Law Office of Robert A. Miller Law Office of Robert A. Miller 2026-08-13T09:33:36Z https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1204314/2025/06/cropped-Fav-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[Colorectal cancer in younger patients: Is your doctor missing the mark?]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52127 2026-08-10T09:34:37Z 2026-08-13T09:33:36Z professionals used to associate colorectal cancer as a disease of older adults, but recent statistics paint a troubling picture for younger Americans. The American Cancer Society estimates that 158,850 Americans will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2026, with approximately 55,230 deaths expected this year. While overall incidence rates have declined among older populations — thanks largely to increased screening and lifestyle modifications — rates are increasing among younger adults.

A growing threat to younger Americans

From 2013 to 2022, colorectal cancer incidence among adults younger than 50 increased by 2.9% annually. This sharp rise has prompted both the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower their recommended screening age from 50 to 45 for individuals at average risk. Those with certain risk factors, including family history or inflammatory bowel disease, may need to begin screening even earlier.

How medical teams test for colorectal cancer

Early detection remains the most effective weapon against colorectal cancer. Medical professionals employ several screening methods to identify the disease in its earliest, most treatable stages. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, allowing physicians to visualize the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps during the procedure. The choice of screening method depends on individual risk factors, patient preference and availability of resources.

Warning signs of a missed diagnosis

Despite advances in screening technology, colorectal cancer diagnoses are sometimes delayed or missed entirely. Recognizing the signs of a potential missed diagnosis can be critical for young seemingly fit patients who may not fit the traditional profile for this disease. Common red flags that warrant immediate medical attention include:
  • Persistent changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool that is dismissed as hemorrhoids without proper investigation
  • Unexplained weight loss and persistent abdominal cramping or pain
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness that cannot be attributed to other causes
These symptoms deserve thorough investigation, particularly when they persist despite initial treatment attempts.

Taking action

The rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults underscores the importance of awareness, early screening and persistent advocacy for your health. If you experience concerning symptoms and believe your doctor is not taking the matter seriously, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion. Early detection saves lives, and no one is too young to take colorectal health seriously.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[Your immediate steps after a serious car accident in Oregon]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52134 2026-08-12T07:01:00Z 2026-08-12T07:01:00Z 1. Prioritizing your health and safety After a crash, check yourself and your passengers for immediate harm. If it is safe to do so, you can move the vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights. Call 911 right away if anyone is seriously hurt, killed or there is significant property damage. In Oregon, you must report such crashes to the authorities.

2. Documenting the scene

While you are at the crash site, it is important to gather as much information as possible. Exchanging names, contact information and insurance details with everyone involved can help support your claim later. In addition, taking photos of the vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries can provide important visual proof.

3. Complying with state reporting laws

Make sure an official police report is filed, as it provides important objective evidence about the crash. In Oregon, you may also need to file a collision report with the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) within 72 hours if any vehicle damage exceeds $2,500, if any vehicle towing occurs from the scene or if there is an injury or fatality.

4. Seeking immediate medical attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it is vital to visit the emergency room (ER) or urgent care as soon as possible. Adrenaline can often mask whiplash or hemorrhage that can manifest with worse symptoms much later. Getting treatment right away can also help with medical documentation for your accident claim.

5. Dealing with insurance

Notifying your insurance company promptly is important, but keep your report limited to the facts of the accident. It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer or signing any settlement agreement or waiver without consulting an attorney first, since doing so could affect your claim.

Protecting your claim

Focusing on documentation and careful communication is crucial in pursuing compensation after a car accident. A lawyer can help you secure an outcome that reflects the full scope of your losses.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[How do birth injuries affect a child’s cognitive development?]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52131 2026-08-09T19:50:29Z 2026-08-09T19:50:29Z Key areas of brain growth that are affected To better understand these challenges, consider how brain injuries directly impact core areas of development. Some of the cognitive functions commonly affected include:
  • Planning and control: Trouble with organizing things, staying focused or stopping oneself from acting without thinking
  • Talking and listening: Taking longer to learn how to speak or having a hard time following simple directions
  • Thinking speed: Needing more time to finish work or understand new ideas
  • Focus: Not being able to pay attention for very long or having ADHD
  • Seeing and space: Struggling to tell how far away things are or how to solve puzzles
Medical malpractice may occur when health providers fail to monitor fetal distress, delay an emergency C-section or mismanage delivery tools, leading to a preventable birth injury. In Oregon, personal injury claims generally carry a two-year statute of limitations, though special extension rules apply to minors up to specific legal limits.

Protect your child’s future

When medical mistakes cause a birth injury, acting quickly protects your rights and meets legal deadlines. Proving these claims involves complex evidence, so talking to an experienced birth injury attorney early helps you secure your rights and fight for the financial support your child needs.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[When delayed medical decisions during labor lead to injury]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52128 2026-07-28T12:33:12Z 2026-07-28T12:33:12Z For new families, bringing a baby into the world is often filled with excitement, hope and careful, meticulous planning. Families trust their medical team to monitor both the parent and baby throughout labor and respond when concerns arise. While many deliveries happen without complications, labor circumstances can sometimes change in just a single second. When healthcare providers recognize problems and act promptly, they may be able to reduce the risk of serious harm.  

Why timely action during labor matters

During labor, doctors and nurses are supposed to closely monitor the baby's heart rate, contractions and the parent's condition for signs that something may be wrong. Changes in fetal heart rate, prolonged labor or umbilical cord problems may indicate that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. Approximately three babies in the United States are born with birth injuries every hour, affecting as many as seven out of every 1,000 deliveries. Behind each statistic is a family whose life may be changed by unexpected medical challenges. Although not every complication can be prevented, prompt recognition and treatment can make a meaningful difference in certain situations. When warning signs appear, healthcare providers need to make timely decisions about changing the labor plan. This could include increasing monitoring, using additional diagnostic testing or performing an emergency cesarean section when medically necessary. Delays in responding to signs of fetal distress may increase the risk of oxygen deprivation, which can contribute to serious conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy or other lifelong neurological injuries. Every labor is different, but timely intervention is often an important part of protecting both parent and child. Not every birth injury is the result of medical malpractice, and complications can occur even when healthcare providers follow appropriate standards of care. However, if delayed medical decisions or a failure to respond to clear warning signs contributed to a preventable injury, families may have legal options. Speaking with an experienced professional can help you better understand what happened and explore the next steps towards recovery and justice.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[What Oregon drivers should know about UM and UIM coverage]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52126 2026-07-21T16:33:05Z 2026-07-21T16:33:05Z roughly one in seven drivers lacks the required coverage. An at-fault driver might have no insurance or carry limits that are too low to pay for your serious injuries. When this happens, your own auto policy steps in to cover your damages.

How the uninsured motorist safety net works

Oregon law requires every auto liability policy to include protections against drivers who lack enough insurance. These coverages allow your insurance company to take the place of the at-fault driver. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is triggered in situations where the at-fault driver completely lacks an auto policy, as well as in hit-and-run incidents where the responsible party remains unknown. You can use your underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits if the responsible driver carries an active auto policy that fails to pay for your complete financial losses. Understanding these two coverages shows how you can pay for your physical and financial recovery.

The role of Personal Injury Protection

Before UM or UIM limits apply to your larger damages, another required coverage pays for your immediate medical needs. Personal injury protection (PIP) serves as your first line of financial defense after an Oregon crash, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP provides support during the early stages of recovery. This system pays for initial expenses while you wait for a final settlement:
  • Emergency medical bills: PIP covers ambulance rides, hospital visits and necessary surgeries.
  • Ongoing rehabilitation: The coverage pays for physical therapy and follow-up doctor appointments.
  • Lost income: PIP replaces a portion of your wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
If your damages exceed your PIP limits or include noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering, your UM or UIM coverage may be triggered to cover the remaining costs.

Why your own insurer might challenge a claim

Activating your UM or UIM coverage does not guarantee an automatic payout. Insurance companies review claims to check your damages and medical treatments. This process can lead to disagreements about the value of your claim. You must still prove your damages just as you would against another driver.

Secure fair compensation without a rate hike

Filing a claim against your own insurance company involves specific steps during recovery. Generally, insurers do not raise rates for accidents where you hold no fault, including claims made under your UM or UIM coverage. Your UM and UIM limits usually match the liability limits you chose when you bought the policy. Knowing what your policy covers and how PIP works within those limits helps you seek compensation after a crash.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[What can happen if labor is improperly induced?]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52124 2026-07-12T13:39:52Z 2026-07-12T13:39:52Z When can induction create more risk than relief? Improper induction can cause several complications, including:
  • Excessively strong contractions: Medications such as Pitocin can make contractions too frequent or intense. This may reduce oxygen flow to the baby and increase the risk of fetal distress.
  • Uterine rupture: In rare cases, powerful contractions can tear the uterus, especially if you previously had a C-section or uterine surgery.
  • Emergency C-section: If labor does not progress safely, you may need an urgent surgical delivery. Delays in recognizing the need for surgery can increase the chance of harm.
  • Placental problems: Strong contractions may cause the placenta to separate too soon, leading to heavy bleeding and reduced oxygen for the baby.
  • Infection: A long induction or early rupture of the membranes can raise the risk of infection for you and your baby.
  • Birth injury: If fetal distress is missed or treatment is delayed, the baby may suffer lasting complications such as brain damage or nerve injuries.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage: Improper induction can increase the risk of heavy bleeding after delivery, which may require additional intervention to control.
Not every difficult induction means that medical wrongdoing has occurred. Still, if the process seemed rushed or was followed by an unexpected injury, reviewing your medical records with a skilled legal team may provide answers. Legal guidance can help you understand whether procedures were followed and what options for compensation may be available to you.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[Standard of care is an important factor in malpractice claims]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52120 2026-07-27T09:23:30Z 2026-06-18T20:11:04Z Patients who are receiving medical care expect that their doctors will make decisions that are in their best interest. This requires that the doctor meet or exceed the standard  of care in the case. If the standard of care isn’t met, the patient may suffer considerable harm.  Patients who are harmed by a doctor who didn’t meet the standard of care may opt to pursue a medical malpractice claim. These cases are complex because the standard of care isn’t universal in all situations. 

What determines the standard of care in a case?

Several factors determine the standard of care in a medical case. These include the training of the physician, the information that’s available and the technology available. Doctors with more experience and specialized training would have a higher standard of care than a general practitioner. Doctors who work at cutting-edge medical facilities will have a higher standard of care than one who’s working at a rural hospital. 

Why is standard of care difficult to prove?

Since there are factors that affect the standard of care, each medical malpractice lawsuit must be handled based on the facts of the case. The medical community is tight-knit, so it’s difficult to find a doctor who will speak up if there’s an issue with the standard of care in a case.  Because of the complexities of these cases, it’s often best for victims to work with someone who’s familiar with similar matters. This gives them the chance to seek compensation for the financial damages that they’re dealing with because of the harm they suffered.   ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[What is Oregon’s statute of limitations for cancer misdiagnosis?]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52116 2026-06-18T07:48:16Z 2026-06-18T07:48:16Z Filing a claim within the two-year window Under Oregon law, you have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Usually, the clock starts on the day the mistake or omission occurred. Since cancer emerges late and may display silent symptoms, the timer does not start until the day you actually discover it or when you should have reasonably realized it. This means if a doctor missed a tumor in 2024, but you were not correctly diagnosed until 2026, your legal timeline generally begins at the time of that correct diagnosis.

Considering the absolute cutoff date

While Oregon offers a pathway to hold physicians liable, the law enforces a strict statute of repose. If more than five years have passed since the date of the initial medical error, you can no longer file a claim. For instance, if you discovered the mistake in the sixth year, this cutoff bars you from suing the healthcare provider.

Taking action to avoid complications

Oregon’s statute of limitations can be confusing to understand. If you are unsure about when you need to file a claim, seeking guidance from a medical malpractice attorney may be helpful. They can also offer insights on building a strong claim.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[Important tests for fetal growth during pregnancy]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52112 2026-06-10T09:04:49Z 2026-06-15T09:03:08Z kick, flutter and ultrasound image carries a reassuring message: your baby is growing. Part of the reason for these prenatal visits is to monitor the baby’s growth. Prenatal care relies on targeted tests that track how your baby develops and how well the placenta supports that growth. A failure to conduct or properly interpret these tests can put both mother and baby at risk. As a result, it is important to have a basic idea of what these tests are, what they look for and what can be done if the results are concerning. 

Common prenatal tests

Typical prenatal testing within the first trimester often includes an ultrasound and maternal blood tests. These allow the medical team to check the fetus for physical abnormalities and risk of genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. Depending on the results of these tests, additional genetic testing may be helpful. Additional ultrasounds are common in the second and third trimester to continue to monitor growth and development as well as to check the cervix and placenta.  Glucose testing is common between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. This test checks for gestational diabetes. Additional tests often include Group B streptococcus, fetal heart rate monitoring, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. 

Antepartum testing

Certain pregnancies are at higher risk of stillbirth and can benefit from additional testing, referred to as ante-partum testing. Examples can include cases with pregnancy-induced hypertension, previous instances of fetal death and decreased fetal movement. The types of tests that medical professionals may recommend will vary depending on the details but can include:
  1. Nonstress test (NST): Measures fetal heart rate patterns in response to fetal movement  
  2. Biophysical profile (BPP): Combines ultrasound observations with an NST to evaluate breathing movements, gross movements, tone and amniotic fluid volume.  
  3. Modified biophysical profile: Usually pairs an NST with an amniotic fluid assessment.  
  4. Contraction stress test (CST): Evaluates fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions
These tests are often recommended at 32 to 34 weeks of gestation but can be used earlier in certain circumstances. Abnormal results warrant further evaluation. When acted on promptly, ante-partum testing may identify conditions linked to serious outcomes including hypoxic-ischemic injury, stillbirth, complications from fetal growth restriction, cord compression associated with low amniotic fluid and morbidity related to severe preeclampsia or placental insufficiency. While no test guarantees prevention, failure to order, interpret or respond to abnormal results can increase the risk of preventable injury or death. Ante-partum and prenatal testing are cornerstones of modern prenatal care. Understanding the common tests and following through with timely follow-up can make the difference between routine delivery planning and urgent intervention aimed at protecting both parent and baby.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Robert A. Miller <![CDATA[What may contribute to a neglected uterine rupture?]]> https://www.robertamillerlaw.com/?p=52113 2026-06-08T00:33:10Z 2026-06-08T00:33:10Z factors that may contribute to a delayed or neglected uterine rupture can help families recognize the seriousness of this medical emergency, and their potential right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Prolonged labor creating excessive pressure

Long or difficult labor may place significant pressure on the uterus over an extended period. In some situations, continuous stress on the uterine wall can contribute to rupture, particularly when labor does not progress normally. If warning signs during prolonged labor are missed or underestimated, diagnosis and treatment may be delayed.

Failure to recognize persistent abdominal pain

Severe or ongoing abdominal and pelvic pain is often an important warning sign. When these symptoms are mistaken for routine labor discomfort or other pregnancy related issues, valuable treatment time may be lost. Delayed recognition of serious symptoms may allow the condition to worsen before medical intervention occurs.

Use of labor stimulating medications

Certain medications used to strengthen or increase contractions may place additional strain on the uterus. While these medications are commonly used safely, excessive uterine activity may increase the risk of rupture in some circumstances. Careful monitoring is often important when labor inducing or labor augmenting medications are administered.

Obstetric trauma during delivery

Certain delivery maneuvers, instrumental extractions or other interventions may increase stress on the uterus. In rare situations, trauma occurring during labor or delivery may contribute to a rupture that is not immediately identified. When symptoms develop after delivery, prompt evaluation may become critical. A delayed uterine rupture diagnosis may have devastating consequences for both mother and child. Because these cases often involve questions about medical decision making, monitoring and emergency response, they sometimes raise concerns involving medical malpractice. Seeking legal guidance can help families to better understand their rights after a serious pregnancy related injury.]]>