Syracuse Personal Injury Law Blog

Why so many pregnant women are dying

Published on: July 7, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

When a woman discovers she is pregnant, the visits to her New York health care provider will typically become more and more frequent, the closer she gets to the birth. The standard examinations and tests allow the doctor to identify the most commonly occurring pregnancy issues. According to the American Heart Association, for many women, these are not enough.

Research indicates that cardiac arrest kills approximately one out of every 12,000 American women who are admitted to the hospital for delivery. This does not include pregnant mothers who are not at the hospital when their heart malfunctions and stops beating. Researchers believe one problem is a lack of education for those who treat women suffering from cardiac arrest. For example, while CPR should be performed the same, a first responder, emergency room provider or staff member in the obstetrics department may not understand the minor differences in defibrillation protocols or other important details.

The AHA points out that there are many contributors to the increasing number of pregnancy-related fatalities, but statistics show cardiovascular disease is at the top of the list. This could be in part because of the number of high-risk pregnancies. The following health conditions could contribute to the likelihood of cardiac arrest:

Finding health care providers who put patient needs first

Published on: June 29, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

While many people wish to rely on the expertise, knowledge and compassion of doctors to provide optimal health care, accidents, ignorance and general disregard of protocols are not unheard of. For New York residents who are anticipating receiving health care, they can benefit from doing their research to find a doctor who puts patient needs first and takes the time to create customized treatments.

The Huffington Post shared an article that discusses common mistakes that doctor’s make. However, the content is applicable to patients who are seeking a health care provider they can rely on. Some of the signs attentive patients can look for include:

Timely consultation: People should expect their doctor to provide timely consultation following suspicious symptoms. Attentive doctor’s will put everything else aside to properly diagnose a patient’s condition and educate him or her about the general outcomes, treatment options and recovery process.
Relationship health: The most reliable health care providers will put relationships with their patients above all else. Individuals receiving care should monitor the type of relationship they have with their doctor and look for signs that he or she really cares and is concerned about their health.
Thorough diagnosis: Because so many mistakes are made during the process of diagnosis, it is imperative that patients seek a doctor who is capable of making a thorough assessment. People should look for a health care provider who is willing to answer questions, explain what a diagnosis means and provide insight into what the future holds.

Patients should always expect their health care provider to listen attentively to them and remain focused throughout conversation. According to the New York Times, in 2013, death as the result of preventable medical errors was the third largest cause of fatalities in the nation.

New York car accident claims the lives of two people

Published on: June 26, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Each day, thousands of New Yorkers rely on the convenience and freedom of their vehicles to get them safely from one destination to the other. However, drivers cannot enjoy the privilege of driving without being subject to the risks of operating a motor vehicle. In most situations, a thorough investigation has to be completed to determine the cause of an accident.

This was just the case in a recent motor vehicle accident on the George Washington Bridge. According to reports, a full-size SUV was traveling eastbound on the New York side of the bridge. There were five occupants inside of the vehicle, two of which were children. Amidst slowing for traffic, a box truck had come to a complete stop when the SUV plowed into the back of the truck. All five of the SUV’s occupants were transported to a local hospital where a man and young child passed away. The other three occupants received unknown injuries.

As a result of the accident, the upper portion of the roadway remained closed so authorities could complete their investigation into the cause of the accident. The cause is still unknown. The occupants of the box truck were not injured.

Diagnosing asthma is vital to a healthy recovery

Published on: June 19, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Your child came home wheezing, so you gave him some allergy medication and let him go to sleep. In the morning, he was still struggling to breathe, so you took him to the doctor. There, your doctor said he had a minor cold and prescribed cold medicine.

The next day, your child was still struggling to get a deep breath. Worried about the doctor’s lack of concern, you rush your child to the hospital. There, the emergency room attendant sends your child immediately into treatment for an acute asthma attack. Only a few minutes later, your child is being scanned for a collapsed lung and rushed into the operating room for treatment.

Fortunately, cases of collapsing lungs are often treatable, though they do open your child up to the risk of a collapsed lung in the future. Had the doctor you saw the first day realized the severity of your child’s condition, this may have been avoided, though. As your child struggled for air, the worsening asthma took its toll and caused the lung to collapse completely. Without treatment, the positive outcome you received at the hospital may not have been the case.

Summer months bring increased risk of car accidents

Published on: June 14, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

While driving provides a plethora of freedom, independence and convenience for motorists in New York, it brings with it substantial risk. These risks are significantly heightened by factors like fatigue, impairment, distraction or poor vehicle maintenance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents account for 2 million injuries and 32,000 fatalities each year in the United States.

Motorists may also face increased risks of being involved in a car crash depending on the time of year. One report suggests that summertime is one of these periods of heightened risk due to several factors including a number of popular holidays during the warmer months. Because summer nights last longer and holiday gatherings are prevalent, drivers may be more likely to partake of alcohol. In many places, highly celebrated holidays like the 4^th of July are practically synonymous with partying and drinking. In fact, the stretch of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is considered one of the most dangerous periods on the road.

The consumption of prescription drugs is also a contributor to motor vehicle deaths. In fact, in the last decade, drug-related car accidents have nearly doubled. Additionally, because school is no longer in session, the summer months see a substantial increase in the number of teenage drivers on the road, which can also contribute to more car accidents.

What are some examples of distracted driving?

Published on: June 8, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Alcohol intoxication, sleep deprivation and poor weather conditions can all lead to motor vehicle accidents. However, distractions take the eyes of many drivers away from the road and cause a devastating number of wrecks each year. If you drive in New York, or if you ride as a passenger in a motor vehicle, it is important to familiarize yourself with different examples of distracted driving and take steps to eliminate these distractions on the road.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention addresses distracted driving on their site and draws attention to some of the main reasons why drivers become distracted. For example, sending and receiving emails or texts while behind the wheel is particularly widespread among those who are in high school. However, cell phones distract drivers of all ages and there are many other distractions that can increase the likelihood of an accident. For example, a driver may be distracted because they are eating, communicating with other people in the car, attempting to turn the radio station or looking for something on the floor.

During 2013, more than 3,100 lost their lives in accidents which involved a driver who was distracted. Moreover, even those who are lucky enough to walk away from a distracted driving wreck may suffer severe injuries and other hardships, such as dealing with their insurance company. If you have been hit by a distracted driver and are trying to recover, you should carefully review any options that are in front of you. Furthermore, careless drivers who upend the lives of others should be held answerable.

Finding your way through a traumatic brain injury

Published on: June 1, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

If you are dealing with the consequences of suffering a traumatic brain injury, you are one of many New Yorkers facing a long-term recovery. With the right mindset and a commitment to come out on top, you can overcome your injury and excel. At Defrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP, we have helped many people navigate the complexities of brain injuries.

According to Psychology Today, if you are coping with a TBI, you can take several proactive steps to expedite your recovery and encourage long-term progress. These include the following:

Break tasks into sections: If you have seemingly large tasks to complete, break each one down into smaller sections. Doing so will make things more manageable and will empower your self-confidence as each portion is successfully completed.
Use repetition: Repetition is an incredibly effective way to re-train your brain to function the way it used to. For example, ask people to repeat what they have said, repeat names of people you want to remember and repeat directions to locations you visit frequently.
Watch for signs of exhaustion: As you recover, tasks that used to be simple and effortless may require more time and energy to complete. Do not get discouraged with yourself as you relearn certain things, and as soon as you sense yourself getting overwhelmed, stop and take a break.
Exercise and complete therapy: Chances are, your health care provider will give you specific exercises to incorporate into your therapy. It is imperative that you complete these and other general exercises to help strengthen your body and encourage growth and healing.

Do your best to take good care of yourself by getting enough rest and eating right. Through your vigilance, you can encourage your body to make progress at a faster rate. For more information about head injuries, visit our web page.

5 things to know about standard of care

Published on: May 30, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Medical malpractice cases often hinge on whether a provider met the standard of care or not. Victims who suffer at the hands of medical malpractice should learn what they can about the standard of care that applies in their case so they can use that information in their claim for compensation.

#1: Standard of care is the minimal care you should receive

The standard of care in any case is the level of care you should receive. This varies depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, the standard of care for a woman with an ectopic pregnancy is different from the standard of care for a woman with a shortened cervix. Several factors determine the standard of care in a case. This makes it difficult to find out what standard of care applies to a case.

7 things to know about spinal cord injuries

Published on: May 30, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

People who are the victims of spinal cord injuries likely have a lot of questions when they first find out about the injury. There aren’t any easy answers to the questions that come up. In some cases, the answers depend on the circumstances of the injury. Consider these points if you have a spinal cord injury or a love one who has one.

#1: Spinal cord injuries have various causes

Spinal cord injury causes vary from tumors to accident. Falls, car crashes and other similar accidents can all lead to spinal cord injuries. The cause of the spinal cord injury is one factor that determines what treatments are appropriate.

Debunking common myths related to motorcycle safety

Published on: May 25, 2017 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Motorcyclists are subjected to heightened safety risks on the road, especially when coursing busy thoroughfares laden with other drivers who may be distracted, inattentive or careless. While some motorcycle safety precautions are commonalities, others are incorrectly understood.

The Huffington Post shared an article which discusses some of these myths and aims to educate bikers and drivers alike to encourage motorcycle safety. Some of these notorious myths include:

Loud is best: While some people believe that a loud exhaust increases a motorcyclist’s safety by making more noise, this is false. Not only do many motorists drive with their windows up and music blaring, but sound projects backward which does nothing for drivers that may be in front of a motorcyclist.
Leather is a fashion statement: Because many bikers sport leather chaps, jackets and other apparel, people commonly think it is a fashion statement designed to make bikers appear more hardcore. However, the truth is that leather is highly effective against preventing road rash and bodily injury in the event a biker crashes.
Drivers are aware: Unfortunately, not all drivers are attentive and vigilant. In fact, even the most careful drivers can sometimes miss something in their blind spot. Bikers should never assume that they are going to be seen. Rather, they should always drive attentively and be sure that motorists can see them before changing lanes, turning or making other maneuvers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities were people driving motorcycles. Additionally, in the same year, nearly 88,000 bikers were injured.