Blogs
Malpractice Premiums and Claims on the Decline
Doctors in West Virginia might pay as much as $50,000 to $200,000 per year in medical malpractice insurance premiums, but the rate is not rising. This contrasts with the turn of the century when rates were going up as much as 25 percent. The average jury award was $3...
Understanding LBD
West Virginia residents who suffer from Lewy body dementia, or LBD, may have their condition misdiagnosed. That's because the condition's symptoms are very similar to well-known diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Even though almost 1.4 million people in the...
Tractor-Trailers with Automatic Braking Systems Are Rare
Automatic emergency braking systems are either standard or optional equipment on many of the passenger vehicles available in West Virginia and around the country, and car makers have vowed to equip all of their vehicles with this potentially life-saving technology by...
Construction Work is Booming, but So Are Contract Disputes
The construction industry in West Virginia is booming; in fact, it is running rings around states like California and Nevada. However, more construction activity brings a greater opportunity for disputes over various issues. Some contract disputes must be settled in...
FMCSA Seeks Comments on Proposal for HOS Rule Changes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is responsible for implementing hours-of-service rules for commercial truck drivers. In August 2018, the agency published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking listing several potential changes to the HOS rules....
Radiology Mistakes Contribute to Serious Diagnostic Failures
Physicians in West Virginia often rely on reports from radiologists when trying to diagnose their patients. An analysis of over 10,000 closed malpractice claims conducted by an insurer of health professionals between 2013 and 2017 identified radiologists as a...
Misdiagnosis May Constitute Medical Malpractice
A report published by Coverys, an insurance agency, found that 80 percent of cases of missed radiology diagnosis lead to permanent injury or death for the patient. The report was based on five years' worth of medical professional liability claims and also noted that...
Data Research May Alleviate Distracted Driving Accidents
In West Virginia and across the United States, many people may not realize that distracted driving is often the cause of major truck accidents. These accidents can result in pain and suffering, lost wages, serious injuries and even permanent disability for victims....
How Patients Can Protect Themselves from Surgical Errors
West Virginia readers have likely heard horror stories about patients who were victims of surgical errors. However, people may be unsure how to protect themselves and their families from similar situations when they undergo a surgical procedure. As with most things,...