Before you schedule a surgical procedure or even a consultation at one of our state’s hospitals, it’s a good idea to compare facilities and also visit the hospital’s website. Here’s a handy chart, compiled by US News & World Report, which lists hospitals in North Carolina. (click here)
Medical experts advise patients to ask questions of their doctors, such as:
As a patient, you have a right to know these answers before you make a decision about your medical care.
This article was written by Chip Permar
Our client was traveling home from a friend’s house just outside of downtown Greensboro and stopped at a red light. His car was hit from behind and totalled. He had no reported injuries at the scene, but after a night’s sleep, he had back pain. He had chiropractic treatment and saw an orthopaedic physician but did not have an operable condition. So he was stuck with ongoing pain and medical bills of $6,700. The insurance company for the driver that hit him (who ironically refer to themselves as the “good hands people”) felt that his injuries were worth a settlement offer of $5,400, … yes, $1,300 less than his actual medical bills. Zero for pain and suffering. Zero for lost wages. A Guilford county jury felt otherwise and awarded our client just over $32,000. By the time costs and prejudgment interest were added, “the good hands people” paid over $37,000 for their driver’s negligence.
This article was written by Chip Permar
Every day we talk to people with mental health issues who can’t get the treatment they need because of cuts in the North Carolina system. The slashing of state’s budget ($155 million in cuts for 2010) and the downsizing or closing of mental health facilities have left some people in a crisis situation, especially those who live in rural areas. It’s frustrating to us and to our clients and their families. People with mental health disabilities deserve care and treatment and our tax dollars should fund adequate if not excellent programs to meet these needs.
This article was written by Chip Permar
In a report released this month by the US Government Accountability Office, the Social Security Administration is still plugging along in its efforts to speed up the approval process of SSD claims. Following a plan that started in 2007, the GAO reviewed the May update and noted that the SSA must continue to move forward to reduce the backlog by 2013. Much of the effort centers on Administrative Law Judges, focusing on the hiring of judges, their availability to hear cases and their productivity. According to the GAO, claims are now at 446,000 and the SSA needs to set up performance goals and measures in order to be productive.
This article was written by Todd P. Oxner
Senate Bill 749 has passed the House and Senate. It allows drivers to choose their auto insurance coverage amount, permitting them to go above the minimum limits that are now legally required. In that way, motorists can opt for more protection if they choose to, and the limits for anyone are still in place which will serve us all if we are involved in an accident.
