Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. 2026-06-05T10:44:24Z https://www.keefeandkeefe.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1504757/2025/10/cropped-Keefe-Keefe-Unsell-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. <![CDATA[7 red flags that your doctor might be ignoring your symptoms]]> https://www.keefeandkeefe.com/?p=48683 2026-06-05T10:44:24Z 2026-06-05T10:44:24Z 1. They blame stress or anxiety Mental health challenges can absolutely have physiological consequences. However, if a physician refuses to assess the situation and blames everything on anxiety or stress, their surface-level analysis might overlook other potential causes of your symptoms.

2. They interrupt your explanation

To give your physician an accurate idea of your concerns, you may need to talk at length about different symptoms and concerns you may have. Many doctors interrupt patients after a few seconds, preventing them from providing accurate and thorough information.

3. They blame your weight

A higher body mass index (BMI) and higher weight can influence health and cause symptoms, such as joint pain. Still, doctors should also rule out other causes of symptoms, especially when those symptoms are persistent.

4. They refuse to order testing

You may question whether you have a specific condition after performing your own research. You might ask the doctor to order a test that could validate the presence of a pathogen or pinpoint an internal injury. If they refuse to order testing, that decision could delay your diagnosis and affect your care.

5. They downplay pain complaints

Persistent pain symptoms can affect everything from your internal chemical status to your ability to rest. Ignoring pain symptoms, especially when a patient is a woman or has a darker complexion, can be indicative of personal bias affecting care.

6. They omit details from your chart

You have the right to review your medical record. You may notice that the appointment notes and other documentation do not include details about concerns you explicitly brought to your physician’s attention. Their failure to document your concerns may be indicative of them completely discounting and ignoring your complaints.

7. They refuse to refer you to a specialist

You might need a referral to see a specialist to help with the diagnostic process. If your physician declines to refer you to someone else for additional screening, that could be a sign that they do not believe you or take your symptoms seriously. You have the right to a second opinion, and even if your physician deters you from seeing someone else, scheduling an appointment with another doctor might be necessary. Another professional could help you reach the right diagnosis and evaluate treatment options. Diagnostic errors, including those caused by bias, may constitute medical malpractice. Reviewing a physician's conduct with a legal professional can help you determine if you have grounds for a malpractice claim against your doctor or their employer.]]> On Behalf of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. <![CDATA[Simon Law and Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. Holiday Party Fundraiser Raises $76,850 for Land of Lincoln Legal Aid]]> https://www.keefeandkeefe.com/?p=48572 2026-01-14T18:03:10Z 2026-01-14T18:03:10Z Reprinted with permission from Land Of Lincoln Legal Aid
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid announced today that the Simon Law and Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. Holiday Party fundraiser, held last month, raised $76,850 in support of free civil legal services across central and southern Illinois. The annual holiday celebration, hosted by Simon Law and Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C., brought together attorneys, staff, and community supporters for an evening of giving, fellowship, and shared commitment to equal access to justice. Proceeds from the event will directly support Land of Lincoln Legal Aid’s work helping individuals and families facing housing instability, domestic violence, consumer issues, access to healthcare, and other critical civil legal matters. “This event reflects the legal community at its very best,” said Tim Cronin, attorney at Simon Law and newly appointed board member of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. “We believe strongly that access to justice should not depend on income. Supporting Land of Lincoln Legal Aid through this fundraiser is one way we can help ensure our neighbors have the legal protection and dignity they deserve.” “Our firm has long supported Land of Lincoln and its commitment to ensuring access to justice,” said Samantha Unsell, attorney at Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C.  “We are proud to stand with Simon Law in continuing this tradition and in supporting the essential legal services Land of Lincoln provides throughout central and southern Illinois.” Clarissa Gaff, Executive Director of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, emphasized the impact of the funds raised. “The generosity shown through this holiday fundraiser is truly meaningful. Support from partners like Simon Law and Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. allows us to meet urgent legal needs, strengthen our services, and advance justice throughout the communities we serve.” Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves 65 counties through central and southern Illinois, providing free civil legal services to those who otherwise could not afford an attorney. Support from private attorneys and law firms is essential to sustaining these services and expanding access to justice. For more information about Land of Lincoln Legal Aid and how to support their work, please visit lincolnlegal.org
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