Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC FindLaw IM Template2025-03-31T13:35:55Zhttps://www.nlh-lawblog.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[Medication errors and the effects on nursing home residents]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523682022-04-18T11:14:28Z2022-04-21T11:14:03ZThe prevalence of medication errors
Reporting and reducing medication errors should be a top priority for nurses. However, current medical reporting systems are not designed to capture all medication errors. Some errors are even deliberate acts of medical malpractice and are not being properly investigated.
The impact of nursing home negligence
According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society report, medication errors that occur in nursing homes are vastly underreported. Nursing home negligence is being investigated particularly because of the vulnerability of the residents. Medication errors are estimated to occur in 16-31% of all patients.
The study adds that the adverse effects related to the incorrect administration of medications are low with 1% of medication errors leading to accidental deaths. Whether medication errors lead to worsened health conditions is yet to be determined in further studies. In the meantime, nursing home workers are encouraged to take proper care of their patients and stop all preventable deaths.
Preventing future medical incidents
The average nursing home resident consumes several pills every week or even every day, making this population particularly vulnerable to errors when it comes to medication. An adverse drug reaction could result in incomplete or inaccurate information being reported to a health care agency. Nursing home residents and workers need to be informed of the dangers of drug misuse and the methods that help protect patients from errors.]]>On Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[Highway driving safety tips]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523332022-03-14T23:00:46Z2022-03-14T23:00:46ZBe mindful of your speed
Speed limits on the highway are much higher than on regular roads. The speed limit can vary from 50 to over 80 miles per hour. This means that you will be driving much faster than you usually do, and the surrounding cars will be doing the same.
This is why you need to be mindful of how fast you are going. You should always try to stay within the speed limit even though there will be others on the highway going 100 miles per hour or faster. If you are driving too fast and end up losing control, you could end up in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident (MVA) that could even be fatal.
Try to avoid rush hour
It would be best for you to only drive on the highway during slow hours if you don't have much experience with it. You don't want to be an inexperienced driver on the highway during rush hour when there are substantially more cars on the road than any other time throughout the day. Rush hour is typically between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., so you should try to get on the highway before or after that.
Stay alert
One of the most important tips is to stay alert and be very aware of everything going on around you. Due to the higher speed limit, the highway is substantially more dangerous than regular roads. You need to get rid of any distractions and make sure that you are 100% focused on the road and the surrounding cars.
Driving on the highway may seem scary, but it is a necessary skill to learn as a new driver. After driving on the highway a few times, you will realize that it isn't as hard as you may have thought it was.]]>On Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[When accident litigation is necessary in Missouri]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523612022-03-14T23:01:49Z2022-02-10T03:57:02ZWhen accident litigation is necessary
When the other driver was negligent - For example, if the driver that caused the accident was drunk, distracted or speeding.
When you've suffered significant injuries - If your injuries resulted in extensive medical bills or caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation.
When someone dies - If one of your passengers dies because of the accident, you may file a lawsuit against the other driver.
When the insurance company isn't offering a fair settlement - Sometimes, the insurance company may offer compensation that barely covers the damages and medical bills; if this is the case for you, you could seek damages from the driver.
Things to do when proceeding with accident litigation
Gather sufficient evidence after the motor vehicle accident. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, note down information about the other driver, talk with witnesses of the scene and take their contact information, and have copies of your medical records. Every detail is critical in court.
How long after a car accident can you sue?
According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the other driver. However, if someone died in the accident, you have a maximum of three years.
If you file a lawsuit after the above time limits have passed, the defendant can move to dismiss the case because you violated the statute of limitations. Unless some rare exception applies, the court will almost certainly grant the motion.
Going to court could be helpful because you might get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Before you file a lawsuit, ensure you are well prepared to prove your case.]]>On Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[How to drive safely around large trucks]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523592021-12-16T00:13:45Z2021-12-16T00:13:45ZWhat are some of the most common ways that truck accidents occur?
It's common for motor vehicles to crash into the side of trucks while trying to pass them on the road. This can happen because trucks take longer than motor vehicles to stop, and it's difficult for other motorists to judge how long that might take based on their speed alone.
While driving behind a truck at night, drivers may not be able to see what is happening in front of the truck if its taillights are not functioning or are significantly obscured by mud and debris. This can lead to motor vehicle accidents when drivers crash into the back of trucks when they slow down, stop suddenly or change lanes abruptly without warning.
Large trucks may also have cargo that's not properly secured, which can cause items to fall off or shift during transport. These items can then become a major hazard when they hit motor vehicles or cause them to veer off the road.
How can you drive safely around large trucks?
It's important to remember that trucks need a greater distance of stopping than smaller vehicles do. When following behind them on the road, you should leave at least three seconds between your car and theirs in case they have to brake suddenly or change lanes without warning.
If you're driving near large trucks at night, be sure to keep your headlights on high beam so that the driver can see you better. Whenever possible, avoid driving in their blind spot.
When passing a truck on the road, make sure there is plenty of room between your car and the truck before doing so. Remember that trucks take longer than cars to stop, so don't start passing until you know that it's safe to do so.
In general, you can reduce your risk of being in an accident with a truck by being aware of their size and limitations and by obeying the rules of the road. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe when driving around large trucks.]]>On Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[How to spot nursing home negligence]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523472021-10-07T21:34:56Z2021-10-07T21:34:56ZWhat are some common signs of neglect?
Nursing home neglect may be obvious or subtle depending on what tasks are being neglected as well as the individual resident’s mannerisms. And not every resident in a nursing home will be neglected in the same way.
If a nursing home resident is progressively becoming more confused or disoriented, that’s a huge reason for concern. Either something may be wrong with his or her medication, or it could be a sign of other neglect.
Another common indication of nursing home neglect is physical decline. If your loved one is having more trouble walking, sitting up or going to the bathroom by him or herself, that may be a sign that the nursing home staff isn’t taking him or her for walks or helping him or her leave the bed as much it should be.
Other signs of physical decline include things like weight loss and extreme body odor. Body odor may indicate that your loved one is not being bathed properly, and weight loss could mean he or she is not getting enough food.
Some signs of severe neglect may include sudden injuries, like broken bones or bruises. Nursing home residents are also prone to developing bedsores and rashes from not being lifted from their beds as often as they need to be.
What are some ways to avoid nursing home neglect?
Reviewing the nursing home thoroughly before placing your loved one there is the obvious first step. Other steps include knowing your loved one’s care plan and being in frequent communication with the staff.
However, nursing home neglect can come out of nowhere regardless of how involved you are. It’s important to report any signs of neglect that you see and contact an attorney as soon as possible.]]>On Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[Missouri lawmakers urged to pass texting law for drivers]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523432021-08-11T19:36:44Z2021-08-11T19:36:44ZSurge in cellphone-related accidents
The Missouri Coalition for Road Safety is a partnership of road safety advocates that has called for a cellphone ban for drivers. After scrutinizing data from agencies and organizations including the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Governors Highway Safety Association, the group discovered that the number of cellphone-related crashes in the state rose by a worrying 31% between 2014 and 2018.
Safer roads
The advocacy group also points out that 12 of the 15 states that passed a law banning the use of handheld electronic devices while behind the wheel had a noticeable reduction in motor vehicle accident deaths within two years. In six states and the District of Columbia, the drop in fatalities was greater than 20%. Results like these have prompted lawmakers in Missouri to take action and draft bills that would ban texting and driving and the use of handheld cellphones. Illinois already has such a law on the books and enforces it rigorously.
An underreported problem
While distracted driving statistics may be worrying, experts say the true death toll could be much higher because distraction leaves no telltale clues behind for accident investigators. This can also make proving distraction challenging for accident victims who pursue personal injury lawsuits. Evidence that could be used to demonstrate that a driver was using a cellphone when they crashed or took no evasive action to avoid an accident includes wireless service records and the information stored on automobile data recorders.]]>On Behalf of Nichols Lang & Hamlin, LLC<![CDATA[Staying safe on your drive to Six Flags]]>https://www.nlh-lawblog.com/?p=2523372021-06-15T22:02:37Z2021-06-15T22:02:37ZBe mindful of your speed
Speed limits on the highway can vary from 50 to over 80 miles per hour. You should always try to stay within the speed limit, even though there will be others on the highway going 100 miles per hour or faster. If you are driving too fast and end up losing control, you could end up in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident.
Try to avoid rush hour
You'll generally want to avoid planning your drive to Six Flags during busy traffic hours. Rush hour is typically between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., so you should try to get on the highway before or after that.
Stay alert
One of the most important tips is to stay alert, and be very aware of everything going on around you. It can be tempting to try to tend to your children while driving, but it's more important to keep focused on the road to keep your family safe.
Driving on the I-44 may seem scary, but paying close attention and driving defensively can get you and your family to Six Flags safely so you can enjoy your trip.]]>