Louisville Legal Issues Blog

Suit alleges nursing home abuse may have led to man's death

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in nursing home abuse on Wednesday, September 11, 2019.

Sometimes, those who suffer from certain medical conditions are unable to live independently. Fortunately, the state of Kentucky is home to hundreds of reputable and well-staffed nursing facilities that were designed to care for those who are unable to live alone. These facilities provide everything a person needs such as regular meals, house keeping services and social interaction. However, neglect can and does happen in nursing homes. Nursing home abuse affects thousands of families across the country every year.

Recently, a lawsuit was filed in another state over allegations that negligent care resulted in the death of a nursing facility resident. The lawsuit said the resident was found unresponsive in his room only a couple of months after being admitted to the facility. Allegedly, the resident was taken to a hospital where it was discovered he was in diabetic ketoacidosis and also had a stage three pressure ulcer.

Certain factors can quickly lead to truck accidents

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm on Friday, September 6, 2019.

Sharing the road with other vehicles is often unavoidable. It may seem like everyone is in a rush to get where they are going, especially during the morning commute and evening rush hours. Though you may also want to get to work or get home as quickly as possible, you do not want to put yourself or anyone else in unnecessary danger.

Like most drivers, you may have concerns about ending up in an accident, especially an accident with a tractor-trailer. Unfortunately, these incidents are common and can have devastating outcomes. Though you may do your part to remain safe on the road, some issues could still lead to a truck accident.

As populations increase across the state, so will car accidents

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in car accidents on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

Thanks to a booming economy, cities in the state of Kentucky are thriving these days. However, one byproduct of this economic growth is increased traffic on roadways across the state. Navigating and traveling along these congested roads is definitely a challenge and can be very dangerous. To reduce the likelihood of an accident, drivers need to stay focused and attentive at all times behind the wheel. Unfortunately, car accidents are inevitable and cannot be totally prevented.

Recently, a man lost his life in a tragic crash in Hopkins County. The accident happened on Sunset Road during the afternoon hours. According to reports, the driver of a car was backing out of his driveway onto the roadway when he collided with another car on the driver's side

Video of nursing home abuse surfaces, prompting a lawsuit

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in nursing home abuse on Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

When family members grow older, they sometimes lose their independence and are unable to live alone. Luckily, Kentucky is blessed with wonderful nursing facilities that can provide round-the-clock care for individuals in need. Unfortunately, allegations of nursing home abuse often make headlines across the country these days. Recently, a video surfaced apparently portraying two staff members of a nursing home in another state teasing and taunting an elderly female resident, and the family has taken legal action.

According to reports, the video showed two staff members shoving a hospital gown toward the woman as she resisted. Apparently, the woman has a fear of hospital gowns, and allegedly, the two staff members repeatedly ridiculed her. The staff members posted the video on social media for their friends to see, according to allegations. The woman's family was made aware of the video and then notified the nursing facility.

Medical malpractice remains one of the leading causes of death

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in medical malpractice on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

Many Kentucky families know all too well what it's like to lose a loved one. The death of a family member is one of life's most difficult and stressful events. When a family member is lost as a result of medical malpractice, the experience can be absolutely devastating and traumatic.

In another state, a woman died due to alleged medical negligence and a lawsuit was filed by her estate. According to the lawsuit, the woman was complaining of shortness of breath and sought treatment. After being seen by the defendant, the lawsuit claims that the woman was discharged and sent home with a few medications and instructions to follow up with her primary care doctor.

Car accidents: Crash caused by drunk driver kills a young girl

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in car accidents on Wednesday, July 17, 2019.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous things a person can do and, unfortunately, continues to be a problem in Kentucky and across the country. When drivers get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they not only put their own lives in jeopardy, they endanger the lives of all those around them. Every day in the United States, nearly 30 people die in car accidents caused by drunk drivers. Recently in Lexington, a crashed caused by an alleged drunk driver claimed the life of a young girl.

The crash happened during the overnight hours on Tates Creek Road. According to police, the driver of a sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed, ran a red light and slammed into another car that was turning left onto Lansdowne Drive. Reports said the violent collision left all six occupants of the car trapped inside the vehicle.

A frontal lobe injury can rob your loved one of a future

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm on Sunday, July 14, 2019.

A devastating accident that left your loved one with a traumatic brain injury was probably the last thing you expected to happen. As you sat in the hospital waiting to hear about your loved one's condition, you may have reflected over how your day began, the routine events you took for granted and the little inconveniences you complained about.

All that changed in an instant. When doctors explained that your loved one suffered damage to the brain's frontal lobe, you may have had difficulty grasping the implications of such an injury. Understanding what the frontal lobe of the brain does may help you come to terms with the changes your family may be facing because of your loved one's injury.

Medical malpractice: Missed steps can be deadly for patients

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in medical malpractice on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Successful medical treatment is a step-by-step process. Those in Kentucky and across the country who seek treatment rely on the knowledge and expertise of doctors, surgeons and other providers. However, if a health care provider makes a mistake in any part of the treatment process, the patient can suffer serious injuries and even death. Something as minor as misreading test results can have disastrous effects. This is what allegedly happened to a man in another state, and a medical malpractice lawsuit was filed.

Apparently, the man underwent a stress echocardiogram test to assess his cardiac health. According to the lawsuit, the man's cardiologist looked at the test results and reported back to the man's primary care physician that his test results were normal. About two years later, however, the man started experiencing troubling cardiac symptoms such as shortness of breath, the lawsuit said.

Six Kentucky nursing homes named among the nation’s worst

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm on Monday, June 24, 2019.

Ask Google, “How does it feel to place your parent in a nursing home?” and you’ll find the words “guilt” and “difficult” all over the screen. If you’ve ever placed a loved one in a nursing home, you likely share this sense of frustration. People often send their aging parents to nursing homes as a last resort, so it’s worrying to hear stories about elder abuse and neglect.

Two U.S. senators recently called attention to poor elder care by releasing a list of nearly 400 nursing homes that shared a “persistent record of poor care.” Six of these facilities are in Kentucky. It’s an eye-opening report, and it may prompt you to move your loved one or pay close attention for the signs of elder abuse.

Car accidents involving motorcycles can cause severe injuries

On behalf of Slechter Law Firm posted in car accidents on Monday, June 17, 2019.

From about mid-June, Kentucky weather prompts motorcycle enthusiasts to take to the open roads after the long winter. Motorcycles offer none of the protective features that automobiles have, and when cars and bikes crash, the bikers are typically the ones who suffer the most severe injuries. Understandably, more coordination and skills are required for the safe operation of motorcycles than those necessary for driving vehicles. Even with helmets, eye protection and protective clothing, boots and gloves, bikers are often left with severe injuries or worse.

Bone fractures often result because motorcycles have only two wheels and even minor accidents can cause them to fall over and trap a rider's legs. The Center for Neuro Skills says, although broken legs are common consequences of motorcycle accidents, the natural reaction to stop the fall can cause fractured arms and wrists. Pelvic and shoulder fractures are also common in these accidents.