The holidays are a magical time, particularly for children – music, fun, sweets, and toys, toys, toys! As parents scurry to create that magical experience for their youngsters, however, our experienced Chicago injury attorneys urge a measure of caution. Each year, many children are hurt or killed by their holiday presents – dangerous toys which… Read More
Train Accident Releases Toxic Chemicals
Despite efforts in recent years to shore up and repair the nation’s bridges, last week saw yet another bridge collapse – this time a railroad bridge in New Jersey. As our Chicago train accident attorneys know, bridge collapses can be among the most devastating of train accidents, as numerous cars often derail and endanger both… Read More
Football Helmet Research Furthers Brain Injury Understanding
As understanding and awareness of the risk of concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries grows, fans’ appreciation of the sound of football helmets colliding shrinks. But thanks to researchers at the Naval Academy, this cracking sound may be the source of new information about how brain injuries occur, and how to prevent and treat… Read More
Pradaxa Death Toll Continues to Rise
In yet another example of a drug meant to help patients, which in fact causes incalculable danger, injury, and death, the drug Pradaxa is receiving increasing scrutiny as its death toll continues to mount. Pradaxa, also known as dabigatran, is used to prevent strokes in those who have atrial fibrillation, a heart-rhythm disorder. The condition… Read More
Study: Doctors Offended by Patient Safety Reminders
One of the simplest ways to prevent life-threatening infections in hospitals is for physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to simply wash their hands before and after seeing patients. Study after study has shown that when physicians actually follow this basic hygiene protocol, the rate of infections – and resulting deaths – plummets. Yet study… Read More
Trucking Industry Attacks Crucial Safety Program
During recent congressional hearings on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program (the CSA program), the trucking industry took aim at this important program, attempting to undermine this important safety program. In fact, the American Trucking Association, while claiming to support the safety goals of the CSA program, told a congressional panel… Read More
The Truth About “Defensive Medicine”
“Defensive Medicine” is a concept created by the medical insurance industry to describe a practice of doctors ordering “unnecessary” tests and treatment for patients as a response to “out of control” medical malpractice lawsuits. The reality of defensive medicine, however, is something totally different. This summer the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies published a comprehensive… Read More
Roller Coaster Safety Exposed in Illinois
In Illinois, as in most states this time of year, thousands of families flock to amusement parks, carnivals and entertainment centers for the main attraction: roller coasters. Parents spend millions of dollars every year to allow their children, often young children, the thrill of amusement rides, including roller coasters. In return they expect one thing:… Read More
Traffic Fatalities on the Rise in US
The American auto industry is continually touting improved safety features. With the many improvements in seatbelts, airbags, auto design, and new gadgets and features aimed at eliminating human error and distracted driving, one would expect a decrease in auto accidents and traffic fatalities in America. Unfortunately, however, this is not the case. Data from the… Read More
fMRI and Brain Injury Detection
Although many people are familiar with MRIs and their diagnostic properties, very few people have heard of fMRIs, or functional magnetic resonance imaging. While the two tests have a great deal in common, MRIs are used to image the structure of the brain, while fMRIs are used to provide a visual representation of activity within… Read More