Do you know what the best steps to take after a car accident are? Find out from our personal injury attorneys!
Legal Jargon Explained: What is a Contingency Fee?
Let our attorneys prepare you for your next legal case with common jargon explained.
Celebrating Foster Families Everywhere: Foster Care Month
This National Foster Care Month, let’s come together and demand the change we need to ensure that every child in foster care has a bright and hopeful future.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health issues are a growing concern in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about improving your mental well-being.
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Do you know how to recognize the signs of physical and emotional abuse among children? Our team of Chicago-based lawyers outlines them for you in this feature on child abuse and neglect.
Earth Month
Join Deratany & Kosner’s lawyers in celebrating Earth Month with active ways turning the tide on pollution and environmental harm.
What is Really at Stake with Gun Reform?
The take of Chicago lawyers on recent legislature regarding gun control. Here’s what to know…
You’re Invited: Foster Boy Screening at Wayfarer Theaters
‘Foster Boy’, a movie written and produced by attorney Jay Paul Deratany is being shown at the Wayfarer theatre on April 4th in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
As personal injury attorneys, we know first hand that traumatic brain injuries occur more often than one might expect. Here’s what to know…
The Covid Pandemic: Three Years On
As we come upon the three year anniversary of the corona virus outbreak, we’re reflecting on the lives lost, advancements in medicine, and changes in routines in the time past.
Springtime Safety Tips
Are you prepared for spring? As personal injury attorneys and experts, here are your top tips to having an injury-free season.
Honoring African-Americans in the Realm of Social Work
Join the Deratany and Kosner law firm in celebrating Black History Month by honoring African-American social workers whose work has and continues to make an impact.
Lowering Foster Care Numbers
Studies recently showed that as many as 29,000 children could have possibly avoided foster care if U.S. states made funds. As attorneys dedicated to helping child victims of neglect in the social services system, the lack of funding is something we strongly oppose .
Becoming a Foster Parent
Considering becoming a foster parent like founder and attorney Jay Paul Deratany? Here’s what you need to know!
171 Reasons Illinois DCFS Needs to Do Better
As Social Service Attorneys in Chicago, discovering there was an uptick of 40% of deaths in children in contact with DCFS deeply concerns our team. Here’s what reports show…
The Fight for Female Autonomy
Join our legal team of attorneys in discussing the recent implementation of a dress code targeting female members of the legislature.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This MLK Day, we hope to remind followers and supporters of our law firm that volunteering in our communities continues to be a significant way in which we are reminded of each other’s humanity and that we are all in this together.
Who Pays the Price for CPS’ Failures?
Take a look at the shortcomings in the foster care system and help Deratany and Foster advocate for better solutions ensuring the safety of children everywhere.
How to Help Victims of Child Abuse
As attorneys handling social service negligence and foster care abuse cases, we have seen our fair share of abuse and neglect. Today we’re sharing what to do if you see signs of abuse, malnourishment, or neglect.
Are You Taking Care of Your Body?
As part of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we have drawn up a short list of health concerns men should regularly seek treatment and testing for. Take a look here!
Celebrating National Adoption Month
This month, join us in celebrating those that keep doors open for youth in foster care and in the adoption process.
Take a Look at Our Brand New Website
Take a look at our brand new website, designed to provide excellent support and orientation to clients of the Deratany and Kosner law firm.
We Have BIG News!
U.S. News unveiled their honors for Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, with distinctions given to Deratany & Kosner.
$32 Million Settlement for Avalos Family
Learn about the devastating case on behalf of the siblings and father of the late Anthony Avalos, a ten-year-old boy who died from horrific abuse and torture inflicted on him by his mother and her boyfriend.
Your Vote! Your Choice!
Why your vote and voice matter in the general election coming up on November 8th. Join our legal team at Deratany and Kosner in voting for justice.
Ready for Fall?
Make the most of the fall season ahead with our compiled list of helpful safety tips.
$8 Million Settlement in Malpractice
Here we cover the malpractice and negligence case of Joya Pipkin, who died at only 41 years-old at Mount Sinai Hospital due to a failed code blue system in 2009.
Know the Warning Signs!
In this blog, the Deratany and Kosner team has compiled suicidal warning signs, actions to take in a mental health crisis, and additional downloadable resources.
Keeping Safe in the Last Days of Summer (and Beyond)
Today we’re sharing our top ‘Safety Tips for Common Summer Time Activities’ that you may consider participating in.
Do You Know the Dangers of Social Services Negligence?
What do you know about social services negligence? Take this opportunity to learn about the impact the lack of support from social services can make on a foster child.
Medical Malpractice
We trust our healthcare workers to make the best decisions for our medical care. There are occasions, however, in which patients are the victim of negligent care, a result of medical malpractice. Learn more here.
$45 Million for Late Toddler’s Estate
Our 2018 case on behalf of the estate of the late toddler, Lavandis Hudson, who was murdered by his own mother.
Learning to Protect Foster Kids
Learn more about an upcoming webinar, the ins and outs of foster care, past adoption cases, and statues and case laws.
Jay Paul Deratany Interviewed by Rachel Kelso of Hubbard Radio Chicago
Jay Paul Deratany was interviewed by Rachel Kelso from Hubbard Radio Chicago about his advocacy within the foster care system. Listen to the interview!
Why Risky Driving is NEVER Worth the Cost
As personal injury attorneys, the Deratany and Kosner team has expertly covered and settled a number of automobile accident cases.
Advice for Safe Summer Fun
As personal injury attorneys, our team of lawyers has expert advice on how to experience summer fun in the most safe manner.
Founder Jay Paul Deratany Given Pride Recognition Award
Chicago based attorney and D&K founder, Jay Paul Deratany, is granted a Pride recognition award.
The Severe Repercussions of Overturning Roe V. Wade
On trigger laws and the immediate impact of the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
Pride Month: Learn about LGBTQIA+ Stories
Join the Deratany & Kosner law firm in celebrating pride month and learn about LGBTQIA+ stories here.
How Many More Children Need to Die to Protect Gun Ownership?
On May 24th, an eighteen-year-old gunman killed 19 young children and 2 teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. This tragedy is the third-deadliest American school shooting and the deadliest ever for Texas.
Suffocated Joliet Township Child Case Was Preventable
Learn why the death of Juliet Township toddler, Sema’j Crosby, was completely preventable if only the social services parties involved had acted.
Did You Know May is Foster Care Month?
Did you know many states have a for-profit foster care system in which foster children have been abused and denied services? Learn more here.
Consequences For Foster Care Should Roe Be Overturned
In this feature, we cover the concerning consequences for foster care and adoptions across the U.S. should Roe v Wade be overturned.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this blog we’ll be covering multiple ways to spread mental health awareness.
Justice for Murdered Joliet Toddler
In this blog, we cover the tragic case of seventeen-month-old Sema’j Crosby who was reported missing, and then found just days later smothered and hidden in her family’s Joliet home.
Meet Our Partner Attorney, Michael Kosner
Meet firm partner and attorney, Michael Kosner, in this exclusive blog feature. Learn more about our firm’s history and team members.
s Fair Housing the American Dream?
This Deratany & Kosner blog covers why the possibility of home-ownership has been shrinking year after year for Millennials and now Gen-Zers.
We Secured a $4 Million Settlement
In this blog, we want to reflect on a case in which our commitment to justice paid dividends in securing a $4 million dollar settlement for a particular client.
How to Identify and Act Against Child Abuse
In this Deratany & Kosner blog feature learn about the tells of child abuse and what you can do to prevent child harm.
National Brain Injury Awareness Month
Learn about the permanent impact that brain injuries can have on victims, and how to obtain justice in your personal injury case.
Women’s History Month
This month we celebrate Women’s History Month. Just as we are committed to celebrating diversity, we are also committed to fighting for the dignity of all people.
Why We Care: Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
The stories families tell us about their loved ones and the abuse or neglect they have suffered motivate us to diligently work for justice to be served.
How to Find a Good Work/Life Balance
Key takeaways from a recent podcast that founder Jay Paul Deratany was featured on.
Our Specialties – Let Us Help You
Our firm’s passionate legal advocates represent clients injured in a variety of incidents. From medical negligence to personal injury, our attorneys have your back. Learn more here!
Mikayla’s Law: When a Case Becomes Legislation Injury Lawyer
Read about the tragic case of Mikayla King, and the $10.7 million award Deratany & Kosner secured for the estate of the young girl. The toddler suffered second-degree burns while taking a bath, which ultimately proved fatal.
Get to Know Our Team: Jay Paul Deratany
Jay Paul Deratany, the founder of Deratany & Kosner, has long been an advocate for the vulnerable, particularly those of the foster care system. Learn more about him in this blog feature.
Work with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Legal battles can be stressful situations for just about anyone, whether you’re the prosecution or the defense. Learn about why having an attorney on your side can make all the difference in this feature.
2022 New Year’s Resolutions
The start of the new year is an opportunity to reflect on the past while maintaining our highest level of commitment and integrity to our clients as we look forward to the new calendar year and beyond. That’s why we’re committed to…
Winter Driving Tips
Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and be smooth when turning to prevent sliding on ice.
Car Emergency Safety Kit
Prepare your car for winter! Don’t forget these important items before you leave your house this season.
Men’s Prostate & Testicular Cancer
1 in 8 men with be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Movember: Men’s Health Month
Globally, men die on average 5 years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Movember brings awareness to these facts and how to help men’s physical and mental health.
Foster Care and Stress
Children in foster care exposed to traumatic events, such as family disruption and placement in multiple foster homes, experience long-lasting negative effects.
How to Protect Yourself Before and After a Car Accident
While crashes are sometimes unavoidable due to road conditions or inclement weather, the majority of car accidents are caused by human error. Even if you consider yourself to be a safe driver you want to be aware of the risk factors for getting in an accident.
An Analysis of Abuse and Neglect in the West Virginia For-Profit Foster Care System
One of the biggest causes of abuse in foster care is the existence of for-profit foster care agencies that prioritize profits over people, which is especially egregious when these agencies are supposed to be protecting and helping some of the most vulnerable children in the population.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Long Term Impacts on Your Mental Health
Trauma of any kind often results in an increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, or PTSD, but traumatic brain injuries are even more often the culprit of affecting a person’s mental health.
National Preparedness Month
Extreme weather events are our new norm, especially in the last three years, with longer and more devastating fire, hurricane, and tornado seasons. To help you and your family begin preparing for the next storm season, here are some of the tips from Ready.Gov to help you become disaster ready.
World Patient Safety Day
World Patient Safety Day recognizes patient safety as a global priority.
School Safety for Back to School Month: Common Crash Causes
Speeding and aggressive-driver-related fatalities and serious injuries represent 21% of overall fatalities and serious injuries in Illinois.
School Safety for Back to School Month: School Zones Safe Driving Tips
Yield right of way to buses at all times. Make sure that you stop when their stop sign is deployed.
School Safety for Back to School Month: School Zones
100 children, or more, are killed in collisions while walking to or from school each year.
Suicide Prevention
According to the NCHS in April 2020, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death overall and 2nd leading cause of death of those ages 10-34 in the United States. As a general trend, suicide as a cause of death is on the rise.
Covid and Suicide
A general worsening of mental health symptoms in the global population as 35% of Chinese nationals and 45% of American adults self-reported a worsening of mental health status
National Senior Citizens Day Honors Unique Contributions and Legal Vulnerabilities of Older Adults
The abuses and personal injuries that are faced by senior citizens, as well as how their age impacts litigation, are worth discussing.
Women’s Equality Day Celebrates Accomplishments, Struggles of Women Worldwide
Here’s how the fight for women’s equality impacts our work at Deratany & Kosner.
National Traffic Awareness Month Spotlights Traffic-Related Accidents – Michael Kosner Has Tips
As more of us return to commuting to the office, what do we need to know about traffic safety?
Jay Paul Deratany Featured in UCR Magazine
Attorney Jay Paul Deratany, MFA ’13, advocates for foster youth in court and on the big screen.
It’s Social Wellness Month – What Does That Mean For Personal Injury Attorneys?
Social wellness is far from a trivial “bonus” in people’s lives – it’s a fundamental societal need and part of what makes us human. Social support helps people ground themselves in the event of personal tragedies or injuries, and having strong social support networks also helps people envision what they want their lives to look like in the aftermath of terrible circumstances.
It’s Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month: What Should You Do If You’re In A Roadside Accident?
July – October are the deadliest months in the year for roadside accidents. To highlight this danger, July is observed as Roadside Safety Awareness Month.
Military Service Members Can Now Open Medical Malpractice Claims – Here’s What You Need To Know
A little-known fact about medical malpractice is that, up until now, military service members have been legally excluded from bringing medical malpractice claims against their branch of service.
Jay Paul Deratany Interview with Joan Esposito
Jay Paul Deratany Interview with Joan Esposito on Live, Local & Progressive.
It’s PTSD Awareness Month – Here’s What You Need to Know
It’s more crucial than ever for people in the legal profession to discuss the implications of PTSD for our clients and even for ourselves. 25% of foster children suffer from the disorder. What do lawyers need to know about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
I’m a Foster Care Attorney and a Gay Man Fostering a Child With My Husband. Here’s What SCOTUS Got Wrong Last Week
Article in The Imprint by Jay Paul Deratany.
Post-Pandemic Thoughts on Medical Malpractice 101
Medical malpractice insurance rates have skyrocketed – what do patients and plaintiffs need to know? Michael Kosner weighs in.
Op-ed: Wrong decision, SCOTUS. Foster care system needs gay parents like me
Article in The Chicago Tribune by Jay Paul Deratany.
It’s Officially Summer! Be Aware of Boating Accidents
Summer is officially in full swing and lots of people are going back out on the lake. What should you know about boating accidents?
Happy Pride Month from Deratany & Kosner
This Pride Month, it’s worth looking around and appreciating just how far the legal profession and the legal landscape have changed in regards to LGBTQ+ rights. There is still a massive struggle for LGBTQ+ people to obtain equality under the law.
Semaj Crosby lawsuit drags on four years after toddler’s death
Deratany & Kosner featured in article about the Semaj Crosby lawsuit
National Foster Care Awareness Month
1 in 5 Foster children experience homelessness within 1 year of aging out of care
Mental Health Awareness Month
Every year, 678,000 foster care children are neglected or abused
Jay Paul Deratany Featured in MSU Alumni Stories
Read the article, “Believing in Art’s Power to Spark Awareness and Action”
Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Foster Care
Sexual Assault Awareness in Foster Care Infographic
DePaul University Alumni Relations Spotlight on Jay Paul Deratany
Alumni Spotlight on Jay Paul Deratany (JD ’87); Founder, Deratany & Kosner
Opening homes and opening hearts: Adopting, supporting and advocating for Chicago’s foster children
Jay Paul Deratany Featured in Chicago Star Article
The Toronto Black Film Festival Director on ‘Foster Boy’ Opening the Festival
Read more about Jay Paul Deratany’s film ‘Foster Boy’
Toronto’s CTV Interview with Jay Paul Deratany
Writer of the Foster Boy movie Jay Paul Deratany spoke to Toronto’s CTV News
TBFF 2021 – Anger, Corruption and Justice Collide in Foster Boy
Jay Paul Deratany’s film ‘Foster Boy’ film featured in Shifter Magazine
Film Inspired by Chicago Foster Care Cases to Stream on BET+
‘Foster Boy’ film streaming on BET+
Human Rights Month – Medical Malpractice
National Human Rights Month: Medical Malpractice Infographic
World Orphan’s Day
There are over 60 million children orphaned and living on the streets worldwide.
Domestic Violence and the Foster Care System Part 2
Domestic Violence & the Foster Care System Statistics
Ruling by the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals is a Victory for Child Abuse Victims Nationwide
Attorney Jay Paul Deratany, founding partner of Chicago’s Deratany & Kosner, finally received the news that he and his team had been hoping for. The United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated his firm’s lawsuit on behalf of Shabrina McCloud and the estate of Ta’Naejah McCloud…
Chicago Film News Interview with the Writer/Producer of ‘Foster Boy’ Jay Paul Deratany
Wendy Parman of Chicago Film News sits down with the writer and producer of “Foster Boy” Jay Paul Deratany
‘Foster Boy’ Premieres at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Executive Producer Shaquille O’Neal joins ‘Foster Boy’ writer Jay Paul Deratany at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival in Los Angeles
NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal takes on plight of foster children with new film, ‘Foster Boy’
When Chicago attorney Jay Paul Deratany was asked to represent an abused foster care youth, he was unprepared for the horrific abuse he’d find rampant at private foster care agencies. Now retired NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has executive produced a film on that experience.
Johns Hopkins Study Blames Doctor Bias Regarding Gender, Race And Age For Misdiagnoses
Bias can become a matter of life or death when doctors are trained to identify symptoms only as they appear in white men. A study found bad physician judgment was to blame for 86 percent of 55,377 malpractice claims where misdiagnosis led to death or disability. The study was by the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute…
Outbreak Of Lung Injuries Spotlights Vaping Dangers
By the time the vaping victims were hospitalized, over half needed intensive care and about a third depended on ventilators to breathe. Most of the patients in the study of Illinois and Wisconsin residents in July previously had visited doctors and clinics when they felt sick after vaping, but they were misdiagnosed, according to KHQ.com….
Are Hospitals Protecting Patients From Candida Auris Infections?
A drug-resistant infection known as Candida auris has been spreading in hospitals and nursing homes since it was first identified four years ago. Medical centers can reduce the risk for patients by following proper infection-control procedures. According to a report in The New York Times, however, some facilities are failing to protect people under their…
Research Shows Expanding Medicaid Can Reduce Child Neglect
The numbers are frightening. Perhaps most appalling is the 55.7 increase in child abuse and neglect victims in Illinois from 2013 (18,465 victims) to 2017 (28,751). Other heartbreaking statistics: The child maltreatment rate rose from 6.1 per 100,000 in 2013 to 9.9 per 100,000 in 2017. The number of first-time victims rose from 13,394 in…
Best Ideas to Identify and Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Care
Child abuse is horrific. Abusers are monsters targeting the most vulnerable among us, without considering the lifelong trauma caused by their actions. A recent Scottish study found 90 percent of children aged 5 and younger who were taken into government care had suffered significant abuse and neglect. According to the study: Two-thirds had experienced multiple…
Foster Care Abuse Occurs More Often Than States Claim
Children placed in American foster care homes get sexually assaulted, exposed to drugs, or harmed in other ways more often than states acknowledge, advocates say. The assertion about foster care abuse doesn’t mean that all or even many foster parents are abusive. Most, like all parents, do the best they can to care for children….
Are Low-Rated Hospitals Dangerous For Patients?
If you’re in need surgery or some kind of medical procedure, you might not have thought to check the hospital’s ratings. But if you end up using a hospital with low grades, you could be putting your life at risk. Researchers found that the risk of dying from mistakes, infections and safety lapses has gotten…
An Attorney Reveals How Hospitals are Dealing with Superbugs
Superbugs are resilient and are not contained to just one healthcare facility. Stopping the spread of superbugs is a challenge, particularly for senior citizens with compromised health. In Chicago, some nursing homes are combating superbugs the old-fashioned way: with soap. The antimicrobial soap chlorhexidine is being used by doctors and healthcare workers to scrub away…
What Can Doctors Do To Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections?
A routine procedure in a hospital can suddenly turn into a potentially deadly ordeal if the patient acquires sepsis, which is the body’s extreme response to an infection. Between one-third and one-half of deaths in U.S. hospitals are linked to sepsis, according to STAT news. After he developed sepsis following hernia surgery, Ken Rothfield –…
How Emerging Technology Can Help Prevent Surgical Errors
Undergoing surgery can be an overwhelming experience for many patients. The fear that something could go wrong and cause a serious condition to worsen is legitimate. In fact, it’s backed up by staggering data. Research from 2013 estimates that surgical errors involving the wrong site or wrong person happen as much as 50 times per…
The Risks Associated with Anesthesia Errors: Chicago Attorneys Discuss
Anesthesia allows patients to undergo surgery without feeling pain or even having any recollection of the procedure. But if not administered correctly, anesthesia may either be ineffective or result in adverse health complications. According to Very Well Health, there are four types of anesthesia: General Anesthesia: This is considered the most potent type of anesthesia…
Lawsuit filed on behalf of five-year-old boy’s estate
The Deratany Firm has filed a lawsuit against Catholic Charities, the social services arm of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, in connection with the death of a five-year-old boy whose body was found in late 2017
Deratany & Kosner Files Second Case In Six Months In Ohio Involving The Death Of A Toddler
Case filed today on behalf of the estate of Jordan Rodriguez, a five-year-old child who died in the care of his mother. Deratany & Kosner continues to fight for justice for children who have suffered within the country’s flawed foster care system. Deratany & Kosner recently made national headlines with its historic $45…
Can My Medical Records Have Errors? A Chicago Attorney Explains
Your medical records contain a range of important information, from your family history to symptoms you may have reported about a serious condition or disease. It’s critical that the information is accurate. A mistake can have dire consequences. According to the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, nearly 10 percent of people who…
How Serious is a Cancer Misdiagnosis? An Attorney Discusses
It’s devastating to hear the words “you have cancer” from a doctor. But it’s important for the doctor to give a patient the difficult news and promptly begin a course of action. Cancer must be treated quickly to stop the aggressive cells from spreading. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes misdiagnose cancer. Lung cancer can mimic other conditions…
Emergency Room Errors Linked To Information Processing
If you or a loved one was harmed in an emergency room due to a medical error, there’s a nearly 50 percent chance the mistake stemmed from a healthcare professional’s problem with information processing. A study published in De Gruyter’s Journal Diagnosis examined the role “cognitive errors” play in emergency room errors. The study concluded 45 percent…
Report Sheds Light On Lax Oversight Of Surgery Centers
An in-depth investigative report raises troubling questions about the risks of using surgery centers in the United States. According to a Kaiser Health News and USA Today Network investigation, surgery centers in more than a dozen states operate with little oversight. Patients and regulators have scant information about incidents that may have occurred in these facilities, including serious injuries…
Lawsuit filed on behalf of five-year-old girl who was abused and murdered
The Deratany Firm has filed a lawsuit against Cuyahoga County’s Department of Children and Family Services on behalf of the estate of a five-year-old girl who was murdered in 2017.
An Alarming Trend: Maternal Deaths During Childbirth on the Rise
Statistics are bearing out a disturbing trend: women in the U.S. today are at a greater risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth than their mothers were, with women of color especially vulnerable. According to a CBS News report, the United States is seeing an uptick in maternal deaths, even as other industrialized nations have…
Doctor Burnout Leading to More Medical Mistakes
Does your doctor seem tired, cynical and stressed out? If yes, your physician’s burnout could be a danger to patients. If you think doctor burnout is rare, think again. A survey of clinic and hospital physicians across the United States reveals that more than half of U.S. doctors experience burnout, according to Mayo Clinic Proceedings…
Medical Mistakes Affect 1 Out of 5 People
If you were treated by a medical professional and suffered an injury, you’re not alone. A survey revealed that 21 percent of respondents say they have been victims of a medial error. The independent research institution NORC at the University of Chicago released the findings in a report that also found that 31 percent of…
Distracted Doctors A Growing Problem In The Digital Age
Was your doctor distracted? You may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Contact Deratany & Kosner to find out how we can help you pursue justice.
Can Admitting a Medical Error Have an Impact on a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Traditionally, healthcare providers have followed a “defend and deny” approach to medical errors. Medical professionals accused of mistakes usually would remain silent out of fear that an apology or admission of error would result in legal fees and an unwinnable medical malpractice lawsuit. But research shows that full disclosure and apologizing for errors do not…
Pediatrician Group Issues Recommendations to Reduce Medication Errors
All moms and dads know that medical appointments for their children are a big part of their parental duties. Kids need routine checkups. Parents sometimes need to rush a child to an emergency room to treat an injury from an accident or a sudden illness. Whatever the reason for seeing a pediatrician or visiting an…
Chicago Jury Awards $45 Million In Case Involving Murdered Toddler
CHICAGO (March 28, 2018) – A jury recently ordered a social services agency to pay a record-setting $45 million in damages after determining the agency was negligent in a case involving a murdered boy. The jury award is the largest in Illinois history in a case involving the death of a toddler. Two-year-old Lavandis Hudson…
$45 Million Verdict Highlights Deadly Negligence In Foster Care
In late March 2018, a Cook County, Illinois jury returned a $45 million recovery in the case of a toddler who died after being negligently returned to his abusive mother’s care. The case, Estate of Lavandis Hudson vs. Lutheran Social Services Inc., centered on gross negligence in the foster care system. If proper procedures had been…
Report Sounds Alarm on Overmedication of Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
If your loved one is in a fragile state and needs nursing home care, you place your trust in the administrators and staff of the facility. You rely on them to provide professional and compassionate care. But a Human Rights Watch report finds that many U.S. nursing homes are failing in their responsibility. The report…
New Law in Illinois Aims to Reduce Opioid Abuse and Prevent Doctor Shopping
Doctors often prescribe pain killers for people who have been injured or are recovering from surgery. While these medications can be highly effective, they also can pose a threat to patients who might become addicted. A pain-killer addiction can cause a downward spiral and may lead to a practice known as “doctor-shopping.” A person in…
Proposed Bill Raises Questions About How to Eliminate a Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis
Despite cutting-edge technology and advances in medicine, some patients may still receive a cancer misdiagnosis. How does it happen? In some cases, a lab worker mixes up or contaminates specimens. Other times, a doctor gives a wrong cancer diagnosis or interprets a test result incorrectly. Are there ways to eliminate a cancer misdiagnosis? A U.S….
Surgical Start Time Medical Errors
A new study finds that patients who undergo a neurosurgical procedure between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. face a higher risk of complications compared to those who get operated on earlier in the day. The findings were published in Neurosurgery, which reported on a study that…
Who is Responsible for Complications in Robot-Assisted Surgery?
The rapid advance of technology has changed the way we carry out our daily lives. Every aspect of modern life shows impact from recent discoveries and inventions, and one area where this change is strongly evident is in the field of medicine. In 2000, the FDA approved the use of…
Serious Nursing Home Abuse Goes Unreported
A recent government alert sheds light on an alarming problem in nursing homes: many serious cases of nursing home abuse go unreported. Investigators who looked at records from 2015 to 2016 found 134 cases of abuse that involved physical and sexual assault of nursing home residents….
Is Illinois addressing child abuse in foster care or adoptive homes?
It’s a hidden epidemic in Chicago and throughout Illinois: child abuse and neglect. The number of children reported as abused or neglected in Illinois has steadily increased in recent years, according to data compiled by the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services. In fiscal year…
Maternal Death and Medical Malpractice in Illinois
In the not-so-distant past, the experience of childbirth was greatly feared. The maternal death rate was extraordinarily high. Today, advances in science and medicine have improved the odds, but they haven’t eliminated the risk of serious injury or even deal. Medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago know that while there are certain anticipated complications such as dehydration,…
Blizzard-Related Car Accident Case Settled For Over $2 Million
A car accident case involving a major blizzard, nine defendants and a legal battle over jurisdiction was resolved earlier this month for a total of $2,145,000. “It took a lot of work to find out what happened in this accident and what we could do,” said attorney Michael Kosner of Deratany & Kosner in Chicago….
Lawsuit: Medical Malpractice Led to Veteran’s Suicide
A medical malpractice and wrongful death suit filed in federal court last month claims that negligence by the staff at a Chicago VA hospital led to the suicide of an Iraq War veteran. The suit alleges that physicians at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center knew or should have known that Sgt. Daniel…
Spotlight on Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes Spurs Promises of Action
A recent investigation by CNN revealed heart wrenching details of just how pervasive sexually-motivated nursing home abuse is. Reporters discovered more than 1,000 nursing homes had been cited for mishandling cases of suspected sexual abuse and rape of patients by nursing assistants. That figure likely vastly under-represents the actual number, given that so many cases…
Tort Reform Efforts May Affect Chicago, IL Injury Claims
Personal injury and wrongful death lawyers provide daily assistance to those who have suffered losses due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Victims must navigate the civil justice system, filing claims called “torts” to get compensation for harm they endured. Victims are supposed to be “made whole” within this system. The courts aim to ensure victims…
Nursing Home Arbitration Clauses Face Numerous Legal Challenges
The majority of nursing homes have been slyly inserting arbitration agreements into admissions paperwork. An arbitration clause restricts the rights of a resident, or resident’s family, from filing a lawsuit if a dispute arises, including disputes stemming from poor care and cases of abuse or neglect resulting in serious injury or wrongful death. It removes the civil…
Consequences of Foster Care Abuse and Neglect
Children who are put into the foster care system typically come from difficult home lives. They may have endured abuse or neglect by their parents in their home. Many children suffer from behavioral disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, or other mental or physical issues as a result of the treatment that they received at home. They…
Foster Care Agency To Pay Millions for Placing Child With Abusers
Foster care agencies are supposed to protect children and make sure that kids in the foster care system have a safe home. Unfortunately, foster care abuse is common. Sometimes, this abuse can happen because the agencies placing children don’t do their jobs and ensure caregivers have a child’s best interests at heart. Just recently, for…
Common Birth Injuries as a Result of Hospital Negligence in Chicago
So many things can go wrong during the birth of a child. Because of the risks involved in labor and delivery, those involved in monitoring mom and baby must be consummate professionals who understand their jobs well and who are able to provide the appropriate level of care. The facility where the birth is taking place…
Who is Responsible for Foster Care Abuse?
Foster care abuse is far too common and has been a major issue for a long time. In 2003, Frontline prepared a comprehensive report called Failure to Protect detailing some of the egregious lapses within the foster care industry. The executive director of Children’s Rights, Inc. told Frontline that foster children cannot be considered safe…
Misdiagnosis rate 15 to 28 percent, recent study reports
According to a recent survey by the National Coalition on Heath Care and Best Doctors, INC, the rate of misdiagnoses is anywhere from 15 percent to 28 percent. Researchers set out to determine the reasons for this high rate and what steps, if any, could be taken to reduce it. They surveyed 400 physicians, medical…
Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence More Likely When Patients Don’t Get Visitors
As many as 60 percent of senior citizens who live in a nursing home environment do not receive outside visitors. Review Journal reported on this troubling statistic recently. When seniors do not receive regular visitors from outside, those seniors are much more likely to become depressed. The psychological results of having no visitors are troubling, as lonely…
$10.7 Million Awarded in Toddler Death Lawsuit
A jury awarded $10.7 million last night to the estate of an 18-month-old who was scalded to death by a water heater manufactured by American Water Heater Company. On February 24, 2010, the toddler, Mikayla King, was scalded by dangerously hot water that flowed into the bathtub where she was being bathed, causing second degree…
Disturbing Medical Errors Can Put Chicago Patients at Risk
Most people expect doctors to provide reasonable care and avoid egregious mistakes which can be detrimental to a patient’s health. Unfortunately, sometimes doctors do things which are so clearly negligent and below the professional standard of care that there is no question they have harmed the patient. In cases like this, a legal doctrine called res…
Healthcare System Complexity is a Top Cause of Medical Error
The United States is undergoing a “medical error crisis,” and it is not doing enough to fix it. After recent news reports revealed that more than 250,000 deaths occur annually due to medical error, an editorial in U.S. News and World Report commented that “the lack of a response from political leaders, the heads of major hospitals, insurance…
Medical Error Now the Third Biggest Killer in the U.S.
The risk of death because of medical malpractice has long been a primary concern for patients throughout the United States. Unfortunately, new research shows that worries about medical mistakes are not unfounded. As RT reports, medical error is now the third leading cause of death within the United States. Only cancer and heart disease cause…
Birth Injuries in Babies
When a child experiences a birth injury, parents are faced with many issues to tackle. Filled with confusion and grief, it is hard to know what to do when your child experiences a serious injury during birth. There are several types of common birth injuries that parents should be aware of. Head and Brain Injury The…
May is Foster Care Awareness Month
Each May, people from all walks of life come together to help children and young adults in the foster care system. Even though the goal of foster programs is to provide and care for kids all year long, having this one month provides an opportunity for the nation to focus its attention on a purpose…
Has My Doctor Been Sued For Medical Malpractice?
In a 2010 report by the American Medical Association (AMA), more than 60 percent of doctors over the age of 55 have been sued at least once. This may seem shocking, but it is not. Most physicians will be sued for malpractice at some point in their career, whether or not the cases are dismissed…
Chicago Car Accidents Caused by Careless Truck Drivers
Car accidents can occur whenever a motorist makes an unsafe choice, such as driving while fatigued. Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle collisions on the road. Unfortunately, Safety BLR recently reported a survey of truck drivers in which professional drivers indicated conditions in their workplace were routinely causing them to…
Chicago Bike Lanes: On the Right Path?
Chicago has a reputation of being one of the best biking cities in America. With its designated bike lanes, over 200 miles of on- street, buffered and shared lanes, why would there be any major accidents? Surprisingly, there are more bike injuries than we may realize. According to the City of Chicago, between 2005 and…
Erin Andrews’ Win a Wake-Up Call for Hotels
If you haven’t heard already, Erin Andrews has been battling a civil suit against her peeping tom, 51-year-old Michael David Barrett, who video taped her nude inside of a hotel room back in 2008. It was a big win for both Andrews but also for those that have faced any sort of sexual assault. When…
3 Reasons Why You Need a Technology Upgrade
Just about everyone is up to date with their iPhones, tablets and cellular watches. Even though you think you are using the most tech savvy equipment out there, are you forgetting about the importance of the little things? Here are some tips to make sure that your business is firing on all cylinders. Do You…
Medical Errors in the Field of Cardiology
Cardiologists have important responsibilities as they are entrusted with the treatment of conditions of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists are trained professionals who are held to a high standard because of their advanced education and skill within their field. Unfortunately, sometimes cardiologists can still make errors. When a cardiologist makes a mistake, the consequences…
Top 7 Reasons Doctors are Sued for Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice in Chicago can occur in any situation where a doctor failed to fulfill a professional obligation and the physician’s substandard care caused harm to a patient. Patients need to be aware of some of the different types of errors and mistakes which can occur and be considered malpractice. It is not just overt…
When are Chicago Patients at the Greatest Risk of Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice in Chicago can happen any time. However, there are certain types of medical care situations where mistakes are more likely to be made, and there are certain settings where errors are more likely to harm patients. Understanding which doctors are sued most for medical malpractice and in which settings can help patients to…
Insurer Faces Punitive Damages for Bad Faith in Medical Malpractice Claims
When medical negligence occurs or physicians make mistakes, doctors have medical malpractice insurance to pay for losses to victims. These insurers should negotiate in good faith when their policyholders cause harm. Unfortunately, too often insurers refuse to provide a reasonable settlement offer to people who have suffered serious losses. Insurers may deny responsibility for claims that…
EPA to Audit Safety of Michigan Drinking Water
In the wake of recent high lead findings and alterations of water lead reports in Flint, Michigan, the Environmental Protection Agency will be stepping to conduct reviews. Apparently the person in charge of taking water samples around Flint was instructed to take off the high lead level reports, though the state denies any wrongdoing. During…
New Study Shows Janitors and Dog Walkers Paid More Than Child Care Workers
According to a new report recently released by the Economic Policy Institute, those who care for children in daycare centers, nannies and in other facilities earn almost 40 percent less. Unfortunately, while women have made some strides in pay equality, especially in higher paying professional jobs, child care workers are 95.6 percent female, the median…
What Will it Take to End the Vicious Police Brutality Overlooked?
The City of Detroit has paid out over $1 million for four lawsuits related to one officer, Bill “Robocop” Melendez in 2003. On January 28, 2015, Melendez was charged with three felonies for choking and punching an elderly black grandfather sixteen times, after attempting to “plant” cocaine on the man. Melendez was finally convicted of…
Refugiada sufre fractura de tobillo por el dispositivo de rastreo de ICE
Huye de la violencia en Centroamérica… y la mandan a un Centro de Detención. Es la historia de María Conpero, que sufrió fractura de tobillo por el dispositivo de rastreo que le pusieron autoridades de ICE.
Salvadoran Refugee Mother Suffers Severe Injury from Electronic Monitor Placed on Her by Immigration Customs Enforcement
Maria Isabel Corpeno Argueta broke an ankle bone on Oct. 4 and needed emergency surgery because she was forced to wear an electronic monitor device, like thousands of undocumented refugees from Central America. The U.S. federal government, through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), keeps tabs on refugees by using electronic monitoring devices. In recent months,…
Diagnostic Errors Occur Daily, Harming Chicago Patients
A correct diagnosis is critical, because patients in Chicago hospitals can receive proper treatment only when their conditions are diagnosed properly. Troubling new reports, however, suggest that diagnostic errors are happening every day. US News reported a groundbreaking new report released by the Institute of Medicine, describing the frequency of diagnostic errors and the consequences…
Police Need to be Held to High Standard—High Incidence of Police Beatings Unacceptable
In a Carlsbad, California, police beating last week, a woman was picking up her children from a birthday party and inquired what police were doing near a car with an alarm going off. Police told her to “mind her own f…… business” and soon thereafter stopped her for failing to wear her seatbelt. The unarmed…
Gun Control and Freedom
Some gun owners continue to insist that the government wants to take away their guns, when that is not what mindful lawmakers propose. Gun regulation and background checks are a far cry from “taking away our guns.” It’s like a provocative cry that someone (likely the NRA or gun manufacturers?) started to get the public…
Evaluating Surgeon Error Rates to Assess Risk of Medical Malpractice
This summer, ProPublica published a scorecard comparing how 17,000 surgeons throughout the United States performed on common procedures. US News called the scorecard “the first purely objective public report card of health care quality at the physician level.” While the report was controversial, potentially unfair to some surgeons, and highly contested by some experts, it can…
Are Restaurants Responsible for Food Poisoning Under Chicago Premises Liability Laws?
Restaurants are subject to premises liability laws in Chicago. This means they have a duty to customers to exercise reasonable care to keep patrons safe. Premises liability laws usually apply to cases where a restaurant has a slippery floor, unsafe electrical wiring, damaged stairs, or other conditions that result in slip and falls, burn injuries,…
Civil and Criminal Liability for Medical Negligence in Chicago
In July, a 50-year-old doctor was sentenced to 45 years, which means he will likely die in prison. The prosecutor was asking for a sentence of 175 years because the doctor intentionally misdiagnosed patients and performed unnecessary medical procedures simply to make money. The physician, Dr. Farid Fata, appeared to be crying as his sentence was…
New Technology Could Prevent Chicago Drunk Driving Deaths
Within the next five years, new technologies could go a long way toward reducing the risk of drunk driving collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTs) have collaborated on a program called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). Since 2008, DADSS research has been focused…
Avoiding Chicago Injuries During the Deadliest Month of the Year
Many people believe winter is the more dangerous time of the year because of the possibility of accidents caused by snowy weather and because of the risks of severe storms. The reality, however, is the month in which the highest number of deaths due to preventable injuries occurs is the month of July. An experienced…
Car Seats May Not Keep Chicago Kids Safe in T-Bone Crashes
The use of car seats and appropriate restraints for children has a significant positive impact on saving young lives. New York Times reports 3,308 children involved in collisions in 2009 when they were under four years old are alive today because the children were in child safety seats. An experienced T-Bone accident lawyer knows child…
GHSA Offers Tips for Making Chicago Roads Safer for Pedestrians
Pedestrians face high risk of involvement in motor vehicle collisions because too many roads are designed primarily for the use of vehicles, without taking pedestrian interests into account. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer supports efforts being made to develop better pedestrian infrastructure. The Governors’ Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has provided insight for municipalities and city…
Fault in Chicago Rear-End Accidents
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows complicated questions can arise in cases where multiple vehicles are involved in an accident in Evanston, Wilmette and Highland Park. Chain reaction rear-end collisions are common. Two cars may collide because a lead vehicle stops suddenly and the rear vehicle is too close behind; or two cars may collide…
Chicago Child Injuries Can Occur When Kids Left in Hot Cars
As summer arrives and the temperature climbs in Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette and Highland Park, there are new injury risks to consider. This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is issuing important reminders to caregivers of young children about the dangers of children being left inside hot vehicles. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows that…
An Ignition Interlock Device in All Chicago Cars Could Save Lives
In Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette and Highland Park, motorists are at risk of becoming involved in a drunk driving accident. Mothers Agains Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that around 10,000 people are killed each year in accidents caused by drunk drivers. Prevention of these accidents is essential. A personal injury lawyer knows that public education and law…
National Campaign Targeting Drowsy Drivers Underway
In Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette and Highland Park, motorists are at risk of becoming involved in a drunk driving accident. Mothers Agains Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that around 10,000 people are killed each year in accidents caused by drunk drivers. Prevention of these accidents is essential. A personal injury lawyer knows that public education and law…