Olinde & Mercer Olinde & Mercer LLC2025-08-28T10:29:55Zhttps://www.olindelaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404266/2021/05/cropped-ID-image-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[How common are pharmacy errors that result in injuries or death?]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=511242024-11-08T10:00:02Z2024-11-13T09:59:33ZPharmacy errors affect hundreds of thousands of people annually
It can be very difficult to pinpoint the exact number of pharmacy errors that occur. Many times, neither patients nor the pharmaceutical professionals serving them recognize that an error occurred. However, in the worst cases, it may be possible to establish that a pharmaceutical professional made a mistake that had a negative impact on a patient.
According to a thorough analysis of medication errors in the United States, mistakes when dispensing drugs cause between 7,000 and 9,000 deaths every year. For every one fatality, there are multiple other cases where patients may experience negative outcomes. Statistics show that approximately 530,000 patients taking medication every year may end up sickened or temporarily hospitalized because of errors in the pharmacy.
Others may have adverse reactions that diminish the effectiveness of treatment or force them to take time off of work. Technically, drug dissenting errors are less common than administration errors in medical settings or mistakes made at the prescribing stage. However, people shouldn't ignore the potential of a pharmacist or a technician making mistakes that have life-altering consequences for a patient.
Those harmed by professional negligence at a pharmacy may have grounds to take legal action. Holding specific professionals or companies responsible for unsafe practices can help diminish the harm caused by pharmacy errors.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[What are the most common injuries suffered by motorcyclists?]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=511212024-09-03T04:41:56Z2024-09-07T04:41:24ZTraumatic brain injuries
The human brain is incredibly powerful, but it is also quite vulnerable. Motorcycle helmets can help reduce the risk of brain injury but do not eliminate the possibility of someone hurting their brain in a crash. Brain injuries can cause symptoms ranging from changes in personality and sensory perception to issues with equilibrium and fine motor function. Brain injuries often cause permanent symptoms that affect someone's health
Road rash
Substantial damage to the skin is possible anytime a motorcycle collision occurs. Especially in single-vehicle crashes where someone lays down their bike due to a lack of traction or a sudden maneuver, they could end up with road rash over a large percentage of their body. Road rash can be intensely painful and may lead to disfiguring scars. It can also put a motorcycle at risk of infection. Road rash can respond to home treatment in some cases, but it may require medical intervention in more severe cases.
Lower extremity trauma
Broken bones, crush injuries and amputations are all possible when motorcycle crashes occur. It is quite common for riders to suffer injuries to their lower extremities in particular. Vehicles may hit them in the legs, or their legs could be vulnerable when they lose control of the motorcycle. The damage inflicted can lead to expensive and painful injuries that reduce someone's quality of life.
There are many other types of injuries possible in a motorcycle crash scenario. Such injuries may create significant medical expenses. They can also impact an individual's earning potential. Pursuing appropriate compensation can be a challenging process after a motorcycle crash. Riders who have significant injuries may need assistance negotiating with insurance or not preparing to file a lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[How a medication error could cause brain damage]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=511192024-07-08T07:19:13Z2024-07-12T00:14:51ZMedication errors can affect bodily functions
There are numerous different mechanisms through which medication errors can cause serious consequences for a patient. For example, receiving too much of an opioid medication could lead to a drop in available oxygen to the brain.
Someone who receives too much of an opioid medication may have a slower heart rate and suppressed respiration. While they may not stop breathing entirely, they could potentially have reduced oxygen delivery to their brain for hours or longer with serious long-term medical implications. Other times, it might be the administration of the wrong drug that causes disruptions to oxygen delivery to the brain. People may have severe reactions to the medication that interrupt normal bodily processes and put them at risk.
Non-traumatic brain injuries are still dangerous
People tend to prioritize traumatic brain injuries when talking about risk to the human neurological system. However, non-traumatic brain injuries can produce the exact same symptoms as traumatic injuries do. Someone with a drug-induced brain injury may develop cognitive challenges, motor function issues and even changes in their overall personality. The symptoms they experience could affect their earning potential, damage their relationships and leave them in need of regular medical support.
Brain injuries are usually incurable, even if people can learn to live with their symptoms. The long-term financial impact of a non-traumatic brain injury could easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Patients who can show that a medication error caused their brain injuries may have grounds for malpractice lawsuits. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can potentially help patients to offset expenses and create consequences for medical professionals who make devastating, negligent errors on the job.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers not seeing riders]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=511172024-05-06T06:39:29Z2024-05-09T06:39:17ZHow do people fail to see motorcycles?
A motorcycle is much smaller than a car or a pickup truck, but it is still a large, loud vehicle. The idea that someone could overlook a motorcycle in traffic is almost laughable. In reality, people do not fail to see the motorcycle. Their eyes likely look right at the motorcycle. What happens is their brain doesn't focus on the motorcycle.
Psychologists refer to this experience as intentional blindness. When the brain has too much incoming visual information to focus on everything, it prioritizes what it believes is crucial to someone's safety. An approaching semi-truck warrants an immediate response and is likely to draw someone's attention because it is large and dangerous.
A smaller vehicle like a motorcycle doesn't pose much of a threat, and therefore someone's brain may not alert the driver to the motorcycle's presence even though it is plainly visible across the intersection from them. The only way that drivers can avoid unintentionally causing a crash where they put a motorcycle rider in the hospital or worse is to make an effort to actively look for motorcycles in traffic.
That is why many people have bumper stickers and yard signs advising people to watch for motorcycles. The conscious effort to screen for motorcycles could be the difference between life and death for the people on motorcycles.
When a distracted or inattentive driver causes a motorcycle crash, the motorcycle rider or their surviving family members may need to take legal action. Filing an insurance claim, personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit can help hold a negligent driver accountable for hurting someone on a motorcycle.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[Is it possible to hold a pharmacy liable for a medication error that causes injuries?]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=511152024-03-15T04:20:23Z2024-03-21T04:19:57ZErrors, errors, everywhere…
Consider the fact that your prescription medications likely come with pages of information. These are required in order to warn patients of potential side effects and harmful interactions with other medications and supplements. While this “duty to warn” has largely been the responsibility of doctors and drug companies, pharmacists have, in some cases, been held liable for not warning patients of a potential interaction. A pharmacist might be more likely to have liability if a patient specifically sought information from them or they neglected to provide the necessary information with the prescription.
There’s no doubt that pharmacists are under more stress than ever. Pharmacists at large chain pharmacies in a particular report that they are understaffed. While the fact that understaffing can lead to errors, this is an explanation, not an excuse, if an error harms or kills someone.
It’s always wise to verify that you have the medication that’s been prescribed before taking it (or giving it to a child or other loved one). Fortunately, prescription labels provide a wealth of information. It’s important to look – particularly if this is a new medication. For example.
Confirm that the correct patient name is on the label.
Make sure the medication in the container is what’s described on the label.
If it’s generic, make sure the name-brand medication is what your doctor prescribed.
Be sure the dosage is what your doctor prescribed.
Of course, people can’t always be expected to know whether they received the correct medication and/or dosage. If you or a loved one has been harmed or worse by a dispensing or other error made by a pharmacist, proving that they neglected their responsibility can be a complicated process. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure that you get legal guidance from someone who has experience in these types of cases as you seek justice and compensation.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[4 of the most common injuries suffered after a motorcycle crash]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=510952024-01-11T06:54:06Z2024-01-16T06:53:36ZRoad rash
Getting thrown off of a motorcycle can lead to very painful injuries. Someone sliding down the pavement after a collision can suffer severe damage to their skin in the form of a friction injury called road rash. Road rash can cause a host of medical challenges ranging from infection to lasting disfigurement.
Broken bones
Even low-speed motorcycle crashes can lead to fractures or broken bones. Broken arms and legs are quite common when people do not have a vehicle to protect them from the force of impact. If a motorcycle rider has a blue-collar job, they may need to worry about both medical expenses and lost wages while they recover from a fracture.
Spinal cord injuries
Someone thrown from a motorcycle can land in unpredictable ways. Sometimes, they may suffer trauma to their neck or back. Spinal cord injuries range from incomplete injuries that cause mild disruptions in function to complete injuries that leave someone permanently unable to walk. Spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive possible consequences of a motorcycle collision.
Traumatic brain injuries
Even with a helmet on, a motorcycle rider could very easily suffer blunt force trauma to the head or violent motions that cause bleeding and swelling of the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may require surgery and physical therapy and can impact everything from an individual's personality to their future earning potential.
Many of these injuries can cost more than insurance can cover, which is one reason why motorcycle riders often need to file lawsuits after crashes. Learning more about the risks may help people advocate for their interests more effectively after they get hurt in a motorcycle incident in Louisiana.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[Pharmacy errors can kill innocent patients]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=510832023-11-10T07:57:45Z2023-11-15T07:57:32ZWrong medication
When you go to the pharmacy, you expect the prescription you receive is the one your doctor ordered. But sometimes, the medication in the bottles handed to patients isn’t exactly what was prescribed. Whether due to similar-sounding names or a simple slip of the hand, the wrong medication can do more than just fail to treat the original ailment. It can introduce a new set of risks.
Dosage discrepancies
Equally critical is the dosage of the medication. Too much of a medication can lead to toxic side effects, while too little may render the treatment ineffective. Dosage precision is critical for a host of health and safety reasons.
Incomplete patient information
Patient information is more than just a name on a bottle; it's a detailed history that includes age, weight, allergies and current medications. Missing or incorrect information can be the linchpin for a cascade of errors. It's akin to navigating without a map. You might reach the destination, but the chances of taking a wrong turn are high.
Overlooking the interactions
Pharmacists are the sentinels who guard against the dangers of drug interactions. These potential threats can lie dormant in the complexity of a patient’s medication list until an unvetted addition activates them. Not flagging these interactions is a serious oversight, with consequences ranging from reduced medication effectiveness to severe adverse reactions.
Ultimately, victims of pharmacy errors can suffer catastrophic injuries. They may choose to seek compensation for the damages they’ve suffered, but the time they have to do this is limited by Louisiana law. Because of this, swift legal action is critical.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[Unique safety concerns for motorcycle riders during cooler months]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=510812023-09-29T07:49:58Z2023-10-04T07:49:43ZPractical risks
Lower ambient air temperatures can cause mild changes in how a motorcycle performs. For example, colder pavement, particularly first thing in the morning, can affect tire pressure and therefore someone's control of their motorcycle. Motorcycle riders will need to be a bit more proactive about monitoring the condition of their tires during the colder months and may also want to maintain slightly lower speeds and longer following distances to improve their safety in traffic. Any precipitation could also affect traction and safety, as well as visibility to other drivers.
Subtler risks
Statistically, the number of motorcycle collisions that occur during the winter months is lower than the total number of summer crashes. However, when considering the fewer miles traveled on motorcycles during the winter, the risk based on driving habits might actually be higher than people realize. Some of that enhanced risk comes from how people mentally associate motorcycle travel with the summer. Drivers in larger vehicles will be less likely to watch for motorcycles during the fall, winter and early spring. They are therefore more likely to cause a preventable collision. Failing to actively watch for motorcycles is one of the leading reasons that those in larger vehicles cause crashes with motorcycles.
When motorcycle riders acknowledge and account for seasonal risks, they may have an easier time minimizing their chances of being involved in a collision. Ultimately, accounting for seasonal safety hazards and knowing one's rights are both important for the overall well-being of Louisiana motorcycle riders.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[3 driver behaviors that pose the most danger for motorcyclists]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=510792023-09-11T05:20:32Z2023-09-14T05:20:13ZIntoxicated driving
A large number of crashes occur because someone gets behind the wheel after drinking. Drunk drivers often do not monitor their surroundings very carefully, making it easy for them to overlook a motorcycle rider. They might fall asleep at the wheel, which could have tragic results as well. Even if they see a motorcycle and try to avoid it, their increased reaction time and impaired decision-making ability might still lead to a crash.
Distracted driving
One of the most common reasons that people in larger vehicles cause motorcycle crashes is that they don't notice the motorcycle. That risk is even higher when someone has outside factors demanding their attention. Mobile phones are a common cause of distracted driving, but conversations, meals on the road and even daydreaming can all leave a driver unable to properly monitor their surroundings in traffic.
Excessive speed
People who drive too quickly can lose control of their vehicles. When they are in heavy traffic scenarios, they may become quite aggressive. Although people often think of motorcycle riders as the ones who are likely to swerve in and out of traffic, aggressive drivers and habitual speeders frequently engage in that exact behavior. They may also fail to properly check the lanes of traffic they intend to enter, making them a major threat to those on motorcycles.
When those in bigger vehicles make mistakes that result in consequences for those on motorcycles, it may be necessary for an injured motorcycle rider to take legal action because of the extent of the losses they suffer. Identifying why a motorist caused a crash can be a good starting point for a motorcycle rider who wants to take legal action after a recent collision.]]>On Behalf of Olinde & Mercer<![CDATA[Motorcycle safety equipment lessens the severity of common injuries]]>https://www.olindelaw.com/?p=510772023-07-18T17:00:07Z2023-07-21T16:59:52ZHelmets decrease brain injury risk and TBI severity
The human brain is incredibly delicate, and it only takes one instance of blunt-force trauma to leave someone permanently incapacitated. A motorcycle helmet is not total protection from brain injury, but it can make a major difference in the event of a serious collision. A helmet noticeably decreases the likelihood of someone dying in a wreck by as much as 37% according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and may also diminish the risk of a severe brain injury by 67%.
Riding gear can protect someone's skin
Although the brain may be one of the biggest injury concerns in a motorcycle crash, the entire body is vulnerable. Riders often develop road rash after a crash, which is the result of the pavement damaging their skin. Protective gear including jackets and special riding pants, as well as heavy-duty boots, can protect someone's skin from abrasion and friction during a crash. Riders may want to invest in a helmet with a full-face shield as well to protect their faces from disfiguring injuries.
Other safety gear could also help reduce someone's risk of suffering major injuries. Visibility gear is one of the most commonly ignored forms of safety equipment that could help reduce a motorcycle rider's overall chance of a collision, for example.
Investing in good gear and then replacing it after even mild collisions could save someone's life or improve their prognosis after a motorcycle crash.]]>