News & Blog

in Wilkes-Barre, PA

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 […]

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. […]

Daniel Distasio named to National Association of Distinguished Counsel

July 26, 2017

Daniel J. Distasio, of Distasio & Kowalski L.L.C., has been selected to the 2017 list of the “Nation’s Top Attorneys” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC). Less than one percent of practicing attorneys in the United States are selected for this honor. The recipients of this prestigious award have demonstrated the highest ideals of the legal profession. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team, selected by a blue ribbon panel of attorneys with podium status from independently neutral organizations, and approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law. This elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation. Distasio & Kowalski LLC, located in downtown Wilkes-Barre, specializes in Auto/Truck Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, and Personal Injury/Wrongful Death. For more information […]

US Traffic Fatalities Reaches Nine Year High

February 17, 2017

The National Safety Council (NSC) just released estimates that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. This is a 6% increase over 2015 in traffic fatalities and a 14% increase over 2014. The 2014 to 2016 increase in traffic fatalities marked the largest increase in 53 years, according to the NSC. With the upward trend in traffic fatalities, the NSC is calling for the immediate implementation of life-saving measures, including: Mandatory ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers Automated enforcement techniques to catch speeders Laws banning cell phone use Upgrade seatbelt laws Adopt a three-tiered licensing system for all new drivers under 21 Standardize and accelerate automotive safety technologies Pass or reinstate motorcycle helmet laws Adopt comprehensive pedestrian safety programs Increase in Traffic Deaths a Call to Action The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) said that the increase in traffic fatalities was a call to action for […]

PA accident lawyer warns of winter weather related crashes

December 14, 2016

Freezing temperatures have brought snow, sleet and icy road conditions to Pennsylvania and other areas of the country. This has caused many winter weather related crashes. Just this month, a crash involving more than 75 vehicles occurred on the Interstate 90 at the Pennsylvania Ohio border. On that same road, a 13-vehicle pileup occurred. Snowy driving conditions were said to have played a part in the crashes, according to CBS News. Another pileup involving 40 vehicles occurred in Michigan last week as well. This past weekend, a multi vehicle wreck also closed part of Interstate I 80 near Luzerne County. Many motorists are killed and injured in winter weather related crashes every year. With the snowy weather just starting, hazardous road conditions and crashes will be all too common in months ahead. Five winter driving safety trips Slow down. Adjust your driving speed according to conditions. Give yourself extra time to get […]

Workers’ Comp Attorney Discusses Dangerous Jobs

October 18, 2016

Every day an average of 13 workers die on the job in the United States working dangerous jobs. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, 4,821 workers died on the job in 2014. 20.5% of the worker fatalities in private industry were in construction. That’s one in five worker deaths coming from the construction industry. Falls were the leading cause of construction worker deaths, accounting for nearly 40%. Other leading causes included electrocution, struck by object and caught-in/between. Referred to as the “fatal four” for construction workers, these causes were responsible in total for more than half (60.6%) of construction worker deaths in 2014. Improving safety on construction sites can save lives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 545 workers’ lives could be saved every year just by eliminating deaths occurring as a result of construction’s fatal four. OSHA’s number one cited violation […]