Ever since the 1970’s, civil damage awards against the State of Illinois were limited by the Court of Claims Act to $100,000. See 705 ILCS 505/8 (2009). That $100,000 damage cap figure is tied for lowest in the country. Since July 2015, thirteen residents at the Quincy Veterans Home have died while under the care… Read More
Addressing Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you have an elderly loved one who needs skilled nursing care, you might have chosen a nursing home. No doubt you want the best care possible for your loved one. You trust the nursing home to provide professional and compassionate care. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Nursing home abuse occurs far too often…. Read More
Hemorrhage in Dialysis Access Sites
Your Blood is Filtered During Dialysis If you have endstage kidney disease, you may require dialysis. This is the most common treatment for patients with kidney failure. During dialysis, your blood is filtered through an artificial kidney, or dialysis machine, where waste products can be eliminated. Patients who are undergoing hemodialysis usually have treatment three… Read More
Compartment Syndrome Due to Medical Errors
Compartment Syndrome is a serious medical condition that requires immediate recognition and a high degree of suspicion by nurses, ER doctors, internists, and orthopedic specialists alike to prevent catastrophic injury to patients. Missed diagnosis of compartment syndrome can result in permanent nerve damage, amputation, chronic pain from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) renal failure and even death. Compartment syndrome often… Read More
Fetal Distress and Hypoxemia: Behind What Obstetricians and Hospitals Aren’t Saying
Giving birth is supposed to be a joyous occasion, marked by cigars, balloons and well wishes. What if your birth does not go as planned. If your baby comes out with low Apgar scores, an ominous sign or, develops signs of Cerebral Palsy or hypoxic brain injury. Fetal Heart Rate Monitors Fetal heart rate monitoring… Read More
Medication Errors Are Not Uncommon in Nursing Homes
Many nursing homes under-employ staff with the experience and ability to administer medications correctly. As a result, medication errors occur all too frequently, often with devastating outcomes to patients who are given the wrong medication or the wrong regimen or dose of medication. If your loved one in a nursing home has suffered a serious… Read More
Legal Complexity of End-of-Life Decisions
The attorneys of Passen Law Group often represent families of those who have been catastrophically injured — in car or truck accidents, by dangerous products, in workplace accidents . Sometimes family members are faced with making end-of-life decisions. The latter part of January 2014 finally brought closure to a two-month long battle between Marlise Munoz’s… Read More
Elderly Abuse and Neglect in Illinois Nursing Homes
The elderly population in America is growing larger than ever before. According to the 2010 Census, the elderly in America comprise 13% of the total population with the number estimated at 40.3 million. With the “Boomer Generation” arriving at the age of 65 and older, this increase will continue. Unfortunately, with this trend also comes… Read More
Hemodialysis Catheter Care
Serious injury or illness may occur if care is not taken during connection of the hemodialysis catheter. The CDC guidelines are quite clear. They include ensuring that staff dealing with hemodialysis patients are competent at their tasks, and the CDC recommends assessment each year and at hiring for hemodialysis staff. Primary causes for concern include… Read More
Study Finds Brain Imaging Can Predict Pain Intensity
Pain and suffering is often difficult to measure, even by the most experienced pain specialists. Patients are typically asked to rate their own pain on a scale of 1-10. Although there are objective ways to confirm physical and psychological injuries consistent with pain, the nature and extent of pain is typically measured by the patient’s… Read More
