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Medical Malpractice Blog

Cardiologist calls actions of surgeon ‘beyond horrifying’

A recent publication by the New York Times has brought a teaching hospital under fire. The expose discusses how the pediatric cardiology group voiced concerns about the abilities of the chief of surgery to management and hospital executives. Instead of supporting their concerns, the leader of the children's hospital told…

What is the APGAR score for newborns?

Whether you are pregnant and learning all you can about childbirth or if you’ve recently delivered a baby, you may have heard of the APGAR Score. It sounds a little intimidating, but it’s simply a quick evaluation of newborns. Medical professionals conduct the evaluation twice – one minute after birth…

What are five symptoms of placental abruption?

Expectant parents anxiously and excitedly await the day when their little one will arrive. While pregnancy and the birth of a baby should be an exciting and joyous time, it can quickly turn stressful and difficult if pregnancy complications arise. The March of Dimes cites that placental abruption only affects about one…

CMS accuses MD Anderson of putting patients in jeopardy

The Untied States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently accused the nationally recognized MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston of serious patient care deficiencies. The accusations came after the agency investigated of the facility. The agency reported it found at least three instances that put patients in “immediate…

Pathologist error injures two patients

One of the jobs of a pathologist is to review and test samples sent to the lab to aid in diagnosis of various illnesses. In some cases, the specimens include tissue samples flagged for potential cancer. An error in the diagnosis can lead to serious harm. A case provides an example of…

Assisted reproduction can have unexpected results

Many people want to have biological children. And for any variety of reasons, assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is necessary for many women to become pregnant. Your journey to parenthood may be more difficult than anticipated. You likely trust the medical professionals entrusted to help you…

September is Hydrocephalus awareness month: 4 FAQs

Hydrocephalus is a relatively common birth defect. Medical professionals diagnose over 1 million Americans with the disorder, and yet the public knows little about hydrocephalus. In an effort to increase awareness, and hopefully lead to an increase in research funds, the Hydrocephalus Association has dedicated the month of September as Hydrocephalus Awareness…

Medical malpractice in Arizona: FAQs

Physicians spend years getting training to help treat medical conditions and injuries. In most cases, a visit to the doctor is a step towards bettering one’s health. However, in some cases, a mistake at the doctor’s office, in the hospital, clinic or other medical setting can result in more damage.…

Why doctors misdiagnose concussions

A visit to the emergency room is seldom a good thing. People often visit an emergency room after falls, car crashes, or other accidents that can cause brain injuries. Brain injuries like concussions are serious and can be complex as people experience symptoms differently. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine published…

Study reveals most commonly misdiagnosed ailments

Each year, delayed or wrong diagnoses kill or permanently disable 100,000 Americans, according to Johns Hopkins University. The study identified three disease categories where a majority of the missed or wrong diagnoses occur: infections, vascular conditions and cancers. Researchers say misdiagnoses are the leading cause of medical mistakes and continue…

Four things to know about medical malpractice

First off, what exactly is medical malpractice, or as others call it, medical negligence? Medical malpractice occurs when the health-care provider (the hospital or doctor) strays away from following the “standard of care” when treating the patient. The definition of the “standard of care,” is how a doctor should or…

How does ‘severe maternal morbidity’ impact mothers in the United States?

Unfortunately, maternal mortalities and near-fatal obstetric complications are common in the United States. In fact, the country has one of the highest rates of maternal mortalities compared to other high-income countries throughout North America and Western Europe. Even when expecting mothers survive their complications, negative effects remain. They, as well…

Study looks into causes of surgical error

It is no surprise that there is a connection between surgical error and patient injury or death. Multiple studies have confirmed this connection. Research continues to offer suggestions to mitigate the risk. But what if researchers are focused on the wrong risks? A recent study suggests the issue involves more…

Are surgical staples causing injuries?

The United States Food and Drug Administration recently sent a Letter to Health Care Providers outlining the dangers connected to use of surgical staplers. The letter focused on the use of internal staples and implantable surgical staples, devices commonly used in surgical procedures. What led to the FDA's involvement? A…

Diagnostic errors remain top cause of patient injury

Diagnostic errors result in serious, often fatal, injuries to patients. Two new studies delve into this common medical mistake and provide valuable information for patients and the medical community. Study #1: This study, released in late June, focused on injuries that occur within emergency departments. Researchers with the study found…

Parents claim doctor’s failure to intervene led to birth injury

Medical care during labor and delivery can make the difference between a challenging, yet successful delivery and a lifetime of battling medical challenges when the attending staff fail to provide needed intervention. A recent case provides an example. Failure to intervene after infant's heart rate wavers leads to serious birth injuries…

Pregnant mothers & prescription meds: Is fetus at risk for NAS?

From 2009 to 2013, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) doubled in the United States. To help determine the cause for the increase, a recent study reviewed the risks of NAS on infants whose mothers underwent surgery during pregnancy. What is NAS? NAS is a medical condition that refers to the problems infants can…

When medical dictation error leads to patient injury

Physicians often use voice dictation or transcription services to help keep medical records or put together discharge instructions for patients. Although convenient, the process can lead to errors. How common are medical dictation errors? Unfortunately, these mistakes are not uncommon. A study published by the United States National Library of Medicine’s National…

Radiologist held accountable for negligence

Seeking justice for an injury that results from negligent medical care requires vigilance. Justice can take time. A recent case provides an example. One-year-old seeks medical care: A young girl's family had sought medical care for the child at an emergency department because she was vomiting and was breathing rapidly. The…

How much is your surgeon’s error worth?

If you have ever had surgery, you probably know how scary it can be. It might be an emergency situation, or perhaps it is a last resort. As you get wheeled into the operating room, there are certain things you probably expect from your surgeon. At the very least, you…

Misdiagnoses, delayed care play role in maternal mortality rates

Maternal mortality rates are on the rise in the United States. Experts have pointed to demographics as a primary cause. High blood pressure and large infant birth weights are often blamed. A new investigation points to a bigger problem: misdiagnoses and delayed care. Details of the investigation: Data points to…

Can doctors misdiagnose preeclampsia?

Women experience several health changes during pregnancy, and if it is their first child those symptoms are new and strange. It can be difficult to discern what is a normal occurrence and what is a complication. They end up placing a lot of trust in their doctors. Unfortunately, doctors can…

Doctors need to take your pain seriously

As a woman, you are likely used to the discomfort you experience on a monthly basis. To a certain extent, cramps and bloating might seem normal. Perhaps back pain does as well. However, sometimes you might feel as though your symptoms are worsening. And despite no diagnosis of a disease,…

FDA pushes for safer use of surgical staples

The United States Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pushing for doctors and manufacturers of medical staples to reconsider their use during surgical procedures. In some cases, a review of patient records found the staples to lead to serious injury and death. How is the FDA trying to…

Study finds head circumference better gauge for C-section

Women who receive prenatal care expect their physician to watch for potential issues as their pregnancy progresses. This can include monitoring development of the fetus for triggers that may indicate the need for a cesarean section delivery (C-section) as opposed to traditional vaginal birth. A recent study found that physicians…

Trauma: A Significant Risk For Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a wonderful, complex thing. The idea that a human being can grow another human being in their womb never ceases to amaze. Many bodily processes take place to successfully develop the fetus and prepare a pregnant woman for giving birth. Unfortunately, there are also many things that can…

Common pregnancy complications in the U.S.

Recent reports have unearthed some serious concerns about maternal mortality in the United States. A six-month long investigation conducted by NPR and Pro Publica discovered the U.S. has the worst record for maternal mortality compared to any other developed country in the world. What are common complications that lead to injury during…

Study: Colorectal cancer misdiagnosis rates in young patients

Medical professionals generally associate colorectal cancer as a disease most likely in older members of the population. This serious disease often presents with symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, bloody stools, gas, cramps, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Patients presenting with these symptoms may require additional testing to determine if cancer…

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