Overworked Nurses are a Safety Risk in Hospitals

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Much has been done to prevent fatigue and burnout in doctors and residents in hospitals. Most are able to take breaks and rest as needed during long shifts. But, overworked nurses are often overlooked. Nurses do a lot of the “grunt work” in hospital settings—administering medications, caring for patients, and carrying out doctors’ life-saving orders. … Continued

Did Your Doctor Inform You of all the Risks Before Surgery? 

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While you probably trust the decisions your doctor makes, you don’t have to be a passive participant when it comes to your own health. Before you have an operation, whether serious or minor, your physician is required to provide you with an oral and written outline of that surgery’s risks. These “informed consent” documents help … Continued

medical malpractice laws

A New Threat to Medical Malpractice Compensation Comes from Congress

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At the end of June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would place a cap on medical malpractice damages across the country. Right now, these limits are governed by state law. This federal bill would create a national limit of $250,000 on non-economic damages in medical malpractice claims. This means victims of … Continued

Class Action Litigation

What is Medical Malpractice-Related Class Action Litigation?

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Most medical malpractice claims involve one plaintiff (the injured party) and one (or sometimes several more) defendants. Those defendants could include the doctor who made an error, the hospital where the physician worked, an attending nurse, or other healthcare professionals who contributed to the patient’s harm. There is another type of civil litigation, known as … Continued

Filing Medical Board Complaint

Filing a Medical Board Complaint Against a Negligent Doctor

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If you have been mistreated by a doctor, take action to ensure the physician is held accountable.  You can contact an attorney to see if you have cause for a medical malpractice claim. To help ensure no further patients are harmed by this doctor, you can also file an official complaint with your state’s Medical … Continued

cancer misdiagnosis patient

Why Does Cancer Get Misdiagnosed?

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Although “cancer” is the last thing you want to hear after a visit to a doctor, you do want prompt and effective treatment for the disease if it is found. Getting an accurate and timely diagnosis means receiving the correct treatment for the right condition. Unfortunately, all too frequently, physicians fail to diagnose cancer, only … Continued

wrongful death from preventable disease

Death from Misdiagnosis of Treatable Diseases and Conditions

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A shocking 2016 study from Johns Hopkins reported that medical mistakes were the third leading cause of death in the United States. Researchers estimated that there are at least 251,454 deaths due to medical errors annually in the United States, though that number could be much higher since nursing home facility and home deaths were … Continued

early discharge from the emergency room

The Importance Of Proper Testing In The ER

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When patients rush to the emergency room, they often feel panicked about what is happening with their health. Their pain and symptoms tell them that something is wrong, but they rely on the expertise of emergency physicians and staff to fill in the blanks and provide them with medical guidance. Accurate diagnoses often require significant … Continued

death from preventable diseases discussion

Misdiagnosis Is Not Limited To Hospitals. Primary Care Physicians Also Miss Diagnostic Opportunities

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While hospitals frequently treat patients with serious medical conditions, the opportunity for an initial diagnosis often starts with a primary care physician during regular office visits. These doctors see their patients on a regular basis and are generally more knowledgeable about patients’ medical histories and possible signs of dangerous conditions. This provides an optimal chance … Continued