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What Are Common Birth Injuries Caused By Medical Malpractice?
For many people, expecting a baby can be a dream come true. A lot of expectant mothers may have healthy, uneventful pregnancies. However, labor and delivery can be difficult, especially when unexpected complications arise. Parents rely on medical professionals to take the necessary precautions to prevent any serious injuries to the mother or baby during childbirth. If a physician or nurse does not properly respond to these problems, the medical facility may be liable for any birth injuries that result. In certain situations, a medical malpractice claim may help cover financial hardship due to ongoing costs for medical treatment.
Complications During Childbirth
Just because a woman had an easy pregnancy does not necessarily mean she will have a smooth delivery. In some cases, a mother may have had a vaginal delivery for her first child, but her second child may require a Cesarean section. Doctors monitor a woman’s progress throughout the pregnancy, and they are also responsible for ensuring a safe delivery. If a medical professional fails to recognize signs of distress in either the mother or baby, this can lead to life-threatening complications.
What Are Common Surgical Errors in Illinois?
Undergoing any kind of surgery can be intimidating for patients of all ages. Regardless of the injury or medical condition, “going under the knife” can pose certain risks even for someone who is healthy or has no underlying issues. In some cases, complications may arise during the surgical procedure that could not have been predicted. However, in other situations, negligence on the part of the surgeon or medical staff may put a patient’s life in danger. Several factors can play a role, such as a physician’s incompetence, reckless behavior, or miscommunication between the surgical team assisting. If you or your loved one has suffered due to surgical errors, you may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Failure to Provide Standard of Care
Medical mistakes can happen when healthcare professionals fail to uphold an expected standard of care. This includes noticing signs and symptoms of distress in a patient before or during a surgery. Medical negligence can take a variety of forms, but in the case of malpractice, it may result in devastating results for the patient. In certain cases, a person may die as a result of a complication, or if he or she survives, may have debilitating effects for the remainder of his or her life.
Is a Misdiagnosis Considered Medical Malpractice in Illinois?
Many people put their trust in healthcare professionals to treat an injury or a specific medical condition. However, mistakes can and do occur, unfortunately. Often considered the most common, most costly, and most dangerous of medical errors, a missed or delayed diagnosis prevents a patient from receiving appropriate medical treatment to prevent his or her ailment from worsening. A misdiagnosis is only considered medical malpractice when a physician acted negligently and took action that another doctor would not have taken given the same circumstances. This can be difficult to prove, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help uncover evidence of this negligence.
Reasons for a Missed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
There are several ways that a medical mistake can happen, and although most are unintentional, they can have profound effects on a patient. In some cases, a missed or misdiagnosis can leave someone in worse health than they were before visiting the doctor or hospital. In addition, the timing of it can be critical depending on his or her condition. For example, the timely diagnosis for advanced diseases such as cancer is crucial to provide the necessary treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can stop a malignant tumor from growing or spreading to other body parts.
Can I Seek Compensation for a Prescription Drug Error in Illinois?
Physicians prescribe medication to patients all the time for various reasons. Certain medicines can help alleviate pain and symptoms for injured and sick patients when correctly prescribed and used. They can also heal and cure injuries and illnesses if used properly. However, they also have the potential to cause permanent damage or even death if they are used incorrectly. If you or your loved one has suffered as a result of a prescription drug mistake, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine liability for your damages. Responsible parties may include a doctor, pharmacist, or anesthesiologist.
Common Forms of Medication Mistakes
Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, prescription medication must be prescribed by a doctor and are usually dispensed by a pharmacist at a hospital or a pharmacy. This is because these types of drugs could be potentially addictive or lethal if not taken properly. Names of some medications may at first glance look or sound similar, which means they can be easily confused with each other. In other cases, ingesting too much or too little of a drug can affect a patient’s health and well-being.
Illinois Considers Third Class of Motorcycle License
For the past three years, there has been a consistent increase in the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in the state of Illinois. The number of deaths has caused officials to seriously consider adding a third class of motorcycle license to the two classes of licenses that Illinois now offers.
Currently, when a person applies for a motorcycle license, they have two options to test for. The first is for cycles which have an engine less than 150 cubic centimeters. Engines these sizes are typically found in scooters and off-road bikes. The second class is for cycles with engines larger than 150 cubic centimeters.
The problem, proponents of a third license class say, is that motorcycle manufactures keep designing bikes with larger and larger engines, with enough power to hit speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. A novice rider, who passed their licensing test riding a smaller engine motorcycle, goes and purchases one of these more powerful bikes and ends up not being able to handle them. This often leads to accidents–and too often those accidents are deadly.
Motorcycles Are Everywhere
Summer is in full swing and that means more motorcycles on Illinois roadways. Many motorcyclist enthusiasts say it is the feeling of the open road all around them that attracts them to the activity, but it is that openness that also leaves motorcycle riders vulnerable to serious injury or death in the event of a motorcycle crash.
Unlike other motor vehicles, which offer protection to the occupants who are inside, when a motorcycle is involved in a crash, the people on the bike are often thrown off. Even more dangerous, is that once the victims have landed on the ground, there is the additional risk of the motorcycle landing on top of them. According to national statistics, victims of motorcycles crashes are almost 30 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than occupants involved in other types of motor vehicle crashes.
One of the key ways to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents is for both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers to be cognizant of each other and mindful that they are sharing the road.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Operating a motorcycle is an exciting way to get around. However, according to the National Motorcycle Institute, driving a motorcycle is 27 times more dangerous than operating a car. Unlike a car or truck, as a driver, you are completely exposed to the environment around you. There are precautions like gear and helmets that can help keep motorists safe, but they only help if you wear them.
Does a Helmet Really Make a Difference?
Yes, wearing a helmet is 37 percent effective in preventing death and 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries in a road accident. Protecting yourself is one thing, but being mindful on the road can prevent accidents and other people being injured. Addition to personal safety, here are some safety tips for operating a motorcycle. Be responsible: Bikers get a bad reputation of being mean-spirited misfits, but even the most grisly looking motorcycle rider can practice the rules of the road. As you would in a car, follow traffic lights and signs unless otherwise instructed by a member of law enforcement. Always use your turn signals and keep a reasonable distance between other vehicles. Remember that on a motorcycle you may be harder to see for some drivers. Wear bright clothing or reflectors to help others see you. Stay sober: The same rules for operating a car apply for driving a motorcycle when it comes to being under the influence of a substance. Motorcycle riders are almost three times more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related fatal accident than other vehicles on the road. Alcohol and other substances can alter your perception, making it a dangerous time to get on a motorcycle. Be educated: A motorcycle is a specialized machine, and like most machines, require knowledge to operate to one’s best ability. Taking a motorcycle rider course is not required by law in the state of Illinois, but if you are over the age of 18, it allows you to waive the written and driving portions of obtaining a motorcycle license. Another benefit of taking an Illinois Department of Transportation approved course is that you may be eligible for a discount on your motorcycle insurance.Contact an Orland Park, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney Today
Differences Between Motorcycle and Car Accidents
Motorcycles are a unique form of transportation. They offer benefits like fun, are compact, and cheaper to fuel, but unfortunately, they also have a higher risk of fatal injury to the driver. Because the risk is higher while driving a motorcycle, you will see drivers with protective gear such as helmets. Compared to a car there is a lot less in the way between the driver and the road. This is why accidents involving a motorcycle should be handled differently than a collision between two cars.
Although motorcycle accidents took up 1% of accidents in Illinois in 2015, motorcycle drivers made up 14% of all fatalities overall. The percentage of motorcycle drivers injured did decrease, but the percentage of deaths increased from the year prior. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the majority of motorcyclists that were involved in an accident were driving straight ahead when the incident occurred. Here we will dive deeper into why motorcycle accidents are different than car accidents.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle ownership has many benefits compared to relying on a car for transportation. They are lighter, cost-effective in fuel, and often require less financial investment upfront than a car. However, many people avoid motorcycle use due to the associated dangers behind it, and the fear of getting in a motorcycle accident.
Despite the benefits of motorcycle ownership, they do provide less protection to drivers and riders than a standard car. Cars have a full external shell as well as added safety precautions such as airbags. To combat this, responsible motorcycle riders often wear safety gear. Helmets are not required in Illinois for adult riders but are one of the most impactful steps a motorcycle driver can take in regards to safety. A helmet may not completely prevent a head injury in the event of a crash, but it could keep a person alive. Heavy-duty jackets, boots, and gloves will also help protect a rider.
How Can Motorcycle Awareness Help Avoid Accidents in Illinois?
May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month. Part of being a responsible driver involves being aware of others on the road. It is important for motorists to understand that motorcyclists share the road with them. Simply noticing motorcycles can go a long way in preventing accidents with injuries. Due to the lack of protection for a motorcycle rider, injuries suffered in a crash can range from serious to fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely to lose their life in a collision per vehicle mile traveled. That is why it is imperative to practice safe driving techniques in an effort to mitigate the chance of being the victim of a motorcycle accident.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Due to the difference in size and weight of motorcycles compared to automobiles and trucks, motorcyclists are often at a disadvantage in the event of an accident. In some instances, vehicle drivers do not think motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as them. However, in Illinois, motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as passenger car drivers. This includes not driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol or driving distracted. Even if motorcyclists follow the rules of the road, they cannot control what other motorists or riders do when they get behind the wheel. In some cases, a reckless driver can collide with you if they are not paying attention and do not see you until it is too late.
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9631 W. 153rd St., Suite 32, Orland Park, IL 60462
708-966-2408
