May 2010 Archives

On July 19, 2007, an undocumented alien suffered a brain injury when he fell off a ladder.  The 40-year-old injured worker, worked evenings cleaning office buildings in Northern Virginia.  He was on a step ladder, changing a light bulb when he fell and struck his head.  Due to the fall, the injured worker suffered a skull fracture, subdural hematoma and a traumatic brain injury.  This injury continues to impact his daily life.

At the time of the work related accident, the injured worker had an average weekly wage of $323.00, and qualified for compensation at the rate of $215.00.

As a result of his injuries the claimant received extensive treatment/rehabilitation at Learning Services in North Carolina and recently was released to return to his native country, El Salvador, where he currently resides with his family.

The terms of his 2.5 million dollar settlement was that he would receive $432,810 cash up front and $2,067,189 to purchase an annuity with a guaranteed payout of over 3.1 million dollars.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a work-related accident, please visit us on our website at http://www.portnerandshure.com or contact our office to speak to one of our Virginia compensation attorneys for a free consultation.  

A single vehicle accident claims the life of a 16 year old teenager after leaving the prom at King George High School.  At approximately 1:09 a.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2010, five teenagers were on their way to an after prom party when the driver of the vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole.  The vehicle then overturned several times, ejecting three of the passengers and driver who were not wearing their seat belts.   The accident occurred on Route 218 at the intersection of Caledon Road and Basil Road, in King George, Virginia.

Two of the teenagers were flown by helicopter to Mary Washington Hospital and the other three were transported by ambulance, all with serious injuries.  One teenager, 16 year old, Anthony L. Feather, a member of the King George High School football team,  later died at the hospital due to his injuries.  

A spokesperson for the Virginia State Police say speed is considered a factor in this crash, which still remains under investigation.

Some States accept the "safety belt defense".  Simply stated this means that if you were involved in a car accident, even if it was not your fault, and you were not wearing your seat belt and your injury was made worse as a result of not wearing the seat belt, the amount of damages you can collect may be reduced.  Many States restrict the number of persons who can drive as passengers with a new driver.  Statistics show that new drivers are more easily distracted.  Further, curfew driving restrictions are often placed on new drivers.  All of the above need to be explored in this case.  

If you, a family member or someone you know has been involved in a car accident or you need more information regarding an automobile accident, please visit us on our website at http://www.portnerandshure.com or contact one of our Virginia accident lawyers for a free consultation.