Despite landmark study, medical errors plague American health care system
In 1999, a national panel of medical experts published "To Err Is Human," an extensive study of medical errors that occur in United States health care facilities. It found that 100,000 Americans die every year from preventable medical errors. Unfortunately, these errors continue to occur, despite over a decade passing since the landmark study. New […]
Compensation available for victims of retained surgical objects
Victims of retained surgical objects are generally eligible to recover compensation for their injuries in a medical malpractice lawsuit. A recent study from the American College of Surgeons highlighted the problem of retained surgical objects in hospitals across the nation. Also known as left-behind items, retained surgical objects occur when a surgical item is left […]
Cerebral palsy and birth injuries: What victims need to know
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can result from damage to the brain during the birthing process. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a branch of the National Institute of Health (NIH), defines cerebral palsy as a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement […]
Brain Injury Awareness Month: medical malpractice can cause TBI
The Brain Injury Association of America, known as BIAA, has declared March 2013 to be Brain Injury Awareness Month. According to BIAA, 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur annually. Because of the complex interconnectedness of the different regions of the brain, even a mild brain injury like a concussion can wreak havoc on a person’s […]
Bedsores in Hospital Setting May Be A Symptom of Neglect
What Are Bedsores? Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are painful skin and tissue lesions. They can be caused by humidity, friction, medication, long-term dermal contact with liquids and sustained pressure on the skin. Bedsores can develop on any part of the body. However, they most commonly develop in bony and cartilaginous […]
Bed rails meant to keep patients safe may cause more harm than good
Parents of infants have long been concerned with their children rolling in their sleep and falling out bed during the night. Consequently, bed rails were created and, later, bumpers took the place of rails, potentially to prevent the risk of infants becoming stuck in the rails. Then, it was determined that bumpers actually caused more […]
Are Patients Really Providing Consent that is Informed?
In many circumstances, before doctors and other medical professionals can provide patients with a course of treatment or other procedure, it is necessary (even required) to obtain the informed consent of the patients. One common way for medical professionals to obtain and document that the patient’s consent has been given for the procedure is by […]
An easy way to prevent dangerous newborn mixups
When hospital patients receive medication, monitoring or other treatment meant for someone else, the results can be harmful or even fatal for either patient – the one who received the treatment in error as well as the one who did not get the treatment that he or she needed. Newborns can be particularly at risk […]
Agency’s decision makes it more difficult to find the best hospital
A federal agency has made it more difficult for the public to access the rate of “never events” in hospitals nationwide. When you have a serious medical condition, you understandably want the best care available. Like most others in your position, you rely on Internet research to find the best hospital with the lowest number […]
New York Spinal Anesthesia Error Malpractice Lawyers
Anesthesiologist Negligence Lawyers NYC
Spinal anesthesia (sometimes called an epidural) is recognized as an alternative to general anesthesia in certain types of surgeries. Epidurals are frequently given to women while enduring labor, although epidurals are used in many other procedures as well. Spinal anesthesia, like any type of anesthesia has the potential for complications. Anesthesiologists and other professionals must take proper steps to minimize the risk and address potential hazards. Errors in spinal anesthesia can create life-changing injuries and even death. Some of the injuries include: