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by gma | February 22nd, 2012
February 22, 2012
New legislation in Virginia could soon change workers’ compensation laws for shipyard employees in the state. According to reports from The Virginian-Pilot, a bill that has already gained House approval and will soon go before the Senate could cut workers’ compensation for shipyard workers who suffer serious injuries, such as severed hands, arms, feet, or legs.
These shipyard employees are the only people in Virginia who receive workers’ compensation coverage from both state and federal programs. Those in favor of the legislation say that the federal program offers ample coverage to injury victims. Opponents of HB 153 feel that the program will drastically cut benefits that are paid to workers who suffer permanent injuries or death.
Currently, injured shipyard workers are covered under both state and federal workers’ compensation programs. While there are laws against “double dipping,” an injury victim can choose which program they would like to receive benefits from.
For instance, if a worker is killed on the job, the state program offers the victim’s family $10,000 for the funeral and a $1,000 transportation benefit. Meanwhile, the federal program only offers the victim’s family $3,000.
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Geoff McDonald and Associates specifically focus on helping those who have been injured in on-the-job accidents. If you have been hurt at work in an accident, call us at (804) 888-8888 or visit us on the web for a free consultation of your case.
by gma | January 11th, 2012
January 11, 2012
A local Virginia company is in hot water due to generators that were improperly installed at area homes and businesses. According to WRIC 8 News, state and local authorities are now investigating the company because of the risk of electrocution and explosion the faulty installations pose.
It all started after one homeowner purchased the $7,000 generator following Hurricane Irene, but it wasn’t until recently that the problems were discovered. County inspectors found two pages worth of code violations surrounding the installation of the generator. Some of those issues include:
- The unit was installed too close to a shed, causing a fire hazard.
- The piping entering the home from the unit was too small.
- The area where the piping enters the home was not properly sealed.
The Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection (CCDBI) stated that the company has failed to obtain proper permits to install the generators on at least five occasions. A spokesman for the department added that infractions like these put the generators’ users at great safety risks. The CCDBI has since taken action against the company by submitting a court injunction Friday that will require the business to temporarily shut down.
The Virginia defective product attorneys with Geoff McDonald and Associates often help the victims of defective product injuries receive the compensation they need to pay for their losses and medical bills. If you have been injured because of negligent design or installation of a product, call us today to discuss your case.
by gma | December 14th, 2011
December 14, 2011
According to WVEC News, A Newport,Virginia, hospital is battling the problem of surgeons leaving gauze in patients by utilizing a new machine, called RF Assure detection system, that can sense the foreign objects in the body before a doctor closes up a patient.
Makers of the machine say that it uses radio frequencies to scan the body for foreign objects, such as gauze pads, that could create a severe infection inside a patient if not removed at a surgery’s completion. Officials at Riverside say they received the machine for free, but have to pay roughly $60,000 per year for supplies for the machine. They say this is a small price to pay to prevent a multi-million dollar lawsuit that could be caused by a mistake.
It is estimated that roughly 1,500 patients per year have a foreign object left behind in their body after surgery. Studies show that the problem occurs most frequently during cesarean sections. Complications can include infection and possible erosion of the bowel.
Doctors at Riverside say that despite using the machine regularly, the staff still counts all the medical supplies before and after surgery to ensure nothing is missing.
The Virginia Medical Malpractice Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates are glad to see hospitals in the area using state-of-the-art technology to prevent patient injuries during and post surgery. If you have been injured due to a doctor’s negligence, contact an attorney today for a free initial consultation.
by gma | September 7th, 2011
September 7, 2011
A crash early Wednesday morning in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, involving a van and a tour bus sent 13 people to the hospital. CBS 6 News reports the accident occurred on Interstate 85 near mile marker 61 just after 8:20 AM.
Authorities with the Virginia State Police say the incident occurred when a van speeding down the left northbound lane attempted to weave through traffic and hit the greyhound bus carrying 35 passengers. The driver of the van suffered minor injuries, along with nine other passengers. The driver was later charged with reckless driving. Three passengers aboard the bus were also taken to Southside Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
Officials determined speed and wet roadways were to blame for the crash.
Virginia State Troopers responded to 56 crashes on Tuesday, prompting them to ask drivers to slow down and issue a list of several tips to help drivers travel safer:
- Leave Earlier – to allow extra travel time
- Buckle Up and Slow Down
- Increase Following Distance – behind other cars
- Turn on your Headlights – to increase visibility for you and other drivers
The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates say after a crash, get the care you need, but then contact a lawyer. Their team of attorneys is experienced in managing cases against insurance companies, allowing you to focus on moving forward. Fill out a free online case evaluation form to get in touch with them today.
by gma | August 24th, 2011
August 24, 2011
In the wake of the earthquake that rattled Virginia this week and Hurricane Irene setting her eye on the coastline, many area residents are rethinking their home emergency kits and evacuation plans. Taking some simple precautions before a catastrophe occurs could save you headaches and injuries in the long run.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) offers this list of items to be kept in a box in cool dry area of your home in the case of an emergency:
Food & Water (enough for 3-7 days)
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices
- Foods for infants or the elderly
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools and Fuel
Other Supplies
- Blankets and Pillows
- Tarp- multi-use
- Clothing-Including raingear and sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit/ Medications
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Radio- battery operated with spare batteries
- Telephones- Fully charged with a spare battery
- Cash
Important Documents (in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag)
- Insurance Cards
- Medical records
- Bank account numbers
- Social Security card
Pet Care Items
- Proper identification
- Immunization records
- Medications
- Ample supply of food and water
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
The Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates say the safest thing to do in bad weather is to just stay home and off the road. Their team of lawyers hopes that everyone makes it through the inclement weather okay in coming days.
by gma | August 11th, 2011
August 10, 2011
In association with the National Sleep Foundation‘s declaration of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week this week, Virginia State Police have released new findings regarding the importance of getting enough rest for safe driving. A CBS 6 News report stated that a total of 29 individuals died last year as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
Statistics also that, in 2010, 3,000 accidents occurred due to drivers dozing at the wheel. In the past two months alone, authorities say a total of seven people have died in three crashes associated with driver fatigue.
State Police offered several tips to keep drivers safe:
- Get a full night’s sleep before traveling.
- If possible, do not travel alone.
- Take frequent breaks by stopping at a rest area, gas station, or restaurant.
- Anticipate needed breaks.
- If you are taking any medication, check whether it causes drowsiness.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Call your friends or family during your stops to let them know you stopped to rest.
By following these tips, as well as always wearing your safety belt, you can greatly improve your chances of avoiding injuries in a car crash.
If you’re injured in a car accident because of a drowsy driver, the Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates may be able to assist you with collecting compensation to cover your expenses. Contact them now for a free consultation of your case.
by gma | January 6th, 2011
January 6, 2010
One of the top stories of last year in Virginia was a Virginia auto accident that took the life of a nun, according to insidenova.com.
An illegal immigrant was charged with felony murder and several offensese when he slammed head-on into a car that killed a nun in the Virginia auto accident. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol in the Virginia auto accident.
Read more.
What other issues do you think needed to be addressed in this tragic Virginia auto accident? Do you think law enforcement officials do enough to keep Virginia roads safe?
If you or someone you know has been involved in a Virginia auto accident, the Virginia auto accident lawyers at Geoff McDonald & Associates can help.
by gma | March 16th, 2009
March 10, 2009
The Daily Press reported that a man was denied Richmond workers’ compensation after contracting hepatitis C while on the job.
The man didn’t find out about the illness until after the application deadline had passed, so he was unable to receive Richmond workers’ compensation.
More than 20 years later, he has accrued plenty of expenses from surgery and medications, and he is in need of a liver transplant.
Because he wasn’t receiving Virginia workers’ compensation, the General Assembly was able to grant some money to assist with the medical expenses.
Read More
The Richmond workers’ compensation lawyers at Geoff McDonald can help if you were injured on the job.
by gma | November 20th, 2007
November 20, 2007
A 26-year-old woman was killed when she was ejected from an SUV in a Virginia auto accident Sunday, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The SUV was crashed into when another driver failed to stop at an intersection.
The Virginia car accident victim was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead from her auto accident injuries at the scene.
Another woman, also not wearing a seat belt, died in a separate Virginia auto accident Sunday when she ran off the road twice and ended up slamming into a tree.
The Virginia car accident fatality toll rose to 911 Monday, as compared to 846 this time last year.
Read More:
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news/tuesday.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-20-0100.html
