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Too Much or Not Enough: Your Medical Treatment Should Be “Just Right”

While doctors on television and in the movies may go to extremes in treating their patients, real doctors need to balance treatment with a patient’s needs and risks. If a doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or another medical provider goes to extremes in real life, there’s a real chance of serious injuries—or even the death of a patient. This includes both ends of the treatment spectrum, whether a care provider is:

Too aggressive. Whether you are coping with a chronic condition like diabetes or coming in with new concerns, you may appreciate that your doctor is doing everything possible to care for you. However, if a doctor is overly aggressive in treating you, it could mean that you’re taking too many medications, suffering through needless or risky tests and procedures, and damaging your health.
Not aggressive enough. On the other hand, a doctor who doesn’t follow up on your concerns and test results or doesn’t seem to hear your medical complaints may miss serious conditions until they cause major complications or become impossible to treat effectively.

It’s a physician’s duty to find the right balance for each patient’s care, and doctors need to have a good reason to stray from accepted medical protocols and treatment options. Although it may not be easy to find a “happy medium,” doctors need to take steps to make sure that they’re being proactive without being unnecessarily aggressive.

Do you have questions about a surgical injury or potential medical mistake? Get answers by reading our free book, What to Do If You Have Been Injured by Your Doctors or Hospital, or using the live-chat service on this page to connect with a member of our team.

Reports of Traffic Safety in Illinois for 2014 Show Mix of Tragedy and Hope

Eyes across the state of Illinois turned to traffic safety issues numerous times in 2014—sometimes with grief, but sometimes with hope for a better future. Here’s a summary of some of the biggest stories from last year and a little information about efforts toward changes that could support greater safety and fewer fatalities on our roads in 2015.

Cars and Trucks

While there was a decrease in fatal car accidents statewide in 2014, accidents around Chicago and across the state still took lives, caused injuries, and made headlines throughout the year. Prominent educational programs targeted Illinois drivers, and many agencies launched efforts against distraction, fatigue, and other dangerous or reckless driving behaviors. In light of the highly publicized truck wreck that injured actor Tracy Morgan and a tragic accident that took the life of a much-loved member of Chicago’s theatre community, truck accidents and trucking safety were especially under scrutiny last year.

Nationwide attention was also turned to potentially dangerous issues with vehicles and roadways that are beyond the driver’s control, including increased questions about potentially deadly Trinity guardrails and safety issues with Takata airbags.

Motorcycles

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities also decreased in 2014, dropping by nearly 30 percent compared to 2013 for the period between January and July. Although it’s been argued that the decrease might be partially due to having fewer registered motorcyclists on the road, some have pointed to a change in Illinois speed-limit laws last year that may make rural interstates safer for motorcycles.

Bikes and Pedestrians

The tragic number of bike and pedestrian deaths received a lot of attention in 2014—and with good reason. Illinois already ranks fifth in the nation for bicycle deaths, and reports showed an increase in pedestrian deaths compared to 2013. Multiple efforts are being made to reduce those numbers as we enter 2015, including:

Chicago’s Vision Zero program has committed to a goal to eliminate pedestrian traffic deaths by 2022, with a special focus on the risk of pedestrian fatalities when a driver is speeding.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced a plan to study the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in District One, which includes Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane, and Will Counties. IDOT brought on Primera to help fill research gaps and look at a number of potential safety strategies, such as protected and buffered bike lanes, bike traffic signals, pedestrian scrambles, better crosswalk signals, high-tech pedestrian signals, and more.
The Illinois Bike Transportation Plan, released by IDOT, continued its efforts toward making safe biking a reality across the state and providing long-term planning to accommodate cyclists.

Bus and Rail Commuters

Although commuters using the CTA may be safer than drivers on Chicago’s roads, there were still a number of notable accidents and injuries involving mass transportation in 2014:

While formal investigations were launched into these mass-transit incidents, and some changes—like the planned rebuilding of Blue Line stations—were made, it could be a long wait for other rail-industry changes that might keep passengers safer.

What kinds of traffic and safety changes would you like to see in Illinois in the coming year? Share your comments with our team below, or connect with us on Facebook for regular updates throughout 2015.

Semi-Truck Accidents Can Be Caused by Defective or Malfunctioning Braking Systems

Huge tractor-trailers and heavy trucks can be hard to stop, and that’s why it’s so important that drivers and companies pay attention to the braking systems in the trucks they operate. While federal regulations exist to prevent safety issues with regards to truck braking systems, maintaining commercial trucks to these specifications can be a complicated, costly, and time-consuming process—and sometimes mistakes are made that cause tragic accidents when a truck is unable to stop.

Why Do Brakes Fail in Commercial Trucks?

Brakes in a heavy truck can fail for a number of reasons, including:

Manufacturing defects
Poor maintenance
Delayed repair
Driver error

However, because these issues are investigated only after an accident has happened, it can be difficult to trace the facts back to the core causes of the brake failure.

What Happens to the Victims in Accidents Where a Truck’s Brakes Fail or Malfunction?

Brake failure is a common cause of serious accidents, but many of these issues could have been prevented if a manufacturer, trucking company, or employee had followed the rules. If someone gets hurt because of a malfunctioning or defective braking system in a semi, the attorney working with the victims will look at the vehicle’s maintenance and repair history, the driver’s logbook, company policies, and other records that identify where, why, and how the brakes failed.

If it is determined that the driver or trucking company failed to perform regular, thorough inspections of the truck’s brake system and schedule appropriate repairs, the victims of the accident may be able to pursue financial compensation from the negligent parties for their injuries. Similarly, if a defect or manufacturing issue is identified, victims may be able to hold the brake maker responsible.

Unfortunately, victims often have trouble holding trucking companies or brake manufacturers responsible for mistakes, and it becomes necessary to work with an injury attorney to make sure their voices are heard. For more information about protecting your rights or pursuing fair compensation after a semi-truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact our Chicago legal team by phone or live chat today.

Fatigue From Holiday Celebrations Can Create Dangers on the Road

With all of the preparations and celebrations that go into the holiday season, a lot of people may be greeting Christmas morning with a little fatigue—but don’t let that interfere with safe driving today as you visit family, friends, and loved ones. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving distracted or under the influence, and it’s important not to underestimate how much of an effect a little bit of sleepiness could have on the way you drive and react on the road.

Tips for Staying Alert on the Road and Beating Holiday Grogginess

Whether you were up late last night spending time with loved ones or putting together gifts for under the tree, chances are that you might be yawning in between the festivities. If you’re loading up the car to make the holiday rounds, here are some tips for battling drowsiness and avoiding accidents:

Get a good night of sleep beforehand or take a quick nap
Take regular breaks if you’re in for a long drive
Pack a caffeinated beverage or take advantage of free coffee at rest stops
Allow enough time to get there and back safely with appropriate stops

No matter how awake and alert you are behind the wheel, you can’t always avoid being involved in an accident. Get prepared for the worst by downloading our FREE Auto Accident App, which gives you instant access to emergency services and step-by-step guidance in the event of an accident. Do you have other tips for staying alert behind the wheel or dealing with the aftermath of an accident? Leave a comment below to share with our Chicago team and our readers!

Recent reports of carbon monoxide poisoning got me to look into ways that we can all be protected from this dangerous and often deadly menace. I found these simple steps and recommendations by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) which you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes:

Understanding the Risk

What is carbon monoxide?
CO, often called “the silent killer,” is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It can be created when fossil fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, methane or wood do not burn properly.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO poisoning can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers or cars left running in garages.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea and drowsiness. Exposure to undetected high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation

Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide.
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, have CO alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
Combination smoke-CO alarms must be installed in accordance with requirements for smoke alarms.
CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms and vice versa. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and the sound of CO alarms.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Testing and Replacement

Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them if they fail to respond correctly when tested. The sensors in CO alarms have a limited life. Replace the CO alarm according to manufacturer’s instructions or when the end-of-life signal sounds.
Know the difference between the sound of the CO alarm and the smoke alarm, and their low-battery signals. If the audible low battery signal sounds, replace the batteries or replace the device. If the CO alarm still sounds, get to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1 or the fire department.
To keep CO alarms working well, follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

Carbon Monoxide Precautions

Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.
Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace.
Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. The CO gas might kill people and pets.
When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select products tested and labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.
If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice or other materials.
The CO gas might kill people and pets.
Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

If Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds

Immediately move to a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window or door). Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for.
Call 9-1-1 or the fire department from a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window). Remain at a fresh air location until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, you may be able to take action. Please contact the attorneys of Lane Brown, LLC, or call us at 312-332-1400 to speak with us about your options. We can help.

Don’t Accept a Settlement for Car Accident Injuries Immediately After an Accident

In the aftermath of a serious car accident, your first priority is getting care for your injuries and recovering from the trauma of the wreck. However, almost as soon as you are hurt, the other driver’s insurance company will make it a priority to limit your ability to recover compensation for the accident. One way insurance companies accomplish this is by taking advantage of victims while they are still reeling from the accident—sometimes approaching victims with a settlement offer only hours or days after the crash.

Unfortunately, these settlement offers rarely take the full needs and rights of the victim into account. Although the insurance adjuster may seem friendly and sympathetic, victims should be suspicious of any initial offers made so soon after a wreck. These offers are often not enough to cover the costs of initial treatment, let alone any additional treatments that the victim may need in the coming weeks, months, and years. Especially if your injuries are very severe or costly to treat, the insurance company may try to trick you into accepting a settlement offer:

Before you understand your injuries. The other driver’s insurance company may try to get you to accept an initial settlement shortly after the accident or even while you’re still in a hospital bed. However, there’s no way to know what the full cost of your injuries will be while you’re still being treated, and it’s important to talk to an attorney first to make sure the settlement being offered will cover all of your needs.
Before you understand your rights. Insurance companies know that you are worried about your injuries and your future in the aftermath of an accident. Some may try to tempt you with a settlement for your injuries on the spot or use tricks to get you to sign away your rights before you understand what your rights to compensation really are.

Taking Steps Now to Prepare Yourself in Case of an Accident

No matter how you try to prepare yourself, it’s hard to remember what to do in the panic following an actual accident, especially if you have been hurt. If you have found the information in this article helpful, you might also want to check out our FREE Auto-Accident-App for mobile phones. The App is designed to help you protect your rights by walking you through the first steps you need to take at the scene of the accident and also putting you in immediate contact with emergency services and other support systems. The App is completely free to anyone who might find it helpful, and we encourage you to try it yourself or share the link with the drivers among your friends and family members.