---

Suit Filed in Death of Corpus Christi Man

The Snapka Law Firm filed suit in Travis County against the intoxicated driver of a vehicle involved in an accident which led to the death of Ryan Whittington.  Ryan’s parents, Gary and Mary Whittington  also sued Lustre Pearl, a popular Austin bar,  the owners of the bar , Bridget Dunlap and Chris Parker,  and the individual bartenders who over served the driver even when it was clear that she was intoxicated.   According to Kathryn Snapka, ” We want the bar owners, Bridget Dunlap in particular, to understand their obligation under the law to not over-serve customers because it can have deadly consequences. ”

This is not the first tragedy as a result of over service at a bar owned by Bridget Dunlap.  In May of 2011, Courtney Griffin was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by Gabriele Nestande who had become intoxicated at another bar owned by Ms. Dunlap. www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/formal-sentencing-is-monday-for-nestande

Kathryn Snapka is an experienced, aggressive Texas  Attorney who can help you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Drunk drivers cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year. If you have been injured or a loved one injured or killed has been as a result of a drunk driver, you need an experienced attorney fighting for you. The Snapka Law Firm handles all types of personal injury cases in Corpus Christi and throughout Texas. Call The Snapka Law Firm toll free at (866) 888-7676 for a free consultation regarding your case.

What To Do After An Auto Accident

What To Do After An Auto AccidentAuto accidents are often unnerving experiences. And most people involved in motor vehicle accidents are confused as to what to do after an auto accident. However, attorney Kathryn Snapka offers a little peace of mind with these three important steps you can take following an auto accident.

1. Gather Information

Any information you can gather at the scene of the accident will help you later on. Taking photos of all vehicles involved is very valuable in helping to determine fault and liability. Additionally, you will want to be sure to write down your account of exactly what happened in the accident. Be sure to note what you were doing just prior to the accident and what you noticed around you. Write down how the impact occurred and where each vehicle was located just before the accident. You will be asked for your account from a number of sources following the accident, including the police and insurance companies, so having it written down will come in handy later on.

2. Get Any Needed Medical Attention

If you have concerns about any injury, no matter how small it may seem, it is important that you seek medical attention right away. What seems like something small at first can end up being a much more serious problem. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the sooner you can get back to normal and the easier it will be if you end up filing suit against the at-fault driver.

3. Contact an Experienced Attorney

Contacting an auto accident lawyer in Corpus Christi is one of the most important things you can do after an accident. Insurance companies have attorneys representing their interests, and you need someone who will look out for you, as well. An attorney will take the burden of dealing with the other driver’s insurance company and other parties involved so you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally. In addition, an attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve, so you don’t end up bearing the burden for your medical care, lost wages and vehicle repair costs on your own.

Be sure you are careful when choosing which attorney you hire. Find an attorney who has extensive experience in representing clients who have been involved in auto accidents. You will also want to find out the attorney’s success rate in getting clients the money they should have. The more experience an attorney has, the more likely he or she will be able to get fair compensation in your case.

Deciding what to do after an auto accident does not have to be daunting. Gather all pertinent information, get necessary medical attention and contact a Texas auto accident attorney immediately. Following these steps will reduce your stress and help you get what you deserve. Call Snapka Law Firm now at (361) 888-7676 or toll-free at (866) 888-7676 to discuss your injury case with our experienced auto accident attorneys.

DIABETES DRUGS AND PANCREATIC CANCER?

The FDA is investigating reports of possible increased risk of pancreatitis and precancerous findings of the pancreas from certain Type II diabetes drugs.  New findings by a group of academic researchers  suggest an increased risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, and pre-cancerous cellular changes called pancreatic duct metaplasia in patients with Type II diabetes treated with a class of drugs called incretin mimetics.

Drugs in the incretin mimetics Class include Byetta, Victoza, Januvia, Onglyza, Nesina, and Tradjenta.

The Snapka Law Firm is currently investigating cases involving pancreatic injury and these popular diabetic drugs.

Free Consultation with a Corpus Christi Pharmaceutical Attorney

The experienced, aggressive Corpus Christi Pharmaceutical attorneys at The Snapka Law Firm can help you seek just compensation for your injuries. At The Snapka Law Firm, we understand the legal rights that you may have if you have been harmed by a prescription drug. The one place where manufacturers of defective products cannot hide is a court of law. The Snapka Law Firm believes that every consumer has the right to expect safe and effective drugs and medical devices.

Kathryn Snapka has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical litigation and medical device litigation. For more information regarding drug and medical device litigation call us at 361-888-7676; toll free at 866-888-7676; email us at help@snapkalaw.com.; or visit our website.

What Amount Can an Injured Worker Expect in Terms of Work Injury Compensation?

Work Injury CompensationAccidents and injuries can occur anywhere. An accident can happen at work, for example, and can result in one or more employees sustaining injuries while performing job-related duties. When this occurs sometimes the injured employee can work things out with the Human Resource department to obtain worker’s compensation benefits, but there are occasions in which legal counsel might be necessary. If the accident has caused a debilitating injury that might impair a person’s ability to return to work, or if the worker’s compensation benefits seem much lower than what the employee is eligible to collect, an attorney can help the injured employee obtain fair compensation for work injuries.

How Work Injury Compensation Is Structured

If you are considering entering into a worker’s compensation settlement, be sure to know all your legal options before accepting an offer of benefits. It’s important to do this so you can make an informed decision and do what is best for your unique circumstances. Work injury compensation is basically structured in three ways: permanent partial disability, temporary total disability and unpaid medical bills.

  • Permanent Partial Disability. When work-related injuries permanently impair a person in some way, but do not completely disable them, the injured employee may be eligible to receive permanent partial disability benefits. A partial disability can limit a person’s ability to work in the same position he or she did before the accident occurred. When these limitations are permanent, the person may be entitled to a partial disability award for the rest of his or her life.
  • Temporary Total Disability. This kind of work-related injury compensation is also called “time loss compensation.” It provides injured persons with money during the period of recovery. If, for instance, a person is unable to work for a certain amount of time after experiencing a workplace injury, temporary total disability would provide income while the person is out of work.
  • Unpaid Medical Bills. Employers often try to enter into an agreement with the injured employee to give them a lump sum of money to pay for medical expenses. The caveat, however, is that the employee forfeits the right to pursue a lawsuit against the employer for further work injury compensation.

A seasoned attorney who is familiar with worker’s compensation cases can provide you with all of the details you need to make an informed decision in your case. Call the work injury lawyers at the Snapka Law Firm today at (361) 888-7676 or toll-free at (866) 888-7676 to discuss your case with us.

First Texas Granuflo Death Case Set for Trial

The Case of Martha Jacobson, Individually and as Administrator of the Estate of Maria Cantu, et al v. Davita, Inc., Fresenius, U.S.A. et al, pending in the 347th District Court, Nueces County, Texas has been set for trial on December 9, 2013. The lawsuit alleges that Maria Cantu was receiving dialysis treatment when her blood pressure rapidly dropped and she suffered a heart attack from which she died. The suit alleges that Fresenius knew there was a significant increase risk of cardiac arrest and death during dialysis treatments associated with their GranuFlo dialysis concentrate and they withheld information regarding complications resulting from the use of their products from the dialysis centers.

Kathryn Snapka, the attorney for the family said: “I am pleased with the quick trial setting. It has been my experience that it takes a Judge and twelve impartial jurors to make corporations answer for their misconduct. Trials reveal truths, and this trial will be no exception.”

As of March 29, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration initiated a recall of GranuFlo, stating that the use of the product led to dangerously elevated levels of bicarbonate, which can cause metabolic alkalosis. This condition can lead to serious medical problems, including cardiac arrhythmia, arrest, heart attacks and other dangerous cardiovascular problems.

If you or a loved one has suffered from any cardiovascular problems during, or immediately after a dialysis treatment, please call the Snapka Law Firm. It is possible that these problems are related to the use of GranuFlo.

Call (866) 888-7676 for a Free Consultation with a Pharmaceutical Attorney.

Kathryn Snapka is an experienced, aggressive Texas Pharmaceutical Attorney who can help you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Medical errors, including the improper use of dangerous drugs, cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year. If you have been injured or a loved one has been as a result of a medication prescribed by a physician, you need an experienced attorney fighting for you. The Snapka Law Firm handles all types of personal injury cases in Corpus Christi and throughout Texas. Call The Snapka Law Firm toll free at (866) 888-7676 for a free consultation regarding your case.

 

Thoughts and Prayers are with West

The Snapka Law Firm extends its prayers and sympathies to the people of West, Texas as they deal with the shock of loss of life, injuries and property damage in the wake of the tragic explosion that rocked the community.  Kathy’s family is from the West area and she still has relatives who live there.  While her family is safe, Kathy knows that too many families are missing loved ones and dealing with the pain brought on by this catastrophe.

How to Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Corpus Christi who Handles Traumatic Brain Injuries

Personal Injury Lawyer in Corpus ChristiTraumatic brain injury (TBI) lawsuits present even the best personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi with a number of challenges. First, the long-term prognosis for victims of a TBI is often unclear. People who have suffered from even a mild to moderate concussion could have lasting residual symptoms. In some cases, TBI symptoms may be debilitating. Next, TBI victims are often in a time of dual-crises shortly after being injured. TBI can drastically affect a person’s adaptive functioning. It can affect the basic skills needed to be self-sufficient and productive such as the ability to schedule a consultation with a Corpus Christi personal injury attorney, find adequate transportation, and give an accurate statement of what happened immediately before and after the injury. Victims of TBI should look for the following in an injury attorney:

Find an attorney with TBI experience in Corpus Christi

A personal injury attorney without TBI experience might not know what to expect or how to proceed. An effective TBI attorney should have a working knowledge of brain injuries and possible consequences both now and years in the future. A personal injury lawyer with TBI experience will also have procedures to find the most accurate information to best help you with your case. For example, a personal injury attorney might ask TBI victims to retrieve certain medical records, police reports, have a trusted person accompany them to an initial consultation, etc.

Why TBI is different than other injuries

Few other injuries can be as debilitating as a TBI. Also, few other injuries frequently have such unclear prognoses. The right Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer will know how to anticipate many common outcomes associated with TBI. Instead of risking your ability to do meaningful work, find an attorney that will fight for you. Almost all TBI victims hope to make a full recovery.

How to Get More Compensation for Pain and Suffering by Hiring the Right Corpus Christi Attorney

Accident Attorney in Corpus ChristiA quality accident attorney in Corpus Christi will do more than provide expert consultation throughout the process of filing a person injury lawsuit. A competent and experienced accident attorney will work diligently to get you compensation for pain and suffering as well as fiscal damages, such as damaged property and lost wages. A good Corpus Christi accident attorney may find it prudent to seek compensation for punitive damages, as well.

Punitive damages defined

The concept of punitive damages was developed as a way to bridge the gap that exists between tort and criminal law. When the person or entity that caused the injury is found by a court to either have exhibited extreme negligence or that straight compensation might not be viewed as an adequate punishment, the victim can claim punitive damages. The best way to learn if you may be entitled to more money for pain and suffering is to consult with a reputable accident attorney in Corpus Christi.

For example, a major car manufacturer in the 1990s did not issue a recall after a part of a car model was found to be defective. The company saved a substantial amount of money by manufacturing and selling vehicles that had a tendency to burst into flames. The court found that punitive damages in wrongful death suits and personal injury suits should be awarded to victims for the following reasons. First, the act of selling vehicles that were known to have a low degree of safety was wrong, although no criminal charges could be successfully brought per se. Second, the court viewed the amount of money owed to victims for hospital bills, lost wages, wrongful death, and pain and suffering to be inconsequential to the company. As a way to punish the car company, the court awarded victims a substantial sum.

How to receive punitive damages

A knowledgeable attorney in Corpus Christi will be able to quickly identify if punitive damages should be sought in your case. Find the right Corpus Christi accident lawyer to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, and justice is truly served.

Services of an Accident Attorney in Corpus Christi

Accident Attorney in Corpus Christi You might think that accident attorneys only operate inside of the courtroom, but the truth is that they are involved in every facet of the cases they take on. An accident attorney in Corpus Christi will be dedicated to making a full and thorough examination of your case. An attorney will go to the furthest extent of the law to make sure that justice is served for you and your family.

Attorney Services

The first thing a Corpus Christi accident attorney will want to do after an accident is gather all of the facts pertaining to the accident in order to determine what happened before making a decision about what to do next. They’ll use witness accounts, photographs, drawings and their own personal observations in order to paint a picture that is as accurate as possible. Once the initial investigation is over, accident lawyers in Corpus Christi will have enough information to make a decision as to whether or not you continue on with your accident claim and how much of a settlement you should seek.

Next Steps

The next step an accident attorney will take is to file a claim against the defendant. In order for a claim to be the most effective, there are certain requirements and timescales that have to be met. Accident attorneys will also negotiate with insurance agents who represent insurance companies – insurance companies that will try their best to pay the victim of an accident as little as possible. It is the accident attorney’s job to see to it that you receive every cent that you are owed.

Go with Experience

Your best bet is to seek out an accident attorney in Corpus Christi who has an abundance of experience since insurance companies may grow apprehensive when they see that they are dealing with someone who has a long and successful track record. You’ll already have an advantage before your case even starts. Deciding to take on an accident case on your own could result in frustration, and you may run the risk of losing your case or not receiving the settlement that you truly deserve. Call an accident attorney in Corpus Christi at the Snapka Law Firm toll-free at (866) 888-7676 for a free consultation regarding your case.

The Rising Demand for an Experienced Lawyer

Corpus Christi LawyersIt’s a simple fact that the longer your life is, the more experience you gain. The same applies to lawyers and attorneys as well. If you have legal matters that you need resolved, then you’ll want to hire Corpus Christi lawyers with many years of experience. While young lawyers have the advantage of age, they’re relatively untried and possibly unprepared to give you the legal help that you need. If you don’t want to spend all of your time and all of your money in court, then find a lawyer or attorney who has been practicing for a while.

Experience Helps

While experienced Corpus Christi lawyers may not be cheap, they are most definitely worth it. One of the main reasons that you should work with a lawyer with experience is that they’re used to working with different judges in their jurisdiction and will instantly be able to adjust when dealing with an unfamiliar judge. Think of it as knowing a particular style of dance but being unfamiliar with a new modification of the dance. Your foundational knowledge will help you get a feel for the steps, and the same applies with experienced lawyers.

Helping Hand

Experienced Corpus Christi lawyers can let you know when you should worry and when you should sit back and let them work. Since you aren’t familiar with the law, you may become nervous when in reality you have nothing to fret about. A new lawyer isn’t as familiar with all of the different types of personal injury cases and may not know if you should become concerned or if you should remain calm.

Different, but the Same

Lawyers in Corpus Christi who have been practicing law for a while realize that there are different laws, different judges, different cases and different clients, but at the end of the day they know everything is about justice. If you’re in need of legal representation, get in touch with a qualified attorney. Call the experienced Corpus Christi lawyers at the Snapka Law Firm toll-free at (866) 888-7676 for a free consultation regarding your case.

*
---