Seattle Personal Injury Law Blog

The new vehicle safety technology that is becoming more and more prevalent may have you considering a new car purchase in Washington. Manufacturers are touting these onboard crash prevention features as the solution to many of the sources of traffic crashes. We at Elk & Elk understand that safety features are not a substitute for safe driving behaviors.

The AAA is an organization that evaluates vehicle technology and provides reports that assist the auto industry, legislators and the public in analyzing the pros and cons. The developers of safety features are focused on mitigating your risks on the road, but at times, the finished product does not perform as well in real life as it did in concept and in crash tests. A recent AAA study assessed performance of two systems in a series of traffic conditions: Lane-departure warning and blind spot-monitoring systems.

People expect to check into a Washington hospital to receive treatment. They probably do not expect a lengthy stay due to an infection acquired while they were there. These hospital-acquired infections are a serious problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, statistics indicate that about one patient out of every 25 develops an HAI each day.

There may be many potential sources for germs, including the patient and his or her visitors. However, FierceHealthcare.com reports that a CDC study indicates the risk of infections may be significantly lowered through the actions of hospital staff. This conclusion places the responsibility for infection control in the hands of hospital employees, and the solution is as simple as proper hand hygiene.

Although the majority of pregnancies in Washington result in a live birth, some women may worry that complications will arise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 percent of pregnancies in the United States each year do result in a stillbirth. Although prenatal care has reduced the risk of a stillbirth after 28 weeks, the rate of those that occur between 20 and 27 weeks of pregnancy has remained the same.

The American Pregnancy Association notes that in approximately one-third of cases involving stillbirth, the cause is never determined. There are many known causes, though, and some of these may not result in stillbirth if they are detected and treated in time. 

Mistakes are made in any profession, but when a person in Washington suffers a doctor error, the results can be devastating. It is not that far-fetched for people to think they may fall victim to medical malpractice. Forbes magazine reports that medical negligence is in the top three causes of death for Americans. 

People often do not get to choose who their medical providers are, but there are ways to improve their chances of quality care. It is easy to get to the doctor and forget to mention a symptom, for example, but noting the signs of a problem as they arise can ensure that the provider gets all the relevant information. Before the visit, the patient also may want to do some research and have that on hand, along with a list of questions. When doctors are rushed, they may be less inclined to sit and conduct a thorough interview and exam, but patients have the right to quality care, and should feel confident insisting on answers. It may also help to have a friend or family member come to the appointment who can offer support and help remember questions and answers that are discussed.