Dystonia May Develop in Connection with CRPS
Posted on by Rainmaker

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition fraught with uncertainty for many—especially at the beginning. Rare in that it only affects around 200,000 individuals in the US (who have reported it—there could be many others unknown) and is difficult to diagnose and sometimes to treat, CRPS can present itself with a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe. And whether a patient has Type 1 (caused by another injury that may have already healed) or Type 2 (marked by a known nerve injury), as you can probably construe from the name, pain is one of the most common issues, ranging from moderate to overwhelming pain that is treated with everything from over-the-counter pain relievers to opioids, and more, including a variety of different physical therapies.

Early Treatment of CRPS Can Lead to Better Outcome

Early diagnosis can be critical in treating CRPS which often shows initial symptoms related to skin which may be increasingly sensitive or even feel as if it is burning. The skin temperature may be cold or clammy, and there may be a blue or pinkish tinge along with a glossy texture on the affected limb. If the condition continues to evolve, serious muscular problems may arise, and the patient may be tempted to stop using an arm or hand or even be fearful of walking if one or both legs or feet are affected. While that is understandable, limiting the use of arms or legs could lead to atrophy and further complications for those suffering from CRPS.

Dystonia is a Common Symptom of CRPS

As muscles in the affected limb atrophy, other conditions may occur too, such as dystonia—marked by spasms and involuntary twisting, usually in a single area like the hand or foot, or fingers or toes of the affected limb; according to the Mayo Clinic. Dystonia can also affect many other areas of the body too such as the neck, causing it to be pulled in an awkward position. While in CRPS usually only the extremities are impacted, the condition has also been known to affect the jaw and tongue, and in some cases even the eyelids.

Dystonia May Affect Multiple Limbs

Research has shown that dystonia affects the majority of CRPS patients suffering from movement disorders—and that it also tends to present itself in patients who develop CRPS at a younger age. Such patients may also be vulnerable to experiencing dystonia in other limbs. Trauma such as a car accident injury is often to blame for CRPS, leading to sprains or fractures (or even more extreme issues like amputations) that may heal without major concern—only to see this rare condition occur later, prompting a surprising and even debilitating amount of pain. CRPS can be chronic and long-term, and medical treatment should be sought as soon as you begin to experience possible symptoms.

Contact Us for Help

Were you in an accident due to the negligence of others that triggered CRPS? If so, please call Heintz & Becker today to consult with a skilled CRPS lawyer. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Beauty Salons May Cause Health Hazards
Posted on by Rainmaker

After a busy week, you may be looking very forward to a special day at a local salon. For many of us, this is a rare occasion, and it means spending some extra hard-earned cash (and time off) to get pampered. While you may be getting a facial, massage, or a mani-pedi, much of the salon’s offerings are probably centered around hair—whether styling it, cutting it, or removing it.

Most of us have experienced a few bad haircuts so far (in fact, some may even have prompted tears), as well as some eyebrow waxing that has gone askew, but many consumers are completely naïve about the dangers that can lurk in any salon. You may be tempted to walk in to an unknown business to have your nails painted for an important occasion or get ‘the works’ done, but in the process, you could unknowingly be risking your health. Always get references before visiting a new salon and check their credentials as far as licensing and any required sanitation grades.

Here are hazards you should watch out for:

  • Waxing – because heat and yes, wax, are involved, there are far too many chances for something to go wrong besides just a lopsided eyebrow. Injury can be caused if wax enters the eyes, or if chemicals used to anesthetize the area drip into the eyes. Burns are one of the most frequent causes of injury though.
  • Infection – unfortunately, there is a wide risk for infection whether you are having your nails done, different parts of your body waxed, hair trimmed, or other services. Tools should always be properly sterilized, and you should be extremely careful about having services performed if you have any open sores or cuts.
  • Injury – while slipping and falling is a concern after a pedicure, especially, other injuries such as neck or back injuries while leaning to have the hair cleansed or conditioned are common.
  • Chemical burns – injury may occur while you are having your hair colored, bleached, straightened, or ‘relaxed.’
  • Laser burns – such treatments used to remove hair are another common culprit for burns.

Seek medical help as soon as possible if you have been injured or you suspect a bacterial infection—especially at the site of a toenail or fingernail.

If you have been harmed due to negligence in a beauty salon, please call Heintz & Becker today to consult with skilled injury lawyer. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

 

What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Posted on by Heintz & Becker

As a policyholder, you pay insurance premiums expecting that your insurance company will come through when you need them.

But sometimes, that doesn’t happen. Sometimes insurance companies do this intentionally. They create a contract without a way to fulfill it or the intent to do so.

That’s called bad-faith insurance or insurance in bad faith.

How to identify bad faith insurance

Often times with bad faith insurance, an insurer will delay the investigation of a policyholder’s claim without fully revealing the reasoning of their motives.

As a result, by not honoring the conditions of an insurance policy, the insurer is acting in bad faith.

Some of the indications that an insurer is acting in bad faith may be when there is a:

  • Refusal to pay a claim without fully investigating it
  • Failure to settle a claim when it is clear who is liable for it
  • Failure to respond to a demand within a specified time limit
  • Failure to either deny or pay a claim within a reasonable time period
  • Failure to convey important information to the claimant
  • Unjustifiably denying a person coverage

Types of Bad Faith Insurance

In Florida, there are two types of bad faith insurance: First-party and Third-party.

First-party and third-party bad faith insurance both cover damages and losses for a person who is insured. However, there are important differences between the two.

The major distinctions are:

  • First-party insurance bad faith claims involve an insurer’s refusal to pay a claim without proper investigation.
  • Third-party insurance bad faith claims involve liability insurance.

The second point of distinction between the two bad faith insurances is the insurance policies themselves. This can be another important detail in determining how your insurance policy may have been mishandled or misinterpreted by an insurance company.

First-party insurance claims cover:

  • Bonds and sureties
  • Causalities resulting from property damage after fires or natural disasters
  • Disability, health, and life insurance
  • Title insurance

On the other hand, third-party bad faith insurance coverage covers:

  • Directors and officer’s liability
  • Employment practices liability
  • General liability
  • Professional liability
  • Workers compensation

What to do if your policy is affected

If your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it’s important to know what your options are. Legal action against the insurance company that denied your claim is one option.

There are laws and Florida statutes protecting you from wrongful termination of your insurance claim. As a policyholder, there are also several methods to consider if your insurance policy may have been done in bad faith.

It is advised that you look for evidence in support of your argument – that the insurance company denied your claim – without a prompt reason or proper explanation. Insurance companies are obligated to inform you why they did not cover your entire claim.

 Who to contact if your claim is in bad faith

Before taking any action with your bad faith insurance claim, it is important to have attorneys who can represent you during every step of the process.

If you suspect that your insurance policy may be acting in bad faith, it is important to contact attorneys who can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

The bad faith attorneys at Heintz and Becker can help you if you believe that your insurance was in bad faith.

If you believe your insurance is acting in bad faith, contact us online or call us at (941) 748-2916 to schedule a free consultation.

Tailgating Causes a Third of All Car Crashes
Posted on by Rainmaker

Most of us are forced to keep up with a busy schedule. Work, kids, and other myriad tasks keep us running daily; in fact, you may often find yourself thinking if there was just one thing you could wish for, it would be more hours in the day! There may not be much time to smell the roses (and especially on busy weekdays), with this sense of urgency usually translating into a lot of time spent in the car too.

Motorists are often frustrated by traffic moving too slowly overall, or especially by those traveling in front of them who may seem to be dilly-dallying down the road at a luxuriously ‘relaxed’ speed. While some drivers may just be driving more slowly than you would like, other times they may be distracted, driving under the influence, tired—or just inexperienced. Tailgating is never good under any circumstance, and it is one of the leading causes of car crashes—contributing to one third of accidents in the US. Not only that, recent studies even show that tailgating reduces efficiency and speed in traffic flow.

Having someone too close to your bumper in traffic is usually unnerving. Motorists may do so because they just don’t realize they are driving too closely, or indeed, they may aggressively be trying to pass you. The dangers of such behavior are clear, as there obviously is little time to stop if the motorist in front is forced to brake abruptly. Tailgating and road rage are connected as well, and such activity is all too often accompanied by honking, swearing, and gesturing. Such activity can lead to more serious altercations, and even violence in some cases. If you find yourself having road rage while on the road, it may be time to consider how to manage your anger better—and if you are on the other side of things with an aggressive driver threatening you, consider calling 911.

Serious injury can result if there is an accident due to a rear-ending, including neck and spinal injuries, broken bones, head injuries such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries, and more. If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome—Also Known as Causalgia or RSD
Posted on by Rainmaker

Complex regional pain syndrome or causalgia is known to affect around 200,000 individuals in the U.S. today. Those numbers may be low due to underreporting of the condition or lack of true diagnosis, but the fact remains that it is a rare condition. CRPS is characterized by chronic pain that is often so bad patients become afraid to move or walk, resulting in further complications due to atrophy.

Original nerve damage may be due to a car accident injury or a surgery or other event. CRPS usually erupts not only painfully but also as a surprise to the individual who may have had a sprain or a break that already healed, only to find themselves later dealing with a health problem that is much worse. Symptoms often occur topically and internally; for example, unique changes to the skin are usually an indicator of CRPS, whether through color changes or transformation in texture. The skin often becomes so sensitive to touch that just the slightest contact with anything is painful. Joints and muscles may be affected too, and often severely so.

The condition is separated into two types, which also have alternative terms attached to them:

  • Type 1 CRPS – Ninety percent of the patients affected with CRPS have Type 1, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD). The Mayo Clinic describes this type as one that occurs ‘after an illness or injury that didn’t directly damage the nerves in your affected limb.’
  • Type 2 CRPS – This CRPS type has been referred to as causalgia in the past. It usually presents itself directly after an injury to a nerve, and without as much mystery about the painful onset.

If you are suffering from CRPS, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible for a successful outcome. Your doctor may diagnose CRPS through a CT, MRI, or a bone scan and then begin a regimen of treatment depending on the severity.

Were you in an accident due to the negligence of others that triggered CRPS? If so, please call Heintz & Becker today to consult with a skilled CRPS lawyer. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Child Injuries: Danger Signs to Watch for After a Bicycle Accident
Posted on by Rainmaker

Bicycling is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, accessible and affordable for nearly everyone at any age. Not only is it low impact and beneficial for good heart and lung health (and so much more) but traveling on two wheels means an opportunity to take in fresh air, wave at the neighbors, and enjoy your surroundings in a carefree manner. And while such activity can be relaxing and meditative, it can also be fast-paced and competitive if that is what you seek. Or bicycling can even be a complete mode of transportation, carrying you back and forth on your daily commute economically—and sometimes even faster than traveling in regular traffic.

For kids though, riding bikes can be one of the greatest joys in childhood. It means the independence to ride around and explore the neighborhood, meet up with buddies, go out on bicycling ventures with the rest of the family, and even ride to school if it is close enough. Of course, all the health benefits of bicycling can be a double-edged sword when it comes to safety hazards, and especially with younger ones. If one of your children has had a bicycle accident, it is important to seek necessary medical attention as soon as possible.

Typical warning signs of serious injury are as follows:

  • Concussion – head injuries can be extremely serious—especially if a helmet is not worn for some reason—and any suspected concussion should be checked out immediately. You child may have been knocked unconscious or seem disoriented, or even suffer from amnesia. They may also be suffering from headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Traumatic brain injury – taking the concussion one serious step further, the traumatic brain injury can have long-lasting effects but they may not be apparent at first. Signs include unconsciousness, headache, sleepiness, moodiness, lack of coordination, or even seizures.
  • Broken bones and sprains – pain and swelling are usually present, and often bruising too. X-rays can be used to diagnose a fracture and its severity.
  • Neck or spinal injury – pain in any of these areas, along with swelling or pressure may be present if there is such an injury. Your child may also experience tingling or numbness, lack of coordination, and have trouble standing up or walking without pain.

If you or a loved one have been affected by a bicycle accident injury caused by the negligence of others contact Heintz & Becker today. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Motorcyclist Fatalities and Accidents: Florida Leads
Posted on by Rainmaker

Motorcyclists enjoy so many benefits biking through the state of Florida, traveling from the beauty of the Florida Keys all the way through the panhandle; for many, it may seem inconceivable that there are so many motorcyclist fatalities. Unlike many other states, the ride occurs at sea level in many areas and is a straight shot on most roads, whether motorcyclists are enjoying a trip closer to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the highways are known for their interesting sights and unique beauty, such as the Overseas Highway, which is part of U.S. 1—or the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway ending in St. Augustine. Along with abundant sunshine, Florida is also rich with wildlife, varying landscapes, and history.

Whether you are a visitor or a resident though, understand the added dangers of motorcycling in the state of Florida as it continues to be one of the top areas not only for vacations—but motorcycle accidents too. Lumped in with Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, data shows that Florida saw 10,331 motorcycle crashes in 2016. Out of those accidents, 459 resulted in fatalities.

Nearly tying with Texas for the highest number of motorcycle accidents, analysts have been busy trying to figure out why Florida is so dangerous—with traffic incidents on the rise, including hit and runs. Many see the good weather as a reason why there are more accidents and deaths for motorcyclists, simply because they are out more. Lack of helmet laws can certainly be to blame too. Although motorcyclists 20 and under must wear helmets, older riders may leave themselves vulnerable to greater injuries like traumatic brain injuries or death.

With a current population of over 21 million people, Florida roads are busy. If you are a motorist, practice extra caution to help motorcyclists such as keeping a safe distance, checking your blind spots, and doublechecking before making left turns. Motorcyclists should continue to make sure they have high visibility while on the roads, as well as maintaining safe speeds and paying extra attention when turning at intersections.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

 

Why are Incidents of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Rise?
Posted on by Rainmaker

Traumatic brain injuries have been on the rise in the US for the past several years. Over two million potential brain injury cases are seen in emergency rooms each year for falls which contribute to such injuries, but car accidents are one of the leading causes too, as well as other traffic incidents such as motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents.

Medications Often Behind Greater Head Injuries During Accidents

More people are traveling on the roads today, which unfortunately leads to more accidents—and more head injuries like concussions and TBIs. Sporting accidents (often football or basketball especially) are often to blame for such traumas too, and in some cases, athletes may experience repeated blows to the head, raising extreme cause for concern. Today, however, some medical professionals point out that they are seeing more TBIs from falls that may often seem less serious but turn into serious problems if older patients are on medications that cause other issues; for instance, if someone falls and they are on an anticoagulant, there is a much greater chance for a brain bleed. Medications in general can cause a patient’s fall to become more serious if they are already feeling disoriented or off balance.

Traumatic Brain Injuries May Be Difficult to Diagnose at First

A TBI may not always be immediately apparent, which can make diagnosis difficult in the beginning. In more severe cases, it could be obvious something is wrong as the individual is knocked unconscious, goes into a coma immediately, or has seizures. Whether the injury is moderate or severe, symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to extreme moodiness, lack of ability to sleep or oversleeping, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and more. Children may exhibit the same types of symptoms if they have experienced a head injury but may require more attentiveness and monitoring in diagnosis if they are not old enough to talk or explain how they are feeling physically.

The outcome for the patient with a TBI is usually better if a fast diagnosis is made by medical professionals. Diagnostic tools include MRIs and CTs as well as tests to evaluate the patient’s coordination. Treatments vary, but can be used to help with ongoing pain, seizures, and help prevent further damage to the brain.

Contact Us for Help Now!

If you or your child have experienced a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of others, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Speeders, Lighting, and More May Be Contributing to Rise in Pedestrian Accidents
Posted on by Rainmaker

Considering how much more we all know today about traffic safety—and how many mechanisms are in place to prevent accidents—you may be stymied as to why car crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and incidents regarding pedestrians are on the rise. Many government officials and those responsible for designing infrastructure continue to express concern and explore ways to reverse the problems.

Unfortunately, many of the same old issues still cause accidents and deaths on the road. Distracted driving tops the list as so many travelers—no matter the mode of transportation—seem to have trouble looking away from handheld electronic devices like phones. Speeding and other modes of reckless driving are culprits, to include driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Inexperienced drivers, exhausted drivers, and those who have no regard for traffic signs or rules can wreak havoc on the roads. And while those traveling by car, motorcycle, or bicycle are all vulnerable in the case of an accident, pedestrians are at the greatest disadvantage.

Recent data shows that pedestrian deaths have risen to historic highs, with an increase of 46 percent between 2008 and 2016. While it has been suggested that pedestrians who are injured or killed often tend to be walking in high-speed areas where they are even more vulnerable to heavier vehicles like SUVs, illumination is ‘coming to light’ as an area where improvement is needed; after all, visibility is key, and especially for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommends better lighting for cars, as most incidents between pedestrians and cars occur at dusk or in the dark. This means raising the standards for headlights and making them even brighter than they usually are today—while encouraging drivers to update lights on older cars. Pedestrians can also take matters into their own hands to stay safer while traveling on foot by wearing bright clothing, and even reflective vests or strips if walking at night. It is critical to be alert (put the phone away!), as well as only crossing at designated areas, rather than walking across dark, busy roads at night where motorists may not expect pedestrians.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.

Bone Scans May Be Used to Diagnose Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Posted on by Rainmaker

Complex regional pain syndrome is a rare condition characterized by what is usually serious discomfort in areas that experienced trauma previously. What makes CRPS unique—and confuses patients suffering from symptoms—is that a mere sprain (brought on by a car accident or another trauma) which could have already completely healed may suddenly be replaced by chronic pain.

One limb is usually affected, and CRPS may present itself with a variety of symptoms. Discomfort or discoloration in skin is often an indicator of CRPS. If you are suffering from this condition, you may find that the appearance of your skin has changed to a blotchy color or it may be bluish or pink. The texture may have also become glossy and thin, and there may be burning or swelling. Coordination is an issue for some, and mobility can become difficult; in fact, CRPS is so severe in some cases that the fingers or toes may become fixed in an awkward position due to dystonia. Pain is also so severe that sometimes patients are anxious about bringing it on by moving at all. Muscles may begin to atrophy as a result.

Even if you are exhibiting the unique symptoms associated with CRPS, your doctor will probably rule out all other similar conditions first, to include other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. MRIs are often used to diagnose CRPS, but bone scans are helpful too as they can display evidence of typical characteristics and abnormalities. Several phases are required for this type of diagnostic device, with the images recorded with initial blood flow. Next, blood pooling is recorded as doctors watch for inflammation, and a couple of hours later, they examine how much of the tracer used in the blood scan has been metabolized.

If a positive diagnosis has been made, treatments vary depending on severity; for example, in more moderate cases, doctors may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers. If that treatment does not work, they may prescribe opioids, nerve blockers, or corticosteroids like prednisone. Topical treatments or therapy may be suggested also, to include heat therapy, physical therapy, as well as other types of stimulation to alleviate pain and symptoms.

Were you in an accident due to the negligence of others that triggered CRPS? If so, please call Heintz & Becker today to consult with a skilled CRPS lawyer. Our attorneys have helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.