A tragic turn of events has left a young teenager girl not only missing a leg, but not even aware that it is gone at all.

The young girl, Gabby DeSouza, was involved in a boating accident that caused doctors to conduct an emergency amputation of her leg. She was attempting to climb onto a boat when the propeller almost severed her leg off completely. Unfortunately DeSouza has been in a coma ever since the accident and doesn't yet know that the portion of her leg below the knee is now gone.

Family members like uncle John Whalen are concerned about her reaction when she regains consciousness completely, stating "We don't know how she's going to respond."  DeSouza, a student at the Palm Beach Gardens High School, is set to undergo additional surgeries later this week. She is still using a ventilator and is heavily sedated at this time.

Although the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office is still investigating the case, there have been no charges made as of yet.

If you suffered injuries during a boating accident, contact our law office to discuss your case with a Raleigh personal injury attorney!

Read Story:  http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Teen-in-Boating-Accident-Doesnt-Know-Leg-is-Gone-115751344.html

The city of Royal Oak, Michigan has agreed to a settlement of $49,000 for a slip and fall accident.

In the suit filed by 79-year-old Margaret Malinasky, the elderly woman stated that she tripped on a residential sidewalk while carrying her young granddaughter. While the terms of the agreement do not require the city to admit fault, it asks that "to preserve good will,  avoid continued litigation and make financial compromise," the city should pay the full amount.

As a result of her slip and fall accident Malinasky suffered two broken toes and displaced four others. She tripped over a raised portion of the sidewalk that the city was negligent in maintaining.  Malinasky was also toting her infant granddaughter when she fell to the ground.

In their defense the city attempted to claim governmental immunity.  However a case panel that had initially reviewed Malinasky's case awarded her $83,000.

Were you hurt during a slip and fall accident?  If so, contact us to get help from a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/02/royal_oak_pays_out_49000_to_wo.html

A deadly accident that happened early Friday morning is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The single car accident happened was reported around 7:11 a.m. on U.S. Highway 29 North. Officers responded to the deadly accident shortly after, encountering a truck that had flipped over in front of a home. The home is located near Union Grove Church just northwest of Belton. At this time the Anderson County Coroner's Office isn't releasing the names or the number of victims of this car accident.

Have you recently been injured in a car accident?  Don't spend another day worrying about the mounting medical bills and time lost from work when a Raleigh personal injury lawyer can help you.  To learn more about how an attorney can offer you assistance during this difficult time, contact the Whitley Law Firm today!  We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and will take the time to evaluate your auto accident case.

Read Story:  http://www2.wspa.com/m/news/2011/feb/11/4/deadly-accident-friday-morning-anderson-county-ar-1451713/

Recently, paramedics from Carson City were asked to respond to a traffic accident that involved a motorcycle as well as a jeep.  The motorcycle accident allegedly took place at East Nye and Carson streets.

According to reports, a Care Flight air ambulance was sent to meet paramedics at the Carson City Airport.  This information was obtained from traffic scanner reports.

The motorcycle accident was reported to law enforcement at approximately 2:00 PM and led to the eastbound lane of the road being blocked.

Reports indicate that the writer of the motorcycle was conscious and alert but remained on the ground well after paramedics arrived. It remains unknown whether or not the driver of the Jeep suffered any injuries.

Were you injured during a traumatic motorcycle accident?  Contact us to get advice and representation from a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.  By working with an attorney, you may be able to obtain monetary damages for your injuries, pain and suffering.  

Read Story:  http://carsonnow.org/story/02/05/2011/motorcycle-accident-carson-city-prompts-care-flight-response

Recently, a man who was disqualified from driving was placed under arrest after he was connected to a hit-and-run accident that killed a horse as well as injured two of the horse's riders.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 46-year-old Timothy George was placed under arrest for the accident that took place in northwest Gaston County.  Now, he is facing two felony counts of hit and run and a charge for driving while his license was suspended.

Police say that the auto accident took place at 1:45 AM on Sunday.  At that time, 24-year-old James Cody Burke and 22-year-old Carlee Jones were riding their 10 year old horse.  They were on their way home and had stopped to speak with a friend when they were struck by George who was operating a Ford Mustang.

The car hit and killed the horse and knocked Burke and Jones from their mount.  Both suffered serious head injuries and were taken to Cleveland Regional Medical Center.

If you were hurt during a serious auto accident, contact the Whitley Law Firm to get help from a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/02/022.shtml

This week, a man as well as his grown daughter were seriously injured after they were hit by a motor vehicle in Beaver County.  The car accident took place on Monday evening at approximately 7:30 PM.

Reports indicate that the collision took place at Third Avenue and 11^th Street right in front of the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe.  Police say that the woman had to be taken to Heritage Valley Medical Center for treatment of her serious injuries.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the auto accident.

Owner of the FM Bistro and Deli, Mike McKinney, had been driving a U-Haul north on Third Avenue when he stopped his motor vehicle to let a woman cross the street. He watched a small red Nissan truck headed in the opposite direction strike to individuals, carrying a man on the hood of the vehicle for some distance.

He ran to the woman's side and she was allegedly screaming, "Where's my dad?"  McKinney was taken in by police for questioning.

If you were involved in a serious car accident, contact us to get help from a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11039/1123803-57.stm

The bus driver that caused a pedestrian accident last week in southwest Atlanta has been formally charged by Atlanta police.

Jean Lewis, 57, was driving a Cobb Community Transit bus when she failed to yield to a pedestrian near the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station. The victim, 55-year-old Ruby Rhodes, had just stepped onto the crosswalk when Lewis pulled out with the green light to turn. Gloria Evans, a witness to the accident, rushed over to stay with Rhodes until emergency personnel arrived. Evans said that Rhodes was "laying on the ground, and I came to help out...I was holding her, saying a prayer to ease the pain."

While Lewis did not lose her life doctors did amputate her right leg above the knee; her left ankle was also broken in the accident.

Were you involved in a pedestrian accident that caused you to suffer painful injuries?  If so, contact the Whitley Law Firm and set up a time to speak with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www.wsbtv.com/news/26653563/detail.html

Dog bites are no joke - they affect as many as 4.7 million people in the US every year. According to a survey done by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, two percent of the population receives a dog bite every year.

Of these bites 800,000 will require medical attention; that amounts to one out of every six bites. Around the country hospital emergency departments will receive 1,008 bite victims daily, 368,000 annually.

Over the past sixteen years the number of people being hospitalized due to their bites increased dramatically, 86 percent, from 1993 to 2008. Each patient could expect to pay an average of $18,200 for their bite-related visit.

The old running joke about postal carriers is no joke as they receive an average of 2,581 bites per year.

Were you attacked by a dog?  If so, contact us to get counsel from a Raleigh personal injury attorney today.

Have you recently been involved in a slip and fall accident? If so, you are not alone. Read these alarming statistics to learn more about your situation.

Slip and falls are the second leading cause of injuries across the United States; they are also second for Workers Compensation and Liability Claims. However, in hotels, homes, restaurants and public buildings, slip and falls are the number one cause of accidents. Of these accidents 70 percent occur on level and flat surfaces.

On a daily basis slip and fall accidents average around 25,000 incidents. Of those that occur at home, most of them happen in the bathroom. All of these accidents account for 95,000,000 days lost from work.

For adults over the age of 65, slip and falls are the cause of ⅔ of all accidents in this age range. Even more disturbing is that every 35 minutes an adult dies as a result of slip and falls.

If you have been injured during a slip and fall accident in North Carolina, get legal representation by contacting our law office to work with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, there are several things you should do following the incident:

Seek medical treatment.  Even if you think that the dog bite is minor, it is important to get examined by a medical professional who can detect puncture wounds, broken bones as well as nerve damage.

Contact police.  After you have alerted authorities make sure that you get a detailed copy of the police report. Officers may also decide to alert animal control.

Identify the dog.  Try to remember if you have seen the dog in your neighborhood before and what the dog looked like.  Also note if the dog belonged to your neighbor and how it came into contact with you.  If you locate the dog's owner, be sure to take down his/her name, phone number and address.

Identify witnesses.  If anyone saw the dog bite or attack, make sure that you take down their names, numbers and addresses.  Should you decide to take legal action in the future, calling upon witnesses will be helpful to your case.

Contact a lawyer.  You can protect your rights and become informed of your legal options when you take the time to contact an attorney that handles dog bite cases in your area.

If you are a Raleigh dog bite victim, contact our legal team to consult with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

In Cleveland, South Carolina, it has been reported that a man who died during a collision was a male in his 30s. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, officers arrested 33-year-old Billy Hannah following the auto accident. Officers say that Hannah was driving his SUV north on River Road on Sunday at approximately 4:30 PM when his vehicle left the road and plunged into a nearby ravine.

Hannah's passenger was killed as a result of the auto accident, but they have not been able to reach his family.

Hannah received medical treatment and was later released from the hospital. Police say he has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death as well as leaving the scene of an accident with death.  At this time, he is being held at the Greenville County Detention Center.

If you've been injured during a drunk driving accident, contact the Whitley Law Firm to discuss your accident related injuries with an understanding Raleigh personal injury lawyer. 

Read Story:  http://www2.wspa.com/news/2011/jan/24/2/one-dead-greenville-county-wreck-ar-1376233/

On Wednesday, news sources confirmed that Elite South African cyclist Carla Swart had died during a bicycle accident.  At the time of the accident, she had been involved in a time-trial training session.

The 23-year-old biker was hit by a truck on Wednesday during morning hours on the road to Marquard said the CSA on its website. 

The manager of the CSA, Barry Austin, witnessed the accident and said that Swart had lost control of her cycling computer and while trying to retrieve it she turned around directly in front of an oncoming truck. Unfortunately, she died while being transported to a local hospital.

Austin said, "I could see how the driver pushed as hard as he could on his brakes."  He went on to say that the driver of the truck tried to swerve to avoid hitting Swart, but it was too late.

Swart and her family moved to Georgia, but she continued to represent South Africa at an international level. In 2006, she attended Lees-McRae College in North Carolina after receiving a scholarship for athletics and cycling.

Have you been injured during a bicycle accident?  If so, contact our law office to discuss your case with a Raleigh personal injury attorney.

Read Story:  http://www.mg.co.za/article/2011-01-19-top-sa-cyclist-carla-swart-dies-in-road-accident

In Virginia, news sources say that snow was not the only thing that caused a rough commute in the area as a thick layer of fog hovered over Interstate 77.  Due to the heavy layer of fog, many drivers found it impossible to see the road while operating their vehicles.

All drivers were warned about the dangerous weather conditions around Fancy Gap and down by the Virginia/North Carolina state lines.  Unfortunately, warnings proved to be true as several accidents occurred.

Off of the major highway, one plow truck driver found himself in bad shape while battling his truck's brakes.  He was dispatched to clear roads by VDOT, but plummeted into a Pantry convenience store.  The truck accident was unfortunate as the driver recently had repair work on his vehicle.

He told police that he got to the top of Kelly Road when he suddenly lost control of his brakes and his vehicle traveled 30 mph down the hill.  There were people inside of the store at the time of the collision, but thankfully, no one was injured.

Involved in a trucking accident? Contact our legal team to get assistance from a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/jan/11/2/plow-truck-crash-freezing-fog-fancy-gap-mountain-ar-767819/

In Indian Trail, it has been reported by the North Carolina Highway Patrol that a seven-year-old was critically injured during a sledding/car accident on Monday.

According to investigators, the child was sledding down a hill off of Brandon Oaks Parkway in Indian Trail.  Her sled traveled into a roadway and she was struck by an oncoming van.

Police later identified the girl as Sarah King.  She was immediately rushed to Carolinas Medical Center and was later listed in stable but critical condition.

Police say that the driver of the vehicle had tried to avoid hitting King, but was unable to prevent to auto accident.  No charges will be filed against the driver.

Were you or someone you love injured during a major auto accident?  If so, contact us to work with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.  By hiring an attorney, you may be able to obtain monetary damages for your injuries, property damage, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Read Story: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/01/11/1971952/7-year-old-hit-by-van-while-sledding.html#ixzz1B8SGCNnh

In New York, it has been reported that researchers from the United States have developed an extensive questionnaire that will help soldiers who are serving in war learn if they need to be treated for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

According to Wayne Gordon of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, the questionnaire was used as a screening tool for soldiers returning from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who participated in the Sixth Annual Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute which was held in Orlando, Florida.

The newly developed Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire includes questions on whether a blow to the head was incurred that cause unconsciousness, confusion or disorientation.  Other questions are related to sleep disturbances, memory disturbances and difficulty concentrating.  After answering the questions included in the questionnaire the participants receive a computer generated report.  Those who are determined to be at risk for TBI are told to seek further evaluation from a qualified physician which can deter further complications associated with brain injuries.

If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI, now is the time to contact our legal team to discuss your situation with an understanding Raleigh personal injury attorney.

Read Story:  http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/01/08/Screening-for-traumatic-brain-injury/UPI-28531294522341/

Statistics from Burke County, North Carolina were released earlier this week related to motor vehicle accidents for 2010.  According to the statistics:

Burke County had fewer traffic fatalities and injuries this past year.

In 2010, law enforcement officers responded to 7 fatal traffic accidents.  In 2009, they had responded to 10 fatal traffic accidents.

432 traffic accident related injuries were reported in 2010.  In 2009, the number was slightly higher with 473 traffic accident related injuries. 

Officers in the area are not sure why both figures fell, but they have reason to believe that increased police visibility and new efforts to keep motorists informed about safety laws and traffic operations may have contributed to the decrease.

Were you involved in a serious auto accident that led to you suffering injuries, property damage or emotional trauma in Raleigh?  If so,contact the Whitley Law Firm to consult with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer immediately.

Read Story:  http://www2.morganton.com/news/2011/jan/07/highway-patrol-more-accidents-2010-fewer-fatalitie-ar-674593/

A recent collision involving a pickup truck and a school bus led to one fatality and sent two victims to area hospitals this Thursday. New sources say the serious truck accident occurred in close proximity to High Falls, which is in Moore County.

Two brothers, 31-year-old Danny Ray Greene and 39-year-old Dona Greene, had been driving along NC 22 and a Nissan pickup truck when they collided with a school bus.  The North Carolina State Highway Patrol says that the collision occurred as the school bus was turning into High Falls Elementary School after making its daily afternoon commute.

Danny Greene was killed during the collision and Donald Greene was flown to a local hospital via a medical helicopter.  The extent of Donald's injuries was not immediately known.

David Shelton, the driver of the school bus, was the only person aboard the vehicle at the time of the accident.  He suffered undisclosed injuries and was transported to an area hospital where he received treatment and was later released.

If you were injured during a truck accident, don't wait tocontact our law firm to receive advice from a Raleigh personal injury attorney. 

Read Story:  http://www.justicenewsflash.com/2011/01/09/school-bus-crashes-into-pickup-truck-near-high-falls-nc-1-dead_201101096648.html

In Connecticut, it has been reported that an area of Route 63 had to be closed on Thursday morning after a teenage driver struck a woman who was unloading cars from a transport truck.  Police say that the accident occurred outside of J&M Autobody. 

Following the pedestrian accident, the woman had to be transported to an area hospital because she suffered serious leg injuries. Officers say she was listed in critical condition, but the teenage driver received medical treatment at the scene of the accident.  Police have reason to believe that somewhere may have contributed to the crash.

Lt. Harrison told reporters, "We've had sun glare issues here in the past, this is a major thoroughfare, lots of cars pass through here without any problem. We're going to have to look at all the evidence to see if there are any other factors."

The driver was later identified as Ronald Jennings and the injured pedestrian was identified as Sarifa Sara-Sanchez.  At this time, no charges have been filed against 16-year-old Jennings.

Have you been injured during a pedestrian accident?  Contact the Whitley Law Firm to set up a consultation with a Raleigh personal injury attorney.

Read Story:  http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/traffic/pedestrian-accident-closes-route-63

In the state of North Carolina, there was snowfall in 100 counties ranging from 1 to 18 inches on Christmas Day.  Unfortunately, due to the weather conditions there were four car accidents over the holiday weekend. 

One accident involved a 24-year-old by the name of Hannah Ruth Floyd.  She was riding as a passenger in a car that was involved in a collision on Interstate 85 on December 26, 2010.  The vehicle hit a utility pole and investigators believe that alcohol and the dangerous weather conditions contributed to the accident that led to Hannah's death.

During that same collision, the driver of the car and another passenger suffered injuries.

Police report that another accident killed a seven-year-old pedestrian on December 26^th at 7:00 PM.  Officers believe that the temperature drop and ice on the roads may have contributed to that collision as well.

If you were injured during an auto accident over the holidays, contact our law office to discuss your injuries and case with a Raleigh personal injury attorney.

Read Story:  http://greensboro.injuryboard.com/automobile-accidents/nc-winterweather-related-accidents-deaths.aspx?googleid=287134

When people are in the midst of filing a wrongful death claim, one of the questions that they usually have on their minds is "how much money can we receive for our loss?"

Figuring out the amount of compensation that can be awarded for a wrongful death lawsuit is not an exact science. However, in some cases, family members that win or settle their cases will get paid for their lost family member's medical bills and funeral expenses.

Family members may also be given compensation for their lost loved one's potential earned income, loss of companionship and pain and suffering. 

If you are thinking about filing a wrongful death claim, it is important that you consult with a Raleigh personal injury attorney that can review your case and advise you of possible legal options.  A lawyer can also determine how much your case might be worth.  To learn more, contact the Whitley Law Firm now!

In North Carolina, it has been reported that three children survived a serious auto accident on Palmer Road.  During the collision, which took place Tuesday afternoon, the mother of the children died. 

Police say that the accident took place less than a mile west of Parks Road at 3:45 PM. At the time of the accident, North Carolina Highway Patrol officers say the vehicle had been carrying four people including a 36-year-old mother and her children ages 15, 14 and 7.  The car had been traveling west on Palmer Road as a large tractor was heading east and crossed the center line.  The two vehicles hit each other head-on.

Police believe that the mother died during the collision. Her children were taken to a local hospital to receive medical treatment and the extent of their injuries was not reported. Officers say the person operating the tractor was not injured.

Have you been injured during an auto accident?  If so, contact the Whitley Law Firm to seek assistance from a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www.wxii12.com/r/26306054/detail.html

In the city of Bacliff, sources say that five-year-old boy was playing with one of his neighbors dogs when he had a finger bitten off during afternoon hours on Monday. The first responders to the medical emergency found the severed finger and the boy had to be taken to a local hospital by air ambulance. At the hospital, doctors worked to reattach the amputated appendage.

It is said that the dog bite incident occurred at 5:20 PM.  The boy had allegedly been playing with a canine that is believed to be a Labrador when the dog bit off the boy's right hand ring finger.  Later, the missing finger was found and placed on ice as the boy was taken to a hospital in Houston. The dog was then seized by Galveston County Animal Control.

Despite the highly traumatic event new sources that the boy remained quite calm.  The case remains under investigation and police have not issued any citations or charges.

If you have been the victim of a serious dog bite, contact our law firm to get help today from a Raleigh personal injury attorney.

Read Story:  http://galvestondailynews.com/story/199438

News sources have reported that the mother of a man who died of drug overdose is now suing Lake County Coroner Richard Keller.  The Coroner is a former methadone clinic director who treated the woman's son for addiction.

This month, Jill Vaugh filed her wrongful death claim against Keller and Green Dragonfly clinic.  In her claim, she said she was seeking an unspecified amount of damages for the death of her son due to alleged negligence.

On December 3, 2008, 30-year-old Steven died after he was prescribed methadone during his second day of treatment at the clinic. In August 2009, the clinic closed after state and federal inspections disclosed numerous violations.

Keller stands accused of improperly prescribing methadone to Vaugn and failing to order proper tests.  It is also asserted that Keller failed to fully evaluate Vaughn and record his medical history.

Jill Vaugn told reporters, "I think the way they handled everything was irresponsible."  Vaughn had discovered her son's body after she returned home from work.

If you are planning to file a wrongful death claim, it is important that you hire a Raleigh personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.  Contact our law firm today!

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, it has been reported that a trooper from the North Carolina Highway Patrol had to be transported to a nearby hospital after sustaining injuries during an auto accident.

The sources say that the collision occurred on Interstate 40 westbound at around 8:30 AM. Following the accident, an alert from the North Carolina Department of Transportation stated that two of the three lanes on the interstate were closed.

According to Trooper Kevin Hennelly, Trooper Brett Daniels had been investigating an accident on I-40 when a SUV hit the back of his patrol vehicle. The driver of the SUV was traveling in the far left lane when she hit a patch of black ice unexpectedly. Her car slid a distance and then collided with the trooper's patrol car.

Officers say that Trooper Brett Daniels was partially in his car when the crash took place and he was later transported to the hospital after suffering nonlife threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

Were you injured in and I'll accident?  If so, contact our law firm today to schedule an initial consultation with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer.

Read Story:  http://www.digtriad.com/news/most_popular/article.aspx?storyid=151850&provider=top

This week in Virginia, the sources confirmed that one person died after a truck accident occurred in Pittsylvania County during the evening hours on Monday night.

Law enforcement officers reported that 17-year-old Abria Stone died after a tractor-trailer hit the broken down car that she was in.  The truck accident took place on Route 29 at 11:30 PM on Monday.

Police say that after colliding with the vehicle Stone was in, the tractor trailer overturned and the driver, 63-year-old Harold Tuttle, remained trapped inside of the vehicle.  He was later rescued him airlifted to Duke Medical Center. 

Two other individuals in the broken down car also suffered injuries in the crash remains under investigation by local authorities.

Have you sustained injuries during a serious trucking accident?  If so, do not hesitate to contact the Whitley Law Firm to receive advice and guidance from a Raleigh personal injury attorney who is empathetic toward your case.

Read Story:  http://www.wset.com/Global/story.asp?S=13674162