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Blog: Medical Malpractice
- Are fatal medical mistakes on the rise?
Aug 4, 2012
The last time we had exact figures about how many people die each year due to medical mistakes or medication errors in this country may have been in 1999 when the Institute of Medicine reported that 98,000 Americans were falling victim to these errors. Today, it is harder to find statistics like these because states do not have to follow the same guidelines when it comes to reporting medical mistakes. However, estimates put the figure...Read More - Boy with cerebral palsy awarded $21 million
Aug 2, 2012
A family whose son has cerebral palsy was recently awarded a $21 million settlement in a lawsuit they filed against the hospital where he was delivered. Citing hospital negligence, the couple asserted decisions made by the doctors and nurses during the birth of their son directly lead to his birth injury and resulting condition. The couple, whose son is now 9-years-old, believes the hospital was at fault for their son's birth injury. The couple contends...Read More - What role does burnout play in Pennsylvania nursing medical errors?
Aug 1, 2012
Throughout the nation, including the state of Pennsylvania, there is a constant attempt to identify reasons behind high numbers of patient infections in hospitals. As it turns out, according to one study, some of these could be prevented, by addressing nurse burnout. While the study focuses on infections, it is possible its findings could pertain to other patient issues due to hospital negligence as well. One organizational psychologist cited the following as causes for burnout:...Read More - Cancer diagnosis leads transplant recipient to file lawsuit
Jul 27, 2012
Organ transplants have provided people throughout the country including those in the Pittsburgh area, the chance at extended or "normal" lives. Individuals on the receiving end of the transplant often assume that if the surgery goes well and their body does not reject the organ, they are in the clear. A woman who received a pancreas in 2008 knows that is not always the case. Four years after her transplant surgery, the woman has been...Read More - Birth injury lawsuit claims obstetrician negligent
Jul 27, 2012
Pregnant women entrust health care providers with not only their health and wellbeing, but also that of their unborn baby. When medical errors occur that result in birth injuries, those impacted are often left to deal with permanent and severe damage. The parents of a two-year-old girl have filed a medical malpractice lawsuit contending the negligent actions of the obstetrician and hospital staff resulted in their daughter suffering brain damage. Leaking amniotic fluid, the woman...Read More - Full disclosure policy can help prevent medical errors
Jul 24, 2012
When medical errors occur, fearing hospital negligence lawsuits, many hospitals are quick to assign blame to specific doctors or nurses rather than take responsibility for any organizational failure. Recognizing that when medical errors happen there are often deeper and more systemic problems, some hospitals around the country are trying a new approach. Coined the Seven Pillars approach, the process promotes open and honest dialog when medical errors happen or almost happen. The seven steps in...Read More - Steps to avoid medical errors
Jul 19, 2012
Annually, an estimated 98,000 deaths can be attributed to medical mistakes and doctor errors. In fact according to a recent study, during 2008, roughly 14 percent of hospital patients were subject to a medical error of varying severity. A higher percentage of medical errors are reported during the summer months, specifically in July. Coined the "July effect", medical researchers believe the spike in medical errors during July is attributable to the influx of new doctors...Read More - Birth injury lawsuit settled for $3.75 million
Jul 17, 2012
While considered somewhat routine, there are several complications that can occur during the birth of a baby. Modern medicine allows for the use of several drugs which can be used to both speed the labor process and aid in the mother's comfort. When administered incorrectly, however, these drugs can result in serious and irreversible birth injuries. A state-run medical facility has settled a medical malpractice lawsuit and agreed to pay $3.75 million. The lawsuit was...Read More - How to protect yourself from hospital billing errors
Jul 13, 2012
Did you know that hospitals can harm patients in other ways than by providing inadequate care? Each year, countless people are financially harmed by medical billing errors. This type of hospital negligence is common in Ohio and the rest of the nation, as a recent article from The Plain Dealer pointed out. The article said that it is possible for as many as 289 people to play a role in determining your hospital bill, which...Read More - Why the decline in Pennsylvanian medical malpractice lawsuits?
Jul 11, 2012
Unfortunately, numerous patients throughout the state of Pennsylvania are injured at the hands of the very medical professionals from whom they have sought assistance for a medical condition of some sort. When a patient suffers an injury as a result of the negligence of hospital staff or other medical professional, he or she may be able to recoup financial compensation for those injuries via medical malpractice lawsuit. The number of this type of lawsuit being...Read More