Law Offices of Robert G. Schock FindLaw IM Template2024-03-18T14:14:24Zhttps://www.robertgschock.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=498712024-02-17T21:46:12Z2024-02-20T21:45:13ZChallenges in daily activities
Simple tasks that were once effortless may become daunting challenges. Activities like getting in and out of bed, taking a shower or even going up and down stairs can become tough. The loss of mobility can also impact one's ability to participate in recreational activities or hobbies, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.
Emotional impact and mental health
In addition to physical limitations, the emotional toll of a serious vehicle crash is also an important factor. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression are common psychological effects experienced by crash survivors. These mental health conditions can increase feelings of helplessness and impede one's motivation to engage in physical rehabilitation or seek support.
Adjustment and complications
Adjusting to life after a vehicle crash often requires adapting to a new normal. This may involve undergoing extensive physical therapy, learning to use mobility aids such as wheelchairs or prosthetics and making modifications to one's home to accommodate physical limitations. These adjustments can be challenging physically and financially.
Need for support and resources
Navigating a change in mobility requires a strong support system and access to resources that cater to the specific needs of crash survivors. This may include medical professionals and physical therapists who offer assistance with transportation, accessibility modifications and emotional support.
From physical injuries to emotional trauma, the journey to recovery is often long and challenging. However, with the right support and resources, individuals can adapt to their new circumstances and thrive despite the obstacles they face after a serious vehicle crash.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=498692023-11-29T16:28:22Z2023-11-29T16:28:22ZCommunication issues
One big reason for surgical mistakes is not enough communication within the surgical team. Clear and effective communication is important during surgical procedures to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Mistakes can happen if there is miscommunication about patient information, surgical plans or equipment use. Surgeons and supporting staff need to work together well to lower the risk of errors.
Fatigue and burnout
Surgeons and other medical staff may feel tired and burnt out, affecting their thinking and decision-making. Tired medical professionals are more likely to make mistakes.
Lack of standardization
Surgical procedures can differ, and each case has its own challenges. However, not having standard practices in some aspects of surgery can lead to mistakes.
If there are inconsistencies between healthcare institutions, differences in equipment use or a failure to follow established rules, mistakes may occur. Following the same procedures and making sure every team follows any guidelines available can help reduce this risk.
Technical challenges
Modern surgery depends a lot on advanced medical equipment and technology. Technical challenges, like equipment malfunctions or not enough training on new technologies, can be a big problem.
Poor planning
Good planning before surgery is important for its success. Surgeons need to carefully review patient records, do thorough assessments and think about possible complications. Mistakes can happen if there is not enough preparation or if they do not consider all the factors.
Considering there are around 140,000 medical residents in America as of 2020, the medical community needs to continue to learn from these challenges. Understanding the reasons behind mistakes can lead to improvements in patient safety.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=498662023-08-24T17:10:24Z2023-08-24T16:24:34ZFence it in
Erecting a sturdy fence around your pool area is paramount. The fence should be at least four feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens outward. This physical barrier serves as a deterrent, preventing young children from accessing the pool unsupervised.
Maintain constant vigilance
Active supervision is irreplaceable. Never leave children unattended near the pool, even for a moment. Designate a responsible adult as the designated "water watcher" during gatherings or playdates, ensuring that eyes are always on the water.
Use floatation devices
While they are no substitute for supervision, life jackets can provide an added layer of safety, especially for young or inexperienced swimmers. Make sure only to use proper devices and not floaties, which do not provide a safe floatation option.
Educate your kids
Teach your children about pool safety from a young age. Make sure they understand the dangers of the pool and the rules for using it. Emphasize that they should never swim alone and should always ask for permission before going near the water.
Remove temptations
To prevent unsupervised access, keep toys, chairs and other objects away from the pool. These items can tempt curious children to climb over the fence, creating a potential hazard.
Install and use alarms and pool covers
Consider installing alarms that can alert you when someone enters the pool area. Additionally, pool covers can be effective in preventing accidental falls. However, make sure you buy a safety cover that can hold up if someone falls or walks on it.
By implementing these proactive measures, you can create a safe environment for your children to enjoy the pool. Remember, pool safety is a shared responsibility that rests on the shoulders of parents, caregivers and the community as a whole.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=498582023-05-17T13:51:49Z2023-05-17T13:51:49Zwrong-way car accidents are fairly rare in Oakland. But they do happen. And because the force of two vehicles colliding head-on at highway speeds is so great, these crashes are much more likely to cause fatal or severely disabling injuries.
Three causes of wrong-way wrecks
Few responsible drivers ever cross a highway median or enter through an exit ramp. It can be baffling to imagine how a motorist can end up on the wrong side of the road without apparently realizing. The National Transportation Safety Board published a study in 2012 that identified several common reasons for wrong-way crashes, including:
Alcohol and/or drug impairment
Older age with its associated limitations, like reduced vision and dementia
Poor lighting and/or signage to warn drivers
Obviously, drugs and alcohol can impair judgment and reduce alertness. So can being older for many drivers. And no matter how careful and alert a motorist is, they can get confused by an unfamiliar exit that lacks sufficient lighting, a Wrong Way sign and other safety measures.
Negligence can lead to disaster
All three of these factors involve negligence. Driving while drunk or high is a dangerous choice. So is continuing to drive despite physical or mental infirmities. And city, county and state governments have a responsibility to keep the roads maintained, well-lit and clearly marked with signs. Negligence from a driver or government entity that leads to a terrible wrong-way car accident means that they are liable for their victims' injuries.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=497522023-03-07T12:12:01Z2023-02-27T21:21:08Zlimit the adverse effects of prescription drugs, faulty medication can still become available for public consumption.
Knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions may help patients determine if defective prescription medications have caused their injuries.
What are the common symptoms caused by defective prescription drugs?
Prescription drugs undergo extensive testing, and manufacturers must list known side effects. However, unknown adverse effects might occur, and known effects can take longer to show up. Some symptoms to look for are liver or kidney failure, cancer and heart failure. These illnesses can lead to life-altering injuries or death.
What are the different reasons you can file defective drug lawsuits?
There are several reasons why injured patients may be able to file lawsuits. If any of the following occur, patients might consider filing a claim:
Failure to warn - the manufacturer knew of side effects that were not reported, or inadequate testing failed to reveal these adverse effects
Defective manufacturing - contamination or faulty equipment leads to a dangerous product
Bad design - the intended formula is not safe
Injured parties can file lawsuits against the manufacturer, research labs and doctors.
What do you have to prove in a lawsuit?
While everyone is susceptible to experiencing side effects when taking new medications, specific circumstances must exist to file prescription medication product liability lawsuits. You must experience an illness or injury, the product must be faulty due to one of the reasons listed above, and your illness or injury directly results from the medication.
If you experience adverse effects or injuries due to defective prescription medications, lawsuits can help you recover damages.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=497512023-03-07T12:12:10Z2022-11-22T15:55:48Zcar accident in full with your agent, but there are some things you should not share with your insurer after an incident.
You are fine
It can take hours after an accident to realize that you received an injury due to your adrenaline. Therefore, never tell your insurer that you are fine unless and until you have seen your doctor and undergone a full examination. Make sure a medical professional documents all your injuries, and keep records of these documents and your medical records. Also, avoid signing anything, including a medical release, because it may impact any medical distributions your insurance company owes you.
Opinion statements
Your insurance company needs the facts of the accident. You should have a copy of the police report and discuss what happened. Only share solid facts, things you know. Never discuss your opinions with your agent. If you do not know the answer to any question, do not guess. Just say that you do not know.
Also, avoid providing unnecessary details, such as your speed or distractions while you were driving. Do not discuss your vehicle’s customizations or any other fact that the insurance company can use to reduce or deny your claim.
Your insurance company’s goal is to increase corporate profits. Protect yourself by not offering or consenting to any recorded statements or accepting their first settlement offer.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=497492023-03-07T12:12:17Z2022-08-26T19:38:00ZWhat to do in the immediate aftermath
First, ensure your own safety by moving out of the road and away from any curbs to minimize further harm. If you or anyone else have serious injuries, you should contact emergency services as soon as possible. You should also call the police to obtain a report of the accident.
While you wait, avoid blaming the other party or taking responsibility for the collision. Instead, try to remain calm and polite as you exchange contact and insurance information. You can also use this time to take photographs of the accident, including any damage to your bicycle or other personal property.
Steps to take after reporting the accident
After you give your account of the accident to the police, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not think you have any injuries, visit a healthcare provider to assess your condition because some symptoms are not immediately evident. Furthermore, you should document any changes to your health as they occur.
In addition, you should keep any evidence from the accident, including your damaged bicycle and gear. A personal injury attorney can advise you on your legal options and help you handle conversations with insurance companies.
Experiencing a traffic collision is a stressful experience for any cyclist. Fortunately, taking the proper steps after your accident can help you obtain a fair outcome.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=497462023-03-07T12:12:24Z2022-05-21T14:37:57ZCauses of fires after a crash
Cars essentially exist as a fireball waiting to happen. Due to the electrical components and highly combustible parts like the gas and the high heat of the engine, all it really takes is a crash for some part to spark and catch fire. Unfortunately, this can result in some serious burn injuries.
Temple Health discusses the severity of burn injuries. The most severe burns are third-degree burns, with second degree falling between that and the mildest burns, first degree.
Most likely, in a car crash that involves fire, a victim will suffer from second or even third-degree burns. These burns can have an immediate and frightening impact on the victim's health, as well as repercussions that last years or even a lifetime.
Second- and third-degree burns
Second-degree burns involve at least two layers of the skin and often come along with blisters and extreme amounts of pain. Victims may end up infected via open wounds if they do not get quick medical treatment.
Third-degree burns can involve all layers of tissue and may even affect the bone and muscle. Victims may not feel pain due to nerve damage, and the intensity of these burns can send a victim into shock. Both types of burns require immediate medical care.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=496062023-03-07T12:12:30Z2022-03-02T00:46:09ZLead to more serious injury
The delayed symptom may be the sign of a much more serious injury. Sometimes, you may not even initially notice it.
However, The pain may emerge hours, days, weeks and months after the initial incident. You may wake up in the middle of the night with an excruciating headache or severe back and abdominal pain. In some cases, you may not wake up at all.
Headaches: A headache may be the sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury, leading to memory loss, depression, vision and hearing loss as well as bleeding on the brain. Several weeks of rest and medication may help you.
Back pain: When a driver strikes your car from behind, you likely will experience some back discomfort. Vertebrae and disc issues may appear, potentially leading to a lifetime of physician and chiropractor visits.
Abdominal discomfort: With bruising and worsening pain, you may have internal bleeding. Organs such as your heart, lungs, liver and spleen may have sustained damage. Without swift medical treatment, these injuries could prove fatal.
Tingling and numbness: This symptom usually appears in the arms and legs, representing nerve damage as well as whiplash.
A change in behavior: Subtle behavioral changes point to a head injury such as a concussion. A personality change also is possible as your kind and gentle aunt transforms into a foul-mouthed, abrasive and unpleasant individual.
Any of these symptoms point to a potentially serious injury.
Do not ignore the signs
You may have a serious injury and not even be aware of it until well after a collision. Understand that these situations are possible. Do not ignore these signs no matter how small or subtle. Seek medical treatment. Your future self will thank you.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Robert G. Schockhttps://www.robertgschock.com/?p=496042023-03-07T12:12:37Z2022-02-02T00:12:54ZKnowing what to look for
In the hours and days after an accident, it can be easy to dismiss symptoms as being from stress from the accident. Therefore, it is essential to trust your loved ones when they mention that something is different. Your loved one may mention warning signs, such as:
Increased irritation
Changes in sleep patterns
Behavioral changes
Difficulty waking from sleep
While these are not definitive indicators of a traumatic brain injury, when you or a loved one mentions these symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
What’s the prognosis of a TBI?
There is a broad spectrum of traumatic brain injuries. While some only require minor rehabilitation, others could require surgery. A severe TBI could lead to coma if left untreated.
In most cases, the sooner you can get treatment for your TBI, the better your chances are of a successful recovery. While you may have lasting effects from your injury, you can improve your prognosis with immediate and proper support.]]>