Recent Blog Posts

Kimberly-Clark Must Clean Up Before Heading Out

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:55:00 GMT

A Kimerly-Clark paper mill closed in the Seattle area last month, leaving potential developers wondering whether or not they should make the plunge. Since the manufacturing plant has been closed, there is much to be done and much to be spent on the cleanup of the toxic waste that was left behind. The state Department of Ecology is calling for a full-scale cleanup before anyone can even think about a purchase. Owners and operators of manufacturing plants are always required to clean up anything they leave behind that can contaminate the environment.

This cleanup is required whenever any industrial property is placed on the market, so Kimberly-Clark is joining in the efforts to remediate any pollution. If you have become the victim of property contamination because of industrial operations of some kind, look to a Houston lawyer at our firm for help. Contamination can not only harm property value, but it can harm a person's help. For more information, contact a Houston lawyer from the firm.

Suit Filed for Injured Houston Truck Driver

Arnold & Itkin LLP — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:42:00 GMT

The truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin recently filed a case on behalf of a Houston truck driver who was injured in an accident caused by another truck driver. The accident took place in Pharr, Texas. The client was rear-ended by the other truck and therefore sustained serious injuries to his back. The injuries caused him to have to take time off of work. Arnold & Itkin attorneys Jason Itkin, Cory Itkin and Noah Wexler filed the case in Hidalgo County, Texas. They anticipate a successful case in which the injured truck driver obtains the case result that he deserves.

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by some form of truck driver negligence then please don't hesitate to get in touch with a truck accident attorney from our firm. For years, we have been advocating on behalf of people who are injured by commercial trucks. These types of accidents are typically more serious than other motor vehicle accidents since the trucks are so large in size. If you have been injured in this way, contact a truck accident lawyer from our firm for more information.

Car Wreck Leaves 1 Injured, 3 Dead in Texas

Houston Personal Injury Attorney — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:34:00 GMT

A North Houston car accident caused serious injuries to one and killed three people. The accident took place this past Saturday. Four people were traveling in a Honda Civic when they pulled up to a stop sign. Although they yielded, they did not give the right of way to a pickup truck, which then slammed into the side of the Honda. Three of the passengers of the Honda were killed upon impact and the driver was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. At this time, there is no evidence that would suggest the cause of the accident was intoxication on behalf of the driver of the truck or the driver of the Honda.

This will likely be a case of comparative negligence. Both parties were partially at fault for the accident, but they can both file personal injury claims against the other, but only up to the amount that the other party was responsible. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a car accident such as this, please consider getting help from a Houston personal injury lawyer at our firm. Arnold & Itkin can help you get the compensation you deserve, so contact a Houston car accident attorney today.

Deaths Due to Drug Poisoning

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Some shocking research over the past thirty years indicates a pattern of drug poisoning that has led to the death of many Americans. The data comes from the National Vital Statistics System Mortality File. One of the most striking findings included in the reports states that in 2008, poisoning reached the top of the "cause of death" chart. Nine out of every ten poisoning deaths are caused by prescription drugs. Since 1980, drug poisoning deaths increased from around 6,000 to 36,500. Pain relievers are actually one of the leading causes of these drug poisoning cases, with fatalities tripling from 1999 until now. They were the cause of 40 percent of drug-related deaths in 2008. All of these statistics point toward a total of 41,000 deaths caused by drug poisoning in 2008.

Because prescription drugs can be addictive, be sure to consult with your doctor regarding the side effects you may encounter. You may have been unaware of the possibility of overdose and poisoning in the case of your drug. If this describes you then you may have a medical or pharmaceutical injury claim. At Arnold & Itkin, we are skilled in handling these types of cases and have a history of obtaining for our clients the case results that they deserve. Drug poisoning is a very serious and real issue. If you take a prescription or over-the-count pain killer then be sure to speak with your doctor about proper use. In the event of injury, get in touch with a Houston personal injury attorney from our firm. It is the job of medical professionals to ensure your safety and wellbeing, which is why it constitutes negligence when something they prescribe actually makes you worse off. Contact a Houston pharmaceutical injury attorney from the firm today for more information.

Bouncer Kills Bar-Goer and Wrongful Death Suit Filed

Houston Personal Injury Attorney — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:20:00 GMT

A mother in Harris County has recently filed a wrongful death suit against a bouncer employed at a club in Houston. The mother alleges that the bouncer caused the wrongful death of her son. The citations were negligent hiring, negligence and gross negligence. The incident occurred when the son came to the bar to celebrate his birthday. He paid the necessary entrance fee but was attacked by a bouncer who began to demand an additional charge for a re-entrance fee. The bouncer then struck the man with a chain in the head. He was taken to the hospital but died a short time later. The bar owner is also being charged for negligence in this case for hiring a dangerous employee. If your loved one was killed wrongfully, either by a deliberate act of negligence or by carelessness, then a Houston personal injury lawyer from our firm would like to help you. Please contact a Houston wrongful death attorney at Arnold & Itkin today so we can speak with you about your case.

Research Says Women are at Greater Risk in Car Accidents

Houston Personal Injury Attorney — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:30:00 GMT

According to a new report by the American Journal of Public Health female drivers are at greater risk of injury and death in the event of a car accident because of seat belt design. It seems as if the typical car seat belt is not safe for a woman's body. Because, on average, women are shorter, lighter and sit in different positions than men, their chances of injury in the event of a collision are 47 percent higher when compared with men wearing the same seat belts. Seat belts are actually designed more with men in mind, because statistically, they are three times more likely to be involved in car accidents that lead to serious injury. The fact is, something needs to be changed, because more recent statistics prove that female drivers are just as much at risk for these types of accidents.

If you were involved in a collision, you may have suffered greater injuries because of your seatbelt. Maybe your injuries came primarily as a result of the negligence of the other driver. Whatever the particulars of your case, you may be able to get help from a legal professional at Arnold & Itkin. When you speak with a Houston personal injury attorney about your case, you can learn whether or not you are entitled to a claim. Car accidents are serious, and yours may have left you with a serious injury. Our firm is dedicated to helping those who have been the victim of these types of accidents and want to help them get the compensation that they rightfully deserve. If you were hurt in a car accident and would like to file a claim, contact a Houston car accident lawyer from our firm today for more information.

Wal-Mart to Pay Near $5 Million for Overtime Violations

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:29:00 GMT

The super store Wal-Mart is poised to pay $4.8 million in back wages to workers whose overtime they violated. This compensation will benefit 4,500 employees of both Wal-Mart and Sam's Club warehouses. They are also required to pay penalties because they violated federal overtime laws set up in the Hours of Service Act. The company is in violation of their employee's overtime because they wrongfully considered some of their employees as exempt from these laws. According to reports, since the violations were brought up to Wal-Mart, they have taken all of the necessary steps to remediate the problem. If you have been classified as an "exempt" employee from overtime law then you may be having your rights violated. Overtime violations are serious, but you can trust a Houston lawyer from our firm to handle this area of commercial litigation. Contact a Houston overtime violation attorney from Arnold & Itkin today.

Transportation Secretary Seeks Ban on Driver Cell Phone Use

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:07:00 GMT

Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood has called for a complete ban on any cell phone use, either talking or texting, while drivers are behind the wheel. He has asked for the creation of a federal law that would apply to drivers of any vehicle on any road in the U.S.

Just one day after announcing the results of a Bridgestone survey on distracted driving, LaHood told audiences at a San Antonio conference that federal legislation is the only way to deal with this deadly "national epidemic." The study results revealed that while young drivers are well aware of the dangers of distracted driving, the majority of them engage in these behaviors because they consider themselves to be safe drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there were 3000 fatal traffic accidents caused by distracted driving in 2011. Statistics also show that using a cell phone behind the wheel delays driver reaction times exactly as much as having a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of .08. Currently, 38 states have laws banning the use of electronic devices while driving.

Distracted driving is clearly a growing problem in the U.S. and needs to be addressed quickly in order to save lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, a Houston injury lawyer from our firm will be able to help you fight for just compensation. Contact a Houston car accident attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation.

The Steps After a Crash

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:14:00 GMT

A car accident can be bad enough. This is why there are certain safety precautions that can be taken in order to avoid further accident and injury after you get into a crash. One of the most common mistakes that drivers can make is getting out of their vehicles after a collision. What will often happen is people will get out of their cars and stand in the road after an accident, forgetting the fact that they are in the way of traffic. Bystanders may be guilty of this as well. These are called "secondary accidents" and they happen quite frequently. Even emergency vehicles can fall victim to negligent motorists who do not notice that an accident has taken place. This is a big reason why fire trucks are called to the scene of accidents- to block the officers and those involved in the collision from oncoming traffic.

Immediately following an accident, people may not be thinking clearly. It is extremely common to become flustered and not act rationally, but it is vital to remember where you are after an accident and take the necessary safety precautions. After an accident, make sure you contact 911 (and not 411 or some other number). Once you have answered the necessary questions from the police dispatcher, get off of the phone. People are even more distracted when they are on the phone. As far as it depends on you, get as far out of the way of traffic as you can. Experts also suggest that you do not attempt to move your vehicle after an accident, but instead put your flashers on and get out of the way. If you were injured by a negligent motorist in this way, get help from a Houston personal injury lawyer at Arnold & Itkin. We can help you file a claim and get you the compensation you deserve, so contact a Houston car accident attorney from the firm today.

Arnold & Itkin Files Claim for Jones Act Seaman

Arnold & Itkin LLP — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:59:00 GMT

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley and Paul Skrabanek of Arnold & Itkin filed a suit in Jefferson County, Texas on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who was injured while performing his job duties. The Plaintiff in this case sought the help of Arnold & Itkin after he sustained a fairly serious neck injury while he was on board a fishing vessel off the Texas coast. The incident surrounding the injury occurred when hydraulic fluid and oil lines ruptured inside of the engine room. This caused the seaman to slip and hurt his neck. As a result, the man has to undergo surgery and prolonged treatment. If you are a seaman and were injured while performing your job duties, then you are likely covered under the Jones Act. A Houston personal injury attorney at Arnold & Itkin will be skilled in handling a Jones Act case and can help you recover in the event of accident and injury. Contact a Houston maritime lawyer from the firm today.

New Understanding of Link between Cell Phone Use and Brain Tumors

Houston Injury Lawyer — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:25:00 GMT

A university professor from Finland presented new evidence last week at the 2012 Childhood Cancer conference in London, explaining why an increase in cell phone usage could result in the development of brain tumors like gliomas. Evidence that cell phones might cause cancer first began to appear in October 2009, after the World Health Organization concluded and analyzed the results of a 5 year in-depth study of almost 13,000 cell phone users in 13 different countries. While the study found a "significantly increased risk (of developing some brain tumors) related to use of mobile phones for a period of 10 years or more," the study could not conclude what it was about the cell phones that led to tumor development.

This week, Professor Dariusz Leszczynski of the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority presented a possible explanation. Leszczynski suggests that radiation produced by cell phones could activate signaling pathways between brain cells, thereby stimulating the growth of cancerous cells.

Concerns over cell phone radiation have already prompted some government regulation of the devices. In July 2010, the city of San Francisco enacted a law requiring cell phone retailers to post the radiation levels of cell phones. Cell phones are rated with specific absorption rates (SAR) to categorize their radiation emissions; no phone in the U.S. is permitted to carry an SAR greater than 1.6 watts/kg. A previous radiation control bill introduced in Maine failed in March of 2010; it had aimed to place graphic warning labels on cell phones, including images of a child's brain with "warning" printed over it in bold red type. Undeterred, State Representative Andrea Boland, the bill's sponsor, announced that she planned to reintroduce the bill at a later date.

As cell phone use continues to grow in popularity, phone radiation levels and links to cancer must be addressed by state and/or federal regulations. If you or a loved one has developed a brain tumor and you suspect it is linked to your cell phone usage, it is in your best interests to get the involvement of a Houston personal injury lawyer to help you fight for just compensation. Contact a product injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation regarding your specific case.

About Disease Clusters

Houston Injury Lawyer — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:50:00 GMT

When an unusual number of people, in a short period of time and in a small geographic area, experience adverse health events, the phenomenon is described by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a disease cluster. Recently, lawmakers have been urged to pass a proposed law requiring disease clusters to be officially documented.

The bill, co-sponsored by California Senator Barbara Boxer, would increase coordination, transparency and accountability when federal agencies investigate and address potential disease clusters. It is being called Trevor's law and is named for Trevor Schaefer, a 21 year old resident of Boise, Idaho who survived brain cancer. Schafer and his family testified at the same Senate hearing as Brockovich; after his illness, he and his family started a foundation that fights for better investigations into the causes of disease clusters.

Once a rare phenomenon, disease clusters are now far more common. According to a joint study published in 2011 by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Disease Clusters Alliance, there are at least 42 known disease clusters in 13 U.S. states; citizens in the affected populations have developed numerous types of cancer, birth defects and several other chronic illnesses.

Disease clusters are just one of many signs that pollution and environmental contamination is negatively impacting public health and safety. If you or a loved one has developed a serious illness or injury likely caused by environmental contamination, you should not hesitate to consult with a Houston injury attorney from our legal team. Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer from Arnold & Itkin today for a free consultation regarding your case.

AAA Puts Texting Drivers to the Test

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:50:00 GMT

AAA recently put texting drivers to the test by conducting simulations on a closed course. Distracted driving is rampant in the United States today. Despite many measures to reduce texting-related accidents, drivers still drive distracted. Just how much trouble could this actually cause though? AAA wanted to find out in a real-life simulation. The results will shock anyone who thinks they're capable of vehicular multitasking. Just a simple cone course is all the drivers had to navigate through, but when mixed with sending and receiving text messages, it became much more difficult. Before starting the closed-course test, every driver thought they would be capable of texting while not hitting any of the cones. The truth is, ever driver tested hit multiple cones in the simulation. On top of this, their driving patterns were unsteady and their speed was not consistent. These types of driving patterns can cause accidents because they scare other drivers.

AAA representatives reminded the public that this was a simplified course. If drivers could not drive safely in a simple cone course, how much more dangerous is it to text and drive on busy roads and highways? Texting and driving, while the most common form of distracted driving, is not the only way that a driver can cause an accident. Distracted driving can take on the form of changing a CD, applying makeup and even eating. Drivers who display these patterns are considered negligent drivers. If you were injured by a negligent driver then you are entitled to file a personal injury claim as a compensation for your damages. By contacting a Houston personal injury lawyer from Arnold & Itkin, you can get the advocacy that gets you the recovery you deserve after a car accident. For more information, contact a Houston car accident lawyer from the firm today.

17% of All Fatal Crashes are Caused by Fatigue

Houston Personal Injury Attorney — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:35:00 GMT

Who would have thought that a little more shut-eye could have prevented so many fatal car accidents? Falling asleep at the wheel is a huge problem that affects every driver on the road. A new study confirms just to what extent. One out of every six fatal crashes involves a fatigued driver. This is shocking considering that previous studies generated percentages that were four or five times lower than this new number. Aside from vehicular fatalities, drowsiness is also the cause of about one in every eight serious injuries caused by collisions. In a statement from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the remedy may be as simple as people being honest with themselves about their physical condition. People tend to overestimate what they are and are not capable of. When you are tired, you lose some of the necessary characteristics you need to operate a vehicle safely. This study also showed that fatigue-related accidents also tend to be more severe.

This is because, as opposed to accidents in which people are more aware, drivers who nod off at the wheel do not do anything to deter the accident such as swerving or slamming on the brakes. Professional opinions by various doctors cited in the study say that Americans are on average more sleep deprived now than ever before. Eight hours is typically necessary to stave off fatigue, but many Americans get only five hours of sleep or less per night. In a statement from a man paralyzed after he fell asleep at the wheel, he said "It doesn't matter how many times you do it and get away with it. It's the one time you don't. You pay for it for the rest of your life." If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident because of a fatigued driver then you are entitled to file a personal injury claim on the basis of negligence. With the help of a Houston personal injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin, you can recover for your damages, so contact a Houston car accident lawyer from our firm today.

5 Reasons You Should Buy Homeowners Insurance

Houston Personal Injury Lawyer — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:22:00 GMT

Purchasing your home may have seemed like enough money spent, so why would you buy homeowners insurance when you could spend that money furnishing your brand new home? Many people think that a disaster will never happen to them, until it does. When your home suffers damage, you will likely be left paying out of pocket if you never purchased homeowners insurance. For most people, a home is the biggest financial investment they will ever make. Such a large investment necessitates a certain amount of care. The first reason you should buy homeowners insurance is for minimum hazard insurance. This is the very base level of homeowners insurance. Most mortgage lenders will actually require all their clients to purchase at least this. It will consist of fire, wind, hail and possibly theft damage. Terms will differ from region to region. The next step people usually take is to pay for multiple lines of coverage. This is the second reason you should buy homeowners insurance. This will not only cover structural damage, but will cover things like your personal property and injuries.

What happens when you are personally liable for the damages, or at least to some extent? A third reason to purchase homeowners insurance is for the liability insurance. This will cover you even if the damage or injuries are your fault. Have you ever considered what would happen if your favorite couch was damaged? What about your favorite family heirloom? These things can only be covered by the fourth reason for buying homeowners insurance- personal property insurance. The last and final reason to make the next step and purchase a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy is because it is surprisingly affordable. Even when premiums start to rise, you should think twice before dropping lines from your policy. On the day your property is damaged, you'll be glad you did. If you have a homeowners insurance claim or have suffered from bad faith insurance practices, you can get help from a Houston lawyer from our firm. At Arnold & Itkin, we fight to see that policy holders get the coverage they paid for, so contact a Houston insurance claim attorney from our firm today.