Updated Sunday, September 20, 2009

On February 21, 2007, Amanda Dinnigan,the youngest daughter of Local 361 Ironworker Bob Dinnigan and his wife Arlene was involved in a very serious car accident. As a result Amanda was left a high-level quadriplegic. Unable to move anything below her chin and on a ventilator she needs 24/7 nursing care.

This is a current update on Amanda's condition as of Thursday 9/7/09

Amanda underwent surgery on Friday August 14 at The Shriners Hospitals for Children  In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The surgery was to implant a Phrenic Nerve pacing device which basically is a pacemaker for the Phrenic Nerve which can be used to free a patient from being dependent on a ventilator.The surgery went well for Amanda and she is now home in Smithtown.Their waiting for the surgery to heal before activating the device on September 21^st.

GM Bankruptcy May Result in the Dismissal of Amanda’s Claim

Following Amanda’s accident, her parents retained an attorney and a lawsuit was filed against GM.  Amanda was seated in the third row seat of a GMC Envoy XL.  The seat and seat belt system were designed in such a way that in an accident, you would slide down, and the shoulder belt was anchored so high up that it would cut into your neck.  That is what happened to Amanda.  Her neck was severely dislocated, she is paralyzed from the neck down, and she requires a ventilator to breathe.  Her medical expenses are approximately $500,000 per year.Her case was getting close to trial, when GM filed for bankruptcy protection.  The way the President’s Auto Task Force has structured this, unless some changes are made, Amanda’s case will be dismissed, and she we not be able to recover any money against GM.  Anyone else who has a product liability claim pending against GM will also have their case dismissed.  We think this is unfair and un-American.  We are trying to get this changed, but we need your help.  The best way you can help Amanda, and others like her, is to write or email your local Senators and Congressmen.  Make them aware that this is happening, as they may not even know, and tell them that you want them to make sure that a fund is created to see that these victims are properly compensated. 

Click Here for Information

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Write, Call or Fax Your Representative

And Your Senator
[Just click on your State]

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Bob and Amanda's letter to The President
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Letter to President Obama
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Crash Victims: Auto Bankruptcies Will 'Wipe Out' Our Rights
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GM Bankruptcy Could Cost Paralyzed L.I. Girl
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Injured little girl facing uphill fight in lawsuit against reeling GM
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Smithtown family's GM lawsuit hurt by bankruptcy
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Chrysler and General Motors Bankruptcies
Leave Injured Consumers No Recourse
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