Pittsburgh Wrongful Death Attorneys Blog

Fatal logging accident under investigation in Pennsylvania

2011-11-16T19:25:12Z

Readers of this blog are likely aware of the grim and unfortunate fact that fatal accidents happen all too often in Pennsylvania. Death, regardless of the circumstances, is often greeted with sadness and grief, but an unexpected death caused by recklessness or carelessness can seem all the more tragic. However, in cases when an accident may be the fault of another, family and loved ones of the deceased do find some solace in knowing that a wrongful death claim can be sought as some measure of compensation.

A wrongful death is a death caused by the negligent or willful conduct of another, and the term may well apply to a recent tragedy that took place on Nov. 7 in a wooded area of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. It was there that a 61-year-old man was killed in an apparent logging accident. Emergency responders who rushed to the scene reportedly had to search for the man for about an hour after they arrived. Authorities have not yet said specifically what caused the man's death, and police are continuing to investigate.

]]> In cases where individuals have to use dangerous equipment in the workplace, it is the responsibility of manufacturers to make a product that is safe to use. Additionally, every employer has a responsibility to create a safe workplace for employees. If a failure to fulfill those obligations is found to have caused the death of an individual, that person's family and loved ones are entitled to seek monetary compensation for funeral arrangements, lost wages, any medical costs associated with the accident, as well as pain and suffering. Such monetary damages can be both compensatory and punitive. Indeed, anyone who has lost a loved one due to a fatal accident has a right to ask questions and a right to seek answers.

Source: wfmj.com, "Police investigating logging fatality in NW. Pa.," Nov. 9, 2011

New treatment shown to extend lives of mesothelioma sufferers

2011-11-11T19:01:34Z

Pennsylvania workers may be all-too-familiar with the disease mesothelioma, which is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Statistics show that the disease usually shows up between 10 and 50 years after exposure, and once the cancer starts, victims typically survive for only another nine to 12 months. But there may be good news for those who are suffering from or know someone who is suffering from mesothelioma.

A new treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT) has surprised University of Pennsylvania researchers, who say the treatment has been remarkably effective in combination with lung-sparing surgery. The study has shown that PDT combined with lung-sparing surgery can bring about better survival rates than conventional treatments for individuals who suffer from mesothelioma. Reportedly, patients who underwent PDT treatment survived considerably longer than other patients who endured surgery that completely sacrificed a lung. According to a lead surgeon, most patients were still living two years after the new treatment.

]]> PDT is not like radiation treatments, which pass completely through the body. PDT enters only a short distance into the body, allowing the lung to be preserved. In effect, the treatment helps destroy microscopic parts of the disease and improves the body's immune responses. Researchers attribute the improved survival rates to the ability of patients to keep both of their lungs.

But as Pennsylvanians know, such treatments don't come cheaply, and not everyone who suffers from mesothelioma will benefit from these new research findings. Regardless of their type of treatment, too many individuals die too soon as a result of asbestos exposure, and anyone who has faced the loss of a loved one because of another party's negligence has the right to seek compensation for the high medical bills that come with mesothelioma. Indeed, the pain and suffering of a wrongful death should not have to be compounded by the crippling medical expense of any treatment, new or old.

Source: kingofhowto.com, "Study: Mesothelioma Treatment Option Leads to "Long Survival Rates," Paul A. Achoa, Nov. 2, 2011

Welcome to our Pittsburgh wrongful death law blog

2011-11-04T07:01:29Z

We established this blog to share stories and information about topics relevant to our practice. Our intent is to highlight local stories, as well as national subject matter, that we think you will find interesting. We will regularly update this blog and encourage you to share your thoughts on these posts.