The Journal of Patient Safety recently reported that as many as 440,000 Americans die each year from medical errors, and thousands more are seriously injured. That study ranked medical errors as the third leading cause of death in the U.S., behind only heart disease and cancer. The fact is, medical errors are all too common in hospitals and healthcare facilities. In this article, we discuss why medical errors happen, the different types of medical errors, and ways to help reducec the number of errors and related deaths. We also include some helpful resources for additional information. If you have been injured because of a medical error, contact Berman & Simmons for a free consultation. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers can help determine if your healthcare provider failed you in any way....

Read More

Nearly every day, the lawyers and staff at Berman & Simmons are contacted by Mainers who think they may have been harmed by misdiagnosis or other medical mistakes. Most don’t know whether they have a case or not; they simply want to understand what happened, how it occurred, and how it can be prevented for others....

Read More

Mainers have access to excellent hospitals and doctors. But just like in the rest of America, Maine’s healthcare system is far from perfect. Doctors may not spend enough time with patients, there may be communication breakdowns, and there is increasing pressure to cut costs. When providers fail to meet the legally required standards of care, patients can be seriously injured or killed....

Read More

Personal injury cases can be challenging to navigate, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the legal system or the intricacies of insurance negotiations. When pursuing a personal injury case, the ultimate goal is to receive fair compensation for the damages you have suffered due to the accident. The value of your settlement will depend on...

Read More

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving individuals with the burden of medical expenses. In such situations, insurance coverage can provide significant relief while a lawsuit is being pursued. In many situations, different types of insurance  may help an injured person manage their medical bills following an accident. Understanding how an insurance company pays accident-related medical bills...

Read More

Being involved in a car accident can be a confusing and stressful experience. In addition to the physical and emotional toll of the accident, there may be various legal and financial issues to consider. The accident report is one of the most important documents to understand following a car accident. This report can provide valuable...

Read More

The challenges, struggles, and upheaval that follow a serious brain injury can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals and families. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can deprive a person of their independence, mobility, ability to work, or even the capacity to manage basic self-care. Brain injury acquired through trauma rarely occurs in insolation. It is...

Read More

Failing to yield the right of way significantly contributes to many car accidents. A driver who fails to yield can cause a collision, resulting in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. When a driver fails to yield, they can be held responsible for any damages that result from the crash. When Failing to Yield Can...

Read More

From the first day of preschool through high school or college graduation, parents and children trust teachers, administrators, and mentors to educate, inspire, and encourage. Teachers are some of the most committed, hard-working, and underappreciated individuals you’ll ever find, dedicating their careers to helping students grow and become their best selves. Sometimes, however, an educator...

Read More

Few relationships are as deeply personal and sensitive as that between a doctor and patient. We trust physicians and medical institutions not only for their knowledge, expertise, and skill but also for their professionalism, discretion, and ethics. We share our most private information with them and allow them to touch us and engage in physical...

Read More

Youth sports provide kids with opportunities to learn about teamwork and perseverance, improve their skills, exercise, and have fun. It may also be the ticket to scholarships, higher education and a professional athletic career for a select few. Unfortunately, youth sports also provide ample opportunities for sexual predators to misuse their positions of authority and...

Read More

When Faith Turns to Fear and Trust Leads to Tragedy For many people, their church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious community plays a central role in their lives. They turn to their faith leaders for spiritual guidance and comfort. They rely on their houses of worship and the people who work and volunteer there to...

Read More

  Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of car accidents, if not the most common type of collision. Along with being the most common, they can also be some of the most contested types of accidents due to the nature of the situation. All drivers feel like they are in the right...

Read More

Even low-speed collisions between two vehicles can lead to high-impact injuries. The most common injuries from car accidents are those affecting the back and spinal column. While back pain after a car accident is temporary in many cases, it can also be a sign of a more serious, long-lasting, debilitating condition.    Even people who feel...

Read More

Many car accidents are catastrophic; collisions cause serious injuries and take lives every day in the United States. But not every crash is so destructive. Many result in minor injuries and vehicle damage rather than years of pain, decreased quality of life, or families left grieving. But even “minor” car accidents can create major challenges...

Read More

Some car accidents cause nothing more than a few dents, chipped paint, and frayed nerves. Other crashes may cause minor aches and pains that quickly resolve with time and some over-the-counter pain killers. But many collisions result in catastrophic injuries or chronic pain that lingers for years. Even drivers or passengers who may feel “fine”...

Read More