Recent Blog Posts
How Common Are Medical Errors?
Medical errors are a serious concern in healthcare. According to national statistics, medical errors result in costs of about $20 billion every year. Although medical errors cover a wide range of issues, certain types of medical errors occur more frequently than others. The following is a brief overview of those errors. Contact an Illinois medical malpractice lawyer for more detailed information about your situation.
Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis is thought to be the most prevalent type of medical error that results in medical malpractice lawsuits. When a medical provider fails to diagnose a patient’s medical issue accurately or fails to account for the patient’s symptoms, this is considered a misdiagnosis.
When a doctor makes a misdiagnosis, this can delay the patient receiving the necessary treatment for their condition, or the patient may be given the wrong treatment. Both situations can end up causing the patient’s medical condition to progress, often with devastating consequences.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse is a reprehensible issue that affects vulnerable elderly residents who rely on these facilities for care, comfort, and support. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), approximately one in 10 nursing home residents in this country experiences some form of abuse. Unfortunately, various forms of abuse can occur within nursing homes, causing physical, emotional, or psychological harm to the residents.
The following are the most frequent types of abuse. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer immediately.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the intentional use of force to cause harm to a nursing home resident. There are a number of different types of physical abuse that can be inflicted on a resident. Examples include slapping, hitting, restraining, pushing, or using excessive force during caregiving activities. It can result in bruises, fractures, cuts, or other visible injuries. Sometimes, signs of physical abuse may be hidden, such as unexplained injuries or sudden changes in a resident's behavior.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Auto Defect Lawsuits?
Although most car accidents are caused by driver error, negligence, or recklessness, many people may not realize how many crashes, injuries, and fatalities happen because of a vehicle defect. Anyone who is injured in a crash caused by a vehicle defect can still pursue legal action for the losses their injuries have caused. In most cases, the liable party is usually a party that was involved in producing the vehicle. These car accident claims can be complex, so it is important to speak with an Illinois personal injury attorney to find out what your legal options are.
Defective Vehicle Crashes
According to a study conducted by Stanford University, driver error is responsible for approximately 90 percent of the two million car accidents each year. Although vehicle defects account for under 5 percent of crashes, this still adds up to about 120,000 accidents each year.
If I Was Hit by a Car While Jaywalking in Illinois, Can I Still Pursue Compensation?
Accidents happen, and sometimes, pedestrians are involved in collisions while jaywalking. If you have been struck by a car while jaywalking in Illinois, you may wonder if you still have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Luckily, jaywalkers in Illinois can indeed pursue compensation. If you have found yourself injured, contact a personal injury attorney to ensure you can seek the compensation you may be entitled to.
Individuals Involved in an Accident Can Share Blame in Illinois
In Illinois, the concept of comparative negligence comes into play when determining liability in personal injury cases. Comparative negligence allows both parties involved in an accident to share responsibility. While jaywalking is considered a violation of traffic laws, it does not automatically excuse a driver who hits a pedestrian of all liability. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you may still be able to get compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent.