Designer Pot: Who Benefits? What Are the Risks?

Long ago, it was glamorous in a movie for the lead characters to blow clouds of smoke.  If advocates of designer cannabis get their way as Federal and State regulations of the drug for medical and recreational purposes are loosening, it can become more socially acceptable to smoke pot.  Marketing experts are using a variety of flavors and mixers to create the type of cannabis with THC, the addictive chemical, removed: CBD oil. This product is legal to be sold to those 18 and older in most states now without a doctor’s order.  CBD oil is said to help with anxiety, pain, and seizures.Recently the FDA approved an epilepsy medicine, Epidiol which contains CBD that is pharmaceutical grade.

But there are risks we are not yet aware of with vaping of CBD and cannabis. A recent study found e-cigarettes in a lab test contained ten times more cancer causing substances (due to plastic burning) than regular cigarettes. People can vape nicotine, flavored gas, CBD Oil, or drugs like cannabis.  One device, a JUUL, looks like a flash drive and makes vaping easy and portable.

Many health experts have a variety of concerns about marijuana. It is often laced when bought from street dealers with club drugs or ones that triggers paranoia or psychosis.  Several studies have shown the stronger strains in recent years could be habit forming, even though the drug is classified not as physically addictive like opiates but psychologically habit-forming.  

Another study showed a drop in IQ (measure of intelligence) several points with regular use.  Other experts point out often regular users of cannabis develop lung cancer or lower their motivation to attend work or school.  Some gain weight from the effect of the drug to increase appetite.

This is where those attempting to genetically modify strains of cannabis come in.They claim they will be able to maximize the positive effects and lower the negative ones in order to create a “designer” drug experience.  

They are trying to make strains of cannabis that would be vaped, tinctures in oil or edibles to put in gourmet foods and drinks with the claim that some promote deep relaxation, others euphoria or a type of enhanced mood or spiritual feeling of connectedness.

If you’ve been injured by pot, a personal injury lawyer Naperville, IL trusts can help. Call today.

Contact The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC for more insight into designer pot and personal injury.

Wrongful Death Claim Filed Over “Cops” Crew Member Death

Wrongful Death Lawyer

Police in Omaha, Nebraska, had long resisted efforts from the famous COPS television show to film in the city and follow their offices. However, according to the Omaha World Herald, Chief Todd Schmaderer had a change of heart in mid-2014 because his officers had taken part in an embarrassing incident. (https://www.omaha.com/news/courts/city-of-omaha-in-court-over-wrongful-death-lawsuit-involving/article_0659daec-4f50-56a1-afd9-ae757d790923.html)

While the chief did not identify the event at the court hearing in the wrongful death case of COPS crew worker Bryce Dion, many believe it was the event in March 2013 in which an officer was seen manhandling a driver after towing his vehicle away, and other officers were caught chasing the driver’s relatives into a house on video. The chief, who tried to fire all six officers involved in that scandal, said in court that he just wanted people to see that his officers were better than what was seen in that case.

Unfortunately, his decision backfired. In August of 2014, 38-year-old COPs crew member Bryce Dion died when Omaha officers opened fire on a person robbing a fast food establishment.

Now, Dion’s family has brought a wrongful death claim against the City of Omaha, with the courts deciding whether the city bears liability for the crew man’s death.

The family’s legal representation says the city and police department failed in their duty to protect the crew member, who was not harmed when they responded to a call. They also allege the officer who accidentally shot Dion should not have been shooting at the fleeing robbery suspect in the first place.

Three police officers fired 36 times at the suspect after he pointed a gun at them and fired. Although the officers didn’t know it at the time, it turned out all the suspect had was a pellet gun.

Dion had been with the two officers involved in the shooting, and he had taken cover near the fast food restaurant’s entrance when shots were being fired. One of the officer’s bullets hit the crewman in his armpit, an area the bulletproof vest he was wearing did not cover.

The city is disputing it was responsible for protecting Dion, arguing that he knew the inherent risks of his job, which is why he was wearing the vest. They also allege he had at least eight seconds to leave the fast food eatery but decided to stay.

According to the city’s attorney, the officers had to fire at the robbery suspect because he fired at them several times, and they did not know that Dion was in the vestibule behind the suspect at the time.

In court, the chief said he did know there was a chance of injury or death to any person who rode with his officers. Before this, no one had been killed in the 20 years the show had been on air, although there were some injuries.

The family’s attorney says there was close to a minute between the robbery call and the arrival of the officers, which means the two officers with Dion had time to tell him to stay in the car given the violent nature of the crime.

How this case plays out will likely impact other risky reality shows going forward. If you have lost a loved one due to the acts or lack of action by another party, talk to a wrongful death lawyer Denver, CO trusts about your case.

Thanks to Richard J. Banta, P.C. for their insight into personal injuries and wrongful death lawsuits.

When Should You Update Your Will

Estate Planning Lawyer

We all know that creating a will is important. It’s your legacy and the way you can support and protect your loved ones after you have passed away. But when is a good time to create a will? And does it need to be updated or is it a document that is a one-time deal? In this article, we will explain if and when you should update your will with the help of an estate planning lawyer Sacramento, CA offers.

Creating a will

Many people believe that a will is something that you create in your later years in life – closer to the time that you will actually need the will. Or they think that only parents or married couples should have wills. But the reality is, everyone should have a will created as soon as they become an adult. Even if you think you don’t have many “assets” to distribute, it is still important to have a plan in place for after your death. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Key things to include in your will are naming who gets what, who will be the guardians of your children (if you have any), and who will execute your will. You can also include any funeral arrangements you’d like your family to make on your behalf. While it may seem morbid at the time, you will be saving your family members the stress of planning a funeral while they are grieving your loss. In order to make a will legal, it just needs to be written and signed by you with a witness who can vouch that you actually created the will.

When should you update your will?

Now that you’ve gone through the emotional process of creating a will and planning for your own death, you are set for life, right? Well, not exactly. A will is a living, breathing document and should be updated after key life events. If you made a will when you were 21 years old, it may not be applicable when you are 45. You may not know the same people or you may now have significantly more assets that need to be distributed.

A good rule of thumb for when to update your will is after key events. This includes the birth of an additional child, a marriage, divorce, accumulation of wealth or property, etc. You wouldn’t want to forget to include your youngest child when designating beneficiaries or forget to exclude an ex-spouse who you would not want dealing with your finances or property. Keeping your will current will prevent any tense situations between family members as well as make sure that all of your property, finances, and other assets are handed down to the right people.

Your will is not something to take lightly and should be a document that is regularly looked at to ensure accuracy. It is not a “one and done” type of legal document but rather one that morphs over time based on things that are happening in your life Ultimately, the purpose of a will is to give you peace of mind and in order to make that happen, your will needs to be up to date.

Thanks to Yee Law Group for their insight into estate planning and when you should update your will.

3 Common Causes of Medical Malpractice and What to Do About Them

Medical Malpractice Attorney Naperville, IL

Medicine is not an exact science. If it were, we’d all be free of illness and healthy. And while the majority of healthcare providers genuinely desire to provide excellent healthcare to their patients, medical mistakes occur, and people are harmed, sometimes fatally, by those mistakes. Medical malpractice laws exist to help injured people and protect patients from being hurt.  

Proving Malpractice Can Be Tricky

Physicians and hospitals are likely not going to admit that they committed malpractice. If you would like financial compensation for harm caused by medical malpractice, you will need to prove that you are legally entitled to it. You may need to show two things to have a valid claim for medical malpractice. These include:

1. Proving that the doctor or healthcare institution’s care deviated from accepted medical standards or practices.
2. Proving that this deviation from accepted medical standards or practices actually caused the harm, injury, or more severe illness.

Ensuring that these conditions are met can be a complex and lengthy process. An essential aspect of this is securing another doctor or medical expert who can provide testimony proving that standard medical practices weren‘t met.

Types of Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice can occur in many situations and may take a variety of forms. Three of the more common categories of medical malpractice include.

Misdiagnoses or Failure to Diagnose

A failed or delayed diagnosis is the most common type of medical malpractice claim. Doctors are responsible for correctly diagnosing medical conditions, and it is one of the most important things they do. When doctors fail to diagnose a condition, and it leads to incorrect or delayed treatment, significant harm can result.  

A primary consideration in misdiagnosis malpractice claims is determining whether or not the doctor’s diagnostic procedures were sufficient based on accepted medical standards. This can come down to proving that another doctor under the same circumstances would have done the additional testing and correctly diagnosed the condition. In some misdiagnosis cases, the correct diagnostic testing may have been performed, but it was not done accurately.

Birth Injuries, Labor, and Delivery Malpractice

Birth-related injuries are typically the direct result of medical malpractice by the doctor or the delivery team. A qualified, experienced doctor and delivery team should be able to handle any complications and deliver a baby without harm. Subpar communication and rushed decision-making can often result in injury.

Hospital Malpractice

Hospitals are legally obligated to ensure a certain standard of care for all patients. Consequently, if they fail to deliver a proper level of care and harm comes to the patient, they can be held liable. Hospitals are also responsible for the actions of their employees. If a malpractice injury happens at a hospital, there is a significant chance that the hospital will have some liability.

If you believe you have been injured or sustained harm as a result of medical malpractice, call a medical malpractice attorney Naperville, IL relies on to set up a consultation. Lawyers can review your case and consult with the appropriate medical experts needed to validate your claim.

Contact The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC for their insight into medical malpractice and some of the common causes of medical malpractice.

Slip and Fall Lawyer FAQ: What should I know about slipping and falling at a school?

Slip and Fall Lawyer

Let’s say you’re late to bring your child to school. You walk them into the front office to explain what happened this morning. Over the night, it snowed so the entrance into the school is especially slippery. No signs have yet been posted. Your child slips and falls on the way in and is crying in pain. After taking them to the doctor, you discover they have broken their arm. If this example scenario sounds in any way familiar, you might be wondering whether there is any legal recourse. After all, not only might you have incurred medical bills, but you may also be unable to work due to having to care for your injured child.

Slip and Falls at School

All states have different premise liability laws, but in general, the owner of a property has a duty to maintain the premises and keep them safe from hazards. Schools are not an exception. A school does have a responsibility to ensure all of the occupants are safe.

Following a slip and fall accident at school or on school grounds you might wonder who can be held responsible. Unlike residential buildings or commercial properties, schools typically do not have an owner. To determine who can be held liable, you will first need to find out whether the school is private or public. Most likely you will know this right away.

Private School Versus Public School Slip and Fall Claims

Private schools have a duty to keep their premises safe. The difference is that unlike a public school, the state will not intervene in the affairs of the facility. If your child slips and falls at a private school, they would almost certainly be responsible for the injuries.

If your child slipped and fell at a public school, this matter may become more complicated. The reason for this is that public schools are owned by the government. In this case, you would likely have to pursue the government for compensation. Unfortunately, this is not always easy because public schools, and government entities as a whole, have special legal protections. For example, there are very strict time limits to file a claim after a public school slip and fall accident. Depending on the state, you may have 30-90 days to file a notice of claim. Due to the strict rules and restrictions, time is of the essence. Even then it may be difficult to win your case. You should consult a slip and fall lawyer immediately.

Proving Your Slip and Fall Claim

Before you can sue the school for a slip and fall, there will need to be some answers to questions such as:

• Did the school create a hazardous condition which was ultimately the cause of the accident?
• Was the school in need of maintenance or repair?
• Should the school have known about the hazardous condition?
• Did the school warn the occupants about the condition?
• Was there enough time to have known about the hazard, and address it?

In addition to the answers, evidence will be a vital element in a school slip and fall case. Photos of the scene, medical records, or witness testimony can be advantageous to prove and win your case.

A Slip and Fall Lawyer is Crucial

Slip and fall accidents at a school can be devastating. Whether you or your child fell at school, it is advisable to meet with a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI offers.

Thanks to Hickey & Turim, SC for their insight into personal injury cases and what you should know about slip and fall injuries.