Baby boy dies after accidental overdose
Gary Silverstein
November 7, 2011
A New York family is mourning the loss of their six-month-old son after he was given an accidental overdose of medication.
A New York family is mourning the loss of their six-month-old son after he was given an accidental overdose of medication.
A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that surgical mistakes and other forms of medical malpractice often don’t lead to a payout for the victim. This is true in New York and across the country.
New babies are born in New York every day. Many are born without incident and are able to go home with their loving parents. Unfortunately, for some newborns, they do not have the luxury of going home to grow up with their health intact. Due to the negligence of the health care personnel responsible for their wellbeing, these innocent babies are left with a lifetime of struggles.
The New York State Department of Health Board for Professional Medical Conduct is charged with the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting claims of medical malpractice against physicians, who are also licensed by the state. Distinct from a medical malpractice lawsuit, these proceedings can result in professional sanctions against a doctor for his or her actions. In addition to censure and reprimand, the Board can issue fines, order education or retraining as well as community service. It can also order revocation or surrender of the physician’s license. While the Board serves an important function, one cause for concern is that its determinations often come too long after the conduct that formed the basis for the original complaint.
It seems as if every state in the U.S., including New York, is experiencing an increase in medical malpractice lawsuits. While cases such as surgical mistakes get a lot of press, other cases are beginning to receive more attention. Claims of medical malpractice based on drug abuse or prescription drug overdoses are receiving increased scrutiny in our courts.
