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Surgery is the 2nd Most Common Reason for Medical Malpractice Claims

March 9, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – According to a new report from medical liability insurer Coverys, surgery is the second most common cause for medial malpractice claims against doctors. Surgery not only puts the patient at risk, but it also poses a risk to doctors in terms of medical malpractice claims.

Coverys analyzed closed medical malpractice claims from 2014 to 2018 and found surgery-related claims accounted for nearly 25 percent of cases. Diagnosis-related claims accounted for 32 percent, which resulted in more malpractice cases.

Surgeons are a Major Factor in Malpractice Claims

The majority of malpractice claims showed 78 percent, or 2,579 surgery-related claims due to practitioner performance during surgery. All phases of the surgical process, including the care and decision making leading up to and following the surgery, can lead to a malpractice case, according to the report.

Top claims included general surgery (22 percent), orthopedic surgery (17 percent) and neurosurgery (8 percent), making up nearly the 50 percent threshold of surgery-related claims.

29 percent of injuries sustained from surgery were considered “permanent significant,” and 9 percent resulted in a patient’s death. Nearly 39 percent of claims alleged a lack of technical skill of the surgeon; furthermore, 27 percent allege a failure in clinical judgement and/or communication.

Before a surgery begins, physicians have the responsibility to ensure a patient’s participation and understanding of shared decision making. Surgeons are required to document informed content discussions in medical records; however, some physicians require to meet this standard.

Surgeons and insurance companies want to prevent medical malpractice claims because it will cost money, do damage to their reputation, and cause harm to a patient. These concerns are minor compared to the burden a patient must bear after suffering an injury during surgery.

Preventing Surgery Related Malpractice Claims

Coverys offers recommendations to healthcare systems and how they can improve outcomes that prevent surgical mistakes that can be catastrophic, and in some instances, deadly, including:

Physicians should work with patients to develop an understanding of why certain decisions are made by medical professionals and risks involved in certain decisions and procedures.
Surgeons should document informed consent with patients in their medical records. The patients response and any questions should also be included.
Operating rooms should be distraction-free including limited conversation, turning cell phone ringers off, no music, and banning visitors or observers while a procedure is taking place.
Hospitals should adopt similar guidelines to the aviation industry that mandates pilots that pilots cannot perform non-essential duties during high-risk activities.

There is a predominant issue in the medical field that involves distractions in operating rooms, which could furthermore lead to a surgical mistakes or death.

Are You a Victim of a Surgical Error?

There is no doubt that any surgery comes with risks; however, the risks should not include carelessness, distraction, or negligence. Many surgical errors are preventable, but hospitals and doctors must do everything they can to eliminate distractions and communicate to the best of their ability.

Failure to adhere to the standard of care is a violation of your rights of a patient. If you suffer from harm as a result of medical malpractice, you should contact an attorney immediately about your rights and options to pursue compensation. At Dinizulu Law Group, we work regularly with clients who have had to endure pain and suffering and catastrophic injuries due to a surgeon or hospital error. We help victims who are suffering from the negligent behavior of nurses, doctors, surgeons, and hospital healthcare systems.

If you have concerns regarding the care you received or the outcome of a surgical procedure, we can help. At Dinizulu Law group, our team of legal and medical professionals will review your situation and help determine if you have a medical malpractice claim. To get started, request a free consultation by calling us at (312) 384-1920.

5 Common Questions about Trucking Accidents

September 26, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Car accidents are more common than truck accidents; however, truck accidents can be more fatal, especially when combined with speed, weather, and other conditions. It’s important to know factors that can contribute to a truck accident, how trucks are more dangerous than passenger vehicles, what to do if you’re involved in an accident, and how long you have to file a lawsuit.

According to a report released by Enjuris, 4,102 people died in a truck accident in 2017. Thirty-two percent of accidents that occurred happened on an interstate or freeway, while fifty-two percent occurred on other major roads; moreover, fifteen percent of accidents happened on minor roadways.

Factors that Contribute to Truck Accidents

Driving a large commercial truck, such as a semi, is much more difficult to operate due to the weight and size of the truck. The size of the truck makes turning more difficult, and requires a much longer stopped distance than a passenger vehicle.

Improper loading can result in roll-over accidents, due to cargo being improperly loaded and strapped when inspecting before a truck leaves the warehouse. All employees are required to check their truck and ensure that all cargo is properly loaded and log information.

Drivers and truck companies have an obligation to inspect trucks and correct any maintenance issues as they arise. Many drivers and companies cut corners to keep up with profit margins, resulting in negligence.

Truck companies may fail to hire qualified drivers. Many truck companies are on tight deadlines, and hire drivers who are not qualified for these jobs, or have ever driven a semi-truck at all. Trucks are known to excessively speed to meet required deadlines, although they pose a serious threat to themselves and those around them.

Many drivers put deadlines before the safety of others and drive exhausted, or use a drug stimulant to keep themselves awake during their long hours on the road. When you combine these factors with weather, such as rain, snow, sleet, or fog, it can become catastrophic, or even fatal.

Why Are Commercial Trucks More Dangerous?

Tractor-trailers on average weigh 16 times more than a typical passenger car. Semi’s are roughly 53 feet and require 350 feet to come to a complete stop on the highway, compared to a passenger car which requires a breaking distance of 180 feet.

These trucks can also be carrying hazardous material that can cause further damage and injury.

What Do I Do if I Have Been Involved in a Truck Accident?

Ensure your safety above all else, and check to see if anyone was injured in another vehicle. Make sure you are in a safe location, or if you’re able to move your car, move it to an area where you can safely exit. If you need medical treatment, call 911 and request an ambulance right away.

The police will arrive to document the accident – no matter how big or small the accident may be, a documented police report should always be completed. Write down any information you can about the accident and never talk to the other vehicle involved about what happened. Take photographs of your car and the other car(s) involved.

You will need to request the truck drivers name, address, phone number, drivers license number, and insurance company and policy number. You should also get information regarding what truck company the driver works for.

It’s important to see a doctor, even if you think that you’re “fine.” A gap in time waiting to go to the doctor can hurt your case, so it’s important for your health and to have a record of seeing a doctor immediately after the accident.

If you’ve been injured or a fatal accident has occurred, you should contact an attorney immediately. The attorney’s at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. specialize in truck accidents and personal injury, and work hard to receive full compensation for any losses you may have occurred due to a truck driver’s negligence.

How Long Do I Have to File A Lawsuit?

Due to the statue of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit; however, you should contact an attorney immediately because of the steps they will have to take, like investigation and discovery. It’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible.

When Do I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer immediately after the accident occurs. It’s important to seek legal advice so your attorney can obtain as much information as possible on your accident.

Our attorney’s at Dinizulu Law Group offer a free, confidential consultation for you. They will walk you through your options and help with all legal representation. You can call (312) 384-1920 to schedule a free consultation, or visit our website for more information.

Contact:

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 N. LaSalle St., Suite #1100
Chicago, IL 60614

What are some signs that might indicate bed bugs and other insects are living in my loved one’s nursing home?

September 25, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

Nursing homes in Illinois and all across the U.S. are required to meet certain state and federal standards that stipulate the type of environment a home is expected to provide its residents with. Not only must the facility be kept clean and tidy, but it should also be sanitary so viruses and diseases have nothing to feed off of and bed bugs and other insects don’t have an environment that is conducive for them to survive in. Unfortunately, there are facilities that aren’t being maintained which results in the home becoming hazardous and unhealthy for the residents who are living there.

Vietnam Vet Dies Days After Being Bit by Ants More Than 100 Times

After Laquna Ross went to visit her father Joel Marrable at the Eagle’s Nest Community Living Center, which is a nursing home for veterans located on the Atlanta VA Medical Center campus, she noticed something rather concerning. Her father, who was an Air Force veteran, had swollen hands and his body had red bumps all over it, says ABC News. Obviously, Ross was alarmed to see her father like this as it wasn’t how he looked the last time she had seen him.

When Ross reported her father’s condition to a staff member, their response was “You know, the ants. When we walked in here, we thought Mr. Marrable was dead. We thought he wasn’t even alive because the ants were all over him.” After hearing this, Ross couldn’t help but wonder what the protocol was inside these types of facilities to manage these situations.

Sadly, Ross’ father died days after he had been bitten up by ants.

While Ross knew her father was going to die as he had been suffering from cancer, perhaps the ant bites “promoted his body to die quicker.” She told the news source that after she had informed the staff about her father, they bathed him and cleaned his room. But that wasn’t enough to get rid of them. The ants returned the next day and that is when the staff decided to move him into a new room which is where he later died.

Ross shared with the news outlet that her father’s room had ants everywhere. They were on the ceiling, the walls, and the beds. After the Atlanta VA Hospital got word of the incident, a spokesperson for the facility released a statement saying they had taken action to address the issue by “stripping all the bedrooms and inspecting them for ants, removing all open food containers, hiring a pest control company to do an inspection, and purchasing plastic containers for the residents’ snacks.”

Although the facility did proceed to take preventive measures to reduce the chances of this happening again, you can’t help but wonder why these measures weren’t taken once the staff saw Marrable crawling with ants. It wasn’t until his daughter notified the staff that something was actually done. It is for this reason that the Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys here at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. encourage you to visit your loved one regularly and report any signs of odd behavior, markings on your loved one, or anything out of the ordinary so that is can be properly addressed. If you find that the staff is not handling the issue accordingly, you should then contact our office immediately at 1-312-384-1920.

Signs that Your Loved One’s Nursing Home Might Have Bed Bugs and Other Insects Living Inside of it

As unwholesome as it sounds, insect infestation has proven to be a serious issue for residents living in nursing homes which is why we encourage you to look for the following signs that might indicate there are insects such as bed bugs living in the nursing home your loved one currently resides in.

Signs of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs generally hide during the day which makes them difficult to spot, according to Orkin so be sure to keep your eye out for the tiny, rust-colored stains they tend to leave behind. You will want to look in the following places for these spots:

The mattress tags and shams
The ceiling
Under seat cushions
Behind the headboard
You’ll also want to look for areas that might be potential hiding spots for bed bugs such as lifted wallpaper.

Some other insects aside from bed bugs that tend to lurk in nursing homes include scabies and the only way to tell if your loved one is living in a place that fosters an environment for these bugs to survive in is to remain vigilant during each of your visits. For example, you should inspect your loved one each time you go to seem them to be sure they don’t have any raised bumps, bites, rashes, blisters, pimples, etc. and if you notice anything that could potentially be a bug bite, report it to the staff immediately.

The Chicago, IL nursing home my loved one lives in is unsanitary and dirty. What can I do?

For starters, you might want to notify the staff of the conditions you are witnessing and consider looking for a new home for your relative to live in. You can also contact one of our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys to learn more about what your family member’s legal rights are when they are forced to live in unhealthy or hazardous conditions.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

How Can I Tell If My Loved One is Being Neglected or Abused?

September 16, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Abuse and neglect in nursing homes remains under-reported in the United States according to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office. Many nursing homes frequently fail to report abuse to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), or to local law enforcement.

Elder abuse is the physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment or neglect. Often times the victim knows the perpetrators – they are often family members, such as children or spouses, and care givers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Illinois has more nursing home abuse cases than any other state. The Illinois Department of Aging’s Annual Report (2017) stated there were 16,507 reports of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Nearly 74 percent of abusers were the child, spouse, or relative and many times experience more than one form of abuse.

How Can I Tell if My Loved One is Experiencing Neglect or Abuse in a Nursing Home?

There are many warning signs to look for in your loved one while visiting them at a nursing home, or any other facility. Common signs of abuse include:

Signs of malnutrition and dehydration
Unexplained bedsores, bruises, or lacerations
Broken bones or fractures
Rapid weight gain or loss
Sudden change in mood and behavior
Torn or bloody clothes
Sexually transmitted diseases
Signs of depression, confusion, and loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
Missing or broken eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.
Unsanitary conditions
Understaffed and hostile employees
Improper medication, or overly medicated

How Can I Tell How Many Deficiencies a Nursing Home Has?

Pro Publica is a great search engine tool you can use to compare nursing homes based on deficiencies cited by regulators within the last three years. You’re able to search using a keyword, city, or nursing home name and search by state and severities.

Once you hit search and your results pop up, you’re able to see the nursing home, the date, city and state, how many deficiencies were reported, the severity range, and the actual report and nursing home information. It’s important to note that the number and severity relates to the search terms, and not necessarily all deficiencies against the nursing home facility.

How Can I Tell if a Nursing Home is Reputable?

Start by doing a lot of research – read reviews and look up deficiencies of nursing home facilities. You want to ensure your putting your loved one in the right hands, so many factors must be accounted for. The location of a nursing home, their visiting policies, and the patient-to-staff ratio are all things to consider. When visiting the nursing home, it’s important to note the appearance of the facility and residents and how the facility is ran overall. The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, sleeping accommodations, and daily activities may contribute towards your decision. In addition, the dining facility and meal options, and health care issues should be inquired about.

What Damages Can be Recovered?

If your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse while at the hands of a caregiver in a nursing facility, you may be entitled to collect compensation for:

Emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and pain and suffering
Past and future medical expenses
Physical impairment for disability for injuries caused by staff negligence
Other out-of-pocket expenses

Who is More Susceptible to Being Neglect or Abused?

67 percent of victims are female, while 33 percent are male; however, 49 percent of abusers are male and 51 percent are female. One in five victims are 86 or older and suffer from some sort of barrier. 35 percent of reported cases of abuse were from social workers or medical personnel, while family members contributed for 16 percent of reports, followed by victims self-reporting in only 8 percent of cases.

What to do if My Loved One is Being Neglected or Abused in a Nursing Home Facility?

It’s important to bring any concerns of neglect or abuse to the nursing home facility, in addition to law enforcement. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorney’s will help you recover from abuse and neglect – we work for you and your loved one to get the reimbursement you deserve. Please call (312) 384-1920 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Due to the statue of limitations, we must begin to work on your case right away.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601

Report Shows Pharmaceutical Companies Contributing to U.S. Opioid Epidemic

July 19, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Recently released federal data shows how drug makers and distributors contributed to the nation’s opioid epidemic by increasing shipments of opioid painkillers between 2006 to 2012.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) records show that over 76 billion oxycodone and hydrocodone pills were distributed to U.S. pharmacies during the 6 year time period. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids contributed to more than 100,000 deaths in the United States between 2006 and 2012.

The Associated Press reported Purdue Pharma was fined $635 million for falsely marketing OxyContin as being less addictive than other generic and brand opioids; however, Purdue accounted for 3 percent of pills sold during that time compared to generic drug distributors accounting for nearly 90 percent of sales.

According to the CDC, other prescription and illegal opioids such as heroin and fentanyl have resulted in more than 430,000 deaths in the U.S. since 2000. Between 2006 and 2012, the annual amount of opioid-related deaths rose from 18,000 to more than 23,000.

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are among the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, there were 59 percent of opioid-related deaths involving fentanyl in 2017 compared to 14.3 percent in 2010.

Local and state governments have requested these records not be released to the public; however, U.S. District Judge Dan Polster, who is overseeing most of the cases, ruled that it could be made public. Records from 2013 to 2014 have not been released yet and have asked to be sealed and protected.

An article released in 2016 by PBS calls the opioid epidemic “the worst drug crisis in American history,” destroying lives nationwide regardless of age, race, wealth, or location. The CDC stated whites and Native Americans have experienced the largest rise in death rates; moreover, by 2014, whites and Native Americans were dying at double or triple the rates of African-Americans and Latinos.

Drug expert Dr. Andrew Kolodny told the New York Times “racial stereotypes” may be an explanation for the gap, saying studies have found doctors are more reluctant to prescribe painkillers to minorities, worrying they may sell them or become addicted.

More than 2,000 state, local, and tribal governments are seeking to hold drug companies accountable for the national crisis. According to the Associated Press, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Nevada all received more than 50 pills for every man, woman, and child each year.

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can cause major health, social, and economic problems. Opioids are a class of drugs that act in the nervous system to produce feelings of pleasure and pain relief (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Opioids change the chemistry in the brain and lead to a drug tolerance, resulting in needing increased dosages over time to experience the same effect. Opioids are potent, meaning they have a high potential for causing addiction in some people, even when administered and taken properly.

Medical professionals can make costly mistakes that lead to serious harm or death of a patient. Responsible parties can include:

The physician who prescribed the medication for prescribing too much, the wrong dosage, or failure to monitor the patient after medication has been prescribed
The hospital if medication was given during hospitalization or emergency room visit
The pharmacy and/or pharmacist if the wrong drug or dosage was given to a patient

If you or a loved one has suffered from a prescription drug overdose or medical error, you may seek justice from a negligent medical professional by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. It’s important to report and hold the responsible party accountable to prevent others from suffering in the same way. The attorney’s at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. work diligently to recover compensation for monetary, emotional, and mental losses you or a loved one may have suffered.

Please call (312) 384-1920 or visit www.dinizululawgroup.com to seek legal representation.

Boeing Offers $100M to Those Affected by Crashes, Families Have Not Heard Directly from Boeing

July 16, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Boeing Co. has offered $100 million to help families and communities affected by the deadly crashes of its 737 MAX planes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Families are still mourning after the tragic accident that occurred on March 10, 2019.

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 was scheduled to fly internationally from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Six minutes after takeoff, the aircraft crashed near the town of Bishoftu killing all 157 people aboard.

Flight 302 is the deadliest accident involving an Ethiopian Airline craft to date that affected farmers in Ethiopia, victims’ families and relatives, and Kenyan and Ethiopian governments have still not heard about the funds.

Farmers lands were destroyed after crashing into fields and has been fenced off since; however, the site is filled with debris still and farmers can’t afford to rent plots elsewhere.

According to Reuters, Boeing said in a statement last week, “These funds will support education hardship and living expenses for impacted families, community programs, and economic development in impacted communities.”

Another crash in Ethiopia in October 2018 on a Lion Air aircraft killed 346 people. After the investigation concluded, it was said both pilots, flying Boeing’s new 737 MAX 8 model, struggled to override an automated system that pointed plane’s nose down.

Boeing has yet to reach out to families, farmers, or authorities directly. The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide after the second crash. Regulators must approve a fix and implement new pilot training before jets can fly again.

Some families are asking the money to be put towards a memorial at the crash site to honor their loved ones; on the other hand, some have requested Boeing fund professional counseling.

There were people from 35 countries abroad the Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed. The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. offers our deepest condolences to those affected by the Boeing crashes. The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is located in Chicago, IL where Boeing is currently faces litigation from some of the families affected.

Contact: www.dinizululawgroup.com or call 1(800)-693-1LAW(1529)

Army Veteran Dying of Cancer Delivers Emotional Statement to Congress on Medical Malpractice

July 10, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal testified before Congress an emotional statement regarding medical malpractice in the military. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill heard testimony about allegations of medical malpractice by Defense Department medical professionals as Congress considers overturning the Feres Doctrine, a legal doctrine prohibiting people who are injured as a result of military services from suing the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act for injuries and negligence (Cornell Law).

Stayskal delivered an emotional opening statement to lawmakers explaining a misdiagnosis and inadequate medical care involving a tumor in his lungs that he suffered with for months. Medical professionals brushed off symptoms of walking pneumonia, even though he was on the verge of death throwing up pools of blood.

According to Newsweek, Staksyal was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in January 2018 – something U.S. Army doctors overlooked or ignored. Over time, his cancer spread to his lymph nodes in his neck, spleen, liver, and ilium crest, which forms a hipbone, along with his spine and right hip.

Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer in both men and women and account for nearly 25 percent of cancer deaths. A five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer is less than ten percent (American Lung Association).

“I want to say that this does affect me obviously, but my children are the true victims,” Stayskal, 37, said. “They will now grow up without a father. Someone that will teach them how to drive, walk them down the aisle when they get married. They seek counseling and special treatment at school. One of the biggest things they try and understand is how this happened.

As Skayskal’s case shows, a failure to diagnose frequently involves medical professionals mistaking symptoms of one disease for another. A misdiagnosis can lead to unresolved treatment needed to prevent symptoms from worsening or becoming terminal.

If you have experienced a misdiagnoses by a doctor for your medical condition, under the breach of standard care, you may potentially seek damages through civil litigation. The Feres Doctrine is a unique consideration that applies only to members of the military.

If your doctor has failed to accurately diagnose a medical condition that has led to serious problems, the attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are ready to assist you with a malpractice claim. Our attorney’s have experience, resources, and a network of medical professional to build a strong case on your behalf. Please call (312) 384-1920 or go online to schedule a consultation.

Tips for a Memorable Fourth of July

July 1, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

The Fourth of July is a day that you get to enjoy quality time with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the independence of our nation. With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, it’s important to keep in mind a few safety tips so your day is memorable for the right reasons.

Alcohol Safety
Operating a Motor Vehicle

Over 34 million Americans are expected to travel over the course of Fourth of July weekend. The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest days for drunk driving. July 4 has the second highest percent of car crash deaths linked to alcohol where deaths involved blood alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or more (Fatality Analysis Reporting System).

Even if you’ve had one drink, do not drive. As you know, law enforcement agencies are highly populated across the country on this holiday. By drinking and driving, you put not only yourself, but other innocent people at risk too. DUI checkpoints are enforced across the country along popular routes. Order an Uber or assign a designated driver for the night.

Weather
If you’re planning to drink outside, especially during the day during peak hours of high temperatures, remember to stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion or a stroke can happen quickly and suddenly, so be aware of how you feel and be on the lookout of your friends that show signs of nausea, fatigue, faintness and dizziness.

Firework Safety
Nearly 280 people go to the emergency room every day with firework-related injuries around the weekend of July 4. Please ensure that fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them.

There should always be an adult supervising the use of fireworks. Place fireworks on dry, flat surface and never stand directly over a firework while lighting the fuse. Immediately back up a safe distance after lighting the firework. Never point or throw fireworks at a person and keep a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency.

Children ages 10-14 have the highest rate of firework-related injuries.

Pool Safety
An adult should supervisor any child that is going to be around a pool or any body of water. It can be easy for risks to go unnoticed while mingling with a large crowd that’s preoccupied enjoying their time.

Children should be supervised at all times. Keep floatation devices nearby for quick response if someone needs help in the water. Young and inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets.

Pet Safety

One in five pets go missing from fear of loud noises of fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud-related noises during the July 4^th weekend according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. July 5^th is one of the busiest days of the year at animal shelters because of pets running away on July 4^th.

Make sure your animal’s identification tags have your up-to-date contact information. If your pets are microchipped, make sure this information is also up-to-date. If your animal is not microchipped, consult with your veterinarian about this process which greatly improves the chances of finding your animal if they were to ever become lost. Take a current photo of your animal just to be on the safe side.

If you know you are likely to pay attention to your pet because you’re busy entertaining or mingling, make sure they are in a safe, gated area. When setting off fireworks, keep your pet inside and away from anything flammable. Please note just as you get hot from the sun, hot temperatures can be dangerous for your animal, too.

Grill Safety
It’s the best day of the year to grill out and BBQ, but there are a few things to keep in mind. When using your grill, make sure it is away from your home and out from under any branches or overhangs. Remove any grease of buildup in trays to avoid being ignited. Do not let children or pets near the grill and avoid wearing any loose clothing that can catch fire while grilling.

Above all, have a safe and memorable Fourth of July holiday from the Dinizulu Law Group.

11th American Dies Following Trip to Dominican Republic

June 25, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – According to the US State Department, 11 American citizens have died in the Dominican Republic over the course of the last year. FBI investigators are comparing blood samples from the deceased tourists to alcohol samples at Dominican resorts.

Many deceased tourists were reported to have pulmonary edema, a fluid in the lungs at the time of death; however, Dominican Republic officials insist the deaths are unrelated and stating it’s still safe to visit (Rolling Stones).

The most widely reported theory on how American tourist death toll continues to rise has been linked to counterfeit alcohol. Counterfeit alcohol is unregulated, or bootlegged, and has caused deaths in India, Iran, Indonesia, and several other countries in recent years (Business Insider). Bootlegged alcohol is sold outside of governmental regulation – this leads to low quality health regulations which can be toxic or deadly. Hotels where the deceased tourists have stayed include Grand Bahia Principe Bouganville Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, and Bahia Principe in Punta Cana.

A Canadian couple recently stated they had visited Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana in 2016 and became hospitalized after sleeping in their hotel room being woken up to a powerful chemical smell (ABC7 Chicago). The couple initially changed rooms until the situation became critical. The woman’s muscles, hands, and legs began to spasm before she lost consciousness; she was hospitalized for four days with effects still lingering.

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) said bootlegged alcohol is driven by the economic benefit of being extremely cheap to produce compared to legal, branded products. Counterfeit alcohol can be laced or made with substances such as battery acid, methanol, or embalming fluid.

There have been 150 deaths attributed to alcohol poisoning in Assam, a state of India, from bootleg alcohol. According to the 2018 IARD report, 29 percent of total alcohol sales in the Dominican Republic are from illegal alcohol sales.

To ensure you are not drinking counterfeit alcohol, always drink at licensed bars and restaurants, and drink brands you recognize. It’s important to check the spelling on the label of bottles and that label is firmly secured. The seal of liquor should always be secure and never tampered with. You can also hold a bottle upside down to inspect for any unidentified particles or sediments.

Liquor in foreign countries can be much cheaper to purchase; however, it may not always be the best choice. Always inspect products before purchasing and be cautious of consumption.

Semi-Truck Explodes on I-94 Killing 2 in Racine County

June 21, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Just before 11 am on Wednesday morning, two semi-truck drivers were killed in a multi-vehicle car crash on I-94 in Racine County, Wisconsin.

Northbound and southbound lanes were closed throughout the day and into Thursday afternoon, though southbound lanes reopened around 8:30 p.m.

According to ABC 7 Chicago, a semi-truck driver was driving southbound attempting to switch lanes when it over-corrected and lost control before hitting the median wall of the interstate, bursting into flames. As a result of the collision, three other vehicles collided into each other and the median wall.

Another semi-truck traveling northbound attempted to avoid the crash by turning into a ditch lane, in which he drove off the road, and burst into flames. The truck plunged nearly 30 feet off the right side of the highway, onto another road. The semi-trailer caught fire before exploding.

Two semi-truck drivers died at the scene, and at least two others were taken to a local hospital and sustained minor injuries.

Semi-truck accidents or collisions can be rare, but when they occur, they can be catastrophic. The average weight of a commercial vehicle is roughly 80,000-230,000 pounds. Semi-trucks also require a longer distance to stop. If a semi is driving 55 miles per hour, it will take about 400 feet to come to a complete stop (Safer America, 2019). Please keep these thoughts in mind when passing in a semi-drivers blind spot or driving past any commercial truck.