Recent Blog Posts

Injured Motorcyclist Airlifted to Hospital After Accident

Whitley Law Firm — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

In Connelly Springs, a motorcyclist was airlifted to a nearby trauma center in North Carolina after being badly injured in an accident on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. According to reports, the collision occurred when the driver of the vehicle, aged 46, lost control as he and his passenger, aged 36, were approaching Red Fox Trail.

Reports indicate that the motorcycle skipped approximately 125 feet down the road before ultimately landing in a ditch located along the left side of the road. According to local Burke County Sheriff Deputy, M.A. Hudson, the cause of the accident has not yet been identified. What has been noted, however, is the fact the sheer force of the accident was enough to eject the driver from his seat, leaving behind the passenger who was able to maintain their position upon the vehicle.

Both men involved in the collision sustained injuries to their backs, however, only the driver has complained of further complications, including chest pains and dizziness. Each of the victims have been treated by a medical professional. While the medical aspects of the case have been sufficiently attended to you, we have yet to learn what caused the motorcycle accident and if the incident will proceed legally. If it is determined that the wreck was caused by a product defect or even an unsafe road, there could be cause for legal action.

Under the direction of a personal injury attorney in Raleigh, you or anyone else injured in an accident in North Carolina can actively take steps towards righting a wrongful situation. With help from an associate at our firm, you will be able to effectively address every legal aspect of your case and work towards receiving the compensation you both need and deserve. When you contact a Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer at our office today, your case will be immediately reviewed by an associate at the firm, so don't wait to pick up the phone and call our office as soon as possible!

Man's Ear Sliced in Half by Airbag Malfunction

Whitley Law Firm — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:35:00 GMT

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is under investigation after a defect with the car's airbags reportedly sliced a man's ear in half. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued reports indicating that photos from the accident reveal alarming effects. Apparently, the male driver of a 2012 model of the Hyundai Elantra that was involved in an automobile crash earlier this year was unexpectedly harmed not from the accident itself, but from the deployment of the vehicle's airbag.

Reportedly, upon impact caused by the collision, the car's airbag was deployed. However, instead of acting as the buffer it is meant to be, it instead cut through the driver's ear, just narrowly escaping his neck. The miss was so close, in fact, that photos from the accident show a metal component protruding from the headliner directly above the driver-side seat. Had the airbag been designed and implemented properly, an incident of this nature would never have occurred.

Car accidents are notoriously dangerous, but they are not meant to be made more dangerous by the safety features of the vehicle itself. In fact, just the opposite should be true. Product defects such as the one described above can caused great harm to those involved, and when they do it will be crucial to have a Raleigh, NC personal injury lawyer by your side. With legal help, you can actively pursue an injury accident in court, taking the necessary steps to be compensated as you deserve.

At the Whitley Law Firm, we practice personal injury law to the highest degree. Here, you will be provided with unyielding support and legal representation at every step of the way. Our team realizes that only in this way do you stand to be awarded the financial gain you need to fully recover from the accident that left you wrongfully injured. Therefore, we encourage you to contact a Raleigh defective product attorney from our office today. The help you need is only a phone call away.

Injured Workers Could March on NSW Parliament

Whitley Law Firm — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 GMT

The efforts to reign in workers' compensation costs have been outspokenly objected against by a large number of the workers who stand to be affected by said cuts. As a result, many injured workers plan to march on New South Wales' Parliamentary House as a means of expressing their protests against the government's plans.

Unions NSW predicts major cuts to the WorkCover operation that currently protects workers who have been injured on the job. The unions' assumptions come from a discussion paper that was released by the country's government indicating recommendations for a weekly cap on payments that would enforce an ultimate 2 ½ year limit on the entitlements offered to injury victims of this nature.

While it has been ruled that a parliamentary inquiry is to take place next week, during which time reform of the compensation scheme will be taken into consideration, Unions NSW officials seems to think otherwise. It has been suggested that the 16 reforms recommended in the discussion paper will be reviewed at length in next week's meeting; however, Unions NSW boss M. Lennon has openly expressed his belief that the government has already made up its mind to dramatically slash compensation payouts.

Only time will tell what will actually become of the reform, but until an ultimate ruling is made workers across the country will be waiting with baited breath. Although this particular incident is happening across seas, the same type of situation could take place anywhere, including right here in the U.S. As such, injured workers here should take equal concern in matters of this nature, as they could be ones that affect you in similar ways in the future.

You can learn more about job injuries and workers' compensation by speaking with a Raleigh, NC personal injury attorney from our firm today. Whether you have recently been injured at work or you would simply like to learn more about what compensation packages are offered to you, our firm can help. Whitley Law Firm is here to provide you with information you need to answer all of your questions and we can even represent your case should you decide to pursue the matter legally.

When it comes to injury accidents that occurred on the job, you should not attempt to address the matter without legal representation. Under the direction of an associate at our firm you can more confidently settle these issues in a way that is most beneficial to your case. We encourage you to contact a Raleigh workers' compensation lawyer at our office today to learn more about the legal processes ahead of you and what can be done to ensure that your rights and safety are protected at all times.

Chrysler Recalls Almost 120,000 Vehicles

Whitley Law Firm — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

After dangerous reports of overheating, Chrysler automakers is recalling a total of 119,072 of its vehicles. The recall is a reaction from a discovery that was made not long ago in which the antilock brakes and electronic stability control systems of some of the company's vehicles reportedly failed due to an overheated power supply.

According to official reports released on the matter, the defective models were made between 2011 and 2012. Both Chrysler 300s and Dodge Charges need to have a fuse changed and relocated before they will again be considered safe to drive. Individuals who are owners or leasers of said vehicles can take their automobiles in for repair and the Chrysler company will cover the costs.

The defect was first noticed by Michigan state police who were using a Chrysler vehicle in their training. As of now, Chrysler has confirmed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is has not been made aware of any fires, crashes or related injuries from the overheating of any of its vehicles. Whether you were injured in an accident that was caused by the specific Chrysler product defect, or your injury is related to something else, a Raleigh, N.C. personal injury lawyer at our firm is here to help.

At the Whitley Law Firm we believe in seeking justice on behalf of the injured victims who seek out the services of our firm, and we are committed to providing our clients with nothing less than everything it takes to make sure that they are justly compensated as they should be. Therefore, we encourage you to contact a Raleigh defective product attorney at our office today.

Mother Sues University of Virginia for Wrongful Death of Daughter

Whitley Law Firm — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:12:00 GMT

A $29 million lawsuit has been filed against the University of Virginia, as well as the school's lacrosse team coaches and the state as a whole. The case was brought against these entities by the mother of a university student, Y. Love, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend and lacrosse teammate, G. Huguely. Specifically, the case focuses on the underlying issue of Huguely's unpredictable behavior, which has been described as abusive towards women and alcohol. The true claim reportedly lies in the fact that both coaches and administrators admittedly knew of the male student's erratic behavior, yet did nothing to stop or prevent it.

As further stated in the details of the case, the mother's lawsuit alleges that the school's athletics department was insufficient in its discipline of Huguely, who was never suspended from class or removed from the team for his unacceptable behavior. Instead of referring the troubled young man to a treatment facility or counseling center for his substance abuse and aggressive behavioral management problems, he was left alone – unreported and undisciplined. Now, the countdown is on to see whether or not Love's mother will be successful in the claims she has brought against several of these different entities. In order to win her case, Love's mother will need to prove that the school's athletics department had a legal responsibility to ensure that its athletes were safe, and clearly her daughter was not.

In addition, Ms. Love will also need to prove that Huguely would have been unable – perhaps even unwilling – to murder her daughter if the proper actions had been taken to alleviate his personal issues prior to the tragic incident. Ms. Love's wrongful death suit against Huguely himself will likely be met with much success, but the claims she has brought against the state and the school will be somewhat more difficult to prove and, hence, win. However, that is not to say that the task is impossible. With the right legal professional by her side, Ms. Love may be met with success in every legal avenue that she has pursued.

A Raleigh personal injury lawyer at the Whitley Law Firm is on hand to assist in matters just like the one described above. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, our firm is filled with a team of professionals who are willing to go the distance to see your case through to the end. No one should wrongfully lose their life, and no family member should have to suffer such a loss. We are here to make sure that you are compensated after a traumatic event of this nature, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that you are provided with the finances you need to recover – emotionally, physically and financially – as much as possible.Contact a Raleigh wrongful death attorney at our firm to learn more.

False Sense of Comfort from NHTSA Reports of Record Low Highway Deaths

Whitley Law Firm — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:58:00 GMT

Looking at reports and accident statistics from the 2011 year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released information indicating that the number of highway deaths per mile declined last year. Reaching its lowest rate ever, that is since 1921 when the record keeping began, preliminary government data shows that per miles driven, last year's highway death toll was lower than ever.

In total, it is reported that 32,310 motor vehicle related deaths occurred in 2011. This number of traffic fatalities is down by 1.7 percent from the number reported for 2010, and it is lower than anything reported in the last 60 years. However, 30,000+ highway deaths is no small number and should not be dismissed simply because it is a drop from past numbers. In fact, the president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, J. Gillan, has cautioned against the complacency that could arise as a result of the new trend. Instead, she stressed that more than 32,000 people are being lost per year, and even warned against what might happen in a robust and fully functioning economy.

According to Gillan, highway deaths have increased in the past when the economy is doing well, a trend that we should be on the lookout for now. This may be because more driving and highway time occurs when the economy is not suffering financially. With more cars and people on the road, there is naturally more room for errors, negligence, and abuse. As such, there is more chance for accidents, injuries and fatalities. As this is true in every state to a varying degree, it will be important for victims in North Carolina to at once contact a Raleigh personal injury attorney for legal protection against the adversities that may be presented by insurance companies and the like.

At the Whitley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients seek compensation for the wrongful actions of another which may have led to injuries or fatality. This is particularly true when it comes to car accidents and cases of wrongful death. For both, we are prepared to take on the insurance company or liable party and help ensure that you are compensated appropriately. Under the direction of an associate from our firm, you can actively pursue your case in a way that will be most conducive to obtaining the money and means to recover that you not only need but deserve. We are dedicated to helping you regain a sound footing after being injured or losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident. To learn more, contact a Raleigh car accident lawyer at our office today.

Lexington Dentist Sued for Dropping Tool Down Patient's Throat

Whitley Law Firm — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Injury accidents come in all shapes and sizes, as evidenced by a recent lawsuit that was filed by a woman in Jessamine County whose dentist reportedly dropped a small screwdriver down her throat during a routine treatment procedure. The dental patient, L. David, a 71-year-old local resident, later ended up in Saint Joseph Hospital where she had to have the screwdriver removed from her digestive tract.

The lawsuit centers around the pain Ms. David was experiencing in her lower right quadrant, a pain that was due to the dental tool that had become wedged inside her. Upon entry into the hospital, surgery was performed immediately to remove the surgical tool from the patient's pelvic region, where its silhouette can still be seen in x-ray form. Reportedly, the road to recovery was long and difficult for Ms. David, who since decided to take legal action regarding the matter.

As depicted in the lawsuit, David's dentist was cleaning dental implants for the patient when he lost control of the instrument he was using. After dropping the tool in David's mouth, she reflexively – and uncontrollably – swallowed it. As accounts of the incident indicate, David's dentist instructed her to attempt to expel the tool, which she could still feel wedged in her throat; however, she was unable to make herself vomit in a way that would produce the desired results.

It has since come out that the dentist, Galbreath, did not take the proper measures to secure the screwdriver with dental floss – an action that could have prevented the incident altogether. Adding insult to injury, Galbreath advised his patient to have x-rays done at a local chiropractor's office instead of at a hospital where they should have been done. David was instructed by the dentist to eat a high fiber diet and watch for the screwdriver in her bowel movements. However, the tool did not organically move through her body and it took only a month before more serious medical attention was needed.

If you were injured at the hands of medical professional that behaved less than ethically in your treatment, then you are rightfully due compensation, especially if your treatment caused you injury or harm in any way. As was the case for Ms. David, serious injuries can result when medical and dental practitioners do not behave as expected. When this is the case, you will undoubtedly require the legal skills of a Raleigh personal injury lawyer who can help you recover from the damages you wrongfully incurred at the hands of a professional. We have been attending to personal injury cases of every degree for a number of years, and we are ready to make yours the next case that we represent. Do not hesitate to contact a Raleigh medical malpractice attorney at our office today to learn more about how we can be of service in your injury accident.

Oklahoma Proves that Workers' Comp Bills Are Ever Changing

Whitley Law Firm — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

In Oklahoma City, a bill was recently denied which would have allowed employers to opt out of workers' compensation in the state. However, when the bill was put to a vote, it failed to gain approval, narrowly escaping passage by a 50-42 vote. When brought before the state House for a vote, House Bill 2155 failed to win the support it needed to pass in the state of Oklahoma, despite having previously been approved by Oklahoma's Senate.

If passed, the bill would have allowed qualified employers to offer an alternative workers' compensation insurance plan, so long as the benefits offered to employees were similar, if not better, than the state's original plan. Much like the opt-out plan offered in Texas, the plan would allow for employers to leave behind the traditional method of workers' compensation provided to their employees. As with most legislative pieces, this too has been met with both support and opposition, with supporters touting the belief that it would give employers more flexibility and cost control and opponents worrying that it would provide insufficient benefits to injured workers.

What needs to be recognized as most significant is the fact that workers' compensation laws are constantly up for review and amendments in every state of the nation. As such, it is of the upmost importance that you seek a legal professional as you attempt to address a work related injury in any state. For residents of North Carolina, a Raleigh personal injury attorney from our firm can help you do exactly that. At the Whitley Law Firm, we are experienced in handling cases of this nature, and we are willing to put our skills and knowledge of the state's laws to work for you. Therefore, we encourage you to contact a Raleigh workers' compensation lawyer at our office today for the legal representation you need and deserve when attempting to recover from a work injury in North Carolina.

Drowning of Intoxicated Student Prompts Wrongful Death Suit

Whitley Law Firm — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:11:00 GMT

A drowning accident that happened last year in Boston has now become awrongful death lawsuit. After losing their son to a drowning accident that occurred at Skidmore College during a night of binge drinking, the parents of the Boston College honors student, A. Grant, are now taking legal action. In total, nine different Saratoga County men are being sued by the grieving parents who have cited their alleged illegal behavior in supplying / buying their underage son with the alcohol that ultimately led to his death.

The 19-year-old lost his life in March of 2011 when he was visiting a childhood friend, M. Perlow, at Skidmore College over Spring Break. Four of Perlow's dorm mates, as well as two others, have been accused of buying alcohol for a party that Grant and Perlow attended on March 5, 2011. An additional four have been named as defendants in the case filed by Grant's parents. According to reports, these young men were responsible for hosting a second party that Grant and his friend attended later that same night. At the heart of the suit is the fact that all nine defendants allegedly supplied both Grant and Perlow with alcohol despite their knowledge that the boys were underage.

As reports stand, Grant's death came after he left the party, overly intoxicated, at which point he was seen outside a Saratoga Springs train station by himself. He was later seen at a medical building on Care Lane, wearing only one sock, a t-shirt, and shorts. After about 35 minutes at the medical facility, Grant was seen exiting the center and was later found drowned in Putnam Creek, immersed in about four feet of water. Upon being found, police inspectors determined that the drown victim had a blood alcohol content level of .16. He also tested positive for low levels of marijuana. Grant's death was declared to be due to asphyxiation from drowning and contributing factors included probable hypothermia and intoxication.

The wrongful death suit filed by Grant's parents brings to light the fact that their son was placed in unnecessary and unsafe danger when he was given alcohol and left by himself, disoriented in a town with which he was unfamiliar. The result was a "tragic and horrifying death," as stated in the wording of the official legal documents filed against the nine defendants. The fatality accident in which Grant lost his life is not unlike many others that have come before it, and many more than will likely proceed it. If you have lost a loved one in an accident you too may be able to take legal action. With the help of a Raleigh personal injury attorney at the Whitley Law Firm, you can file a wrongful death suit and work to obtain compensation on behalf of the loved one who wrongfully lost their life.

At our office, we will go to bat on your behalf, vehemently working to ensure that you are paid the proper attention you deserve after being injured in any type of accident. The same is true for victims of fatality accidents. Don't wait to contact a Raleigh wrongful death lawyer at our office today to learn more about how we can be of service in your case.

Ironwood Nursing Home Taken Over by Relocation Team

Whitely Law Firm — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Friday, April 20, 2012 proved to be a fateful day for the Josephson Nursing Home in Ironwood, as it was systematically repossessed by the state. According to licensing officials presiding over the matter, the nursing home was in violation of a number of state-mandated requirements, including not being able to meet its payroll and lacking a licensed administrator. Perhaps most offensive, however, was the fact that the facility's patients were deemed to be in "immediate jeopardy." The state found 21 of the 24 elderly patients residing at the nursing home to be receiving inadequate care, despite being insured by Medicaid.

The state's Bureau Health System Division of Operations director has reported that a relocation team is currently on site and taking the appropriate actions to alleviate the situation in the best way possible. Residents and their families have been spoken to by the Division of Operations, and efforts are underway to provide the elderly individuals with the best accommodations available to suit their medical and health needs. Official reports indicate that the current nursing home staff has remained on site and continues to care for the residents of the facility.

As of now, no information has been released as to whether or not the Josephson nursing home will remain in use, nor have reports indicated where the residents will be relocated to. The most that is known is that actions are being taken to alleviate the problem in the best and quickest way possible. Nursing home abuse and negligence can take shape in many ways, as indicated above. It can happen at any time, anywhere in the U.S. If you have reason to suspect that your loved one is being mistreated or under-cared for within their North Carolina nursing home care facility then you should not wait to contact a Raleigh personal injury lawyer for help.

The problem of nursing home abuse is widespread, and it is has not escaped many of the facilities right here in North Carolina. This is fact that our firm has recognized, and as such, has taken measures to help prevent the problem from continuing. When you contact our office for guidance about your concerns, we will immediately set to work to unearth the heart of the problem and how it can most efficiently be alleviated. For a number of years we have been doing precisely that for residents and their loved ones throughout the state; we are prepared to do the same for you. Therefore, we encourage you to contact a Raleigh nursing home abuse attorney at our office today for the steadfast help you and your loved one deserve.

Distracted Driving: How Aware Are You?

Whitely Law Firm — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:22:00 GMT

As April comes to a close, so too does the month dedicated to distracted driving awareness. Across the nation, every state dedicates the entire month of April to focusing on the various distractions that have left too many drivers the victims of brutal car accidents, both injurious and fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving generated more than 3,000 fatality crashes in 2010 alone. In an attempt to curtail this problem, the U.S. Department of Transportation is now forging an effort to stop some of the most blatant abusers of distracted driving, particularly those who are guilty of texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

States across the country have been encouraged to adopt stringent laws on cell phone use and driving behaviors, and many have even launched their own campaigns to raise public awareness about the increasingly problematic issue. Distracted driving takes shape in many ways, none which should be overlooked when taking measures to practice safe driving habits. Included in the most frequently abused forms of distracted driving behaviors are:

Talking / texting while driving
Eating while driving
Adjusting / changing music stations while driving
Tampering with a navigational device while driving
Talking with a passenger while driving
Reading a map while driving

Distractions can take shape in many ways, all of which could be potentially dangerous to another car and driver on the road. If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver in North Carolina then you should not hesitate to contact a Raleigh personal injury attorney for legal representation. As the victim of a car accident / motorcycle accident / truck accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you are entitled to compensation and we are here to help make sure that you are compensated as you deserve to be. Contact a Raleigh car accident lawyer from our firm today to learn more.

Cause Determined in Fatal 2011 Plane Crash

Whitley Law Firm — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:29:00 GMT

The cause of a plane crash that took place a year ago from January in South Carolina has been determined, according to a federal investigation conducted regarding the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the accident was caused due to the disorientation of the pilot. The flight was en route from Massachusetts to South Carolina at the time of the collision. The investigators also concluded that there were no problems with the plane or the engine during the flight. Just before the collision took place, reports show that the pilot had radioed to the airport tower that he was "a little bit out of whack" and that he was "trying to straighten it out," according to sources. The report showed that the plane had actually turned a full 150 degrees to the right before radar was entirely lost and the aviation accident occurred. When the plane crashed, it hit a tree, pickup truck, and a travel trailer in the RV park in North Myrtle Beach. The pilot was killed and another bystander of the ground was fatally injured as well. This accident marked the second death of a bystander of the ground due to an aviation accident.

If you or someone you love has been injured, whether seriously or fatally, due to the actions of another person, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation. Suffering injuries due to the negligence of another person, such as a pilot or a driver on the road, is devastating. Our law firm strongly believes that you are entitled to financial compensation if you have suffered these types of injuries. A North Carolina personal injury attorney from our law firm will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure that you see the compensation that you deserve and that you truly need to recover from the injuries you have sustained. We have over 30 years of experience and are ready to take your case today! Contact a North Carolina injury lawyer from the firm for more information.

Several States Amending Workers' Comp Bills

Whitley Law Firm — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:00:00 GMT

The governor of Maine signed into action three bills on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, simplifying the state's workers' compensation law. Specifically, the bills take into account the ambiguity that has factored into many previous workers' comp cases in the state, and has added amendments to hopefully prevent this in the future. The third bill passed by the governor standardizes definitions in order to reduce any confusion about who is or is not eligible for workers' comp under the law.

In Virginia, governor McDonnell has also recently reworked state legislation regarding a controversial loophole in the state's workers' comp laws. The governor's decision reportedly defies an earlier ruling passed by the General Assembly which was designed to benefit workers suffering from injuries that prevent them from accurately testifying about their accidents. In particular, the initial law was meant to protect brain injury victims; however, the governor's new legislation does not take the same stance on "unable to recall" and "unable to testify" legislation. The protections awarded to victims who are unable to recall the events of an accident have been the source of much controversy in the state, and it seems that the indecision is not yet over.

Mississippi senators are also contemplating change to their workers' comp bill, which has reportedly been under a lot of controversy as of late. Supporters of the bill staunchly stick to their opinion that the new legislation effectively removes an existing bias towards workers. Opponents, on the other hand, vehemently claim that the changes will make it more difficult for workers to receive compensation after being injured in a work-related accident. Only time will tell what the outcome of the decision will be, and until the decision is made workers and employers alike will be waiting with baited breath.

If you were injured on the job then you will likely benefit from filing a workers' compensation claim. As you can see, matters involving workers' comp are often hotly contested; very often, they are the source of much consternation. Therefore, as you proceed through the process of filing a claim, you should have a Raleigh personal injury attorney on your side helping you along the way. At Whitley Law Firm we have dedicated a large part of our personal injury services specifically to the rights and needs of employees that were injured on the job. We know what it takes to successfully file a claim in a way that will be most effective for your specific situation. Therefore, we encourage you to contact a Raleigh workers' compensation lawyer from our firm today to learn more about how we can be of service after your work-related accident.

Toddler Drowns in Baptismal Pool: Parents Claim Wrongful Death

Whitley Law Firm — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:04:00 GMT

It was less than two months ago that one-year-old J. Cardenas lost his life in a drowning accident at his daycare (located at the Praise Fellowship Assembly of God church) in Northside Indianapolis. According to reports from local news channels in the area, the toddler was under the care of negligent supervisors who let Cardenas wander off by himself, during which time he fell into an un-gated, unguarded pool; unable to swim, the toddler lost his life. The incident occurred during lunch time when Cardenas walked out of the lunchroom unnoticed by those who were meant to be catering to the children on site. Shortly upon noticing his missing presence, the boy was found floating face-down in the pool. He was transported to St. Vincent Hospital and later pronounced dead.

Closer inspection into the tragedy has brought to light other shortcomings of the daycare facility. More than a dozen times in the past, the daycare has been cited for less serious violations – but violations, nonetheless. In particular, the Indiana Social Services Administration found deficiencies in the documentation of training precautions administered to employees at the facility. Marion County Prosecutor T. Curry decided not to file charges against the church, claiming no evidence of wrongdoing. Deputy Prosecutor D. Robinson has also gone on record saying that "nobody knowingly or willingly did anything neglectful." However, the child's death begs to differ.

Acts of negligence are often the cause of serious injury and fatality accidents, as evidenced by the drowning of J. Cardenas on February 22^nd of this year. However, these are also actions that are considerably arguable, requiring the skillful representation of a legal professional such as a Raleigh personal injury attorney. At the Whitley Law Firm, you will be paired with a skillful personal injury lawyer that has been in the business long enough to know how to effectively address all types of accidents and injuries, from the most minor to the most serious. It is our mission to ensure that your rights are upheld and your needs are taken care of after being wrongfully injured in any type of accident, particularly those that may have been caused by negligent inactions. To learn more, we encourage you to contact a Raleigh personal injury lawyer from our firm today.

Recent Study Brings Gas Pedal Accidents to Light

Whitley Law Firm — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMT

A recent report by the Associated Press declared that women are more likely to be involved in car accidents caused by issues with the gas pedal than men, based on 2,400 gas pedal-related accidents in North Carolina. These accidents, according to a study conducted by the Highway Safety Research Center at the University of North Carolina (under contract for NHTSA) and TransAnalytics LLC, include incidents in which a driver accidently hit the gas instead of the brake. The results of the study concluded that these types of collisions are more likely to involve female drivers in parking lots. It showed that nearly two-thirds of these types of collisions were caused by female drivers. When a review of all accidents and traffic collisions takes place, however, the opposite is true – approximately 60 percent of drivers involved in collisions are male (NHTSA).

While a majority of these accidents occurred in areas such as a parking lot, parking garage or in a driveway, researchers believe that drivers who accidently press the wrong pedal while driving on the road have more time to recover from the incident and may therefore avoid an accident altogether. The study continued to report that accidents involving the accidental acceleration of the gas pedal instead of the brake occur more commonly in age groups over 76 and under 20. What does this mean to the researchers? They believe that there are several different reasons that these trends are surfacing, one of which includes the area of the brain that processes tasks such as driving is not as sharp in teen drivers and the elderly. The area of the brain that deals with driving is one of the last to develop and may not reach full maturity before a teen begins driving, says the study. Adversely, many elderly performed poorly on tests involving the functionality of this area of the brain as well. Researchers believe that this may be a main cause of these types of accidents.

Being injured in a car accident can be a devastating moment for a person, even if the accident only leads to minor property damage. If you have been involved in an accident, whether it was due to accidental acceleration by another party, it is very important that you speak with a skilled Raleigh personal injury attorney right away. At the Whitley Law Firm, our legal team has over 30 years of experience in handling all types of auto accident and traffic collision claims. We can review your case and determine if another driver's negligent actions led to your injuries. Our law firm will fight to pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Contact a Raleigh injury lawyer at the firm right away to obtain a consultation of your personal injury case.