Second opinion says woman not brain dead
New York residents may be interested in the case of a woman who was initially diagnosed as brain dead and refused treatment by doctors as a result. Later, two neurologists hired by the woman’s father to give a second opinion diagnosed her as not brain dead based on the fact that she moved some extremities when she was pinched.
Medical errors a leading cause of death
New York patients who are about to have medical treatment should have serious concerns about the prevalence of medical errors. Some studies have estimated that approximately 250,000 people die each year around the country because of a medical mistake.
Doctor who treated Junior Seau accused of negligence
New York residents may know that former standout NFL linebacker Junior Seau’s suicide has been linked to the degenerative and progressive brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The Hall of Famer suffered bouts of severe depression before taking his own life in 2012, and the San Diego Chargers team doctor who prescribed him the sleeping aid zolpidem, which is sold under the trade name Ambien, has been accused of gross negligence by the Medical Board of California.
Looking at malpractice suits may reduce medical errors
A study that has been published in a medical journal has noted that in 2013, more than 250,000 people died from medical errors. Based on this estimate, medical errors may be the third leading cause of death in the United States. Hospitals in New York and throughout the country may become safer for patients as insurance companies and medical providers are increasingly examining data about errors and making changes to their policies based on what they learn.
Researching the medical malpractice records of doctors
New York residents sometimes perform online searches before choosing a physician, but the results provided by search engines like Google and Yahoo do not always tell the whole story. The medical community is rarely eager to share the details of malpractice lawsuits, and a desire to contain this kind of information leads to many such lawsuits being settled with the plaintiffs signing nondisclosure agreements.
Mother sues obstetrician after damage in childbirth
A New York mother was awarded $50 million after she sued her obstetrician for injuries she suffered during a 2009 childbirth. In addition to suffering tissue lacerations, the woman was given an unnecessary episiotomy that did not heal correctly. The woman’s digestive system was also damaged. There should not have been any complications with her second childbirth.
What is informed consent?
Most New Yorkers have probably heard the term “informed consent,” but they may not be familiar with what it means to their health care. According to the American Medical Association, informed consent means that patients must be given information about a recommended treatment, its benefits and its side effects so they can make an educated choice about their medical care. However, standard practices for informed consent vary among states, and there are competing interests which may leave patients at a disadvantage.
Exploring doctor history
While the odds are low that a given doctor may have a checkered past, it is difficult for New York patients to find out. This is according to findings from Consumer Reports after obtaining a list of all California doctors on probation as of the later portion of 2015. There were 500 doctors on probation at the time, and the offenses ranged from inappropriate sexual conduct with patients to practicing while under the influence.
Pursuing a Psychiatric Malpractice Claim
Like anywhere else, America has its fair share of people who seek mental medical help. Thousands and thousands of people across the nation seek treatment each year.
Malpractice Liability for Bariatric Surgery Errors
An estimated 440,000 people in the United States are killed every year by hospital, physician, or nurse errors. Medical errors rank third among the most common causes of death in the country. According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 50% of all the medical malpractice cases that are pursued by patients are against their surgeons.