Medical Attorney – A Professional in Medical Malpractice Cases
In the U.S. hundred of thousand injuries occur each year because of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is the leading cause of serious injuries and is also responsible for 100,000 fatalities. This is alarming enough however, what is more alarming is that only 10-15 percent of victims of malpractice take legal action. Victims of malpractice can contact a medical attorney for help when dealing with a malpractice case. Medical attorneys are trained for these kinds of cases. They will evaluate your case and they can determine if you are able to recover any losses you or a loved one suffered.The Right to Be CompensatedThere are laws that give medical malpractice victims the right to seek compensation for their losses because of neglect by a medical professional. These laws do have a statute of limitations for someone to file a lawsuit, meaning there is a legal deadline to file. A medical attorney would know these deadlines. If you are within the deadline, the attorney may be able to get compensations for things like:
Monetary losses – costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation in addition to lost wages and other expenses caused by the injury
Non-monetary losses – this can be pain and suffering, mental distress, loss of a loved one, etc.
There are also instances where the jury will rule in favor for punitive damages. The victim will be awarded further compensation. This is done in hopes that the punishment will prevent defendants from further neglect. On the other hand many medical malpractice cases do not even go to trial. An attorney experienced in medical malpractice cases usually negotiates a settlement before a trial is set.When to Contact a Medical AttorneyIt is important to contact a medical attorney as soon as you suspect you have been a victim of malpractice. Here are some examples of the most seen types of malpractice:
Errors during surgery
Distributing wrong medication dosages
Errors during labor and delivery
Misdiagnosis
Delay in treatments
Infections from unsanitary items
Please be aware these are not the only types of malpractice so if you have questions you need to call a medical malpractice attorney right away. Get Your Case Evaluated TodayA medical malpractice attorney will evaluate your case at no charge and they will then advise you of your rights and legal options. Medical malpractice is not done only by doctors but however is done by nurses or other medical staff also. You may have the right to some compensation and a medical attorney will know what is in your best interest. Contact an attorney immediately.
Chaos Theory: The Uncontrollable Factor in the Development of Management Systems
Failures in project management systems can be superficially explained by anything from a lack of project detail to managerial conflicts. However, this failure often has deeper roots. Until we begin to recognize this uncontrollable factor it will be difficult to master the implementation of any management system. This factor is known as the “Chaos Theory” or simply “chaos”. Chaos Theory could be considered a core management theory for the 21st century. According to Wheatley (1992) when management tries to control chaos by “shoehorning” it into a specific structure, an organization is bound to fail. Controlling chaos this rigidly is actually limiting information gathering (Stuart, 1995) and creating the illusion of management. According to McNamara (1999), Chaos Theory recognizes that events are rarely controlled. As systems such as those in management grow in complexity, the more they become volatile or susceptible to cataclysmic events.One way to plan for such chaos is through “contingency management”. Contingency management is having an alternative plan to fall back on when chaos strikes, allowing for critical internal processes to continue and meet the desired outcome. Most managers do not see contingency management as a necessary step, because it takes time. In a world where efficiency and timeliness is key, this step is often the first to be overlooked. Until management recognizes the importance of contingency management and allows it to be fully implemented, chaos will continue to hinder the progress and efficiency of management systems.DEFINING AND ESTIMATING CHAOSThe more general name for the field is complexity theory, where chaos is a particular mode of behavior (Rosenhead, 1998). Chaos theory explains that the behavior in turbulent systems quickly becomes disordered (Wikipedia, 2005). Chaos theory acknowledges that management systems break down. It recognizes that decisions need to be made even in the absence of all intended information (Herz, 2001). Complete order, while the ideal, will always be the one unaccounted for variable–part of our human nature. Similar to accidents, chaos is like a release of energy in an uncontrolled way (Blockley, 1998).Project management systems are considered dynamic systems, similar to those in nature, which means they change over time and are hard to predict. Even though they are changing, there is usually an underlying predictability that can be identified. This is where chaotic behavior comes into play. Behavior in systems can be placed into two zones, one, the stable zone, where the system, if disturbed, returns to its initial state and two, the zone of instability where some small activity leads to further divergence (Rosenhead, 1998).CALCULATING CHAOSChaos is immeasurable because of its level of randomness and unpredictability. Gabriel (1996) states that looking for sufficient equations to enable one to ‘manage’ such chaos is part of a futile and wish-fulfilling quest. However there are some researchers that believe calculating chaos is possible. While chaos in the business world mimics that in nature, unlike chaos in nature, there are measurable ways for project managers to try and calculate the degree to which chaos will affect their project. The following formula can help to calculate project constraints:Dynamics = D + a*P + b*R + c*D*P + d*P*R + e*R*D + f*D*P*RWhere D=directives, P=prerequisites, R=resources and a & f are constraints.However Bertelsen and Koskela (2003) postulate that aside from estimating the size of the chaos (small to extra large), a system is too complicated to predict its function and response to a given problem.WHY IS BUSINESS SO CHAOTIC?The pace of today’s businesses and technological innovations have quickened to an impossible pace. Sometimes project timelines need to be written before all tasks and resources have been completely identified, which puts a project behind schedule before it has begun. This increasingly fast-paced system is “a breeding ground” for a chaotic management system (Yoke, 2003).This breeding ground is creating a complexity explosion, which is affecting the way project managers need to manage. Undertaking a management system project is more than a weeklong project–many last for years or longer. As conditions are constantly changing, goals and objectives need to also be flexible to change. Goals and objectives are necessary, however, flexibility is key in order to ensure positive long-term results of a project.HOW TO MANAGE CHAOSThe first line of defense in order to manage chaos is a good management team and an even better project manager. According to Bertelsen & Koskela (2003) an organization can manage its chaos by seeking out the factors that are easiest to change. An organization should then handle a projects dynamics and stress in the face of uncertainties. Finally, a manager should both always have a contingency plan and be able to keep track of critical factors and issue warnings. By turning an organization into a “learning organization” successful management of chaos is more likely (Bertelsen & Koskela, 2003).Systems are so dynamically complex and highly sensitive to conditions that any link between cause and effect can set off a ripple effect rendering its future deliverable unpredictable. Technologies, timelines, scope, costs, personnel, are constantly changing within an organization and management must be adaptable. The same holds true for project managers. If they are not given the flexibility to adapt to chaos then management systems will fail. Project managers need to be seen as venture capitalists: always searching for new ideas.Most management systems set forth a detailed plan and than proceed to follow it. According to McNamara the best way to do this is to work backwards through the system of an organization. This will help to show which processes will produce the right output and what inputs are required to conduct those processes (McNamara, 1999). A good project manager is one who realizes that plans often need to change in order to accommodate a changing situation. By following contingency plans, good managers can avoid such mishaps as scope creep and cost overruns.
There are different tools that project managers can use to help manage the chaos and successfully manage complicated systems. According to the Numbers Group some such tools are:1. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) – breaks the product to be developed or produced by hardware, software, support, or service element and relates the scope to each.
Example of WBS2. Program Evaluation and Review (PERT) – a model, which helps the project manager define the critical path using, randomized tasks
Example of Pert Chart3. Implementation Schedule (GANTT) – graphical representation of the duration of tasks against the progression of time.Example of Gantt Chart4. Enneagram – originally a tool for personality mapping, can find order in chaos by identifying underlying patterns in an organization. The map allows project managers to predict certain outcomes, which results in more reliable management systems. The Enneagram provides a structured view with which to see the order in between chaos (Fowlke & Fowlke, 1997).
Example of an EnneagramCONCLUSIONA good project manager is one who can adapt to a changing environment as well as allow individuals to manage their own areas of expertise. This business trend is seen in forward thinking companies in the 21st century, and is also known as “managing by objectives” or “empowering knowledge workers”. Unfortunately, in most companies this value paradigm is missed because management is focused on the financials rather than on renewing and developing knowledge (Stuart, 1995).The project manager’s main function is to recognize employees’ strengths and to empower his group to work individually, both in a team and as individuals. The new project manager needs to be forward thinking and to have the ability to be flexible, creative, and able to respond to events quickly (Yolk 2003). Organizations need to embrace disorder and look to the edge of chaos (Stuart, 1995). Perhaps this empowerment of both individuals and teams as a whole, in conjunction with managements’ ability to stay nimble in the face of a dramatically changing environment, will allow organizations to better manage the challenge of chaos in the 21st century.REFERENCESBertlesen, Sven; Koskela, Lauri. “Avoiding and Managing Chaos in Projects.” http://strobos.cee.vt.edu/IGLC11/PDF%20Files/03.pdf>.Blockley, David. “Managing Proneness to Failure.” Journal of Contingencies & Crisis Management June 1998: 147-176.Freedman, David. “Chaos Theory.” Inc. October 1998: 50-60.
Turks and Caicos Spas and Salons: 8 Indulgent Places You Don’t Want to Miss
Forget burly men from Eastern block countries. Turks and Caicos Spas and Salons leave behind such stereotypes and instead find ways to delight all your senses while you relax: the warm, sweet vanilla and the brisk, mind-clearing smell of lavender; a glass of Pinot or Sauvignon Blanc and a view of the turquoise water; and a soothing cucumber eye mask and gentle exfoliating cream.Whether you want a massage, facial, or restoration for those atrocious cuticles, a visit to one of these world-class retreats is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. Think luxury and pampering, like your husband’s 19th Hole after a round of golf without the smoke, jokes, or bravado.Spas and salons are scattered across the Turks and Caicos Islands, but most of them do business on Providenciales. The staff of Teona Spa, on the Grace Bay side of the island, has decades of experience in spa therapy and serves predominantly the guests of Villa Renaissance and Regent Grand Resorts. At Grace Bay Court, you can check out Spa Sanay, Ltd., for aromatherapy massage, a facials, manicures, and pedicures. Spa Sanay also offers a full-service hair salon and make-up artists for special events. Located at La Petite Place at Grace Bay, Mirabella Beauty Salon and Spa takes it a step further with thermal mud baths or facials, in addition to a private jacuzzi. Club Med Spa at the resort on Grace Bay offers a variety of massage for your therapeutic needs or simple indulgence.For traditional European spa treatments with a Caribbean twist, try Red Lane Spa. The spa focuses on holistic treatment for the soul, mind, and body, with the help of Pevonia botanical products and unique creams.Travel east to Parrot Cay and experience Como Shambhala Spa. Traditional spa treatments, as well as yoga and pilates, promise physical and metaphysical rejuvenation. April’s Place, also at Parrot Cay, stands out for its wide array of spa products, its nail and hair services for weddings, and the staff’s willingness to come to your Providenciales hotel. They also take clients on Pine Cay and North Caicos.Claiming the title of Grand Turk’s first spa, Spa Anani houses a team of talented therapists to pamper you with the best of spa activities. If you find yourself out on the westernmost island of Turks and Caicos, pay Spa Anani at visit.When you visit Providenciales or one of the larger inhabited islands, try one of these spas or salons for yourself. After all, what’s the beach without some very intentional relaxation?