Fodera and Long Trial Lawyer Blog

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:41:05 GMT

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover? - You don't want to press your luck.

Fodera & Long wish you a happy and festive St. Patrick's Day... please drink responsibly.

Do not drink and drive!

Happy Presidents Day!

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:35:53 GMT

“Observe good faith and justice toward all. Cultivate peace and harmony.“ - George Washington

Let us be thankful for our great leaders today!

Fodera & Long wish you a Happy Presidents’ Day!

Fodera & Long Donation Ceremony to Project H.O.M.E.

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:58:57 GMT

Fodera & Long, P.C., petitioned the court and was granted permission to donate residual class action funds in the amount of $31,755.61 to Project H.O.M.E.

The residual funds were presented by Mr. Fodera to Amy Burns, Vice President of Development & Public Relations, on Tuesday, February 5, 2012 at 10:00am, at 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

At Fodera & Long, P.C., we believe in the importance of supporting our community. It was a privilege to be able to give back and help make the Philadelphia community a better place for all.

Fodera & Long to Donate to Project H.O.M.E.

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:54:02 GMT

Fodera & Long to Donate $31,755.61 to Project H.O.M.E

Fodera & Long, P.C. will be having a ceremony at our offices at 1500 Walnut Street – Suite 900 – Philadelphia, PA 19102 on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. At that time, we will present Amy Burns, Vice President of Development & Public Relations of Project H.O.M.E., with a check in the amount of $31,755.61.

Since 1989, Project H.O.M.E. has worked to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential as individuals and as members of a broader society.

In North Central Philadelphia, Project H.O.M.E. continues to work to prevent homelessness in a low-income neighborhood through a variety of initiatives that include greening vacant lots, economic development, home ownership for the working poor, a free medical clinic, and the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technolgy Labs which is a state-of-the-art center that offers comprehensive educational and occupational programming, including an independent K-5 school.

At Fodera & Long, P.C. we accept our responsibility to the community. We constantly strive to make Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley a better place for all. The funds that are being donated are residual funds as a result of a successful class action lawsuit. Fodera & Long requested the Court allow them to utilize these residual funds to benefit Project H.O.M.E.. The Court agreed with Fodera & Long’s request and the residual funds will be presented to Project H.O.M.E. at the ceremony on February 5^th.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Questions regarding this press release can be answered by calling Fodera & Long at 215-569-1212 and asking for Len Fodera. Interviews by the press can be arranged as well by emailing us at lfodera@foderalawfirm.com

The Tragedy of Birth Injury

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:41:07 GMT

Cerebral palsy is one of the most well-known types of birth injury. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a restricted or delayed flow of oxygen to the brain during or after delivery.

Other common types of injury that happen at birth include shoulder dystocia, brachial/erbs palsy, seizures, bruising, forceps marks, facial paralysis from nerve damage due to pressure on the baby's face and fractures.

The effects of birth injury are not always apparent right after birth, but sometimes take years before becoming noticeable parents and pediatricians.

Some of the more common causes for birth/neonatal injury include:

Failure to promptly perform a c-section during labor.
Misuse of prostaglandin gel or other cervix ripening agents, resulting in adverse effects.
Failure to accurately diagnose the size of the baby.
Improper use of a vacuum extractor or forceps during delivery.
Failure to monitor the baby's blood pressure or insulin levels after birth.
Failure to respond to a change in baby's heart rate during labor.

The attorneys at Foder & Long will ensure that you and your child are compensated for your damages to the fullest extent of the law. Foder & Long offers a free case evaluation to discuss your birth/neonatal injury concerns. Please contact our law firm today to arrange a consultation.

Trial Attorneys Leonard V. Fodera and Allison Long are pleased to announce the formation of Fodera & Long, p.c

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:00:29 GMT

April 5, 2011-Philadelphia Pa. Trial Attorneys Leonard V. Fodera and Allison Long are pleased to announce the formation of Fodera & Long, p.c.

Trial Attorneys Leonard V. Fodera and Allison Long are pleased to announce the formation of Fodera & Long, p.c.. The Attorneys at Fodera & Long have combined over 40 years legal Trial experience. These Attorneys have represented hundreds of clients. They have recovered tens of millions of dollars in awards, by way of verdict or settlement, for their clients.

Attorney Leonard V. Fodera has been voted by his peers, in the legal community, as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for six consecutive years. He is a former member of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers association. Mr. Fodera maintains the highest possible rating for Legal ability and ethical standards ( AV Preeminent ) from Lexis/Nexis peer review Martindale- Hubbell. He has tried numerous cases to success before juries over the course of his career. He is a seasoned, experienced civil Trial Lawyer who fights for the rights of his clients.

Attorney Allison Long Is a member of the American Association of Justice and The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. She is an experienced Trial Lawyer and litigator. Ms. Long represents individuals who have been victims of the negligence of others. She concentrates in the area of Professional negligence and personal injury. She is a strong and persuasive advocate for victim rights.

Fodera & Long is located at 1835 Market street Philadelphia Pa. 215.569.1212. They are available and accept both attorney referrals and clients for representation in Professional negligence, Medical mistake, Pharmaceutical Litigation, consumer class action and all personal injury.

Philadelphia Teacher Wins 4 Tickets to see the Phillies from the Law Firm of Fodera and Long

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:57:40 GMT

Fodera & Long would like to congratulate Chonte Hunt, the winner of the Fodera & Long Phillies tickets giveaway. Chonte, a teacher and Philadelphia resident, won 4 tickets to the May 1, 2011 Phillies game against the NY Mets. She was randomly selected from over 400 people who entered the contest by “liking” Fodera & Long’s Facebook page and completing and entry form.

Chonte was treated to a 14-inning game against the Mets in which the Phillies eventually lost. But it was a memorable night as during the game the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death filtered through Citizen’s Bank Park and the crowd (both Mets and Phillies fans) erupted in “USA!” chants.

We would like to thank everyone who entered and let everyone know to stay tuned. Fodera & Long will be running additional Phillies ticket giveaways throughout the season through our Facebook page.

You can find our Facebook page by clicking here. If you become a fan of our page then you will be alerted when the next ticket giveaway is being held so you can enter the contest.

You can also visit our website at www.foderalawfirm.com. On our website, you can find information about our areas of practice, our attorney profiles, and past victories, as well as our location and contact information.

We, at Fodera & Long want to be your Philadelphia trial lawyers. We sincerely hope ours is the first number you call when you need legal services of any kind. We are available by phone and email 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

Congrats to Chonte, and thank you to all who entered. We wish everyone who enters our future contests the best of luck.

Self-Employed Lifetime Philadelphian Wins 4 Tickets to see the Phillies from the Law Firm of Fodera and Long

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:54:53 GMT

Fodera & Long would like to congratulate Andre Bright, a self-employed lifetime Philadelphian. Mr. Bright won 4 tickets to the June 6, 2011 Phillies game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Andre will be bringing his wife and two daughters to the game. He was randomly selected from approximately 800 people who entered the contest by “liking” Fodera, Long & Lalli’s Facebook page and completing and entry form.

We would like to thank everyone who entered and let everyone know to stay tuned. Fodera & Long will be running an additional Phillies ticket giveaway later this season through our Facebook page. If you become a fan of our page then you will be alerted when the next ticket giveaway is being held so you can enter the contest.

You can also visit our website at www.foderalawfirm.com. On our website, you can find information about our areas of practice, attorney profiles, past victories, location and contact information. We, at Fodera & Long want to be your Philadelphia trial lawyers. We sincerely hope ours is the first number you call when you need legal services of any kind. We are available by phone and email 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

Congrats to Andre, and thank you to all who entered. We wish everyone who enters any of our future contests the best of luck.

$2.8 million lawsuit that was handled by the lawyers of Fodera and Long

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:53:31 GMT

A jury awards $2.8 million to girl raped in foster care

In March of 2003 the lawyers of Fodera and Long took a rape case to trial and won a jury award of $2.8 million

An 11-year-old Philadelphia girl who was raped seven years ago while living in a foster home under contract with the city was awarded $2.8 million by a federal jury.

The eight-member civil-court jury deliberated about five hours before returning the verdict in favor of the girl - identified as "M.B." - and her aunt and guardian, "T.B."

The verdict and damages were against the North Philadelphia-based Women's Christian Alliance and two of its officials, social work supervisor Sandra Lewis and caseworker Marva Rountree; Mary Barksdale, the WCA foster mother with whom the girl was placed in 1995; and Irving Ford, Barksdale's boarder, who pleaded guilty to raping the girl.

The case was featured in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer which is available in their article archive.

Do You Have a Personal Injury Case?

Call the Law Firm of Fodera & Long Now 1-888-268-1129

This is just a small portion of our many successful outcomes. Each case we accept is different. Although results in one case are not a predictor of the same result in a similar case, our attorneys use the experience of past cases to better serve our clients.

Failure to diagnose results $500,000.00 for victim with the help of Philadelphia law firm Fodera and Long

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:52:23 GMT

April 2011, Philadelphia, Pa

Fodera & Long resolved a matter against a local health care provider for $500,000.00:

Woman presented to local provider in extreme pain. Total time in evaluation was less than 15 minutes. She was diagnosed with a “boil”.

Woman represented later the same day with fulminant necrotizing fasciitis ( flesh eating disease). Allegations of failure to diagnose on first presentation.

Do You Have a Personal Injury Case?

Call the Law Firm of Fodera & Long Now 1-888-268-1129

This is just a small portion of our many successful outcomes. Each case we accept is different. Although results in one case are not a predictor of the same result in a similar case, our attorneys use the experience of past cases to better serve our clients.

Life-long Philadelphian Wins Baseball Tickets from the Fodera and Long Lawfirm

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:29:24 GMT

Fodera & Long would like to congratulate William Dolley, the winner in our last Phillies Tickets Giveaway of the season. Mr. Dolley, a lifelong Philadelphia who lives just a few blocks from Citizens Bank Park, won 4 tickets to the September 19, 2011 Phillies game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was randomly selected from over a thousand people who entered the contest by “liking” Fodera & Long’s Facebook page and completing and entry form.

We would like to thank everyone who entered and let everyone know to stay tuned. Although our Phillies giveaways are over for the year, Fodera & Long will be holding additional contests through our Facebook page in the future. The only way to ensure you learn of these future contests is by becoming a fan of our page.

You can also visit our website at www.foderalawfirm.com to find information about our areas of practice, attorney profiles, past victories, location and contact information.

Congrats to Will, and thank you to all who entered. We wish everyone who enters any of our future contests the best of luck.

Temple University Student Wins Femme Fatale Tickets from the Philadelphia Law Firm of Fodera and Long

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:26:32 GMT

The Philadelphia law firm of Fodera & Long would like to congratulate Bridgette Adekoya, a junior at Temple University studying sociology. Bridgette won 2 tickets to the July 30, 2011 Femme Fatale Concert at the Wells Fargo Center featuring Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj. She was randomly selected from those who entered the contest by “liking” Fodera & Long ’s Facebook page and completing the contest entry form.

We would like to thank everyone who entered and let everyone know to stay tuned. Fodera & Long will be running additional giveaways through our Facebook page.

Congrats to Bridgette, and thank you to all who entered.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Fodera and Long P.C. are Reviewing Potential Lawsuits Related to Da Vinci Surgical Robot Surgery Complications

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:07:43 GMT

DA VINCI SURGICAL ROBOT SURGERY COMPLICATIONS

The da Vinci Surgical System is a remote-controlled robot manufactured and marketed by Intuitive Surgery, Inc. for use in various types of surgery throughout the United States. Since it was approved in the United States in 2000, surgery with the da Vinci robot has been touted as providing less invasive surgery with smaller incisions and reduced recovery times. However, time has shown that more and more patients may be suffering serious and life-threatening complications and problems from da Vinci robotic surgery.

Problems with the robotic system include potential design defects and a failure to provide adequate training, instructions and warnings on use of the device. You may have a valid medical malpractice and /or product liability claim if you have undergone da Vinci robot surgery and have suffered:

Surgical Burns to Arteries or Organs
Tears or Perforation of Arteries or Organs
Additional Surgical Procedures Following Robot Surgery
Wrongful Death Due to da Vinci Robotic Surgery Complications

At a cost between $1-2 million, plus annual maintenance expenses well over $100,000 per year, many surgeons are pushed to use the da Vinci surgical robot to help hospitals recover costs.

As a result of aggressive marketing, there is a belief within the medical community that hospitals are at a competitive disadvantage if they do not have a da Vinci robot for surgical procedures, even though there is an absence of reliable scientific data demonstrating that it is better for patients.

Research has suggested that surgeons may require as many as 200 cases for some procedures before they become proficient with da Vinci robotic surgery, minimal and insufficient training is available for physicians by the manufacturer and hospitals. Research has suggested that while a surgeon is learning the new techniques of robotic surgery, many patients will experience outcomes that are inferior to what might otherwise have occurred with an experienced surgeon.

Lawsuits over the da Vinci robot allege that many physicians are not adequately trained or proctored on the proper use of the device, which may increase the risk of complications and injuries for patients.

In addition to training problems, design defects with the da Vinci surgical robot may be responsible for serious and potentially life-threatening burn related injuries. In some cases, the monopolar energy used with the da Vinci system may cause injuries to surrounding parts of the body. The electrical current may also pass outside the surgical field as a result of potential problems with insulation for the arms, which may become worn or torn in places, without awareness of the surgeon.

Cuts, tears and burns may be suffered by nearby arteries or internal organs, which often go undetected for some time after surgery. These da Vinci robot injuries may result in severe complications days later, which require additional surgery, cause permanent injury or death.

The product liability and medical malpractice lawyers at Fodera & Long, P.C. are reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have experienced serious injury or death following robotic surgery where the da Vinci Surgical Robot was used. Contact one of our experienced attorneys for a free consultation at (215)569-1212.

Should Restaurants Require a Waiver Before Serving Hot Food?

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:23:53 GMT

Have lawsuits driven a restaurant to use a waiver for protection against being sued by customers who get injured from hot food?

A recent article in a legal opinion blog by Jonathan Turley titled Tort or Torte? Restaurant Requires Waivers Before Customers Try Hot Food Mr. Turley discusses a restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts requiring the customer to sign a waiver in an attemt to protect themselves from lawsuits.

Requiring the waiver sounds a bit more like a publicity stunt than a bona fide attempt at limiting liability.

Although the tort laws in each state can differ, there are defenses that are generally universal in nature, including assumption of the risk.

The restaurant advertises the week as "Hell Week," during which only very spicy foods are served. Customers come during that week specifically for that reason: to try the hottest foods they've ever tasted. The fact that the food is very spicy is not a secret. Because the customers are seeking out this restaurant during Hell Week, it can be argued that they know full well what to expect and are implicitly assuming the risks involved with eating spicy foods. As long as the restaurant provides a clear and complete list of the ingredients used in each dish, I don't see the waiver being warranted.

So if a customer signs a waiver have they given up their legal right to sue?

That being said, many consumers erroneously believe that by signing a waiver they are giving up all legal rights to bring an action against a tortfeasor. They believe this even though there are many defects in a waiver that would render it void. So while the restaurant's goal in requiring the waiver might be publicity, it could benefit from the byproduct of avoiding litigation from an uninformed consumer who assumes the waiver was airtight.

Jonathan Turley's article can be found here: Tort or Torte? Restaurant Requires Waivers Before Customers Try Hot Food

The original news story about the restaurant can be found here: Cambridge Restaurant’s Food Is So Hot, You Have To Sign A Waiver

Leonard V. Fodera has been voted a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 6 consecutive years.

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:23:44 GMT

Leonard V. Fodera has been voted by his peers in the legal community as a Pennsylvania super lawyer for 6 consecutive years.

Mr. Fodera has practiced Law in Pennsylvania for over 20 years representing injured persons. He is rated AV by Martindale Hubble. The highest legal and ethical ability.

Leonard V. Fodera was named as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers of Pennsylvania

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:38:10 GMT

Leonard V. Fodera was named by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers of Pennsylvania. According to the National Trial Lawyers Association, Mr. Fodera exemplifies superior qualities of leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and profile as a civil plaintiff trial lawyer.

New Study Links Diabetes Medication to Bladder Cancer

Tue, 17 May 2011 20:05:35 GMT

According to a study published in the April 2011 scientific journal Diabetes Care of the American Diabetes Association, the use of the diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.

The study, entitled Assessing the Association of Pioglitazone Use and Bladder Cancer Through Drug Adverse Event Reporting, examined all bladder cancer reports in patients taking anti-diabetic drugs from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System between 2004 and 2009. The study found a significantly increased risk for bladder cancer in those taking Actos (pioglitazone). Other anti-diabetic drugs, were not associated with this increased risk, according to the study.

Between 2004 and 2009, there were more than 500,000 adverse events reported with patients on anti-diabetic drugs. Of those 500,000, there were 138 patients on one of more than 15 different diabetes medications whose physicians reported a diagnosis of bladder cancer. More than 20% of all these cases occurred in patients on Actos (pioglitazone), which suggests a highly disproportionate risk compared to the other 15+ diabetes drugs monitored.

The possible link between bladder cancer and Actos has been discussed before, with a long-term studies conducted by the drug’s manufacturer that found an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients who took the drug for long periods of time. Based on this data, the FDA began an investigation to determine if there is an actual increased risk of bladder cancer last year. The FDA’s study has not yet completed.

Until the FDA’s study is complete, the FDA has told patients to not stop taking the diabetes medication unless advised to stop by their doctors.

The Diabetes Care study, which can be accessed by clicking here, concluded that more surveillance is required and an urgent specific study related to this issue should be conducted.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with bladder cancer and you were on the diabetes medication Actos, contact the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Fodera, Long & Lalli for free consultation today.

1-888-268-1129