Harrisburg Medical Malpractice Blog

What is amniotic fluid embolism?

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Birth Injuries on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

While giving birth to a baby in Pennsylvania is usually a very safe process, the possibility of perinatal or postnatal complications is always present. An amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can develop while you are giving birth or just afterward.

Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds your baby while in the womb. According to the Mayo Clinic, an amniotic fluid embolism occurs when the fluid enters your bloodstream. This condition is poorly understood, but a breakdown of the placental barrier, possibly resulting from trauma, is a likely cause.

Semi-truck fails to stop, two people die

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Truck Accidents on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

People in Pennsylvania have good reason to feel a bit uneasy about being next to a tractor-trailer or other large commercial vehicle on the road or freeway. The massive size and weight of these big rigs can definitely be intimidating and may contribute to extreme risks if an accident occurs with one of these vehicles. In addition to that, however, is the concern of what these trucks might be transporting. Many trucks could well carry items that are flammable or otherwise dangerous, adding to the risk that people face in a crash.

A recent multi-vehicle crash along a stretch of Interstate 78 in Bucks County erupted in flames and turned deadly after one semi-truck did not stop as it approached slowing traffic ahead of it, as reported by PennLive.com. It is not known exactly what the driver of that truck was transporting but the initial impact eventually created a domino effect that led one passenger vehicle and four other semi-trucks to be involved. The car and two of the trucks became engulfed in fire.

A car crash may cause traumatic brain injury

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP on Monday, November 26, 2018.

Traumatic brain injury can occur when the brain sustains an impact. Most often, TBI happens due to a fall, an impact from a falling object, a car crash or a violent assault.

In the event of a car accident, TBI is possible even if there are no visible signs of head trauma. A sudden stop while traveling fast can cause internal damage to the brain. For this reason, it is especially important to watch out for potential TBI symptoms after your accident.

The four criteria required for a medical malpractice claim

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Medical Malpractice on Saturday, November 24, 2018.

When you or a loved one check-in to a New Jersey hospital, it is generally with the expectation that the medical professionals there will improve an existing health issue. At Navisky, Olson & Wisneski LLP, our experienced team works with clients to secure settlements when preventable medical errors result in serious injury or fatalities.

Dr. Edward Mallory reports that there are four criteria, typically referred to as the “Four D’s,” needed for a medical malpractice claim.

How often do truck drivers abuse drugs and alcohol?

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Truck Accidents on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

As a Pennsylvania resident, encountering large commercial trucks on state roadways is likely a common occurrence, but you may, like many others, feel uneasy when navigating your way around them. While the sheer size and weight of modern semi-trucks make them inherently dangerous, they become even more potentially deadly when the people commandeering them abuse drugs or alcohol on the job.

Regrettably, per the American Addiction Centers, substance abuse among truckers is a far more common occurrence than you might like to think. In fact, a series of 36 studies on truck driver substance abuse conducted over a 13-year period revealed some sobering statistics about just how many truckers are turning to drugs and alcohol while at work.

What are some common birth injuries?

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Birth Injuries on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

The process of labor and delivery is very natural. It has been happening since the beginning of humankind. However, not every birth in Pennsylvania goes smoothly and without issues. Sometimes, birth injuries occur to the baby. The most common of these, though, are generally temporary issues that clear up without any long-lasting effects.

According to Stanford Children's Health, a birth injury is any type of injury that occurs when a baby is born. They can happen to you or your baby. Typically, if your baby has injuries, they will not be severe. For example, a broken collarbone is a common occurrence due to the shoulders being compressed as the baby comes through the birth canal. In babies, fractures heal quickly. Bruising is also common due to the general trauma of the birthing process. While they may look bad, they should clear up fast.

What are frequently asked questions for post-crash victims?

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Auto Accidents on Friday, November 2, 2018.

As a resident of Pennsylvania who has either lost a loved one in a crash recently, or experienced a traumatic one yourself, you likely have a lot of questions that you want answered. Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski, LLP, will help you get the answers that you deserve.

If you have been injured beyond the ability to work or lost a loved one who was the primary source of household income, you likely have a lot of financial-related questions. For example, who will pay for the vehicle damage? How will you make up for lost wages? Can your medical bills be covered?

What are some winter safety tips for driving on the PA turnpike?

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Auto Accidents on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a well-traveled road. As such, it is prone to many accidents throughout the year. While accidents may happen anytime, it is winter that poses the highest risk to you as you drive on this road. Heavy traffic and bad road conditions add up to serious hazards that make it difficult to drive. There are some things you can do to help keep yourself safer while traveling this route.

According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, cautious driving habits are your best bet to staying safe when traveling this roadway. You should reduce your speed and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, make sure to turn your headlights on, especially if it is actively snowing. This makes your vehicle more visible.

The misdiagnosis of breast cancer

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP posted in Medical Malpractice on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Misdiagnosis if one of the deadliest forms of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania, as it often results in lack of treatment or inadequate treatment. Misdiagnosis, especially when breast cancer is involved, can result in the need for costlier and more extensive medical care, advancement of the disease and even death.

According to findings published in FindLaw, nearly one in every eight American women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Unfortunately, many of those women will not find out that they have breast cancer until it is in its advanced stages. This is often due to misdiagnosis and lack of diagnosis, which accounts for approximately 61 percent of all medical malpractice claims involving breast cancer patients.

Signs a surgeon left something inside a patient's body

On behalf of Navitsky, Olson & Wisneski LLP on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

Most surgeries end perfectly with no complications to the patient. However, every year, stories crop up of surgeons leaving foreign objects inside a patient's body. One of the most well-publicized cases of this happening occurred this year when a woman discovered a surgeon left two surgical sponges inside her body. She realized she had an issue when she noticed abnormal stomach bloating.

Surgeons can leave an array of objects inside a body cavity, including scalpels, scissors, tubes, surgical gloves, forceps and other objects medical professionals need during surgery. Objects get left behind for many reasons, and patients should pay attention to any warning signs immediately following an invasive procedure.