As we move into March, we’re seeing a significant rise in “he-said, she-said” disputes. In Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, our unique Contributory Negligence laws mean that if an insurance company can prove you were even 1% at fault, they can legally deny your entire settlement.

That is why, this month, we are focusing on the single most important piece of “legal armor” you can own: The Dashcam.

The “Silent Witness” Advantage

A dashcam doesn’t blink, it doesn’t forget, and it doesn’t get intimidated by aggressive insurance adjusters. It captures:

• The “Ghost Driver”: Proving someone ran you off the road even if they didn’t touch your car.
• Light Jumpers: Clear 4K evidence of who actually had the green.
• Staged Accidents: Exposing scammers who “slam” their brakes to trigger a rear-end collision.

Top 3 Dashcams for 2026 (Expert Picks)

Not all cameras are created equal. For a video to hold up in court, you need clarity, GPS data, and reliability. Here are our top picks for the DMV market this year:

3 Non-Negotiables Before You Buy

If you’re shopping for a camera this weekend, make sure it has these three features:

1. 4K Resolution: Anything less can make license plates look like a blur when a car is speeding away.
2. Built-in GPS: This stamps the exact coordinates and your speed onto the video, proving you weren’t speeding at the time of impact.
3. G-Sensor: This automatically “locks” the footage during a crash so it isn’t accidentally overwritten by the camera’s loop recording.

A Final Warning from David Tompkins

If you are involved in a crash and have dashcam footage: Do not post it on social media.

A single ambiguous frame can be taken out of context by a defense attorney to ruin a $100,000 case. If you have footage, your first move should be to call us. We will review the video with you and ensure it is used as a shield, not a weapon against you.

Safe driving!

Been in a crash? Let’s look at the footage together!

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

Warmly,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

What are your rights as a consumer?

As a consumer, you have the right to expect that your appliances meet reasonable safety standards. When pursuing compensation for a defective product, you do not necessarily have to prove that a company intended to cause harm. Instead, you must show that the defect caused your injury while you were using the product in a reasonably foreseeable way.

Although large manufacturers and retailers might have extensive resources, the law also protects consumers like you.

Who is liable for a faulty appliance?

Several parties may bear responsibility for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the appliance’s defect, liability may extend to:

• The manufacturer that designed or produced the appliance
• A component manufacturer that supplied a defective part
• The distributor that delivered the product to retailers
• The retailer that sold the appliance to you

With legal guidance, you can assess the evidence and determine whether you have a valid product liability claim against a specific party.

What evidence can support a product liability claim?

The steps you take after an injury can help determine the outcome of your product liability claim. The most important step is to seek immediate medical care. Besides safeguarding your health, medical records can serve as key evidence in your claim.

Moreover, preserve the defective appliance in its current condition. The product itself may provide critical proof of the defect. Ensure you also have sufficient documentation of the incident. Photograph the appliance, your injuries and any property damage.

What damages can you recover in a product liability claim?

If a defective appliance caused your injury, you may recover compensation for both financial losses and personal harm. Compensation may include:

•  Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of daily activities

In cases involving reckless conduct, courts may also award punitive damages. A thorough legal evaluation can help determine the full compensation you may be entitled to.

Learn more about the Gala here: Habitat Dream Builders’ Ball

The “Black Ice” Lie

We’ve heard it a dozen times this month: “It wasn’t my fault, I hit black ice!” The Truth: In MD, VA, and DC, “Act of God” is the most abused defense in the book. Drivers are legally required to adjust to the weather. If someone slides into you, they were likely driving too fast for the conditions. Don’t let their excuse melt your settlement. We’re currently using weather-data forensics to prove liability in several winter crash cases.

Quick Hits: “The DMV Border Trap”

Did you know that filing your car accident lawsuit in the wrong state (MD vs. DC vs. VA) can cost you over $100,000 in “Pain and Suffering” caps? If you, a friend, or a family member has been in a cross-border crash, call us before you call the insurance company. We choose the venue that pays YOU the most.

Do you have a legal question or a new case? Reply to this email or call us. We are here to level the playing field.

Stay safe and stay warm,

Sincerely,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Call Us Today:202-296-0666

P.S. We’re a law firm built on referrals. If you know someone who could benefit from our help, please feel

A fall risk assessment ensures that the resident can receive the assistance they need so they don’t fall. This can include things like using a walker or having a staff member to help with mobility. It’s critical that the necessary measures are always followed. 

In some cases, nursing home residents don’t fall because they’re a fall risk. Other factors, such as uneven flooring, spills or items on the floor, can lead to a resident falling. Proper facility maintenance can help to prevent these. 

Serious injuries can occur

While falls can lead to injuries for anyone, the effects may be worse for nursing home residents. Many nursing home residents are elderly and may have more brittle bones than individuals who are younger. This puts them at risk of broken bones if they fall. Some broken bones, particularly broken hips, can lead to significant challenges for residents. This can lead to long-term medical care needs and possibly lengthy hospital stays. 

If a nursing home resident falls because of nursing home negligence, the resident may opt to pursue a compensation claim. These cases can be complex, so it’s usually best for them to work with someone familiar with these matters so they can focus on healing from the injuries they suffered.

However, a single collision on I-270 can exceed standard policy limits within minutes. You may face personal financial exposure that threatens your lifestyle when damages surpass your coverage.

The limits of standard high-limit policies

Premium auto policies often cap liability at 500,000 dollars per incident. This amount seems sufficient until a catastrophic injury case reaches a courtroom. Serious vehicle  accidents often involve traumatic brain injuries or lifelong care requirements. These medical costs easily climb into the millions of dollars. Insurance companies set these caps to protect their own profits rather than your specific net worth. A standard policy only covers a small portion of a significant jury award.

Strategic safety nets for catastrophic collisions

You must build a stronger financial defense to protect your family and assets. Proactive planning helps you identify gaps before a crisis occurs. Here are a few things to consider:

• Match your umbrella coverage limit to your total net worth and future earnings.
• Add Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist endorsements to your umbrella layer.
• Align the effective dates of your primary and secondary policies.

Maryland law allows these specific protections to safeguard your wealth from negligent drivers. These strategic steps prevent insurance companies from exploiting coverage loopholes after a crash.

A skilled advocate to protect your financial future

Dealing with a high-stakes claim requires an analytical approach and aggressive negotiation. A knowledgeable attorney can identify every available insurance layer to maximize your protection. They ensure that providers honor their contracts while you focus on your professional responsibilities. Protecting your legacy demands a legal strategy that accounts for every technical detail.

A same-level fall could result in bruises, but it could also potentially cause life-altering injuries. People could break bones, injure their backs or sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). 

Anyone who may have an injury that requires medical attention after a slip-and-fall at a retail shop may want to complete the three crucial steps below. 

1. Document the hazards

To bring a successful premises liability lawsuit, an injured person must prove that the property owner or business was negligent. Documenting a spill left unattended or damaged flooring by taking pictures or recording video can help validate the cause of the incident later. 

2. Report the fall at the store

Someone who falls may feel embarrassed after a slip-and-fall and may want to move on with their day as quickly as possible. People who might require compensation later likely need to report the matter to management. 

That way, there are internal records of the incident. The business can also take appropriate steps to preserve security camera footage and other evidence. 

3. See a doctor promptly

A delay in diagnosis could cause issues later if a person seeks compensation for their injuries. Seeing a doctor the same day as the slip-and-fall makes it easier to prove that the unsafe property conditions were the cause of the injuries. 

Taking the right steps can make it easier for people to file premises liability lawsuits after slip-and-falls cause serious injuries. Injured people frequently need guidance as they negotiate insurance matters or prepare for a premises liability lawsuit.

While many residents receive outstanding care, there are incidents when residents may not get the care they need. This can sometimes be due to neglect or abuse at the hands of the staff members. 

Anyone who’s visiting someone in a nursing home should pay close attention for signs of abuse and neglect. These signs may not be dramatic or sudden, but it’s critical to recognize when something might be amiss. 

Physical and environmental signs

One of the most common indicators of neglect is a decline in personal hygiene. People who are in nursing homes often need help with basic care. Things like soiled clothing, persistent body odor or unwashed hair may suggest that routine care is missed.

Pressure ulcers are another red flag that abuse or neglect might be occurring. Frequent bruises, untreated infections and repeated falls are signs that residents aren’t being monitored carefully.

It’s also possible that the facility could offer clues about neglect or abuse. Dirty common areas and strong odors are all signs that the facility isn’t being cared for properly. Missing safety features, long response times to call buttons and broken equipment are signs that standards may not be upheld.

Behavioral changes

Changes in the resident’s behavior are also important signs. Residents who are being neglected or abused may be withdrawn, have anxiety, suffer from depression or appear fearful. Those signs may be more pronounced when staff members are near, which is a sign that the staff member warned the resident not to speak out about the neglect or abuse. 

Nursing home neglect and abuse are serious situations. In some cases, they may lead to legal action. Working with someone who can assist with this type of case is beneficial because they can often be complex.

Nursing home injuries may result from neglect, poor supervision or unsafe conditions and acting quickly and thoughtfully can help protect the injured person and prevent further harm.

1. Ensure immediate medical attention

The first priority is the health and safety of the injured resident. Seek prompt medical evaluation even if the injury appears minor. Some injuries, like infections, dehydration or internal harm, may not be visible at first.

Also, request a full medical assessment and follow-up care, and keep copies of medical reports, diagnoses and treatment plans as these records are important for understanding the cause and extent of the injury.

2. Document injuries and conditions

Carefully document all visible injuries and concerning conditions. Take photographs of bruises, bedsores or unsafe living environments if possible, and write down dates, times and descriptions of what was observed.

3. Report concerns to facility management

Notify the nursing home administration in writing about the injury and your concerns, and ask for a clear explanation of how the injury occurred and what steps will be taken to prevent recurrence.

Keep records of all communications, including emails, letters and meeting summaries. Doing this creates an official trail showing that the issue was raised and addressed or ignored.

4. Consider a safer care plan

If injuries suggest ongoing risk, evaluate whether changes are needed. This may include increased supervision in a different unit or transferring to another facility. While doing this, the well-being and dignity of the resident should guide all decisions about future care arrangements.

5. Move forward with legal guidance

Nursing home injury cases often involve complex rules, medical evidence and reporting requirements. Seeking professional legal guidance can help families understand rights, responsibilities and available options.

With proper guidance, informed decisions are made that help ensure accountability while focusing on the safety and recovery of the injured resident.

1. The “Winter Warning”: Black Ice & DMV Liability

January is prime time for “fender benders” that turn out to be major medical issues.

• The Myth: “It was icy, so no one is at fault.”
• The Reality: Drivers in MD, VA, and DC are legally required to maintain control of their vehicles regardless of weather. “Black ice” is rarely a valid legal defense. If you were hit by someone who “slid” into you, they are likely still liable for your damages.

2. The Insurance “Policy Reset” Trap

Many insurance policies renew on January 1st. If you were injured in late 2025 and haven’t filed yet, the insurance companies are hoping you’ll forget. They are currently clearing their books and looking for “quick wins”, which usually means lowballing you. Don’t let your 2025 injury become a 2026 financial burden.

3. Silent Proof: The Evidence You’re Overlooking

Did the crash happen near a storefront? A government building? A neighbor’s Ring camera? In January, snow and salt can quickly cover physical evidence like skid marks. Timing is everything. Our team is currently deploying investigators to secure digital “Silent Proof” before it’s overwritten or lost.

Ready to start your recovery?

If you or a loved one were injured over the holidays or during the recent winter storms, don’t wait for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” They won’t

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

Sincerely,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving the MDV area: Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

P.S. We’re a law firm built on referrals. If you know someone who could benefit from our help, please feel free to share our contact information.

Some people may try to dismiss bed sores (pressure ulcers) as an inevitable part of aging due to changes to the skin. However, that’s not necessarily true.

Why are pressure ulcers so concerning?

Pressure ulcers develop when prolonged pressure cuts off blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. They often occur on bony areas of the body, such as:

• Heels
• Hips and tailbones
• Lower back
• Shoulders

Pressure ulcers often start as mild redness, but they can quickly worsen into deep, open wounds. Advanced pressure ulcers can result in serious infections, sepsis, hospitalization and death in elderly people.

Most nursing home residents rely on staff for their daily care and mobility. Residents who are bedridden, confined to wheelchairs or unable to reposition themselves are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers. Because of this increased risk, nursing homes need to have preventative measures in place, including:

• Regular repositioning
• Routine skin assessments
• Adequate hydration and nutrition
• Pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions
• Prompt treatment at the first sign of skin breakdown

If a long-term care facility doesn’t provide this basic level of care, pressure ulcers can quickly develop. While most pressure ulcers are often preventable, not every one is an indicator of neglect. Common red flags include:

• Failing to turn or reposition a resident
• Advanced pressure ulcers
• Delayed or inadequate treatment
• Lack of documentation
• Poor hygiene
• Dehydration and malnutrition

If your loved one develops a pressure ulcer, taking early action can make a significant difference. Report your concerns to the nursing staff and facility management. If they fail to address the problem, your next step is contacting the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ), which is part of Maryland’s Department of Health. 

Your loved one may require ongoing medical treatment and more help than the nursing home can provide. Reach out to a legal representative to discuss the possibility of receiving compensation to cover those additional costs.

The people affected by a rear-end crash may need to repair a vehicle or buy a new one. They may need to cover medical treatment costs and find a way to recoup lost wages. Before a person can request compensation, they first need to establish that someone else was at fault for a collision.

How can people prove fault after a rear-end wreck?

Either driver may have made a mistake

Rear-end collisions are usually the result of one of several specific driving errors. Frequently, fault lies with the driver of the rear vehicle. They may have tailgated the other vehicle by failing to leave adequate following distance.

Getting too close to another vehicle makes it impossible to slow down or stop in time when traffic conditions change suddenly. Distraction on the part of the rear driver can also cause a rear-end crash, as they may not notice the vehicle in front of them stopping until they hit it.

The driver in the front vehicle could also be at fault. Motorists can cause rear-end crashes when they cut others off in traffic. Merging into another lane or turning abruptly in front of another vehicle can leave the other driver without adequate time to respond.

The driver in front could also be at fault due to the failure to use their turn signals or to properly maintain their vehicle. Those who don’t indicate an intent to turn could end up struck by others when they suddenly slow down. Those who let their brake lights or turn signals burn out could leave others unaware of their intentions.

Reporting the misconduct or negligence of another driver to police officers can help victims protect their right to request compensation after a car crash. Both insurance claims and personal injury litigation require a determination of fault. Those who understand what may have caused a recent wreck are in a better position to advocate for themselves and hold others accountable for their questionable choices.

The rise in these and other adverse events is largely blamed on the fact that these firms often enact aggressive cost-cutting measures – including reducing staff levels. Understaffing is already a serious problem in health care settings.

Private equity firms have also set their sights on nursing homes. The increase in these purchases has become so significant that in some areas, people can’t avoid a private equity-owned nursing home. 

Does private equity ownership affect the quality of care?

A recent study of nursing homes in another state found that private equity-owned facilities fared poorly compared to similar facilities not owned by private equity firms in multiple ways. These include:

• Significantly lower overall performance ratings
• Lower ratings for nurse staffing
• More citations for abuse
• Worse inspection results

Researchers stated, “Multiple studies confirm the harmful effects that private equity ownership has on nursing homes, and the increased risk placed on residents and workers.” 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the federal government is going to take any meaningful action. According to the study, under the first Trump administration, federal protocols were revised “to discourage regulators from levying fines against nursing homes” even when negligence, abuse or other wrongdoing resulted in residents’ deaths.

What can families do?

Families considering a nursing home or other care facility for a loved one need to carefully research their options. While it’s not always easy to determine the true ownership of a facility, there is generally plenty of reliable data available on them and how they rank in various areas, like those listed above.

Anyone who is concerned about neglect or abuse of a loved one should immediately talk to the management of the facility. If that doesn’t yield results or if physical, psychological or other harm has already been done, it’s wise to get experienced legal guidance.

At Lewis & Tompkins, our mission is to ensure that a sudden injury doesn’t derail your holiday spirit or your financial future. This month, we’re sharing critical tips to keep your family safe, revealing why our unique firm structure guarantees superior service, and asking you to share the gift of expert representation with those you love.

Urgent Safety Alert: The Black Ice & Distraction Danger

December brings unique risks to our area, particularly the threat of black ice and extreme driver distraction (holiday shopping, cell phone use). If you are involved in a crash this month:

• Document the Scene Immediately: If safe, take photos of the road condition (ice, snow, standing water) and the damage. This evidence is vital when insurance companies try to blame the weather.
• The Power of the Attorney-Led Case: In complex winter claims, liability is often disputed. That’s why we staff your case with experienced attorneys, not just paralegals. We have more lawyers than paralegals, ensuring critical decisions are made by seasoned experts who know how to win tough cases.

Trusting Lewis & Tompkins means your claim has the highest level of expertise from day one.

The Gift of Fairness: Our Promise That Pays You First

During a time when finances are tight, worrying about your lawyer’s fees is the last thing you need. This is why our clients love our “Client First” Fee Structure – and why they refer us without hesitation.

Unlike many firms that rush to pay medical liens first, here is our unique guarantee:

• You Get Paid First: After a successful settlement, we prioritize recovering your lost wages and compensation for your immediate personal needs before we settle up with medical providers. This ensures you have the necessary cash in hand to stabilize your family during your recovery.

We pay all the costs, take all the risk (No Win, No Fee), and we ensure the largest net recovery goes into your pocket.

A Gift We Ask You to Share: Expert Representation

The highest compliment we can receive is a referral from a satisfied client. If you know a friend, family member, or colleague in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia who has been injured in a car accident or slip-and-fall, please give them the gift of expert advocacy.

By recommending Lewis & Tompkins, you are ensuring they receive:

• 24/7 Availability: We are always on call for urgent issues.
• No Charge for PIP: We process your Personal Injury Protection claim for free.
• Maximum Compensation: We fight fiercely to maximize the money that goes into their pocket.

We are here to help them secure the compensation they deserve to make their new year brighter.

Need Legal Help this December?

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident this season, you owe it to yourself to get answers. Your consultation is always free, and you pay NOTHING unless we WIN your case.

Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

Unfortunately, poor communication happens in the medical field and often leads to medical errors. Here is how this happens:

Physicians and patients

Some physicians engage in actions that contribute to poor communication. A doctor who does not actively listen to a patient and keeps interrupting them increases the chances that they do not receive crucial information. Such poor communication can result in misdiagnosis or the administration of medication a patient is allergic to.

A physician needs to encourage a patient-centered dialogue to get the necessary information. They should also pay attention to non-verbal cues.

Further, when a physician fails to properly communicate a patient’s condition, the proposed treatment and its risks and alternative options, they prevent the patient from giving true consent. For example, when they use complex medical terms without explaining them, or fail to give a patient enough time to ask questions due to limited time for consultation.

This can lead to a patient making critical decisions without fully understanding the potential implications. Lack of informed consent can sometimes be considered a medical error if it results in harm to the patient.

During handoffs

Poor communication is a major problem during handoffs, such as during shift changes or referrals. When a patient is transferred between healthcare professionals, adequate information should be provided. Otherwise, medical errors can occur. 

Poor communication can substantially harm a patient. If you sustained an injury due to a medical error, you should get more information about your case to determine the best way to protect your rights. 

If a hospital has been acquired by a private equity firm, however, the chances of some type of negative outcome – perhaps even death – may be higher than in others. These firms typically purchase businesses with the intention of selling them for a profit within a few years. They have invested approximately $1 trillion in health care companies.

Fatality rates in emergency departments

A recent study by researchers at Harvard found that death rates in the emergency departments (EDs) at these hospitals is 13% over comparable hospitals not owned by one of these firms. The study looked at a million ED visits at almost fifty private-equity-owned hospitals between 2009 and 2019.

This study follows on the heels of other studies that have found that the rates of preventable adverse events (including central line infections, falls and bedsores) rose on average by 25% when a private equity firm acquired a hospital.

Staff layoffs and other cost-cutting measures

As with the preventable adverse events, researchers who led the Harvard study of EDs connected the negative outcomes to a lack of staffing caused by layoffs and other staffing-related changes made to increase profits by these private equity firms. The Harvard study found that the number of full-time employees as well as expenses for emergency and intensive care dropped after a hospital was acquired by a private equity firm.

Even for people trying to find out who owns a particular hospital or other medical facility, it’s often not easy to identify those owned by these firms. The important things to remember is that all medical professionals owe their patients a duty of care. 

If you or a loved one has suffered harm or worse that could be the result of negligence or preventable error, it’s worthwhile to determine whether the doctors or others involved, as well as potentially the hospital, can be held liable for medical malpractice.

At Lewis & Tompkins, we specialize in helping victims navigate these complex times. This month, we’re sharing urgent legal guidance on the unique risks of the season and why our firm is structured to handle your case when the stakes are highest.

IMPORTANT DMV Traffic Update:

The Daylight Savings Danger

The end of Daylight Savings Time means darker commutes, which studies consistently link to a sharp rise in traffic fatalities—especially involving pedestrian accidents.

If you or a loved one are injured in a low-light crash, here is the critical legal priority:

• Focus on Documentation: In low-light collisions, liability can be harder to prove. Immediately document the scene: street lighting, weather conditions, reflective clothing worn, and any witnesses.
• Don’t Settle for “Driver Wasn’t Paying Attention”: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield, they are negligent. Our personal injury attorneys investigate every factor, including traffic camera footage and driver cell phone records, to prove fault and maximize your compensation.

We are dedicated to ensuring that insurance companies don’t use the darkness as an excuse to minimize your recovery.

Thanksgiving Travel: The Hidden Risks of Holiday Accidents

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Increased congestion, driver fatigue, and poor weather mean more serious crashes.

When dealing with a holiday accident, the complexity often increases:

1. Out-of-State Drivers: If the at-fault driver is from outside the DMV, the jurisdictional laws and insurance policies can become confusing. Our multi-jurisdictional expertise in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. simplifies this process entirely.
2. Driver Fatigue: We specifically investigate whether the at-fault driver was excessively fatigued after a long journey—a major factor in establishing negligence and securing larger settlements.

Don’t let a holiday crash ruin your financial future.

Our Unique Commitment: Why Lewis & Tompkins Wins More

When you need an advocate, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated professional. We understand that maximizing your settlement requires focused attention from experienced legal minds, not just paralegals.

Our promise is simple: We have more lawyers than paralegals. This means an experienced attorney is on your personal injury case from day one, fighting the insurance companies and ensuring your claim is handled with the expertise it deserves.

We put your interests first – not only fighting for maximum compensation but also prioritizing your lost wages and immediate personal needs before we pay medical liens.

Don’t Risk Your Rights. Contact an Expert Now.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident this season, you owe it to yourself to get answers. Your consultation is always free, and you pay NOTHING unless we WIN your case.

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

Distracted driving is a well-known safety issue. People often see other drivers with their phones in their hands and understand that digital distraction is relatively common and highly dangerous. What motorists may not understand is that distraction may be more common than they realize, in part because it involves more than just mobile phones and similar devices.

Distraction isn’t always digital

Although many people automatically associate distracted driving with electronic devices, distraction can involve numerous activities. Eating a meal while driving is a form of distraction. Adjusting the radio and singing along to songs can cause distraction as well.

Conversations with passengers, daydreams and even reaching for items in the backseat can constitute distracted driving. If people take their hands off the wheel, look away from the road ahead or mentally focus their attention on other matters, their distraction affects their driving capabilities.

They increase their reaction times as well as the possibility that they might overlook safety issues. When distracted drivers cause collisions, they are usually responsible for the harm their choices cause others.

Requesting compensation for property damage losses and injury expenses can help victims impacted by preventable distracted driving collisions. A driver at fault for a wreck must provide insurance coverage or could face a personal injury lawsuit if they do not have adequate coverage.

Never events highlight the importance of accountability and safety in medicine. They involve situations where standard procedures are ignored or mistakes occur during surgery, medication administration or patient monitoring.

Medical care can go wrong

Never events are classified by national safety organizations as serious, preventable and clearly identifiable medical errors. These incidents harm patients and damage trust in the healthcare system. Some of the most recognized never events include:

• Surgical mistakes: Operating on the wrong body part, performing the wrong procedure or leaving surgical tools inside the body after surgery.
• Medication errors: Giving the wrong drug or dosage that results in serious harm or death.
• Patient harm: Severe bedsores, falls in hospitals or mismatched blood transfusions.
• Care-related errors: Discharging a newborn to the wrong family or failing to help ensure patient safety during care transitions.

These events have devastating physical and emotional consequences. While healthcare providers are expected to follow strict safety protocols, human error or negligence can lead to these outcomes. When they occur, hospitals are required to report them and take corrective measures to help prevent a repeat.

If you or a loved one has experienced such an incident, it may signal a deeper issue regarding the standard of care provided. In such moments, it’s wise to speak with a trusted legal professional who understands medical negligence. They can help you explore your options and determine the best path forward. Having informed guidance can make a difference in seeking accountability and protecting your well-being.

There are imaging devices that can identify unusual tissue in the brain or lungs without surgical operations. Biopsies allow physicians to assess cancer tissue and possibly even sequence its genetics. Despite the ability to affirm the presence of cancer, many physicians fail to diagnose people who have cancer. Others misdiagnose cancer patients with a different condition. A doctor might diagnose a cough as a cold and send someone home with an expectorant or a cough suppressant.

A delay in cancer diagnosis could very well be medical malpractice. Particularly if the patient experiences negative consequences, their physician may have failed to meet professional standards. What are some of the most common consequences of failing to diagnose cancer?

1. Increased mortality risk

Often, diagnostic errors related to cancer only come to light after a post-mortem examination. Individuals die, and a forensic pathologist discovers that cancer was the reason. When patients don’t receive the right diagnosis or reasonable support from their physicians, they may stop seeking care, which can have tragic consequences.

2. Reduced treatment options

Many of the most effective cancer treatments specifically work on localized cancers. Once the cancer begins to metastasize or spread to other body parts, more aggressive, systemic treatments are typically necessary. Chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer treatments tend to be more debilitating and expensive. The need to undergo intensive treatment could also prevent the patient from continuing to work.

3. Increased long-term complications

Both the spread of the cancer and the treatment required to address it can lead to long-term medical challenges. Patients who survive late-stage cancer could have medical challenges ranging from increased risk of other forms of cancer because of the treatment plan to mental health challenges. Metastasized cancer can damage tissue and cause chronic pain. Radiation and chemotherapy can affect overall health negatively. When doctors fail to promptly diagnose cancer, their patients often pay the price.

A medical malpractice lawsuit can compensate people for the medical and professional consequences of a delayed cancer diagnosis. Surviving family members may even have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit in some cases. Seeking justice can give people closure and may change the way that certain professionals or organizations care for patients.

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, the DMV area takes on a beautiful fall glow. But with less daylight and upcoming holidays like Halloween, the risk of pedestrian accidents increases dramatically.

At Lewis & Tompkins, we believe that staying safe and informed is the first step to protecting yourself and your family. In this newsletter, we’ll give you crucial legal tips you can use to stay prepared.

The October Danger Zone:

Pedestrian Accidents

The unfortunate truth is that as the sun sets earlier and more people are out walking, especially for trick-or-treating, the chances of a pedestrian accident rise. If you or a loved one is ever involved in a pedestrian accident, here are the first three steps you should take to protect your rights:

1. Call the Police: Always call the police, even if the injuries seem minor. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is crucial for any personal injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get a full medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel okay. Your health is the priority, and a doctor’s report creates a medical record of your injuries.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries. Gather the driver’s contact and insurance information. This evidence will be vital to your case.

Don’t let an insurance company use your lack of information against you.

Our Promise? Your case comes first.

It’s our core belief that after a car accident, your only job is to focus on healing. The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they will try to shift the blame or deny your claim.

That’s where our promise comes in. Unlike many firms that pass your file to a paralegal, we have built our team with more lawyers than paralegals. This ensures an experienced attorney is on your case from day one, handling every detail so you don’t have to. We fight to ensure you get full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We are proud to serve our community and fight for justice for our clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://www.lewisandtompkins.com

Sincerely,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

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