News & Blog

in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen Named in America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators®

January 12, 2018

Daniel J. Distasio and Michael J. Kowalski, partners in Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen personal injury firm in Wilkes-Barre, have been named among the nation’s most esteemed and skilled litigators in high stakes legal matters. They were both among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for 2017. Selection to America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is by invitation only. It is reserved to identify the nation’s most exceptional trial attorneys in high value, high stakes legal matters. To be considered for selection, an attorney must have litigated (for either plaintiff or defendant) a matter (1) with at least $2,000,000 in alleged damages at stake or (2) with the fate of a business worth at least $2,000,000 at stake. These minimum qualifications are required for initial consideration. Thereafter, candidates are carefully screened through comprehensive Qualitative Comparative Analysis. This is based on a broad array of criteria, including the candidate’s professional experience, litigation experience, significant […]

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Five tips to stay safe in freezing temps

January 5, 2018

We’re in the midst of a deep freeze in the northeast, with wind chills below zero. These frigid temperatures can be dangerous for many reasons. Freezing temps can cause frostbite and hypothermia to those not properly protected from the weather. Icy driving conditions can wreak havoc on highways and cause auto accidents. Bursting pipes can cause damage to your home. As the temperature dips, carbon monoxide poisoning is also more common. Here are five tips to stay safe in freezing temps and better protect you and your family from the elements this winter. Dress warmly with layers Stay indoors during severe weather conditions if possible. If you do need to venture out, wear a hat, gloves and a scarf or mask to cover your face. Wear several layers to help insulate from the cold. Limit your time outside and be sure you stay warm and dry. Beware of slippery sidewalks […]

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The road to ensure driverless vehicles are safe

December 5, 2017

37, 461 people were killed in crashes on U.S. roads in 2016. Because most crashes are caused by human error, many see driverless vehicles as a solution to reduce crashes. Automakers and others are rushing to market with vehicles that have autonomous driving capability. Are they doing enough to ensure driverless vehicles are safe? Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen is an injury law firm that focuses on protecting the victims of car accidents and truck crashes. As such, we are hopeful that when properly tested and regulated, driverless vehicles will help to reduce injuries and fatalities as the result of auto accidents. The key is adequate testing and regulation to ensure safety. Harvard Business Review published a research and computer model conducted by Accenture and the Stevens Institute of Technology. The study indicated that “as many as 23 million fully autonomous vehicles will be traveling U.S. highways by 2035.” Both Tesla and GM introduced new […]

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Motor vehicle crash deaths on the rise

October 28, 2017

A motor vehicle crash kills someone every fifteen minutes. The U.S. Department of Transportation released 2016 crash fatality statistics earlier this month. 37,461 people were killed in traffic accidents. This was an increase of 5.6% over 2015 crash fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities and pedestrian deaths accounted for more than a third of the increase. The 9% increase in pedestrian fatalities was the highest number since 1990. Motorcycle accident deaths rose by 5.1%. Another notable increase was an 8.6 % increase in large truck crash fatalities. Passengers of cars and light trucks accounted for 36% of those killed in auto accidents. Together, they totaled 54% of the overall increase in fatalities. Pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-occupants account for 18% of the crash fatalities. Risky behaviors behind the wheel cause crashes The NHTSA reported that human choices are linked to 94% of serious crashes. This is evidenced in motor vehicle crash fatality increases in […]

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Physicians Must Obtain Informed Consent Rules PA Supreme Court

September 22, 2017

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently ruled that physicians must obtain informed consent. A physician is personally responsible for obtaining informed consent from a patient prior to performing medical procedures. As a result, physicians cannot delegate this duty to other staff members, such as nurses or physician’s assistants. Informed consent is defined as a formal agreement that a patient signs. The agreement gives permission for a medical procedure after having been told about the risks, benefits, etc. The goal of Informed consent is to be sure that the patient fully understands the procedure or treatment. And is also aware of the risks, benefits and other possible alternatives. PA Malpractice Lawsuit – Physicians must obtain informed consent The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that physicians must obtain informed consent came as the result of Shinal v. Toms. This was a medical malpractice lawsuit filed against Geisinger Hospital in Danville. The case came about as the result […]

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Daniel Distasio Named to Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

August 16, 2017

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum recently announced that attorney Daniel J. Distasio of the Wilkes-Barre personal injury firm Distasio & Kowalski, LLC has been certified as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Distasio is presently a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. This is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the country. The Forum is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements on behalf of clients. Less than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members of the forum, which acknowledges excellence in advocacy. It also provides members with a national network of experienced colleagues for information exchange in major cases. Daniel J. Distasio Distasio earned his Juris Doctorate from the Dickinson School of Law. He focuses on cases involving auto & truck accidents, medical malpractice, personal injury and product liability. For more information on Daniel J. […]

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Auto & Truck Accidents

Our attorneys are here to guide you through the process of fighting for justice after a serious car or truck accident. 

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Medical Malpractice & Medical Misdiagnosis

Distasio & Kowalski has an exceptional record of success in fighting negligent doctors and hospitals in Pennsylvania.

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Birth Injury

We understand your suffering and are here to legal representation if your baby is the victim of a tragic birth injury. 

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Personal Injury

If you were seriously injured in any type of accident, they DKY personal injury attorneys will fight aggressively for you.

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Wrongful Death

We are injury attorneys dedicated to fighting for the rights and recoveries of families who have lost loved ones.

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Our experienced attorneys will hep you create a strategy to ensure that your assets move easily to the next generation.

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If you have been injured at work or are seeking SSDI or SSI benefits and have been denied, our attorneys are here for you.

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