A Virginia jury awarded in excess of $ 5 million in a wrongful death action involving a tractor trailer accident. The tractor trailer had defective parts but the driver was allowed to drive the vehicle anyway even though his employer was aware of the defective parts. The verdict was rendered against both the driver and owner. In addition, the jury found that the company failed to properly supervise the driver. In the accident a teenager was killed. These type of accidents frequently involve catastrophic injuries. There are Federal and State requirements for tractor trialer drivers and owners. There are many theories of liability as well. Tractor Trailer Accident

Single car accidentIn Romero v. Brenes, No. 1504 September Term 2008 the Maryland Court of Special Appeals held that there was sufficient evidence produced at trial to present the issues to the jury for deliberation. The case involved a small car being operated at approximately 60 miles per hour (twenty miles over the speed limit), traveling in the curb lane striking the curb, losing control and going across the highway striking a pole and killing a passenger. In this case the trial court granted a motion to dismiss for the defendant. The appellate court held that either the speed, res ipsa loquitor or unexplained loss of control would have been sufficient for the case to be determined by a jury and the dismissal was improper. The case was reversed and remanded for trial.

These damages are extremely rare in Maryland. Courts & Judicial Proceedings 10-913 provides that in any action for punitive damages for personal injury, evidence of the defendant's financial means is not admissible until there has been a finding of liability and that punitive damages are supportable under the facts. For example, punitive damages are not awarded for an accident caused by a drunk driver. One needs to virtuaklly show intent to harm before punitive damages can be awarded in Maryland. See Komornick v. Sparks, 331 Md. 720, 629 A. 2d 721 (1993). Drunk Driver and Puinitive damages

The settlement of a case involving a minor in Maryland is controlled by Maryland Code, Estates & Trusts Article, Section13-403. Any disbursement to the client that exceeds the statutory limit would require the net proceeds check to be written in such a way to provide for a guardianship account to be set up on behalf of the child at a bank. there is  no requirement that the settlement be approved by the court. However, the insurance company frequently will want to obtain court approval of the settlement to protect their insured from any possible future claims. In any event, the Plaintiff's attorney may also wish to get court approval to provide for prima facie proof that the settlement was fair and reasonable. 

A jury in Illinois recently awarded a woman $ 5 million because a physician performed an unnecessary hysterectomy. Apparently the Plaintiff did not need the procedure at all but the doctor performed it anyway. Clearly this was a breach of the standard of care required of a physician. The Hippocatic oath requires a doctor first to "do no harm". In this case, that is exactly what the doctor did. Now the woman cannot bear children and will have permanent hormonal changes, all because a doctor failed to do what he was supposed to do. If you or a loved one has been the victim of what you believe to be medical malpractice, please call one of our lawyers for a free consultation today. http://www.foranlaw.com/resources/maryland-medical-malpractice-lawyer/maryland-medical-malpractice-lawyer.html

A jury in Illinois recently awarded $ 24 million to a man who was injured in a crash with a state vehicle. The accident left the 24 year old Plaintiff unable to walk without assistance and basically confined him to a wheelchair. This award was one of the largest in the Cook County recent history. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a vehicle accident, contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation. All of our fees are contingent fees so you have nothing to lose. We have experience with all types of vehicle accidents including automobiles, trucks, tractor trailers, buses, trains and airplanes.

Have you heard about Necrotizing fasciitis? Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that destroys skin and soft tissues. This disease is often referred to the "flesh-eating" bacteria because the tissues often die rapidly. This disease is rare, but very serious as 30% of those people who develop the disease die from it. Most people who get this disease are usually in good health. However, those who have an increased risk of contracting the disease include those: who have a weakened immune system or chronic health problems; those who have had chickenpox or other viral infections or who use steroid machines; and those who have cuts including surgical wounds from operations.  People can get this condition while in a hospital after treatment. More about hospital negligence.

Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several bacteria, but the most common cause is infection by a group A strep bacteria. Most often, the infections caused by these bacteria are mild, but in some cases they can damage the soft tissue below the skin, leading to a more dangerous, faster-spreading infection. Another type of this disease may be caused by multiple bacteria found in the intestine. Gunshot injuries, intestinal surgery, or tumors in the lower digestive tract are also cases where necrotizing fasciitis may develop. Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Group A strep can be passed from person to person, but is usually not serious unless that person has an open wound or an impaired immune system.
         
Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most often, a person may appear to be getting better from an injury and then suddenly gets worse. The skin may then become red, swollen, and hot to touch. This infection may spread rapidly and can quickly become life-threatening, leading to organ failure or death. Doctors can diagnose necrotizing fasciitis because of how fast the symptoms appear and how quickly the disease is spreading. Immediate medical care is necessary to stop the spread of the infection. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria and some people will require surgery. To help prevent infection, people should practice good hand washing habits and always keep open wounds clean