Leeseberg TuttleColumbus Ohio Medical Malpractice Attorneys | Leeseberg & Valentine2024-03-12T12:24:45Zhttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1401036/2019/10/Favicon.pngOn Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=523772024-03-12T12:24:45Z2024-03-12T12:24:45ZWide range of symptoms
The symptoms of severe TBI can vary greatly. The location of the injury, type, and extent of damage impact the overall effects a person will experience. They may include:
Cognitive difficulties: Memory loss, concentration problems and difficulty understanding
Physical impairments: Loss of coordination, speech difficulties and chronic pain
Emotional changes: Personality shifts, depression and aggression
These symptoms might not be immediately noticeable, and it is sometimes challenging to diagnose a TBI. Delays in diagnosis may allow the effects of the injury to worsen more than what was present immediately after the incident.
The road to recovery can be long and challenging, often requiring a multifaceted approach involving physical therapy, medication, psychological support and sometimes surgery.
Fatal TBIs can occur
Severe TBIs can be fatal. Several factors play a role in whether a TBI will be fatal. These include the injury's severity, the patient's age and the timeliness and quality of medical care received.
Several complications of a TBI can also increase the risk of death. These include increased intracranial pressure and brain herniation. A secondary brain injury caused by inflammation, bleeding or reduced oxygen supply to the brain can also lead to death.
Anyone who suffers a TBI should get immediate medical care, even if they aren’t showing symptoms. Victims of these injuries can seek compensation if another party's negligence contributed to the incident. Survivors can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek justice, while family members can seek justice for the loss of a TBI victim via a wrongful death lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=523752024-03-04T13:29:04Z2024-03-04T13:29:04Zanesthesia is generally safe when administered by trained professionals, errors can occur that may endanger the lives of patients.
Anesthesia errors can happen at any stage of the anesthesia process, from the initial assessment of the patient to the administration and monitoring of anesthesia during the procedure. If you or your loved one has recently been a victim of anesthesia errors, it can help to know common types of anesthesia errors and how they can endanger the lives of patients.
Brain damage: Anesthesia errors can lead to brain damage due to lack of oxygen or inadequate blood flow to the brain
Organ damage: Improper administration of anesthesia can lead to damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys or other vital organs
Paralysis: In rare cases, anesthesia errors can result in temporary or permanent paralysis due to nerve damage
Death: In the most severe cases, anesthesia errors can result in death
One of the most common anesthesia errors that may lead to one or more of these consequences is the administration of an improper dosage of anesthesia. This can occur if the anesthesiologist miscalculates the amount of anesthesia needed for the patient's:
Weight
Age
Medical condition
Administering too much anesthesia can lead to overdose and respiratory depression, while administering too little anesthesia can result in inadequate pain relief and awareness during surgery.
Another common anesthesia error is the failure to monitor the patient properly during surgery. Monitoring is essential to help ensure the patient receives the correct amount of anesthesia without experiencing any adverse reactions. Failure to monitor can lead to complications such as:
Hypoxia (low oxygen levels)
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Cardiac arrest
Anesthesia complications can arise suddenly and require prompt recognition and intervention. Failure to recognize and respond to complications such as airway obstruction, allergic reactions or medication interactions can lead to catastrophic harm or even death.
Anesthesia errors can result in devastating medical consequences for patients, ranging from temporary harm to permanent disability or death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an anesthesia error, seeking legal counsel can help determine if you have grounds upon which to file a medical malpractice case.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=523202024-02-19T20:16:21Z2024-02-19T20:16:21ZCancer symptoms can be generic
Especially during the early stages of cancer development, it can be difficult to tell the difference between cancer and a far less serious medical issue, like a respiratory infection. Early symptoms of cancer can include changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping and fatigue. Doctors might diagnose someone with a less pressing medical issue instead of ruling out cancer the way that they should.
Doctors have inadequate time with each patient
Many modern physicians have more patients on their rosters than they can realistically manage. They cannot retain enough information about each individual patient to remember their personal medical history. Additionally, doctors often have to see so many patients every day that they struggle to devote adequate time to each individual patient. A doctor who only has a few minutes to devote to a patient may rush to diagnose them instead of carefully listening and evaluating the potential causes of their symptoms.
Communication issues can impede diagnosis
Sometimes, patients struggle to adequately describe their recent experiences. Other times, doctors are dismissive of a patient's self-reported symptoms and may assume that they have exaggerated or even fabricated the symptoms they report. That dismissive attitude may ultimately result in a doctor failing to recognize the warning signs of cancer. They may send someone away without a diagnosis or with a diagnosis for a less severe condition that ultimately proves inaccurate.
When patients do not receive a timely cancer diagnosis, their risk of a negative outcome significantly increases. As such, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a reasonable response when a delayed cancer diagnosis caused by substandard care affects someone's condition.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=523162024-02-14T03:15:30Z2024-02-14T03:15:30ZThe best treatment begins early
There is a reason that healthcare professionals recommend that women over a certain age conduct monthly self-breast exams and that men undergo prostate checks. Early detection of cancer opens the door to many treatment options that may not be as useful once the cancer progresses.
Immunotherapy treatments, for example, can be helpful when there are very few or no cancer cells in someone's body. Someone who has achieved remission, for example, might undergo immunotherapy to prevent the cancer from coming back. However, immunotherapy is often not a viable option for someone with metastasized cancer that has spread to other parts of their body.
The same is true for other, less invasive treatment options. The surgical removal of a tumor is no longer a viable solution when the cancer has spread elsewhere. Patients may have to undergo debilitating and painful treatments like chemotherapy and radiation treatments if a doctor fails to diagnose them when they first present with cancer symptoms.
How malpractice claims help
There are two benefits derived from a medical malpractice lawsuit filed after a failure to diagnose cancer. The first is the financial compensation for the patient or their surviving family members. The monetary compensation possible in a medical malpractice lawsuit can help cover treatment costs, replace lost wages and otherwise diminish the economic impact someone's cancer has on their life and their family members.
The second benefit is how the lawsuit forces the medical professional and their employer to reconsider current practices. The choice to invest more time in the diagnostic process could lead to the same physician successfully diagnosing a patient in the future because they order additional tests.
Filing a medical malpractice claim can lead to practical compensation for the people harmed by a doctor's failures and possibly changes at a medical facility that could eventually protect others from the same experience. As such, those who are in a position to take legal action can benefit from seeking legal guidance to learn more about their options in this regard.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=523062024-01-19T19:46:25Z2024-01-19T19:46:25ZOverprescribing
The most straightforward way that a physician fails to protect their patient from the risks of opioid medication is by giving a patient too much. A doctor might write a prescription for too many days' worth of medication or too high of a dose. Overprescribing increases the risk of both chemical dependency and abuse if there are leftover medications after someone's condition improves.
Inadequate investigation
Physicians generally need to validate the patient's need for dangerous drugs like opioids. That process might include verifying what other medical treatment someone has undergone and any alternative pain management options that they have attempted. Without a careful check before writing a prescription, doctors could end up prescribing medication to someone who has gone physician shopping. That is the practice of seeing multiple different professionals to obtain multiple different prescriptions.
Failing to monitor properly
The last mistake relates to overseeing a patient's use of opioids, especially toward the end of the regimen. Physicians need to make sure that people do not misuse opioid medication and that they taper off of the drug appropriately. Doctors generally need to oversee both the active treatment phase and the transition away from chemical pain control. The failure to do so might lead to someone still feeling a sense of chemical dependence at the end of their prescription and falling into addiction.
Connecting someone's addiction or overdose to medication errors could help people pursue a medical malpractice claim that can cover the expenses and related losses caused by the issue.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=523022024-01-17T13:36:59Z2024-01-17T13:36:59ZUnderstanding deer behavior
Deer are known for their unpredictable behavior, especially on roads. It’s crucial to comprehend the factors influencing their movements. During certain times of the year, such as the mating season or when searching for food, deer tend to be more active. During these seasons, dawn and dusk are peak times for deer activity. As a driver, being aware of these high-risk periods can help you stay vigilant and prepared for potential deer encounters.
Mitigating the risk
Drivers should adopt defensive driving techniques to minimize the risk of a collision with a deer. This includes staying attentive, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are more active, reducing speed in known deer-populated areas and using high beams when possible.
Responding to deer encounters
In the unfortunate event of a deer suddenly appearing on the road, the immediate response of the driver is crucial. Staying calm and steering straight can help avoid more severe accidents. It’s important to note that abrupt maneuvers like swerving or slamming on the brakes can escalate the situation. Therefore, drivers should avoid sudden actions that may lead to loss of control. Instead, drivers should use gradual and controlled responses to steer clear of danger.
Post-encounter protocol
If an encounter with a deer leads to a collision, drivers should pull over safely to assess the situation. Activating hazard lights and moving the vehicle to a secure location can help prevent further collisions with oncoming vehicles. Proper documentation and reporting are also essential following a deer collision. Drivers should contact local authorities to report the incident and promptly notify their insurance company about the incident.
Navigating roads shared with wildlife requires constant vigilance. By understanding the risks, adopting proactive measures and knowing how to respond in the event of a deer encounter, drivers can significantly reduce the likelihood of consequential accidents.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=522992024-01-11T19:43:35Z2024-01-11T19:43:35ZWhat needs to be proven?
There is such a thing as “negligent referral” under the law. However, to prove that, a patient needs to show that the referring doctor knew or should have known that the other doctor may not be competent to treat them.
For example, did the referring doctor know the specialist was facing multiple complaints or lawsuits? Did they know they had a substance abuse issue? Did they have first-hand evidence that the doctor was cognitively impaired? Was the referring physician getting kickbacks from the specialist for referring patients to them? (This is a crime.)
If anything like these examples has been the case for you, you may be able to hold your referring physician liable for negligent referral if that referral caused you harm. Yet, proving negligent referral can be a challenge. If a doctor was basing their referral on positive feedback they’d received from other patients or even a doctor’s reputation, they may have had no knowledge of any issues. As a result, you’ll need a strong case in order to prevail.
The best first step if you believe that you or a loved one has suffered harm because a doctor is guilty of negligent referral is to get experienced legal guidance. This can help you determine whether you have a valid case that’s worth pursuing.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=522972024-01-10T09:06:09Z2024-01-10T09:01:30ZTraumatic brain injuries are a critical concern due to their complexity and potential long-term impacts.
Understanding TBIs, from their onset to their potential long-term effects, is crucial for both victims and those providing support.
Symptoms don’t always show up right away
One of the most deceptive aspects of TBIs is that symptoms can take days or even weeks to manifest. Initially, a person might seem fine after an incident, but signs like headaches, dizziness, confusion or mood changes may gradually emerge. This delayed onset can make connecting the symptoms to the original incident challenging.
Direct hits aren’t necessary for an injury
A common misconception about TBIs is that they always result from direct hits to the head. However, this isn't necessarily the case. TBIs can also occur from sudden jolts or violent movements that cause the brain to move inside the skull. This means that even in the absence of an obvious head injury, TBIs can still occur, making them a concern as a result of a variety of incidents, from sports injuries to car accidents.
Long-term effects of TBIs can impact a victim’s entire life
The long-term effects of TBIs are a significant matter of concern. While some people may recover fully, others might experience long-lasting results. These can include cognitive impairments like memory loss or difficulty concentrating, emotional changes such as increased irritability or depression and even physical symptoms like chronic pain or sleep disturbances.
The severity and duration of a TBI can vary widely, but they can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to work. Victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help offset the expenses related to the injury if their harm was caused by another’s actions or inactions.]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=522952024-01-09T17:32:35Z2024-01-09T17:32:35ZDetermining liability for a catastrophic trucking accident can be a particularly complex undertaking, as multiple parties may be responsible for the harm caused by a specific collision. Yet, understanding who can be held liable allows victims seeking justice and compensation to make informed decisions about their rights and options under the law.
Ultimately, there is no solid way to determine who is liable for a particular crash absent a thorough investigation and informed legal guidance. However, there are some common culprits in this regard that are worth considering when sorting out cause and liability in the wake of a catastrophic accident.
A truck driver involved in the crash
The most immediate consideration is often the truck driver. If the accident was caused by the driver's negligence, such as speeding, driving under the influence, fatigue or violation of traffic laws, they can be held liable. The primary reason why so many truck accidents are caused by truckers is that, quite simply, truckers earn a living in a lonely, stressful and dangerous profession.
The truck driver’s employer
Trucking companies can be held liable for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment under certain circumstances. For example, if a trucking company failed to enforce regulatory compliance, such as hours of service regulations, or if it neglected proper maintenance of its fleet, it could be found liable for harm caused by a fatigued driver or an ill-maintained truck. Additionally, if the company hired an unqualified or improperly trained driver who then caused a crash, this could further implicate its operations.
Other involved parties
If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect, such as brake failure or steering issues, the manufacturer of the truck could be held responsible. Similarly, as trucks require regular maintenance, if an external company was contracted for this purpose, they could be liable if their negligence in maintaining a truck contributed to an accident. Additionally, improper loading of cargo can lead to accidents, such as those caused by shifting loads. If a separate company is responsible for loading the truck, and if improper loading contributed to an accident, this company could potentially be held liable for the harm caused by the collision.Determining liability in a catastrophic trucking accident involves a thorough investigation into all potential contributing factors. It's important to recognize that catastrophic accidents may involve multiple liable parties, and each case requires a detailed examination of the facts to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. ]]>On Behalf of Leeseberg Tuttlehttps://www.leeseberglaw.com/?p=522882023-12-16T17:44:49Z2023-12-16T17:44:49Zmisdiagnosed them with something else.
Why do so many doctors get it wrong?
Lung cancer is notorious for manifesting in diverse ways, which means that the symptoms can be very different from one patient to the next. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, a chronic cough, chest pain, hoarseness and weight loss, among others.
Since the symptoms can also be indicative of other diseases, common misdiagnoses include:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: GERD and other forms of acid reflux can cause significant chest discomfort and a chronic cough, so patients may waste time trying treatments for that condition instead.
Respiratory infections: Lung cancer symptoms can be mistaken for common respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia since those can also cause hoarseness, breathing issues and a cough.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The similarities between the symptoms of lung cancer and COPD symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing, can easily cause confusion and delays in appropriate treatment.
Asthma: Wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness are symptoms shared by both asthma and lung cancer, and the signs are frequently misinterpreted by physicians.
In general, misdiagnoses happen for several reasons. Sometimes, doctors fail to take a patient’s complete medical history and they miss factors (like a history of smoking) that can increase the odds of lung cancer. Other times, doctors simply don’t take a patient’s symptoms seriously enough, so they jump to a diagnosis that seems “easy,” rather than referring the patient out for the appropriate tests or to a specialist.
Where cancer is concerned, an early diagnosis is the key to a better outcome. Delays in treatment can allow the disease to progress unchecked and lower the chances of a patient’s survival. If your lung cancer was misdiagnosed, you may be a victim of medical malpractice. Seeking legal guidance can help you better understand your options.]]>