Advocate for Your Health with the Help of Medical Malpractice Attorney
Note these alarming facts: The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) counts negligence—right behind cancer and heart disease—as the third leading cause of death in the United States. In 2012 alone, over $3 billion was paid out for medical malpractice, which averages at a payout every 43 minutes.
Motorcycle Accidents and Helmet Laws
Motorcycle riding is fun. But it is also dangerous, which is probably part of the reason that makes it so much fun. Most motorcycle accidents occur because the driver did not see the motorcycle. Experienced riders understand this, and they take every possible precaution. They stay sober and alert, and they always expect the unexpected. Just because an approaching car does not have a flashing left turn signal does not mean that the driver is not going to make a left turn in front of you. In motorcycle accidents riders can be seriously injured. And the first question is always, “Was the rider wearing a helmet?” Oklahoma, like many other states, has a “comparative fault” rule, which can severely limit the rider’s ability to collect compensation. In the above case involving an illegal left turn, this means the rider can be found partially at fault for not wearing a helmet. Unfortunately, many judges, jurors and journalist buy into the argument that helmets do prevent injuries. And there are numerous studies that attempt to prove this point. But the overwhelming number of these studies are bought and paid for by the insurance lobby, the medical lobby, or the people who manufacture and sell motorcycle helmets. Should you be involved in a lawsuit where you were not wearing a helmet be prepared for a fight. The battle will be fought with statistics, and the insurance company can afford the legal equivalent of a navy SEAL team. So you cannot afford to walk into court with your family lawyer or a slip-and-fall all-purpose personal injury lawyer. You will need a battle hardened veteran motorcycle accident attorney. This will be someone who is familiar with the highly priced but also highly prejudiced “expert” studies and who has experience in exposing the flaws in the testimony of so-called expert witnesses. All but two states have laws regulating motorcycle helmet use. And these laws were not passed without transportation committees listening to thousands of hours of testimony presenting statistics on both sides of the issue. You can compile lists of numbers and claim that they prove whatever you want them to prove. However, outside of their surrounding context statistics are meaningless. For example, in 2003 Pennsylvania modified the motorcycle helmet law to allow mature and experienced riders to ride without a helmet. In less than a year the insurance and medical lobbies were producing statistics that showed that there was an increase in motorcycle fatalities. But under scrutiny it was demonstrated that there was also a significant increase in the number of registered motorcycles, as well as an increase in the number licensed motorcycle riders. Furthermore, Pennsylvania motel owners noticed an unusually large number of motorcycles with New York license plates in their parking lots that summer. So, yes, the number of motorcycle fatalities may have increased. But when you take into account how many more people choose to ride motorcycles in states, like Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, that do not mandate helmets and how many motorcyclists from out of state choose to vacation in helmet free states, there is no increase in the percentage of motorcycle fatalities. It is also claimed that states with no helmet laws have a higher percentage of fatalities than states with mandatory helmet laws. But there is a third category. These are states with modified helmet laws. These laws require helmet use by certain groups of riders, usually based on age and riding experience. When the states with mandatory helmet laws are compared to states with modified helmet laws, the difference in fatalities becomes insignificant. Also, motorcycle helmets are tested on human head forms for a 13 mph impact. But human head forms do not operate motorcycles at 50 mph. That makes a big difference. And I think I heard it put best at a transportation committee meeting in the Virginia House of Delegates by a member who said: “I would like to remind this committee that at our last meeting we heard compelling expert testimony that at 50 mph a motorcycle helmet becomes a 200 pound bowling ball attached by a strap to your neck.” So the evidence goes both ways. Ultimately, helmet choice should be left to the individual, as it comes down to what Mr. Justice Brandeis called “The right to be let alone.” Nevertheless, if you were involved in an accident without a helmet, the studies are manipulated to favor the insurance companies. But the facts often tell a different story. You need to retain an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who understands and can demonstrate the difference. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys at 580-224-0900 for a free consultation.
Ease You and Your Loved Ones’ Suffering with a Wrongful Death Lawyer
The death of a loved one takes incredible emotional toll on the people they leave behind. Not only that, but their death can also cause enormous financial difficulties, especially when the deceased individual was one of the breadwinners of the family.
Respected Personal Injury Attorney Explains Wrongful Death and Murder
Most believe that if someone takes another person’s life it is already considered murder, whether it was through a violent act or as a result of their negligence. From a grieving family’s perspective, it doesn’t matter how the death was caused–all that matters is that their loved one was taken away prematurely from them.
The First Three People You Should Seek After a Car Accident and Why
Involvement in a car accident can be traumatic, but it is necessary to know what to do in order to protect your well-being and your legal rights, should you need to file a case. You will need assistance from qualified experts because you can’t afford to do this alone–monetarily or otherwise.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers Share the Do’s and Don’ts You Must Follow
Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of death and injuries in the country. Even the best doctors can make mistakes that can affect the patient’s quality of life. If this happens to you, bear in mind that there’s something you can do about it.
A Seasoned Car Accident Lawyer Offers Tips on Handling Lowball Offers
If you’ve never been in a car crash, congratulations–you’re the exception to the rule. Why? Because, according to data from CarInsurance.com, the average driver gets into a car accident once every 17.9 years. According to the math, a driver suffers about three crashes in the course of a lifetime, resulting in a major expense in terms of both vehicle repair and medical bills. Because you have likely been in a car crash, you probably know that you don’t always receive the recompense you deserve. In fact, most insurance adjusters will flat out lowball you.
A Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer Lends Helpful Social Media Advice
In today’s advent of the internet, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become a treasure chest of personal information. This, however, is a double-edged sword. While you can freely express your thoughts and share details about your daily life with friends, the information you divulge can also be used against you in court. So, from the moment you filed a personal injury case, you need to watch your social media accounts like a hawk and clean them up as much as possible.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers Explain the Common Elements of the Case
Contrary to popular belief, medical malpractice is far from being merely a frivolous lawsuit. Often, it is perceived as an unnecessary legal proceeding that is initiated by patients or clients who would like to hold their doctors unreasonably liable for a mishap or a physical condition. The truth, however, is that medical malpractice is a serious allegation that affects as much as hundreds and thousands of patients each year. The Institute of Medicine, in fact, has found in a study that as much as 98,000 patients fall victim to fatal medical mistakes, most of which have been characterized as easily preventable. Many more suffer from non-fatal instances of medical malpractice cause victims to lead a serious loss in their quality of life.
Some of the Cases When You Should Consult a Wrongful Death Lawyer Soon
While single-income households are still the norm on TV, the truth is fewer and fewer households are relying on just the father to bring home the bacon. According to a 2012 Pew Center study, about 60% of all respondents indicated that both mom and dad are employed. The upside to this “new normal” is that families have a better shot at financial stability because both parents are bringing home money. Unfortunately, life isn’t always predictable, and sometimes unfortunate events can take one parent away from the family prematurely.
