Personal Injury Law Blogs

Dog Bites: Three Breeds You May Want to Avoid

dog bitesDog bites and attacks are not uncommon. However, certain species of dog tend to be more aggressive than others, and are more prone to attacking or biting. Unfortunately, most attacks tend to be directed at children. While aggressive dogs also target adults, 42 percent of dog attacks last year were directed at children 11 years old and younger. Additionally, 68 percent of all dog bite fatalities were children under the age of 1. If you have a family with young children and are looking at getting a dog, read on for three breeds you might want to avoid.

The Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bulls are consistently ranked as the most dangerous breed of dog. These dogs were originally bred for dog fighting, a sport which is now a felony. While these dogs weigh only between 30 and 100lbs, a dog bite can be fatal. Pit Bulls are known for their incredible jaw strength, their high pain tolerance, and their “hold and shake” bite style. The way pit bulls rip tissue and bite into deep muscle has caused experts to compare a Pit Bull dog bite to a shark attack.

Pit Bulls are also known for surprise attacks, and will attack owners or family members without warning. A recent study found that 71 percent of Pit Bull fatalities occurred in the last 10 years, 42 percent of Pit Bull fatalities occurred in the last 4 years, and 24 percent occurred in the past 2 years. Pit Bulls are responsible for 59 percent of all dog bite fatalities, despite making up less than 5 percent of the total dog population.

The Rottweiler Ranks Second

In 2011, there were 33 recorded dog bite fatalities in the USA. Four of these fatal attacks were by Rottweilers.

While pit bulls are widely accepted as being aggressive, Rottweilers are known as the second most lethal breed of dog. Together, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 74 percent of all dog attacks, and 70 percent of dog attacks resulting in death were caused by both Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

Rottweilers are large dogs, and while they are not known for surprise attacks as Pit Bulls are, they are more aggressive than other breeds of dogs toward strangers. This is likely because Rottweilers were bred to be watchdogs.

The Doberman Pinscher

If you have small children, the third breed of dog you may want to avoid is the Doberman Pinscher. Once bred to be guard dogs and police dogs, Dobermans rank as highly aggressive toward strangers. The Doberman is still stereotyped to be a dangerous and aggressive dog, but the statistics to show their aggression are not quite as concrete as the statistics against the Pit Bull. In fact, Huskies, German Shepherds and Chows all have higher numbers of maiming and deaths than the Doberman.

Keep these three breeds in mind if you are thinking of getting a dog and have a family with small children. Also, if you’re thinking of starting a family and have one of these dogs, be mindful of them around your newborn. You can also give your furry friend cbd oil for dogs to stop its aggressive behavior. Also, keep in mind that preventing a dog bite is the responsibility of the owner.

If you have been bitten by a dog, especially one of these breeds listed above, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The Driscoll Firm P.C., St. Louis personal injury lawyers, have the ability to assist you with your claim.  For more information, visit the website at www.Settlementhelpers.com.

Motorcycle Accident Stats 2012

motorcycle safety

Motorcycle accidents are a growing concern as the number of people opting for motorcycles as opposed to cars increases. Motorcyclists are at a huge risk while on the road, as their vehicles offer less stability than cars, they have less protection, and they are less visible while on the road. In fact, most motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle that hadn’t seen the motorcyclist. Read on for more motorcycle accident statistics from this year. However, keep in mind that full reports for 2012 statistics have not yet been released.

 Who is Most at Risk?

Motorcyclists are already at risk just by being on the road; motorcyclists have a 23 times higher chance of being involved in a crash than a car driver. However, it was found that those most frequently involved in motorcycle crashes were individuals aged between 20 and 24. The age group after this that is most frequently involved in motorcycle accidents are individuals aged between 25 and 29. The victims are also disproportionately young men. While young females are also victims of motorcycle accidents, more often than not the females are passengers on the motorcycle as opposed to drivers.

Interestingly, motorcycle accidents are a growing concern in Georgia in particular. Motorcycle accidents have increased by 59 percent since 2004, with the most crashes occurring in Fulton County.

Injuries sustained by motorcyclists remain similar to last year, with leg, foot, head and neck injuries accounting for more than 55 percent of all motorcycle injuries. Shockingly, 80 percent of motorcycle crashes resulted in serious injury or death.

What Causes Crashes?

Most motorcycle accidents involve a second vehicle. In 67 percent of cases, the other vehicle didn’t see the motorcyclist or violated the motorcyclist’s right of way. It was found that 8.5 percent of motorcycle accidents were alcohol related.

While more people are turning to motorcycles, injuries from not wearing a helmet are surprisingly low. The number of incidents resulting from the motorcyclist not wearing a helmet has decreased steadily from 2001. Last year, 8 percent of motorcycle fatalities likely could have been prevented if a helmet had been worn. That being said in May 2012, 19 states had implemented a helmet law, 28 states had implemented a partial helmet law, and only 3 states had no helmet law at all.

How Can a Motorcyclist Stay Safe on the Road?

To reduce the risk of a motorcycle crash, always wear an approved helmet, regardless of whether it is the law in your state or not. Don’t drink before driving your motorcycle, and wear protective and reflective clothing. Maintain safe speeds, and of course, don’t tailgate. Motorcyclists must remain vigilant and cautious while on the road to minimize their risk of injury.

With the increasing number of people choosing to commute on a motorcycle, it is important to keep these statistics in mind and stay safe on the road. As a motorcyclist, you are already at a greater risk on the road.

If you or someone you know has recently been in a motorcycle accident, seek the experienced guidance of a legal professional as soon as possible in order to receive the compensation you deserve. Millar & Mixon, LLC, Attorneys at Law are experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Georgia.  To learn more about motorcycle accidents and seeking compensation for your injuries visit the website at www.MillarAndMixon.com.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Accidents in a Winter Storm

winter storm car accidentsFor people who have lived in areas in which snow and ice are a regular occurrence during the winter, driving in these conditions may seem like second nature. However, despite experience and expertise gained over time, operating any motor vehicle in severe wintry conditions can prove dangerous and, in some cases, fatal.

Every year, thousands of drivers, passengers and pedestrians are killed due to accidents associated with winter storms. Residents of states where snowfall and ice are regular tend to observe normal driving safety procedures, but even some of these drivers find themselves in unexpected situations t
hat may result in severe injury or death.

According to the California Department of Transportation, a federally certified source regarding all aspects of transit in the state of California, individuals who travel via car or truck during the snowy winter months should prepare themselves for driving with the following safety methods before setting out on a trek through any potentially hazardous area in the state. These tips apply to all states and regions where snow, sleet and ice may present the possibility of a problem while operating a motor vehicle.

Preparing Your Vehicle to Weather a Winter Storm

  • Always check your tires before driving – Tires that possess insufficient tread are far more likely to lose traction in wet, snowy and icy conditions. When a vehicle loses traction in this type of environment, even the most skilled and seasoned drivers may find themselves suddenly without control of their car or truck. The instinct to apply the brake immediately and to swerve in order to avoid collision can quickly backfire, leading to an even more serious crash. Ensure that tire tread is deep and, if tires show obvious signs of wear or baldness, have them replaced promptly.
  • Ensure that snow chains are a good fit – Unfortunately, many drivers who are not familiar with the function of snow chains mistakenly opt for a size that does not match the tires equipped on their vehicles. This can result in not only damage to the car or truck itself, but sudden loss of control and the inability to steer or brake properly.
  • Do not use the cruise control function – While long treks through mountains or long stretches of highway may tempt a driver to set the vehicle to cruise control, this mistake may potentially result in a dangerous situation. When the vehicle is commanded to maintain cruise control, the integrated computer defaults to normal driving conditions. If one or more tires lose traction, the vehicle will attempt to compensate by changing gears or accelerating. In ice or snow, this can result in unexpected changes in velocity and direction, often causing both minor and major accidents.
  • Avoid panicking – The feeling of drifting across thick snow or an icy road can strike an intense feeling of panic and fear into the heart of even the most experienced drivers. Rather than follow the instinct that tells you to slam on the brakes, gently lift your foot from the brake when you realize that your vehicle is sliding. Calmly steer the vehicle in the direction that places you away from traffic, if possible. Engage your hazard lights and wait for the drift to end before continuing.

Wintertime, with all of its snow, holiday cheer and family time spent together, can be a joyous and carefree time of year. Safe driving is of chief importance and keeping these factors in mind throughout the season can help to make your winter a fun-filled and exciting time for the entire family.

If you have been the victim of a car accident caused by poor winter driving conditions, you may have a case.  Scott C. Gottlieb a car accident injury law attorney, located in New York, is an experienced legal professional who can help car accident victims compensate for injuries they sustained in a car accident.  For more information, visit the website at www.ScottGottliebLaw.com.

Most Common Wrongful Death Accidents

lawsuit

According to prominent legal reference source Duhaime.org, wrongful death suits are filed by the entitled legal survivors of an individual who has died due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another. The suit aims to compensate the victim’s surviving family and/or spouse for the death, and usually includes some type of compensation associated with the survivors’ suffering, medical expenses incurred before death, mental anguish and, in some cases, the future earning potential of the victim.

What are the Most Common Suits Filed?

While wrongful death can encompass a wide variety of circumstances and events, the following list delineates the most common suits filed in the United States.

  • Medical Malpractice – Though it is most certainly the intent of every honest and qualified medical professional to provide the best care possible to each and every patient, thousands of individuals suffer injury or die every year due to an incorrect diagnosis, neglect to treat a condition or illness properly, errors associated with prescription drugs and other mistakes that occur within a medical facility.
  • Defective Products – Defective products, including cars, trucks and ATVs, are responsible for thousands of deaths annually. When a company becomes aware of a defect or potentiality for a defect in one of its products and neglects to inform consumers, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages of the deceased victim.
  • Defective Drugs – When a pharmaceutical company fails to notify the FDA and consumers of any potential defects of a particular drug, that drug manufacturer may be held liable for the death of anyone who has used it and suffered from serious side effects not mentioned in the drug’s labeling inserts. Even when a drug receives approval from the FDA, solid cases may hold up in court, resulting in the compensation of the deceased victim’s survivors or representative.
  • Exposure to Toxic Substances – Individuals who work in certain plant environments and manufacturing facilities across the country may be exposed to toxic chemicals and other substances on a daily basis. Also called industrial exposure, it can lead to a variety of major health issues and, in serious cases, even death. Symptoms of toxic exposure include respiratory problems, loss of hearing in one or both ears and different forms of cancer. The employer of the victim may be sued for wrongful death and forced to compensate the family and other loved ones following trial and conviction.
  • Public Transportation Accidents – Accidents that occur on public buses, subways, ferries and trains have become more common over the past decade, despite various regulations and safety improvements implemented throughout the realm of public transit. The cause of the accident itself may vary, but the most frequently cited are operator error and defective equipment.

The sudden death of a loved one results in a seemingly limitless string of emotional torment, including shock, denial, frustration, anger and grief. Though it is undeniably difficult to endure the additional stress of filing a wrongful death suit amidst this onslaught of horrible feelings, the families of deceased victims are strongly encouraged to pursue such a case in order to not only acquire financial compensation, but for justice and closure as well.

If you have lost a loved one and believe that it is a direct result of the negligence of another person, you may have a wrongful death case.  Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. Law Offices is a law firm in Chicago, Illinois that specializes in wrongful death cases.  For more information about wrongful death and why it is necessary to seek legal representation, visit the website at www.SalviLaw.com.

 

Pedestrian Killed in Santa Ana Car Accident

Andrew Pehrson, 23, was killed in a car accident in Santa Ana after a vehicle struck him as he was crossing a roadway. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at the intersection of Main Street and MacArthur Boulevard early morning on December 27, 2012. Police say Pehrson and his brother were walking northbound across MacArthur when a Jeep Cherokee traveling southbound struck Pehrson. The driver remained at the scene. No arrests or citations were reported. An investigation is ongoing.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and friends of Andrew Pehrson for their tragic loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Collisions in Orange County

There were six fatalities and 134 injuries reported in Santa Ana as a result of pedestrian accidents, according to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, during the same year, 32 people died and 770 were injured as a result of Orange County pedestrian accidents.

Who Had the Right of Way?

Based on this news report, it appears that this fatal accident occurred at a large Santa Ana intersection with traffic lights and marked crosswalks. However, it is not clear who had the right of way at the time or if Pehrson was in a crosswalk at the time. California Vehicle Code Section 21954 states: “Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.” The same section also states: “The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway.”

Fault and Liability

If the driver in this case is determined to have been at fault, he or she can be held liable for Pehrson’s wrongful death. In such cases, families of deceased victims can seek compensation for damages including medical and funeral expenses, lost future income and loss of love and companionship.

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Santa Ana will also be able to determine if a dangerous roadway condition or a hazardous intersection caused or contributed to the fatal collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

How to Handle a Brain Injury Lawsuit When Your Cognitive Ability is Impaired

brain injuryCognitive ability refers to the way a person reacts and processes things which are going on around them – basically, it is one’s ability to think. Cognition is used in almost everything a person does from moving their hand to answering questions on a hard test.

Cognitive ability involves the following functions:

  •          Perception
  •          Attention
  •          Memory
  •          Motor Skills
  •          Language
  •         Visual Processing
  •         Executive Functions

 

When someone loses cognitive ability, they may also lose the ability to function as they once could. Brain injuries which cause loss of cognition can be utterly devastating; a person may lose their capabilities to work and complete everyday tasks without assistance.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury, often called TBI, is a result of a blow or sudden shock to the head or body.

According to the CDC, the leading causes of traumatic brain injury include:

  • Falls- this factor accounts for the highest number of brain injury resulting accidents (35%) – falls cause half of all brain injuries in children under 14 and 61% of brain injuries in people over 65.
  • Motor vehicle accidents- this is the second leading cause of brain damage and accounts for just over 17% of TBI and is the leading cause of brain injury related deaths.
  • Being struck by or against an object- out of the major causes of brain injury, this makes up for the third largest group accounting for approximately 16% of TBI. In ages 0 to 14, this makes up of 25% of all brain injury accidents, making it the second most common cause for this age group. These injuries happen when a person makes sudden physical with another object or person.
  • Assault- brain injuries as a result of assault only account for 10% of such injuries in the general population. Assault is the intentional act of injuring another person by using physical force or weapons.

Brain injury as a result of these or other factors may be limited to the area of impact or can affect multiple points in the brain.

The Cost of Losing Cognitive Ability

The initial costs of brain injuries come from medical bills and time lost at work. Following emergency care and lost wages are expenses which vary considerably depending on the severity of the injury. Long term expenses can include continued medical care/treatment, rehabilitation, and possibly even in home care services.

Who is Responsible?

Brain injuries are costly both short term and long term. Since many of these accidents happen as a result of hazardous situations, it is crucial to determine if there was something that could have been done to prevent such injuries. Traumatic brain injuries happen most commonly with the extremely young and very old so caregivers should act with added caution to prevent injuries. Many of the brain injuries amongst low risk age groups occur on the job and are a result of dangerous working conditions. On the job brain injuries may include incidences such as truck driving crashes, construction site incidences, and rail yard accidents. Perusing a claim when you have lost cognitive ability will almost always require the help of an advocate – this person is tasked with acting in your best interest. Advocates in lawsuits are typically attorneys who provide legal counseling and represent the claimant who cannot present their case properly because they are not qualified or not able.

Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC is a Cerebral Palsy law firm located in Baltimore, Maryland/Columbia, South Carolina/Asheville, North Carolina.  For more information, please visit www.cerebral-palsy-injury.com.

What you should do if the Other Driver has no Insurance

Car accidents are serious events. In many cases, vehicle accidents can cause damage to personal or government property, injury, or even possible death. In most cases, insurance providers are able and willing to cover the costs associated with an automobile accident; however, options may be limited when the other driver does not have insurance for their car. Individuals who are in this situation have a number of options, including ‘eating’ the costs themselves, filing charges against the individual who caused the accident, or relying on uninsured motorist coverage to pay for the bills associated with the accident. Understanding each of these different options is important for individuals who want to ensure optimal results following a car accident.

Depending on the severity of a car accident, the costs associated with the incident may vary quite dramatically. While serious events can cost tens of thousands of dollars, minor bumps or scratches may be only a few hundred bucks. In the event of a relatively minor car accident when repair and or medical costs are quite low, accident victims may want to pay for the bills out of pocket. This process not only ensures that the repairs or treatments are completed in a timely manner, but avoids the need for filing a report with one’s insurance carrier. It is important to note that this technique should only be used in accidents when total costs are less than $1000—more serious events must be documented with local authorities and private insurance providers.

Individuals who do not want to pay for the costs associated with an accident—or legally cannot do so—may have to consider other options. In many cases, individuals choose to take legal action against the person who caused the accident, even if he or she does not have automobile insurance. It is important to note that filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver can be a time-consuming process, with awarded damages ranging dramatically from state to state. Also, this process can only be initiated in states that are not considered to be “no-fault.” Victims should consult with local authorities to determine if the state in which they live is “no-fault” before pursuing this option.

Finally, many individuals rely on uninsured motorist coverage when it comes to paying the bills associated with an accident that is caused by an uninsured driver. Traditionally, uninsured motorist coverage is a specific type of insurance included in automobile policies that provide coverage in the event that another driver does not have insurance. Drivers should be aware that depending on their specific state, the requirements and limitations of uninsured motorist coverage may vary quite a bit. For example, while some policies may pay for all costs associated with an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, others cover only the bills associated with medical costs. Though it is not the perfect option for those who have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, it can provide some relief and protection.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury as a result of a car accident and the other driver was underinsured, you should consult a legal professional to find out if you have a case.  The Elmore Law Firm, P.A. is a North Carolina car accident injury law firm with experience providing their clients compensation for injuries not covered by insurance after an accident.  For more information about injuries and seeking the compensation you deserve, visit the website at www.theelmorelawfirm.com.

New Legislation Changes Rules for Drivers

December 23, 2012—Sacramento, California—According to the Orange County Register, January 1 of 2013 will mark several changes to California laws impacting motorists in several areas. Drivers are urged to study the laws to ensure that they are in compliance with new regulations. Some of these new laws will impact the possibility of victims collecting damages in car accident lawsuits when they are injured by careless or negligent drivers.

Senate Bill 1388—Broken Parking Meters

Senate Bill 1388 allows drivers to park in spaces governed by broken parking meters up to the posted time limit without fines. If a driver parks in a space governed by a posted sign past the time limit, the driver can still receive a ticket; however, the driver may not be cited for failure to put money in the meter if the device is not functioning.

Senate Bill 435—Motorcycle Noise

Motorcycle owners are now prohibited from ignoring federal requirements for emissions equipment. Riders are required to display an EPA stamp that certifies their compliance with emissions rules. Motorcyclists may now be ticketed for noisy exhaust pipes if they are pulled over for other violations. However, a first-time offender may provide proof of compliance to have the ticket dismissed.

Assembly Bill 1536—Hands-Free Texting

Due to the tremendous number of accidents involving distracted drivers, California has, until now, prohibited any form of texting while driving. However, Assembly Bill 1536 will allow drivers to text if the device they are using is designed to send and receive messages via voice control. Hands-on texting is still prohibited.

Assembly Bill 1708—Electronic Proof of Insurance

California drivers are now allowed to download proof of insurance to their mobile devices in lieu of a printed card. When asked to produce proof of insurance, California law enforcement officials must accept electronic proof of insurance in place of such a card.

Assembly Bill 2405—HOT Lane Access

Assembly Bill 2405 now exempts single-occupancy vehicles from the restrictions placed on HOT lane access if the car is powered by natural gas or pure electric power train. These drivers will not have to pay tolls on High Occupancy Toll lanes after January 1 for most highways and after March 1, 2014 for Highways 10 and 110.

Assembly Bill 1534—Buy-Here-Pay-Here Dealer Labeling

Auto dealers must display, on used vehicles, labeling that indicates the reasonable market value of the car and how the dealer determined that value. Buy-here-pay-here dealers must provide consumers with information from some nationally-recognized pricing guide on the value of the vehicles they are considering.

These laws do not directly impact personal injury victims, but many future cases may hinge on whether drivers have complied with certain laws. In this regard, it is important for both drivers and personal injury attorneys to pay attention to changes in the laws and to incorporate that knowledge into their understanding of how to operate their vehicles safely on the road to prevent accidents and to protect their rights.

Increase in small claims limit for road traffic accident personal injury cases

(Guest post) The results of a recent government consultation on road traffic accident personal injury claims have just been released. The results are that the government proposes to raise the threshold of road traffic-related personal injury claims that can be dealt with in the small claims court, from £1000 to £5000. The consultation also recommends independent panels being set up to diagnose whiplash. This policy change is designed to reduce the number of cases that are dealt with in the normal “fast-track” system, and thereby weed out the high numbers of cases which are fraudulent or exaggerated.

The risks to claimants, however, are that by ‘going it alone’ in the small claims track, they will risk appearing undefended against an opponent who may have legal representation. They may underestimate the amount of compensation they are entitled to, fail to claim early enough, or fail to challenge a rejection of a valid claim. For this reason, it is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer in the UK for specialist legal advice regarding personal injury claims, however small the amount you are claiming.

There is also the risk that highly complex cases may have to be heard in the small claims court which is not ideal for this purpose, or that claims may be deliberately inflated in order to make them pass into the threshold to be heard in a fast-track setting.

Road traffic accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, the most common of which is whiplash. Whiplash is damage to the neck muscles, caused commonly by a vehicle impact jarring the head and neck. It can be very uncomfortable and, if it becomes chronic, can be debilitating on a day to day basis. The government aims to prevent local GPs from misdiagnosing whiplash out of a desire to please regular patients, and conceive of the plans as a crackdown on people claiming personal injury compensation without a proper diagnosis. There is also a risk that valid cases may never be heard if the claimant is not aware that they have a case to receive compensation.

For specialist legal advice regarding personal injury claims, speak to a personal injury lawyer in the UK.

Consequences of a Misdiagnosed Stroke

Having a stroke is possibly one of the most dangerous medical events a person can experience. Strokes can be lethal, but they can also lead to a lifetime of difficulty, including paralysis, difficulty with speech and more. While medical science certainly has progressed in its fight to prevent and treat strokes, they unfortunately do still happen.

What Causes a Stroke?

Most strokes are caused by a blockage of blood to the brain. In most cases, this occurs when a blood clot breaks away from an artery and travels through the circulatory system. Once the clot reaches the brain, it can block the flow of blood and cause the brain to shut down. Left untreated for too long, parts of the brain begin to die, causing the aforementioned consequences.

How is a Stroke Diagnosed?

When a person arrives at a medical facility while suffering a stroke, physicians look for a few symptoms. First, outward signs of a stroke include numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the body. Because a stroke begins killing off one side of the brain first, the opposite side of the body will begin to lose function before the entire body does.

In addition, someone suffering from a stroke will generally have slurred speech due to the loss of muscle control, and the victim may also salivate more than usual, causing saliva to drip from the mouth. Internally, a CT scan may reveal damage to the brain in terms of inactivity of cells. Ultrasounds and x-rays may also be taken in order to view the activity that is taking place within the arteries and brain.

How is a Stroke Treated?

Generally, the first treatment method used against a stroke is to inject tissue plasminogen activator, a medicine that is specifically designed to destroy blood clots. If this fails, an angioplasty surgical procedure may be performed in order to open blocked arteries to remove the clot and allow for normal circulation. In some situations, the affected artery may be clipped and embolized in order to redirect blood flow.

What Happens When a Stroke is Misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, as far as medical science has advanced regarding the diagnosis of strokes, some still go misdiagnosed. When this occurs, it can lead to a variety of harmful effects, including death. Since the treatments that can prevent permanent disability must be delivered within just a few hours from the onset of symptoms, any stroke misdiagnosis lawyer will tell you that misdiagnosis can destroy lives.

If someone is experiencing a mild stroke, signs and symptoms may not be immediately present, or they may resemble another ailment. This may lead a doctor away from testing for a stroke at the moment, and by the time the stroke symptoms actually present themselves, it may be too late to do anything about them.

If you feel like you’re experiencing a stroke, it’s incredibly important for you to seek medical assistance at once. The first few hours after a stroke hits are the most critical, and people who are able to receive treatment within this limited window often have the largest chance for successful recovery. If you suddenly experience weakness, numbness, dizziness or intense head pain, call 911 or have a family member drive you to the nearest emergency room.

Legal researcher Shelby Warden contributes articles for the legal communities.  Ranked among the top twenty law firms in NYC for personal injury, the Perecman Law Group in New York City helps injured clients and their families obtain the compensation needed to move on with their lives. When misdiagnosis results in serious harm due to missed treatments, an experienced stroke misdiagnosis lawyer at their firm will fight for the best outcome available.