November 6, 2021
What is an Intracerebral Hemorrhage?
What is an Intracerebral Hemorrhage?
You may be wondering why you would need a lawyer for an intracerebral hemorrhage. Maybe wondering what that even is. A lawyer is needed when this type of brain bleed happens due to someone’s negligence, most often a medical professional who didn’t catch the symptoms in time. This type of brain bleed can lead to permanent brain damage or even death if not treated in time.
Let’s start with what this type of brain bleed is.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
“Intra” means within. The cerebral part of the name means your brain. The hemorrhage part is bleeding. So when you see this it just is the medical way of saying that there is bleeding inside your brain. This is a very dangerous thing as when you have blood inside your brain flowing freely that means there is damage. When this happens by anything other than an injury it is considered a type of stroke. Here are some quick facts:
- This type of hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel bursts in your brain
- The typical cause is high blood pressure
- The first symptom is normally a headache
- You can become confused or go into a coma
- Doctors will treat the problems that caused your bleeding first
Intracerebral hemorrhages are caused by a blood vessel bursting in your brain. Which is most likely to happen because of high blood pressure. Because high blood pressure weakens your blood vessels it is important that your doctor find ways to help. Now there are other cases as to why a hemorrhage would happen, cocaine use, being born with abnormal blood vessels in your brain, severe head injury, brain tumors, or using too much blood-thinning medicine.
Symptoms of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
When an intracerebral hemorrhage happens the symptoms normally come on suddenly. It typically starts with a bad headache, most people mistake it for a migraine, while being active. Older people may not have a headache or if they do it is often mild. Here are other common symptoms:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking
- Confusion
- Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
- Seizures
- Passing out
These symptoms come on fairly quickly. It is why it is considered a type of stroke. This type of bleeding is so serious that about half of the people who have it die in the first few days. Most survivors have long-lasting brain damage.
Not every patient is going to show the classic signs and symptoms though. That is why it can go unnoticed and be left untreated. If the proper tests aren’t administered, like a CT scan, the bleeding can go without being noticed. Often this type of bleeding is fatal if not treated correctly.
If you or a loved one have suffered from an intracerebral hemorrhage then talk to a brain bleed lawyer like, Davis & Brusca, LLC for more information about what to do next.
July 29, 2021
Do You Need Witnesses for Your Personal Injury Claim?
Personal Injury Lawyer
Medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, car accidents, and a number of other situations can cause personal injuries. If an injury is severe enough, it could lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing physical and mental health problems. As a personal injury lawyer can explain, if you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, it helps to know whether there are witnesses who can vouch for your situation.
Witnesses Who You Know
Many times, an accident happens in front of someone you know, or the person you know sees you directly afterwards. If a friend or relative saw the accident, he or she can attest to the nature of the injury and whether you seemed to be in legitimate pain. Go over the facts with them as soon as possible after the accident, noting anything of importance while the memories are fresh. This way, you can write a statement if it becomes necessary and ask your witness to sign it.
Witnesses You Don’t Know
Sometimes, a stranger sees your accident and can provide information as to what caused the accident or how you were injured. Return to the scene of the accident to find out if people who live or work in the immediate area saw what happened. This is especially helpful for car accident cases. If you find a witness who saw enough to indicate that someone else was at fault, you’ll need to gather information from him or her.
First, get the witness’ name, address, phone number, and email address. Some people will be hesitant to provide information to a stranger, so don’t push if someone won’t give you an address or phone number. You’ll also need to write down what he or she saw andwhere the witness was when it happened. Ask if your witness is willing to sign a written statement if necessary.
Expert Witnesses
Sometimes, a personal injury case requires an expert witness. An expert witness is someone who did not see the accident but who has specialized training or knowledge that relates to the situation. Typically, an expert witness is a health expert who can provide insight into your physical injuries and their prognosis, a mental health expert who can show how your accident affected you mentally, or someone who is an expert in accident reconstruction, manufacturing, or engineering. Sometimes, even an economics expert is helpful because he or she can demonstrate the long-term effects of the accident on your financial future. Rules for expert witnesses vary by state but are best handled with an experienced attorney.
If you think you have cause to file a personal injury lawsuit, hire a professional attorney as soon as possible. Doing so ensures you meet deadlines and follow a process that is most likely to have a favorable outcome.
July 27, 2021
Benefit From Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy and Prolotherapy
Knee Pain Doctor
Prolotherapy is a regenerative medicine using your body’s own platelets (PRP) to naturally heal damaged tissues. As a knee pain doctor can explain, PRP therapy is a cutting-edge method to treat acute and chronic injuries. The concept behind Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy is that it separates the platelets of your own blood, and injects them into the treatment area thereby treating you naturally.
This therapy has been around for over two decades and is gaining in popularity for several reasons. Athletes find it favorable because this procedure can be performed in a short period of time in an outpatient setting. Anyone with chronic pain in your shoulder, back, neck or knee may benefit from PRP Therapy. PRP therapy has many applications, including:
- Tendon injuries, such as tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis
- Recurring sports injuries including a pulled hamstring or knee sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Bulging discs
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hair prevention loss and regrowth
How is the injection process administered?
- A blood sample is taken
- The blood is place in a machine that spins the blood so fast that the components of the blood separate into red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets.
- The separated plasma is prepared for injection into the specified area
- In order to inject the PRP into just the right area, a doctor may use an ultrasound to determine the exact injection point.
One of the positive effects of using PRP to treat an injury or condition is that the recovery time from the PRP injection is minimal – most people can resume their normal activities without a lengthy recovery period. The amount of injections necessary will be determined by your physician’s treatment recommendations.
It may take a few weeks or even months, however, to experience the full results of the PRP injections. You may not have immediate relief of pain in the affected area because the injections are meant to heal – not to mask pain.
Athletes such as Kobe Bryant, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu and Peyton Manning have all received PRP as a safer and less invasive alternative to surgery. It does not affect their stamina or endurance. The long-term side effect risks are minimal. Patients are under local anesthesia. There isn’t a requirement of long-term rest or extensive rehab with this therapy.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is intriguing because it is basically using parts of your own blood to naturally treat a condition. There is ongoing research being conducted but the bottom line is you should always be sure the doctor you choose is knowledgeable and experienced in this procedure. A doctor specializing in orthopedics has the expertise in degenerative bone disorders and arthritic joint conditions will understand exactly how PRP works and will design the treatment accordingly.
July 7, 2021
What Are the Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Of all the injuries you can suffer in a car crash or other accident, a traumatic brain injury is one of the most serious. It is also one of the most costly, both in terms of your actual monetary costs for medical care and treatment and your non-economic costs for such things as your pain and suffering and having to contend with lingering symptoms that may well last for the remainder of your life.
TBI Definition
By definition, a traumatic brain injury occurs when you hit your head against a hard surface – or a hard object hits your head – with such force that your head and neck violently jerk forward and backward. This violent motion causes your brain to likewise jerk back and forth inside your skull, consequently injuring its delicate tissue.
TBI Symptoms
One of the scariest aspects of a traumatic brain injury is that you may not show any symptoms immediately after your accident. In other words, you could be seriously injured and fail to realize it. This is why it’s so critical that you seek immediate medical treatment any time you suffer a head injury, no matter how minor you think it is.
No two TBIs are ever exactly the same, even when the accidents that cause them are similar in nature. Despite this fact, however, common TBI symptoms, which may not show up until days or weeks later, include the following:
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with your vision
- Problems with your hearing
- Problems with your balance
- Problems with your speech
- Problems with your memory
- Sleep disturbances
- Feeling like you’re in a fog
- Inability to fully understand what’s going on around you
- Inability to control your emotions, especially the negative ones such as anger, irritation, despair, etc.
Financial Aftermath
If you sustain a reasonably severe TBI, your medical costs likely will quickly skyrocket. As a brain injury lawyer like one from Therman Law Offices, LTD can elaborate on, statistics show that your hospital and other medical bills can exceed half a million dollars in the first six months after your accident. In addition, you may well need to take significant time off work, thereby losing income at precisely the time you need it most. In a worst case scenario, your TBI could leave you permanently disabled, thereby precluding your ability to obtain and maintain any type of gainful employment.
For all these reasons and more, you would do well to seek the advice, counsel and representation of a local personal injury lawyer who has a history of handling brain injury cases. He or she can not only file a lawsuit on your behalf against the person or entity whose negligence caused your injuries, but also become your chief ally and champion in getting you the compensation you deserve.
June 17, 2021
Want To Know What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do For You? Read This.
It isn’t uncommon for people dealing with a serious injury accident to turn to a lawyer for advice. If another person was at-fault for your injuries, you may want to talk with a lawyer about how you can pursue compensation for damages and losses. If you are wondering what a personal injury lawyer can do for you, read on:
Handles Various Cases
Many people associate car accidents with a personal injury lawyer. But, there are many other situations in which an injury can occur, that may warrant seeking legal assistance and guidance. Personal injury lawyers can often handle cases related to:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Bus accidents
- Domestic violence
- Motorcycle accident
- Bike accident
- Food poisoning
- Cruise ship accident/illness
- Sports injury
- Truck accidents
- Rideshare collisions
- Dog bites
- Construction accidents
Review Your Rights
There are laws on the state and federal level that your personal injury lawyer is familiar with, and can review your rights with you. When accidents happen we may ask friends and family for advice, and while their insight is well-intentioned, most people just don’t have the legal know-how that a professional does. It’s best to get advice from a dependable legal source.
Speak with Insurance Adjusters
As a personal injury lawyer knows, many insurance companies are only out for profit and don’t prioritize the life and wellbeing of injured people. Because of this, you may want to have your lawyer speak with an insurance adjuster instead, since this person will be motivated to reduce or deny your claim. It can be a difficult conversation to navigate but is easier with help from a lawyer.
If you are in need of a qualified personal injury lawyer, consider contacting a reputable law firm, such as Hickey & Turim, S.C.
June 14, 2021
Misuse of Healthcare Information
As a medical malpractice attorney, I gain unique insights into the shortcomings of the healthcare industry. Not only do I see the results of medical errors and medical negligence, but in monitoring medical literature for new developments and trends, I can predict how cost-cutting measures and new technology will harm patients in the future. Over the last few decades, we have witnessed an unprecedented investment in electronic medical record systems. While these systems have their good points, they also carry many risks that have already resulted in patient harm.
Indeed, patient harm that results from errors generated by the electronic medical record has earned its own name, “e–iatrogenic injury.” E-iatrogenic injuries can occur by virtue of following algorithms that are inapplicable to a particular situation, relying on data sets when critical clinical information is left out of the decision-making process, or applying algorithms to individual patients who do not squarely fit within the algorithm. Oftentimes, the algorithms are based on data acquired from stagnant populations, like adult white males. Then, in applying them to patients of varying ages, races and sexes, the algorithm leads medical decisionmakers astray.
In addition to potential physical injury that occurs by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and electronic medical record systems to healthcare decision-making, electronic medical records are used to data mine for purposes of research and development. Individuals’ protected healthcare information has value in this setting, but the hospitals, medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that use this data, do not compensate patients for their valuable personal information. Worse yet, it is ethically improper for healthcare providers to conduct research without a patient’s knowledge and consent. Some data collection crosses the line into human experimentation.
While healthcare systems and their vendors might find patterns in patient data sets that will prove useful in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions, and also lead to cost reduction, patient’s rights must be taken into consideration. HIPAA regulations preclude disclosure of patient information to healthcare providers’ business associates unless there is an indicated medical or business reason for doing so. Despite this, Google, Amazon, IBM and Microsoft have already entered into partnerships that allow them access to the medical histories of millions of patients.
Like any data, existing medical data is only as good as the quality of the information that is inputted. In the clinical setting, limited information is collected from patients by physicians and nurse practitioners who are focused on developing a differential diagnosis and creating a plan for diagnosis and treatment. Using these data sets in unrelated areas of medicine can be misleading.
Given privacy considerations, there is an effort underfoot to “de-identify” personal information from medical records in order to protect the privacy of individual patients. However, this does not address the lack of compensation for this valuable information. Further, it creates incentives for healthcare providers, along with the pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers who manipulate them, to experiment on patients with new medicines and devices while collecting data to see which works best, all without the patient’s knowledge or consent.
For questions about a wrongful death case, contact a wrongful death lawyer like the wrongful death lawyers at the offices of Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. for help.
June 14, 2021
Negligence Per Se
It’s a common and everyday scenario. After a long week of working 9-5, perhaps you may want to go out with your coworkers, friends, or family. You guys might go out to a club, or a casual bar, or a restaurant and order a couple of drinks along with your food. After a couple of drinks, you may feel amenable to ordering more which may leave you in a condition where you’re not capable of driving defensively.
What most people will do is either sober up before driving again, order a rideshare, or if you’re carpooling, establish who is going to be the one person who will stay sober for the duration of the outing and drive the other individuals in the party back to their residences. But the one thing one should never do is drink and drive under the influence (i.e. drunk driving.) Driving puts you and everyone around you in danger as the driver’s motor functions are impaired to such a degree that they can’t maneuver or manage traffic as well as they would’ve if they were not drunk. The result being the event of a car accident.
But imagine a scenario in which you are sober, but your friend who is driving is not. After an argument in which he or she insists they’re fine you decide to just let them drive and you hope for the best; but the best doesn’t come to pass. Soon you’re in a car accident and while you weren’t driving or drunk, you were still injured. Can you sue the driver of the car for injuries sustained even though you were in the car that caused the accident?
The short answer is yes, as long as any personal injury issue meets the criteria that establish the definition of negligence, you can sue.
There’s also “Negligence Per Se” laws in which some states make it easier to make a negligence claim when the negligent act is also a violation of the law. Negligence Per Se laws do away with the need to prove the criteria that defines negligence when the law that is broken is designed to protect the public, thus making it indirect negligence or “Negligence Per Se”
That said, drunk driving is a crime in every state, and the driver convicted of it will endure more than just higher insurance premiums. They’ll also face jail time and a license suspension on top of all the fines they’ll receive.
If you have questions about a case, contact a personal injury attorney like the lawyers at The Law Offices Of Ryan Quinn, PLLC for help.
June 5, 2021
Do I Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Wrongful Death
If someone in your life has unfortunately died through the negligence or wrongful actions of others, you might be considering a wrongful death lawsuit. When you opt to file a wrongful death claim, you will need the help of an experienced attorney to guide you through the steps of this complex process. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action that will involve investigation, research, legal proceedings in court, and possible financial settlement of the claim. Here are some initial considerations as you weigh your options.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Four key elements constitute the legal definition of wrongful death. Each of these elements must be successfully proven in order to win a case for financial settlement.
- Negligence: Claimants must prove the death was caused entirely or in part by negligent actions of the defendant, including recklessness or carelessness.
- Breach of Duty: Claimants must prove that the defendant owed a duty to the victim. For instance, medical providers have a duty to support patient health, and motor vehicle operators have a duty to follow traffic laws.
- Causation: The lawsuit must prove that the defendant’s negligent behavior caused the victim’s death.
- Damages: The victim’s death must have resulted in quantifiable damages such as medical expenses, burial and funeral costs, loss of income or potential earnings, loss of inheritance, or other expenses.
The claimant will need to be able to produce convincing evidence for each of these points. Wrongful death cases may involve extensive research on the facts of the case and the testimony of expert witnesses.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
The answer to this question depends on state law. In some states, only immediate family members of the victim are able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This includes spouses, children, and parents. In other states, any family member or financial dependent who suffered damages through the victim’s death is able to sue. This more extended list may include life partners and distant family members. Your wrongful death lawyer will be able to provide guidance on the laws in your state.
What Steps Should You Take?
Your state’s statute of limitations determines how long you can take before filing a wrongful death lawsuit. After the statute of limitations has expired, you will no longer be able to file suit. If you believe that your family member’s death was caused by the negligent or deliberate actions of others, do not delay your initial contact with an experienced wrongful death attorney, like David & Philpot. The lawyer will help determine the next steps in building a strong wrongful death case.
May 25, 2021
How Can I Obtain Damages After a Boating Accident?
Boating accidents are not unusual, and neither is needing a lawyer who can help victims recover their damages from those responsible. If you were injured in this way because someone acted negligently and caused the accident, it may be best to schedule a free consultation with a boat accident lawyer like one from Hall Justice Law Firm. If your injury is significant, the costs to treat it may be prohibitive, and those responsible may deny their culpability. Our boating accidents lawyer will aggressively fight for your right to compensation for your damages.
Common Reasons for Boating Accidents
Boating accidents are all too common and if you are unsure if you should hire a lawyer, schedule a consultation. A lawyer can help you determine if moving forward with a personal injury claim or a civil lawsuit is in your best interests. Because they are often travelling at high speed, when boats collide with another boat, flip, or hit a solid object, serious and fatal injuries may occur. Regardless of the details regarding how you were hurt through no fault of your own, contact us. Here are some of the most common ways in which boating accidents happen:
- Hit by crashed boat debris. Persons who are not even on the boat may be hurt if they are hit with debris from the boat crash.
- A boat operator takes the wrong turn and thus collides with another boat. Boats are driven in bodies of water that by their very nature have limited rules in terms of traffic flow. If a boater is distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their reaction time and their decision making ability may be affected.
- A part on the boat is defective and malfunctions, causing the operator to lose control of the boat and crash with another boat, flip, or run into a hard obstacle. If the throttle sticks, the gear shift malfunctions, the steering wheel disengages from its mount, or another vital part causes the operator to have an accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- A boat operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and collides with another boat or object. If you were a passenger on their boat, or you were on the other boat, the negligent boater might be liable for your injuries.
- A boat and trailer hits you because the driver was backing up their boat and vehicle and did not see someone who was on foot or was in their boat at the dock or launch. The trailer or its tow vehicle runs over the person on foot or causes them to slip and fall in the water from their boat.
- A boat trailer hitch is defective and separates from its tow vehicle that is driving at highway speed. The trailer collided with one or more vehicles that were following behind it.
If you would like to speak with a lawyer who handles injury cases involving boating accidents, request a consultation now.
May 11, 2021
Brain Injury 101
A brain injury is a potentially life-threatening event. Regardless of how it happens, any damage to the brain may make a lasting impact on vital body functions. As a brain injury lawyer in Tulsa, OK from a firm like Royce Injury Attorneys LLC can explain, while most injuries are minor, others (such as brain injuries) are not. Learn more about how brain injuries happen and how you can spot the signs of one.
Traumatic Brain Injury
When the brain is physically impacted by something, you may suffer a traumatic brain injury or TBI. This type of injury may be caused by a blow to the head or the physical forces exerted on the head. Car accidents may cause a TBI if the head hits a hard surface or the brain strikes the skull while sliding. Either injury may result in damage to the brain tissue. Some injuries, such as a concussion, usually clear up with little medical intervention. However, a diagnosis is always necessary to ensure that a more serious injury is not lurking.
Acquired Brain Injury
An acquired brain injury happens when something alters the way the brain functions. One of the most common ways to suffer an acquired brain injury is a stroke. When a blood vessel in the brain becomes clogged, it deprives the organ of oxygen. A stroke usually occurs when a major vessel becomes clogged, typically in the middle of the brain. A stroke is a major medical event and may result in severe changes in brain function that permanently alter your life. It may result in death in the most extreme cases. Other ways you may suffer an acquired brain injury include:
- Brain tumor
- Virus
- Neurotoxic poisons
- Seizure
Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Some brain injuries are obvious, such as those that involve a head impact. For instance, a car accident that leaves you with a bleeding head wound is a sign that there is a brain injury. The most dangerous facet of a brain injury is that there is often damage before you know it. Some of the signs and symptoms of a brain injury mimic other common health issues. Things such as dizziness, nausea and fatigue may also occur in viral infections that do not affect the brain. The thing to pay attention to is worsening or intensifying of symptoms. When a headache, for instance, gets worse even with over-the-counter intervention, it may be time to call a doctor. One of the first signs of a stroke is a sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the face.
Paying attention to the signs your body is showing may save your life. If you suffer a brain injury resulting from someone else’s negligence, contact a brain injury lawyer in your area as soon as possible.