Coral Gables, Florida Personal Injury Law Blog
What is Central Cord Syndrome?
Central Cord Syndrome (CCS) is an injury that occurs in the center of the spinal cord that causes nerve damage which impedes or destroys the ability of the brain to communicate with some part of the body, usually the victim’s hands or arms, and in rare instances, the legs. How Does Central Cord Syndrome Occur? CCS usually happens from a neck (cervical) hyper-extension injury. This type of injury occurs when the head is forcefully tilted back. The forceful extension of the neck can cause squeezing and compression of the spinal cord. This can occur in: Automobile accidents. Falls. Sports...
read moreFailed Bunion Surgery/Bunionectomy
A bunion is a bump on the side of your foot that forms near the base of your big toe. Bunions usually occur when the big toe pushes against the toe next in line, which causes the joint of the big toe to become larger and protrude. When bunions grow too large, they become very painful and can negatively impact your life. A bunionectomy is done to realign you bones and reduce the size of the bump on the side of your foot. This is also known as bunion surgery. It is a treatment to correct bunions. There are...
read moreComplications During Prostatectomy Surgery
Prostate surgery or surgery to remove the prostate otherwise know as a Prostatectomy is associated with many potential complications and surgeons who do not follow the applicable standard of care can, through their negligence, cause life-changing complications. It is estimated that roughly 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Many other men will suffer from an enlarged prostate without getting cancer, otherwise known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and surgery may be the only treatment option. Regardless, if surgery is selected as the treatment, there are...
read moreNerve Damage from Surgery
Nerve Damage from Surgery Surgery is invasive, and any invasive procedure comes with several risks. Even after successful surgeries, many people suffer from complications. Nerves can be accidentally damaged when a doctor nicks them, cuts them, damages the myelin (sheath of protection), or causes the scar tissue to put pressure on a nerve. Some types of nerve damage are the result of medical malpractice. If a surgeon was insufficiently careful, a victim could suffer nerve damage that could have otherwise been unavoidable. Nerves could even be damaged during the administration of anesthesia. There are 3 basic types of anesthesia: local,...
read moreSlip-And-Fall in Apartment Building
Slip-And-Fall in Apartment Building After a slip-and-fall, life could change and get difficult. You may sustain major injuries such as broken bones or a concussion. Even a minor injury could leave you with hefty medical bills and lost wages that create a financial hardship for you and your family. If you happen to slip-and-fall while in your apartment complex, you may be wondering what actions you should take to deal with the consequences that came as a result of your accident. Who Could Be Held Liable? Depending on the nature of your injury and the circumstances of your case, you...
read moreComplications of IV Therapy – Infiltration/Extravasation
What is intravenous therapy, also known as IV? It is a delivery method used to administer fluids like electrolytes and medications through a small catheter needle that is inserted into a vein, usually, in the hand or arm to deliver whichever fluid necessary. This form of therapy is widely used as it is convenient, however, it is not always reliable or safe, and serious complications can arise. Complications may develop when the catheter is improperly inserted or placed, or when medical staff does not adequately monitor the area. Complications, such as IV infiltration and extravasation can occur as well. IV...
read moreTorn Meniscus
What is a torn meniscus? The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone, kneecap, and tibia to prevent them from rubbing against each other.[1] It also functions as a shock absorption, allowing us to walk and run without damaging the bones that meet at the knee.[2] Each knee joint contains two menisci. Damage to this is a torn meniscus. It is one of the most common types of knee injuries.[3] A meniscus tear rarely heals on its own. Once it tears, use of the knee prevents healing and may aggravate the situation.[4]...
read moreObstetric Emergencies and Conditions – Delivery Room Errors
Labor and delivery can quickly transform from what should be one of the happiest moments of your life into a life-threatening emergency for both mother and baby. However, when Labor and Delivery Nurses or Obstetricians do not follow the standard of care in an emergency situation, their negligence can cause devastating injuries, or even death, to both the mother and baby. Some of the more common delivery room errors include: Delayed Cesarean Section Delivery: Delay in performing a C-Section is, by far, the leading cause of malpractice-related birth injuries because negligent delay in performing an emergency C-Section is known to...
read moreHypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen before, during, or after a baby is born. HIE is otherwise known as birth asphyxia which can be characterized by a lack of oxygen in the baby’s blood (hypoxia) or a lack of blood flow to the baby’s brain (ischemia). Causes of HIE Unfortunately, there are many different possible causes of HIE. Sometimes, the cause of fetal HIE is unknown. Some of the known possible causes are:[1] Maternal diabetes with vascular disease Problems with blood circulation to the placenta Preeclampsia Chronic hypertension Cardiac disease Congenital infections of the fetus...
read moreFlorida’s Marchman Act
The Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act is otherwise known as the Marchman Act. The Florida Legislature enacted the Marchman Act to help combat the growing drug and alcohol addiction epidemic. The Marchman Act established a statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council and requires each county in Florida to fund a treatment-based drug court program that people can be directed to by court order. The Marchman act also guides how individuals can be involuntarily committed to drug or alcohol addiction treatment. Involuntary Admission Under the Marchman Act Under the act, someone may only be admitted involuntarily if: They...
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