Blog: Medical Malpractice
- Fighting the Harm Caused by Medical Malpractice
Jun 2, 2016
In May 2016, a study published in the British Medical Journal revealed errors in health care facilities may be the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. The new research, a fresh look at four large studies, found that medical mistakes kill an estimated 251,000 patients in the U.S. every year – a substantially higher number than previously reported. Seventeen years ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a landmark report concluding that mistakes in medical...Read More - Common Causes of Erb’s Palsy Birth Injuries
Jun 1, 2016
Erb’s palsy, a form of brachial plexus palsy, is a lifelong birth injury that causes weakness and loss of motion in the arm, wrist and/or hand. One to two of every 1,000 babies have been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, but the condition is preventable. Erb’s palsy can develop when a brachial plexus nerve is stretched so badly that it ruptures or tears from the root altogether. A nerve that sustains this type of damage will not heal...Read More - 5 Questions to Ask when Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
May 31, 2016
When a patient has been seriously hurt by medical negligence, choosing a qualified medical malpractice lawyer is crucial to obtaining financial recovery for the preventable harm that occurred. Finding the right attorney can seem like a daunting task, as countless law firms advertise their services online, in newspapers, on TV and elsewhere. To begin to narrow the selection process, prospective clients should search the Internet for attorneys in the state in which the alleged malpractice occurred...Read More - Tips for Patients to Help Prevent Medical Negligence Errors
May 27, 2016
A new study has found that medical errors in hospitals and other health care facilities may now be the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. These instances of medical negligence claim the lives of 251,000 patients in the U.S. every year, which accounts for about 9.5 percent of all annual deaths. What can patients do to protect themselves from these life-threatening errors? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and...Read More - What to Bring to Your Initial Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Consultation
May 24, 2016
A productive and informative initial consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer depends on preparation – not just by the attorney and his or her legal team, but also by the prospective client. Below are a few items that will provide valuable information to help a medical malpractice attorney evaluate your case. Consider obtaining these items as soon as possible prior to your meeting. Medical Records The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives you as a...Read More - Medical Negligence and Errors Account for 250,000+ Deaths Per Year
May 23, 2016
Medical errors in hospitals and other health care facilities claim the lives of 251,000 patients in the United States each year. Tragically, these deaths may be linked to just a few common mistakes made by medical professionals. According to a study conducted by The Doctors Company, three common errors may make up more than two-thirds of all medical malpractice claims against hospitalists — meaning in-patient physicians who work exclusively in hospitals. The study reported that 78 percent of...Read More - Study: Medical Malpractice Injuries Caused by Hospitalists More Severe
May 20, 2016
Claims arising from poor care by hospitals’ in-house physicians (called hospitalists) may be more likely to result in a higher injury severity than those arising from other physician specialties, new research has found. The study, titled “Hospitalist Closed Claims Study: An Expert Analysis of Medical Malpractice Allegations,” found that 72 percent of claims arising from hospitalists are found to be highly severe, compared to 34 percent from all physicians. These findings are based on claims reported by...Read More - Problems that can Cause Brain Damage at Birth
May 19, 2016
Parents-to-be rightfully expect their medical care provider to detect and respond to any condition that may injure their unborn baby. When certain dangerous situations go undetected and/or untreated, it is unfortunately the newborn and his or her family who must suffer the consequences. Below are a few problems that can lead to preventable brain damage during birth. Contact Anapol Weiss to speak with a highly qualified birth injury attorney if your child sustained brain damage at...Read More - Medical Negligence Factors Contributing to Patient Injuries
May 18, 2016
Patient assessment issues, communication errors, and treatment errors may be the most common factors that contribute to patient injuries in hospitals, according to a new study. A study conducted by The Doctors Company reported that 38 percent of all claims against hospitalists, meaning in-patient physicians who work exclusively in hospitals, involve patient assessment issues. Inadequate assessments, according to the study findings, include: Failure to establish a differential diagnosis Failure to or delay in ordering diagnostic tests Failure to consider...Read More - Most Medical Malpractice Claims Attributed to 3 Common Errors
May 17, 2016
Three common errors could make up more than two-thirds of all medical malpractice claims against in-patient physicians who work exclusively in hospitals (called “hospitalists”), according to new research. A study conducted by The Doctors Company reported that 78 percent of all claims against hospitalists include medical misdiagnosis, improper management of treatment, and medication mistakes. The study, titled “Hospitalist Closed Claims Study: An Expert Analysis of Medical Malpractice Allegations,” found that 36 percent of the errors involved...Read More