Cerebral Palsy and Aging
Cerebral palsy (CP), often caused by medical malpractice during birth, affects the brain and the nervous system of newborns, persisting throughout their lifetime. This condition often requires extensive physical and emotional therapy. As newborns and adults with CP age, various complications may arise, necessitating extensive and costly medical care. It is crucial for families to consult…
Read MoreA Washington, DC Regulator Reports That the Metro Is Failing to Provide Quality Safety Practices
In January 2024, The Washington Post reported that the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission released an audit analyzing the Metro’s Automatic Train Control (ATC) and Signals Program. According to the report, Metro workers responsible for maintaining safety systems designed to prevent collisions were found to be non-compliant with internal procedures. The audit highlighted instances where overseeing…
Read MoreStudy Finds Hormones For Menopause Are Safe
A new study finds that the benefits of hormone therapy for treating menopause symptoms outweigh the risks. Menopause experts say it is time to revisit hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially for women under the age of 60. The study, published in early May on the JAMA Network, had markedly different results than the landmark Women’s…
Read MoreNew Guidelines Recommend Mammograms Should Begin at Age 40
The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released new guidelines concerning mammograms – most specifically, that women should start breast cancer screenings at age 40. States Wanda Nicholson, MD, MPH, MBA, and USPSTF Chair: More women in their 40s have been getting breast cancer, with rates increasing about 2% each year. By starting to…
Read MoreEarly Discharge of Patients Can Be Medical Malpractice
Doctors spend several years training for their medical specialty, meaning patients trust and depend on them to make the right decisions regarding their health. However, discharging patients too soon is a common mistake made by doctors, which can also be considered medical malpractice. Whether you travel to a top-ranking medical facility in Washington, DC for…
Read MorePregnancy and Pulmonary Embolism: What You Need to Know
Complications during labor and delivery can arise at any time, affecting both the mother and the baby. One of the most serious complications that may occur is a pulmonary embolism, which can cause life-long problems or even death. It is usually the medical provider’s responsibility to detect, diagnose, and treat pulmonary embolisms as quickly as…
Read MoreIs It Hard to Sue a Washington, D.C. Hospital for Medical Malpractice?
Suing a hospital for medical malpractice can be very difficult in Washington, D.C. These types of lawsuits usually involve complicated facts, details, and legal issues, which must all be addressed appropriately. In addition, hospitals and their insurance companies are known to put up a fierce defense, often resulting in lengthy and drawn-out trials. However, with…
Read MoreThe FMCSA Did the Right Thing When It Comes to CDLs
Some states want to be exempt from the CDL skills test. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) believes that the skills test is absolutely necessary when it comes to safety. This was the right thing to do, as there are certain skills that semi-truck drivers must possess before they get behind the wheel…
Read MoreWomen Are Getting Pregnant on Ozempic, Much to Their Surprise
The newest trend from women taking Ozempic: surprise pregnancies. Women across the country are reporting unexpected pregnancies despite birth control or history fertility problems. These babies are dubbed the “Ozempic babies.” While many women happily welcome their unexpected pregnancies, many also experience alarming side effects, leading many health experts to ask: is Ozempic a dangerous…
Read MoreVehicle Automation Systems Aren’t Safe
A recently-implemented ratings program from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) illustrates the safety of driving automation systems (also called automated driving systems). What does the data show? Almost all existing driving automation systems are not where they should be, and many auto manufacturers have a lot of work to do to get their…
Read MoreCan a Massage Cause a Carotid Artery Dissection?
According to an article published by NBC News, a 41-year-old mother, Stefanie Smith, recently died while returning home on a plane from the Dominican Republic. Reports say, she started having convulsions in the middle of the flight. Convulsions typically indicate that a person is suffering from a seizure, infection, traumatic brain injury, or a high…
Read MoreIs “Over-Diagnosing” Cancer an Act of Medical Malpractice?
Most people believe that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin, which is generally a win-win situation. However, some experts say aggressive treatment of breast cancer in women over 75 might not necessarily be the right option. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, “[o]verdiagnosis is increasingly…
Read MoreWe Need Better Follow-up Care for New Mothers
Having a baby is a miraculous and joyful event. However, lack of sleep, fatigue, breastfeeding difficulties, stress, new or aggravated emotional disorders, and urinary incontinence are often also present and must be addressed. Postpartum care for women and infants—with services and support fitted to each mother’s individual needs—is essential for the welfare of the family.…
Read MoreWashington, DC Is #4 for Fetal Deaths
For the past 15 years, fetal deaths, also known as stillbirths, have declined in the United States. However, stillbirths in the District of Columbia have exceeded the national average for the last 10+ years. According to the 2022 DC Health Infant Mortality Report, non-Hispanic Black babies were three to five times more likely to die in…
Read MoreAmniotic Fluid Embolism Is a Catastrophic Complication
Amniotic fluid embolism is a sudden, unforeseeable, unpreventable, and alarming complication of pregnancy. It occurs when a large amount of amniotic fluid abnormally enters the mother’s bloodstream during labor or immediately before or after delivery, resulting in severe damage and, at times, even the mother’s death. What is amniotic fluid embolism? Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE)…
Read MoreWashington, DC Scores a C- on the March of Dimes 2023 Report Card
Each year, the March of Dimes hands out report cards to every state in the country regarding maternal and infant health. This year, for the first time, they are including maternal mortality, leading causes of infant death, and risk factors for preterm birth. Washington, DC has scored a C- on the report card this year,…
Read MoreWhat Are the Four “D”s of Medical Malpractice?
The four “D”s of medical malpractice are: Duty, Deviation from standard of care, Damages, and Direct cause. All four of these elements are legally required and must be established in order to file a medical malpractice claim and pursue damages successfully. If you’re unsure if your experiences fit within these boundaries, the best thing you…
Read MoreThe Number of Car Accidents in Washington, D.C. Continues to Rise
Many people visit or live in Washington, D.C. because of its beautiful buildings, diverse food options, employment opportunities, top-tier colleges and schools, and more. We think D.C. is a great city, but like many cities, it is plagued by car accidents – and the number of crashes just keeps rising. According to an article published…
Read MoreDrunk Driver Sentenced to Prison for Killing Passenger in a D.C. Uber
Many times, individuals who have been partying and had too many drinks consider Uber to be a true lifesaver as it can get them home safe and sound. However, just like with everything else, there are risks that come with using rideshare services, including car accidents. A horrific car accident took place in Northwest Washington,…
Read MoreHow Long Do You Have to Sue for Medical Malpractice in Washington, DC?
Victims of medical malpractice can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for the harms they have suffered. To do so, they must file within a certain time frame, known as the statute of limitations. These statutes can change based on where you file and what type of case you have. You have three years to…
Read MoreMedical Malpractice and Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a helpful tool, especially for folks who live in rural and remote areas, or who cannot afford to take a day off work to visit a doctor’s office. Telemedicine can also be beneficial to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as they do not have to come into direct contact with so many…
Read MoreStatutes of Limitations Are Important, But Exceptions May Apply
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim isn’t always clear. While the standard state or District of Columbia statute of limitations is the starting point, there may be reasons why the time you need to file your claim (so that it’s not forever barred) is less than the personal injury statute states.…
Read MoreHow Long Do Medical Malpractice Cases Take in Washington, D.C?
If you suffered harm because of an act of medical negligence, the first question you likely have is, “how long do medical malpractice cases take?” This is a natural question as you may need help paying your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost income. However, you must keep in mind that every person’s medical malpractice…
Read MoreOlympian Allyson Felix’s Highlights the Risks Black Mothers Face
Allyson Felix, renowned Olympic sprinter, recently shared her personal experience in an interview with Meet the Press, shedding light on the significant risks Black mothers face during pregnancy. Felix expressed her surprise at being at risk and emphasized the importance of being informed about potential complications, particularly preeclampsia, a condition she was unfamiliar with. Despite…
Read MoreSchools Are Being Held Liable for Student Bullies
As parents, we all want our children to have positive and enriching experiences during their school years, fostering both academic growth and personal development. However, the pervasive issue of bullying threatens to ruin this ideal picture we have for our children. Bullies not only disrupt your child’s ability to learn effectively, but can also cause…
Read More