News & Blog

in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Is cerebral palsy caused by medical errors?

March 5, 2019

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong and serious neurological disorder that is often caused by a lack of enough oxygen reaching an infant’s brain during labor or delivery. Head trauma before, during or shortly after birth can be a cause. While not all cases of cerebral palsy are caused by medical error, some certainly are. Medical errors or medical malpractice during labor or delivery can sometimes result in hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen to the brain, or asphyxia, which is insufficient oxygen to the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that 85 to 90 percent of cerebral palsy cases are congenital, or occur before or during the birth. Cerebral palsy impairs muscle coordination and body movement. Harmful side effects of cerebral palsy can include breathing problems, trouble swallowing, speech impediment, as well as vision and hearing problems. Other side effects include cognitive impairments, seizure disorder, learning disabilities, and inability […]

Michael J. Kowalski to present at NEPATLA event

October 22, 2018

Attorney Michael J. Kowalski is scheduled to present at the Northeastern PA Trial Lawyers Association Personal Injury Potpourri continuing education event on December 6, 2018. Speakers will provide an overview of timely and important personal injury topics for civil litigators in NEPA. The day-long seminar will feature topics including Nursing Home Litigation, Tips and Strategies for Effectively Representing Injured Workers, Effective Use of Arbitration & Mediation to Settle Personal Injury Cases, and many more. Atty. Kowalski is a partner in the Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen personal injury firm in Wilkes-Barre. He will present on the topic of Deposing the Defendant Doctor in a Medical Malpractice Case. The NEPATLA provides advocacy, education, resources and support for civil litigators in the Northeast Region of the State. Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen is a personal injury firm that represents the victims of auto accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, birth injury cases as well as other […]

Lack of regulation for modified stretch limousines pose dangers

October 9, 2018

The horrific fatal crash of yet another modified stretch limousine this past weekend has us again talking about the lack of safety regulations for these vehicles. 20 were killed in the New York limousine crash, making it the deadliest transportation accident in the U.S. in nearly a decade. According to news reports, a Ford Excursion limousine went through a stop sign and hit a parked vehicle before crashing into a ditch. Two pedestrians and all 18 people in the limo died. Among those killed in the limousine accident were four sisters. Others included couples just starting their lives together and friends who came together to celebrate a 30th birthday. This limousine crash is an unspeakable tragedy that may have been prevented. The dangers of modified stretch limousines Why did not one passenger survive the limousine crash? It’s a question that investigators hope to answer. The concerning lack of safety regulations […]

Daniel Distasio named Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer

October 3, 2018

WILKES-BARRE, PA – October 3, 2018 – Attorney Daniel Distasio, a partner in the Wilkes-Barre personal injury firm of Distasio & Kowalski, LLC, has been selected by The National Trial Lawyers for inclusion in is Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania. This honor is given to only a select group of lawyers for their superior skills and qualifications in the field. Membership in this exclusive organization is by invitation only and is limited to the top 100 attorneys in each state or region who have demonstrated excellence and achieved outstanding results in their careers in either civil plaintiff or criminal defense law. With his selection to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, Mr. Distasio has shown that he exemplifies superior qualifications, leadership skills and trial results as a trial lawyer. The selection process for this elite honor is based on a multi-phase process, which includes peer nominations combined […]

Michael J. Kowalski recognized in the Best Lawyers in America©

August 17, 2018

WILKES-BARRE, PA – August 17, 2018 – Attorney Michael J. Kowalski, a partner in the Wilkes-Barre personal injury firm of Distasio & Kowalski, LLC, has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019. Attorney Kowalski was selected for his expertise in the area of Personal Injury Law. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. The Best Lawyers in America rankings are based solely on peer-review surveys. Tens of thousands of attorneys confidentially evaluate their colleagues. Attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America were recognized for their professional excellence in 145 practice areas. Best Lawyers is widely regarded as the preeminent referral guide that identifies outstanding counsel for a wide range of legal matters. Distasio & Kowalski LLC is located in Wilkes-Barre. The personal injury attorneys specialize in Auto & Truck Accidents, Medical Malpractice. Birth Injury, Product Liability, Personal […]

Daniel Distasio recognized by National Association of Distinguished Counsel

May 21, 2018

Daniel Distasio, of Distasio & Kowalski L.L.C., has been selected to the 2018 list as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC). NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate. Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team and selected by a blue ribbon panel of attorneys with podium status from independently neutral organizations. They are approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law. Due to the incredible selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States are awarded membership in NADC. This elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the […]