Newsletters

Failure to Properly Read X-rays

Certain policies adopted by hospitals concerning diagnostic studies made in an emergency room setting may lead to malpractice claims against the institution. Frequently, a treating physician orders an x-ray, a CAT scan, or an MRI for a patient who has presented himself or herself in the emergency room. If the hospital's policy permits the treating physician to read the diagnostic test, the patient may be discharged if the reading is interpreted by the emergency room physician as negative. As a general rule, the x-ray or other test is usually later reviewed by a radiologist. If this radiologist disagrees with the interpretation made by the emergency room physician, the patient should be notified and instructed to return to the hospital. However, what happens if the hospital is unable to locate the discharged patient or if the problem has substantially worsened without treatment? A potential malpractice action.

Failure to Diagnose a Heart Attack

Around the world, millions of people die each year from cardiovascular disease, and in the United States, it is the leading cause of death. A heart attack is defined as an injury to the heart muscle resulting from a lack of oxygen-filled blood. An interruption of the flow of blood to the heart can be caused by a blood clot, atherosclerosis, or a coronary artery spasm.

Medical Malpractice in LASIK Surgery

LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is a relatively new procedure that reshapes a patient's cornea in an effort to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is quick, generally taking around 15 minutes to complete. During this time, the physician cuts a flap on the front of the eye and moves it aside in order to access the cornea. He or she then reshapes the cornea with a laser in order to correct the vision problem.

Medical Malpractice Screening Panels

Medical Malpractice Screening Panels

Gynecology Malpractice in Prescribing Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, operate by altering the hormonal structure of the body. For this reason, they have more side effects than other forms of contraception. Therefore, the decision to use birth control pills should only be made after the physician takes a careful history, does a thorough examination, and discusses all possible risks with the patient. Due to the nature of oral contraceptives and the possibly of adverse effects, informed consent is crucial.