The Emotional Consequences of Nursing Home Abuse [infographic]
The emotional consequences of nursing home abuse vary and are often significant, sometimes leading to severe mental health problems, a substantial decline in the victim’s physical health, and even death. (Article continues below infographic) ______ What Is the Impact of Nursing Home Abuse? In nursing homes and long-term care facilities, 44 percent of residents report that they have been victims of some type of physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse while receiving care at a facility. Although some signs of abuse show up as bruises, cuts and abrasions, [...]
When Innocent Bystanders Catch a Bullet
Published on July 20, 2018, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Personal Injury
When innocent bystanders are injured or killed in police shootings, there are often allegations of excessive force or police misconduct. Cities across the country are facing lawsuits by injured victims and families of loved ones who were mistakenly killed in police shootings. What Is the Difference Between Mistaken Identity or Excessive Force? In recent years, there have been a number of civilians caught in the crossfire of police bullets due to mistaken identity or accidental shootings. As a result, many innocent bystanders have been seriously injured or killed [...]
Review Your Long-Term Care Insurance Policy: You May Need to File a Bad Faith Claim
People who are met with a significant delay, reduction or denial of benefits after filing a long-term care claim should carefully review their policy because their insurance company may be acting in bad faith. With the significant number of baby boomers reaching their senior years, bad faith insurance claims for health care and disability benefits are on the rise. The Risks of Long-Term Care Policies Bad faith claims against disability insurers have been prevalent for decades, but claims against long-term care insurers are now catching up. Since baby [...]
When Angry Drivers Cause Accidents [infographic]
When road rage results in a serious car accident or injuries, the driver who committed the offense can be held liable. According to NHTSA, approximately one-third of accidents that cause injuries and deaths on U.S. roads and highways are caused by aggressive drivers and road rage. (Article continues below infographic) ______ Road Rage and Angry Drivers Traffic studies done by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that more than 50 percent of drivers have experienced angry drivers on the road. Many of these incidents end [...]
Understanding the Impact of Untimely Payment in Insurance Bad Faith Cases
When delayed claim payments are the result of bad faith conduct by insurance companies, the insurer can be held liable for significant damages. What Are Bad Faith Insurance Claims? Bad faith conduct may result in legal action against insurance companies that delay or deny claims when liability is clear. The specifics of insurance policies differ between states and insurers, but all insurers have a legal obligation to abide by the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Bad faith insurance cases represent intentional dishonesty on the part [...]
When Calls for Help Go Unanswered
In nursing homes, unanswered calls for help by staff and caretakers can mean the difference between life and death for elderly patients. What Happens When Calls for Help Go Unanswered? Nursing home call systems provide a lifeline for elderly patients who require assistance. When calls go unanswered by medical staff, patients can suffer serious injuries, even death. All nursing home facilities are required to have a call system with a two-way intercom between the nurse’s station and the patient’s bed. When the patient activates the call button, a [...]
Safety Issues Are Raised as Driverless Flying Taxis Prepare for Takeoff [infographic]
Many companies have already started developing self-driving air taxis, but safety issues and concerns about the dangers these vehicles pose to passengers, people in buildings, pedestrians, motor vehicles, and commercial aircraft continue to be raised. (Article continues below infographic) ______ What Is the Future of Driverless Air Taxis? Autonomous air taxis are currently under development, but safety concerns for people and the impact these vehicles will have on traffic patterns continue to pose issues. Propelled by advanced technology, eager investors, and frustrated drivers stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic every [...]
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 [...]
Textalyzer: A Breathalyzer for Your Cellphone
Published on April 13, 2018, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp
Car Accident
A new device called a textalyzer, designed to reduce the high number of auto accidents caused by distracted drivers, can check to see if drivers have been texting or performing other activities on their cell phones in the moments before a crash. What is the Textalyzer? A digital device, called the textalyzer, has been developed to help law enforcement crack down on distracted driving accidents caused by cell phone use behind the wheel. The new textalyzer technology is modeled after the current Breathalyzer device that police use to [...]
Residents Are Getting Illegally Dumped By their Nursing Homes [infographic]
“Hospital Dumping” is an illegal eviction process for nursing home residents which has become a major concern for the elderly in the U.S. and about 9,000 people fall victim to this practice every year. (Article continues below infographic) What Is Illegal Hospital Dumping? Thousands of elderly residents are getting dumped every year in hospitals where they are taken for acute care treatment of illness or injury. Once their hospital care is completed, they are told without prior warning that they cannot return to their nursing home. According to [...]
