These past few weeks truly flew by, and back-to-school season is upon us. This time of year, I always think back to my daughter’s elementary school days, when I would drive her to school and we’d discuss what she looked forward to about the week. But not every trip to school brings happy memories: from 2006 to 2015, 301 school-age children were killed in school transportation-related accidents. The risk factors are easy to see — there aren’t enough minutes in the day for all we have to do; students are rushing to class and busy parents are dropping kids off on the way to work. But nothing is more important than our young ones’ safety. Crucial conversations can keep kids
The Opioid Crisis is Hurting Families in Tennessee. As an attorney Tennessee has trusted for over thirty years, I want to tell you about the team of Memphis TN lawyers suing drug companies here at Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC. As you may know, Tennessee is one of the hardest-hit areas of the opioid epidemic in the country. And it’s no wonder when you learn that opioid manufacturers were selling extremely addictive drugs like OxyContin as “hope in a bottle.” Furthermore, these drug companies, like Purdue Pharma, targeted the most vulnerable citizens of Tennessee with their deceptively-marketed drugs: veterans and the elderly. Allegedly, they used their large marketing force to downplay the addictive nature of their opioids even while they
Anyone who’s spent his or her life working hard deserves the peace and enjoyment of a comfortable retirement. Unfortunately, it’s increasingly common for seniors to find themselves burdened with debt. As the safety net for older Americans continues to shrink, the rate of Americans over 65 who’ve filed for bankruptcy is higher than ever — three times what it was in 1991. If you are of retirement age and finding it hard to make ends meet, I want you to know that it’s never too late for a fresh start, and bankruptcy offers real relief. I’ve learned throughout my long career as Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, however, that there are more than a few misconceptions about retirement and bankruptcy, so I’ve
In the United States, around 17,000 patients file a medical malpractice lawsuit every year. About 75% of medical providers in low-risk areas of healthcare have been the target of medical malpractice litigation. About 99% of medical providers in high-risk areas have been sued by former patients. A medical malpractice attorney can help you if you’ve suffered in significant ways because of your healthcare providers’ negligence. If you are anticipating that you will have to undergo treatment for an existing condition, you may have concerns about the quality of medical care that will be provided to you. This is understandable. In advance of receiving treatment, you may find peace of mind by knowing your physician has a clean record. If they do
Whenever I meet a hard-working person struggling with debt late in life, I think, as a Memphis bankruptcy attorney, this is not how it’s supposed to be. No one who’s worked his entire life should find himself retired and burdened by the cost of health care, medicine, food, and other expenses — forced to use credit just to make ends meet. But sadly, it’s a story that’s becoming all too common. Skyrocketing medical costs, vanishing pensions, declining income, and a shrinking safety net have all led us to where we are now: a time when seniors are fending for themselves, with few if any financial resources to rely on. If you or someone you know is considering bankruptcy after retirement,
Opioid Injury Lawyer TN Fighting for Families Affected by the Opioid Crisis As an opioid injury lawyer TN has trusted for decades, I want to tell you that Tennessee has been one of the hardest-hit areas of the opioid crisis. Recently, records revealed that Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin and other opioids, marketed this highly-addictive drug to Tennesseans as “hope in a bottle.” As a result, Tennessee was one of Purdue’s most profitable states. However, they allegedly downplayed the drug’s dangers and addictive nature. Instead, they continued to market OxyContin as a wonder drug — even while fatal overdoses skyrocketed. Moreover, Purdue Pharma allegedly used their large marketing force in Tennessee to target the state’s most vulnerable patients. Sadly,
Last week was a victory and big step forward for the hundreds of cancer patients who have sued the agricultural company Monsanto, whose weedkiller Roundup they claim gave them cancer. Last Friday, San Francisco jurors ruled that Roundup gave Dewayne Johnson, a former school groundskeeper who applied the weedkiller 20 to 30 times per year for work, terminal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was awarded $289 million in damages. Throughout the past year, thousands of cancer patients, spouses, and estates have sued Monsanto, claiming Roundup caused cancer. Because Johnson’s doctors do not expect him to live much longer, his case was the first to go to trial. Friday’s victory could set a precedent for the thousands of other cases. In 2015, the
When you or a loved one have been injured on the job, workers’ compensation can be an invaluable resource. It’s a type of insurance provided by employers that covers your lost wages, medical expenses, and more. In return, you agree not to sue them. The administrative work needed to file a successful claim can be stressful — in fact, without an experienced lawyer’s help, many people don’t get enough compensation to cover the costs. So if a third party is connected to the injury, it gets even more complicated. Here is everything to know about third-party liability and workers’ compensation. What is Third-Party Liability? Sometimes people are injured on the job, and it’s the fault of someone who is not
As drivers, we always have a responsibility to practice safe driving, but it’s especially important to keep that in mind today. A recent study from Nationwide Insurance found that August 2nd is the deadliest day of the year for vehicle crashes. This month as a whole is also more deadly than any other, according to the same study. During a five-year span from 2012 to 2016, 15,914 people died in vehicle accidents in August. 505 of those deaths were on August 2nd. The report cited congested traffic, hard braking, and faster acceleration as leading causes. Before you get behind the wheel, brush up on these tips for safe driving. Most Common Driving Dangers 1) Failing to follow the speed limit.
If You Are a Foster Parent Caring For a Baby Who Won’t Stop Crying, You Need to Read This. As a lawyer Memphis, TN has trusted for over thirty years, I want to share something important with you. If a child under your care is showing signs of extreme distress and cannot be comforted, it may be a sign of something much worse. Excessively crying babies indicates possible serious condition: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a group of agonizing symptoms that occurs in newborns who were exposed to opioids while in the womb. Opioids include drugs like Vicodin, Oxycodone, Percocet, methadone, fentanyl, and heroin. If a child’s mother takes these drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding, her child will also become