Victim Blaming: When Motorists Run Over Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists who are struck by motor vehicles are often blamed for their own injuries or death, while the vehicle’s driver faces minor consequences. Blaming Injured Victims When a motorist injures or kills people who are walking or biking, the victims are often blamed for putting themselves in a dangerous situation. While the driver who struck the pedestrian or cyclist is often speeding, distracted, or impaired by alcohol or drugs, he/she is often not the focus of attention for the accident. In many cases, unless the driver [...]
Who is Making the Decisions on Your Claim?
Aetna’s former medical director admits that healthcare claims are often reviewed by nurses, rather than by licensed physicians when determining approval or denial of insurance benefits. Aetna Claim Procedures Under Investigation In a recent investigation, Aetna’s former medical director Dr. Jay Ken Iinuma admitted that he never reviewed patient medical records before approving or denying healthcare claims. He stated that records were commonly reviewed by nurses who made recommendations for approval or denial of benefits. This admission was made during a deposition in a lawsuit where coverage was [...]
Nursing Home Neglect: Can a Patient With Dementia Refuse Care?
Dementia patients have the right to accept or refuse medical care, so long as they demonstrate adequate mental capacity. The U.S. Constitution protects a person’s basic freedoms, including the right to privacy and protection against actions of others that may threaten bodily integrity. However, when a dementia patient’s mental capacity is shown to be inadequate, they no longer have the right to accept or refuse medical care. So, can a patient with dementia refuse care? Determining Competency and Legal Rights of Dementia Patients How does competency affect the [...]
Staying Safe When There’s Roadwork Ahead [infographic]
To prevent driver and worker injuries and fatalities, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages workplace safety zones for roadway workers and provides safety tips to drivers to prevent accidents. (Article continues below infographic) ______ Roadway Work Zone Safety In 2014, there were 669 fatalities related to roadway work zone car crashes. In 2015, a work zone car crash happened every five minutes, resulting in 70 daily crashes with at least one injury and 12 weekly crashes with at least one fatality. Safety zones are often [...]
