Fight the Flu this Season

Take measures to stay healthy during this flu season.  It is a message that bears repeating following the death of a seemingly healthy 5-year-old girl resulting from complications of the flu virus.  As we extend our condolences to the family, Messa & Associates wishes to remind you of what you can do to protect yourself and others against the flu.

Get a flu vaccination.

Everyone ages 6 months and above is advised to get the flu vaccination when it becomes available.  Those at high risk of serious flu complications such as young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease as well as the elderly are especially encouraged to be vaccinated.  In addition, it is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to receive the vaccination to keep from spreading flu to high risk populations.

Be cautious of your actions to help prevent the spread of germs.

Simple things like covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throwing the tissue away after use and washing your hands often with soap and water all help to decrease spreading the virus.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  While sick, you should limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

Follow up with your physician.

Typical flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea.  If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.  Go to your local emergency room, or call your doctor for a sick visit.  There’s never any harm in getting your symptoms checked out.

Take medications, as prescribed by your health care professional.  

Take any medications you are prescribed to treat your illness and prevent serious flu complications.  You should begin using any medications as soon as you get them, or as directed by your physician.

Messa & Associates wishes everyone a safe and healthy flu season.  For more information or to speak with us about a case, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

Saab Recalls 4,400 Cars

Defective fuel pumps in 9-3 sedans built from June through October of last year are the cause of a recall announced by Saab today.  The company says some of the fuel pumps may have had components with incorrect specifications.

The defective fuel pumps could seize, stopping the flow of fuel to the engine and causing the car to stall.  Saab is unaware of any accidents or injuries at this time, but the vehicles can be dangerous if they stall and cause an accident.  Approximately 4,400 automobiles are included in the recall.  Owners can contact Saab at (800) 955-9007 for more information. 

 
The attorneys at Messa and Associates have successfully represented many victims of defective automobiles.  If you or a loved one has been injured by one of the recalled vehicles, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

Pennsylvania Department of Health, Other State Agencies Fail in Gosnell Case

Charges, including eight counts of murder, were filed against Dr. Kermit Gosnell yesterday after an almost yearlong investigation of his West Philadelphia clinic.  In addition to Gosnell, his wife and eight employees have also been arrested and charged with various crimes.

District Attorney Seth Williams said the clinic should have been shut down decades ago amid complaints about Gosnell’s practice and 46 lawsuits filed against him, but state regulators ignored those claims making just five annual inspections to the clinic since it opened in 1979.  There have been no inspections made at the clinic since 1993.

No criminal charges are expected to be filed against health officials despite what prosecutors call a "complete regulatory collapse," partly because the amount of time that has passed.  Still, Williams accused state health officials of “utter disregard” for the health and safety of the women who were Dr. Gosnell’s patients.  A spokesman for newly inaugurated Gov. Tom Corbett said the state would do more to ensure regulators properly do their jobs to keep the citizens of Pennsylvania safe in the future.
 
Messa & Associates is exceptionally skilled in handling medical malpractice matters.  Our attorneys have obtained seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements resulting from malpractice cases.  If you or a loved suffered serious injuries or death as a result of treatment under Dr. Gosnell’s care, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

Gas Main Explosion Kills Worker

A gas main explosion in the Tacony section of Philadelphia caused a fire that killed one, injured five and forced dozens from their homes last night. 

The explosion occurred as PGW crews tried to repair a 12-inch high pressure gas main break.  Officials say while they worked on repairing the break something went wrong and the main ruptured.  A 19-year-old PGW worker was killed and five others are suffering from serious burn injuries.  In addition, nearby buildings on both sides of the street where the explosion occurred had windows blown out.

Messa & Associates has handled many explosion and burn cases over the years throughout the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey which resulted in significant injuries and death.  Our attorneys have been successful in litigating explosion cases and obtaining substantial awards in these matters.  If you or a loved one was injured in this explosion, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.

Dr. King Inspires Messa & Associates

Today we celebrate the legacy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedication to justice and service.  Dr. King and his mission encourages our attorneys and staff to continue to do what they can to impact the life of someone else.

Our firm has remained committed to representing everyday people and ensuring they get the resolution they deserve.  We have obtained verdicts and settlements in cases resulting from including workplace injuries, products liability cases, construction injuries, medical malpractice, birth injuries, and vehicular accidents, including airplanes, trucks, trains and cars.  Our clients know when they call us; they can expect justice to be served.

In addition, Messa & Associates has supported the communities which we are a part of.  Recently, we donated to Tons of Turkey to help provide families with turkeys at Thanksgiving.  Our staff also participated in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program making the holiday wishes of a local family come true.

Messa & Associates is dedicated to seeking justice for their clients, and serving our local communities.  If you have a case you would like to discuss or a community sponsorship you would like to tell us about, please contact our offices at 1-877-MessaLaw.