Complications from Acupuncture Treatment

From treating anxiety issues to helping with weight control and everything in between, acupuncture has enjoyed a fairly positive opinion in the American public eye since first becoming popular in the 1970’s. This form of ancient Chinese medicine involves the insertion and stimulation of needles from 15 to 50 millimeters in length under the skin at key points.

To most people, the idea sounds at the very least uncomfortable, but many are willing to try acupuncture based on the claims of those who swear by its incredible healing effects. In 1996, the FDA approved acupuncture needle use by licensed practitioners, who are under strict obligations to keep their equipment sterile and nontoxic.

However, in spite of this sort of widespread legal and cultural approval, acupuncture treatments are not free of potential complications. While the majority of patients report little to no discomfort when the needles are being inserted, some complain of serious pain due to the poor skills of their therapist. Moreover, in the event that a needle is not sterile, acupuncture can lead to bacterial infection and other issues.

Documentation concerning these types of cases can be hard to come by, but it exists. One recent study by a group of Canadian researchers found common adverse effects of acupuncture to include:

• Fainting or dizziness during treatment

• Nausea or vomiting

• Increased pain

• Aggravation of symptoms

• Bruising and bleeding at the needle site

• Psychiatric disturbances

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If you or someone you know has suffered from a serious complication due to acupuncture treatment and you believe the therapist may have been at fault, contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at the offices of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C., today at 316-466-8200.
 

A lot of time and attention is rightly directed toward the concerns of certain driving conditions that are inherently risky. Late-night, highway, poor weather, ice on the road - all of these circumstances present a unique set of dangers of which all drivers should be aware.

However, one hazard that is often overlooked in these discussion has to do with the problems of late-afternoon driving in the direction on the sun. The glare produced when the sun is setting on the horizon can be blinding, even when wearing glasses. This can be especially dangerous and problematic when the sun is behind a stoplight or reflecting brightly off a highway.

Sun-related accidents are most likely at sunrise and sunset, which is unfortunately when millions of daily commuters are on the road. Unfortunately, while accidents caused by sun glare can often be deadly, very little statistical information exists on the subject, making the problem hard to combat.

The problem is not simply limited to vehicle collisions. Dozens of stories have been reported in which a blinded motorist has stuck and killed a pedestrian.

Polarized sun glasses have been known to help drastically reduce the effects of glare. However, sometimes the sunlight is simply too bright and unexpected to combat, and even pulling over can be difficult at high speeds.

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If you or someone you love has been affected by a car crash, contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at the Chicago law offices of Friendman and Bonebrake, P.C., today by calling 312-466-8200.

Extension Cord Hazards

Extension cords are useful products employed in thousands of settings. Unfortunately, they can also pose serious dangers in the event of malfunction or improper use.

A recent study by the Consumer Products Safety Administration estimated that since 1994, almost 2 million extension cords or similar devices had been recalled due to a variety of defective possibilities. In 1996 alone, they were blamed for over seven thousands fires and 120 resulting deaths.

Common Problems

Some of the most common extension cord issues indicated in the report were:

• Undersized wires

• Reversed polarity

• Poorly soldered joints

• Other workmanship problems creating a potential for fire, shock, or electrocution

In addition, most of these products were identified as imports or bargain brands.

Keeping Safe

To avoid becoming an extension cord statistics, keep the following points in mind:

• Don’t skimp on quality. Invest in medium or heavy-grade, name-brand products.

• Inspect and observe all warning information, and ensure that your product comes with a label from an independent testing lab such as UL or ETL.

• Take care to respect the maximum amperage load indicated on the package. It’s a safe idea to never exceed 75% of this value when plugging in.

• Never install extension cords in a permanent fashion. Always disconnect when not in use to prevent a fire hazard.

• Make sure your plug is polarized and features three prongs

• Finally, never use damaged cords, touch any metal parts, and use only designated cords in outdoor or damp areas.

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If you or someone  you know has been affected by an injury involving an extension cord, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman and Bonebrake, P.C., today by calling 312-466-8200.

Ergonomic Breaks

Ergonomics is the study of how the human body relates to environments in which we live and work. The attention paid to this idea is on the rise every year, with more and more companies encouraging employees to take and offering them information on “ergo breaks.”

The importance for all employees, from warehouse workers to secretaries, to pay attention to their bodies while on the job is incredibly important, and ergonomics is very much concerned with our habitual actions and posture. For example, proper positioning of one’s hands over a keyboard can prevent major issues of carpal tunnel down the line.

However, ergo breaks, resting periods, and stretches are just as important as being mindful while actually working. Take mini-breaks for a few seconds every 10 to 15 minutes to stretch out any muscles that may feel tense, and to correct yourself if you are slouching or bending in potentially dangerous ways. Longer breaks every half-hour to hour of about 5 minutes will give your body a chance to regroup as well.

If you can, try to vary your physical tasks by putting them in a sort of informal rotation. This will keep your muscles warmed up and active, and ultimately increase productivity by reducing the effects of fatigue on any one part of the body.

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Laws exist on both federal and state levels that mandate periodical breaks for workers throughout a day of salaried employment. Illinois is one of several states that allows ten minutes of paid rest for every four-hour shift. If you have suffered from a repetitive injury or single traumatic episode related to ergonomics, and you feel that your employer’s negligence may have been at fault, you could be entitled to compensation.

Contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman and Bonebrake, P.C., today by calling 312-466-8200 for more information on your case.

Over memorial day weekend, several motorcycle crashes occurred in the Chicago area. The first involved a chain reaction crash of 6 motorcycles and 3 other vehicles, killing two people.

In the second crash, a motorcyclist making an illegal U turn crashed into three other motorcycles, killing the riders. The final crash involved one motorcycle, killing the rider.

If you or someone you know has been injured, contact the Chicago personal injury attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, PC at 312-466-8200.