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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Technology to Prevent Vehicle Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that about 3.6 million auto accidents reported to police each year are caused by lane changes, roadway departures, or rear-ending. There is technology available to protect you from your own errors such as drifting out of your lane or getting too close to the vehicle in front.

Two Systems Offered by Iteris, Inc.

  1. The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system collects information about your driving habits and alerts you when you drift out of your lane;
  2. The SafetyDirect™ system analyzes the driving data collected by the LDW system and if a trucker is the driver with this system in his big rig, it can send the data to a trucking company via the truck’s fleet communications system. This informs the trucker’s employer as to his driving habits and would probably help the trucker drive more cautiously and help to prevent truck accidents.

Two Systems Offered by Delphi

  1. The AutoVue® Blind Spot Warning system alerts you to vehicles making possibly unsafe movements in adjacent lanes;
  2. The AutoVue® Forward Collision Warning system alerts you if you get close to rear-ending the vehicle in front of you.

Preventing Auto/Pedestrian Accidents

In late 2008, General Motors began offering a transponder called the V2P (Vehicle to Pedestrian). It is about the size of a cell phone and can be worn by a pedestrian or cyclist. It sends messages to any vehicle that has a receiver. The V2P uses two types of technology:

  1. Wireless technology – for sending messages to other V2P or similar devices;
  2. GPS technology – to receive location data from the GPS system, which it can then send to other users. It can also receive such data from other users.

If a driver with a V2P does not see a pedestrian or cyclist who also has one, and gets dangerously close to them, his transponder will warn him. A biker could probably benefit from this device also to help prevent motorcycle accidents. Any vehicle can be retrofitted with a V2P transponder. GM plans to make the technology available inexpensively to all cell phones in the near future.

If you have been severely injured in a vehicle accident and would like to know more about your legal rights and options, please contact us for a free case review. We have offices nationwide for your convenience.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 12:00 PM

Police Brutality in Sacramento, California

The police are witnesses to the worst in our society on a daily basis while they put their lives at risk every day to protect the public from the criminals in our midst. However, there is no excuse for police brutality or the use of excessive or unnecessary force when dealing with the criminal element or ordinary citizens who come under the scrutiny of the police for whatever reason.

We live in a world of growing uncertainty about who our neighbors are or the man in the street is when confronted with the threat of terrorism, drug trafficking, gang violence and rampant domestic abuse. Police officers are encouraged to get tough on crime and criminals, but reports of police brutality have risen sharply in recent years also.

If you are detained, questioned or arrested by the police, you have certain rights. If you feel your rights have been abused and you have been a victim of police brutality contact the experienced police brutality attorneys at The Cochran Firm immediately and stand up for your rights and fight back with the advice and support of our knowledgeable attorneys against this ugly practice.

If you live in the Sacramento, California area and you feel you or someone you love has been a victim of police brutality, please contact the experienced police brutality attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to protect your legal rights and hold those responsible for your abuse accountable.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:24 AM

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Studies Continue to Show Avandia Is a Dangerous Drug

This week, three studies were published on GlaxoSmithKline's blockbuster diabetes drug Avandia (rosiglitazone). Their results were announced at the 2010 meeting of the American Diabetes Association. Two of the studies have shown that Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a dangerous drug whose use is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack), stroke, heart failure, and death, while the third seemed to show that there was no such risk. One study, a follow-up by cardiologist Steven E. Nissen, who dropped the first big cardiovascular bomb on Avandia in 2007, is a meta-analysis of all randomized trials of Avandia that were 24 months or longer. This study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that there was a statistically significant increase in risk of MI (28%), but not cardiovascular or all-cause deaths. Notably, when Avandia's RECORD study (see below) was excluded, the relative risk of MI and cardiovascular death jumped up (to 139% and 146%, respectively).

The second study is a review of data from Medicare patients by FDA scientists. The FDA data reviewed patient records for 227,571 Medicare patients who were on diabetes control drugs Avandia or Actos (proglitazone) showed that there was no statistically-significant difference in MI, but heart failure seemed to be increased by 27% and CV death by 14%.

A third study, also published this week, showed that there was no increased risk of cardiovascular events, and adds to the long string of "denial studies" designed by GSK. It was already included in the list of studies assembled by the company to refute claims put forward by the large observational studies and meta-analyses that cast doubt on Avandia. The authors of this study, designated BARI 2-D, noted that its data "does not suggest a significant cardiovascular hazard and may suggest a beneficial effect on ischemic cardiovascular events associated with treatment with rosiglitazone [Avandia]." However, one important factor in this latest study is that Avandia was not randomly assigned, but was deliberately prescribed by physicians, who would more likely prescribe it to patients with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, which makes this study essentially worthless for determining the heart attack risk associated with the drug.

The BARI 2-D study joins five other studies in GSK's list of controlled clinical trials that show "rosiglitazone does not increase the overall risk of heart attack, stroke[,] or death." However, taking these studies together is exactly what a meta-analysis does, and it shows there is an increased risk. And if you look at the studies individually, every one seems designed with a small enough sample size to be statistically inconclusive about the risk of cardiovascular events associated with Avandia so that GSK can continue saying that its drug "does not increase the overall risk" of this dangerous side effect.

Consider, for example, the RECORD study. The study was designed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events due to Avandia use (after all, it's in the name: RECORD stands for "Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiovascular outcomes in ORal agent combination therapy for type 2 Diabetes"), but as early as 2004, the company knew the study was "underpowered" to resolve the question ("Staff Report on GlaxoSmithKline and the Diabetes Drug Avandia"). But instead of designing a new study instead of or in addition to RECORD, the company persisted with RECORD for five years, and even published interim, inconclusive results after three years in an attempt to refute Nissen's meta-analysis.

Another study cited by GSK as showing no relative risk of Avandia is the ACCORD study. The ACCORD study was called off early because of the high mortality rate of its participants. This was not due to Avandia, according to the study's author, but because the intensive therapy method of diabetes treatment (a controversial approach) was flawed. However, another study on the approach, the ADVANCE Study, showed no inherent risk of intensive therapy for diabetes. One distinguishing factor between these two studies is that over 90% of the intensive therapy group for ACCORD were given Avandia, whereas the ADVANCE study used other medications for its intensive therapy. Looking at the data, even the ACCORD study suggests a small, not statistically-significant, increase in fatal or nonfatal heart failure.

If GSK really wanted to resolve the issue of Avandia's heart-attack risk, it could design a study to do so, but it has not. Since nearly the introduction of Avandia, GSK seems to have been working to create a fog of studies, each of which seems to show that Avandia is not associated with heart risks while concealing a growing body of evidence that it is.

If you have suffered a heart attack associated with Avandia, or a side effect associated with a different dangerous pharmaceutical drug, the lawyers of The Cochran Firm stands ready to help you pursue compensation for your injuries. To learn more, please contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 12:35 PM

Slip and Fall Accidents in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

Slip and fall accidents are responsible for serious injuries and deaths every year in the United States with over eight million people being injured in a slip and fall accident each year.

Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining their premises in a safe condition and are also responsible for warning people if a potential hazard exists. A property owner can be held liable for injuries that occur on their property as a result of hazardous or dangerous conditions. Hazardous conditions may be caused by accumulating ice and snow, uneven sidewalks, potholes, poorly lit pathways and stairs, slippery flooring, or ripped carpeting.

The experienced slip and fall attorneys at The Cochran Firm can assist you in obtaining financial compensation for injuries suffered in a slip and fall accident that has resulted in bruising, broken bones, a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury for example. You may be financially compensated for your pain and suffering, loss of income, payment of current and future medical expenses and other costs related to your injury.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and live in the Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina area, please contact the experienced slip and fall accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today and learn about your legal rights and how to obtain financial compensation for your injuries.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:22 AM

Monday, June 28, 2010

Premises Liability in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Property owners are obligated by law to provide a safe environment for their guests, customers and visitors and premises liability laws are designed to enforce this legal responsibility if an injury occurs.

Premises liability laws can address injuries caused by slip and fall accidents, criminal assaults that occur due to a lack of adequate security measures, a fire in a hotel or business, being struck by a falling object in a store, being injured on a faulty escalator in a shopping mall or any number of instances when a person is injured on someone else's property due to a hazardous or unsafe condition.

A victim of an accidental injury on someone else’s property can escape with a bump or a bruise or suffer broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, severe burns or be left paralyzed for life. The premises liability attorneys at The Cochran Firm have extensive experience in handling these claims for our clients and have been successful in securing financial compensation for them for their current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, income losses and their pain and suffering.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and have been injured on someone else's property, please contact the experienced premises liability attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to proceed to protect your legal rights and get the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:20 AM

Details Still Sparse in Missouri Truck Accident

There are not many details available yet in a fire truck crash that injured six Missouri firefighters on their way to a fire; the truck accident occurred early Sunday morning, June 27, 2010.

At around 1:40 a.m., the truck was on its way to a fire and was travelling on Highway F at Best Road when the truck’s right side tires dropped off the highway. The driver over-corrected which caused the truck to veer off the road and flip over. The driver of the truck, Charles Farr, of Farmington, was most seriously injured and had to be flown by helicopter to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in a nearby city.

The other five firefighters ranged in age from 19 to 45.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:34 AM

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Motorcycle Accidents in Norfolk/Portsmouth, Virginia

Motorcycle riding is a popular and enjoyable activity for many Americans, but it can be dangerous as well. Americans love to ride their motorcycles and this is reinforced by the fact there are over four million motorcycles registered in the United States.

The popularity of motorcycle riding is also evident in the growing number of motorcycle accidents reported every year. Over seventy-thousand motorcycle accidents with serious injuries are reported annually. The most common motorcycle accidents are usually caused by someone's negligence, the failure to yield, hazardous weather or road conditions and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A motorcycle accident can result in minor scrapes or bruises or massive trauma to the head, spinal cord, broken bones, severe burns and even death. The damages suffered in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming with costly medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs and the cost of long term care when a permanent disability is incurred. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the knowledge and resources to make certain you get the legal representation necessary to obtain the financial compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

If you live in the Norfolk/Portsmouth, Virginia area and you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how we can help you get on the road to recovery financially so you can heal physically and emotionally.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:19 AM

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Defective Consumer Products in New York, New York

Defective consumer products can be an annoyance or cause life-threatening injuries and wrongful deaths. A defective consumer product can encompass a can-opener that doesn’t open cans effectively or a defective medical device that causes serious harm and fatalities.

Thousands of Americans are injured every day and suffer traumatic brain injuries in automobile accidents caused by defective tires, severe burns in fires caused by flammable materials used in clothing and furniture, heart attacks and strokes caused by dangerous and defective drugs and our children die in cribs, strollers and baby slings that become instruments of death even when used according to the directions.

The defective consumer products attorneys at The Cochran Firm understand your frustration and have the experience and knowledge to bring those responsible for these life-threatening and life-ending injuries to justice. If you have been the victim of an injury suffered from the use of a defective consumer product, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your pain and suffering, disfigurement, lost income, rehabilitation costs and lost future earning potential.

If you live in the New York, New York area and you have been injured by a defective consumer product, please contact the experienced defective consumer product attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to protect your legal rights and get the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:17 AM

Friday, June 25, 2010

Driver Distraction: More than Just Cell Phones

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a campaign to study and reduce the role of distracted driving in deadly and injurious car accidents. While the bulk of this campaign has been directed at cell phones, texting, and other technological distractions, it is important to remember that other distractions can also impair your driving. Like cats.

Wednesday the South Dakota State Supreme Court issued its ruling in State of South Dakota vs. Fifteen Impounded Cats. An officer was called to a convenience store about a car in the parking lot occupied by a woman and a large number of cats. The woman began backing out of her parking space and almost hit the patrol car, at which point the officer noticed that the view out of the back window of the woman's car was obstructed by numerous cats climbing on the seats and rear dashboard. The woman had driven from Texas to South Dakota and was on her way to Billings, Montana before driving back to Texas. With fifteen cats. The woman and her cats had been living out of the car for several days and the woman said she didn't have any money.

The car was further piled up with personal belongings on the passenger seat and in the back seat, limiting the area the cats could move about freely, and putting them at a level that they would interfere with her visibility. There were no kennels or carriers, and only one litter box. The car emanated a strong pet odor, and the woman noted that the litter box needed to be cleaned. She also said all the cats were spayed and neutered, but that the cats had, remarkably, destroyed all record of their treatments. The officer ordered the cats impounded and he and a member of the local humane society took them into custody.

At a hearing, the woman demanded that the cats be returned to her, but did not have a plan to pay for their care, to care for them herself, or to safely transport them. The woman filed an appeal, saying that the impounding of her cats represented a violation of her constitutional rights because the cats were seized without a warrant, she was not given due process, and that there was insufficient evidence to uphold the impoundment.

However, the court decided 3-2 that the "situation demand[ed] immediate attention with no time to obtain a warrant" (Quoting State v Hess 2004 SD 60), and noted that sometimes "immediate action is necessary to protect the health, welfare and safety of the citizens" (City of Pierre v. Blackwell 2001 SD 127). The court noted that she showed up for both hearings and was given the opportunity for a continuance to obtain counsel rather than continue representing herself. On the issue of evidence, the Court balked, saying only that there was not enough evidence to overturn the lower court's finding.

The dissenting justices did not affirm the decision because they did not believe the situation constituted exigent circumstances. Oddly, the dissent states that the phrase "exigent circumstances" refers only to situations where impounding is necessary to protect the well-being of an animal, saying that "it strains credibility to conclude that the facts of this case constitute the type of emergency situation requiring an officer to act quickly to impound animals without a warrant or court order in order to protect the animals." The dissent also adds that "The State provides no authority for the notion that animals traveling in a vehicle must be confined to kennels." The dissent also notes that if the issue were safe operation of the vehicle, the woman should have been cited with a traffic offense, but she was not.

This odd and amusing case is unusual, but distracted driving is all too common, accounting for nearly 6000 car accident deaths in 2008. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident with a distracted driver, The Cochran Firm can help. Please contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 1:09 PM

Economic and Environmental Disaster in New Orleans, Louisiana

On April 20, 2010 while the Deepwater Horizon oil rig was deep-water drilling in the fragile ecosystem off the coast of Louisiana, an explosion and catastrophic fire resulted in the death of eleven workers, injuries to many others, the sinking of the oil rig and the release of a massive oil spill that continues almost two months later. This oil spill is considered to be the most devastating environmental disaster in history.

It is estimated the oil spill will result in $2.5 billion in losses to the fishing industry and over $3 billion in losses to the tourism industry with untold damage done to the fragile ecosystem along the coast that is being fouled by the oil spill. The oil spill also represents a serious threat to the health of the residents of Louisiana as oil contamination has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. British Petroleum, the principal developer of this oil field is the responsible party for this disastrous event.

The environmental and toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm have many years of experience in handling cases that deal with damages caused by the exposure to toxic substances due to the negligence of oil companies and others involved in dealing with toxic chemicals and substances. A toxic tort refers to a specific kind of personal injury that occurs as a result of exposure to toxic materials such as an oil spill. The scope of this oil spill and the effect it will have on the livelihoods and health of the residents of Louisiana for decades to come is overwhelming.

If you are a Gulf Coast resident and have been affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill financially, physically or emotionally, please contact the environmental and toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn what you can do to help yourself cope with the devastating results of this disaster.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:16 AM

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Oil Spill Disaster in Mobile, Alabama

Many people living in Alabama rely on the Gulf of Mexico to make a living or own waterfront property that has been affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that killed eleven workers and has resulted in the biggest oil spill in history that goes on to this day unabated.

The oil spill and the inability of those legally responsible for stopping the flow of oil into the Gulf, has damaged the fishery eco-system and caused immeasurable losses for those who derive their income from condo rentals, charter boat excursions, restaurants and other tourism- related industries, as well as losses to fisherman, oyster harvesters, crabbers, shrimpers, marinas, business and boat owners and countless others.

If you have suffered property damage, loss of income or health problems related to the oil spill in the Gulf, you are entitled to be financially compensated for your losses. The experienced environmental and toxic substance attorneys at The Cochran Firm have successfully battled against large oil companies in the past and are ready to fight to protect your rights at this difficult time for us all.

Please contact the Mobile, Alabama office of The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced environmental and toxic substance attorneys at no cost to you to learn how we can help you in your fight for what is rightfully yours against big oil.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:14 AM

Companies Recall Over 2 Million Cribs

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that seven companies, including Evenflo and Delta Enterprise Corp., have recalled over two million cribs due to concerns they may injure or kill babies. Most of the cribs are reported to be drop-side; that is, cribs with a moveable side rail so parents can lift children more easily.

There have been over 250 reports of drop-side failures and at least 16 infant entrapments, however, there have been no reports of deaths.

The recalls include:

  • 750,000 Jenny Lind drop-side cribs distributed by Evenflo Inc.
  • 306,000 Bonavita, Babi Italia and ISSI drop-side cribs manufactured by LaJobi Inc.
  • 130,000 Jardine drop-side cribs imported by Toys R Us.
  • 156,000 Million Dollar Baby drop-side cribs
  • 50,000 Simmons drop-side cribs
  • 40,000 to 50,000 Child Craft brand stationary-side cribs and an unknown number of Child Craft brand drop-sides. (Child Craft discontinued operating last summer and sold its name to Foundations Worldwide Inc. Foundations did not manufacture or sell any of the recalled cribs but is offering rebates for some of them.)
  • 747,000 Delta drop-side cribs

In addition to this particular drop-side failure, Delta is also urging parents to check all fixed and drop-side cribs that use wooden stabilizer bars to support the mattress. The bars can be installed upside down, causing the mattress platform to collapse. According to the CPSC, Delta "was not cooperative with providing the full number of units involved in the mattress support assembly problem."

There have been many recalls of drop-side cribs lately, and there is legislation in Congress to outlaw these dangerous defective products. In the past five years, nine million drop-side cribs have been recalled from the market. They are blamed in the deaths of over 30 infants and are suspected in the deaths of 14 more since 2000.

If your child has been injured by one of these recalled cribs, please contact the experienced defective product attorneys at the Cochran Firm. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 7:41 AM

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

U.S. Supreme Court Rejects J&J Appeal

In November 2003, one Eugene Duxbury filed a whistleblower case under the U.S. False Claims Act, asserting that Johnson & Johnson had been giving gifts to doctors who prescribed its anemia drug called Procrit. The False Claims Act allows people who have inside knowledge to sue a company that makes false claims against the government. They sue on behalf of the federal government and then obtain part of any recovery that is subsequently paid.

Duxbury was a former sales rep for J&J’s Ortho Biotech Products unit, having worked for them between 1992 and 1998. Ortho Biotech is now known as Centocor Ortho Biotech.

The suit further claimed that those gifts led to increased reimbursements by Medicare, which paid for the increased number of Procrit prescriptions. The gifts were free Procrit samples, discounts, and cash. So the case was designed as a Medicare fraud case.

Centocor Ortho Biotech appealed, arguing that the claim should be tossed out because it just rehashed old allegations made by other people and that they were too weak anyway for a lawsuit to be based on.

Last August, the First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston ruled that Duxbury’s suit could proceed because he was an original source of information on this alleged fraud.

On Monday this week, the U.S. Supreme Court left that ruling to stand and made no comment. Duxbury’s attorneys estimate that this case is worth something between $3 billion and $10 billion.

If you would like to schedule a free case review with one of our experienced attorneys, please contact us today. We have offices nationwide for your convenience.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 3:07 PM

Defective Tires in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The American consumer should not be at risk for catastrophic injuries or death because tire manufacturers choose profits over tire safety. There is nothing more heart stopping when you are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle traveling at highway speeds than a tire blowout.

Many tires have been recalled over the last several years as a result of manufacturing defects and flaws in tires which cause sudden tire failure, tire de-treading and blowouts. The tire manufacturing defects appear to be an industry wide problem and are not confined to one or two manufacturers.

Over the past several years tire manufacturers have been found legally responsible for damages resulting from accidents caused by their defective tires. The experienced defective tire attorneys at The Cochran Firm have successfully represented many clients seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by tire defects and helped them recover financial compensation for the losses they have suffered. You have the legal right to be financially compensated for your medical expenses, lost income, the cost of rehabilitation and any other expenses you have to incur as a result of your accident caused by a defective tire.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a defective tire in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, please contact the experienced defective tire attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to protect your legal rights and get the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:12 AM

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

12-Year-Old Girl Drowns on Field Trip to the Beach

A 12-year-old girl died in a drowning accident while on a field trip to the beach with her 6th grade class. There were no lifeguards on duty at the time. The accident occurred on Long Beach, Long Island.

The girl was swept out into the ocean by a strong current right after a group of students darted into the ocean. Her teacher attempted to rescue her, but eventually, she needed to be rescued as well. A helicopter search was initiated, and it took an hour and a half for rescuers to find her.

The beaches on Long Beach, Long Island open every summer on Memorial Day. However, lifeguards are only on duty during the weekends for the first few weeks of the season. Starting this weekend, there will be lifeguards on duty during the week as well.

The experienced premises liability lawyers at The Cochran Firm can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligent maintenance of premises.

Please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cochran Firm serves clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 3:35 PM

Gulf Coast Oil Spill Effects in Miami, Florida

Oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster has entered the Loop current and could be carried into the Florida Keys and up Florida's Atlantic Coast, damaging coral reefs and ruining beaches. The Loop current moves according to shifting winds and other environmental factors and as a result, the oil slick has defied scientists' efforts to accurately track and predict its path. Florida's 1,260 miles of coastline has yet to be affected even as coastal communities make containment and cleanup preparations.

British Petroleum, which leased the oil rig, is the responsible party for the spill and will be compelled to pay damages if the oil spill in the Gulf spreads to Florida's beaches and sensitive mangrove forests. South Florida's hotels, restaurants, dive companies and charter fishing companies' employees and owners stand to lose their livelihoods from the adverse effects of the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The experienced environmental and toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm are ready to advise you and guide you through the process of protecting your future quality of life in the event you are affected by the threatening oil spill in the Gulf.

If you live in Miami, Florida or the surrounding area of South Florida and you have questions concerning the oil spill and its' effect on your quality of life, please contact the environmental and toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm today at no cost to you to learn how we can help you at this difficult time.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:10 AM

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Gulf Oil Spills’ Impact in Metairie, Louisiana

Industries and businesses impacted by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion are entitled to collect damages for loss of income and profits, and medical expenses due to oil spill related health problems.

Commercial fishing, tourism and other oil drilling enterprises are just a few of the industries that have already taken or are expected to take an economic hit because of the disaster in the Gulf. The oil spill has formed a huge expanse of thick toxic sludge that is contaminating an ever expanding area of the coastlines of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Healthcare providers in Louisiana have reported that workers involved in clean-up operations are already experiencing respiratory problems, headaches and nausea.

The expected economic and environmental impact of this oil spill is expected to affect the people of the Gulf coast for years to come. In light of these dire predictions, how can you protect your future quality of life for you and your loved ones? The experienced environmental and toxic substances attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help you in your fight against those responsible for this disaster. We have the resources required to assist the victims of the Gulf oil spill and are prepared to ensure your legal rights are protected in this battle.

If you live in the area of Louisiana affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster, please contact the Metairie, Louisiana office of The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you with our environmental and toxic substance attorneys to learn how you can protect your legal rights and get the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:09 AM

First Defective Chinese Drywall Jury in Favor of Plaintiffs

The Cochran Firm has been reporting all about the catastrophic results of the defective Chinese drywall that was installed in millions of American homes built or renovated around 2005-06. Many complaints were from Florida homeowners who had to rebuild following a hurricane when there was a shortage of American-made drywall. The defective Chinese drywall emits foul-smelling corrosive gases and ruins air conditioning units, copper wiring and metal pipes. Residents in homes with the dangerous drywall have reported the following:

• Respiratory problems
• Nose bleeds
• Coughing
• Eye irritation
• Throat irritation
• Sinus problems

Our attorneys are seeking damages including, but not limited to:

• The cost of removing all the defective drywall
• Replacing the dangerous drywall with high quality drywall that is mold resistant
• Removal of any damaged property
• Replacement of damaged property such as heating and air units, electrical wiring, or even the entire reconstruction of your home or place of business

After over a year of defective drywall cases being litigated, settlements are being made. One Florida couple, who had fled their home because of the drywall, was just awarded $2.4 million in damages in the country's first jury trial over the defective drywall. This may just set the tone for the thousands of similar cases in the works at this time. The jury ruled that the couple should receive more than simply the costs to repair the home; they were awarded damages for "loss of enjoyment of life" and because the drywall stigma may reduce their home’s worth should the couple want to sell in the future.

If you had to leave your home and/or were made ill due to defective Chinese drywall, please contact The Cochran Firm's experienced defective product attorneys today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 7:42 AM

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Defective Drugs in Memphis, Tennessee

Drug companies that place profits over the lives of the American consumer deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law and made to pay for their greed that destroys innocent lives and causes immeasurable pain and suffering.

More often than we would like to believe, drug companies are well aware that their drugs can cause adverse side-effects that can be life-threatening but choose to delay corrective action or take part in a cover-up to minimize financial losses.

Drugs that have been involved in defective or dangerous drug recalls in the past have included oral contraceptives, arthritis medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diet drugs, anti-depressants, and vaccines that have been known to cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, lung and liver damage and deaths.

If you or someone you love has been injured or died as a result of taking a defective or dangerous drug, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for the injuries you or your loved one has suffered because of a drug company's negligence and greed. The experienced defective drug attorneys at The Cochran Firm have a long history of bringing justice and recovering financial compensation to the victims of callous drug companies whose only concern is their bottom line.

Please contact the Memphis, Tennessee office of The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation with our defective drug attorneys and learn how you can be financially compensated for your injuries and the losses you have suffered.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:07 AM

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Surgical Medical Malpractice in Los Angeles, California

In operating rooms all over the state of California surgical medical malpractice is leaving patients physically hurting, emotionally scarred and possibly disabled for life, and those are the lucky ones. Thousands of people lose their lives to injuries inflicted on them before, during or after surgical procedures that were performed on the wrong body part, wrong organ, or wrong person.

In addition, anesthesia errors that are responsible for brain damage, surgical instruments left in the body cavities of patients, fatal infections contracted during the surgeries and inadequate pre-operative and post operative care are responsible for countless numbers of deaths that largely go unreported or are considered to be the expected risks involved in surgical procedures.

Though every bad outcome in surgery is not surgical malpractice, the circumstances involved in an unsuccessful surgical outcome must be investigated and evaluated by a medical and legal team of medical malpractice attorneys and investigators who will use their expertise to determine the exact circumstances that caused your injury or the death of a loved one before, during or after a surgical procedure.

The surgical medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm will work diligently for you to obtain financial compensation for your pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses and any other costs related to the injuries inflicted by your healthcare provider.

If you live in Los Angeles, California or the surrounding area and you or someone you love has been a victim of surgical medical malpractice, please contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to protect your legal rights and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:05 AM

Friday, June 18, 2010

Medical Malpractice in Las Vegas, Nevada

When a doctor, hospital or other healthcare provider makes a mistake, it can't be erased or deleted. The consequences of an irreversible medical error include possible permanent disability, additional pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of the ability to earn an income and provide for your family and in some cases, even death.

Some common forms of medical malpractice often include failure to diagnose an illness or medical condition, surgical or anesthesia errors, medication errors, labor and delivery mistakes that can lead to birth injuries, life-threatening infections contracted during a hospital admission and many other instances where a patient's life is put in jeopardy by the negligent behavior of a healthcare provider.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to injuries inflicted as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help you pursue justice and the recovery of financial compensation. We have the resources necessary to assist victims of medical malpractice and negligence and we are prepared to fight for your legal right to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

If you live in Las Vegas, Nevada or the surrounding area, and you or someone you care about has been a victim of medical malpractice or negligence, please contact the knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to begin the process of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered with the help of our compassionate attorneys by your side every step of the way.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:04 AM

President Obama Secures $20 Billion Commitment from BP

Earlier this week, President Barack Obama met with BP officials and announced that the oil company would establish a $20 billion fund to compensate victims who suffer property damage or lost wages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. After four hours of intense negotiation, including a long, private conversation with BP's Chairman, Carl-Henric Svanberg, BP agreed to the fund, which will be administered not by BP or by the US government, but by an independent third party.

The fund is good news for residents, businesses, and property-owners in the Gulf States, who feared that the oil company might be protected by a $75 million cap on damages, a cap put in place in 1990 with the Oil Pollution Act. With estimates of financial losses running as high as $100 billion, letting BP get away with a $75 million liability seemed unjust. However, an attempt by the Obama administration to raise the damages cap in Congress was blocked in committee by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), making it seem unlikely that the cap would be raised by legislative means.

So why would BP agree to $20 billion if it might get away with only $75 million? First, it would not be protected by the cap if the company were found to have acted recklessly or with gross negligence, and there are some indications that it would be possible to describe BP's actions as such. During negotiations, President Obama probably raised that possibility and noted that if a huge number of lawsuits went through the courts it could easily cost BP far more than the $20 billion. Next, BP actually benefits from putting a hard number on its losses out there. Even though this $20 billion is not a cap, it is still a number and can replace the nebulous notions of its liability that has undermined the value of BP stock over the past few weeks. Finally, if BP is going to rebuild its reputation, it has to start somewhere, and BP is working on that. Among the typical acts of contrition--including a series of public apologies and the routine flogging by members of Congress--it is good to see something done that will actually benefit the victims of the spill.

If you have suffered property loss or damage to your livelihood, you may be able to receive compensation. To learn more, please contact The Cochran Firm today.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:29 AM

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Spinal Cord Injuries in Jackson, Mississippi

Spinal cord injuries often result in devastating damage to the spine that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae, causing bone fragments to bruise and tear spinal cord tissue, resulting in either partial or total paralysis. A spinal cord injury is usually caused by a sudden violent blow to the spine during a motor vehicle accident, a fall, a sports or recreational injury or during a criminal assault.

A spinal cord injury is a cause of great fear and concern for the victim and family members, but the availability of modern emergency care and treatment and aggressive rehabilitation can help to minimize lasting damage to the spinal cord in some cases. The emotional and psychological costs for victims of a spinal cord injury are immeasurable, but the financial costs can be measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars in care and ongoing treatment every year for life.

The highly skilled spinal cord injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm have many years of experience in litigating spinal cord injury lawsuits and ensuring victims of spinal cord injuries obtain well deserved financial compensation for their injuries from those who are legally responsible. We will fight aggressively to make certain our clients have the resources available to make the remainder of their lives as comfortable and worry-free as possible.

If you live in the Jackson, Mississippi area and you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the experienced spinal cord injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to start the process of obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:02 AM

Supreme Court to Hear Zicam Shareholder Lawsuit Appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court announced this past Monday that they will hear a company’s appeal against a shareholder lawsuit alleging the company did not let its investors know users of Zicam Cold Remedy products complained about losing their sense of smell. The company, Matrixx Initiatives, is the subject of over 200 lawsuits related to Zicam.

In 2004, a shareholders’ lawsuit was filed with the claim they didn’t know that Zicam was defective. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit the next year, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the suit last year. Matrixx then appealed this ruling.

Last June, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter about Zicam after they had received numerous complaints the cold medication triggered a condition known as anosmia, or loss of smell. Zicam was then recalled and withdrawn from the shelves.

The outcome of this appeal may impact many pharmaceutical companies because SCOTUS will address when companies should disclose to investors reports of potential adverse side effects to users of drugs or medical products. One of the big questions that will arise in the hearing this fall is when can a shareholder sue a pharmaceutical company for failing to disclose claims of side effects.

Prior to this, three appeals courts ruled that companies have no duty to disclose reports of side effects. The 9th Circuit ruled that a jury should decide whether investors should be privy to this information.

When large pharmaceutical companies put out defective drugs that harm users, investors of the company should be able to decide if they still want to be associated with these problems. Simply because Zicam did not affect thousands of people, this should not preclude shareholders from knowing what some of the drug’s problems are.

If you or a loved one has been injured by taking a defective drug, please contact the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at the Cochran Firm. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 8:39 AM

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

GM Recalls Vehicles for Fire Hazard

General Motors has announced that it will recall 1.4 million vehicles because of a problem with heating windshield washer fluid. This is the second such recall, as in 2008, GM recalled about 944,000 vehicles for this same problem. At that time, they did something to fix it, but now, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, have received reports of fires in vehicles that were fixed.

This time, GM plans to just disable the heating system. The idea was a good one – to heat the windshield washing fluid so that on cold days it would do a better job. The 2008 fix was installation of a fuse that would shut off the heating system in the event of a short circuit. If a short circuit happened in the circuit board, a grounding wire became overheated, leading to smoke and malfunction in other electrical components.

The fire hazard in this current recall is different from that in the 2008 recall. This time, it is the fuse supposed to prevent any short circuit that is failing.

  • "While our analysis shows the number of incidents is very small compared with the number of vehicles on the road,” stated Jeff Boyer, GM's executive director of safety, “We want our customers to have complete peace of mind."

GM Ignored Good Advice

After the 2008 recall, the company that had supplied the heating system to GM, MicroHeat Inc., was forced into bankruptcy. It reorganized and now, under the name of AlphaTherm, it sells heating systems directly to vehicle owners. AlphaTherm general manager who was previously a MicroHeat executive, stated that Microheat engineers had tried to persuade GM to dig deeper into the problem and devise a more robust solution.

  • "They never fully determined root cause prior to the first recall," he said.

If they had followed MicroHeat’s lead, this current recall would not have happened.

Recalled Vehicles

The vehicles currently recalled are 2006 through 2009 models and are:

  • Buick Enclave and Lucerne
  • Cadillac CTS, DTS and Escalade
  • Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse
  • GMC Acadia, Sierra and Yukon
  • Hummer H2
  • Saturn Outlook

If you own one of these vehicles, GM will give you $100 as compensation for the loss of this heating system. You can call the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Defective vehicles can be life-threatening although in this scenario there have been no reported accidents or injuries yet. If you would like to speak with one of our product liability lawyers, please call or email us today for a free case review.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 1:14 PM

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in Huntsville, Alabama

For decades it has been common knowledge that exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses, but many asbestos manufacturers, fully aware of the dangers, continued to produce and sell asbestos.

Asbestos was once commonly used across the United States for insulation and various other purposes, but due to serious health issues, has been banned from further use. Older buildings and residences do still have asbestos insulation and construction and demolition workers and others, still suffer serious consequences from exposure to asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos can cause lung infections, respiratory failure, heart failure, asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma can include chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and weight loss.

With the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma attorney at The Cochran Firm who will defend your rights and hold those responsible for the overwhelming damage caused to families like yours, you can obtain financial compensation for any medical expenses, lost income, lost future earning potential and pain and suffering caused by your exposure to asbestos even decades after you were exposed. It is important to know that the symptoms of mesothelioma can occur many years after the initial exposure to asbestos.

If you believe your symptoms are related to asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and you live in the Huntsville, Alabama area, please contact the knowledgeable mesothelioma attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to proceed in securing financial compensation for the damage you have suffered.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:00 AM

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Environmental/ Toxic Tort in Houston, Texas

Many in the maritime industries say even though the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, fire and consequent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has not yet spread to the South Texas coast, its effects are still being felt.

Seafood wholesalers, charter boat owners and other boat operators, as well as fuel and ice suppliers, have all been adversely affected by the oil spill. The fishing grounds traditionally worked by South Texas boats have been closed. Anyone who can prove they have suffered economic losses from this disastrous oil spill in the Gulf can file a lawsuit in a Texas district court that includes projected future losses as well as current losses.

The experienced and knowledgeable environmental and toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the resources available to make sure you are compensated for your economic losses as well as your pain and suffering, medical expenses related to the oil spill, emotional stress, loss of enjoyment of life and any other expenses incurred as a result of having to cope with the consequences of this environmental catastrophe.

If you live in the Houston, Texas area and you have questions and concerns regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and how it has or will impact your future, please contact the experienced environmental toxic tort attorneys at The Cochran Firm today and schedule a no cost to you confidential consultation to learn how you can proceed to protect your future and the futures of those you love.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:58 AM

Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day

All across the world today, people are participating in Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Ever since its inception in 2006, June 15th has marked a world-wide effort to raise awareness for the atrocities committed against elderly residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Understaffing, inadequate background checks during hiring, and poor training of staff have resulted in many nursing home residents receiving subpar care. In many instances, they have been subjected to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Negligent care

In an attempt to put a stop to nursing home abuse and neglect, individuals, organizations, and communities will engage in activities that raise awareness about this serious issue affecting our elderly loved ones. It is important that everyone take part in Elder Abuse Awareness Day to ensure that its goals are accomplished.

The nursing home abuse attorneys at The Cochran Firm are proud to support Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and we hope that you will participate as well. You can contribute in the following ways:

  • Develop an educational program about elder abuse
  • Volunteer to visit with an elderly person on a regular basis – abuse happens more often when elderly people do not receive regular visits from family and friends
  • Participate in an activity designed to increase awareness of elder abuse
  • Wear purple, the official color of Elder Abuse Awareness Day
  • Participate in a citizens' group to advocate for residents of long term care – visit www.nccnhr.org/static pages/citizens groups.cfm for more information

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, the attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help you fight to protect your loved one's rights. Please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 9:11 AM

Monday, June 14, 2010

Birth Injuries in Dothan, Alabama

When a healthcare provider fails in their obligation to provide adequate medical care and treatment during labor and delivery, the unfortunate and tragic results may be a serious birth injury. While some birth injuries are minor, the majority can affect the baby's quality of life forever.

Children with birth injuries struggle with developmental delays, motor skill impairment and more. An injury at birth can mean multiple surgeries, a lifetime of attendant care, recurring medical conditions and problems and an adversely effected quality of life. Birth injuries can be responsible for cerebral palsy, brachial plexus palsy, premature delivery, brain injuries and microcephaly.

If you believe your healthcare provider was responsible for causing a birth injury during your labor and delivery, the experienced birth injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help you recover damages for your losses. You could be eligible to recover financial compensation for your child's pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, medical expenses, future medical needs, and other financial hardships associated with birth injuries. Most families cannot cope with the high medical costs of caring for a child injured at birth, which can run into the hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars.

If you live in the Dothan, Alabama area and your child was injured at birth, please contact the experienced birth injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to protect your child's future and give you peace of mind for what lies ahead.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:57 AM

Nursing Home Residents' Rights

Due to the fact that hundreds of thousands of nursing home residents are abused and neglected daily in our nation’s facilities, there are laws in place to protect these horrifying incidents from occurring. While nothing can put an end to the abuse inflicted on our nation’s elderly, being aware of senior rights may help to minimize the despicable acts that have taken place in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for decades.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities must comply with federal regulations and laws if they receive federal funding. These laws outline, specifically, the type and quality of care that residents must receive in these facilities. In the 80’s, Congress answered the call to put laws in place to protect our elderly loved ones. In 1987, Congress passed the Nursing Home Reform Act. If your elderly loved one is in a nursing facility, you should be aware of their rights outlined in this act. In order to participate in Medicare or Medicaid, residents' rights requirements must be met.

  • Right to be fully informed
  • Right to participate in their own care
  • Right to make choices
  • Right to privacy and confidentiality
  • Right to dignity, respect and freedom
  • Right to security of possessions
  • Right to transfer and be discharged
  • Right to complain
  • Right to visits

If your elderly loved one has suffered abuse and/or neglect in a nursing home, you must take legal action. Please contact any one of the many Cochran Firm law offices today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation so we may hear the details of your case.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 7:25 AM

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Truck Accidents in Detroit, Michigan

Trucks hurtling down our highways are a necessary evil in modern day America. Trucks are responsible for the delivery of essential goods and products to every corner of this country and are part of the fabric of our economy.

Sharing our roadways with trucks can be an intimidating experience for many people and if you have ever witnessed a truck accident or been involved in an accident with a truck you know your life can be changed forever in a split second by the forces involved in a collision with a vehicle the size and weight of a commercial truck.

Over three million trucks are on our roads every day so the possibility of encountering a truck driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigued from too many hours behind the wheel or just poorly trained is almost predictable.

The experienced truck accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm have decades of knowledge behind them when dealing with the aftermath of an accident involving a truck, and have had great success investigating and litigating truck accidents and holding those responsible financially liable for our clients’ injuries and losses.

If you live in Detroit, Michigan or the surrounding area and you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, please contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today and get the legal representation needed to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and losses from our hardworking and dedicated staff.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:55 AM

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Medical Malpractice in Washington, D.C

Our healthcare providers have helped countless people survive lif-threatening illnesses and injuries, but they are not infallible and do make mistakes. These mistakes can lead to severe, life-changing or life-ending consequences for trusting and unsuspecting patients. The healthcare providers responsible for these mistakes must be held legally accountable for their actions.

Medical malpractice and negligence can encompass the failure to diagnose an illness or condition such as a heart attack or stroke, or the improper administration of anesthesia that may lead to brain damage. A retained foreign body in a patient after surgery is a shocking mistake that is more prevalent than we care to contemplate.

The medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm have many years of experience in dealing with the complex issues of medical malpractice and negligence claims and we have been very successful in obtaining just financial compensation for our client's injuries and losses in the past.

If you live in the Washington, D.C. area and you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, please contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to protect your legal rights and learn how to get the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:30 AM

Traumatic Brain Injury in Dallas, Texas

Traumatic brain injuries are catastrophic injuries that disrupt normal brain functions and are usually caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports or recreational injuries, criminal assaults, the use of a defective product or work-related injuries. Over one hundred thousand people suffer a traumatic brain injury in this country every year that changes their life and the lives of the people who love them forever.

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary with the severity of the injury and can range from a slight headache, confusion and dizziness to seizures, coma, paralysis and death. The initial symptoms may not indicate the severity of the injury and that is why immediate medical attention is essential to prevent permanent injury or death when an injury to the head is involved.

The traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm have the medical and legal resources to investigate and discover who was responsible for your injuries and to hold those legally responsible financially accountable for your pain and suffering.

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury or someone you love was brain injured in tragic circumstances in the Dallas, Texas area, please contact the traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you to discuss how to protect your legal rights and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:54 AM

Friday, June 11, 2010

Wrongful Death in Tuskegee, Alabama

The loss of a beloved family member is a traumatic experience which can result in debilitating emotional distress and overwhelming financial hardship. When the crushing grief and emotional stress suffered because of the loss of a loved one is coupled with serious financial difficulties, the loss can be unbearable.

Some of the most frequent causes of a wrongful death are medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, personal injury accidents, and deaths caused by defective products and pharmaceuticals.

Although no amount of money can replace the loss of someone you love, compensation for the emotional and financial losses you have suffered as a result of the negligence and carelessness of another can offer some degree of comfort at a very difficult time.

The experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm have years of experience representing the families of those who have died as a result of the negligence and carelessness of another. Our knowledgeable wrongful death attorneys will investigate any possible contributing cause of the death to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your loss.

If you live in the Tuskegee, Alabama area and you have lost a loved one due to the reckless and careless actions of another, please contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you so we can bring you some peace of mind while you are grieving the loss of your loved one.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:28 AM

Wrongful Death in Chicago, Illinois

A wrongful death is any death that is caused by the negligent or intentional actions of an individual either as the result of a motor vehicle accident, a crime, elder abuse, a defective product or even police negligence or brutality. A wrongful death claim can be brought by parents, a spouse, children, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren of the decedent.

Pursuing a wrongful death claim to recover financial compensation can never replace the loss of someone you love, but it is the only tool available to punish the negligent party and try to make a grieving family whole again. You may be able to recover the cost of medical expenses incurred prior to the death, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, lost future earning potential of the deceased and the pain and suffering caused by your loved one being torn from the family by cruel circumstances beyond their control.

The experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm have a long history of protecting the legal rights of their clients and ensuring that justice is served, no matter where the blame falls and who must be held responsible. Since time limits are involved in a wrongful death claim, it is important you act without delay so your legal rights to financial compensation for your loss are not forfeited forever.

If you live in the Chicago, Illinois area and you have lost someone you love to the negligence or intentional actions of someone else, please contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn whether you are entitled to financial compensation for your tragic loss.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:52 AM

IKEA Recalls 3 Million Blinds Due to Strangulation Risk

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that IKEA has initiated a recall of more than 3 million window blinds after receiving reports that one child died of strangulation and two other children were almost strangled by the blinds.

The recall covers roller, Roman, and roll-up blinds. Children are prone to get their necks tangled in loops or chains which raise and lower these blinds, creating a risk of strangulation. Consumers have been urged to cease using these blinds immediately and return them to IKEA for a refund.

IKEA representatives have warned that it is dangerous to use roller blinds which do not have a tension device attached to the chain. If the blinds do have the tension device, it should be installed into a wall or floor. IKEA has offered to assist consumers in the installation.

The recalled blinds were sold at IKEA stores in the United States and Canada from January 1998 through June 2009. They ranged in price from $5-$55.

The experienced defective product attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help you receive compensation for your damages if your child has been seriously injured as a result of the recalled IKEA blinds.

Please contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Cochran Firm serves clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 8:59 AM

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Automobile Accidents in San Jose, California

Serious automobile accidents can happen anytime and anyplace and number in the hundreds of thousands every year across the United States. Automobile accidents are responsible for many life-threatening injuries and medical problems and can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering and even death. Even what seems to be a minor injury at first, can prevent you from enjoying your life as you did prior to the accident.

Some common causes of serious automobile accidents are speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield, tailgating, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, road rage, failure to stop at a stoplight or stop sign and cell phone use while behind the wheel. Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and severe burns can result from these tragic automobile accidents with devastating consequences for the victims.

In the most serious automobile accidents when a death occurs, a wrongful death lawsuit may be the appropriate course of action. The experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm can help provide relief for the remaining family members who have been emotionally and financially injured as a result of a loved one's death.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or worse in an automobile accident, please contact the experienced automobile accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you to learn how to proceed to obtain the financial compensation you deserve and need for your recovery.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:26 AM

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Birmingham, Alabama

Millions of elderly Americans depend on others for their daily basic needs and reports indicate that these vulnerable elderly people are often victims of abuse and neglect at the hands of the very people entrusted with their care. In nursing homes and assisted living centers across this country our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are suffering emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse by uncaring, overworked and inadequately trained staff at these facilities.

Some frequent signs of elder abuse and neglect are poor personal care, chronic sores and infections, unexplained bruising, the use of sedation medication when unwarranted, and the unnecessary use of physical restraints. The unseen effects of verbal or emotional abuse and intimidation are just as damaging to the residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers who are often either unable or unwilling to tell their families about these abuses that are perpetrated on a daily basis for fear of further abuse.

The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at The Cochran Firm are eager to investigate and evaluate cases of nursing home abuse and neglect and will work diligently to ensure those responsible for these injustices are held accountable. Our attorneys have successfully litigated cases of nursing home abuse and neglect and have secured residents' legal rights to be treated with dignity and respect under the law.

If you live in the Birmingham, Alabama area and someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, please contact the experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at The Cochran Firm today to learn how to proceed so this abuse is stopped and never happens again.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 10:51 AM

Study Shows Infection Control Lacking in Surgery Centers

A study prompted by a hepatitis C outbreak in Las Vegas, and appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association. shows that same-day surgery centers across the country have problems with keeping infection rates down. The centers where pain injections and minor operations are performed are plagued by simple cleanliness issues that are not being followed. As a result, people are getting sick.

The findings show that failure to wear gloves, wash hands, and clean blood glucose meters were some of the reported surgery center problems. The lead author of the study, a doctor from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the findings are "surprising and somewhat disappointing."

In the study, state inspectors visited 68 centers in Maryland, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Some of them had not been inspected in over ten years. Inspections were not announced ahead of time, but staff was told about the inspectors once they arrived.

The inspectors followed at least one patient through their entire stay. Although the staff knew the inspectors were there, and should have been doing everything they could to make a good impression, 67 percent of the centers had at least one breach of infection control and over half of them were cited for deficiencies.

Same-day, or outpatient, surgery centers are a growing part of the health care system. Over six million procedures are performed annually, and they collect over $3 billion from Medicare.

The study used a new audit tool to inspect centers that use Medicare. So far over 60 percent of centers audited have been cited for deficiencies.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or sickened at a same-day surgery center, please contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at the Cochran Firm for an initial case evaluation. We serve clients nationwide.

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posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 7:44 AM

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The Cochran Firm handles Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense claims for clients throughout the United States of America. The information on this website does not constitute legal advice nor form an attorney-client relationship.Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free consultation.

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