Police Brutality

Police Brutality

by | Oct 23, 2020 | practice-areas

Police officers are supposed to serve and protect their community. However, when a police officer uses excessive or unnecessary force, he can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Victims of police brutality are not alone in their fight for justice. Defending yourself against the community’s police department can be intimidating, but an experienced attorney from the Trial Lawyers for Justice can stand by your side every step of the way.

Explaining Police Brutality

police brutality should I call a lawyer best iowaPolice officers are trained to control a situation with as little force as possible. They are not supposed to use a great deal of force unless the circumstances call for it. If a police officer is using excessive or unnecessary force, this is known as police brutality. Excessive force means using force beyond what is needed to take control of a situation. It may involve the use of batons, guns, nerve gas, and pepper spray. Although police brutality is often physical, it can also be psychological, verbal, or sexual abuse.

Race is often a factor in police brutality cases, but it doesn’t have to be. Anyone can be a victim of police brutality regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or race. If you experienced police brutality during an arrest for a crime that you did commit, you are still able to pursue a civil lawsuit. Some people assume they cannot file a lawsuit if they experienced police brutality while being arrested for a crime, but that’s not the case. Guilty or innocent, police officers are not allowed to use excessive force.

Escalating Police Brutality Complaints

Each police department has its own procedure for investigating complaints related to police brutality. If you have been a victim of police brutality, you should always file a complaint with the police department to launch the investigation. You will need to provide as much information as possible in this complaint, including photos of your injuries, and statements from witnesses, if possible. The Internal Affairs unit within the police department is responsible for investigating these complaints and disciplining police officers who are found to be guilty of police brutality. However, police officers can often argue and say the use of force was justified and therefore they should not be disciplined for their actions. Many police officers will not receive any penalties after an internal investigation is concluded.

Victims who are not happy with the outcome of the internal investigation—or victims who would like help with filing the complaint—should always speak with an attorney. Even if the police department did not find anything wrong with the police officer’s behavior, you may still be able to file a civil lawsuit in an attempt to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Legal Help is Available For Victims of Police Brutality

Who do you turn to when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who have caused you harm? If you or a loved one is a victim of police brutality, contact the Trial Lawyers for Justice as soon as possible. Our team of attorneys can help you defend your rights and seek justice. Call (866) 854-5529 to schedule a free consultation today.

Police Brutality

OBGYN Malpractice

by | Oct 23, 2020 | practice-areas

OBGYNs go through years of training in order to specialize in treating women’s health, however even after all of this preparation, some OBGYNs still make mistakes while treating a patient. When these mistakes result in injuries, the victim may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor. If the mistake leads to death, the victim’s family may have a wrongful death case against the doctor.

What is OBGYN Malpractice?

obgyn malpractice birth injury lawyer iowaEvery doctor, including obstetricians and gynecologists, are expected to meet certain standards when they treat a patient. If an obstetrician or gynecologist fails to meet these standards, and the patient is injured as a result, the doctor may be sued for medical malpractice. There are many ways an OBGYN can fail to meet the acceptable standard of care, but some of the most common examples include:

  • Providing the wrong dosage of medication
  • Incorrectly reading test or lab results
  • Failing to diagnose any condition within the reproductive system, including cervical or ovarian cancer
  • Failing to properly screen a patient
  • Failing to perform a pap smear exam
  • Not preparing for emergency situations that may arise during childbirth or surgery
  • Making surgical errors

To prove a malpractice claim, you will need to show there was a doctor-patient relationship between you and the negligent medical professional. You will also have to prove the doctor failed to meet the standard of care, and this failure resulted in an injury.

OBGYN Malpractice Injuries

Errors made during labor and childbirth could cause serious injuries to both the mother and child, including cerebral palsy, internal bleeding, uterine infections, Erb’s palsy, broken bones or spinal cord injuries. On the other hand, errors made during gynecological procedures or screenings could lead to the failure to treat serious conditions such as cervical or uterine cancer in a timely manner.

Compensation For Victims

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses
If you are awarded this type of compensation, you will be reimbursed for any medical expenses you have incurred as a result of the malpractice. You may also be awarded compensation to cover medical expenses that you expect to incur in the future.

Lost Wages
Some victims suffer from such severe injuries that they are unable to work while they recover. If this is the case, you may be awarded compensation to make up for the wages you have lost because of your injury. If you believe you will miss even more work in the future, you may also receive compensation for future lost wages.

Pain and Suffering
Victims often suffer both physically and emotionally after an OBGYN malpractice incident. Because of this, some victims are awarded compensation for pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are additional funds paid to the victim, but they are only awarded in cases where the doctor behaved so negligently that the judge would like to punish him or make an example out of him to deter others from making the same mistake.

There’s no guarantee when it comes to receiving compensation during a medical malpractice case, however you have a much better chance of doing so when you work with an experienced attorney.

Contact Us Today

Victims of OBGN medical malpractice should turn to the Trial Lawyers for Justice for legal assistance. Our team of attorneys is well versed in malpractice law, and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 866-854-5529.

Police Brutality

Plastic Surgery Errors

by | Oct 23, 2020 | practice-areas

Many people choose to get plastic surgery to fix a physical feature they’re not happy with, while others undergo these procedures after an injury has left them disfigured. Regardless of the reason why you choose to get plastic surgery, you go into the operating room expecting a certain result. When you don’t get the result you expected, it could be because of an error made by the doctor during the surgery.

Plastic Surgery Medical Malpractice

EYE INJURIES AND plastic surgery MEDICAL MALPRACTICEPlastic surgery can include procedures such as breast augmentations, liposuction, tummy tucks, and rhinoplasty. No plastic surgeon can ever guarantee you will be able to get the exact look you want from a surgery, but you should never have to suffer from a surgeon’s mistake.

Each type of cosmetic procedure carries its own risks. For example, there is a possibility the patient will suffer nerve damage and skin discoloration during a botched facelift. However, some of the risks associated with plastic surgery in general include:

  • Scarring
  • Nerve damage
  • Death
  • Blood clotting
  • Allergic reaction
  • Infection
  • Drastic drop in blood pressure

To prove your medical malpractice claim, you will need to establish that there was a doctor-patient relationship between you and the surgeon who operated on you. Then, you will need to show that the surgeon did not operate with the level of skill or care that another doctor in his specialty would have under the same circumstances. Finally, you will have to be able to prove that you suffered an injury as a result of the doctor’s negligence, and that the injury could have been avoided if the doctor had not acted negligently.

It can be very difficult to prove all of these elements of a medical malpractice claim, but an experienced attorney will make it much easier to do so. An attorney can dig deep into your case to gather evidence and call upon expert witnesses to provide testimony that supports your claim. To discuss your legal options with a medical malpractice attorney, contact the Trial Lawyers for Justice today.

Compensation For Victims

If you have been injured during a plastic surgery procedure, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Economic Damages
Economic damages cover any expenses that you have incurred as a result of the plastic surgery error. For example, if you had to undergo additional procedures to correct the error, economic damages would cover these medical expenses. Economic damages also cover lost wages. These are awarded when you have been forced to miss work because of your injury, and have therefore lost out on potential income.

Noneconomic Damages
Whereas medical expenses and lost wages can be verified through documentation, noneconomic damages cover losses that are not verifiable. Examples of noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages
In some cases, you will also be awarded punitive damages. These damages are only awarded in cases where the medical professional’s behavior was deemed to be incredibly negligent or reckless. They are awarded as a way to punish the medical professional and deter others from making the same mistake.

The amount and type of compensation awarded to plastic surgery error victims will vary on a case-by-case basis. To discuss whether you are entitled to compensation, contact the Trial Lawyers for Justice as soon as possible.

If You Are A Victim

If you believe your doctor made an error during your recent plastic surgery procedure, contact the attorneys at Trial Lawyers for Justice as soon as possible. Our attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 866-854-5529 to schedule a free consultation today.

Police Brutality

Motorcycle Crashes

by | Oct 23, 2020 | practice-areas

Motorcycle crashes occur on a daily basis, and unfortunately, many of them lead to serious injuries and fatalities. This is because motorcyclists don’t have the same protection that motorists do, so even a small fender bender could quickly turn tragic if the motorcyclist is thrown from his bike.

Luckily, there is help available for those injured in motorcycle crashes. If the crash was caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Motorcycle crashes

motorcycle accident lawyer iowa winsThere are a number of different causes of motorcycle crashes, including:

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns
Cars often collide with motorcycles when the motorcyclist is attempting to pass the car or riding straight through a major intersection. It usually occurs because a driver either misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or fails to see the motorcycle before turning left. This type of crash accounts for almost half of all motorcycle crashes.

Lane Splitting
Motorcyclists who drive between two lanes of cars are “lane splitting,” which is a very dangerous activity that often leads to crashes. Driving between two lanes is not recommended because there is not much space, and the cars on either side can easily swerve and collide with the motorcycle.

Changing Lanes
Motorcycles are much smaller than motor vehicles, so it’s easy for a motorcyclist to fall into a driver’s blind spot. Drivers often make the mistake of changing lanes without checking their blind spot, and thus they end up colliding with the motorcycle in the next lane.

Rear End
Of course, motorcycles can be hit from behind just as full-sized vehicles can. This occurs when a driver on the road does not brake in time to stop his vehicle before colliding into yours. When a rear end collision involves two cars, it is usually just a minor fender bender. However, when a car rear ends a motorcycle, it can be far more serious, especially if the motorcyclist is thrown off of the bike as a result.

Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Because motorcyclists don’t have much protection on the road, the injuries they suffer in a crash are often severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head Injury
Motorcyclists can very easily injure their heads if they are thrown from their bike during a crash. It is highly recommended that motorcyclists always wear a helmet to provide protection to their heads, but sometimes even a helmet is not enough to prevent a brain injury.

Road Rash
If the impact of the collision caused you to slide across the pavement, you may have road rash, which occurs when concrete rubs any exposed skin. Keep in mind you can have road rash even if you were completely covered by clothing at the time of the crash. Road rash can result in something as minor as skin irritation or as serious as skin infections and nerve damage.

Biker’s Arm
Biker’s Arm occurs when the bike tips over during a crash and the weight of the motorcycle lands on one of your arms. Motorcycles are extremely heavy, so they can cause a great deal of damage when they fall on top of the motorcyclist. It can result in nerve damage throughout the arm, and in some cases, can lead to complete paralysis in the limb.

Lower Extremities
A motorcyclist’s knees, feet, and legs are also at risk of being injured in the event of a crash. Sometimes, the damage is limited to scrapes and bruises, however in other cases a motorcycle crash can cause broken or fractured bones. If the limb is crushed during the crash, you may need to have it amputated.

This is just a short list of common motorcycle injuries. There are many other injuries you may have suffered as a result of someone’s careless driving. Regardless of the injury, if it was caused by another driver’s negligence, seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

Justice for Motorcycle Crash Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact the Trial Lawyers for Justice. Our team of attorneys can handle every aspect of your personal injury claim to recover the compensation you deserve.

Police Brutality

Dog Bites

by | Oct 23, 2020 | practice-areas

Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, but sometimes their animal instincts take over and they attack when feel provoked or threatened. There are approximately 4.5 million dog bites in the United States every year, and many of the victims are small children who aren’t aware that dogs can be dangerous.

Dog bite injuries can range from minor wounds that will need to be cleaned and bandaged to serious diseases such as rabies and MRSA. In fact, about 18% of dog bites become infected, so there is a risk that your minor wound could eventually turn into an infection.

After a dog has attacked you, it’s important to protect yourself by treating your injuries and seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney.

Steps to Take Following A Dog Bite

iowa dog bite attorneyIf you have been bitten by a dog, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself. First, find the dog’s owner and get his name and contact information. Ask the owner whether the dog has had his rabies shots. If the dog has not been vaccinated, or if you cannot find the owner of the dog, you will need to get the rabies shot immediately.

Next, seek emergency medical assistance for your injuries. Even if you think your wound is minor, dog bite injuries can quickly turn into serious infections, so it’s important to see a medical professional. Keep all of the documentation related to your treatment, including medical bills, lab reports, and X-rays.

After your injuries have been treated, file an official report with your county or city authorities. This helps local authorities keep track of dog bite injuries in case there are other victims who have been bitten by the same dog in the future.

Now, it’s time to contact an attorney to discuss your case. An attorney at the Trial Lawyers for Justice can determine who is at fault for your injuries and help you understand your legal options.

Throughout this entire process, make sure you are documenting your injuries with photographs. Take pictures immediately following the dog bite, and then take additional pictures everyday as the injury begins to heal. It may be wise to keep a journal documenting the pain you are experiencing as a result of the dog bite. This documentation will help support your personal injury claim.

Liability For Dog Bites

Each state has its own laws that dictate who is responsible when a dog injures another person. In most states, the dog owner is liable for a victim’s injuries as long as the victim was not provoking the dog or illegally trespassing at the time of the attack. Some states, such as California, only hold the dog owner for injuries caused by a bite. In other states, such as Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, the dog owner is liable for any injury the victim suffered because of the dog. For example, if the dog charged at the victim and the victim tripped and injured himself trying to get away, the dog owner may be held liable in these states even if the dog never made physical contact with the victim.

The victim does not have to prove that the dog owner did anything wrong in these cases. For example, the victim does not have to show the dog owner instructed the dog to attack. Because of the strict liability laws surrounding dog bites, all that needs to be proven is the victim was injured by the dog, and there was no provocation or illegal trespassing at the time of the attack.

Justice For Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, discuss your case with an experienced attorney at the Trial Lawyers for Justice. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Call 866-854-5529 to schedule a free consultation today.