Posted on December 30th, 2011
A Texas woman who gave birth to a baby boy with shoulder dystocia is suing the delivery doctor for negligence.
During labor, the baby’s shoulder blades became stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone while his head was outside of the birth canal. The doctor chose to pull the baby’s head in order to loosen the rest of his body.
This negligence resulted in the severe birth injury, shoulder dystocia. The symptoms of this condition can include broken arms and collarbones, nerve damage as well as brain damage. She is suing the doctor as well as the practice for medical expenses, disfigurement and physical impairment.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to medical malpractice, please contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. by calling 610-667-7511 today.
Posted on September 21st, 2011
A judge has recently sided with the defense in a case brought upon by the family of a woman who died while battling cancer. The 60-year-old woman was suffering from terminal cancer and being treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Manhattan facility when she passed away.
While at the facility, the woman discussed her options with her doctor and decided that she would make a Do Not Resuscitate document in case a life-threatening event occurred. The woman did not sign the form and the family was not told that it was made.
The woman’s condition worsened over the next four days and she began to struggle with her ability to breathe. Her daughter requested assistance, but none was given. The woman died the next day and it was then that her family found out about the document.
The medical malpractice lawsuit was filed claiming that that woman did not have the proper consent to write the document and that the staff failed to treat a condition that caused her death. Defense noted that in the state of New York, consent is not needed in resuscitation forms and the judge sided with the defense.
Posted on February 28th, 2011
According to a study recently conducted by Dr. John Flynn of Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, 20 percent of medical imaging tests ordered by doctors are done for defensive reasons. The study followed 72 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania and 2,068 patients. Doctors were asked to mark if they were ordering a test for defensive reasons or because it was required for treatment for every imaging test ordered.
The study looked at the use of x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds and bone scans. The test that was used most frequently for defensive reasons was bone scans. Physicians said 57 percent of bone scans were done to protect themselves. Defensive medicine is practiced when a doctor or nurse does a test or treatment to protect themselves from being accused of malpractice or negligence, rather than because it is medically necessary.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 1-800-876-5299 to set up an appointment with one of our experienced injury lawyers.
Posted on December 2nd, 2010
Last month, the Department of Health & Human Services released a report that stated 1 in every 7 hospitalized Medicare patients is the victim of a treatment mistake during their stay. Researches estimate that these mistakes result in 15,000 fatalities a month or 180,000 a year.
The most common reasons treatment mistakes occurred in Medicare patients were related to bed sores, urinary tract infections from catheters, bleeding after surgery and incorrect medications. Researchers and medical experts recommend that patients always bring somebody with them to the hospital, ask questions and be cautious about catheters and know the medications you are taking.
“While hospitals have made great strides in improving patient care, this report highlights that there is more we can do,” said President and CEO of the American Hospital Association Rich Umbdenstock. The AMA represents around 5,000 hospitals across the country.
To discuss filing a medical malpractice lawsuit with an experience personal injury attorney, contact the Pennsylvania injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 1-800-876-5299 today.
Posted on October 11th, 2010
In 2003, there were 700 medical malpractice claims receiving a total of $378 million in payouts in the state of Pennsylvania. This year, there have been 329 claims filed and $146 million in payouts. Last Tuesday, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell announced the 61 percent drop in medical malpractice.
Furthermore, he stated, “The number of catastrophic medical malpractice cases being filed for more than half a million dollars in damages has nearly been cut in half in the past eight years”.
He also noted that this year 38,000 doctors have purchased medical malpractice insurance coverage compared to the 32,000 in 2003.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 800-876-LAWYER to learn more about your rights.
