When our client came to us after suffering severe burn injuries in a Chicago-area health club steam room, we did not know whether there was a case. The only thing we knew was that our client followed his typical early morning routine: workout at his local gym followed by a steam in the men’s locker… Read More
Severe Burn Injuries — Surprisingly Common and Often Catastrophic
We know from experience that second and third-degree burns can leave painful physical — as well as emotional — scars. Some burn injury survivors find themselves in specialized burn centers while others spend months in rehab. The physical and emotional recovery process can be excruciating and life-long. Second and Third-Degree Burns Unfortunately, burns are quite… Read More
PTSD Following Traumatic Injuries
Many people are aware that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur after serving in combat or following an assault. But PTSD can also develop after suffering a traumatic injury in an accident, such as a car crash or explosion. We also commonly see clients who have developed PTSD following sexual abuse or assault. What is… Read More
Laser Cosmetic Surgery Abuse
Laser skin rejuvenation procedures have grown in popularity among Americans who are trying to turn back the clock. The procedures that are most often requested by people who are seeking to reverse signs of aging include skin resurfacing and skin tightening, usually in the facial area. Lasers are also commonly used to improve the appearance… Read More
Occupational Burn Injuries
Passen & Powell recently secured a substantial multi-million dollar jury verdict against a chemical company for severe burn injuries sustained by a man in a household explosion. Severe burn injuries also often arise in the workplace. Burns can result from injuries sustained in various differing occupations in which an individual is exposed to an… Read More
Negligent Splinting Of Childhood Fractures
Childhood Fractures are Common It is estimated that approximately 27 percent of girls and 42 percent of boys will have a fractured (broken) bone by the time they reach the age of 16, and some doctors believe that figure is higher. Even though fractures are very common, many pediatricians do not know how to place… Read More
$10.9 Million Verdict in Home Explosion
Man severely burned in home explosion caused by ignition of defective concrete sealer vapors by water heater pilot light.
Result: $10.9 Million Jury Verdict
Failure to Diagnose Compartment Syndrome
Patients frequently visit the Emergency Department with musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures. The standard practice is for the doctors to obtain radiographic images (X-rays), then reduce and immobilize the fracture. If the fracture is fairly simple to reduce, without the need for neurovascular injury, then the patient is generally referred to an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor… Read More
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome refers to a type of chronic pain syndrome that is thought to be the result of damage to the peripheral or central nervous system, typically after an acute injury to a limb. This is a vexing condition in which the malfunctioning nervous system produces signals that result in the perception of… Read More
Melanoma: Failure to Diagnose
A review of data from a physician owned professional liability insurer in the US that insures over 1,000 pathologists throughout the country reveals a recurrent problem in the misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose melanoma. A study done by the liability insurer of all pathology claims reported between 1990 to 2001 demonstrated that 8.6% of these claims… Read More
