Dudley & LakeDudley & Lake2026-06-22T18:37:59Zhttps://www.dudleylake.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1405128/2026/04/cropped-Dudley_Favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[When is the risk of retained objects after surgery highest?]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=481562026-06-22T18:37:59Z2026-06-22T18:37:59ZAbdominal surgery is the top risk factor
Surgeons and the people assisting them can leave clamps, gauze and other surgical implements behind inside the incision after any type of procedure. In many cases, they don’t realize until hours later that a tool or part of a medical implement is not accounted for after the surgery.
Surgeries of the abdominal cavity involve a much bigger internal space, making it easier for medical professionals to overlook small items at the end of a long procedure. Abdominal surgeries account for a substantial majority of all reported retained foreign bodies in the United States. Even soft, previously sterile items, such as surgical gauze, can pose medical risk if left behind after a procedure.
Medical errors that others could have avoided can constitute medical malpractice. Retained foreign bodies left behind after an operation that have caused harm can be a valid reason to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[When a nursing home fails to provide adequate nutrition]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=479642026-06-16T09:55:39Z2026-06-09T17:55:47Zmalnutrition is a common medical issue among nursing home residents. There are several ways in which nursing homes may violate the rights of residents regarding nutrition and the meals provided by the facility.
Rationing food is improper
Generally speaking, there is an expectation that those living at nursing homes should be able to eat and drink as much as they require for their health and comfort. While offering a reasonable portion size is an appropriate cost management measure, facilities should not deny additional nutrition to those who eat a plated meal and are still hungry afterward.
Additionally, workers should ensure that not only do older adults receive a reasonable amount of calories overall, but also that the meals they receive are balanced, with an appropriate amount of major macronutrients and all necessary micronutrients. Workers should not withhold food from older adults as a form of discipline.
They also need to know when residents have stopped eating and take appropriate steps to address their refusal to feed them. This is often especially true when residents have dementia or Alzheimer’s and lose the ability to eat frequently and/or safely. When malnutrition causes medical complications for those living in nursing homes, concerned family members may need to take legal action.
Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in response to nursing home malnutrition can help families cover medical expenses and increased care costs. Malnutrition is generally a preventable issue that can affect an older adult’s quality of life and longevity. Prompt action to address malnutrition can protect those who depend on others for their daily needs.
]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[When a police pat-down leads to sexual abuse]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=479622026-06-16T13:18:44Z2026-06-04T17:32:55ZWhat rights do people have during searches?
The Fourth Amendment broadly protects people physically present in the United States from unreasonable searches. Pat-down searches generally need to be necessary for the safety of police officers or the public to be legal.
In a pre-arrest situation, officers can only check people to see if they are in possession of a dangerous weapon. After an arrest, a search for contraband may be necessary. Officers should not conduct searches in an unnecessarily aggressive manner.
Particularly in scenarios that require the search of bodily cavities or the removal of clothing, the person subject to the search may have questions about their rights and their privacy. If police officers are unnecessarily sexual or inappropriate during a search, their conduct may have violated an individual's civil rights and crossed the line into sexual abuse.
Reviewing misconduct during a bodily search with a skilled legal team can help potential victims of law enforcement sexual abuse evaluate the situation. An attorney’s insight can help those searched in an aggressive and inappropriate manner determine if they have the right to hold the police officers involved accountable.]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[Serious injuries a risk in Chicago summer season]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=479562026-06-16T09:41:09Z2026-05-29T17:50:47ZTransportation safety officials often refer to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” This is the stretch when serious‑injury and fatal crashes rise nationwide. Illinois experiences the same seasonal pattern.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) annual crash‑data summaries, the state consistently sees significant numbers of severe and life‑altering collisions during the summer months, when traffic volume and roadway activity are at their highest.
Chicago’s unique traffic environment
The city’s expressways, e.g., the Dan Ryan, Kennedy, and Eisenhower, all carry some of the heaviest traffic in the Midwest. Summer construction projects narrow lanes and create sudden speed changes, while increased tourism, festivals and lakefront activity bring more pedestrians, cyclists and out‑of‑state drivers into already congested areas. These conditions can contribute to crashes that result in catastrophic harm.
Types of serious injuries
High-speed traffic on congested stretches of highway can potentially result in the following injuries:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Complex fractures requiring surgical repair
Internal organ damage
While this list is not complete, all of the above can land victims in the hospital for extended stays (and catastrophic medical bills). Even after they are discharged, these victims can requireextensive rehabilitation and face lasting physical limitations. IDOT’s crash‑severity data underscores how quickly a collision can shift from routine to life‑changing when high speeds, heavy traffic and unpredictable roadway conditions converge.
Protect yourself and your loved ones
Understanding these collision patterns helps Illinois residents stay aware of the heightened risks that come with summer travel. For individuals and families affected by catastrophic injuries, the path forward often involves complex medical decisions and long‑term adjustments. Awareness of seasonal crash trends can support safer choices and highlight the importance of caution during Chicago’s busiest months.]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[Failing to refer a patient to a specialist]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=479502026-06-16T09:32:25Z2026-05-27T15:38:18ZReferrals in the medical field ensure a patient receives care from a physician with specialized expertise. Millions of referrals to specialists occur yearly.
Unfortunately, some primary care providers (PCPs) fail to refer patients after determining that a patient’s condition is outside their scope of expertise, requires specialized knowledge, needs advanced procedures/equipment or does not improve with primary care treatment.Physicians have a fiduciary obligation to refer patients to other professionals in a timely manner when doing so is in the patients' best interests and welfare. So, why does failure to refer happen?
Diagnostic misjudgement
When there is a fault in the initial diagnosis, for instance, a condition is incorrectly identified (misdiagnosis), a healthcare provider may not recognize that the underlying condition falls outside their specialized knowledge. The doctor may only order tests that confirm their initial diagnosis and not consider alternative diagnoses that would require specialized expertise.
Overconfidence
Some physicians are overconfident in their own clinical judgment. They may believe that they can manage a condition outside their skills without the knowledge of a specialist. This can happen because they overestimate their expertise or underestimate a patient’s condition.
Financial motivations
Failure to refer sometimes stems from financial motivations – a physician does not want to lose a patient. Some healthcare settings even have compensation models that penalize doctors for sending revenue out of their system.
Conscientious refusals
In certain scenarios, PCPs have been reported to refuse to refer a patient to a specialist for a procedure that conflicts with their deeply held moral, ethical or religious beliefs. While the American Medical Association (AMA) allows physicians to exercise moral integrity, it should be balanced with their duty to patient care.Failure to refer can lead to the worsening of a condition or death. If you or your loved one sustained harm because of such negligence, learn more to know the steps to take. ]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[What teens and their parents need to know about workers’ comp ]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=477552026-06-16T13:13:46Z2026-05-12T02:50:33ZIf your teen is applying for a summer job or maybe already has a part-time job after school and on the weekends, you’re likely proud of their initiative – even if it took some prodding from you. What you may not have thought about is workers’ compensation.
Certainly, no parent wants to think about their child being seriously injured. Illinois law has numerous restrictions on what kind of work minors of various ages can do and what hours they can work. However, even a job in a restaurant, grocery store or at the local country club can be dangerous if everyone isn’t taking the proper precautions. If a teen is injured badly enough to need medical attention and possibly ongoing treatment, it’s important to know that this is the kind of thing workers’ comp can cover, so that they and their families don’t have to foot the bill for it.Most Illinois employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for all employees. Further, over 90% of Illinois employees are eligible for workers’ comp, regardless of their age.
Why teens can be at heightened risk of injury
The workplace can be a more dangerous place for teens working part-time or seasonally than for their older, full-time co-workers. They often don’t get the same safety training as full-time employees, even though they are supposed to. That means they may not be taught basic safety precautions.Further, teens are often eager to please and willing to do anything asked of them – for example, to carry something heavy for a co-worker or reach something on a high shelf. They’re also more likely to brush off an injury that may be more serious than it appears.
Why teens need to know their rights
Unfortunately, some employers will misinform teens (intentionally or not) that they don’t qualify for workers’ comp because they’re too young or because the employer “bent the rules” to give them greater responsibilities or give them more hours. That’s not the case. They’re still entitled to workers’ comp.They might fear that their hours will be cut or that they’ll be fired. However, employers can’t retaliate against workers for legitimately seeking workers’ comp.Of course, it’s better for everyone when workplace safety is as much a priority for teen employees as for anyone else, so that they aren’t injured. If they are, it’s crucial for them to know and, if necessary, assert their rights. Legal guidance may be necessary to get the compensation to which they’re entitled.
]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[The dangers of fall-related spinal cord injuries in nursing homes]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=477542026-06-16T09:56:15Z2026-05-11T02:54:20ZEven in nursing homes, where the risks of harm to seniors and other vulnerable adults should be minimized, falls still occur that cause serious and even fatal injuries.
These often involve traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and hip fractures. However, falls can also cause spinal cord injuries. In fact, falls are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in those over 65.Seniors are more susceptible to spinal cord injuries in falls than younger adults, in large part because of common underlying conditions. For example, arthritis can cause the spine to narrow, which affects flexibility. If a person falls at an unnatural angle where the body is twisted, that can exacerbate the injury to the spinal cord.
What kind of harm can a spinal cord injury cause?
People most commonly associate spinal cord injuries with paralysis. Certainly, that’s a particularly serious outcome. However, spinal cord injuries can also cause other serious outcomes, including:
Respiratory and lung conditions, including pneumonia
Circulatory conditions like highly elevated blood pressure
Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
Further, one neurosurgeon explains, "Falls in the elderly can be life-threatening, as their brains are not as responsive to healing….” That means potentially being moved to a hospital or rehabilitation facility where they could contract a hospital-acquired infection. Even a spinal cord injury from a fall that doesn’t cause paralysis can minimize a senior’s mobility even more. The pain, lessened mobility and fear of falling can cause a downward health spiral, much like many who suffer hip fractures experience.Many nursing home falls could be prevented with better staffing and more attentiveness by the caregivers who are there. Something as simple as not properly securing bed railings or not responding to a patient’s call for assistance to get to the bathroom can result in a serious fall. Further, if a resident isn’t thoroughly examined for injuries after a fall, internal injuries can become more severe and even life threatening.If a loved one is injured in a fall at a nursing home, loved ones can and should seek answers to how it happened and what kind of care and treatment they’re receiving in the aftermath. It may be worthwhile to discuss the matter with an experienced legal professional to determine whether the facility and its personnel have some liability.
]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[Brain injury symptoms: 3 main categories]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=475812026-06-16T10:08:33Z2026-05-04T23:07:44Zpotential TBI symptoms worth considering in this regard.
Physical symptoms
From a physical standpoint, a TBI can lead to loss of balance, the onset of headaches and migraines, feelings of drowsiness or speech problems. Many people will experience symptoms that make them feel like they are sick, such as nausea and vomiting.
Mental symptoms
For the most severe TBIs, the most extreme mental symptom is a complete loss of consciousness, whether for a short or extended period of time. But even those who do not lose consciousness may feel disoriented, confused and dazed. People often have mood swings, they may begin to feel depressed and anxious, or they can have concentration and memory issues.
Sensory symptoms
Finally, a person’s senses can be dulled or exaggerated after a TBI. Someone may have trouble with lights and sounds, for instance, quickly feeling overwhelmed. They could also suffer from blurry vision, changes to smell or a ringing sound in their ears.
Medical treatment and financial compensation
Medical treatment is important after a traumatic brain injury, as it can help one’s care team determine the severity and the best path forward. This treatment can be expensive, so if an individual’s TBI was the result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to know what legal options they have available to them. Seeking legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[Cellphone distractions last beyond cellphone use]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=475792026-06-16T09:41:30Z2026-04-30T22:58:24ZThis is not as safe as many drivers assume
While you could argue that it is better to check your text messages at a red light than while you are actively driving the car, the reality is that it is not nearly as safe as many people believe.
Part of the problem is that cellphone use creates cognitive or mental distractions. Instead of thinking about the road around them or the traffic conditions, the driver is thinking about whatever they are doing on the phone.
When the light turns green and that driver puts their phone down, the physical and visual distractions do end. But they could still be cognitively distracted for as long as 27 seconds. This lack of mental focus can lead to significant oversights and negligent mistakes.
Compensation after a car accident
If you are injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be able to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. It can help to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.]]>On Behalf of Dudley & Lake<![CDATA[What should I do if my child was seriously injured on a friend’s trampoline?]]>https://www.dudleylake.com/?p=474542026-06-16T10:08:51Z2026-04-29T17:04:45Z trampoline can turn a routine playdate into an emergency in seconds. If your child suffers a serious injury on a friend’s trampoline, the steps you take in the first hours and days can affect medical recovery and any future claim. The following will outline how to move forward in a manner that preserves your legal rights in case you decide to move forward with a claim in the future.
Take immediate steps to protect your child
Medical care comes first. Pediatricians note that broken bones which often require surgery, spinal injuries and head injuries are some of the most common injuries they treat from trampoline accidents. Head injuries, fractures and spinal trauma require prompt evaluation even when symptoms seem mild. Documentation also matters, since early records often serve as evidence later.Before the situation becomes complicated, focus on these immediate actions:
Seek emergency care, follow discharge instructions and schedule follow up as needed
Photograph the trampoline, ladder, springs, netting, ground surface and nearby hazards
Collect names, phone numbers for witnesses, supervising adults and other children present
Write a timeline while details remain fresh
After these steps, avoid arguments with the other family. Keep communications factual.
Understand potential legal responsibility under Illinois law
Illinois injury claims involving trampolines typically fall under premises liability principles. Homeowners owe lawful visitors, including invited children, a duty of reasonable care to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition. Liability can involve unsafe setup, defective equipment, lack of supervision, failure to enforce safety rules and a lack of warnings about known risks.Illinois also recognizes the attractive nuisance doctrine in certain situations. When a dangerous condition is likely to attract children who may not appreciate risk, a homeowner may have additional responsibilities. Whether that applies depends on facts such as fencing, access, visibility, prior neighborhood use and precautions taken.To evaluate a possible claim, these issues usually matter:
Invitation status, invited guest versus unauthorized entrant
Condition of the trampoline, maintenance records and any known defects
Safety measures, enclosure, padding, signage and adult supervision
Prior incidents, complaints, repairs and rule enforcement history
Legal counsel can assess negligence, causation and potential damages. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence which means it is possible that recovery may be reduced by fault allocation. Recovery may not be available if more than 50 percent at fault, though young children often lack legal capacity for meaningful fault depending on age.
Timing and next steps
While determining which course of action is best for your situation, it is helpful to gather documentation in case you choose to move forward with a legal claim. Ask for medical records, bills, school reports and therapy notes. Consider a consultation with an Illinois personal injury attorney experienced with child injury claims. Important deadlines can apply.A serious trampoline injury can overwhelm any parent. Prompt medical care, careful documentation and a clear understanding of Illinois premises liability concepts can protect your child’s health and your family’s options. For guidance on your specific facts, speak with an Illinois attorney who can evaluate liability, insurance and important deadlines.]]>