There is a very disturbing story coming out of Kermit, Texas. Two nurses filed a complaint with the Texas Medical Board about a local doctor because of their concern that his treatment of patients was below the standard of care. As a result, they lost their jobs and now face criminal charges.

“[Advocating for patients] is an absolute right,” states Clair Jordan, MSN, RN, executive director of  Texas Nurses Association,“ that has directed TNA for over 20 years to pass laws to protect nurses from such retaliation. This whole criminal case is just outrageous,” she said.

I have to agree. Even the Texas Medical Board thinks that nothing improper was done: ” It is improper to criminally prosecute people for raising complaints with the Texas Medical board; the complaints were confidential and not subject to subpoena; and under federal law the Texas Medical Board is exempt for HIPPA requirements, so there was not violations of any laws.”

As a former nurse, I know that nurses are on the front lines every day. They see great medical doctors and terrible medical doctors. Protecting patients from substandard care is what nurses should do. I only hope that the prosecutor wakes up and realizes what a terrible mistake he is making.

An Appeals Court in California will soon decide whether key documents will be released in a case involving a child who was severely burned by an allegedly defective Coleman heater.  The lawsuit alleges that the company knew the propane heater was faulty because it had received previous complaints and warranty claims about fires. The child’s lawyers at Bisnar Chase claim that,  “In spite of this knowledge, Coleman still manufactured and sold the propane heater, putting profits ahead of people.”  The lawyers have asked for these documents because they may show that Coleman knowingly  violated a California statute.  According to John Bisnar, “This appears to be a case of a manufacturer using a faulty design, sub-par critical parts and inadequate quality control leading to the catastrophic injury [of the child].”

This case illustrates the difficulties that plaintiffs’ lawyers face when pursuing a major corporation.  Although the trial judge ruled that the documents should be turned over to the plaintiffs, Coleman appealed that ruling and has not turned over the documents, even though the trial is to begin in June.

My friend, Jim Parrish, is a personal injury lawyer in Manassas, Virginia.  He has written two books that you must read if you have suffered injuries from a car accident or dog bite in Virginia.  The Virginia Car Accident Guide and The Virginia Dog Bite Book tell you everything you need to know before you talk to an insurance company or hire a lawyer.

Jim used to defend insurance companies in these types of claims so he knows the tricks that insurers will use to deny your claim or minimize your compensation.  If  you have been injured in Virginia from an accident or from a dog bite, get Jim’s book today.

I have the pleasure of being a part of a lawyer “think tank” with other personal injury lawyers throughout the US and Canada.  That’s how I met Ches Crosbie, founder of Ches Crosbie Barristers, a personal injury law firm serving Newfoundland and Labrador.  Ches believes that injured consumers need helpful legal information.  That’s why he wrote 7 Deadly Sins That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim. It is the ultimate consumer guide to accident cases in Newfoundland and Labrador and is free to residents of those provinces.  You can get your copy at www.NewfoundlandInjuryBook.com.

I recently met personal injury attorney Tom Kiley at a lawyer conference in Virginia.  Tom is known as the Million Dollar Man, and for good reason.  He has repeatedly obtained  multi-million dollar results for his clients.  But, more importantly, he is a tireless fighter for his clients and their families.  If Tom takes your case, he and his staff will devote their full energy to developing your case, holding the responsible party accountable and getting fair compensation for your injuries.   If you need a personal injury attorney in Massachusetts do yourself a favor and contact Tom Kiley today.

My friend, Utah attorney Kenny Christensen, represents victims in Utah who suffer fatal injuries because of car accidents, medical malpractice, acts of violence, police brutality or other similar incidents .  His website is full of great information for anyone in Utah who has suffered such an injury.  He has even written a book on Utah accidents.  Losing a loved one is always painful.  When the death results from the negligent actions of others it is devastating.  If this has happened to you, do yourself a favor and talk to Kenny.