Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

$6.4 million Settlement in Wrongful Death Case - Thursday, February 14, 2008

Palm Beach, Florida millionaire killer Fred Keller's estate will have to pay $6.4 million to the estate of his wife, whom he murdered during divorce proceedings, according to a jury's verdict last year. The wrongful death claim on behalf of the murdered wife's estate represents roughly a tenth of the estate of now-deceased real estate mogul Keller.

On November 10, 2003, Fred Keller, his wife, Rosemarie Keller, and her brother Wolfgang Keil, held a morning meeting to set up divorce terms for the division of Mr. Keller's $72 million fortune. It is unknown what, exactly, occurred in the meeting, but at the end of the meeting Rosemarie was dead, and Mr. Keller and Mr. Keil were both shot, accusing each other of firing the first shot.

After a mistrial because of a deadlocked jury, Keller was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in January 2007, but died in August. Last week, Wolfgang Keil received $3.1 million in his personal injury lawsuit against the estate.

Only one lawsuit remains in this case, a second wrongful death claim filed on behalf of Fredchen Keller, the son of Fred and Rosemarie, who turns 13 this week.

When a situation like this develops in a family, there is no good solution, but it is important that those injured get just compensation. If you have lost someone you love as a result of a domestic quarrel, a wrongful death claim can help give justice to his or her memory. Contact PersonalInjury.com today to get in touch with a local lawyer who can handle your claim.

Labels: Florida, wrongful death

Vioxx Lawsuits from Overseas - Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Although Vioxx manufacturer Merck has offered a $4.85 billion settlement, that settlement is only available to US citizens or people who had their heart attacks or strokes in the US. For people who were prescribed the medication overseas, such as the thousands of Britons who received the drug, the settlement has no meaning. So, for those who suffered heart attacks or strokes as a result of the drug, there is no option but the courts.

Some people who took Vioxx experienced heart attacks or strokes within months of beginning treatment. Although Merck had tried to claim that Vioxx actually reduced the chances of heart attack, studies showed that it actually doubled the risks for people taking the drug, and in addition increased the risks of ischemic stroke. Since the drug was recalled, it has been shown that Merck should have known of these risks, and that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s oversight was negligent in the approval process.

Although the Vioxx settlement is not available for those who might want to file a new claim, there are many new drugs coming out constantly whose side effects are ill-understood. If you or someone you love has suffered an adverse side effect from taking a new drug, you may not be alone. Contact PersonalInjury.com today to get in touch with a local pharmaceutical injury lawyer who can help you find out whether the drug may be responsible for your side effects.

Labels: defective pharmaceutical, FDA

Woman Seeks to Expand Free Helmet Distribution for Skateboarders - Monday, February 11, 2008

When she lost her son to a traumatic brain injury suffered in a skateboarding accident on May 5, 2005, a woman in Largo, Florida, decided that she would try and save other mothers the same grief by giving away free helmets to skateboarders in the town. Although she began giving out a few helmets right away, her efforts have really grown, with a non-profit organization being set up to obtain and distribute helmets to skateboarders at the skateboard park. Now the town has required that helmets be worn in the park, and stationing an employee to enforce the restriction.

The woman has proposed that the city become a partner in distributing helmets as part of its enforcement program. She says that she hopes to set up six to eight distribution centers in both he public and private skateboard parks in the area. However, the city is reluctant to get involved until it can be determined whether or not it will be entering into a possible liability by distributing the helmets.

Although we all know that wearing helmets can prevent a deadly brain or spine injury, many people ignore this and ride their skateboards without helmets anyway. And premises supplied for skateboarding without adequate enforcement that creates a culture of safety can foster the dangerous attitudes and practices that lead to needless deaths. If someone you know or love has been injured as a result of this kind of culture, contact PersonalInjury.com today to find a local brain injury lawyer who can help you turn it around into an atmosphere that fosters safety and fun together.

Labels: brain injury