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Friday, April 30, 2010

Oil Spill Hits Louisiana Shore; State of Emergency in FL and LA

The governors of Louisiana and Florida have both declared states of emergency as the oil from the BP oil spill last week reaches shore. The oil well was torn apart on April 20, 2010 by a blast that sunk the oil rig; at the time of this writing, eleven people are presumed dead from that blast as bodies have not yet been found.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency in six Florida counties today:

• Santa Rosa
• Escambia
• Walton
• Okaloosa
• Bay
• Gulf

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal reports that Venice and Port Fourchon, Louisiana will be hit first by the oil spill.

President Obama has ordered Interior Secretary Ken Salazaar to "conduct a thorough review" of the Deepwater Horizon rig blast and oil spill. Salazaar is to report back on how to prevent such accidents from happening in the future within thirty days. The President has also sent teams to the Gulf Coast region to inspect deep water oil rigs and their platforms to evaluate their safety and address any concerns.

The oil spill is a huge threat to the environment. As the oil oozes into Louisiana marshland, birds can be seen covered in oil; the oil threatens approximately 400 species of other animals, also.

As property is destroyed, insurance claims will be filed. If property is destroyed by an environmental disaster such as an oil rig explosion and subsequent oil spill, then you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced maritime/admiralty attorney can help.

The Cochran Firm currently has 28 offices in the US. Please contact an office near you if your property has been destroyed by the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill or any other environmental disaster.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:15 AM

Nursing Home Abuse in Metairie, Louisiana

The fastest growing segment of the population in the United States is the elderly. Since more Americans are living longer, nursing homes are needed and relied upon by more and more families to care for our loved ones who can no longer care for themselves. Sadly, too many nursing homes have betrayed the trust we have placed in them. The very people who were supposed to protect the vulnerable elderly are neglecting and abusing them.

Although victims of nursing home abuse often are unable to communicate instances of abuse, there are warning signs to alert family and friends of what is happening. Unexplained weight loss, loss of mobility, bedsores, bruises, cuts, broken bones, overmedication, unsanitary conditions, missing personal possessions or suspicious activity in financial accounts are all indicators of possible abuse.

Discovering a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect is devastating for family members, but it is important to realize there are laws that hold the abusers legally accountable.

The experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at The Cochran Firm have been protecting the rights of our clients for many years in this challenging and emotional area of the law. We will fight aggressively for those harmed by others and hold the abusers legally liable for their actions.

If you suspect a family member has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in the Metairie, Louisiana area, please contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at The Cochran Firm today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:53 AM

SUV's Prone to Rollover?

A sports utility vehicle rollover accident occurs when the SUV turns over on its side or roof. This usually happens if the vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed and turns sharply. Vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as an SUV, are more prone to this occurring. Rollover accidents are of great concern to the driving public due to the huge popularity of these types of vehicles.

Rollover accidents are responsible for 33% of fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes. Over 10,000 people lose their lives each year in rollover accidents. Many of these fatalities are caused by vehicle roofs that collapse in the rollover. Occupants injured in these roof collapses suffer major injuries to the spinal cord, often resulting in paralysis and death.

If you are involved in a rollover accident, you may need extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and other expensive medical care. You may have incurred lost income at the present time, and your future earning potential may be at risk. In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer may be held responsible for your losses if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident in any way.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an SUV rollover accident, please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:49 AM

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Automobile Accidents in Jackson, Mississippi

Automobile accidents are responsible for seriously injuring millions and killing thousands of people every year while changing the lives of victims and survivors forever. The top three causes of fatal automobile accidents involve negligence; speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and failure to control a vehicle.

When you suffer injuries and financial losses in an automobile accident you deserve full financial compensation in a reasonable amount of time, because even minor car accidents can result in huge medical bills and lost time from work.

The physical and emotional toll an automobile accident takes on victims and their families is sometimes devastating. The pain and suffering, loss of current and possible future income and the specter of coping with challenging disabilities loom in the future.

The highly knowledgeable and experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm will examine the facts related to your accident, evaluate your claim and determine who is legally responsible for your damages while preparing your case. Our automobile accident attorneys know that costly medical expenses and lost income adds stress and anxiety to the painful injuries you may have suffered.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an automobile accident in Jackson, Mississippi or the surrounding area, please contact the experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today and learn how you can protect your legal rights and the rights of those you care about.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:52 AM

Toyota Calls Back Another Vehicle Model

Toyota's troubles just seem to roll on and on. The Japanese carmaker on Wednesday announced the recall of some 50,000 Sequoia sport utility vehicles from the 2003 model year to fix a problem of unintended slowing in certain circumstances.

Toyota said it had no reports of accidents or personal injuries associated with the issue, and that half of the vehicles already had been repaired under warranty. But it said the recall reflected the interest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the matter. The company plans to send model owners a letter about the recall in late May.

Since October, Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide. It recently agreed to pay the U.S. government a record $16.4 million fine related to its response to a sticking gas pedal issue.

Defective automobiles are a concern for any car owner, and a source of risk for any driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Earlier on this blog, we reviewed how decades of litigation helped put in place guidelines to protect the interests of consumers.

Unfortunately, more remains to be done. At The Cochran Firm, we continue to push for fair treatment of our clients when manufacturing or other vehicle defects lead to injury or death. If you would like to discuss a possible claim, we urge you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at any of our nationwide offices.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:06 AM

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Medical Malpractice Law Is A Challenge

Medical malpractice claims are rarely simple and unambiguous. The issues involved can be enormously complex, testing the skills of the best lawyers.

An Arizona jury recently cleared a local doctor in a malpractice suit by a man who said one of his testicles had been removed improperly. The plaintiff said a biopsy had been done on the testicle, and he believed that it would be surgically removed only if it were cancerous.

In a follow-up visit, the man learned that the testicle had only been bruised in an earlier car crash and that the biopsy was negative, revealing no cancer.

The doctor's attorneys said the man had signed a consent form for surgery, and that he knew a biopsy could not be performed without removing the testicle.

In this case, the jury found no negligence. But that is not always true: according to the Institute of Medicine, more than 98,000 Americans die every year because of medical mistakes.

The question is, then, what can a person do when he fears that he has been the victim of malpractice? The best answer we can provide is: consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney. He or she is best placed to review the circumstances, sift through the evidence, and decide how to proceed, whether through pursuing litigation or in negotiating a confidential settlement.

At The Cochran Firm, we are proud of our record in representing victims of medical malpractice. If you believe that you have a medical malpractice case to pursue, we urge you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation at any of our nationwide offices.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:49 AM

Defective Products in Huntsville, Alabama

Companies that manufacture defective or faulty products can cause serious bodily injury and even death to unsuspecting consumers, and must be held legally accountable for their actions. The Consumer Products Safety Commission says that injuries, deaths and property damage caused by defective consumer products are responsible for costing the American public over $700 billion dollars every year.

Every day consumers buy and use a vast array of products, such as medications, household appliances, automobiles, baby cribs and strollers, toys and pet foods, without a second thought as to the harmful effects these products may have on them, their families or pets.

The legal system in this country is designed to protect innocent consumers against the negligence of manufacturers or distributors of defective products. Damages or financial compensation for injuries can include payment for your pain and suffering, permanent disability inflicted, lost income, rehabilitation costs, disfigurement injuries and any other expenses incurred because of injuries suffered by the use of faulty products.

The experienced defective product attorneys at The Cochran Firm fully understand the complicated litigation involved in product liability cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Please contact the highly skilled defective product attorneys at The Cochran Firm today if you were injured by a defective product in Huntsville, Alabama because we are committed to obtaining justice for our clients and their families.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:50 AM

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Police Brutality Deters Aspiring Cop

Personal injury cases can have a lot of repercussions. One such case, which involves accusations of police brutality, seems to have caused a change in career plans.

The father of a Union City, New Jersey criminal justice student says that he has videotape evidence proving that police reacted too aggressively to a situation involving his son. He also says 18-year-old Marco Basualdo Jr. no longer wants to pursue his career dream of being ... a police officer.

Earlier this month, according to news media, the young Basualdo and friends were walking home at about 1 a.m. when they began running down the street. Police approached them and told them to stop.

The young man obeyed, but his father says the police dragged and beat his son after he obeyed.

A surveillance video from a nearby business confirms that young Basualdo dropped to the ground after a policeman on a bicycle caught up with him. Another officer then arrived and forced the teen to the ground before handcuffing him. And a third policeman came, and was filmed on video burying his knees in the youth’s back.

The father says his son suffered facial bruises and has suffered nosebleeds and pain in the neck and back since the incident. He also said his son has become afraid of police.

The local police chief said his officers were responding to a burglary call when they saw the three teens running from the scene.

At The Cochran Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to handle your case. For a free consultation, please contact us at any of our nationwide offices.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:07 AM

Surgical Errors in Dothan, Alabama

Surgical errors are responsible for a very high number of deaths in hospitals across the United States annually. A surgical error can occur when a surgeon or other member of the surgical team fails to provide an acceptable standard of care for their patients resulting in injury or death.

Statistics reveal that one-half of all medical malpractice lawsuits filed in this country involve surgical procedures. These allegations of surgical malpractice involve pre-operative procedures, surgical procedures and post-surgery recovery care and treatment. Every poor outcome in a surgical procedure should not be considered surgical error, however, because there are risks involved with all surgical procedures.

When the wrong surgical procedure is performed, surgery is performed on the wrong limb or body part, medical instruments are left inside your body, or brain damage occurs due to anesthesia mistakes, that has to be considered surgical malpractice or error and outside the realm of acceptable risk.

The surgical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm want to ensure you receive fair financial compensation for the injuries suffered in the case of surgical error for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income and loss of possible future earning potential for yourself and your loved ones.

If you live in Dothan, Alabama and have been a victim of surgical error, please contact the highly skilled and experienced surgical error attorneys at The Cochran Firm today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:48 AM

Monday, April 26, 2010

Protection Against Faulty Pharmaceutical Products

Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to the public: take all possible steps to ensure the safety of their products, and take action in case of any question.

Pfizer Inc. recently discontinued a phase III liver cancer study of a drug, Sutent, owing to safety issues. It was reported that patients using the medicine suffered a high incidence of serious adverse effects.

"The disappointing outcome of this trial challenges all of us to work harder to understand the complex biology of this disease," Mace Rothenburg, head of clinical development for Pfizer’s oncology unit, said in a statement.

In March, Pfizer reported disappointing results from two phase III studies of Sutent for use with advanced breast cancer. The drug is already approved for treatment of advanced kidney cancer, and had world sales of $964 million in 2009. Pfizer is testing the drug against a wide range of cancers.

Defective products of any kind are of concern to the public, and by one estimate injure more than 1 million Americans a year. However, the possible damage caused by a pharmaceutical injury is of particular concern in our age, when so many drugs are prescribed. The average citizen is hardly able to decide independently whether a drug is safe, and severe personal injury can result from a faulty drug.

At The Cochran Firm, our product liability attorneys are determined to take every step in protecting our clients. If you think that you may have sustained injury from a defective pharmaceutical product, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation at any of our nationwide offices.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:53 AM

Slip and Fall Accidents in Birmingham, Alabama

Slip and fall accidents are common occurrences that take place frequently, usually as a result of unsafe conditions or negligent maintenance on someone else’s property and are known in the legal community as premises liability cases.

Slip and fall injuries can be negligible, but are often severe, resulting in great pain and suffering for the victim, requiring substantial medical care and treatment, the loss of the ability to work and the possibility of confronting a permanent disability.

Slip and fall accidents are responsible for over sixteen thousand deaths annually in those over sixty-five years old. Slip and fall accidents can be the result of a slippery floor in a restaurant, a poorly lit stairway in a parking garage or a cracked walkway outside a department store or shopping mall.

The experienced slip and fall attorneys at The Cochran Firm have been protecting the legal rights of seriously injured slip and fall accident victims throughout the state of Alabama for many years and have recovered substantial settlements for our injured clients.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for the injuries you have suffered for medical expenses, lost wages, long term medical care and rehabilitation and any other expenses incurred as a result of your injury.

Please contact the slip and fall accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today if you reside in the Birmingham, Alabama area and have been injured on someone else’s property to protect your legal rights and learn how to receive compensation for your injuries.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:46 AM

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Train Accidents in Sacramento, California

Trains are an economically effective means of moving goods, including hazardous materials, across the country. In the event of a derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials, a spill could cause a catastrophe to a community, people and the surrounding environment.

Startling statistics reveal there is a train derailment or collision every ninety minutes somewhere in the United States., and there are approximately three thousand train accidents annually causing one thousand deaths.

Common types of train accidents include collisions with another train, derailments, collisions with other types of vehicles, mechanical failures, inadequately maintained tracks and equipment, and operator negligence. Injuries sustained in a train accident are usually devastating and may include spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, amputation of limbs, severe burns, multiple broken bones and deaths.

The train accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm have been protecting the rights of train accident victims throughout the Sacramento, California area for years. We are aggressive in our efforts to ensure a successful outcome for your case by investigating and evaluating every detail of the incident to determine where the legal responsibility for your accident lies.

If you were injured in a train accident in the Sacramento, California area, please contact the experienced train accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a consultation and set a plan of action into motion to get you the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:34 AM

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Police Brutality in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Police brutality or misconduct is a grave civil rights violation. You may feel powerless when confronted with police brutality, but you have the right to seek financial compensation and justice for your injuries and hold the offending police officer accountable for actions that tarnish fellow police officers as well.

Police brutality is the unlawful use of excessive force, threats, physical and verbal abuse, unjustified shootings, choking, fatal beatings, misuse of pepper spray or stun guns, sexual assault, racial profiling, false arrest, corruption and bribes.

Most police officers do serve and protect the citizens of their communities to the best of their ability, while some officers abuse their power. In some cases physical force is justified in order to restrain a suspect or to protect the police officers and others from serious bodily harm, but there are instances when some police officers cross the line and abuse their authority.

The police brutality attorneys at The Cochran Firm are committed to providing effective legal representation to those who have been victims of unlawful police actions. The police brutality attorneys at the Cochran Firm have a proud tradition of civil rights advocacy and will address police brutality wherever and whenever it occurs.

If you or someone you care about has been the victim of police misconduct or brutality, please contact the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania location of The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation with our police brutality attorneys to protect your legal rights.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:32 AM

Friday, April 23, 2010

FDA Claims Pfizer Failed to Fix Problems in Testing Procedures

The FDA has recently issued a warning letter to Pfizer, informing them that they are not properly monitoring physicians testing an experimental medication. Pfizer has experienced problems with their testing protocol since 2006, resulting in overdoses for more than two dozen patients participating in the trial.

According to a Pfizer spokeswoman, the drug being studied is called Geodon. It is being tested for use with children who have bipolar disorder.

In 2006, 26 patients participating in clinical trials of the drug received an overdose. Three more patients overdosed in 2007. When the FDA inspected Pfizer's testing in July 2009, they found the pharmaceutical company was still not following its own safety guidelines for the testing of this drug. In particular, clinical investigators were not being made aware of new dosing issues that would arise.

Pfizer responded to the 2009 FDA complaint, but according to the FDA's most recent warning letter, the pharmaceutical company did not clearly outline the steps they would take to prevent future problems during clinical testing. Pfizer has 15 business days to submit a plan for correcting these problems to the FDA.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of taking a dangerous drug, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. The experienced defective drug attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the resources and experience needed to take on pharmaceutical companies who sacrifice the safety of patients in favor of increased profits.

Please contact our defective drug attorneys today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cochran Firm serves clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:55 AM

Rear End Collision Automobile Accidents in Tuskegee, Alabama

Low speed rear end collisions usually result in minor damage to the vehicles involved, but can still result in serious bodily injury to the occupants. There are over two and one-half million rear end collisions reported annually across the United States making them the most frequent type of car accident.

Modern automobile design has improved the safety of cars involved in this type of collision so that the bumper systems usually absorb most of the force of a low speed impact, but there are times when the human bodies in the automobile absorb most of the impact instead. The result in some rear end collisions is that the occupants of the automobile may suffer a "whiplash" injury, which is caused by a sudden, violent, involuntary whipping back and forth motion of the head and neck.

Whiplash injuries consist of trauma to the soft tissues of the muscles and ligaments of the neck and can result in intense pain, swelling, stiffness, headache, nausea, numbness of the extremities and dizziness. The symptoms of a whiplash injury are not always present immediately after the collision, but may present themselves twenty-four to forty-eight hours later. Failure to seek medical attention for this type of injury can lead to months and years of debilitating pain and disability.

The automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm have many years of experience in handling rear end collision car accidents and feel you deserve to be financially compensated for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income and any other costs incurred due to your injuries.

Please contact the rear end collision attorneys at The Cochran Firm today if you were injured in an accident in the Tuskegee, Alabama area today to protect your legal rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:14 AM

Automobile Accidents in New Orleans, Louisiana

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), millions of Americans are involved in automobile accidents every year in the United States and these automobile accidents are the leading cause of catastrophic injuries and death for those aged three to thirty-three. Those sixty-five and older are another high risk group for injuries and deaths caused by automobile accidents.

The most common causes of automobile accidents involved driver error, mechanical failure, hazardous road conditions and dangerous weather conditions. Driver error encompasses driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, including prescription medications, speeding, texting and cell phone use while driving, and aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating. Mechanical failures have been the focus of millions of recalled vehicles recently and have included malfunctioning gas pedals, brakes, defective tires and electronic systems.

The experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm employ experts in the forensic sciences and medicine when litigating accident claims for our clients, along with accident reconstruction specialists to ensure our clients have the best legal representation possible to prove liability and maximize financial compensation.

If you live in New Orleans, Louisiana or the surrounding area and have been involved in an automobile accident, please contact the experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to proceed with your claim and get the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:30 AM

Thursday, April 22, 2010

How Lawyers Are Making Cars Safer

Auto safety is much in the news these days. One company, Toyota, recently agreed to pay the largest fine ever levied on a carmaker by this country for failing to report properly a problem with a defective product, in this case gas pedals.

A just-released report by the American Association of Justice shows that trial lawyers, ever since the 1960s, have played a crucial role in promoting vehicle safety. By pursuing cases of defective automobile design, for example, they have helped implement safety standards, bring other defects to light, and ensured that safety issues are not shoved to the back seat.

From tires to gas tanks to seat belts, the report gives instances of willful negligence where carmakers designed products that proved to be unsafe and failed to improve them until forced to do so in the courts. The consequences of such behavior have included auto accidents, wrongful death, and many other tragedies.

"By holding manufacturers accountable, the civil justice system will continue to spur safety innovations, as it has done for half a century," concludes the report, "Driven to Safety: How Litigation Spurred Auto Safety Innovations."

At The Cochran Firm, we are proud of our role in promoting automobile safety and are determined to continue pursuing it. If you are interested in free consultation about a possible case at any of our nationwide offices, we invite you to contact us.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:56 AM

Wrongful Death in San Jose, California

A wrongful death is a death that has occurred due to the negligence, recklessness or wrongful actions of another individual. A wrongful death may happen as a result of medical malpractice, a work-related injury, a defective product, an accident or be the result of an intentional act of violence. When negligence, recklessness or willful acts cause the death of a loved one, the loss is even harder to accept. In addition to the overwhelming feelings of pain, grief and loss, family members must cope with a future without their loved one.

In the case of a wrongful death, the survivors may be able to recover damages for hospital and medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, reimbursement for lost future financial support and compensation for the loss of companionship, love and moral support of the deceased.

The compassionate wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm are experienced and dedicated and also understand the scope of the loss of a family member and what it takes to secure the futures of those left behind. While your loss can never be fully compensated, our goal is to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and provide fair and just compensation for the survivors.

If you live in San Jose, California or the surrounding area and a family member has been the victim of a wrongful death, please contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:12 AM

Surgical Medical Malpractice in Washington, D.C.

Surgical medical malpractice or surgical errors are responsible for an unusually high number of deaths in the United States annually. Surgical medical malpractice occurs when a surgeon or other member of the surgical team or healthcare facility where the surgery took place failed to provide an accepted standard of care and treatment which resulted in injury or even death.

Studies reveal that 50% of all medical malpractice allegations involve surgical procedures either during pre-operative care, during surgery or post-operatively. Surgical procedures most frequently involved in surgical malpractice allegations involve cosmetic surgery, LASIK eye surgery, gastric bypass surgery and orthopedic or back surgeries.

Financial compensation for victims of surgical medical malpractice may include damages for medical expenses, loss of present and future income, pain and suffering and the loss of quality of life. In the tragic event the surgical error resulted in a death, the family members may also be eligible for financial compensation for their loss.

The surgical medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm strongly believe victims of surgical errors deserve to be fully compensated for the losses they suffer do to the negligence of others they have entrusted with their care. Our surgical medical malpractice attorneys will work diligently to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.

If you live in the Washington, D.C. area and you have been a victim of surgical medical malpractice, please contact the surgical medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to make certain your legal rights are protected and begin the process of making your life whole and well once again.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:28 AM

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Spinal Cord Injuries in San Francisco/Oakland, California

The primary cause of spinal cord injuries, one of the most devastating and life-altering injuries known, is automobile accidents. Falls, sports-related injuries and violence are also major causes of injuries to the spinal cord.

Trauma to nerves carrying sensory and motor sensation to and from your brain deprives you of feeling and movement. Damage to the spinal cord is almost always a life-changing event. One of the cruelest ironies of a spinal cord injury is that people in the prime of their lives are most frequently the victims. Males between the ages of sixteen and thirty years of age, account for 82% of new spinal cord injuries each year.

Any severe blow can cause a spinal cord injury. A fall from a ladder at a work site, or a defective car seat belt that fails can result in a spinal cord injury. The extent of the injury depends on the level of the spinal cord injured.

The experienced spinal cord injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the expertise and background to grasp the complexities and nuances of cases involving the spinal cord and have a history of helping our clients recover financial compensation for their losses and for their future medical care and treatment which can last a lifetime and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you live in the San Francisco/Oakland, California area and you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the spinal cord injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to secure financial compensation for a lifetime of care so you can concentrate on healing and improving your quality of life.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:10 AM

Medical Malpractice in Miami, Florida

Many people are suffering today from the negligent or careless treatment they experienced at the hands of healthcare providers they trusted.

In the state of Florida, medical malpractice or medical negligence is considered to be the failure of a healthcare provider to act in accordance with the accepted standard of care in the medical community. What this means to all of us is a doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider must be held legally responsible for doing harm to patients if they act in a careless or negligent way.

Over the years the medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm have litigated a variety of medical malpractice and medical negligence cases and we have recovered millions of dollars in damages for devastated Florida families. The complexities of proving a healthcare provider was negligent requires investigation, knowledge of the medical facts involved and the resources available to the highly skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm.

Please contact the highly skilled medical malpractice attorneys at the Miami, Florida location of The Cochran Firm if you have been a victim of medical malpractice or negligence to learn how we can recover damages for your injuries and pain and suffering and make sure the future ahead is secure for you and your family despite the harm done to you.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:26 AM

Oil Rig Explosion Off Coast of Louisiana

At the time of this writing, several people were critically injured and at least 11 are still missing following an oil rig explosion Tuesday, April 20, 2010 on an oil rig platform off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. The rig was carrying approximately 126 people; most them escaped to safety following the blast.

According to reports, the oil rig platform is about 52 miles southeast of Venice. The following day (today), smoke and fire could still be seen, and the fire is spreading. The explosion occurred on the rig, MODU Deepwater Horizon, which is owned by Transocean Ltd. The rig is 396 feet in length and 256 feet in width and was built in 2001 by Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard, which is in South Korea. Eight burn victims had to be airlifted to a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

At this time, the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.

If you have lost a loved one due to a maritime injury, you need a qualified, experienced maritime lawyer to help you fight to get the compensation you deserve. Maritime employers and their insurance companies have teams of lawyers; you need a strong team of lawyers, too.

With offices nationwide, and around the Gulf Coast, The Cochran Firm can meet with you to hear the details of your case and advise you of how to proceed. Please contact us today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 7:47 AM

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Molestation Goes Beyond Medical Malpractice

All of us want to protect our children from molestation and other sex crimes. When a medical practitioner is accused of such crimes, the mind reels.

Dr. Earl Bradley, a Delaware pediatrician, was indicted recently on 58 counts of rape and other sexual offenses on 24 girls who had been his patients from 1999 to 2009. Bradley, 56, previously pleaded not guilty to 471 felony counts involving 102 girls and one boy.

His practice was based in Delaware, but he also has medical licenses in three other states. Officials in those states have been contacted.

The attorney general of Delaware said that the charges are based on "video and digital evidence" taken from Bradley's home and medical practice in December, when he was arrested. A review of the case is planned for next month.

Anyone, child or adult, receiving medical treatment deserves a full investigation when a suspected violation of medical ethics occurs. The Cochran Firm is able to provide counsel in such circumstances.

It is also true that any professional accused of an ethical infraction does well to seek legal advice as soon as possible, and that the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven remains in effect. In extraordinary cases, our criminal defense lawyers are ready to represent your interests in federal and state court.

Our attorneys at The Cochran Firm are ready to help you pursue a possible case, or to help you mount a defense. Please contact us by phone or e-mail at any of our nationwide offices.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:46 AM

Premises Liability in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

Premises liability is a legal term that refers to property owners' obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment for guests, customers and passersby.

Some examples of how premises liability injuries may occur include falls caused by accumulations of ice and snow on sidewalks and paths, accidents at job-sites, injuries caused by poor building maintenance or lighting, children's accidents on playgrounds or recreational facilities, swimming pool accidents, dog bites, or criminal assaults due to negligent security practices at shopping malls.

A factor in the determination of legal responsibility for your injury is whether or not the property owner was aware of the hazardous condition and failed to correct it, or should have been aware of the hazardous condition. The victim of an accident on someone else's property may suffer a traumatic brain injury from a fall, broken bones or be left with life-changing disabilities that require a lifetime of medical care and treatment.

The premises liability attorneys at The Cochran Firm have extensive experience in evaluating and investigating the facts behind premises liability claims for our clients and have been successful in the past in securing financial compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, income losses and pain and suffering.

Please contact the experienced premises liability attorneys at The Cochran Firm today if you have suffered injuries on someone else’s property in the Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina area and let our attorneys help you regain the quality of life you enjoyed before your injuries.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:08 AM

Defective Tires in Memphis, Tennessee

Defective tires are responsible for thousands of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths every year in the United States. Recent recalls of defective tires have involved several tire manufacturers including Firestone, Cooper, Goodyear, Dunlop and Continental General, among others.

Defective tires can cause tread separation, belt adhesion failures, blowouts and tire or rim explosions. Some tires are manufactured with inherent problems like poor adhesion or lack of adhesion which both lead to tread or belt separation. Other tires are manufactured properly, but are warehoused too long causing chemical aging that leads to blowouts and tread or belt separation as well.

The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident caused by a defective tire can be painful and expensive. Extensive personal injuries and the ensuing medical and psychological costs may be able to be recovered to some extent. The experienced defective tire attorneys at The Cochran Firm will help you recover your lost income, pay your medical expenses, attempt to reimburse you for your pain and suffering and give you the legal guidance needed to secure your future and the futures of those you love.

If you live in the Memphis, Tennessee area and you have experienced the devastating outcome of an accident caused by defective tires, please contact the experienced defective tire attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to protect your legal rights and secure the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:24 AM

Monday, April 19, 2010

What Will You Do if a Pet Attacks?

Most of us love pets, our own and those of friends and neighbors. But sometimes even the most affectionate pet can turn vicious suddenly and inflict major medical damage.

A Mississippi woman visiting a friend this month experienced the terror of being attacked by his pit bull. In a 30-second attack, the dog caused severe injuries to Tanya Barnes, who was rushed to a clinic by ambulance.

“She is extremely fortunate to be alive,” said plastic surgeon Rick Pecunia of Hattiesburg Clinic. “The nature of this type of injury is such that a couple of centimeters … either way could make the story a lot different.”

Pecunia added that Barnes has already been through two surgeries and might have to undergo several more. The offending pit bull, meanwhile, is being held by the local sheriff’s department.

When pets turn vicious, anyone nearby can suffer severe personal injuries. Time spent in a hospital can cause lost wages. And in addition to medical issues, the injured may also suffer general damages such as pain, anguish, and emotional distress.

Few people ever expect to be attacked by a pet, much less think about what to do if they are. If such a tragedy happens to you or to a family member, you probably can benefit from talking with attorneys who are knowledgeable in the personal injury field. At The Cochran Firm, with offices nationwide, our attorneys will be pleased to use their experience for your benefit. Please contact us for a free consultation.

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posted by Richard at 11:06 AM

Automobile Accidents in Norfolk/Portsmouth, Virginia

Victims of automobile accidents are confronted with medical bills, lost income and possible life-long disabilities as a result of their injuries. Injuries sustained in an automobile accident such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones or massive tissue trauma, have an impact on your quality of life that can never be returned to the way it was before you were injured. That is why recovering financial compensation for your injuries and losses is an important part of your healing process.

At times, a person's injuries are not always obvious immediately following a car accident. Head trauma or whip lash injuries often are asymptomatic for days following your accident. Do not agree to any settlement options before you see a doctor or talk to your attorney, and avoid discussions with insurance claims adjusters who will pressure you to agree to their conditions.

The experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm are aware of every tactic used by insurance companies to avoid paying what is fair and reasonable in automobile accident cases. Our car accident attorneys will build your case on facts and evidence and recover the financial compensation you deserve.

If you live in the Norfolk/Portsmouth, Virginia area and you or someone you love was injured in an automobile accident, please contact the automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a discussion of your case and get the financial compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:05 AM

Defective Drugs in Los Angeles, California

Usually, prescription medications are miracles of modern science. Over the years, however, many drugs have harmed instead of helped those who were prescribed some medications although they were taken as directed by the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Drugs for arthritis, for lowering cholesterol levels, diet drugs, anti-depressants, vaccines and oral contraceptives are only a few of the categories of prescription medications that have been responsible for injuries and deaths perpetrated on an unsuspecting public. Defective drugs have caused liver and kidney damage, heart damage, pulmonary dysfunction, stroke and heart attacks.

The law cannot turn back the clock and undo the harm that was done, but the law can help victims of defective drugs and their families recover damages to help cover the financial costs incurred as a result of their injuries.

The defective drug attorneys at The Cochran Firm have many years experience in product liability litigation and a well-deserved reputation for the successful litigation and negotiation of claims against drug manufacturers because our top priority is the welfare of our clients.

If you live in the Los Angeles, California area and you or someone you love has been the victim of a defective drug, please contact the defective drug attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule an evaluation and investigation of the facts of your case so you can obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:23 AM

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Birth Injuries in New York, New York

When a doctor, nurse, midwife, anesthesiologist or healthcare facility fails in their obligation to provide adequate care during labor and deliver, or the prenatal and postnatal periods, and the result is a devastating birth injury, the entire family is confronted with a situation they never envisioned.

The tragic outcome of a medical error at this critical time can never be undone, but financial compensation to assist a family struggling to meet the needs of their injured child is available. A medical error during this particular time can cost hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars, in order to cope with the life-long effects of a birth injury. Birth injuries can mean multiple surgeries, a lifetime of nursing care, recurring medical conditions, limited expectations and other issues that may arise during the infants' lifetime.

The birth injury lawyers at The Cochran Firm are committed to ensuring families get the financial compensation they need to pay for medical bills, nursing care, occupational and physical therapists, medications, durable medical equipment and electronic devises that help them cope with the overwhelming requirements of children with birth injuries.

If you live in the New York area and you suspect medical errors before, during or after the birth of your child caused your child to suffer a birth related injury, please contact the experienced birth injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to make sure your child's needs are taken care of now, and in the future, even after you are no longer there to provide that care.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:03 AM

Bus Accidents in Detroit, Michigan

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of individuals are injured or killed in bus crashes every year in this country. Several types of buses that can be involved in accidents are those used in public transportation, school buses, charter buses and vacation tour buses.

The current economic situation in this country has increased bus ridership and as a result, the number of bus accidents causing serious injuries and deaths. Bus accidents typically result from driver negligence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, defective vehicles, speeding, dangerous or hazardous roadways or weather conditions, and inadequate maintenance of equipment.

The laws governing bus accidents are very complex because they usually involve multiple victims and corporations. Individuals injured in bus accidents have the legal right to receive financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and any other expenses they incur because of the accident.

The bus accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm have a long history of being able to combine our legal and technical knowledge to explain these complex laws to juries and never lose sight of our ultimate goal of getting our clients the financial compensation they need and deserve.

Please contact the experienced bus accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm's Detroit, Michigan location if you or someone you care about was injured or killed in an accident involving a bus to protect your legal rights and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:21 AM

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Birth Injuries in Mobile, Alabama

Most babies are born healthy during an uneventful labor and delivery. Sadly, birth complications occur in a small number, and if not handled appropriately, this leads to severe birth defects and birth injuries. Birth injuries may include, but not be limited to, cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury and brain damage causing developmental delays.

A birth injury can be caused by the failure to treat the mother's high blood pressure, the failure to respond to fetal distress, failure to perform an emergency C-section, oxygen deprivation, and injuries caused by vacuum extraction or forceps deliveries.

A birth injury not only injures the child, but hurts the parents, siblings and extended family as well. The physical, emotional and financial toll for families include the cost of providing specialized medical care, rehabilitation services, physical and occupational therapy, special education and nursing care for a special needs child, while adjusting their expectations and dreams for that child.
The birth injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm work with medical experts to investigate every aspect of birth injury cases to identify the causes of the injury, including medical or nursing errors.

If your child was harmed during the birthing process in Mobile, Alabama or the surrounding area, please contact The Cochran Firm today so our experienced birth injury attorneys can recover financial compensation for the losses suffered as a result of your child’s birth injury.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:01 AM

Defective Consumer Products in Las Vegas, Nevada

Defective consumer products can cause serious injuries and even death. Product liability laws are designed to help those who have been harmed by a defective consumer product by holding manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and retailers legally liable for the injuries and deaths their defective products have caused.

Defective consumer products have been known to cause traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, debilitating illnesses, permanent disabilities and fatalities. Some common defective consumer products include, but are not limited to, baby slings, strollers, cribs, tires, airbags, automobiles and automobile parts, toys, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and even pet foods.

The defective consumer product attorneys at The Cochran Firm will obtain the maximum financial compensation possible through our efforts and perseverance for our clients injured or killed by a defective consumer product. We will recover damages for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, your lost wages and lost possible future earning potential because you unknowingly used a defective product. There is a time limit involved in filing a defective consumer product claim and they vary from state to state.

If you live in the Las Vegas, Nevada area and you have been a victim of a defective consumer product, please contact The Cochran Firm today so our defective consumer product attorneys can protect your legal rights and get you the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:19 AM

Friday, April 16, 2010

Traumatic Brain Injury in Minneapolis, Minnesota

When your brain is injured by a sudden impact to your head, the consequences can be catastrophic and irreversible. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in permanent physical, mental and emotional damage.

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be immediate or develop slowly and may include seizures, persistent vomiting, debilitating headache, blurred vision, amnesia, paralysis, personality changes and even death. Victims of a traumatic brain injury often need a lifetime of constant medical care and treatment if they survive the injury.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), half of all traumatic brain injuries result from traffic accidents. Whiplash, a sudden distortion of the neck most commonly seen in car accidents, can cause a traumatic brain injury. Other incidents that can cause traumatic brain injuries are falls, swimming and diving accidents, construction site accidents and criminal assaults.

When a traumatic brain injury occurs due to someone else's negligence or willful actions, the traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the experience and knowledge to understand and present medical issues and the legal skills to represent our clients interests effectively and successfully.

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else's negligence in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, please contact the traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss what options are available to you to ensure you receive the financial compensation you need and deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:59 AM

Traumatic Brain Injury in Houston, Texas

A traumatic brain injury is usually caused by a sudden, violent blow to the head during a car accident, a fall, a sport-related or job-related injury or a criminal assault. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause permanent disability or death and places young men aged fifteen to twenty-four years of age at the highest risk. Over fifty thousand people succumb to traumatic brain injuries every year in the United States.

Victims of severe traumatic brain injuries require emergency medical treatment and hospitalization, and may require months and years of long term medical care. The symptoms of a severe traumatic brain injury include debilitating headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures, extremity weakness, loss of coordination, paralysis, profound confusion and possible amnesia. In addition, the psychological effects of a traumatic brain injury can be deep and life-changing as well.

Individuals suffering traumatic brain injuries may require physical, emotional and financial support for an extended period with the costs spiraling into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm are well aware the victims of TBI need specialized legal representation to deal with the complex litigation involved surrounding a brain injured client.

Please contact the experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today if you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury in the Houston, Texas area to learn how our attorneys can help you get the financial compensation you need to secure your future care and treatment and quality of life.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:17 AM

New Charges In Funeral Home Director Fraud Case

Most families are at their most vulnerable when planning for funerals. The last thing they need at such a time is to be victimized by fraud or theft. Yet one Indiana funeral home director, already accused of stealing money from clients, now faces new charges totaling some $80,000.

In January, funeral home director Richard Pyke was charged with insurance fraud. He reportedly sold pre-burial insurance policies to clients and cashed them in while those clients were still alive. He also reportedly took money for prepaid funeral contracts and never put it in trust.

"The law requires him to either buy the insurance of contracts like he promised to do or put the money in a trust account," said chief deputy prosecuting attorney Jeremy Mull. "We know he hasn't done that with any of the money."

On April 14, prosecutors filed 15 new charges against Pyke, including theft of money given him to pay for burial expenses. "The loved ones were buried and Mr. Pyke did not then pay the cemeteries for those burial lots like he was obligated to do," said Mull.

One woman whose pre-burial insurance policy was cashed in had to sign an affidavit that she was still alive to reinstate it. "I guess maybe I thought somebody was just playing a hoax on me," said Lynne Devers.

Unfortunately, examples of business and consumer fraud are common these days. From Wall Street to Main Street, swindlers and con artists are virtually household names. Many such cases may involve embezzlement.

Our attorneys at The Cochran Firm stand ready to defend your interests. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any of our nationwide offices.

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posted by Lynn at 7:57 AM

Thursday, April 15, 2010

School Bullying and Student Civil Rights

In January, 15-year-old Phoebe Prince of Massachusetts hanged herself at home after texting a friend that she was distraught over weeks of bullying at school. "School has been close to intolerable lately," she told a friend the day before her suicide.

Six students face felony charges in the case. Three 16-year-old girls have been charged as youthful offenders in the case. Felony charges include civil rights violations resulting in bodily injury. Prosecutors have said that Phoebe was bullied for months: the district attorney for her area said last month that the girl had been subjected to "verbally assaultive behavior and threats of physical harm." The superintendent of schools has said that the girl did not inform the school about her situation.

While this case is especially heartbreaking, school systems cannot always be relied on to intervene when students are being bullied. Young people often are reluctant to confide in their parents when facing such issues, yet they are entitled to full legal protection.

The Cochran Firm is committed to the defense of everyone’s civil rights. Crimes such as assault and battery and hate crimes (Phoebe reportedly was called an "Irish slut") are no more acceptable at school than anywhere else in society.

If your child is facing an unpleasant situation at school, and the school is not doing its duty, The Cochran Firm, with its nationwide offices, stands ready to help. Contact us for a free review of the circumstances.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:43 AM

Train Accidents in Dallas, Texas

Trains have a vital role in the economic health of this country because they are capable of transporting goods over long distances at a reasonable cost.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation a train is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle or pedestrian every two hours somewhere in the United States. Accidents involving trains are often serious because a train weighs on average, four thousand times more than a passenger vehicle, and can take more than a mile to come to a stop. More than half of all train accidents occur at unprotected railroad crossings. The Federal government reports that 80% of all railroad crossings have inadequate or non-existent warning devices.

Dealing with the aftermath of a train accident involves numerous state and federal laws and the knowledge and experience of the train accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm will involve immediate and compassionate attention to your case. The physical and emotional damage to an individual involved in an accident with a train are shocking, and often involve traumatic brain injuries, amputation of limbs, severe burns and massive soft tissue trauma.

If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and you or someone you love was injured or killed in an accident with a train, please contact the experienced train accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to hold those legally responsible accountable for your losses.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:15 AM

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Police Beat College Student After Sports Celebration

Last month, a University of Maryland basketball team defeated rival Duke University. In the celebration that followed, a celebrating college student approached two police officers. Now prosecutors are investigating the videotaped beating of that student by police, in an apparent case of police brutality.

In the video, student John McKenna is seen approaching the two officers, who were mounted. Two officers on foot are then seen slamming McKenna against a wall, and he falls to the ground. A third policeman joins in hitting the student with nightsticks.

McKenna and another student were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer and of disorderly conduct, though the charges were later dismissed. The attorney for McKenna notes that the video does not show his client striking any officer. The two students plan to sue the police officers involved.

"Not only is the conduct of the officers on tape excessive – and clearly it’s excessive – there are other issues here we need to work through," said police Lt. Andy Ellis.

The Cochran Firm and its experienced personal injury attorneys have prosecuted a number of high-profile civil liberties cases. In this case, the video evidence prompted county police Chief Roberto Hylton to say: "I'll tell you that I was outraged at the video." One police officer has been suspended from duty.

If you are the victim of police brutality, a video may not be available. Even so, you deserve to pursue your claims to justice, and our trained attorneys stand ready to help you do so. For a free consultation, please contact the personal injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm, with offices nationwide, today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:49 AM

Medical Malpractice in Chicago, Illinois

Medical malpractice occurs as a result of a negligent act by a healthcare professional or healthcare facility that causes harm to a patient. Medical malpractice is the leading cause of wrongful deaths in many areas of the country.

A healthcare professional may be a doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist, pharmacist, medical technician or other staff employed by a healthcare facility such as a hospital, nursing home, dialysis or same day surgery center. Medical malpractice can involve a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistakes, the failure to diagnose a life-threatening illness and birth injuries.

The medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm have extensive experience in the area of medical malpractice litigation and work together to make sure you are represented fairly and keep focused on your specific needs. The laws governing medical malpractice are designed to protect injured patients, but there are time limits involved in a medical malpractice claim.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal advice without delay so your case can be investigated and evaluated and a determination made whether you should seek financial compensation for injuries suffered due to the negligence of a healthcare provider.

We encourage you to please contact the medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm in Chicago, Illinois today if you were harmed by a healthcare provider to protect your legal rights and obtain financial compensation for those you care about.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:13 AM

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Payments to Push Diabetes Drug?

Medical experts who were paid by the maker of type 2 diabetes drug Avandia were much more likely to extol its efficacy and safety than were independent authorities, according to a study published recently in a medical journal.

In the study published last month, researchers looked at 202 articles by 180 authors who wrote about Avandia and the risk of heart attack to users. They then had independent reviewers rate the articles as favorable, unfavorable, or neutral.

The study found that as many as 87 percent of those who wrote favorably about the use of Avandia, or rosiglitazone, had potential conflicts of interest with the drug’s maker, GlaxoSmithKline. Only 20 percent of those with unfavorable opinions had received payment from the company.

The Cochran Firm has long been following pharmaceutical industry developments that posed potential risk to consumers, and filing lawsuits where justified against defective pharmaceutical products. For example, this blog on March 2 reported that Santa Clara County, California, and others were suing GlaxoSmithKline over its handling of risks associated with Avandia. The county is seeking reimbursement of more than $2 million for costs of medication for indigent patients in 1999-2007, plus damages for victims who suffered heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse effects from use of Avandia.

And on February 5, we reported that a study by Harvard University researchers found that in a group of more than 26,000 diabetic patients who took Avandia in 2000-2006 had more than twice as many heart attacks as did patients using other medications.

The New England Journal of Medicine, in June 2007, reviewed studies which found links between use of Avandia and a significant rise in the risk of heart attack.

Dr. Rudy Bilous, a British endocrinologist who reported favorable findings on Avandia, has told The New York Times that drug company financing may create an appearance of bias. "…the only people in the current environment doing the work and funding the research are the pharmaceutical industry, and their concern is for licensing, not necessarily the science."

Dr. Mark Stolar, professor of clinical medicine at Northwestern University, said: "There are very few people in whom I don't detect bias based on where their conflicts lie."

This controversy over medical ethics may leave the average person bewildered. But the Cochran Firm has a background of success in pharmaceutical litigation. If you have been prescribed Avandia and are concerned about possible negative effects on your health, we urge you to contact the Cochran Firm for a free evaluation of your possible case.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 12:37 PM

Defective Tires in Atlanta, Georgia

Defective tires are responsible for thousands of automobile accidents that cause serious injuries and deaths every day in the United States. The scope of the defective tire problem in this country is enormous with millions of tires recalled, but still in use on our nation’s highways, maybe on your car, SUV or light truck.

Defective tires cause tread separation, blowouts and tire or rim explosions.
Defective tires have been manufactured by Firestone, Cooper, Dunlop, B.F. Goodrich and tires imported from China. You have a legal right to seek financial compensation for property damage, injuries and the wrongful death of a loved one if a defective tire was responsible for the motor vehicle accident.

The defective tire attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the knowledge and experience to ensure you are compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, the cost of long term care and treatment or rehabilitation, and any other expenses due to the damages suffered as a result of an accident caused by a defective tire.

If you or a member of your family was injured or killed in an accident that was caused by a defective tire and you live in the Atlanta, Georgia area, please contact the defective tire attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you to learn how you can get the legal representation that will secure your future and the future of your loved ones.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 8:54 AM

Monday, April 12, 2010

Fire Truck Flips Over, Sending Firefighters to Hospital

Four firefighters in Framingham were taken to a hospital after their fire truck rolled over and hit a telephone pole while returning from a call. Although all four had only minor injuries and have been sent home, the fire truck was declared a total loss.

Apparently the driver of the nine-year-old truck lost control, said Gary Daugherty, chief of the city’s fire department. “There was no emergency speed, there was no siren, no red lights, nothing. …For some reason, we had this accident.”

There was no immediate information available about road conditions or the speed of the truck, which ended up flipped over in a front yard.

Investigators of the accident will examine the truck’s computer. “We do have another truck that’s similar to this, and if it’s a mechanical problem then we want to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Daugherty.

Any truck accident can be a serious affair. In this case, with firefighters riding inside a city vehicle while on a call, questions of municipal liability also arise. For example, the home owner in whose front yard the vehicle came to rest might be entitled to damages.

The Cochran Firm and its experienced lawyers nationwide are ready to help you receive the compensation you deserve if you have been the victim of a similar accident. Please contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 1:12 PM

Friday, April 9, 2010

Judge Awards Families $2.6 Million in Defective Chinese Drywall Case

A federal judge in New Orleans awarded seven Virginia families $2.6 million for damages to their homes caused by defective Chinese drywall. This verdict may have serious implications on thousands of other defective product lawsuits related to Chinese drywall which are currently pending around the country.

The judge ruled that the drywall must be removed and the victims' homes must be gutted in order to correct the damage caused by the defective Chinese drywall. Furthermore, all electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, carpet, cabinets, trim work, and floors which were ruined by the drywall will need to be removed.

Thousands of homeowners across the south have reported serious issues caused by Chinese drywall used in building or remodeling their homes. This drywall contained a high concentration of sulfur, resulting in corrosion of electrical wiring, air conditioning units, computers, and jewelry. The drywall may have also caused health problems for those exposed to it.

This decision is the first in a series of federal lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and builders, and it will most likely set the standard for how the remaining lawsuits will be settled. However, it is uncertain how the homeowners will collect their damage award. Many of the Chinese companies listed as defendants in these lawsuits have not responded to U.S. courts. It is possible that the courts will issue orders to seize U.S.-bound ships and cargoes from Chinese drywall companies.

If your home has been damaged by the use of Chinese drywall, the defective product lawyers at The Cochran Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:22 AM

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Sanitation Truck Driver Allegedly on Meth at Time of Deadly Accident

A Phoenix, Arizona vehicle accident involving a sanitation truck and eight motorcycles has taken another turn when it was reported that the driver of the truck was allegedly on methamphetamine at the time of the accident. Four motorcycle riders were killed in the accident and several others were seriously injured.

The March 25 accident occurred as the eight motorcycles were waiting at a red light at an intersection behind a pickup and an SUV. The sanitation truck allegedly then hit the group from behind, causing a chain reaction accident. The truck almost immediately burst into flames. Witnesses say at least three riders were pinned with their motorcycles beneath the burning truck. They attempted to put out the fire, but were helpless due to the size of the flames. The occupants of the other vehicles were able to escape the flames.

Killed in the accident with the truck were three men and one woman. The others were thrown clear, but seriously injured.

Making matters worse are reports that the sanitation truck driver has a history of problems with methamphetamine. The drugs cost him his marriage and he was evicted one year ago by a landlord. He was also given two speeding tickets in the days just before the truck accident. The driver now faces four counts of vehicular manslaughter for the rear impact collision.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck or motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Cochran Firm for an initial consultation. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:38 AM

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Fighting for the Rights of Frontal Lobe Brain Injury Victims

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you know how profoundly your life is changed, but convincing a judge and jury is an entirely different matter, especially when you have few verifiable symptoms. One area of injury whose symptoms are often confused with deliberate behaviors is frontal lobe injuries.

The frontal lobe is the control center of the brain, which determines, initiates, and plans complex actions. It is the most recently developed part of the brain, the part that makes us most human, and the last part of the brain to develop as we mature, the part that makes us adults and capable of independence.

Some frontal lobe injuries create obvious effects. When the back of the frontal lobes is damaged, it can result in weakness or paralysis. When the middle of the frontal lobes is damaged, it can result in an inability to move the eyes and specific, documented speech dysfunction, like Broca's Expressive Aphasia, which can make them slow to find words and often interrupts their speech with expletives.

But consider the symptoms associated with damage to the front part of the frontal lobe:

  • Impaired concentration
  • Reduced language fluency
  • Apathy
  • Disinterestedness
  • Delayed responses
  • Lack of inhibition

These are all symptoms that a person might be accused of "faking" or as being due simply to laziness. Unfortunately, the front of the frontal lobe is highly susceptible to injury during concussion and closed head injury due to its location. With no "real" symptoms and no open head injury to speak to the jury about the severity of your injury, fighting for compensation can be an uphill battle. But your supposedly minor injury can destroy your life, ruining your ability to maintain personal and professional relationships, and these consequences mean that you deserve compensation.

Having few symptoms does not mean you do not deserve compensation, and the lawyers of The Cochran Firm stand ready to help you get the compensation that is your due. We will consider your case and help you show your injuries to get compensation that reflects the full extent of your injuries. Please contact The Cochran Firm today for a free case evaluation.


 


 


 

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 12:28 PM

Monday, April 5, 2010

Dogs Attack Realtor

A fifty-year-old real estate agent went to a homeowner's house to prepare to show the house, but when the current homeowner opened the door, three of her unleashed dogs ran out into the yard, jumped on the realtor's chest and knocked him down. While the realtor was being attacked, the dogs’ owner stayed in the house and did not come out until the police called for her to come out while the realtor was being treated for his injuries. If you have been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights following an animal attack.

The man suffered a broken wrist, which ended up requiring surgery and his bills totaled almost $40,000. Permanent damage will prevent him from continuing his career as an air conditioning repairman (he was just breaking out into the real estate business when this happened).

The realtor sued the dog owner for failure to control her dogs and claimed she knew the dogs had violent tendencies. The dog owner had been cited by police three times prior to this attack; some neighbors were afraid to leave their houses when the dogs were outside. The dog owner claimed the realtor was negligent in that he knocked on the window instead of the door and that he kicked one of the dogs.

The realtor was awarded just under $300,000 by a jury and was found to be 20% at fault for the attack.

If you have suffered due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, please contact The Cochran Firm, with offices nationwide, today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:34 AM

Friday, April 2, 2010

Boy on Bike is Killed by Bus in Florida

A nine-year-old boy was hit by a bus in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on April 1, 2010 while riding his bicycle on Walt Disney property near the Fort Wilderness resort. He was riding with an 11-year-old girl who was not injured. Both children were wearing helmets.

As the tragic accident is still under investigation, not many details have been released at the time of this writing. There were 28 people on the bus, which was a Disney-operated vehicle; no one on the bus was hurt.

According to an early report from the Florida Highway Patrol, the boy veered off the sidewalk and struck the side of the bus. He was then pulled under the rear right tire of the bus and was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges have been filed.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bike or bus accident anywhere in the United States, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Cochran Firm can help. Please contact one of our firms today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 6:09 AM

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Heparin OD Kills Toddler in Nebraska

A toddler recovering from multiple organ transplants and gastroschisis died Wednesday, March 31, at the Nebraska Medical Center after she was given an overdose of the blood thinner Heparin. The nearly two-year-old girl and her family had travelled from Dallas, Texas to Nebraska because they trusted the expertise of the doctors and staff at the hospital.

The hospital spokesman has acknowledged that the girl was given too much Heparin and that there will be an extensive investigation. Still, they're going to have to explain to the girl's grieving family how a mistake like this could have happened.

Heparin has been in the news over the last two years for killing a number of people due to contamination, as well as its role in the death of several infants. Actor Dennis Quaid and his wife nearly lost their newborn twins when they were given Heparin. It works well as a blood thinner for patients who are undergoing dialysis or to clean IV lines. However, the bottles of Heparin doses meant for adults and children are nearly identical, which leads to tragedies like the one in Nebraska.

In almost every report of infant overdoses of Heparin, things like the color of the bottle, the similarity in name with another Heparin dose for children called Hep-Lock, and simple inattention by nurses or doctors is mentioned. It seems that these are easy fixes and that Heparin overdoses can be easily avoided.

If your child has been injured due to an overdose of heparin, please contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at the Cochran Firm for an initial consultation. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 8:08 AM

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