Barney & Karamanis, LLPDYNAMIC + AGGRESSIVE TRIAL LAWYERS Proven Results In Groundbreaking Cases2024-02-08T10:46:46Zhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203203/2021/02/cropped-faviconexample-1-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=482972024-02-07T21:50:28Z2024-02-07T21:50:28ZDifferent kinds of HAIs
There are several types of infections that can happen in hospitals, like surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia and infections in the digestive system. Each type of infection can cause its own difficulties and issues for patients and healthcare providers.
HAI causes
HAIs can come from different sources within the hospital environment. One common reason is when healthcare workers fail to clean their hands properly, which can spread germs from one patient to another. Also, medical equipment like catheters, ventilators and surgical tools can spread infections if they are not cleaned well between uses.
Other things in the hospital, like not having good ventilation or having too many patients in one room, can also help germs spread. Patients with weak immune systems, like those who are getting chemotherapy or organ transplants, are more likely to get HAIs because their bodies can not fight off infections as well.
HAI prevention
Following infection control rules, washing hands well, using antibiotics the right way and cleaning the hospital environment can help prevent HAIs. Hospitals need to have good infection control programs to lower the risks and keep patients and workers safe.
Healthcare professional risks
Due to frequent exposure to patients, medical equipment and contaminated surfaces, healthcare workers are at risk of acquiring infections such as MRSA, influenza and tuberculosis. Proper infection control measures, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment and vaccination, help mitigate the risk of HAIs among hospital staff.
Legal repercussions
Hospital-acquired infections can potentially serve as grounds for legal action if negligence or malpractice contributed to their occurrence. Patients who suffer harm or complications due to preventable HAIs may seek legal recourse to hold healthcare providers or facilities accountable for inadequate infection control measures or substandard care.
HAI issues
Hospital-acquired infections are a big problem for patient and healthcare worker safety. If an HAI affects you or a family member, you may have legal options for compensation.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=482942023-12-15T22:16:20Z2023-12-15T22:16:20ZThe initial signs ignored
When subtle symptoms like persistent coughing, shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss emerge, they can be early indicators of underlying health issues. In the case of lung cancer, swift recognition is important. A radiologist's primary role is to scrutinize medical imaging, seeking anomalies that could signify potential health risks.
The missed window of opportunity
A diligent radiologist holds the power to detect lung cancer in its nascent stages. This provides patients with a fighting chance. If neglected, a window of opportunity closes. The delay in diagnosis may allow the cancer to progress, making treatment more challenging and reducing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Unraveling the consequences
As time slips away, so does the chance for early intervention. Delayed diagnosis often means that the cancer advances, spreading to nearby tissues or even distant organs. A once localized issue becomes a more complex, systemic problem, demanding more aggressive treatments and decreasing the overall chances of survival.
The emotional toll on patients
Beyond the physical toll, one cannot overlook the emotional impact on patients. A delayed diagnosis forces individuals and their families to confront the harsh reality that a more favorable prognosis slipped through their grasp. This emotional burden can compound the stress of navigating a complex healthcare system and grappling with the uncertainties of a compromised future.
A delayed diagnosis of lung cancer by a radiologist has far-reaching consequences. Recent research indicates that every four weeks of delayed surgery for cancer increases the risk of death by 6% to 8%.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=482912023-11-10T16:48:48Z2023-11-10T16:48:48ZOverlapping symptoms
Common symptoms of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding, can result from a wide range of ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids or diverticulitis. Doctors may initially consider these less serious conditions, leading to a delay in diagnosing colon cancer.
Lack of screening or risk assessment
Colon cancer often develops silently in its early stages, without overt symptoms. Many individuals may not undergo regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, especially if they are not in high-risk groups. As a result, doctors may not consider colon cancer as a possibility until it reaches an advanced stage, when symptoms become more apparent. Delayed diagnosis at an advanced stage can reduce treatment options and decrease the chances of a full recovery.
Medical errors and communication breakdowns
In some cases, medical errors, including misinterpretation of test results, communication breakdowns among healthcare providers or insufficient follow-up, can contribute to the misdiagnosis of colon cancer. These errors may cause doctors to overlook important information, which can further delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
Per NBC News, 67% of patients diagnosed with colon cancer had to see two or more physicians before they received accurate diagnoses. Some patients had to see as many as four doctors before finding out what was ailing them. This indicates that medical providers must do more to increase early diagnoses and improve the outcomes of patients with this type of cancer.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=482392023-09-03T04:34:00Z2023-09-03T04:34:00ZWhat is medical malpractice?
Identifying medical malpractice requires careful examination of medical guidelines, expert opinions and the circumstances involved. In this case, three factors can help identify medical malpractice.
First, consider whether the practitioner breached their duty to provide competent care. Second, determine whether this breach caused harm. And third, consider whether the harm caused resulted in significant damages.
How can lack of transparency affect patients?
Lack of transparency can have severe consequences for patients:
Loss of trust - Patients place their trust in their healthcare providers. When physicians hide mistakes, they damage the patient-doctor relationship.
Delayed treatment - Not knowing about a medical error may delay treatment, which can worsen a patient's condition
Emotional distress - Patients and their families may suffer significant emotional distress when left in the dark about a medical error
When doctors fail to disclose their errors, it can be for various reasons. They may be afraid of litigation or have concerns about their reputation. Some simply do not want to admit their mistakes.
What can patients do?
Patients also play a role in this equation. If you suspect a medical error or have concerns about your treatment, it is crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider. Ask questions, seek a second opinion if necessary and do not be afraid to assert your rights as a patient.
According to the World Health Organization, 42.7 million adverse medical events impact hospitalized patients around the globe each year. Doctors are fallible, but their transparency is a major component of high-quality healthcare. Patients must act as their own advocates and feel empowered to seek the truth about their medical care. Ultimately, a healthcare system built on trust and accountability benefits everyone involved.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=481972023-07-31T14:49:55Z2023-07-29T03:14:55Z1. Duty to provide care
The first factor in a malpractice case is the duty to provide care. You must have an established doctor-patient relationship in which the medical professional is responsible for treatment or care. This includes even temporary relationships such as a physician covering patients in another provider’s absence or filling in at a clinic.
2. Breach of duty
After establishing a duty to provide medical care, the next factor is a breach of that duty. You must show that the doctor failed to follow through with an expected standard of care. This often means seeking testimony from other care providers about the reasonable care expectations of any medical provider in the situation.
3. Injury resulting from the misconduct
You must have an injury directly attributable to the actions or misconduct of the care provider. This includes things such as a worsening injury due to mistreatment or progression of cancer due to misdiagnosis.
4. Measurable damages
The final required element is measurable damages. You must have clear damages documented, including additional medical treatment and lost earnings as a result of the care provider’s actions.
A malpractice case requires all four elements to have a legal foundation. Consider each factor as you decide if you have a claim.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=476942022-08-30T13:52:07Z2022-08-30T13:52:07Zalong one corridor. Some blame this on poor design, and the city is working toward correcting it. Here is a look at the most dangerous intersections in the City of Chicago in no particular order.
E 79th St & S Stony Island Ave
With 196 crashes and a total of 52 injuries, nine of them serious injuries, this is one of the deadliest intersections in the city.
W Garfield Blvd & S Wentworth Ave
This intersection has the most total injuries at 55, with only six of them being serious. The total crashes at this site amount to only 141.
E 95th St & S Stony Island Ave
There were more crashes at this intersection than at W Garfield Blvd. and S. Wentworth Ave. but fewer serious injuries, with 160 and four, respectively. The number of crashes with injuries was 44.
W Garfield Blvd & S Wells St
This intersection completes a corridor of dangerous intersections with a total of 131 crashes, 42 injuries, and four serious injuries.
All of these intersections are within approximately 10 miles of each other. The main cause of these accidents is failure to yield, with following too closely is a close second. Failure to reduce speed is in third.
If you are traveling through Chicago, you might consider avoiding these intersections if possible.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=474762023-07-31T14:57:44Z2022-07-07T15:38:07ZInjuries from dooring
Momentum Mag discusses the issue cyclists face called dooring. Dooring happens when someone in a parked car - either a passenger or the driver - opens their door without checking to see if anyone is nearby. They open the door either into the cyclist, or directly in front of the cyclist, causing them to crash into it or swerve.
Crashing into an open door can result in surprising injuries, such as bruising, broken bones, whiplash or even head injuries. Lacerations may also occur if the glass from the window ends up breaking.
If the cyclist attempts to swerve or otherwise ends up knocked into traffic, it can cause even more problems. They may end up hit by another car that does not have time to swerve and avoid them, leading to serious or even lethal injuries.
Reducing dooring incidents
There are many ways that drivers and cyclists alike can help bring down the number of dooring incidents. When possible, cyclists should avoid biking too close to cars parked near the bike lanes.
Drivers should also avoid parking close to the bike lanes where possible. Most importantly, they should always check to see if anyone is coming before they open their door. These two steps alone can prevent almost every dooring incident.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=474732023-07-31T14:58:02Z2022-07-01T14:27:36ZVision Zero Chicago connects city leadership, technological innovators and other partners to achieve their goal: zero automotive accidents in Chicago. The action plan for 2022 will implement a three-pronged approach to initiatives designed to reach that goal.
1. Infrastructure
Vision Zero Chicago has four infrastructure amendments that will improve pedestrian safety and help drivers avoid pedestrian accidents.
Bumpouts at corners to designate safe spaces where pedestrians wait for a crosswalk light
Refuge spaces in the center of streets, designed to make crossing wide avenues safer
Hardened centerlines and rubber median bumps aimed at slowing left turns
Widened crosswalk stripes that more accurately follow the natural pedestrian path
2. Policy
Vision Zero Chicago is supporting policy changes that will reduce accidents and keep pedestrians and drivers safe in the Chicago Business District.
Pass a law making all CBD speed limits a consistent 20 mph
Change light timers to implement leading pedestrian walk intervals along with a lagging left turn for vehicles throughout the CBD
Install pedestrian countdown timers at all crosswalk lights
Eliminate "right on red" throughout the CBD
3. Education
The success of the 2022 initiatives will depend on public acceptance and utilization. The Vision Zero Chicago campaign includes education initiatives.
Engage the public by launching a marketing campaign, standardizing communications releases and utilizing current expertise to expand the communications framework
Install improved pedestrian signage, including wayfinding at complex intersections
Implement education and training for taxi and rideshare drivers
Eliminating motor vehicle accidents is a goal all Chicagoans should support to keep our city safe for motorists and pedestrians.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=474532023-07-31T14:53:46Z2022-06-21T15:00:15ZSome disappointing news
Information from Accuracy Advance states that bike injuries and deaths as the result of vehicle accidents continue to show a rising trend in the past decade. Data from a variety of sources indicates that biking incidents rose about 37 percent in the past ten years, with preventable injuries to bicyclists rising about 40 percent.
Though biking fatalities show some variation in recent years, the long-term trend remains higher than in the past. One disturbing fact shows that one-fourth of car/bike collisions resulting in death to the biker came from hit and run accidents.
Reasons postulated for the more dangerous roads include more incidents of distracted driving and greater incidents of speeding. The trend for bigger SUVs and trucks on the road also creates more dangers for bicyclists.
Some favorable news
Many municipalities and advocacy groups continue to work for improved bike safety. These measures include better biking infrastructure such as more biking lanes and bike trails. Many communities also fight for stronger laws to protect bikers.
In recent years, more and more people enjoy biking for reasons of safety, economy and health. Still, between 800 to 1,000 bicyclists die in motor vehicle accidents every year, and many more suffer painful injuries.]]>On Behalf of Barney & Karamanis, LLPhttps://www.barneykaramanis.com/?p=474502023-07-31T14:58:19Z2022-06-08T22:03:37Zmedical costs and other hardships.
In Illinois, roads can become particularly dangerous for a host of reasons, such as snow, strong winds, rain, ice and fog.
Statistics on weather-related traffic collisions
According to the Federal Highway Administration, almost 1,235,000 weather-related accidents occur on the road each year, accounting for roughly 21% of all vehicle accidents. During an average year, weather-related collisions lead to more than 418,000 people suffering injuries and almost 5,000 losing their lives. Most of these accidents take place when it is raining, but winter weather conditions and fog cause many crashes as well.
Different weather-related traffic accident risk factors
Precipitation can adversely affect visibility, traction and a driver's behavior. Snow and ice can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, and fog can lead to speed variance and poor visibility. Additionally, wind can lead to collisions on the road. Aside from blowing debris, smoke, dust and snow (negatively impacting visibility), wind can also lead to lane obstruction. For example, strong winds can cause tree branches and power lines to fall onto the road, which can increase the chances of a crash.
If you are struggling with serious consequences after a weather-related accident, make sure you closely review the details of the accident and explore your options if another driver's behavior contributed to the crash.]]>