Are Helmet Laws Having a Positive Impact in Maryland?
U.S. News & World Report says Connecticut, which removed helmet safety laws in 1976, is considering reinstating the law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Connecticut is catching on to something we've known about in Maryland for years – motorcycle helmets save lives. What has been the impact on the volume of accidents in our state since these laws were passed? Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Maryland Maryland Code, Section 21-1306 of the Transportation Article, requires all motorcyclists wear a helmet that conforms to the standards set out by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). If the motorcycle doesn't have a windshield, eye [...]
Top 4 Reasons Cardiologists Get Sued
The Doctors Company, an insurer owned by physicians, completed a study of 429 cardiology claims for damages. It was the goal of the study to further educate cardiologists on what might constitute risky patient handling, and how to best avoid these problems altogether. Below are the top five causes of action, as listed in the legal complaints against cardiologists, and the percentage (%) that each of these causes of action were claimed in these suits: Improper Diagnosis, or delaying a diagnosis (25%) Failure to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI), or commonly known as heart attacks, was the leading cause of action in [...]
Could Lack of School Bus Driver Oversight Put Your Children at Risk?
You may have seen the CBS News report; “CBS News investigation finds stunning lack of oversight of school bus drivers.” They concluded that every day in this country, 60 school bus drivers get into accidents and that there is a “stunning lack of oversight of school bus drivers.” The Report on Bus Drivers This shocking report showed bus drivers who were arrested for assault and molestation, as well as driving under the influence, and other crimes. While school bus drivers must have a commercial driving license, they do not drive across state lines. This exempts them from some of the federal guidelines [...]
Bed Bug Lawsuit Settlements in Maryland
Just the words “bed bugs” can make a person itch. Bed bugs are tiny creatures that live in the hidden crevices of mattresses or other places where people – who are their meal ticket – reside. Bed bugs come out at night and feed on your blood, and while they do not carry diseases, they will make you break out in a red rash that is unsightly and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, bed bugs are incredibly hard to eradicate. Fortunately, you have legal resources if your landlord, hotel, or even if the retail store that sold you infested furniture, failed to take care [...]
What Diseases Are Usually Misdiagnosed?
Misdiagnosis occurs if your doctor or a health care provider didn't detect or didn't order necessary testings in case of reasonable suspicion of a disease. Sometimes the consequences can be fatal, other times they can be insignificant, moderate or serious. In any case, if you or someone close to you have suffered due to being misdiagnosed, they have the right to be compensated for their injuries, suffering and stress caused by medical negligence. How to know the value of a malpractice settlement? When a malpractice has occurred, it permanently changes the lives of patients. If a doctor, nurse, health care provider [...]
Medical Malpractice- What You Can Expect
Unfortunately, medical malpractice can happen to anyone, and it can change your life forever, especially in case of serious diseases. Although the most doctors, health care professionals and hospitals work hard and give their best to treat the patients and help, some studies show that up to 20% could give the wrong diagnosis due to medical negligence. When you experience health problems, even the ones that are not life-threatening, you are in a vulnerable position. If you were mistreated in this situation, you’re confused, stressed out and you don’t know the steps you should take, what your rights are and more. [...]
Playing the Odds – Are You at Risk for a Medical Mistake?
You may not realize it, but medical errors in the United States have hit a record high. Healthcare IT News reported that provider error is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., falling just behind heart disease and cancer. Medical mistakes kill more than 400,000 people every year. That’s more than 1,000 people every single day. What these sobering statistics mean is if you have a medical procedure, you run the risk of falling victim to a medical mistake. It’s a frightening reality that every time we go in for surgery we’re gambling with our safety. According to Health Affairs, one in [...]
Maryland Implements Strategies to Prevent Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is still a problem in Maryland, despite more than a decade of campaigns to reduce it. Today, all U.S. states and the District of Columbia have laws in place to penalize drunk drivers. These rules are designed to protect the public by deterring people from drinking and driving. Unfortunately, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), these laws are only partially effective; 2017 Maryland stats stand at 159 fatalities connected to drinking and driving. That’s an increase of 22.3% from last year. Police are increasingly vigilant; with more than 17,000 arrests to date. Let’s look more closely at some of the [...]
Who Are the Worst Drivers in Maryland?
Always watch out for the other guy. That was some of the best driving advice our parents ever gave us. It’s true that in today’s hustle-bustle society you probably see a lot of bad driving every single day. We know we do. Roadway traffic is increasing. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Administration office, residents drove two billion more miles between 2014 to 2016 due to low gas prices and an improving economy. More traffic means more hazards to watch out for. MDOT suggests the following driver categories when trying to measure the additional hazards on the highway. [...]
Seeking Workers’ Compensation in Maryland- What You Need to Know
If you've been injured while on the job you may be entitled to workers' compensation. Workers pay into an insurance pool that can be accessed if you have an accident on the job. This could be while you’re on-site at the company, or if you are out running errands on company time. Workers' compensation can pay: - Medical bills - Some of your paycheck while you are out of work - A lump sump “pain and suffering” payment But, like a lot of government programs, the system is very complicated. If you feel you have a workers' compensation claim, consult an [...]
Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering in Maryland?
Filing a personal injury lawsuit means that you are suing for pain and suffering caused by injury to your person. While these cases are common, it takes an experienced legal team to recognize suing for pain and suffering can also mean attaching value to both past and future mental suffering as well as the physical pain you may feel after being injured. Let’s look at your options for suing for pain and suffering under Maryland law. Physical Injury that Leads to Pain and Suffering It’s important to realize is suing for pain and suffering is that the burden of proving these [...]
Does Maryland Place a Cap on Medical Malpractice?
U.S. News & World Report tells us that medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in our country today. This means that ten percent (10%) of the U.S. population every year dies from poorly coordinated care or outright medical mistakes. This number is so high that it is likely in your lifetime that you or someone you love will fall victim to the “practice of medicine.” When this happens, we turn to the law to help right the wrongs inherent in medical malpractice. Legally, medical malpractice means there was a breach of the contract you established with your physician [...]