Blog | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

How Could the Statute of Limitations Impact My Premises Liability Claim in Illinois?

January 4, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – If you have been injured on another person or entity’s property, it’s crucial you don’t delay in bringing your case to court. Once the statute of limitations in Illinois expires, your right to bring forth your claim is gone.

What is the Time Limit in Illinois?

Each set will set its own time limit for a premises liability claim. Under Illinois law, there is a two-year deadline from the time that you were injured or should have known that you were injured to file a lawsuit in your case.

During the two-year period, you will need time to negotiate with the insurance company. It’s important to contact an experienced premises liability attorney to begin the legal process right away. If you miss the statute of limitations by a day, you will lose your legal right to recover financial compensation.

Common Premises Liability Claims

A property owner is responsible for any damages arising out of an injury on their or their entity’s property. Common situations that may give rise to premises liability lawsuits include:

Animal and dog bites
Slip and fall accidents
Dangerous property
Negligent or inadequate security
Swimming pool injury
Inadequate maintenance
Children on property
Retail story liability
Restaurant liability

How the Statute of Limitations Can Affect Your Case

Certain statutes of limitations might apply to a variety of cases, but they are not exactly universal. Different claims might abide by different time limits. Also, the conditions necessary to extend the deadline might differ between claims. Although having a few years to file a lawsuit sounds like a long time, it’s a narrow window to collect evidence to prove your claim.

For example, insurance companies could resist your claim and it could take them weeks, months or longer to settle with the claimant. During this time, the clock is still ticking away on a potential lawsuit.

Our Chicago, Illinois personal injury lawyers can use the statute of limitations to set the pace for your claim so that the necessary work and preparations are completed on time. If the deadline is close, the pace needs to be faster.

Limitations on Injury Claims Against Government Entities in Illinois

When suing a government entity or employee, you must submit a notice of your claim to the appropriate governmental authority. The deadline to submit this notice of your claim depends on what kind of government entity you are suing.

If you are suing the local or county government, your case falls under the Local Government and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Under Illinois law, injury claims against local government entities must be commenced within only one year of the date you were injured.

There are different rules regarding injury claims against the state government. You must file your claim under the Illinois Court of Claims Act which means generally, you must submit a notice of your claims to the Attorney General and the Clerk of the Court of Claims within one year of your injuries or file the lawsuit with the Court of Claims within a year.

Extending the Deadline Imposed by Illinois Statute of Limitations

Under specific circumstances, a plaintiff can have the deadline to file their claim be pushed back. This may include infancy, disability or criminal prosecution.

Call Our Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys About Your Claims

If you or a loved one was hurt on another person’s property or entity, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our office at (312) 384-1920 for a free case evaluation or fill out this form and we will reach out to you. Don’t wait – get started today!

Delivery Truck Accidents: Understanding Liability and Pursuing Compensation

January 3, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – More than 1 million delivery trucks are operating on U.S. roads, a number that’s projected to increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the amount of delivery vehicles on the road, accidents are inevitable.

If you suffered injuries in a delivery truck accident, understanding liability can help you pursue compensation from the responsible party. A truck accident lawyer in Chicago, Illinois can help you understand your legal rights and options.

What is Liability in a Delivery Truck Accident?

Liability is the at-fault’s party legal responsibility for a truck accident. Individuals who suffered an injury or injuries in the crash could pursue compensation from the responsible party and/or their insurance company.

Damages You Could Pursue After a Delivery Truck Accident

Delivery truck accidents can cause significant injuries from the size of the vehicle. Injuries may include neck or back injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage or head trauma. These injuries may require hospitalization, physical therapy or surgical intervention. In some cases, injuries can even result in long-term disability or a fatality.

Illinois awards both economic damages and non-economic damages in truck accident cases. Economic damages refer to damages that you can put a price on. For example, this would include any medical expenses or lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to damages that are harder to quantify like pain and suffering, or emotional distress.

Every state has different guidelines for economic and non-economic damages you can pursue in a personal injury claim which is why it’s important to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer immediately following your accident.

Who is Liable for a Delivery Truck Collision?

Proving liability in a delivery truck accident can be complicated. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS and other delivery services work with direct employees and independent contractors. Commercial vehicle accidents may involve numerous responsible parties which may include the truck driver, truck owner, driver of another vehicle, truck driver’s employer, truck manufacturer or distributor, or another responsible party for truck maintenance and repairs.

A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the cause of the accident and all liable parties. Your attorney will help determine the cause of your accident and gather important evidence to prove fault.

How to Prove Liability for a Delivery Truck Accident

You must provide evidence to prove who was responsible for your crash with a delivery truck. Proving fault must show who caused the accident and establish that the at-fault party was negligent. To establish negligence, you must show that the responsible party had a duty of care, they failed in their duty, their failure directly caused your injuries and you suffered losses because of those injuries.

Every state defines negligence differently so you need to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who is familiar with local laws.

Evidence You Could Use to Prove Liability

You may use witness statements, photos or videos to show how the accident occurred and establish fault. Expert testimony and accident reconstruction may also be useful in establishing the accident timeline. If other parties are involved, you’ll need to collect additional evidence that you can consult with your attorney on.

Options for Pursuing Compensation After a Delivery Truck Accident

To establish liability for a truck delivery crash, you must determine who you are going to pursue for damages. A delivery truck collision can cause severe injuries and monetary losses. If the accident was due to another person’s negligence, you have a right to recover those losses from the at-fault party. You typically will have two options to recover damages from: an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact the Dinizulu Law Group

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a delivery truck accident, the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you. Contact us today to learn more about liability and pursuing compensation for your delivery truck accident injuries. Call today for a free initial consultation by calling (312) 384-1920 or by filling out this form and we will contact you. Get started today!

Will I Need To Do A Physical Examination For A Medical Malpractice Case?

January 3, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – If you have suffered at the hands of a healthcare professional, there is a good possibility that you will have to undergo a physical examination when pursuing a claim for medical malpractice. In most cases in Illinois, patients have a two-year deadline to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit to the court. The clock starts ticking the day the patient discovers or could have discovered the medical negligence. In some cases, exceptions to the medical malpractice statutes of limitations may exist.

The point of requiring a physical exam is to get an objective determination of the injuries, but it’s important to understand how the findings may affect your case. A Chicago, Illinois medical malpractice lawyer will support you throughout the process, although basic tips may help.

What is Considered Medical Malpractice in Illinois?

There are several ways that medical malpractice cases can arise in Illinois. It’s important to know that a medical error can be made by more than just a doctor or a surgeon. Other healthcare professionals can be held accountable including nurses, psychologists, anesthesiologists, emergency medical care professionals, pharmacists, physical therapists or chiropractors.

Some of the most common medical mistakes that occur include:

Misdiagnosis
Errors with medication
Failure to diagnose
Unnecessary tests or treatment
Delayed treatment
Inadequate follow-up after treatments
Uncoordinated care
Surgical and anesthesia mistakes
Healthcare-acquired infections

Any of these mistakes could constitute medical malpractice; however, it’s important to understand that not all medical mistakes involve the negligence of a medical provider.

In a medical malpractice case, you may need to be medically evaluated to corroborate that the injury being complained of does exist. You must comply with any request unless you file a written objective and provide the reason or reasons for your objection.

Tips for Getting Through the Physical Exam

The doctor will gather information and assess your overall appearance and presentation. You should anticipate questions about contributing factors with a medical malpractice case, smoking or drug use. A skilled lawyer will prepare you with specific advice, but remember the following tips:

Be careful what you say regardless of where you are in the facility. Staff may overhear you in the waiting room and could inform the insurance company of what they heard which can hurt your case.
You should always answer the doctor’s questions directly; however, do not volunteer any information they haven’t asked for.
Let your medical records speak for themselves. Never speculate about an area of diagnosis or treatment.

Trust Our Chicago, Illinois Medical Malpractice Attorneys to Guide You Through the Legal Process

You will likely need to do a physical exam for a medical malpractice claim and the Dinizulu Law Group will be at your side to provide essential legal support. To learn more about our services, please contact our Chicago office to schedule a consultation with a skilled medical malpractice lawyer by calling (312) 384-1920 or by filling out this form and we will contact you.

Can Healthcare Professionals Get in Trouble for Refusing to Prescribe Certain Medications?

January 3, 2024/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Many patients visit their doctor with information from Google about their condition and potential treatment plans which may include specific medications they want prescribed. Medical providers can disagree about the effectiveness or necessity of the suggested medication for that particular patient and refuse to issue the desired prescription. But what happens if a patient suffers ill effects after your refusal and files a complaint with the state licensing board? Could a doctor’s medical license be at risk?

Understanding the Standard of Care

Medical professionals have no general ethical or legal obligation to prescribe a particular medication simply because the patient believes it’s the right course of action. A healthcare professional has no duty to follow a patient’s lead when it comes at their cost.

However, a healthcare provider must meet a threshold “standard of care” in treating and prescribing medication to their patients. A medical review board will find a doctor to have met an appropriate standard if the doctor acted as a reasonably prudent, similarly qualified healthcare provider would have under the same or similar circumstances.

Determining the appropriate standard of care can be challenging. Every patient and medical situation is different; experts can even have competing views. Although the process may vary across states, medical boards typically determine the appropriate standard of care by culling the experience and knowledge of board members and other medical experts, assessing state clinical guidelines, and reviewing relevant, credible scientific evidence.

Suppose the medical review board determines a doctor has failed to meet the standard of care by failing to prescribe a certain medication in a particular case. In that case, it has the authority to discipline a doctor in a range of ways such as censure, fines, probation or license suspension or revocation – any of which can seriously hamper a medical career.

Ethical Duties When Prescribing a Medication

When it comes to prescribing medicine, healthcare providers have an ethical duty to evaluate the patient, specify the therapeutic objective, be well-informed about current medications on the market and prescribe the most appropriate medication based on their clinical judgment. The physician should also discuss the treatment plan with the patient, provide essential details and instructions, and carefully monitor the treatment.

A physician is not required to prescribe a specific medication for a patient, even if the patient wants it and even if state clinical guidelines recommend their use. A patient may decide certain medicines are inappropriate for a particular patient for any reason ranging from concerns about an adverse interaction with other medication to a reasoned judgment that an alternate treatment plan would be more effective.

No matter how sound a patient believes their reasoning to be, they may still file a complaint against a doctor. The medical board will have the obligation to take the complaint seriously, investigate the allegations and determine whether a doctor acted with the requisite standard of care. If the board finds a doctor’s decision wasn’t reasonable or appropriate, their reputation and license could be put in jeopardy. Doctors should take the time to discuss their reasoning to their patients and explain why an alternate solution or treatment is preferable.

Contact the Dinizulu Law Group to Find Out If You Should File a Complaint

If you are wondering if you have a valid complaint against your doctor, you should hire an experienced plaintiff attorney-advisor without delay. The attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group will help you collect crucial evidence and prepare a strong case on your behalf. The knowledge and experience at our firm can help you hold those accountable for medical malpractice or negligence.

The Dinizulu Law Group stands ready to help you if you find yourself in this position. Contact us today for an initial consultation by filling out this form or by calling (312) 384-1920.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse Restraints: Physical & Chemical

December 10, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – When an elderly or disabled patient enters a nursing home, they should never be expected to give up their basic human right to decide how their bodies are treated throughout their stay. Unfortunately, many long-term care facilities seem to ignore this. The ongoing issue of coercive restraints used in Illinois nursing homes and assisted living facilities is not only ethically irresponsible but is a violation of a person’s legal right to autonomy, dignity and freedom.

What is Wrongful Restraint?

An unlawful restraint is generally classified as anything that controls a person’s behavior or freedom of movement to force them into submission. Generally speaking, there are two types of restraints found in nursing homes: physical and chemical.

Federal and Illinois state laws forbid the use of physical or chemical restraints such as tethering a patient to a bed or giving them psychoactive drugs in skilled nursing facilities unless it’s a matter of medical necessity, in which case the patient’s consent and a detailed order from a doctor is required. However, many long-term care facilities apply these restraints liberally, irresponsibly and without consent. This is harmful to a patient’s health and well-being and is legally considered a form of elder abuse.

What are the Causes of Wrongful Restraint?

It has become a common misconception that the use of physical or chemical restraints helps promote safety and well-being in a nursing home. This may be true in some cases – such as in an emergency or when preventing a patient from harming themselves or others – but the truth is that they are more often used excessively to keep patients immobilized, sedated and easier to care for, especially when nursing homes are understaffed and don’t have time to keep up with patients needs. A matter of medical necessity is too easily replaced by a matter of convenience and these practices have dangerous consequences if left unchecked.

What are Physical Restraints?

Physical restraints are any physical or mechanical device or material attached or adjacent to a patient’s body that the patient cannot remove easily, which has the effect of restricting the patient’s freedom of movement.

Some common examples of restraints may include using straps to tether a patient’s arms, legs or waist to a high bedrail so the patient is unable to get out of bed. Another example is by tucking their bed sheets excessively so the patient can’t move. Other types of materials and devices typically used in physical restraints include:

Wrist and ankle cuffs
Vests
Hand mitts
Cloth ties
Belts
Special chairs with straps and bars
Lap cushions

Caregivers often argue that the use of physical restraints promotes patient safety and reduces the risk of falls, but the reality is that physical restraints are more often used to pacify patients and make them easier to handle. Sadly, there are also instances in which physical restraints are used as a form of punishment or retaliation, which not only amplifies a patient’s subordination and dependency on caregivers for mobility but can also take a severe physical and psychological toll over time.

Risks Caused by Physical Restraints

Aside from hindering a patient’s chance of regaining physical mobility, inordinate and neglectful methods of physical restraint can have much more dangerous long-term health problems. Since physically restrained patients are forced to remain stationary over extended periods, they can easily develop severe health issues such as pressure sores, incontinence and constipation. Extended periods of immobility also affect elderly adults psychologically by causing shame, loss of dignity, depression, isolation and agitation.

What are Chemical Restraints?

Chemical restraints are often in the form of a psychoactive drug used to sedate, subdue or control a person’s behavior. Some common types of psychotherapeutic drugs include:

Antipsychotic Medications such as Haldol, Mellaril, Navane or Risperdal
Antidepressants like Zoloft, Prozac, Aventyl/Pamelor or Desyrel
Anti-anxiety Medications including Xanax, Valium, Ativan or Serax
Sedative and Hypnotic Medication such as Bendaryl, Vistaril, Dalmane or Restoril
Mood Stabilizing Drugs like Lithane/Lithium, Eskalith or Depakene

Although these drugs are not considered chemical restraints when used to treat diagnosed depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, they are commonly used off-label to chemically subdue patients for the sake of convenience, discipline, coercion or retaliation. In a nursing home setting, they are also oftentimes used to sedate elders who suffer from dementia-related agitation, discomfort or distress.

Studies have shown that the misuse of antipsychotics to restrain dementia patients can increase their level of aggravation since delirium is often triggered by polypharmacy which is when too many drugs are in their system. A well-staffed nursing home should have enough employees to supervise patients and practice behavioral therapies – not pharmacological ones – as the main form of treatment for dementia.

Effects of Chemical Restraints

Even when used properly, powerful psychoactive drugs can have adverse side effects on all types of patients – including young and physically strong ones. Since the elderly have a significantly reduced drug metabolism due to decreased liver function, their ability to biologically transform these medications and facilitate their elimination from the body is naturally lower. This makes it all the more crucial to use these drugs as sparingly as possible on older adults.

When elderly patients are indiscriminately “drugged” for behavioral control, the effects can be extremely harmful or even deadly. Although risks vary by drug, common side effects can include:

Agitation, aggression, hallucinations, nightmares and insomnia
Sedation, unresponsiveness, impaired consciousness and excessive sleepiness
Disordered thinking or memory loss
Decreased appetite or constipation
Blood pressure disturbances, including low blood pressure and hypertension
Muscle and neurological impairments

The extreme sedation associated with psychoactive drugs can also lead to a decline in a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, such as walking, eating, dressing, using the restroom, and bathing. Reduced mobility from drugs inadvertently leads to the same negative effects and injuries caused by physical restraints, including bed sores (pressure ulcers), incontinence, muscle contractures, balance impairment and increased risk of falls.

Taking Action Against Excessive Restraint and Nursing Home Abuse Today

Patient restraint laws state that nursing home residents have a legal right to accept or refuse any type of care or treatment, including physical or chemical restraints. Aside from health risks, misusing restraints is an assault on a person’s dignity and overall quality of life. No one should have to see their loved one tied up against their will or slouching in a wheelchair after a drug-induced coma.

If you feel that you or your loved one has been wrongfully restrained, don’t hesitate to contact one of our nursing home lawyers today. Contact us by calling (312) 384-1920 or by filling out this form to schedule a free consultation about your nursing home abuse case in Illinois.

What Is the Criminal Penalty for Elder Abuse?

December 6, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Elder abuse is a serious matter for which state and federal laws impose heavy punishment. It is punishable by law nationwide, and many states have special laws that enact harsher penalties for crimes committed against the elderly. You can view Illinois law and penalties for nursing home abuse and neglect here [(210 ILCS 30/) Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act].

Victims of abuse living alone or residing in nursing homes could continue suffering without their families knowing. It is even more devastating for elderly victims who no longer have family members living nearby and are thus easy targets for theft and abuse.

Defining Elder Abuse

The U.S. Department of Justice defines elder abuse as harmful actions, whether intentional or unintentional, that harm an older person or put them at great risk.

The DOJ recognizes five types of elder abuse:

Physical
Psychological
Sexual
Financial Exploitation
Neglect and Abandonment

Abuse can occur at home or in a nursing home facility, and people guilty of elderly crimes can be caretakers, nurses, specialists/professionals, family members, friends, neighbors or random strangers on the street.

What is the Penalty for Criminal Elder Abuse?

Anyone proven guilty of criminal elder abuse will be subject to penalties. Each state approaches elder abuse cases differently. However, a common factor is that states have statutes allowing their courts to enhance penalties based on aggravating factors like the victim’s age, mental aptitude, physical condition, injuries sustained and more.

Penalities for Elderly Abuse Charges

It depends on the charges made against the abuser what the criminal penalty for elder abuse is. Elderly abuse is a broad term and certain crimes against the elderly can be classified under specific charges.

Some examples of the specific charges that can be filed against abusers include:

Physical abuse: Rough treatment of the elderly resulting in pain, impairment or physical injuries that may include charges such as assault, aggravated assault, battery, unlawful imprisonment or unlawful restraint.
Psychological abuse: Verbal or emotional abuse that causes emotional pain, distress and suffering that may include charges such as harassment, stalking, hate crimes, violation of no contact or violation of protection order.
Sexual abuse: Nonconsensual sexual contact or non-contact with an older person that may include charges such as sexual assault, rape, sexual battery, voyeurism and indecent liberties.
Financial exploitation: Illegal acquisition or use of an elderly’s money, property, or assets that may include charges such as forgery, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, larceny, residential burglary, theft and money laundering.
Neglect and abandonment: Intentional or unintentional failure or refusal to provide care to an elderly who is under the supervision of a professional or someone who owes them a duty of care that may include charges such as abandonment, felony murder, manslaughter, murder, negligent or involuntary homicide.

If proven guilty of elder abuse or any of these possible charges, the person or organization will be subject to state or federal laws (depending on the jurisdiction) and their corresponding penalties.

The Elder Justice Act

In 2010, then-President Obama signed the Elder Justice Act (EJA) into law, making it a crucial part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This Act is a form of social service dedicated to seniors 60 years and older.

The EJA was created to protect the elderly and their autonomy and prosecute those proven guilty of committing crimes against the elderly and is the first comprehensive national legislation for elder abuse.

One of the most notable requirements of the EJA is that owners, managers, employees, agents and contractors of nursing care facilities must report incidents of abuse that occur on their premises. Failure to report such incidents can result in a $200,000 to $300,000 fine. If a facility is found to have retaliated against the victim, they will get fined again of up to $200,000, in addition to being prohibited from participating in any federal healthcare program for two years.

Red Flags of Elderly Abuse

According to the DOJ, more than 10 percent of the elderly in the country (people 65 years and older) experience some form of abuse. These acts can range from verbal to physical and may lead to devastating consequences for the victims and their families including injury leading to disability, deterioration of physical and mental health, broken familial ties/discord between family members, financial loss and premature death of the elderly.

According to the same report by DOJ, only one in 23 elder abuse cases is reported to authorities. You may ask yourself — why does elder abuse go under the radar? There are various reasons this can occur, including:

The victim lives in a nursing home far from where their family lives.
The victim lives with an abusive relative or caretaker.
The family seldom visits the victim in their private residence or nursing home.
The victim doesn’t recognize abuse or is deceived by the abuser and doesn’t report anything to the nursing home’s administration or their family.
The abuser threatens the victim with bodily harm or retaliation if they report abuse to the administration or their family.
The victim feels guilty or ashamed of their situation.

It’s important for families to recognize signs of abuse and report instances of this as soon as possible. Some crucial red flags to look out for include:

Bruises, cuts, burns, lacerations or scars
Rope marks or other visible signs that they’re being restrained
Unexplained weight loss
Poor self-care and grooming
Bed sores or pressure ulcers
Uncharacteristic social withdrawal
Losing interest in hobbies or activities
Difficulty sleeping
Agitation or violence
Their room lacks evidence of basic care including clean bedsheets or prepared medications
Unkept room
Numerous unpaid bills despite being financially stable

Protect Your Loved Ones and Seek Justice Against Elder Abuse with the Dinizulu Law Group in Chicago, Illinois

If you suspect an elderly family or friend has been a victim of abuse, consult with our attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group. We have years of experience representing victims of elder abuse and their families, fighting for their rights and ensuring they are fairly compensated for the harm and suffering they endured.

If you want to understand the civil elder abuse lawyers in Illinois and what damages your loved one is entitled to receive, our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can help. Fill out this form or call us today at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation.

How to Collect Evidence of Neglect or Abuse in a Nursing Home

December 6, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – There are various ways to collect evidence of neglect or abuse in a nursing home which includes looking for signs of physical injuries, speaking with a loved one about their emotional state or ensuring their finances remain in order. The best way to investigate potential abuse is by relying on the guidance of experienced legal counsel.

If you believe your family member is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, the team of attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group is ready to help. You can rely on our trusted nursing home abuse lawyers to provide you with the compassionate legal support you and your family deserve.

How Does Abuse of Your Loved One Occur?

Before you investigate abuse or collect evidence of a potential claim for compensation, it’s essential to understand how abuse or neglect occurs. Not all nursing homes are unsafe. However, the main culprit is usually a result of understaffing and low pay. According to the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, 94% of nursing homes face staffing shortages.

The types of nursing home abuse include:

Physical abuse includes assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, medication misuse, restraint and unnecessary physical sanctions.
Sexual abuse includes unwanted physical contact and sexually exploitative or shaming acts such as leaving a person in a state of undress.
Financial abuse includes taking valuables from your loved one’s room, forging checks or using their bank accounts or credit cards.
Neglect is the failure to provide an older person’s essential needs according to the standards required by state law.
Emotional abuse involves insulting or ridiculing a patient and making a patient feel guilty or distressed.

Watch for Signs of Abuse

It’s often difficult to identify signs of abuse in a nursing home. However, signs of physical injuries or psychological changes are common red flags. Some of the most common signs of abuse include:

Unexplained physical injuries
Mood changes
Sudden weight loss
Refusing to eat
Sexually transmitted diseases
Missing property

To prove that negligence or abuse has occurred, it is necessary to develop evidence that will hold up in court.

Photograph injuries

Outward signs of injury are important when it comes to physical abuse. If your loved one exhibits unexplained injuries like bruises or cuts, they must be documented immediately because they will heal over time. Make sure to take pictures or videos. In addition, you may notice bed sores (or pressure ulcers) on the back or sides of the head, hips, shoulder blades, lower back, tailbone and the skin behind the knees. These are a result of negligence and should also be documented.

Review and Retain Financial Records

You should pay close attention to credit card statements and banking information because they are the most obvious evidence of financial abuse. However, it can be as simple as stealing property from a resident’s room. Documenting that property is no longer present is helpful in these cases.

More serious acts of financial abuse involve significant financial transactions. Documenting evidence of fraud could involve reviewing bank records to show unauthorized withdrawals. In other cases, their will may have been unlawfully altered.

Evaluate Medical Records

Medical records can show signs of abuse that are not immediately apparent. For instance, a doctor could identify partially healed fractures or recurring bladder infections, which can indicate sexual abuse. Medical records from your loved one’s treating physician could be the most important source of evidence to prove abuse. The same applies to allegations of neglect if they are dehydrated or malnourished. As noted, medical records could also point to signs of sexual abuse. Nursing home residents should not exhibit symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.

Contact Our Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois

If you believe your family member is being abused in a nursing home, you need sound legal guidance and advocacy from a results-oriented, client-focused law firm. Our compassionate team at the Dinizulu Law Group is driven to recover maximum compensation and justice on your behalf. We can assist in collecting evidence and making a solid case so your loved one can heal and find a new home. Contact us today to request your free case evaluation by filling out this form and we’ll reach out to you or by calling (312) 384-1920.

Christmas Road Trip Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

November 29, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Christmas is one of the busiest travel days of the year, with millions of people hitting the roads to spend the holiday with family and friends. Christmas is a time for celebration; however, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards on the road. By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas trip.

Plan your route ahead of time

Use a mapping app like Google Maps to plan your route and check the traffic conditions before you depart. This will help you avoid congested areas and delays. You should also consider taking a less traveled route to avoid crowds.

Get your car serviced

Before you leave for your trip, get your car serviced by a qualified mechanic. This will help ensure that your car is in good condition and that any potential problems are identified and fixed before you hit the road.

Obey the speed limit and drive defensively

On Christmas day, there are likely to be more cars on the road and more people driving distractedly. It’s important to obey the speed limit and drive defensively. Be aware of the other drivers on the roadway and allow for plenty of space between you and other cars.

Take breaks

You should take breaks every two hours or every 100 miles. This will help you stay alert and avoid fatigue. Make sure to get out of your car and walk around to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

Don’t drink and drive

Alcohol is a major factor in Christmas accidents. If you’re going to be drinking, have a designated driver or make other arrangements to get home safely like taking an Uber or Lyft.

Be prepared for bad weather

Christmas can be a time for unpredictable weather, so be sure to pack for all types of conditions. If you’re driving through an area where bad weather is expected, be extra cautious and allow plenty of time for your trip.

You should also keep a roadside emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, flares, flashlights, food and water. You may want to include other items such as blankets, a shovel and a tow rope.

Let someone know your travel plans

Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you expect to arrive when traveling. This way, if you don’t arrive on time, they’re able to check on you.

Additional tips for staying safe on the road while traveling for Christmas

Avoid distractions while driving like talking on the phone or texting.
Be patient and courteous to other drivers.
Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
When you feel tired, pull over and take a break.
Enjoy your Christmas trip and have a safe and happy holiday!

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable Christmas trip.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to contact the Dinizulu Law Group. Our team of experienced auto accident lawyers is well-equipped to handle a wide range of injury accidents, regardless of their severity. If the accident occurred because of another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses. Our personal injury law firm boasts highly skilled attorneys and substantial financial resources, ensuring that you receive the rightful outcome you deserve.

Medical Malpractice: The Harmful Effects of Receiving the Wrong Medication

November 27, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Medications play a critical role in maintaining our health. However, mistakes can happen during the prescription process which can lead to potentially serious consequences. The wrong medication or incorrect dosage may create an adverse effect with long-term effects.

How Do Prescription Errors Occur?

Prescription errors can stem from various factors. A common cause is a simple mix-up between similar drug names, which may confuse both doctors and pharmacists. Additionally, miscommunication between healthcare providers, inadequate patient information and hurried appointments can contribute to errors. In some cases, patients may also receive incorrect dosages due to miscalculations or misinterpretations of the prescribed instructions. According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly 7,000 to 9,000 Americans die annually due to this type of medical error.

The Dangers of Drug Interactions

Even if you receive the right medication and dosage, the drug may not interact well with other prescriptions you may be taking. Drug interactions occur when one medication affects the way another medication works, leading to unexpected and harmful effects. Some interactions can amplify a drug’s effects, while others can diminish them or cause adverse reactions that can lead to fatalities in some cases.

A major concern with giving a patient the incorrect drug is the potential for a severe reaction. Drugs like antibiotics have the potential to cause serious, even deadly, allergic reactions in patients with allergies to them. Drug allergies are severe and the wrong medication could send a patient into anaphylactic shock.

Even if a patient doesn’t have an allergy, receiving the wrong drug still may cause catastrophic damage. Some drugs interact badly with one another, worsening a vulnerable patient’s condition. One medication may negate the effects of another, reducing its efficacy for the patient. It’s also possible for drugs to have a synergistic effect on one another and increase each other’s effects. These scenarios can have major consequences for the patient and lead to medical malpractice litigation.

The Ripple Effects of Wrong Medication and Dosage

The repercussions of receiving the wrong medication or dosage have severe, long-lasting consequences including physical side effects that range from mild discomfort to serious health complications. Potential outcomes may include allergic reactions, adverse interactions with other medications and organ damage. In addition, the psychological toll of dealing with unexpected health issues on top of existing ones may lead to developing stress and anxiety.

Patients have the right to expect a certain standard of care from medical professionals. If negligence in prescribing leads to harm, you may have grounds for seeking legal recourse. The medical malpractice attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group located in Chicago, Illinois are here to help you.

Preventing Adverse Drug Events

The pathway to connecting a clinician’s decision to prescribe a medication and the patient receiving the medication consists of various steps, including:

Ordering: the clinician or prescribing doctor must select the appropriate medication and the dose, frequency and duration.
Transcribing: in a paper-based system, an intermediary must read and interpret the prescription correctly.
Dispensing: the pharmacist must double-check for drug-drug interactions and allergies, then release the appropriate quantity of the medication in the correct form.
Administration: the correct medication must be supplied to the correct patient at the right time. For example, in hospitals or long-term care settings, this generally falls under the responsibility of nurses or other trained staff.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Medical malpractice involves a very small percentage of doctors and hospitals. However, doctors can make mistakes and be careless just like all other people. In those cases where negligence causes serious injury, we help people recover money damages. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, our Chicago area lawyers want to help. Contact the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to schedule a free consultation today by calling (312) 384-1920.

Should I File A Claim Against My Own Auto Insurance Company?

November 27, 2023/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Many drivers are concerned about filing a claim against their own insurance company after being in a car accident. In this blog, we will explore if filing an uninsured motorist claim will affect your premium when you go to renew with the company. Unfortunately, the answer is not simple.

Can My Insurance Company Raise My Rates If I File an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

Insurance companies in all at-fault states can raise your rates after an accident. In more at-fault states, there is no rule prohibiting insurance companies from raising your rates after you make a claim for a car accident that wasn’t your fault. In Illinois, uninsured motorist coverage kicks in when you show your documentation that the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident has no insurance. This claim should not raise your rates because you were not determined to be at fault.

How Much Will My Insurance Go Up If I File an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

Most insurance companies are private entities; therefore, they are allowed to do what they wish when it comes to raising an insured’s rates. If you were to utilize your insurance coverage in an accident, you may wonder if your rates will increase. Unfortunately, it depends on the insurer. Some insurers will raise your insurance rates, even if you use only the uninsured motorist coverage. Others will only raise your insurance rates if you were considered “at-fault” for the accident.

You should be able to turn to your auto insurance for help after an accident, especially if you have vehicle damage or even medical costs. However, because the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may have to utilize your uninsured motorist insurance coverage. In Illinois, drivers are required to carry a minimum of liability insurance. To comply with the law, a driver must carry coverage for:

$25,000 injury or death of one person in an accident
$50,000 injury or death of more than one person in an accident
$20,000 for property damage

It’s against the law to have no insurance, although thousands of drivers nationwide drive uninsured or carry the minimum insurance coverage required. Even if a driver carries the minimums stated above, they are unlikely to have adequate coverage for the injuries and damages associated with a car crash.

This is where the car accident attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group can help you. From the moment of the accident, your best interests are not the same as the insurer’s. Ultimately, they are looking out for their bottom line and their profits. An insurance carrier may also use terms in your policy to deny your claim or significantly reduce how much they pay. You can count on the lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group to help advise you in this difficult process.

How Much Can I Recover in Illinois for My Uninsured Motorist Claim?

The current limits for uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, it’s possible to get policies with higher amounts, depending on the protection you want.

If you decide to get a higher amount of uninsured motorist bodily injury insurance, you will also need underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance. This coverage helps cover damages if the other driver has insufficient insurance.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

After seeking treatment and collecting as much evidence as you can, it’s important to speak with a car accident attorney in Illinois to discuss your potential case. The car accident lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group offer free consultations to review the details of your accident and help determine who was liable. Our attorneys are here to help you navigate the complicated claims and legal process on your behalf.