DorenfeldLaw, Inc.DorenfeldLaw, Inc.2026-06-16T16:24:51Zhttps://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1204536/2019/08/OG-75x75.jpgOn Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[Diagnostic errors in healthcare]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=501032026-06-16T16:24:51Z2026-06-16T16:24:51ZOne of the biggest challenges in healthcare in the U.S. and beyond is diagnostic errors. Every year, a concerning number of Americans are harmed because of an error related to diagnosis. These errors are preventable, yet they keep happening.
The primary classifications of diagnostic errors in healthcare are:
Missed diagnosis
This error occurs when a patient’s condition is not detected entirely. A doctor fails to diagnose the patient. For example, when a patient with a respiratory infection is told it’s a seasonal allergy that will naturally clear up.
Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis is when a diagnosis is made, but of the wrong condition. A doctor incorrectly identifies a condition, resulting in a patient receiving unnecessary treatment, while the correct disease continues to progress.Some diseases are more commonly misdiagnosed because they have overlapping symptoms. A heart attack is commonly mistaken for an anxiety attack, a stroke for vertigo, colorectal cancer for hemorrhoids, lymphoma for flu, sepsis for viral illness and so on.
Delayed diagnosis
When a doctor eventually makes a correct diagnosis, but only after a harmful amount of time has passed, the error is called delayed diagnosis. It typically leads to a worsening of the condition.
Causes of diagnostic errors
These three diagnostic errors can happen because of:
Understaffing, which results in doctors rushing appointments
Cognitive bias - Systematic thinking errors that doctors make when processing information
Failing to order appropriate tests
Communication breakdown - A patient’s vital information getting lost when they are transferred between healthcare providers, or a doctor failing to communicate a diagnosis to a patient
Healthcare systems have several strategies for curbing these contributing factors. However, some doctors fail to follow them, increasing the risk of diagnostic errors.Diagnostic errors allow a condition to worsen, lead to unnecessary treatments that may have harmful side effects and cause emotional and financial distress. If you have experienced this form of negligence, learn more to fight for your rights. ]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[Why are left-hand turns so dangerous?]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=501022026-06-15T15:18:07Z2026-06-15T15:18:07ZMany people let their GPS systems do their navigating these days -- and just like the routes humans plan, they often prioritize speed over safety.Some companies, such as UPS, have programmed their GPS systems to reduce or completely avoid left turns. Here is why you might want to avoid them, too.
They force you to cross the flow of traffic
When you make a right turn, you stay in the flow of traffic. You don’t need to cross any vehicles coming in a different direction. When you make a left turn, you must cross the flow of traffic that is coming toward you. That creates an opportunity for a catastrophic mistake by you or one of the drivers coming in the opposite direction.Each driver needs to judge what the other will do to pass safely. If you are waiting at a left turn and misjudge an oncoming driver’s speed, they could T-bone you as you are halfway across the turn. Likewise, if they misjudge your speed, or think you are going to wait when you are not, they could crash into the side of you. There is also an opportunity to miss spotting each other. This is especially relevant for motorcyclists or cyclists who often get hidden from view by larger vehicles.Adjusting your route to reduce or eliminate left turns might seem as though it will be slower, but UPS actually found it was often quicker, as the waits for a gap to turn left in are often considerable. They also found it saved them fuel, as well as reduced the chance of accidents. If you are injured in a collision, remember that you may need to fight to get the compensation you are due. Experienced legal guidance can be a great help on such occasions.]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[Wrong-way accidents often involve driver impairment]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=501002026-06-04T10:32:41Z2026-06-04T10:32:41ZIf you see a news report about a wrong-way accident, you may find yourself wondering how it could ever happen. This is especially true when the accident takes place on the interstate. It is hard to imagine a driver making such a critical error as driving up an off-ramp, passing numerous wrong-way signs and starting down the interstate in the wrong direction.
But this is something that can and does happen. You may even have been involved in an accident with one of these wrong-way drivers yourself. What studies have found is that these drivers simply tend to be impaired at the time of the crash.
How alcohol causes serious accidents
Alcohol use could be the reason that the driver made such a crucial mistake in the first place. They were simply too impaired, they were not thinking clearly and they did not realize they had made a mistake at all. Many wrong-way drivers believe they are heading the correct direction until the crash occurs.With reports demonstrating that alcohol impairment is the main cause of wrong-way accidents, it is also worth considering when and how these crashes take place.For instance, many wrong-way accidents happen in the early morning hours, after bars and clubs close and people try to drive home. Alcohol use could make a wrong-way accident more likely at these times. Additionally, the interstate will have lower traffic levels when most people are asleep, meaning it may not be quite as obvious to the wrong-way driver that they have entered lanes going in the wrong direction.No matter how it happens, a wrong-way accident can have devastating consequences. If you have suffered serious injuries, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.
]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[What is an underride truck accident?]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=500992026-05-20T10:13:33Z2026-05-20T10:13:33ZA potentially catastrophic type of truck accident is known as an underride accident. This happens because of the size difference between the truck and the passenger vehicle involved in the collision. The smaller vehicle can be crushed or trapped underneath the truck.For example, imagine that someone is driving down a two-way street and a truck driver is waiting to turn left across the oncoming traffic lanes. The truck driver should yield the right of way, but if they turn at the wrong time, they could cut off the oncoming car. That car then strikes the space between the wheels on the truck’s trailer, and it gets crushed below the lower edge of the trailer.
2 reasons these are such serious accidents
When someone is involved in an underride accident, they are more likely to suffer critical injuries to the head, neck, spinal cord or chest. Many car safety systems also do not work as well. An airbag is helpful, for example, but it does not prevent injuries if the lower edge of the trailer shears off the top of the passenger compartment on the smaller vehicle.The second issue is that a vehicle trapped under a trailer may be difficult for emergency response crews to access. It often takes a significant amount of time to extricate the passengers, even if they have suffered severe injuries. This can delay their medical care far beyond what would normally be seen in an accident between two vehicles of relatively the same size.An underride accident can happen in a split second, but it could lead to life-changing injuries. Those who have been harmed due to another driver’s negligence need to know how to seek financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[When should you review your estate plan?]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=500982026-05-06T18:50:29Z2026-05-06T18:50:29ZIt is important to review your estate plan, and many people do this every 3 to 5 years. You may not need to make updates every single time. But conducting these reviews allows you to reassess your estate plan and determine if any changes are necessary.After all, failing to review your estate plan means that it could be incredibly outdated when you pass away. Assets could be left out of the plan entirely, as could certain beneficiaries. Changes to your wealth or your finances may not be appropriately accounted for. An outdated estate plan can cause many complications for your family, and periodic updates help you avoid that.
Key events in your life
Another thing to remember is that there are important events in your life that may mean you need to make updates sooner.For example, if you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition, you may want to use a living will or a medical power of attorney to help address these concerns. You do not necessarily need to wait 3 to 5 years to do so.Similarly, if you get married or divorced, your estate plan likely needs to change significantly. It is often best to address these types of issues as soon as you can, rather than putting them off until the next review.
Making sure your estate plan works for your family
Whether you look for important life events or set up a regular review schedule, your goal is simply to ensure that your estate plan still lines up with your wishes and gives your family guidance. Be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take at this time.]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[Why having a lawyer is a must after a car accident in Los Angeles]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=500742026-01-28T14:00:31Z2026-02-03T13:59:06ZExperiencing symptoms later
Adrenaline often masks your pain, making you believe that you are fine and unaffected. Symptoms, such as neck and abdominal pain, can help reveal the true extent of your injuries.
Since California is an at-fault state when it comes to injuries, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the accident. Delaying medical attention can give insurers grounds to lower your settlement. An attorney can assess your case and ensure you file on time.
Shifting the blame onto you
Even if the other driver hit you, they might claim you were speeding. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. With a legal advocate by your side, you can gather evidence to dispel unfair blame towards you.
Missing work due to injuries
An accident can leave you with severe injuries that limit your abilities, preventing you from working. While you have the right to recover lost wages, documenting your loss of income requires precision. Attorneys can offer guidance on preparing evidence that supports your claim.
Facing aggressive insurance adjusters
Your or the other party’s insurance company may call and inform you about a settlement offer. While this might be tempting to accept and settle the mounting medical bills, it may be a lowball amount. Accepting this means you are waiving your right to future compensation, which can be a problem if you need long-term physical therapy. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company in your place to prevent tactics.
Moving forward with legal assistance
You do not have to navigate these complexities alone while trying to heal. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can provide the clarity you need.]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[What you must know about distracted driving in Los Angeles]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=500732026-01-28T09:18:06Z2026-01-28T09:18:06ZUnderstanding the legal reality of distraction
In California, it is unlawful for a driver to hold a phone while operating a vehicle. If the person who hit you was texting or browsing, they may have broken the law. This violation can establish negligence per se, meaning the law presumes a breach of duty.
Proving the at-fault party’s negligence
While the driver may have violated a traffic law, you still need to prove that their violation was the legal cause of your injuries. In car accidents, these are the common sources of evidence:
Your attorney can issue a subpoena to the driver’s service provider to access timestamps for calls, text messages and data usage spikes.
A police officer may issue a citation for violating traffic laws or note that the driver was distracted or inattentive in their report.
Dashcam recordings and video from nearby businesses may show the driver looking at their phone before impact.
Witnesses can testify in court that they saw the driver looking down at a screen before drifting into the other lane.
Despite having evidence to prove the at-fault party’s negligence, they can respond with a rebuttal that shifts the blame onto you. Since California follows pure comparative negligence, you may receive a reduced settlement offer. The complexity of the matter requires precise legal guidance. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you move forward with your case.]]>On Behalf of DorenfeldLaw, Inc.<![CDATA[Do you have an unfair competition claim?]]>https://www.dorenfeldlaw.com/?p=497592025-12-12T07:45:48Z2024-10-18T18:44:42Zunfair competition claim is a legal assertion made when a business believes another entity engages in deceptive or unethical practices that harm its competitive standing. Such a claim protects businesses and consumers from dishonest practices and ensures fair market competition. Laws related to unfair competition can vary by jurisdiction, so businesses must consult with legal professionals here in California to understand their rights and options if the dispute involves a California company.
It’s different than IP infringement
Unfair competition and intellectual property (IP) infringement are related but distinct legal concepts. Unfair competition focuses on deceptive or unethical business practices. IP infringement involves the unauthorized use of protected IP, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights or trade secrets. While unfair competition can sometimes involve IP infringement (e.g., using a competitor's trademark to deceive customers), they are not the same and can be addressed under different legal frameworks.
Examples of unfair competition
Disputes often involve one or more of the following circumstances:
False advertising: This involves making false or misleading statements about a product or service to deceive consumers. For example, advertising a product as having certain features or benefits that it does not actually possess.
Trademark infringement: This occurs when a business uses a logo, name or symbol that is identical or confusingly similar to a registered trademark owned by another company. This can mislead consumers into thinking they are purchasing from the trademark owner.
Trade secret misappropriation: This involves the unauthorized use or disclosure of a company's confidential information, such as formulas, practices, processes or designs, that provides a competitive advantage.
Bait-and-switch tactics: This deceptive practice involves advertising a product at a very low price to attract customers but then attempting to up-sell them a more expensive item once they are in the store.
Passing off: This occurs when a business presents its goods or services as those of another business. For example, using similar packaging or branding to make consumers believe they are buying a product from a well-known brand.
The legal penalties for unfair competition
In California, the penalties for unfair competition can be stringent:
Civil penalties: Violations of California's Unfair Competition Law (UCL) can result in civil penalties of up to $2,500 for each violation. These penalties can be sought by the California Attorney General, local public prosecutors or other authorized government officials.
Injunctions: Courts can issue injunctions to stop the unfair practices. This means the offending party must cease the unlawful behavior immediately.
Restitution: Courts may order the offending party to pay restitution to the victims. This involves returning any money or property gained through unfair practices to the affected parties.
Attorney’s fees and costs: In some cases, the court may order the offending party to pay the attorney's fees and expenses incurred by the plaintiff in bringing the lawsuit.
Criminal penalties: Although less common, certain egregious violations of unfair competition laws can lead to criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the offense, this can include fines and imprisonment.
These penalties aim to deter businesses from engaging in unfair competition and protect consumers and other companies from deceptive and harmful practices.
Not sure where to start?
Some business law attorneys handle disputes and litigation involving unfair business practices. Those with questions about a potential claim can learn more by discussing the specifics of their issue during an initial consultation. Attorneys can explain possible strategies and likely outcomes.]]>