Year: 2015

Each one of us who takes prescription medicine expects that the medication will address a health problem and improve our condition. Many medications have accepted risks that are unavoidable. But medications prescribed incorrectly can cause serious harm as a result of preventable errors by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. As a result of medication errors, many people suffer…

National Family Health History Day, which will take place on November 26, coincides with the Thanksgiving holiday. There is no better time for you to collect information about your family’s medical history than when several generations are gathered around the dinner table. Information about your family’s medical history will help you and your doctor to make informed decisions….

There are many things that contribute to how well a patient fares in a hospital, surgical center, birthing center or another medical facility. One of the important factors is the number of nurses on staff. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published data on the hospital nurse shortage and the correlation between the number of nurses on staff and patient…

What is a cardiac stent? A cardiac stent is a small tube made of metal mesh or fabric inserted to strengthen narrow arteries. Stents help support artery walls, and keep them from bursting. When used correctly, they help patients recover from life-saving heart procedures and extend their lives. When used unnecessarily, they can cause more harm than good….

The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion. However, when medical negligence leads to birth injuries, it can have devastating consequences for the baby and family. If your child suffered harm during labor or delivery due to medical malpractice, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. Due to the heartbreaking nature of this…

When doctors make a mistake, such as missing a critical diagnosis of cancer, it can hit you hard. You count on your doctor to help you correctly identify a physical ailment or the root cause of a condition. You want that diagnosis in a timely fashion so that your illness, injury or condition is treated correctly and promptly. A…

The New York Times (NYT) reports that many nursing homes are offering more amenities in an effort to attract patients that are in need of short-term rehabilitation. Short-term care can be a good option for a convalescing elderly person who has just been released from the hospital. Some nursing home experts are beginning to wonder, however, if the homes…

In today’s digital world, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is ever expanding. Interestingly, the inherent design of an EHR can significantly impact medical malpractice litigation. What Is an Electronic Health Record? An EHR provides all the same information as can be found in a patient’s paper chart, yet in a digital format, making it immediately accessible to…

When a doctor, surgeon, nurse, dentist, or other health care professional neglects to meet the legal duty of care by failing to provide a level of service at or above the acceptable standard of practice in the medical industry, it is often the patient who will suffer. If a patient suffers injury or harm as a direct result…