Birth Injuries and Medical Malpractice We all expect the birth of a child to be a joyous event, but unfortunately, a baby could suffer from distress or an injury at any time. That is because labor and delivery is a rough process. A woman may be in labor for dozens of hours, which can take its toll on both the mother and the baby. A baby can get stuck in the birth canal, causing a doctor to try to deliver it with force. This can cause the baby to suffer broken bones, nerve damage, and even brain damage. When a doctor does not treat a patient with a normal standard of care, it may be considered ..read more

How to Deal With an Insurer After an Alaska Truck Accident Large trucks and commercial vehicles massively outsize the autos traveling alongside them in traffic, so it is not a surprise that most fatalities and injuries are occupants of the passenger cars. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), almost 5,800 people are killed every year in accidents with 18-wheelers, semis, tractor-trailers, and other large trucks. In total, 72% of the victims are in the passenger vehicle. Another 11% are not occupants in any vehicle, such as pedestrians and bicycle riders. There are strict rules and re ..read more

Types and Degrees of Burns If you get into an accident, such as a workplace accident, car crash, or chemical-related accident, you could develop burns. Burns are painful wounds caused by tissue damage to the skin. Burns can be caused by car accidents, electrical currents, scalds, hot objects, and chemicals. Burns can be catastrophic injuries, depending on the severity. Severe burns can lead to a loss of limbs, loss of mobility, disfigurement, scarring, and recurrent infections. Treatment can be extensive and may require a victim to go to a burn center. Burns can vary in degree, plus there are ..read more

Steps in the Legal Process for an Alaska Wrongful Death Case Many people assume that cancer and heart disease top the list of the leading causes of death in the US, and these medical conditions do claim the #1 and #2 spots. However, accidents also rank high when it comes to fatalities. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that unintentional injuries are the #4 cause of death nationwide. Almost 225,000 people are killed every year in accidents that are preventable, meaning these tragedies only occur because of carelessness. In Alaska, it is possible for survivors to p ..read more

FAQs About Preeclampsia and Birth Injuries If you are currently expecting or planning on expanding your family, you know the importance of the mother’s health during pregnancy. There are many changes in the body, and certain medical conditions may arise that are associated with gestation. One that is concerning and requires special medical attention is preeclampsia. Researchers from the March of Dimes describe preeclampsia as a type of high blood pressure that occurs around the 20th week of pregnancy or thereafter. Besides stressing the heart, it also causes the kidneys, liver, and other organ ..read more

Parent-Teen Driving Contracts Protect Against Alaska Car Accidents Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for teens in Alaska, but it fills many parents with dread at the same time. They may already know that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 2,800 kids aged 13 to 19 years old are killed and another 227,000 are injured in auto crashes every year. While some might blame these casualties on risky behavior, one of the key issues for teen drivers is experience. They need as ..read more

How to Choose a Car Seat that Best Protects Against Accidents Children are extremely vulnerable in car accidents, which is why Alaska and other US states have enacted laws requiring them to be securely restrained depending on age. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) reveal that 40% of children under 18 years old who are killed in traffic collisions were not restrained by a car seat, booster, seatbelt, or other lawful restraint. Plus, around 163,000 children suffer injuries in auto crashes annually. As a parent, you might be overwhelmed by the choices and s ..read more

Medication Errors Cause Serious Harm to Patients When you consider the hundreds of thousands of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, and lotions available in the US today, you can see the potential for serious mistakes by healthcare providers. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 7,000 to 9,000 patients die every year because of medication errors. Many more suffer severe harm and adverse events, though issues with reporting prevent an accurate estimate. There are many individuals involved with medication administration in the ..read more

Accidental Injuries to the Thoracic Spine are Life-Changing By the time you are an adult, your spinal cord is surrounded and protected by 24 vertebrae, each of which is grouped according to its location on your spine. The 12 vertebrae that are at the middle of the spine and have a rib attached make up the thoracic spine. They are labeled at T1 through T12, moving lower into the lumbar region. This section of the spine is the most at risk of injuries, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Up to 90% of all spinal injuries involve the T10 to T12 vertebrae. Trauma to the thoracic s ..read more

Four Important Facts About the Death on the High Seas Act Working in the Alaska maritime industry is a rewarding, well-paying position, but nature of the employment environment means that accidents and injuries are a common threat. At times, they can even be deadly, leaving the victim’s surviving loved ones to suffer financial and emotional losses in the aftermath. In the 1920’s, fatal maritime accidents were so pervasive that Congress enacted the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Survivors can file a special type of personal injury case to recover compensation for their losses, but only whe ..read more