Corpus Christi Personal Injury Lawyers Blog | McAllen Car Accident Attorneys

No deterrence yet for distracted teen drivers

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on Monday, May 6, 2013.

Over the past several years, federal legislators, state legislators, educators and safety advocates have launched numerous campaigns designed to teach teens about the hazards associated with distracted driving. Despite these substantial efforts, the rate of distracted driving accidents among teens continues to rise and a recent survey confirms that nearly half of teen drivers admit to texting behind the wheel frequently.

It is unclear what more needs to be done to deter teen drivers from engaging in distracted driving behaviors. Recent studies confirm that parental influence is the most critical factor in play at any given time. Nevertheless, even teens belonging to the most conscientious of parents may choose to drive while distracted.

Study: Higher mortality rates at rural medical facilities

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Medical Malpractice on Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

Deep in the heart of Texas, you can find both bustling cities and rural areas so quiet and sparsely populated that you can travel for miles and miles without encountering gas stations, grocery stores and hospitals. The unique living conditions inspired by rural areas attract many Americans for various reasons. Unfortunately, those who choose to live in the geographically isolated areas of Texas and other states are at risk for higher mortality rates while admitted at their local medical facilities.

According to a study recently published in the esteemed Journal of the American Medical Association, mortality rates increased sharply for rural hospitals and declined sharply for urban facilities over the past decade. It is not yet clear exactly what proportion of the increase in mortality rates can be traced to medical malpractice and general negligence as opposed to scarcity of resources and other discrepancies.

Delayed diagnosis rate is high for male breast cancer

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Medical Malpractice on Monday, April 1, 2013.

Most Americans can correctly identify a single loop of pink ribbon on any given product as a breast cancer awareness ribbon. The pink ribbon and the adoption of pink generally have become visual symbols of breast cancer awareness and support on behalf of a major charity, marketers and even major sports franchises. The pink campaign has done wonders for female breast cancer awareness. Unfortunately, the feminine pink symbol has done little for awareness of male breast cancer.

Partially due to lack of public education, the rates for misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis and failure to diagnose cancer of the male breasts are tragically high. The public does not generally think of men as having breasts that can be affected by cancer. However, muscle and fatty tissue on the male chest can indeed be targeted by cancer growths.

New laws considered for the safety of Texas drivers

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on Sunday, March 17, 2013.

Being a Texan is a source of pride for the state's residents. Yet, that fact does not mean that living in Texas is an experience that cannot be improved upon. After all, Texas has one of the highest rates of devastating car accidents in the union. As a result, Texas lawmakers are currently considering several measures that would potentially make Texas roads safer and the state an even more enjoyable place to live.

First, various measures aimed at curbing dangerous distracted driving behavior are being considered. One would prohibit texting and other forms of electronic messaging behind the wheel for drivers of all ages. While some opponents are concerned that such a measure would infringe upon the privacy rights of drivers, advocates insist that when individuals infringe upon the rights of others to remain safe, texting privileges must be taken away. Given the prevalence of devastating distracted driving accidents across the state, passage of this bill may be truly valuable for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Public to be better informed about physician ties to Big Pharma

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Personal Injury on Friday, February 22, 2013.

A patient's most precious resource is often his or her own knowledge. When patients conduct research on potential care providers, they easily empower themselves with information available within the public record. Unfortunately, too few patients opt to take advantage of this readily available information. However, patients will soon be provided with yet another incentive to do so. Beginning next year, patients will be able to research the ties that potential care providers have to Big Pharma.

This link may or may not affect a physician's care of his or her patients. However, as the number of dangerous drugs on the market grows, it is critical that patients remain aware of whether their physicians have ties to the companies that produce them. Then, they can be better prepared to voice their concerns with their physicians or switch providers if a physician prescribes them a dangerous drug manufactured by a pharmaceutical company that showers that physician with gifts.

Dangerous drowsy driving behavior is surprisingly common

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on Monday, January 7, 2013.

Most motorists do not intentionally put themselves, their passengers and their fellow travelers in danger. However, motorists become a moving hazard when they dose off behind the wheel. Unfortunately, car accidents caused by drowsy drivers occur all too often. And according to a recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers engage in drowsy operation of their vehicles more frequently than Americans might generally suspect.

The CDC's study was based on a survey in which one in 24 American adults admitted to falling asleep at the wheel in the previous month alone. Experts suggest that the real number of adults who have fallen asleep at the wheel at any given time is far higher than the statistic produced by voluntary admission. First, because adults do not generally care to admit to destructive behaviors. Second, because many adults are unaware that they are nodding off when the behavior only occurs for an instant.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Report Delves Into Safety Oversights

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Personal Injury on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

Over two years ago, the Gulf of Mexico was host to the worst accidental oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Also called the BP oil disaster and the Macondo blowout, Deepwater Horizon was not only an ecological nightmare; the explosion that caused it killed 11 men and injured 17 others.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is an independent federal agency tasked with investigating serious chemical accidents. Chemical Safety Board investigators recently released a preliminary report about the causes of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident.

Mass Lawsuits Give Voice to Those Harmed by Oil Industry Oversights

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Personal Injury on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.

Extracting oil and natural gas from the earth can be a dangerous process. Blasting, heavy machinery, noxious chemicals, fumes that are explosive or poisonous; all these threats and more face anyone who is close to a drilling operation or refinery.

The nature of the work makes safety absolutely essential in the oil and gas industry. It is up to mining companies to keep oil fields and refineries safe for their workers, third-party contractors and the general public.

But who ensures that oil and gas companies are meeting the mark in terms of safety? True, government regulators, the EPA and state authorities, conduct safety inspections and promulgate safety requirements within the bounds of their authority. However, government resources are limited, and it is impossible for the state to keep a watchful eye on every oil and gas operation.

Fracking Explosion Rips Through Quiet Texas Neighborhood

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Personal Injury on Wednesday, July 11, 2012.

As night became early morning on May 16, nothing seemed out of the ordinary in the small town of Nixon, Texas. Most residents were long asleep, feeling secure in their own beds.

But it wasn't just another morning. At 2:30 am, a terrible cracking sound reverberated through the deserted streets. Families bolted upright from their sleep, and rushed to see what was the matter.

"I looked out and all I saw was a big ball of fire," Irma Enriquez told KSAT news. "I woke up my family and we all came out. And that's when everybody came out of our neighborhood."

An explosion had devastated the 200 block of East Eighth Avenue. Vann Energy, a company that engages in oil extraction using the hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" technique, had been cleaning tanks at that site.

Dozens of residents were evacuated after the blast. Two workers at the site suffered serious burn injuries, and were airlifted to San Antonio Military Medical Center.

Silicosis Is a Real Danger to Oil and Gas Workers

On behalf of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. posted in Personal Injury on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

Silica is a major component of rock, sand and ores; it is the second most common mineral in the earth's crust. Despite its commonness, when inhaled as a fine particle, silica is a highly toxic substance.

For miners in the oil and gas industry, chemical exposure to silica dust is a serious threat. Approximately two million members of the U.S. labor force are estimated to face regular exposure to silica dust in their work - all of them are at an increased risk of developing silicosis.

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