If someone in your family suffers a stroke, your first reaction will be to get them to the best possible treatment center as quickly as possible. Your main priority should be to call EMS at the first sign of stroke and your second priority is ensuring your loved one is taken to a hospital that has the equipment and resources to properly detect and treat a stroke before permanent injury occurs. A hospital with a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification is considered to be the best type of facility for stroke patients because they have specific abilities to receive and treat complex stroke cases.

In Palm Beach County there are four hospitals that are currently listed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) as a licensed Comprehensive Stroke Center:

• Boca Raton Regional Hospital
• Delray Medical Center
• JFK Medical Center
• St. Mary’s Medical Center

To be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, a facility must meet specific measures that factor in performance, experience, technology, and accountability. Hospitals also have a responsibility after they receive their certification to maintain the standards that earned them the ranking of a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and medical malpractice can happen even in the best environments and if you suspect that a patient did not receive adequate care it is important to determine whether there was a failure due to negligence or misrepresentation. One of the best ways to assess this is to speak with an attorney who has extensive experience handling stroke misdiagnosis cases. Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa has a record of litigating stroke misdiagnosis cases in Florida and will evaluate your case at no cost. Click here to contact us today.

If a facility is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center but unable to provide the measures that are required to earn this certification, that could be an example of misrepresentation. You can click here to learn more about the specific measures that a hospital must meet in order to earn this designation.

If you are faced with making a decision about where to have a loved one treated for a stroke, please try to find the best facility in your area. No matter where your family member is admitted, remember everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity and receive quality healthcare.

If you have questions about a Stroke Center or need help finding a Comprehensive Stroke Center, send an email to info@dcwlaw.com.

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As a law firm in the Sunshine State, water safety has become a hallmark of DCY’s commitment to our community. As trial attorneys, we have seen cases of catastrophic injuries in children and we know that the key to preventing tragedy is by prioritizing safety. We believe in fostering a community where children can flourish, but where the safety of a child is never taken for granted. Most of all, we believe organizations should prioritize corporate social responsibility and invest in the communities they serve by making them a safer place for families.

Water safety is important because in Florida we are surrounded by bodies of water, from pools, ponds, canals, and lakes, to intercostal waterways and of course the ocean. For this reason, Water Safety Awareness month in Florida requires extra attention because awareness of this issue can have a lifesaving impact on our community.

The most common injury that comes to mind when thinking of water safety is drowning. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years old. Unfortunately, most of these incidents occur in people’s backyards when their guard is down; this is why supervision of children around any body of water is extremely important and why swimming lessons should be a priority for every family. Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa has supported water safety organizations like Live Like Jake and the Adaptive Aquatics Swim Program hosted by the City of Palm Beach Gardens for several years. Live Like Jake is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of water safety and providing swim lessons to families in need. The Adaptive Aquatics program is responsible for certifying instructors and teaching special needs children on the fundamentals of swimming.

Other common injuries that occur on the water are boat-related and jet-ski-related injuries. Boating accidents are extremely common in Florida as we currently have the highest number of registered water vehicles in the United States. When these accidents occur, it can be due to a number of reasons such as:

• Distracted Driving
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding
• Drugs or Alcohol
• Lack of education or experience in operating the vessel

A 2018 report from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission found that 77% of the operators involved in boating accidents that year completely lacked formal boater education. Most of these accidents therefore may have been preventable with the proper education and experience.

Personal watercraft, such as jet-skis, have a higher collision rate than any other watercraft. Studies have found that these accidents make up almost one-third of all reported boating accidents and 36% of all boating injuries. This may be attributed to the false sense of security that novice users have with these vessels. Some may think that because they are small, they are easier to operate than a larger watercraft like a boat, but most jet-skis have a lot more throttle than people expect leading inexperienced operators to lose control and crash.

At Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa we strive to not only do right by our clients but right by our community. For Water Safety Awareness month, we urge you to familiarize yourself with the safety protocols of any water activity you participate in. If you suffer an injury because of someone else’s negligence on the water, please let us know so we can help.

For more information on water safety check out the websites below:

Adaptive Aquatics of Palm Beach Gardens: https://www.pbgfl.com/600/Aquatics

Live Like Jake: https://livelikejake.com

Boat US: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2019/december/7-ways-to-avoid-boating-accidents

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission: https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/courses/

Water Smart FL: http://www.watersmartfl.com

Drowning Prevention Coalition of PBC: https://discover.pbcgov.org/drowningprevention/Pages/default.aspx

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May is Stroke Awareness Month and for that reason, we remind you to familiarize yourself and your loved ones about this disease, which is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain becomes obstructed. If not quickly diagnosed and treated, the results can include permanent brain damage or death. The key to limiting serious permanent injury is to identify the warning signs and ensure proper measures are taken right away to limit the potential for significant injury or death.

What are the steps to take if you believe a loved one is suffering from a stroke?

The first step is to recognize the symptoms the person is experiencing as a stroke. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) coined the acronym F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to help identify the signs. Check out their website here for details on how to quickly diagnose a stroke; a rapid diagnosis can have a life-saving impact. The second step is to ensure that you call 911 and request emergency help right away. Correctly identifying a stroke can be extremely important for EMS so they can ensure the patient is transported to a facility that matches the patient’s needs to the facility’s care.

What are the different classifications of stroke centers?

When it comes to facilities that treat a stroke, navigating all the terminology can be very confusing. There are “primary” and “comprehensive” stroke centers. Oftentimes, you may hear hospitals referred to as a Level 1, 2, or 3 Stroke Center. What do these various classifications mean, and more importantly, how will you know which facility is right for you?

The Joint Commission, a global organization tasked with the daunting mission of improving health care for the public, has come up with a certification system for hospitals and facilities; if they meet all the criteria, they can claim one of the following stroke designations:

• Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)certification is the most demanding and is designed for those hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the complex stroke cases.
• Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC)certification is designed for hospitals providing endovascular procedures and post-procedural care.
• Primary Stroke Center (PSC)certification is designed for hospitals providing the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.
• Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH)certification is for hospitals or emergency centers with a dedicated stroke-focused program.

What questions should I research if someone I know is at high risk for a stroke?

If a member of your family is at high risk for stroke or heart disease, it would be helpful to take the time and learn about the stroke centers near you. Questions you may want to research are:

• What is the hospital’s classification?
• Where is the closest Comprehensive Stroke Center near you?
• Does the facility actually have the resources required for CSC status? Is CSC status a designation they once held but have not maintained?

These questions are important, and the answers are not always easy to find. Taking the time to understand these nuances can have a life-saving impact on a loved one if they suffer a stroke. If a facility claims to be a CSC, make sure your loved one receives access to all the services a CSC is expected to provide.

If you have questions about a Stroke Center or need help finding a Comprehensive Stroke Center, send an email to info@dcwlaw.com.

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The month of February is American Heart Month which aims to raise awareness of the number one killer of men and women in the US, heart disease. Heart health has proven to be even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people diagnosed with heart disease have shown to have a higher chance of developing complications when contracting the virus.

For women, heart disease and heart attacks prove to be more difficult for doctors to diagnose, causing the postponement of treatment. This delay can result in severe injury or even death. Many wonder why women are often diagnosed when having a heart attack. Our attorneys could help you take legal action if a doctor’s negligent misdiagnosis caused you to suffer worse heart problems.

What Causes Heart Disease?

There are certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices that can make a person more susceptible to developing heart disease. These can include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Lack of Physical Activity
• Mental Stress
• Family History of Heart Disease
• Inflammatory Diseases
• Obesity
• Poor Diet
• Excessive Alcohol Use

For women, other risk factors include menopause and pregnancy complications.

Why are Heart Attacks Harder to Diagnose in Women?

Women usually present different symptoms than men when having a heart attack. Because of this difference women often have their symptoms dismissed or misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals. While most women report having some type of chest pain, it is common for patients to present other symptoms that may appear unrelated such as:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, and upper back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Indigestion

A misdiagnosis of a heart attack can consist of a doctor failing to order tests, misreading lab results, or failing to follow up on lab results. Delaying the treatment of a heart attack can cause catastrophic injuries that can permanently change a person’s life. These severe injuries include permanent damage to organs (i.e. scarring on the heart), brain damage, and in the worst cases, death.

What Can You Do?

If you or a loved one has been misdiagnosed with a heart attack do not hesitate to call us. The attorneys at Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa are experienced and knowledgeable in medical misdiagnosis cases and are here to advise you through any legal processes. Call to schedule your free consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer today!

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As of today, over 374,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, a travesty in a nation with access to exponential wealth and one of the most advanced heath care systems. How we earned the “Most Killed by Corona” superlative can only be accredited to dismal leadership and the failure to roll out a unified plan for prevention.

Now, with a vaccine on the horizon providing much-needed hope, the question that remains is whether the same disastrous patchwork approach that caused the problem will be applied to the solution? There is little oversight on the distribution protocol, leaving decisions about eligibility to state and local authorities as well as to individual providers. The lack of structure leaves a gaping (loop) hole for greed, favoritism, elitism and corruption to seep through.

Case in point, a recent Washington Post article published on January 5, 2021 alleges MorseLife Health System, a high-end nursing home and assisted-living facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., offered wealthy donors coronavirus vaccines earmarked for nursing home residents. The article reveals shocking testimonials from members of the Morselife Board of Directors and major donors who were “invited” to get the vaccine by the facility’s chief executive, Keith Myers. MorseLife is characterized as “an atmosphere of luxury, outstanding service, and compassionate care.” Compassionate care requires putting the needs of vulnerable residents above the self-interest of wealthy donors.

Nursing home attorney Sean Domnick has received endless inquiries from family members who lost loved ones in nursing homes due to COVID. He said today, “There has been so much grief and loss surrounding this pandemic. It’s horrific to think that anyone would rig the system to favor the fortunate instead of saving the vulnerable.”

The CDC has reported that 8 out of 10 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have been in adults age 65 and older. In places like Florida, many of them are residents of nursing home and assisted living facilities, who sadly passed without the comfort of loved ones in their final days.  The staggering loss of life in these facilities is one of the many realities our conscience will need to reconcile when we look back and reflect on the unnecessary casualties caused by the blundering mismanagement of this pandemic.

The vaccine presents an opportunity to finally offer our most vulnerable citizens protection. The idea that private facilities have the leverage to use it to glad-hand future donors at expense of human life is despicable.

While there are times that we hope everyone has the human decency to do the right thing, this pandemic has highlighted how much disregard for human life exists amongst elements of society. Regulation is not always the solution, but in times like this where greed can conquer human decency, having an airtight plan to protect critical populations is essential.

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When Hurricane Irma struck south Florida as a category 4 storm in 2017, it caused a widespread power outage that impacted over 6.8 million people. The impact of that outage was devasting for people sweltering in the Florida heat, but those most tragically impacted were nursing home residents in facilities that had failed to ensure they had backup generators in working condition and other safety features that are critical to the health and wellbeing of their residents.

The most egregious loss was the deaths of 12 elderly residents at the Hollywood Hills facility in Broward County. Last month,  the Fourth District Court of Appeals decided that the gross negligence that caused this cascade of death will not be heard by a jury. Hollywood Hills will not have to publicly answer why they failed to have an emergency or evacuation plan or why it took them 3 days to call 911 as the complaint alleged. The victims’ families who entrusted the facility to care for their loved ones, will be denied their constitutional right to seek justice. Instead, the facility will get to quietly arbitrate and the results of that arbitration will more than likely be confidential.

The reason the court ruled against litigation is because of an arbitration clause that was likely embedded in the contract residents signed when they were admitted to the facility. Arbitration clauses are becoming much more commonplace, often buried deep in a bunch of legal jargon that most people don’t understand when the are signing up for services from cell phones to nursing home care.

In the case of Hollywood Hills, the families who lost their loved ones will never have their day in court to get the answers they desperately need for closure. Moreover, the public will never know about the gross negligence that led to this horrific loss of life.

Arbitration is often touted as a swifter way to access justice bypassing the clogged court system. However, the truth is that forced arbitration clauses allow nursing homes to avoid accountability for everything from negligent care to sexual assault.

The American Association for Justice explained it best in a 2019 whitepaper, “Forced arbitration is a rigged system designed by corporations in which injured workers and consumers have no meaningful chance of finding justice. Forced arbitration requires Americans to “agree” to surrender fundamental constitutional rights – often without ever realizing they’ve done so. When corporations harm workers and consumers by cheating, stealing, or even breaking the law, cases that should be heard by a judge or jury are instead funneled into a secret system controlled by the wrongdoers in which there is no right to go to court, no right to a jury, no right to a written record, no right to discovery, no transparency, no legal precedents to follow, no opportunity for group actions when it would be too difficult or costly to file a claim alone, no guarantee of an adjudicator with legal expertise, and no meaningful judicial review. Without such checks and balances, the deck is stacked heavily against workers, patients, and consumers, and systemic misconduct is allowed to continue in secret.”

Sean Domnick, a Shareholder at Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, has been litigating nursing home cases for over 20 years. He has witnessed the horrors of nursing home abuse and neglect and understands the lengths that facilities go through to avoid accountability. He said, “Forcing people to sign away their constitutional rights to hold wrongdoers accountable in courts of law in order to get a loved one into a nursing home is unconscionable.”

So what happens next to the families who lost their loved ones in the Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center in 2017? What recourse will they have based on the court’s ruling to deny a jury trial? With forced arbitration, we may never know.

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In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers: “Watch out for unapproved stem cell therapies!” The warning comes from the agency in response to the mounting concern of patients seeking cures and pain remedies who are vulnerable to stem cell treatments that are illegal and potentially harmful.

Stem cell therapy has gained a reputation for serving as a miracle treatment for repairing diseased tissue, purportedly healing ailments from arthritis to cancer. However, there is a great deal of information that has yet to be learned about stem cells and much of the claims remain unproven.

The FDA has only approved a few stem cell therapies, yet over the past few years, they have witnessed clinics across the country promising miracle results for chronic pain, Alzheimer’s, and cancer; touting these cures as FDA approved.

The FDA wants consumers to be aware that dishonest and unscrupulous stem cell clinics are preying on the vulnerabilities of patients desperate for a cure. Many of these treatments, which are often very expensive, have not been proven effective by medical evidence and are not approved by the agency. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health and their warnings should not be taken lightly.

“This is yet another example of how people in desperate search of a medical cure fall prey to those who only care about money, that value profits over patient safety. We must be careful not to be taken in by these profiteers. And, when they harm people, we must be thankful that our Constitution guarantees each of us the right to hold wrongdoers accountable for the harm they cause,” advised medical malpractice attorney Sean Domnick, a Shareholder at Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa.

Before any patient considers stem cell therapy, they should first ask their health care provider to confirm it is agency approved and request an FDA-issued Investigational New Drug Application number, even if the stem cells are your own. You can also visit this FDA website to see a list of FDA approved stem cell products.

What are Stem Cells?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Stem cells are the body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells.” Used in therapies such as injections, stem cells have the potential to provide replacement cells for any part of the body — blood, brain, bones, or organs.

What are the Dangers of Unregulated Stem Cell Injections?

In 2018, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report documented bloodstream infections in several patients who had received stem cell injections that were not approved by the FDA. Infection types included bloodstream, joint, and epidural abscesses caused by e-coli. In the most disturbing cases, patients suffered blindness, intense stabbing pain, lengthy hospitalizations, and even death after receiving a stem cell injection.

While the future of stem cell therapies is promising, leading researchers believe there is still much that needs to be understood in order to safely administer stem cell therapy. In the interim, patients do not have to allow predatory clinics and doctors to place profits over patient safety by luring them in with false hope. A patient who has suffered the dangers of unregulated stem cell injections could contact a medical malpractice attorney for help. Call today.

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Millions of Americans rely on ranitidine, popularly known by its brand name Zantac, for treating their heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. Yet the Food and Drug Administration has recently demanded that all ranitidine products be removed from the market immediately.

This recall follows an ongoing investigation into levels of an environmental contaminant found in ranitidine. The contaminant, N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), has been proven to increase in ranitidine products over time when stored above room temperature. This may result in consumer exposure to unacceptably high levels of NDMA. Additionally, NDMA is a probable human carcinogen, meaning that, at high levels, it could stimulate cancerous growth in the body.

Current Testing of NDMA Levels in Ranitidine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been testing the levels of NDMA in ranitidine since the summer of 2019 after an independent laboratory discovered high levels of the contaminant in these products. When the (FDA) conducted its own testing to ensure that the NDMA did not exceed acceptable levels, only low levels of the contaminant were found. The administration stated that these low levels were not expected to lead to an increase in the risk of cancer.

Yet over time, subsequent testing showed that NDMA levels in ranitidine increased slowly over time under normal storage conditions and significantly when stored at higher than normal temperatures. Therefore, the older the ranitidine product is, the greater the level of NDMA.

Recall of Ranitidine Products from Store Shelves

While the Food and Drug Administration continues to test NDMA levels, it is requesting all manufacturers of ranitidine immediately withdraw their products from the market. Additionally, the FDA is advising consumers to dispose of their ranitidine products and not purchase or take any more until the investigation is complete and it concludes that levels do not exceed acceptable limits.

The agency urges patients who previously took ranitidine products to take alternative medications that are approved and do not carry the same risks to NDMA exposure.

Contact an Experienced Defective Drugs Attorney About Zantac or Other Ranitidine Products

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how the ranitidine recall may impact you, do not hesitate to reach out to our offices. The attorneys at Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa are experienced and knowledgeable in defective drug cases and are here to advise you through any legal processes, even against bigger corporations. Call to schedule your consultation with a Zantac lawyer today.

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On April 1, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the removal of all ranitidine products, including those sold under the brand name Zantac. The request was issued after sources found unhealthy levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in some ranitidine products. NDMA is classified as a possible carcinogenic by several organizations, including the FDA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). As a result, individuals who have taken Zantac or another ranitidine product may now have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

What Types of Cancer Could Ranitidine Cause?

Prolonged NDMA exposure may increase the risk of many different types of cancer. This includes all forms of the substance, such as tablets, syrups, and injectable ranitidine. Some cancers that may develop from prolonged NDMA exposure could include:

• Liver
• Kidney
• Lung
• Testicular
• Stomach

NDMA exposure from ranitidine may also contribute to the development of other types of cancer. A knowledgeable Zantac lawyer from Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa could evaluate your circumstances and help you determine if you have a case.

How Long Must Zantac Have Been Taken to Develop Cancer?

At this time, the FDA cannot definitively say when increased levels of NDMA became present in Zantac and other forms of ranitidine. Similarly, there is not currently an exact length of time that someone must have been taking Zantac to develop cancer. An experienced dangerous drug attorney could evaluate the specifics of your case and determine if you may have a Zantac lawsuit claim.

Education does not and won’t ever stop, it’s a constant approach. In reality, an instruction in critical from poverty. Although inclusive education is a global trend in education these days, it isn’t effective as it is expected.

Education helps you to get confidence in lifestyle. Obviously, it is not valued by all. It provides an individual assurance to the best shot in the time of facing challenges. Financial education isn’t just about locating a fantastic job or learning how to spend or getting out of debt. It empowers a common man and so can help to prevent any financial loss or harm.

School is among the best regions to learn the best way to become independent and dependent at the specific same time. Culinary schools are working around the world now, and Baltimore isn’t an exemption. Our schools innocently believe they are fulfilling their fate by preparing students to earn money and have families. There are lots of worldwide play schools which similarly provide online live courses can get one of the ideal platform to your child and they’re very distinct from the standard drama or preschools.

Symptoms of Cancer Caused by Zantac?

If you have taken Zantac or another ranitidine product for a prolonged period, being aware of common cancer symptoms may help early identification of cancer. Some symptoms of common cancers caused by taking Zantac include:

• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• Discomfort after meals
• Unexpected weight gain or loss
• Loss of appetite

If you are experiencing cancer symptoms or suspect that you have developed cancer after taking Zantac, it is best to see your doctor as soon as possible. Early identification of cancer could increase the success of treatment.

Contact a Zantac Attorney to Discuss your Options Today

If you or a loved one has taken Zantac or another ranitidine for a prolonged period of time and later developed cancer, you could have a claim for compensation. An experienced ranitidine lawyer from Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa could evaluate your claim and hold liable drug manufacturers accountable. To discuss your options, contact one of our experienced Zantac attorneys today.

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