Why Virginia’s Pedestrian Death Tolls Are Rising as Traffic Fatalities Decline
In 2010, traffic fatalities across the country fell to the lowest rates in over 60 years. This was hailed as a major victory for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency credited a combination of education and safety programs, stricter laws and enforcement, and safer vehicles for the reduction. Of course, these…
Read MoreFor Teen Drivers, Distraction Comes in Many Forms
Distracted driving is pervasive and dangerous. A moment’s inattention at highway speeds can have a lifetime of consequences for accident victims, and no one is immune. Legislation to combat this widespread issue went into effect statewide in July 2020, but enforcement efforts began in January of this year. The new law imposes stiff penalties on…
Read MorePhelan Petty Named to “Best Law Firms” List for 2022
Phelan Petty is proud to announce that the firm has once again been named to U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” for the 2022 edition. The Firm has earned Tier 1 rankings for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. For more than a decade, Best Law Firms has…
Read MoreSecond Person Killed by ARC Air Bag Inflators, Prompting Recalls
An exploding air bag inflator has killed two people and potentially injured others. According to GM Authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and General Motors (GM) have issued recalls for two models already, the Chevy Traverse and the Buick Enclave, citing the risk of explosion. We expect more recalls to follow. The airbag…
Read MoreThe Importance of Full UM/UIM Coverage Following a Truck or Auto Crash
Most people expect their auto insurance liability policy to cover them in the event that they are at fault in causing a crash that results in collision damage and/or injuries. What many people do not realize is that if they are injured in an accident and not at fault, they may need to use their…
Read MoreDangerous Medical Errors Made Before, During, and After Surgery
Even with years of schooling and training in hospital procedures, medical professionals can still make mistakes. Surgeons, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers attempt to minimize the risks of surgery and other medical procedures through improved technology and other methods, but errors still happen. When a surgeon or other medical professional injures a patient by making…
Read MoreCPSC Recalls Magnetic Ball Toys Due to Ingestion Hazard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a mandatory recall of two magnet ball and cube products due to ingestion hazards. Because of these high-powered magnets, the risk of ingestion can lead to fatalities. Further, because the company refused to agree to a voluntary recall, the CPSC sued the manufacturer to force a mandatory recall.…
Read MoreMichael Phelan Named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
Phelan Petty is pleased to announce that partner Michael Phelan has been selected for inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 list of Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Virginia. This prestigious, invitation-only organization highlights the work of civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys across the country who have achieved outstanding results on behalf of…
Read MoreCommunication Errors as a Cause of Medical Malpractice
Communication errors are a major cause of poor quality care, patient harm, and medical malpractice. Breakdowns in communication among health care providers often lead to a failure to coordinate what each health provider is doing and can cause a patient’s needs to “slip through the cracks.” Miscommunication between a doctor’s office and the patient results…
Read MoreAmazon’s Change of Heart Regarding Defective Products Is Profit-Driven
Retail giant Amazon recently announced an update to its A-to-Z Guarantee, which covers the condition and timeliness of customer deliveries. The Guarantee now covers claims up to $1,000 when a defective product sold under the Amazon umbrella causes personal injury or property damage. Amazon claims this move is to facilitate more trust between Amazon and…
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