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The relationship between a doctor and a patient is among the most
intimate relationships that a person experiences. Trust is a key
component of the doctor - patient relationship. When medical malpractice
occurs, that trust is violated.
Medical malpractice may result in death or devastating physical and
emotional injury; the victim may also suffer loss of income, the
increased cost of additional medical or nursing care, cost of therapy
and cost for medical equipment.
Our firm has successfully represented plaintiffs in medical
malpractice cases through settlement or verdict. Our clients have
suffered injuries ranging from catastrophic brain injuries and paralysis
to death of a family member as a result of medical acts and omissions
including but not limited to the following:
- Injuries to babies and their mothers during pre and post natal
care, labor and delivery;
- Surgical errors including damage to organs and nerves;
- Medication mistakes including those wrongly prescribed or
administered;
- Diagnosis and testing errors including failure to timely diagnose
cancer; and
- Plastic surgery disfigurement and complications;
In many instances, our clients and their families often learn, for
the first time, the truth and extent of the malpractice through our
extensive investigation and consultation with the best qualified experts
in the medical community. We can help you and answer your questions too.
Anytime you suspect medical malpractice, you should consult with an
experienced Medical Malpractice attorney who will evaluate your case
with you, to ensure that your and your loved ones’ legal rights are
fully protected.
It is very important to preserve documentation of any suspected
malpractice. That way, when you consult with your attorney, the attorney
can review the documents provided. The following is a list of
information and documentation which a lawyer uses to evaluate the case
and protect your rights.
Information
____ Name and address of all doctors who you have treated with
____ Names of all people who were involved
____ List of doctors you have talked to about the accident or your
injuries
Documents
____ All of your medical records
Medical Mistakes Routinely Go Unreported, Audit Finds
An audit by the New York State Comptroller found that hospitals
routinely fail to report patient deaths, injuries and other serious
adverse incidents through the New York Patient Occurence Reporting and
Tracking System (NYPORTS), as mandated by law. State Comptroller Alan
Hevesi said that the timely reports were "critical" to quality
health care delivery and improving patient care and that "without
accurate and complete information, it is not possible to effectively
pinpoint and address problem areas." The audit found that 84
percent of all deaths and severe medical incidents were not reported
within 24 hours, as required.
A report by the National Committee for Quality Assurance shows that
patients get the correct care only half of the time. Despite 10
percent-per-year increases in patients' insurance premiums over the past
four years, poor medical care resulted in 79,000 avoidable deaths and
$1.8 billion in medical costs last year. Finding that health plans that
publicly report their performance showed marked improvement in a number
of areas, the report recommended fuller disclosure from doctors and
hospitals. |
