ABC News Reporter Bob Woodruff, who was injured while reporting on the war in Iraq, has made a recovery.

Mr. Woodruff has proven to be a friend of the injured, having interviewed Kit Calahan while he was struggling with his rehabilitation.

We are pleased that Mr. Woodruff has recovered and wish him the best.

Insurance Industry Posts Record Profits In 2006

WASHINGTON --

The insurance industry made record profits in 2006, and a new report out Monday said it's at customers' expense.

Some consumer groups said companies are paying out lower claims and charging higher premiums than in the last 50 years.

For more details, follow the link below.

State Farm agrees to Katrina Settlement

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. will reconsider thousands of Hurricane Katrina claims under a Mississippi settlement that may cost the insurer as much as $500 million, the state's attorney general said.

State Farm, ordered to pay a Mississippi couple $2.7 million when it lost its first Katrina-related jury trial earlier this month, will pay policyholders a minimum of $50 million, according to Attorney General Jim Hood. Hood is dropping a civil lawsuit against the insurer and said he won't pursue criminal charges.

For more information, follow the link below.

Having trouble contacting an insurance company? Click here.

We have compiled a list of contact numbers for every major insurance company operating in the United States today.

For more information, follow the link below.

Teen's brain injuries are slow to heal

Fifteen-year-old Arielle Serrano still needs help to recover.

Arielle was hit by a car in March as she crossed Dale Mabry Highway, by Plant High School. Her fractured bones - pelvic and lower right leg - have mended. But progress in healing her brain injuries has been slow.

Doctors have described her as being in a "low-response state." She is more alert than a person in a coma, and has times when she sleeps and when she wakes. She is making slow progress, but she can't get up or do things for herself, said her father, Jose Serrano.

For more details, follow the link below.

New Study Sheds Light on Hospital Infections

Hospital infections are responsible for thousands of deaths a year. The problem would be easy and inexpensive to fix. What are the HMO's and Hospital chains doing about it?

Nothing.

Brain Injury May Occur Within One Millisecond After Head Hits Car Windshield

Research by a Sandia National Laboratories engineer and a University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center neurologist shows that brain injury may occur within one millisecond after a human head is thrust into a windshield as a result of a car accident.

This happens prior to any overall motion of the head following impact with the windshield and is a new concept to consider for doctors interested in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

For the rest of the story, follow the link below.

Virginia Suffered 347 Alcohol Related Fatalities in 2005

Drunk drivers that cause accidents deserve a lot more that just points on their licenses or a few days in jail. A drunk driver that causes a serious injury or death should be held responsible for financial losses that their victims suffer. Barbara S. Williams is an experienced attorney that has built her career on helping the injured receive fair and just compensation.

Follow the link below for more information.

Army explores issue of living wills as more return from war in comas

A growing number of troops are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with severe brain damage, prompting the Army to examine whether living wills or other care directives from soldiers ought to be available to battlefield doctors.
The issue was raised this summer by wounded soldiers and families of casualties during a symposium sponsored by the Army's Wounded Warrior Program.

For the whole story, follow the link below.

New Report on Insurance Companies Performance After Hurricane Katrina

Residents of the Gulf Coast region have had their coverage claims almost uniformly denied by their insurance companies, despite the fact that Big Insurance had a year of record-breaking profits. This serves as a reminder that when you are dealing with an insurance company, having legal representation is crucial.

To read the whole story, follow the link below.

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