Hawaii Injury Lawyer Blog

According to the New York Times, several techniques have been identified that are helpful to treat those who are suffering cognitive delays as the result of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Although some of the TBI treatment methods were developed in response to help troops from Afghanistan and Iraq who have suffered head injuries, these techniques can be of aid to anyone who has suffered a debilitating TBI. TBIs are caused when excessive forces are applied to the head resulting in damage to the tissues of the brain. Statistics reveal that nearly 1.7 million American civilians suffer TBIs each year, often resulting from car accidents, sports accidents and construction accidents.

Symptoms of TBIs include:

• Confusion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Short-term memory loss
• Cognitive impairment

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of an accident, an experienced Hawaii traumatic brain injury attorney can help. Where a TBI occurs as the result of the carelessness or recklessness of another, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries.

A report completed by the Institute of Medicine at the request of the Defense Department determined that certain methods – such as the use of special diaries to improve memory – helped those injured regain cognitive function. However, overall the lack of a sufficient evidence base made it difficult to support the development of specific therapeutic guidelines.

Continue reading " Studies Show Traumatic Brain Injury Techniques Helpful, But Require Additional Research " »

A Hawaii man has sued Burger King for negligence after allegedly finding needles in his burger. According to a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu, Army Staff Sergeant Clark Bartholomew asserts we was injured by needles in the food he brought home from a Burger King located on Schofield Barracks, a large Army base located in central Oahu.

Bartholomew was then hospitalized and required six days of bed rest after another needle was found in lodged in his small intestine. According to his personal injury lawsuit, Bartholomew suffered “severe physical injury, including injuries to his stomach, rectum and tongue.” The man also suffered “anxiety, fear, loss of sleep, extreme distress and lost wages.” The suit further notes that this is not the first instance of injuries from needles and other foreign objects in Burger King’s hamburgers.

Personal injury claims can arise in a variety of instances and many people wonder, "Do I need a personal injury attorney?"
If you have been injured as a result of the negligence of another, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney. When someone has been harmed due to the carelessness or recklessness of another person or entity, they may seek compensation for any damages that might have been sustained in the accident. Circumstances that may lead to the filing of personal injury claims are nearly limitless and include construction accidents, car accidents, medical malpractice and wrongful death actions. Negligence may be either the result of careless actions a person, company or entity takes or in the actions that a reasonable person or entity fails to take. If you’ve been harmed due to the action or inaction of another, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can answer your personal injury questions and provide crucial guidance regarding your next steps.

Continue reading " Hawaii Man Sues Burger King For Negligence " »

In a move which makes information concerning adverse actions against doctors less available, as of September 1, the National Practitioner Data Base (NPDB) has removed the public use option of the information from the website. The NPDB provides information regarding doctors practicing in Hawaii and throughout the United States regarding medical malpractice actions and license revocations and suspensions. Previously, hospitals and other health care providers could log into the data bank for information concern a particular physician to determine whether the doctor has ever had his or her licensed revoked or suspended, or whether the doctor has been involved in medical malpractice settlement. Medical malpractice may include such actions as failure to diagnose, anesthesia errors and emergency room errors.

Additionally the public use file provides valuable information to the public, including reporters and researchers regarding the oversight of doctors, trends in disciplinary actions and medical malpractice awards. The public has used this information to help lead to better patient protection. The public aspect has just been removed so that the public cannot determine the specific identity of physicians.

Many healthcare journalists used this data bank in order to expose deficiencies in state discipline of doctors found liable for medical negligence and help to improve patient safety. In fact, the public was able to determine a Missouri doctor continued to practice in Hawaii despite committing medical negligence in two other states.

As stated by the Association of Health Care Journalists “We remain troubled that it appears [Health and Human Services] is more interested in protecting doctors accused of harming patients than protecting the patients themselves.”

Continue reading " Information On Hawaii Doctors Who Commit Medical Malpractice Less Available " »

The Maui News reports that a 69-year-old tour bus driver from Kahului has been sentenced to one year probation and a $500 fine as the result of a fatal pedestrian accident. Harold Goshi was driving a tour bus at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Kai Ala Drive in Kaanapali. He allegedly made a left turn and hit two elderly pedestrians crossing the street in a crosswalk. One of the pedestrians, Leo Nekus, was fatally injured and died several days later.

In personal injury cases that cost the life of the victim, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death action against the responsible party. In certain instances, criminal penalties as well as civil actions may arise where a wrongful death occurs.

While no amount of money can make up for the death of a loved one, filing a fair claim may be helpful to cover the financial costs associated with the tragedy, including medical expenses, burial and funeral costs. You may even be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering.

It’s important to speak to a Hawaii personal injury lawyer immediately in the event of a loss. A wrongful death attorney can provide you the support, advice and representation you need during this difficult time.

Continue reading " Kahului Man Charged With Simple Negligence In Fatal Pedestrian Accident " »