Gordon Injury LawyersGordon Injury Lawyers2024-02-22T03:32:25Zhttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1602899/2023/04/cropped-Site-Icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=494312024-02-17T15:45:35Z2024-02-17T15:45:35ZNot all spinal cord injuries cause paralysis
Contrary to misconceptions, not all spinal cord injuries cause total paralysis or loss of sensation. A complete spinal cord injury prevents communication between the brain and the lower body. The consequences include paralysis and a total loss of sensation. Someone with a complete spinal cord injury likely understands very early on that they require emergency medical care.
Still, not every person who hurts their spinal cord in a crash suffers a complete injury. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may only tear, pinch or otherwise damage the spinal cord. Someone could still potentially walk and feel pain despite having a spinal cord injury. They could also reduce their symptoms with proper care after the initial trauma.
Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. Incomplete injuries can worsen if someone does not receive proper stabilization and medical intervention. Someone could eventually develop complete paralysis as a result of an incomplete spinal cord injury that worsens. When first responders at the scene of a crash suspect that someone has suffered a spinal cord injury, they may take immediate action to stabilize that person's spine until they can undergo proper evaluation.
Those who understand that it is possible to walk away from a crash after suffering a spinal cord injury may be able to better evaluate themselves and other occupants of their vehicles for warning signs of severe injury after a collision. Getting proper medical support as soon as possible can make a major difference for those with catastrophic injuries caused by a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=494302023-11-15T22:59:36Z2023-11-15T22:59:36Zat least $750,000 worth of insurance potentially available in the event of a crash victim’s death.
Despite insurance requirements, many fatal car crashes lead to civil lawsuits filed by surviving loved ones of fatal accident victims. Wrongful death lawsuits allow those affected by a loved one’s untimely death to pursue compensation for the loss they have experienced.
An early death is very expensive
Even if an insurance company agrees to pay the maximum amount of coverage available after a deadly crash, the true financial consequences of someone's premature death will probably be far higher than the payout from the insurance company. Families have to think about what someone would have earned if they had lived.
People may have qualified for raises and promotions if they survived the crash, as well as years of employment benefits that could drastically increase the financial impact of their employment. There are also the unpaid services that people provide to their families, including housework and personal support. Those who look at the lifetime impact of a collision will often realize that even a six-figure insurance payout will force them to cover some of those losses. A wrongful death lawsuit can lead to full compensation for the financial impact of a deadly crash and also certain non-economic losses.
Families want justice after a tragedy
Wrongful death lawsuits are not just about money. They are also about consequences and accountability. Fatal crashes do not always lead to prosecution, and criminal charges don't necessarily lead to a conviction. A wrongful death lawsuit can help families obtain justice if it is successful. The courts can declare that a business or individual was to blame for someone's death because of misconduct or negligence. That ruling, combined with financial compensation, can give those shocked by an unexpected tragedy a better sense of closure.
Understanding why people pursue wrongful death lawsuits might help surviving loved ones to make more informed choices when responding to a recent family tragedy. Seeking legal guidance can provide support and clarity in this regard.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=494292023-08-14T17:49:59Z2023-08-14T17:49:59ZWhy should we worry about these accidents?
As if the fact that these accidents transfer massive amounts of destructive force to the people in the passenger vehicle was not enough, trucking accidents are one the rise. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that these often tragic accidents have almost doubled over the last decade. This translates to more than 5,700 fatal trucking accidents in 2021 alone.
What are common causes of truck crashes?
These accidents can happen on rural roadways and urban highways, in daylight and at night, in construction zones and on perfectly smooth well-maintained roads. They can happen pretty much anywhere. But why? Common causes can include:
Driver error. Distraction, exhaustion, and poor decision making are all common factors that contribute to these accidents. Researchers with the NSC note that these errors contribute to the vast majority of crashes — approximately 87%.
Poor maintenance. Vehicle issues can also pose a problem. A brake failure or blown tire can lead to a crash. Mechanical problems are responsible for approximately 10% of accidents.
Bad conditions. Other causes include hitting a patch of ice, getting caught in a downpour of rain, or other environmental factors. These issues contribute to approximately 3% of crashes.
It is important to note that the first cause, driver error, also likely includes bad decisions related to conditions.
What if a trucking accident killed a family member?
Those who lose a loved one in a catastrophic trucking accident can likely hold the truck driver and the company responsible through a civil suit. This can result in more than just compensation to help cover the costs resulting from the crash, it can make a point. It can show the trucking company that they need to drive with care or else we will hold them accountable.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=494282023-05-24T13:57:28Z2023-05-24T13:57:28Zcan also have lasting consequences that continue to affect victims long after the initial event. These are just a few of the challenges burn victims can face.
Physical scars and disfigurement
One of the most apparent and lasting consequences of burn injuries is physical scarring and disfigurement. Severe burns can leave visible scars that may lead the victim to feel self-conscious, have social anxiety and lower their self-esteem. Their altered appearance can also be emotionally challenging, and victims may require ongoing mental health support to navigate the psychological impact of their changed appearance.
Functional limitations and disability
Burns on joints, such as the hands, elbows or knees, can restrict mobility and fine motor skills. Scarring on the face or neck can affect speech, swallowing and breathing. Living with disabilities resulting from burn injuries often requires adaptation and ongoing rehabilitation in order for victims to regain some measure of independence and a positive quality of life.
Chronic pain and sensory issues
Burn injuries don’t always stop hurting when they heal. Nerve damage resulting from burns can lead to neuropathic pain that becomes chronic. Scar tissue can also cause additional pain, as well as restricting movement. Additionally, survivors may experience either hypersensitivity or decreased sensitivity around their scars, and may need ongoing pain management to cope.
Social and occupational challenges
Burn injuries can have significant social and occupational implications for victims. The visible scars and disfigurement may lead to social isolation and difficulties in forming (and keeping) new relationships. Returning to work can be challenging due to physical limitations, discrimination or the need for accommodations.
If you’re a burn victim or your loved one has suffered severe burns, you know that the journey toward recovery has just begun. You have every right to expect fair compensation for both what you have lost already and what you’ll require in the future if your injurious circumstances were not your fault or were only partially your fault. Seek legal guidance for more information.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=493792023-02-25T01:09:39Z2023-02-25T01:09:39ZIllinois law now forbids drivers to use hand-held phones while they’re driving, and drivers under 19 years of age aren’t even allowed to use hands-free devices.
There’s really no denying that modern electronics may have added to the problem of distracted driving, simply because they’re omnipresent in daily life. People have a hard time “tuning out,” even when they’re driving – especially in vehicles that have integrated technology that can allow drivers to stay connected at all times.
However, distracted driving is most definitely not a modern problem, and distractions really are everywhere.
Manual distractions, or things that require you to take a hand off the wheel
Visual distractions, or things that require you to glance away from the road
Cognitive distractions, or things that cause your mind to wander away from driving
Before there were smartphones, people were already distracted by everything from Burma Shave signs to flashing billboards. Even an accident at the side of the road can cause drivers to get distracted, and “rubbernecking” has long been blamed for many a wreck.
Some of the most common sources of distractions actually may be internal. You can avoid touching the knob on the radio when you’re driving, but you may not be able to resist singing along to a certain song and getting lost in your memories – and that takes your attention away from the road. Or, you could be dwelling on a conversation you had with your partner before you left the house, which could shift your focus away from driving.
Ultimately, everyone has to do their best to eliminate distracted driving. Unfortunately, you can’t control anybody but yourself. If you end up injured in a wreck with a distracted driver, find out more about your right to fair compensation for your losses.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=493402023-04-24T10:02:15Z2022-11-21T22:26:27ZDozens of surgical errors happen weekly
According to research into the frequency of certain surgical errors, roughly 4,000 major never events occur in the United States every year. These surgical mistakes are egregious and preventable.
The most commonly-reported never events include surgeons performing the wrong procedure on a patient, surgeons operating on the wrong part of the body and surgeons leaving items behind after closing up someone's incision. All of these categories of mistakes tend to lead to catastrophic medical consequences for the patient involved.
Taking action after a surgical error
Coming out of anesthesia to have a doctor inform you shortly thereafter that you will have to undergo a revision procedure is incredibly stressful. So is the tragic discovery that a loved one died because a surgeon did something foolish, like leaving a sponge behind while performing a very standard and theoretically low-risk surgical procedure.
Surgeons and the facilities that employ them carry medical malpractice insurance for exactly this kind of scenario. You can potentially file an insurance claim to recoup your losses. Occasionally, medical malpractice claims will end up going to civil court. When a doctor like a surgeon deviates from best practices and makes some mistake with lasting negative consequences for a patient, malpractice claims are the surest path to justice.
Fighting back against medical malpractice can compensate those affected and create consequences for those responsible.
]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=493352023-04-24T10:05:04Z2022-08-22T19:53:19ZYou can pursue justice for your loved one and your family
A wrongful death claim is a kind of personal injury lawsuit that imposes financial consequences for contributing to someone's death. You have the right to bring a claim even if the state prosecutes the responsible party or is unable to do so.
Typically, you need to show that the other party broke the law or behaved in a negligent manner to have grounds for a wrongful death claim. You will also need proof that the death cost your family money. Future income and even unpaid household services can contribute to the financial value of a wrongful death claim.
Rather than giving in to your grief and not taking action at all, seeking financial compensation can reduce the harm your family suffers while also creating penalties for the party to blame for your loss.
There's nothing wrong with pursuing financial compensation
Grief isn't the only emotion that stops people from getting the wrongful death compensation they deserve. Guilt can also be a concern. Some people have survivor's guilt if they were also involved in the same accident. Others feel bad for putting a financial value on someone's recent death.
Holding someone accountable for your tragedy and acknowledging the harm they have caused your family is not inappropriate and therefore is no reason for you to feel guilty. Learning more about wrongful death claims could help you obtain justice after a tragic loss.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=490802023-04-24T10:04:39Z2022-05-27T19:07:52ZYou have to watch for symptoms for weeks
Some symptoms of a TBI, like chronic or worsening headaches, are easy to associate with a recent car crash. Others, like blurry vision or difficulty falling asleep at night, may not seem like much more than a temporary irritation.
Brain injuries can cause a wide array of symptoms, including difficulty with physical balance, slurred speech, sleep disruptions, excessive sleeping, nausea, memory loss and even changes in personality. Those who experience a major motor vehicle collision need to monitor themselves and the other people in the vehicle for signs of a TBI for several weeks after the crash.
Seeing a doctor sooner is almost always better
The worsening symptoms of a TBI come from increasing pressure in the skull or worsening bruising of the brain. You can potentially keep those symptoms from getting worse by seeing a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms or seeking evaluation right after a car crash. The sooner someone receives treatment, the less likely they are to have progressive or worsening symptoms from a brain injury.
Even with quick treatment, a brain injury might mean tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and weeks of lost wages, if not a permanent change in someone's earning potential. Identifying the consequences of a serious injury like a TBI will help you navigate an insurance claim and look at your other compensation opportunities following a major car crash.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=489762023-04-24T10:05:15Z2022-03-01T20:17:09ZLouisiana's insurance requirements leave coverage gaps
For someone to legally drive in Louisiana, they need to carry at least $25,000 worth of property damage liability coverage. They also need $15,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage that increases to $30,000 when more than one person gets hurt in a crash.
Although some drivers do pay for additional protection, many only carry what the state requires. The cost to fix your vehicle could easily go over $25,000, especially if the insurance company declares your vehicle a total loss.
A week in the hospital could be enough to leave you without enough medical liability coverage from the other driver, as could surgery. The same coverage should also reimburse you for property damage losses, so you can likely imagine how it may not be enough if you get seriously hurt.
What happens when the insurance runs out?
If you have already incurred more expenses than the other driver's insurance will carry, you may have a few options available. If you are one of those people who invested in supplemental coverage, your own insurance policy might help. Underinsured motorist protection could help pay for some of your costs, as could collision coverage.
You may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the crash. Provided that you can prove the wreck was their fault and caused by negligence or illegal driving behavior, you may be able to ask the court to award compensation for expenses not covered by their insurance. Knowing your rights after a car crash leaves you with injuries in Louisiana can make it easier for you to claim the compensation you need.]]>On Behalf of Gordon Injury Lawyershttps://www.gordoninjurylawyers.com/?p=478372023-01-24T13:00:08Z2021-11-24T21:02:16ZMillions of medical mistakes each year lead to thousands of deaths
Tracking diagnostic mistakes isn't particularly easy. It requires either that the patient receives an accurate diagnosis later or that a forensic specialist notes the issue after someone dies. The chances are very good that the modern statistics about diagnostic mistakes show that the issue is less commonplace than it actually is.
Even then, there are a shocking number of medical mistakes that happen each year. Roughly 12 million people will have a doctor fail to diagnose them or delay their diagnosis in a way that affects their care just in the United States. Of those twelve million people, between 40000 and 80000 will die of preventable deaths because their physician failed to diagnose them accurately or in a timely manner.
Certain people have a higher risk for diagnostic errors
Different subsets of the population have different degrees of risk for medical malpractice. When it comes to diagnostic errors, there are two groups that have significantly elevated risks.
Research has found that doctors are more likely to make diagnostic mistakes or fail to reach a diagnosis when the patient is a person of color or a woman. Members of these communities have roughly 30% greater risk of diagnostic mistakes than white males seeking medical treatment.
Learning about diagnostic mistakes and other kinds of medical malpractice can help you fight back after a doctor negatively affects your health.]]>