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.

Read more: Malpractice Liability for Bariatric Surgery Errors

A New York resident who spends time in the hospital is likely to be treated by a hospitalist at some point. Although this specialty has only been around for approximately 20 years, the role of the hospitalist is prominent in patient care. This party typically acts much like a primary care physician in overseeing and coordinating the involvement of other specialists during a patient's stay.

Read more: Medical malpractice issues and hospitalists

Medical malpractice involving a child can have a devastating effect on the lives of both the parent and child. Children are vulnerable and more often than not do not understand what is happening with them. While adults can at least vocalize and have the ability to question medical treatment, children simply do not enjoy this luxury. Even in pain children are pacified and made to trust doctors and nurses treating them.

Read more: Medical Negligence and Children

Cancer patients in New York might be surprised to learn that, since 1970, a doctor has been treating patients with antineoplastons, for which there is insufficient evidence to prove that they work. Despite being backed by actress Suzanne Somers and famous surgeon Dr. Oz, the Texas Medical Board has investigated the doctor, and he could lose his license for medical misconduct.

Read more: Cancer doctor could lose license for medical misconduct

When it comes to injuries caused by medical malpractice during emergency medical care, there are special rules that apply. "First responders" are protected by state laws from most lawsuits. And although there are no such protections for doctors and nurses in the emergency room, the very nature of emergencies lowers the professional expectation to avoid medical mistakes.

Read more: Medical Malpractice during Emergency Medical Care

MANHATTAN LAW OFFICE

122 East 42nd Street Suite 3800
New York, NY 10168

Tel: 212-LAWYERS

Tel: 212-697-9280

MAP »

QUEENS LAW OFFICE

8900 Sutphin Blvd Suite 501
Queens, NY 11435

Tel: (718) 399-3100

*By Appointment Only

MAP »

BRONX LAW OFFICE

220-226 E 161st Street
The Bronx, NY 10451

Tel: (212) 344-1000

*By Appointment Only

MAP »

BROOKLYN LAW OFFICE

1002 Dean St
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Tel: (516) 410-4445

*By Appointment Only

MAP »