Blog | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

How Fall Accidents Can Lead to Brain Injuries

July 24, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – As our loved one’s age, they become more susceptible to suffering from fall accidents that could end up injuring themselves. One in three individuals aged 65 and older have a fall each year which only increases with age, according to the National Institute of Aging.

When placing your loved one in an assisted living or nursing home facility, you want to believe you can trust staff members to provide them with the best quality of care. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Nursing home staff have a duty to ensure that residents live in a facility free of abuse and neglect. Fall accidents at this age can be catastrophic and lead to brain injuries.

Outcome of Brain Injuries from Fall Accidents

Studies have shown that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to impaired thinking or memory and long-term cognitive, emotional, and functional impairments. The CDC has said that nearly 1,800 individuals living in nursing homes die each year from fall accidents with many residents falling more than once. This averages out to 2.6 falls per person, per year.

Fall accidents can result in:

Broken bones including a persons wrist, arm, ankle, foot, or hip fracture
Head injuries especially if a person is on medication like blood thinners

Conditions That Are More Prone to Fall Accidents

Experts have studied the various conditions that may contribute to an elderly individual suffering from a catastrophic fall. Some risk factors that lead to more falls include:

Use of medication including sedatives, tranquilizers, or anti-depressants. Some over-the-counter medication may also affect a person.
Vitamin D deficiency
Lower body weakness
Difficulties with walking and balance
Vision problems
Foot pain or poor footwear
Hazards like uneven surfaces, throw rugs that can be tripped over, or broken steps

Nursing Home Neglect Can Lead to Brain Injuries

Nursing homes should be free of hazards that could cause a resident to fall and injury themself. Staff should ensure that liquids are cleaned from the floor so that a resident doesn’t slip-and-fall. It’s also important that if a resident needs assistance with getting in and out of bed, for example, that staff is there to help. Otherwise, a resident may try to get out of their bed or wheelchair themselves and ultimately injury themselves.

When staff members are negligent towards residents, it can lead to accidents and in some tragic cases even death. Stories have surfaced how nursing home staff members can become so frustrated that they abuse the resident, causing them to stay silent about the abuse and not seek medical treatment. This type of behavior is unacceptable and is a direct violation of their rights.

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one suffered a fall accident at their nursing home facility, contact the nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group to help guide you through your legal options. Our team of skilled and experienced lawyers offer free, no obligation consultations. Call us today at (312) 384-1920 to learn more.

Common Factors of Semi-Truck Accidents

July 17, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Truck drivers know the importance of preparing their trucks before heading on the road in the event of a breakdown. It’s important to know the most prevalent causes of semi-truck breakdowns so you can prepare accordingly. Under federal law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truck drivers to do inspections before each haul to ensure all parts are working properly.

Brakes

Brakes are one of the most critical components of any motor vehicle, specifically for tractor trailer’s size and weight. When brakes to semis fail, it can cause catastrophic injury or death. Brakes of semi-trucks are suspectable to damage due to the amount of friction they’re exposed to daily. Heat and air leaks can also cause a semi’s brakes to not proper functionally.

Tires

Constantly driving semi-trucks across the country will eventually wear and tear. If a tire blows out on a semi-truck, it can cause problems for other vehicles on the roadway. It’s critical to check tire pressure to ensure their properly inflated and ready to hit the road.

Battery or Alternator

Luckily for truck drivers, a truck’s battery or alternator light will flicker when a truck is idle, indicating the truck driver needs to check the semi-truck’s battery immediately. Operating semi’s in colder areas can cause more battery issues, as well. Most semi-truck batteries have a lifespan of at least three to five years, but can be shorted if forced to function in frigid weather.

Engine

Just as if your battery is old, if your engine is old, they are more prone to problems. The most common sign is receiving less mileage than normally, in addition to your semi-truck being unable to reach the same speeds it once could.

Age

Even if your semi-truck is reliable and well-oiled, the wear and tear can have an impact on it’s ability to perform. Especially if you’re driving an outdated semi, it’s important that you maintain your truck properly and regularly to avoid it breaking down. The more upkeep you do, the less work it will be for you in the long run.

Injured in a semi-truck accident?

Nearly 500,000 trucking accidents happen each year in the U.S. resulting in almost 5,000 deaths per year. If you or your loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, call one of our experienced personal injury and trucking attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group. Call us now for a free case evaluation at (312) 384-1920.

Illinois Nursing Home Forced to Shut Down Within Weeks

July 11, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – An Illinois nursing home is being forced to closed in the small town of New Athens, nearly 35 miles away from St. Louis, causing confusion amongst residents and their families about where they will go next.

Residents and their loved ones found out on Friday that they had two weeks to find a new place to reside. The New Athens nursing home has been a top asset for the small town of just under 2,000 residents.

New Athens For The Aged has been an excellent source of assisted living or nursing home services for residents in the small town for countless years. The COVID-19 pandemic brought upon staff shortages and various violations. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) fined the nursing home $50,000 for failing to test a resident for COVID-19 in November; additionally, fourteen of the 40 residents ended up testing positive for COVID-19 while four died.

“I don’t know where they will go,” the mayor told Fox 2 Now.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notified the nursing home the Medicare and Medicaid programs would be terminated on June 14, make it impossible for the non-profit home to continue operating.

An IDPH spokesperson mentioned they were working to place all residents in a new home by this week.

IDPH Reports 74 Nursing Homes Violating the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act

July 3, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Throughout the United States, millions of elderly individuals live and are cared for in nursing homes. Nursing homes provide residents with the care and attention they need. Unfortunately, not even the best nursing homes provide the quality care that residents deserve.

Newly announced, the Biden Administration is considering that nursing homes across the country spend most of their payments from Medicaid on direct care for residents. Amounts should be limited to be used for operations, maintenance, capital improvements, or for-profit.

If adopted, it would be the first time in history that the federal government insists nursing home facilities would devote the majority of Medicaid dollars to caring for residents.

A recent report shows that 74 private nursing homes in Illinois violated the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. Five of the nursing home facilities were cited with violations that could have resulted in the death of a resident.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s quarterly report, 93% of those facilities had “A” violations which pertains to the condition that death or serious physical harm or mental anguish will or has resulted.

The other facilities received “AA” violations meaning the care at the facility resulted in a resident’s death. Those facilities included:

Bria of Forest Edge in Chicago
Heartland of Galesburg in McLeansboro
Hillsboro Rehab & HCC in Hillsboro
New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens
Richland Nursing & Rehab in Olney

Each were fined up to $50,000; additionally, Hillsboro Rehab & HCC was fined $25,000 and the New Athens Home for the Aged was fined $50,000 for “failing to implement infection control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

State Rep. Dan Caulkins has called for better improvement in Illinois nursing homes. Caulkins mentioned the most concerning factor is “how many other nursing homes have problems and how they never even get to the state surveyor.”

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a $700 million measure that aims to address staffing issues in nursing homes across the state in May.

Deputy Administrator Dan Tsai at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Medicaid Director spoke about meeting with Illinois state officials, nursing home workers, residents, and relatives in Chicago in April.

Studies have proven a strong connection between staffing levels and care across the nation.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney

If you have a loved one living in a nursing home suffering from abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretaker, it’s important to contact a skilled attorney right away. The experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you and offer free consultations. Contact our office now at (312) 384-1920 today.

Fourth of July Safety Tips for You and Your Family

June 26, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Fourth of July is a time to spend with family and friends that’s jam-packed with activities. Family barbeques, fireworks, and time on the lake is underway this weekend. Still, make sure to celebrate with caution and taking steps to stay safe over the holiday weekend.

More than 45 million Americans are expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend. With many looking to travel to spend time with family and friends, you may want to head out earlier to account for busier roads.

For those who are grilling this weekend, a few important reminders from the National Fire Protection Association mentions:

Keep equipment a safe distance from things that can burn
Never leave equipment unattended
Don’t let children near your grill
Ensure that your gas grill is working properly
Have a fire extinguisher handy
If a fire breaks out, call the fire department immediately

If you’re planning on lighting off fireworks yourself, make sure to consider the risks of doing so. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated more than 15,600 people were seen for fireworks-related injuries in emergency rooms. Make sure to light fireworks away from people. You never know if the firework can backfire or go in an unexpected direction.

Swimming is a popular activity with kids on the Fourth of July. Children should always be supervised by adults when near the water. Consider adding barriers or a fence to prevent young children from wandering unsupervised into pools or water.

The Dinizulu Law Group hopes you and your family enjoy this Fourth of July weekend. Please remember to stay safe!

5 Reasons Jury Duty is Important

June 26, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Most people aren’t thrilled to be notified that they’re being summoned to jury duty. Many people will do everything in their power to avoid jury duty; however, this is something you should be proud to do. The role of the jury is to provide an unbiased view or resolution to evidence that’s presented in a case in a court of law. Below are five reasons why a jury summons is actually good to receive:

Constitutional Right

The American jury trial is a constitutional right. The Founding Fathers of the United States believed in the right to be tried by a jury of your peers, outlined by Amendments 6 and 7 of the Bill of Rights:

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witness against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

You’re making a difference

While you’re on trial as a jury member, your job is to ensure a fair verdict is reached. This means each person must be treated equally under the law, regardless of their social status or wealth. If you listen to the evidence of the case, take in the information, and follow the directions of the court, you’ll have a fantastic chance to make sure that justice is served.

Not everyone gets a chance

Not just anyone can serve on a jury. Depending on what state you live in, those who have committed felonies are not able to serve on a jury. Many hardworking members of society never get the chance to sit on a jury. You should be proud to be summoned since many don’t have the opportunity.

Promoting civic responsibility

Voting and jury duty helps the United States branches of government; however, half of the people don’t do that. Jury duty is the only duty the government asks for, and it’s a chance to help your country and do your part to make sure that the legal system keeps moving. While it may require adjustments to your normal schedule and routine, the inconvenience is minimal.

When citizens are actively involved in the justice system, it helps create a sense of ownership and responsibility which helps build a stronger community and promote civic engagement.

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience

No two trials will be the same. The verdict that’s passed down by juries plays a pivotal role in how future cases will play out. You’re quite literally making history! This is a one-of-a-kind way to put your stamp on history permanently.

It’s also essential to foster community engagement. With various groups of people from differing backgrounds and walks of life, this is achieved. When citizens come together and participate in the legal system, it helps promote an understanding and communication between different people resulting in a more cohesive society.

Bicyclist Killed in Old Irving Park; Third Fatality in Chicago This Year

June 19, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – More than 1,000 bicyclists die each year while on America’s roadway. Chicago has seen its third bicyclist fatality of the year last month when a 22-year-old bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Bike advocates are sounding the alarm about the number of car-related deaths to cyclists in Chicago this year alone.

Twenty-two-year-old Nick Parlingayan was the third bicyclist fatality of 2022 after being struck by a vehicle in the 3800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in Old Irving Park on Chicago’s northwest side, according to law enforcement.

Parlingayan was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at 10:10 PM.

Phil Pinkawa, 57, was charged with failing to report the accident that resulted in death, according to police. Police say Pinkawa was leaving his job at a pizza joint to get food when he struck Parlingayan, dragging him nearly 50 feet. After driving off, a bystander called police to alert them of a hit-and-run accident.

Courtney Cobbs, bike activist and co-founder of Better Street Chicago, said that Chicago needs to do more than paint plastic posts for bicyclists’ protection. “People who live in the area have said the bike lane has faded in that area and that construction has made biking even more dangerous than it already was before,” she further explains.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there has been an average of six bicyclists per year that die in Chicago since 2016.

As of May 2022, Chicago has already met half the fatalities of previous years.

Illinois bike accident statistics

As it gets warmer out, more people will flock to Lake Michigan and be out and about. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you have children. The surge in accidents involving bicyclists has gone up in nearly every city across the United States, with many people and drivers struggling to adapt.

As of 2017, there were nearly 2,690 bikes in Illinois. Out of that number, 390 sustained serious injuries from the accident and 26 fatalities. Fifty-three bicyclists killed were under the age of 14 and bicyclists 65 and older accounted for 139 fatalities.

An increasing risk

Experts believe the average age of cyclists killed has increased over previous decades due to the increased usage of bikes by older Americans, with no decreased use among children. Unfortunately, children will continue to face this issue annually.

It’s important that drivers are aware of their surroundings since bicyclists have the same right to ride on Illinois roads. By paying closer attention, looking for bicyclists, and acknowledging the rights of bicyclists, accidents are much less likely to occur.

Common injuries from bicyclist accidents

Every bicycle accident differs from the next. One victim may suffer from contusions or a concussion. Other victims can be catastrophically injured including head or brain injuries. The most common injuries resulting from a bicyclist accident may include:

Head and brain injuries

Nearly 25 to 50 percent of all injured bicyclists suffer from a head injury; additionally, nearly 60% of bicycle-related deaths are caused by head injuries. Common head and brain injuries may include a skull fracture, concussion, brain contusion, or intracranial hemorrhage.

Neck and back injuries

When a person is ejected from a bike, their neck and back can be very seriously damaged. Injuries to a person’s neck and back can cause severe pain, and loss of motor skills making daily duties difficult, and cause significant burden and stress to an individual’s life. Injuries may include fractured vertebrae, herniated disc, pinched nerves, spinal cord damage, and whiplash.

Face injuries

When an individual is thrown from their bike, their face is exposed to serious injury, especially if you’re not wearing a helmet. Facial injuries may include contusions, facial fractures, dental fractures, and puncture wounds – all of which can cause permanent and chronic nerve damage pain.

Hip injuries

The force of impact of an accident with a bicyclist can cause painful and extensive hip injuries. Common injuries include hip fractures, dislocation of the joint, labral tear, or bursitis.

Regardless of the age of the victim, a hip injury can be extremely expensive and involve surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and diagnostic scans, among many other factors.

Leg, Knee, and Foot Injuries

Even if you’re wearing protective equipment while riding a bike, there are several parts of your body that are exposed including the leg, knee, and foot. These areas are most often injured in collisions.

Broken bones

Broken bones are a common result of bicycle accidents, especially a hairline fracture (or a simple fracture), which is typically treated in minimal time. On the other hand, a compound fracture or an area that was completely crushed can cause severe pain and time away from work. You also run the risk of complications which can lead to further expenses, medical treatment, and more.

Skin and soft tissue injuries

Any injuries that affect the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are known as soft tissue injuries. Skin injuries are treatable and typically require surgery or skin grafts. Tissue injuries include road rash, muscle sprains and strains, scrapes and cuts, bruises, tendonitis, or puncture wounds.

Internal injuries

Internal injuries refer to injury of internal organs or internal bleeding, either of which can be the result of blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma. Some internal injuries are obvious while others require more testing which can easily be overlooked. Because of the risk of suffering from internal injuries, you should seek medical treatment immediately after a bicyclist accident.

Dinizulu Law Group’s Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact our experienced attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group as soon as possible. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please call us at (312) 384-1920 or visit us online.

Historical Legacy of Juneteenth

June 17, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Back in 1865, it was on June 19 that Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, led by Major General Gordon Granger, with news that the war was over and enslaved people were free. President Abraham Lincoln put the Emancipation Proclamation into effect on January 1, 1863 – two and a half years earlier. The reality was enslaved people were instantly free because it only applied to places under Confederate control.

Juneteenth honors the end of slavery and is considered to be the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday after nationwide protests following the police killings of Black Americans including Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

Juneteenth celebrations are continuously on the rise in the United States, specifically over the last few years. With this years holiday coming up just a month after a gunman opened fire in Buffalo killing 10 Black people – one of the deadliest racist massacres in recent U.S. history – celebrations may resonate in new ways.

Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

Early celebrations of Juneteenth included prayer and family gatherings. In 1872, a group of African American ministers and businessmen purchased 10 acres of land and created Emancipation Park which was intended to hold the city’s annual celebration.

Many people still celebrate with their families in their backyard where African American food is an integral element of the celebration. In bigger cities like New York City or Atlanta, festivals and parades are held with residents, local businesses, and more.

This year in Galveston, TX, the city will celebrate Juneteenth with a banquet, parade, picnic, and poetry festival. Check out Juneteenth celebrations in cities like Chicago, The Twin Cities, New York City, Atlanta, and more.

Importance of Juneteenth

Following the recent killings of George Floyd, an innocent Black man who died at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department, thousands of people across the country fled the streets to protest. Shortly after, Breonna Taylor, an innocent Black women shot and killed by Louisville police officers during a botched raid on her apartment. Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man that was murdered during a racially motivated hate crime while jogging in a neighborhood. David McAtee, a 53-year-old Black man shot by the Kentucky Army National Guard during a protest following the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. These names and others have become rallying cries for change which effectively re-energized the Black Lives Matter movement.

When Derek Chauvin was charged in April 2021 and found guilty of two counts of murder in the death of George Floyd, many city residents say that genuine change has been slow – even two years later.

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate how far the Black community has come and the future ahead fighting for equality.

5 Most Common Types of Personal Injuries in the Workplace

June 12, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Workplace accidents can occur in various ways and can be costly to both businesses and injured employees. Some personal injuries can leave you catastrophically injured and can leave you with a permanent injury. Serious, non-fatal workplace injuries account for nearly $60 billion in U.S. workers’ compensation costs, according to Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. Here are the top five common types of personal injuries that occur in workplace settings:

1. Slip and Fall

Slips, trips, and falls make up one-third of all personal injuries in the workplace and are a leading cause of all workers’ compensation claims. The types of injuries incurred include head, back, and neck injuries, broken bones, cuts, sprains, and pulled muscles.

Common reasons for falls include wet surfaces, spills, weather hazards like ice, loose rugs, poor lighting, and uneven walking surfaces.

2. Being Struck By or Caught In Moving Machinery

While machinery is more common in factories with farm equipment or construction, any

machinery that’s not properly guarded is a safety hazard. Body parts or clothing can easily get caught in machinery, leaving catastrophic and life-long injuries. The best way to prevent mechanical hazards is to remember the machinery must be safeguarded at all times, and proper operator training and protective equipment should always be provided.

3. Vehicle-Related Accidents

Where there are vehicles of any kind, there are potential for accidents. This may include being struck or ran over by a moving vehicle, falling from a vehicle, being struck by objects falling from a vehicle, or getting crushed or stuck under a vehicle. You can avoid these types of injury-prone situations by assessing who’s at risk, and when and where accidents most commonly occur.

4. Fire and Explosions

Explosions in workplaces are often caused by faulty gas lines, improperly stored combustible materials, or open flames. Damage can be caused to your respiratory system, varying degrees of burns, and potential disfigurement. Explosions and fires account for 3 percent of workplace injuries and have the highest casualty rate of all probable workplace injury accidents.

5. Repetitive Stress and Overexertion Injuries

Complaints of back pain alone cost employers more than $7 billion annually and lead to more than 100 lost workdays each year. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most costly workplace injury.

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are the fasting growing category of workplace injury and comprise more than 100 types of job-induced injuries. Common causes of these injuries include improper lifting or manually lifting heavy objects, no breaks, and intensive keying. With repetitive work, short breaks are required or the work may result in wear and tear on the body. Constant typing and clicking will strain muscles and tendons.

Injured at Your Workplace?

Call one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation. Our skilled attorneys have years of combined practice and have the resources and the skills to fight for the compensation that you deserve.

LA hospital sued for racism in death of Black mother

June 5, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The husband of a Black woman that died just hours after giving birth in 2016 sued Cedars-Sinai Medical Center last month. His wife tragically died after bleeding out because of a renowned culture of racism at a world-class hospital in Los Angeles.

Charles Johnson IV discovered the level of disparity in care for women of color during depositions in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Johnson told the Associated Press that his wife would still be here today if she was a Caucasian woman. “When we walked into Cedars-Sinai hospital for what we expected to be the happiest day of our lives, the greatest risk factor that Kira Dixon Johnson faced was racism.”

Johnson’s wife died 12 hours after delivering their son through a scheduled cesarean section that was performed in 17 minutes.

Despite the signs of internal bleeding and her desperate husband’s pleas, Kira was not readmitted to the operating room until it was too late. Nearly 90% of her blood was later found in her stomach.

It’s alleged in the civil rights lawsuit that one nurse told Johnson that his wife “just wasn’t a priority.”

Examining the Black US maternal mortality rate

Black women are five times more likely to die from pregnancy compared to non-Hispanic white women. In research analysis, preeclampsia/eclampsia was the leading cause of maternal death in Black women, followed by postpartum cardiomyopathy, embolism, and hemorrhage. Ectopic pregnancy, the fifth leading cause of maternal death for Black women, was not a leading cause for white or Hispanic women.

Late maternal deaths were 3.5 times more likely among Black women than white women. Postpartum cardiomyopathy was the leading cause of late maternal death among all races, with Black women having a 6 times higher risk compared to white women.

The elevated risk of maternal mortality for Black women reflects the impact of structural racism within the health care industry in the United States.

Among Black women, the mortality rate from 2019 to 2020 increased from 44.0 to 55.3 per 100,000 live births.

Contact a trusted medical malpractice attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a medical malpractice claim and one of the first things you should do is contact an experienced and skilled medical malpractice attorney. The medical malpractice lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group have years of experience in handling cases involving wrongful death, medical negligence, and civil rights. We can investigate the facts and fight on your behalf for the justice that you and your loved ones deserve.

If you have suffered harm through the errors or negligence of a hospital or medical professional, contact us today for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920.