Nobody really wants to undergo surgery, but in most cases, it is the only viable solution to fix a problem or injury from which a person is suffering. In these situations, the patient puts his or her trust in the doctors and medical staff. Medical professionals have a legal duty of care to their patients, and if they breach that duty, it may be considered negligence or malpractice. If you or your loved one was hurt during a medical procedure of any kind, an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine liability and seek compensation for your damages. Depending on the circumstances, a physician may not be the only defendant in a lawsuit—the hospital administration, attending residents, and medical students can also be found liable.  

Types of Medical Mistakes

Although most people do not like to think they happen, surgical errors do occur. Various factors can cause them, including not verifying patient information, miscommunication between doctors, and lack of protocol. Regardless of the reasons for the errors, they can cause serious injury and even irreparable harm to a patient. A few of the most common mistakes that can take place during surgery include but are not limited to the following:

• Wrong body part: Even though it may be difficult to comprehend, the incorrect body part is sometimes operated on. A mix-up in a patient’s records can lead medical personnel to indicate the wrong leg or arm for surgery. 

  ...

Having a baby can be one of the most joyful moments of someone’s life. However, in certain cases, the mother and baby can experience complications. Injuries suffered during childbirth can be serious to life-threatening. Problems during labor and delivery can occur for various reasons, even after a normal pregnancy. Doctors and nurses are responsible for ensuring a certain level of care, but sometimes medical mistakes or errors are made. When birth injuries occur as a result, this may be considered negligence. If you or your child was harmed during childbirth, it is important to understand what caused the injuries. You may be entitled to compensation, and an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you determine liability and hold those responsible for your damages accountable. 

Complications During Childbirth

The birth of a child should be a momentous occasion. Unfortunately, complications can and do occur. Injuries that are commonly referred to as “birth injuries” can take place during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or shortly after birth. In certain situations, they are preventable and caused by improper procedures or negligent medical care. 

A few of the most common birth injuries include but are not limited to:

Statistics show that people are living longer these days. Today, there are more than 46 million adults aged 65 and older living in the United States. In 2034, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that number to be 77.0 million. Based on these projections, the older generation will likely need assistance later in life. Many elderly people reach an age where it is not safe for them to drive a car or live on their own. The decision to put your family member in a nursing home or assisted-living facility can be challenging. Entrusting his or her health and safety with other people is a major step in the aging process. However, when management or personnel at nursing homes do not follow proper safety procedures, patients can be put at significant risk of injuries or life-threatening infections, such as sepsis, due to neglect or abuse. 

What Is Sepsis?

One of the leading causes of death in nursing homes is infection. Untreated infections can turn into sepsis, a dangerous condition that occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can cause a chain reaction that can lead to tissue damage and organ failure, in some cases resulting in death.

Signs and symptoms of sepsis include: 

Many people have family members who reside in nursing homes or similar long-term care facilities. The elderly make up a large population of those who live in assisted-living centers, but younger people who have certain medical conditions may also need the extra assistance that these facilities provide. In most cases, families entrust their loved one's safety with medical professionals. Unfortunately, reports of abuse or neglect at nursing homes are not uncommon in the United States, including in Illinois. It is important to be aware of signs and symptoms that indicate your relative may have suffered injuries at the hands of those who are supposed to protect him or her. In some instances, if a staff member or facility is found negligent, you or your loved one may be entitled to monetary compensation. 

Physical Injuries

Nursing homes and other care facilities have a standard of care they must follow when caring for their residents. Sadly, not every nursing home may take your family member’s well-being as seriously as you do. If nurses or other staff members fail to administer the proper amount of prescribed medication, a patient can overdose in some situations. In other cases, not receiving enough food can cause a resident to become severely ill. Inadequate building maintenance or neglecting to check on residents can lead to them slipping and hitting their heads or breaking their arm or leg. 

When care facilities fall below the acceptable standard of care, serious injuries can occur, including the following: 

Dogs can be some of the most friendly, giving, and loving companions. They can be there by your side on your worst and best of days. However, there are times when dogs can be provoked or have continual behavior issues that cause them to be aggressive and lash out at whoever is around. In many cases, the individuals who are most prone to dog attacks are postal service carriers trying to deliver mail. Although this may seem like a cliche, it exists for a reason. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), over 5,800 postal carriers were victims of dog attacks in 2019. Under children and the elderly, they are third on the list of the highest number of dog attack victims. This makes delivering mail a potentially dangerous job due to the vast amount of houses they visit each day, many of which will have a pet. Dog bites can be serious, causing not only severe physical injuries but emotional and mental damages as well.

Physical Damage

There is no denying that dogs have very sharp teeth. They can use them to bite down into hard-as-rock bones and chew through their favorite toys. These same teeth can cause massive damage to the human body. If severe enough, bites can lead to stitches, hospitalization, nerve damage, and in some cases, amputation. The pain and physical suffering may linger long after the initial bite. Victims of a dog attack may require extensive rehabilitation or physical therapy to overcome their injuries. 

Emotional Trauma

Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, and can lead to emotional and mental distress that can take years of therapy to work through. Traumas such as these can live in the body and make it difficult to move forward in life. Experiences like this may affect a victim’s everyday living, ability to be near dogs, and feelings of security while performing his or her job. According to Illinois law, if a dog or other animal attacks someone without provocation and the victim sustains injuries, the owner is liable for civil damages. Unfortunately, someone who is simply trying to do his or her job by delivering mail to the community can be susceptible to such an attack when going from door to door.