Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is a common occurrence regardless of your age. It can be difficult to pin down the exact number of individuals suffering due to misdiagnosis, as some of these cases go unknown. However, a 2014 article from CBS reported that approximately 12 million American adults who received outpatient medical care were misdiagnosed. This equates to about 1 in 20 adult patients. According to the National Academy of Medicine, it is likely that everyone in the United States will experience a misdiagnosis at least once in his or her lifetime. These cases are exceedingly dangerous for older patients, especially those…

Pedestrians are put at risk every time they walk down the street. They can be struck by bicyclists, motorcyclists, and cars, each of which can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, injuries. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there have been 122 pedestrian fatalities so far in 2019, and the year is not over yet. Drivers and pedestrians themselves share the responsibility of pedestrian safety. In other words, drivers and pedestrians can be equally liable for any personal injuries depending on the situation. Walk-the-Walk and Talk-the-Talk Many people assume that all accidents involving pedestrian injuries are the fault…

When it comes to being injured on the job, many injuries are readily apparent and require immediate medical attention. For these types of injuries, it is often easier to pursue workers’ compensation benefits because it is simple to prove that the workplace was the direct cause of the accident. For other workplace injuries, it can take weeks, months, or even years to fully manifest, making it more difficult for someone to claim benefits. One such injury that can be difficult to receive benefits for is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a chronic injury to the wrist and hand. What…

Nobody goes into work expecting to get hurt, yet that was the reality for nearly 3 million American workers in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accidents are called accidents for a reason–you never know when they are going to happen. Fortunately, there are protections in place to help you in the unfortunate event you suffer an injury while you are at work. In the state of Illinois, almost all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation can provide you with a variety of benefits and financial compensation in the event you are hurt and…

Life has a way of eventually coming full circle. Just as children need someone to take care of them, the elderly are sometimes unable to care for themselves after a certain age or illness. In some cases, when older people require around-the-clock care, they must live in a nursing home to receive the assistance they need. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for neglect or abuse to occur in nursing homes. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one out of 10 Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of abuse. You always want what is best…

Although the first day of fall is not until September 23, Labor Day marks the last day of summer for many. Summertime is when increased highway traffic results in more accidents than any other time of the year, but Labor Day weekend is one of the deadliest weekends of the year when it comes to alcohol-related traffic accidents. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 36 percent of traffic fatalities that occurred during Labor Day weekend in 2017 were due to alcohol-impaired driving, compared to the annual average of 29 percent. Being involved in an accident with a driver…

When a family brings a loved one to see a medical professional, they are expecting the highest quality of care. While the vast majority of doctors throughout the United States are incredibly consistent and display a high level of experience, the reality is that some are not as qualified. The same can be said for nursing homes. Nursing home personnel are supposed to take care of those who can no longer take care of themselves, but many seemingly fall short of this job. One of the most dangerous shortcomings, as it pertains to nursing home medical care, is a misdiagnosis.…

In warm weather months, many Chicago-area residents head outdoors for leisure activities, such as running or biking. For pet owners, summer is an ideal time for taking their dogs on long walks. While the vast majority of dogs are friendly and docile, others can show signs of aggression, especially toward children who can often lack the ability to recognize aggressive or dangerous behavior. Below are some of the health ramifications due to dog bites as well as the steps that should be taken to ensure you will receive the compensation you and your family deserve. The Dangers of Dog Bites According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease…

On June 11, a Palatine man was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident in Elgin. Despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet, the injuries suffered in the collision ultimately proved fatal. Every year, thousands of people are fatally injured in motorcycle accidents throughout the United States. According to statistics compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), just under 5,000 people were fatally injured in motorcycle accidents, throughout 2017. Due to the limited protection that motorcycles provide their riders, the injuries suffered can be increasingly life-threatening. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in an accident,…

Every year, thousands of bicyclists are seriously injured in accidents, throughout the United States. In many of these instances, the accidents involve an automobile. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 783 bicyclists were fatally injured throughout 2017, in accidents involving automobiles. Due to the limited protection that cyclists have while riding (even when wearing proper protective gear, and helmets), the injuries suffered in a collision with a standard motor vehicle can be life altering. In a significant number of these collisions, the accident was caused by the negligence of the motorist. Below we will examine simple steps…

Every single year, thousands of Americans suffer injuries in rear-end collisions. From whiplash to traumatic brain injuries, even low speed rear-end collisions can result in significant injury. In many cases, these injuries can cost a person thousands in medical expenses while impacting their overall quality of life. Due to the monetary ramifications of many of these collisions, it is incredibly important to secure injury compensation from the responsible party. In order to secure the compensation you deserve, you must establish who was at fault for the collision. In the event of a motor vehicle collision, seek out quality legal…

Here in the state of Illinois, law enforcement officials are constantly on the lookout for inebriated drivers. According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, more than 27,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, throughout 2017 alone. Despite that fact, drunk driving is still a significant safety threat to travelers throughout the state. In 2017, alcohol was the primary cause of approximately 30% of all statewide traffic fatalities. In all, drunk driving leads to 330 fatalities, throughout 2017. If you or a loved one suffer an injury in a car accident, involving a drunk driver,…

Here in the United States, millions of senior citizens live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Placing your loved one into professional care can be an incredibly difficult decision, and once that decision is made, you are putting your trust and faith into the hands of the facility’s staff. Unfortunately, that trust is not always rewarded. Today, falls are the leading cause of serious injury among elderly Americans. In many instances, falls are caused by the negligence of the nursing home staff. If your loved one suffers an injury, it is time to seek out the assistance of…