Firm News

Becoming Your Own Health Advocate After a Cancer Diagnosis

Apr 14, 2016

Patients and their families will likely feel lost and overwhelmed following a cancer diagnosis. The Q&A section of the Philadelphia Inquirer recently addressed the process and the steps patients can take to understand what’s about to happen. Lewis Rose, M.D., a medical oncologist at Nazareth Hospital, explains that for many, understanding and learning to cope with the diagnosis and treatment process are the hardest parts of the situation. In addition to openly communicating with the oncologist,...

Joel Feldman Advocates for Stricter Distracted Driving Laws in PA

Apr 13, 2016

There were nearly 15,000 automobile accidents involving distracted driving in Pennsylvania last year, including 66 deaths, according to PennDOT. Tragically, each crash was preventable. Pennsylvania has designated April as National Distracted Driving Month, but the effort to end distracted driving in the state does not stop there. Anapol Weiss Shareholder Joel Feldman stood with state Senators Rob Teplitz and John Wozniak at the state Capitol on Monday as they called for further strengthening of the laws...

Lawsuit Filed Against Uni-Mart for Deceptive Business Practices

Apr 5, 2016

Anapol Weiss has filed a class action lawsuit with attorney Michael J. Cefalo in Luzerne County court alleging Uni-Mart LLC gas stations have engaged in deceptive business practices. According to the complaint filed on March 31, 2016, a Pennsylvania resident paid for 4 ½ gallons of gas with a debit card at a West Wyoming Uni-Mart in January, but he was charged the higher credit card price. The complaint alleges that Uni-Mart violated the state’s Unfair Trade...

Underscoring C-Section Risks during Cesarean Awareness Month

Mar 31, 2016

April 1st marks the beginning of International Cesarean Awareness Month, a campaign that aims to promote lowering the rate of Cesarean deliveries as recommended by health organizations by offering support, education and advocacy. One third of all deliveries in the United States are by Cesarean, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also called a C-section, a Cesarean delivery is performed by removing the baby through surgical incisions in the...

Medication Errors Injure 1.5 Million People Each Year

Mar 23, 2016

Medication errors are among the most common medical mistakes in the United States. Even a small error can have life-threatening consequences for a patient — and with more than 80% of American adults taking at least one medication, the threat is significant. A report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has estimated that these errors harm at least 1.5 million people every year. A conservative estimate of the added medical costs to treat these medication-related injuries amounts to $3.5 billion...

Voice-Activated Features Contribute to Distracted Driving Dangers

Mar 21, 2016

In a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, researchers compared the levels of mental distraction associated with the use of hands-free technologies in ten 2015 vehicles and three different smart phones. They found that every system increased mental distraction and the likelihood of distracted driving to potentially unsafe levels. Those that performed best were relatively easy to use, required less time, and generally had fewer errors. Test subjects used voice commands for making calls...

Asbestos-Related Diseases

Mar 17, 2016

When a person is exposed to asbestos, tiny fibers can enter the lungs and remain there throughout his or her life. Scarring and inflammation develops as asbestos fibers accumulate, which can eventually affect a person’s breathing and long-term health. Asbestos exposure increases a person’s risk of developing diseases ranging from mild and benign to malignant and deadly. Not everyone who is exposed will develop an asbestos-related disease, but the risk lasts for decades after exposure, according...

Businesses Should Increase Security Measures on St. Patrick’s Day

Mar 15, 2016

More than 125 million Americans plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual St. Patrick’s Day Spending Survey. Total spending for the March 17 holiday is expected to reach $4.4 billion based on the U.S. population of people 18 years old and older. With a celebration of that caliber, there are likely more opportunities for preventable accidents, crimes and injuries – and more of a reason for...

What to Bring to Your Initial Consultation

Mar 14, 2016

Preparation is essential in order to have a productive and informative initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Below are a few items that will provide valuable information to help an attorney evaluate your case. Consider obtaining these items as soon as possible prior to your meeting. Medical Records You have a right under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to access, review and keep a copy of your medical records. Bringing a copy with...

CDC: Patient Notification Following an Infection Control Breach

Mar 3, 2016

Heath care providers are responsible for protecting patients from preventable harm. When they fail to do so, they must deliver timely and accurate information to those who may be affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a guide to assist state and local health departments and facilities with notifying patients of a lapse in infection control. Patient notification almost always involves a mailed letter to quickly deliver a consistent message to each...