<![CDATA[Greenville Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2013-03-21:/blog/64809 2020-01-09T17:20:34Z Movable Type Enterprise <![CDATA[Do not let your body’s stress response fool you]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2020:/blog//64809.3881756 2020-01-09T17:21:34Z 2020-01-09T17:20:34Z Automobile accidents are inherently stressful events. Following a crash, you are apt to worry about yourself, your passengers and your vehicle. You may even feel uneasy about interacting with the other driver, police officers, emergency responders and others. You must realize, though, that your body’s stress response may play tricks on you. 

During moments of stress, the human body prepares either to fight off danger or run away from it. To do so, your brain signals the release of adrenaline and other stress-related hormones. Unfortunately, however, your body’s stress response may induce you into believing that you have not sustained a serious injury when you have. 

]]> The side effects of stress hormones 

If you have been through a car crash, you are likely to notice a change in your body. Adrenaline, epinephrine, cortisol and other stress hormones may cause an elevated heart rate, higher blood pressure, dilated pupils and increased sweat. While these side effects are likely to enhance your ability to respond to a stressful situation, they may also mask pain. As such, you may not realize that you have sustained an injury until hours or days after the collision. 

The dangers of a normal stress response 

Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from whiplash to organ damage. If you have a traumatic brain injury, broken vertebrae or internal bleeding, moving around after a car crash can be tremendously dangerous. That is, you may develop additional injuries or life-threatening complications. Furthermore, if you continue to experience stress following an accident, you may encounter additional health problems. 

The benefit of a medical evaluation 

Because your body’s stress response can disguise injuries, you should always seek a professional medical evaluation following any type of car accident. When you visit the doctor, be sure to explain how the accident unfolded. If you are still reeling from the effects of a stressful event, you may want to have a family member or trusted friend accompany you to the hospital. 

Your body’s stress response should keep you safe. Unfortunately, though, the hormones that course through your veins can be problematic. By understanding how your body’s reaction to a stressful event may put you in additional danger, you can better plan for responding appropriately to a car crash.

<![CDATA[What to do when you get to the hospital after a car accident]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3866289 2019-12-04T17:51:34Z 2019-12-04T17:50:34Z The vast majority of auto accidents that occur in South Carolina result in injuries rather than fatalities. While most people focus on lane closures in the aftermath of a traffic collision, the truth is that people in those cars may have sustained serious injuries in the aftermath of a crash.

Even if you feel all right, you want to go to a hospital immediately after any kind of car crash. You may have suffered injuries that you are unaware exist at the moment. You need to see a doctor to ensure that you are all right and to help bolster your claim in the event that you need to file a lawsuit. 

]]> When to go to the hospital

After a crash, you want to get the other driver's insurance and contact information. You also want to take pictures of the scene. If you suffered injuries, then these tasks may not be possible. Ask a passenger in the car with you or a bystander to take the necessary pictures to help your claim. An ambulance will need to take you to the hospital. 

In the event that you feel okay, then you need to take care of everything at the crash scene. After talking to the police, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. You may need someone to drive you over if you do not want to take an ambulance and your car is inoperable. 

What to do when you arrive at the hospital

Once you get to the hospital, you want to tell the doctor everything that happened. You also want to tell the doctor everything that feels off. You do not want to ignore even minor symptoms. A small ache or pain could be an indicator of something larger, so you want the physician to check for everything. Tell the doctor everything that happened in the crash, such as if your knees slammed against the dashboard. Every detail helps. 

<![CDATA[Could you identify top causes of medical injury?]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3854553 2019-10-28T16:51:34Z 2019-10-28T16:50:34Z When visiting a doctor, you believe the doctor has your best interest in mind. A doctor's top priority is ensuring you get the care you need to recover.

However, there are situations when you may believe that the doctor is not doing everything possible to help you address and manage your symptoms. It may help to familiarize yourself with the top incidents that may lead a doctor to become involved in a medical malpractice suit.

]]> Diagnosis missteps

You go to the doctor to get help with a health issue. You expect to give the doctor a list of symptoms and in return, get some help understanding what is happening and how to go about fixing it. However, one of the most common mistakes doctors may make is in the diagnosing process. The three ways this happens are:

  • Misdiagnosis – making the wrong diagnosis, resulting in an improper course of treatment
  • Delayed diagnosis – taking too long to make a diagnosis, resulting in lost time treating a condition
  • No diagnosis – failing to diagnose at all, leading to a worsening of the underlying problem

Surgical errors

Doctors sometimes make mistakes, as they are human. However, there are times when these mistakes may lead to catastrophic results. Surgeons who make mistakes during an operation may find themselves facing a malpractice lawsuit. This is primarily due to the implications of surgical errors. The most severe missteps result in patient death.

Medication mistakes

Prescription medication is a vital ally in the fight against many conditions. There are times, however, that prescriptions may contribute to the decline of a person’s health instead of fighting against it. In these situations, an error may have happened on the side of the medical staff administering it or the doctor prescribing it.

If you feel like your doctor has done something to make your condition worse, you may want to speak with someone for guidance. An attorney dealing with medical malpractice may work on your behalf to recover compensation.

<![CDATA[The most dangerous highways in South Carolina]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3824239 2019-09-05T21:11:34Z 2019-09-05T21:10:34Z Driving on the highway in South Carolina always comes with some risks. However, certain roadways pose greater dangers than others. Parents should make sure that kids learning to drive have adequate preparation so that they may avoid a car accident

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts out a report for each state concerning the most dangerous roadways and how many injuries and fatalities occur on each annually. Looking at the data from the last few years, it is easy to see a pattern and pinpoint the most dangerous highways in the state. Here are the areas to watch out for and be particularly vigilant in.

]]> U.S. 17 Coastal Highway

U.S. 17 runs through South Carolina from Georgia to North Carolina. It threads through major cities in the state, including Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hardeeville. Between 2015 and 2017, 82 fatalities occurred along this stretch of road during the summers. One reason for this high rate is that it is popular among tourists. Myrtle Beach alone receives over 14 million tourists annually, so there are a lot of people driving who are unfamiliar with the highway. They may not know which exit to take, and it can spell disaster for everyone else.


I-26 is the next deadliest highway in South Carolina. Reports show that 51 fatalities occurred along this roadway during the summers of 2015, 2016 and 2017. It runs from Charleston to Landrum, going through Columbia on the way. One major problem with this roadway is that there are very few guardrails or guard wires along the way. That means vehicles that end up colliding are more likely to go off the road and exacerbate any injuries.

S.C. 9

S.C. 9 starts in North Myrtle Beach and runs up against the border of North Carolina. The road has one bad intersection in particular that is prone to accidents. Officials have considered adjusting the intersection where S.C. 9 meets State Highway 410 to limit these collisions. 

<![CDATA[How understaffing leads to nursing home abuse]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3798003 2019-07-27T19:31:34Z 2019-07-27T19:30:34Z While you may have heard horror stories about nursing homes, such as staff members assaulting patients, the truth is that not all abuse happens as the result of malintent. Many facilities try their best to care for residents but lack the necessary resources. This leads to unintentional, but still inexcusable, neglect that harms the innocent. 

One of the most rampant problems across nursing homes is not having sufficient staff. Weekends suffer the most, reports PBS, when some staff has nearly double the number of patients to care for. Understaffing is a major contributing factor in several types of neglect and abuse.

]]> Substandard care

When nurses and aides become overburdened, they cannot attend to all their duties. They must prioritize tasks, leaving behind some that are not immediately urgent but have long-term consequences if overlooked. For example, it is imperative to reposition patients in their beds to prevent sores from developing. Moving patients may continually end up at the bottom of the list. Over time, this will result in health issues for residents.


Time constraints due to understaffing play a role in the overmedication of patients with dementia. Instead of finding out what an upset patient needs, staff members may overuse antipsychotics to get the person to calm down so they can attend to other residents.

Patient-to-patient abuse

With not enough people monitoring residents, it is easier for patients to harm each other. If no one sees it, it may never even come to light if the victim cannot communicate what is happening.

Unsafe staff

When facilities fall shorthanded on help, they may be less willing to pass over an applicant with a questionable history or fire an employee who faces allegations of abuse. Although they are trying to solve the understaffing problem, they are risking the safety of their patients by hiring and/or retaining unsafe caregivers.

<![CDATA[Do you have whiplash after a car accident?]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3766501 2019-06-12T21:11:37Z 2019-06-12T21:10:37Z If you are in a car accident, it is likely you will suffer from whiplash. When your head abruptly jerks forward and/or backward, it can damage your neck. Anything from a fender bender to a catastrophic crash can result in neck injuries. Whiplash can result in various short- and long-term problems. 


]]> Definition


Common signs

Here are common symptoms of a whiplash injury:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Lower back pain

You may not notice any symptoms right away. In fact, it may take several days after the collision for you to experience any symptoms. This is why it is vital to not make any statements about "feeling fine" or not being hurt immediately after a crash.

Serious symptoms


Long-term complications


<![CDATA[Attorney focus areas in the Upstate]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3726646 2019-05-06T21:11:34Z 2019-05-06T21:10:34Z Most people who practice law are focused, educated and have the ability to adapt and learn as the situation demands. However, the direction of that focus and aptitude also plays a role in which cases a specific lawyer or firm may excel at handling.

The Upstate has no shortage of qualified attorneys. Therefore, many firms and individual practitioners of the law focus their efforts on resolving issues in a single area of South Carolina or federal legal dispute. Even single areas of the law are sometimes full of complexity. As an illustration of this, here are some of the types of personal injury cases common in the Greenville area, along with some details explaining how each is unique.

]]> Wrongful death

As one of the most serious issues in civil law, wrongful death cases are often complex. They could deal not only with the loss of a family member but also the surrounding issues, such as estate planning, child custody and criminal cases. 

Product liability

When manufactured products fail to perform as they should, the maker or seller may have to pay for the injuries these failures caused. This involves some of the basic elements of a personal injury suit, such as proving the injury occurred. Also, additional research along with engineering or scientific testimony is often necessary to prove who is to blame for a defective or dangerous product and how that product caused the injury.

Medical malpractice

Similar to a products liability case, a medical malpractice injury may require a specific type of evidence. These cases also usually necessitate an investigation into the bureaucratic paper trail that exists between insurers, hospitals and contracted or outside caregivers, such as imaging centers, laboratories or consultants.

Nursing home neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases are typically complex because they involve specific regulations. To prove that someone is liable for an injury, a litigant would probably have to cite these specific points of negligence in reference to the rules of operating a nursing home in South Carolina.

Every personal injury case is completely unique, and any single claim could involve elements of all of the disciplines of personal injury law listed above. As with any focus, lawyers who practice in this area of the profession usually keep current with knowledge of statutory changes, maintain a network of experts to provide specialized testimony and constantly review relevant state and federal decisions that could affect their clients' cases.

<![CDATA[Signs of malnutrition for nursing home patients]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3682073 2019-03-27T19:41:34Z 2019-03-27T19:40:34Z The vast majority of nursing homes in South Carolina are safe places for elderly citizens to live. However, there are always a few bad residences no matter what state you are in. Numerous complications can arise in patients due to abuse or neglect, and one of the most common for nursing home residents is malnutrition

When family members visit a loved one in a nursing home, they should keep an eye out for any signs something is not right. The nursing home resident may not feel comfortable divulging such information for fear of upsetting the family. Therefore, it is up to family members and friends to watch out for common symptoms of malnutrition. 

]]> Weight loss

Failure to eat adequately can result in a nursing home resident losing 10 percent of body mass within a few months. Family members should also be wary if a loved one now has a BMI of under 18.5. The most apparent sign that a loved one has not eaten enough is that clothes and belts will appear looser over time. With this in mind, it is critical to remember that someone can become malnourished without losing any weight. That is why it is vital to look out for several different signs. 

Other symptoms

You should take your loved one to a doctor immediately if you suspect he or she has any health problems. Common symptoms of malnutrition include:

  • Depression or low moods
  • Feeling cold a majority of the time
  • Drop in concentration
  • Wounds take longer than average to heal
  • Illnesses take a longer time to recover from
  • Feeling weaker or tired most of the time
  • Lack of interest in eating or drinking
  • Reduced appetite

Malnutrition can lead to numerous chronic health problems if it does not receive treatment right away. The long-term effects of malnutrition include a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. 


<![CDATA[3 things you should do immediately following a car accident]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2019:/blog//64809.3622472 2019-02-12T00:01:35Z 2019-02-12T00:00:35Z Car accidents occur at an alarming rate, and the freeways in and around Greenville do not escape this statistic. If you ever experience a motor vehicle accident whether on the freeway or surface streets, it can wind up jarring you physically and emotionally.

After suffering a crash of any kind, you should prepare yourself for what comes next. Take a look at three things you should do immediately following an accident to ensure you retain your rights and safety.

]]> 1. Call the police

After you process what just happened, your next move should include phoning the local law enforcement. Give the 911 operator all pertinent information you can. Depending on the severity of the crash and your possible injuries, you may not have the ability to give many details. However, do the best you can. If the operator determines your accident a fender bender, the police may opt not to come to the scene, especially if no one sustained injuries.

2. Do a self-evaluation

Your next reaction after an accident may have you leaping out of your car to check out the damage to your car or check on the occupants of the other vehicle. However, before doing so, you need to take some time to sit back and identify any areas of your body that hurt. Pay special attention to the head, neck and back as these sensitive body parts cannot often cause great pain and further damage if you move around too much.

3. Exchange information

Once you check and deem yourself fit, check on the other vehicle. If everyone can talk and move freely and if the police have not arrived, you can opt to exchange personal information such as your driver's license and insurance information. You should also take down the VIN and other information regarding the make, model and year of the car.

Getting into a car crash is a traumatic event no matter the speed or circumstances. Whether it is a tap on the bumper or a T-bone at an intersection, knowing the steps to take immediately following is critical to your care.

<![CDATA[How to identify bed sores]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2018:/blog//64809.3559849 2018-12-26T18:31:37Z 2018-12-26T18:30:37Z There are numerous types of injuries senior citizens can sustain in nursing homes. One of the most common is bed sores


]]> Primary causes



  • Dress the person in soft clothing
  • Cushion sensitive areas of the body with pillows
  • Keep the skin clean and dry
  • Turn the patient over every hour to alleviate pressure

Early signs of bed sores


<![CDATA[3 tips for celebrating the holidays in a nursing home]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2018:/blog//64809.3512968 2018-11-19T22:21:34Z 2018-11-19T22:20:34Z While you are looking forward to spending the holiday season with family and friends, it may be a little different this year. Perhaps a parent, grandparent or even a dear friend is in a nursing home this time around. You may be wondering how to celebrate the festivities in this situation. 

Observing a holiday in a senior care facility does not need to feel uneventful or sterile. Here are a few tips for having a joyful celebration with a loved one in a nursing home. 

]]> 1. Talk to the nursing home staff

Before you make plans, discuss the logistics with the staff members. If you are planning to bring multiple relatives, the nursing home may need to prepare a designated party room. This requires planning and preparation. On the other hand, the staff may be comfortable with you taking your loved one out of the nursing home for a day so you can celebrate at home. 

2. Decorate the room

One great way to lift the spirits of your loved one is by adding some holiday decor to his or her room. A small, fake tree, some string lights and a few garlands can go a long way to spicing up a room. When your loved one is surrounded by joyful decorations, he or she will feel better throughout the season. 

3. Bring holiday food

Ask the nursing home staff about any food restrictions. If possible, you should bring some snacks, meals and treats to your visit. Christmas cookies, fruitcake or an apple pie will help your loved one feel the holiday spirit. Be mindful of any health conditions or medications that may restrict the type of food your loved one can consume.

While it may feel odd at first, it is possible to have a great time with someone in a nursing home. During your interactions with your loved one and nursing home staff, make sure keep an eye out for abuse or neglect.

<![CDATA[Can injuries show up long after a car accident occurs?]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2018:/blog//64809.3468233 2018-10-08T17:51:34Z 2018-10-08T17:50:34Z Most people think that if they feel fine after a car accident, they were lucky and escaped without any injuries. While this is true in many cases, there are also some cases in which serious injuries do not show any symptoms for hours, days or even weeks after the car crash.

Injuries that do not show up immediately after a car accident are sometimes referred to as "delayed onset" injuries because symptoms show up with a delay. A common type of delayed-onset injury is the traumatic brain injury. It is important to know the typical symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, so you can spot it if it ever happens to you or someone you know.

]]> Common symptoms of delayed-onset injuries

It is common for drivers to report having a headache after they get into a motor vehicle accident. Since headaches occur in daily life without any other risk factors, many drivers tend to simply ignore this symptom. However, in car crashes, a headache may be a simple indicator of a much more serious injury, such as a TBI. Other typical symptoms that drivers may dismiss include dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting and disorientation. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms after a motor vehicle accident should seek medical help promptly.

Delays in symptom onset

Concussions are common in car crashes, and symptoms of a concussion can show up days or weeks after the initial accident. Because delayed-onset injuries do not show their symptoms immediately after the crash, it is crucial for people in car accidents to document everything, including medical treatment following the accident. If you do not seek out any medical care, insurance companies may assume that you are not injured and attempt to make a quick settlement. This could jeopardize your chances for seeking adequate compensation if your injury shows up later and you incur extensive medical bills and lost wages due to time off work.

The important thing to keep in mind if you are in a car crash is that not all injury symptoms show up immediately. Be vigilant about any unusual symptoms you experience in the hours, days and weeks following the accident, and be sure to get prompt medical attention if you suspect that you have any of the signs of a traumatic brain injury.

<![CDATA[Pedestrians and the danger of quiet hybrid cars]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2018:/blog//64809.3403248 2018-08-23T20:51:35Z 2018-08-23T20:50:35Z A new study shows an alarmingly large number of pedestrians lose their lives each year as a result of motor vehicle accidents. In 2017, approximately 6,000 pedestrians died as a result of a car striking them. This indicates an increasing trend in the number of cars that hit people each year. 

While there are many potential reasons for this trend, there is one source of pedestrian accidents that has increased in recent years. More people than ever drive electric hybrid vehicles, which are extremely quiet. With most vehicles, someone walking or riding a bike could hear a car approaching and have some time to react accordingly. However, if a pedestrian attempts to cross a street at night, then he or she may not hear a hybrid vehicle approaching. The quietness of the vehicles can also make the driver laxer while behind the wheel. Vehicles with standard combustion engines tend to be noisier when the car travels fast, so motorists have a sense the car is well over the speed limit. With quieter vehicles, the motorist may be completely unaware of the speed of the car, which can drastically increase the severity of injuries if involved in a collision. 

]]> Legislation to prevent such accidents

New regulations to help make hybrid vehicles more noticeable to the human ear initially came up in 2010. However, it was only recently that the United States Department of Transportation has gotten around to passing new rules. These new rules require hybrid automakers, such as GM, Nissan and Tesla, to add noises when the cars travel below 18.6 miles per hour. Even at those speeds, significant injuries can happen to pedestrians and bicyclists. 

When hybrid vehicles travel above 18.6 mph, the noise from the tires and wind help create sound, alerting everyone on the road of the vehicle's presence. Estimates suggest that the new regulations will help prevent approximately 2,400 injuries every year, but more time is necessary to see if any substantial impact results from the changes. 

<![CDATA[What is placental abruption?]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2018:/blog//64809.3352214 2018-07-16T17:11:36Z 2018-07-16T17:10:36Z As a mother-to-be in South Carolina, you likely spend a good deal of time thinking about the health, safety and welfare of your developing baby. You also likely do everything possible to ensure that both (s)he and you have everything needed for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. No matter how careful you are, however, once you reach your third trimester, be on the lookout for placental abruption

Placental abruption is a reasonably rare but serious pregnancy complication wherein the placenta detaches from your uterine wall prematurely, thereby depriving your baby of the oxygen and nutrients (s)he needs. At this point both you and (s)he face grave danger.

]]> Placental abruption symptoms

While placental abruption usually results from an injury to your abdominal area, it also can occur spontaneously and for no apparent reason. Call 911 immediately and request emergency medical assistance should you exhibit any of the following symptoms during your third trimester:

  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Unusual uterine firmness
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Premature contractions, especially if they are rapid

Be aware that you will not necessarily experience vaginal bleeding during a placental abruption. If you do not, the reason is that the blood becomes trapped in your uterus.

Risk factors

Your risk of placental abruption increases under the following circumstances:

  • You smoke, drink alcohol or use illicit drugs
  • You sustain an abdominal injury
  • You suffer from high blood pressure
  • You are an older mother
  • You are carrying twins
  • You had a placental abruption during a previous pregnancy

As with any pregnancy issue, your best strategy for preventing placental abruption is to schedule frequent appointments with your OB/GYN, refrain from alcohol or drug usage, including tobacco, while pregnant, and wear your seat belt and/or shoulder restraint every time you get into a vehicle.

<![CDATA[When a car crash traumatically injures your brain]]> tag:www.parhamlaw.com,2018:/blog//64809.3292465 2018-06-02T00:01:34Z 2018-06-02T00:00:34Z As we head into South Carolina’s vacation and tourist season, the number of vehicle accidents likely will increase due to the increased traffic. Sadly, many of these accidents will result in serious, possibly catastrophic, injuries to the vehicle occupants. One of the most disastrous of these is a traumatic brain injury

A TBI is an injury to your head or neck that causes your brain to move violently back and forth in your skull. Depending on the seriousness of this injury, your brain could become dysfunctional in some manner.

]]> Diagnosing a TBI

Any time you receive a head injury, take it seriously, even if you think it is minor. Seek immediate emergency medical assistance. You need to be examined and tested by a knowledgeable and experienced trauma physician as quickly as possible. If (s)he determines that you suffered a TBI, even a “mild” one, the sooner you begin the appropriate treatment(s), the more likelihood you have of minimizing the TBI’s effects.

TBI symptoms

While some TBI symptoms appear immediately or soon after your accident, you may not notice others until several days or weeks later. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for any of the following during the month after your accident:

  • Persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting
  • Persistent dizziness or lack of coordination
  • Persistent blurred vision or unusual light sensitivity
  • Persistent ringing in your ears or unusual noise sensitivity
  • Intermittent confusion or feelings of disorientation
  • Intermittent speech difficulties, including loss of words

In addition, watch for changes in your normal mood(s). Oftentimes TBI victims or their concerned families notice unusual mood swings, the onset of anxiety or depression, or the onset of unusual and/or increased angriness, hostility, argumentativeness or other negative social behavior.

Should you or your family notice any of the above symptoms, see your doctor again as soon as possible, even if (s)he initially found no evidence of a TBI. (S)he likely will want to run additional tests.

TBI costs

One of the most frightening things about a TBI is that your medical costs associated with it can be as catastrophic as the injury itself. Depending on the nature and extent of your TBI, you could face any or all of the following:

  • Surgery
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Rehabilitation treatment
  • In-home assistance and/or care

In addition to your mounting medical costs, your TBI also could require you to be off work for a substantial period of time while you recover from your injuries. If your TBI is a serious one, you could face permanent disability, thus depriving you of the ability to earn a living. In a situation such as this, your best strategy may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused your accident and therefore your traumatic brain injury.