Malpractice

California hospitals fined for preventable errors

Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

Since the penalty program went into effect, 134 fines have been levied against 90 hospitals.
 

Litigation fears impact clinician work hours

Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

According to a new study, clinicians work an average of 1.7 hours less per week when their expected medical liability risk rises by just 10%.
 

Decline in malpractice cases in Iowa debated

Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

Clinicians believe extra safety precautions in operating rooms, electronic medical records, and double-checks of records have all contributed to the decrease in malpractice cases
 

Breach in protocol ends in suit

By Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

Physicians fail to follow the clinic's rules, which appear unrealistic in retrospect, regarding PA supervision.
 

Suspected child abuse leads to arrest

Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

In a child with no history of suspicious injury, were the clinicians too hasty in their judgment?
 

A case of insufficient supervision

David S. Starr, MD, JD January 21, 2010

A lawsuit involving the death of a diabetic patient tests the relationship between a clinician and his physician boss.
 

Could this woman have been saved?

David S. Starr, MD, JD January 20, 2010

Considered an unlikely candidate for CAD, her chest pains were misdiagnosed as tracheitis.
 

Medical malpractice suits drop sharply in Tennessee

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

The drop in cases has not yet been reflected in the cost of malpractice insurance for clinicians.
 

Tort reform hangs in the balance in Georgia

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

In 2005, the state enacted a tort reform package that included a $350,000 cap on non-economic medical malpractice damages, and a change to the burden of proof required in suits against emergency medical providers.
 

Annual report highlights six "judicial hellholes"

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

A "judicial hellhole" is a place where judges systematically apply laws and court procedures in an unfair and unbalanced manner.
 

Who takes the blame for a delayed diagnosis?

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

With no documentation to refer to, the clinician comes under scrutiny.
 

Bankruptcy helps beat lawsuit

Davis S. Starr, MD, JD January 14, 2010

Few options remained for this family clinician when he realized he missed a case of lung cancer.
 

Lung cancer mistaken as influenza

David S. Starr, MD, JD January 13, 2010

Relying only on her notes, a clinician was able to explain why a chest x-ray was not ordered sooner.
 

Signs of stroke never suspected

Ann W. Latner, JD December 21, 2009

A case that started with dizziness and earache ends with the patient paralyzed and bedridden.
 

Trial lawyers prepare for tort reform fight

December 21, 2009

Supporters urged to convince Congress to "put patients first."
 

Majority of medical liability premiums stabilize or drop

December 21, 2009

Tort reform successful in keeping down high malpractice premiums
 

Arizona toughens burden of proof in malpractice cases

Ann W. Latner, JD December 21, 2009

Plaintiffs will have to prove by "clear and convincing" evidence that the health-care provider committed negligence.
 

Four ways to reduce liability risk

Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C December 18, 2009

Simple steps you can take to to prevent your career from being upended by a malpractice suit.
 

The danger of a sloppy referral

David S. Starr, MD, JD November 16, 2009

A supervising physician's notes said the patient had been referred to a cardiologist, but the PA's notes did not. Lawyers seize on the discrepancy.
 

Fatigue, emotional distress linked to medical errors

Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

Internal medicine residents who report higher levels of fatigue and emotional distress also report higher levels of major medical errors.
 

Courts to decide legitimacy of malpractice award caps

Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

State supreme courts in Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Maryland will determine whether to do away with caps on non-economic damages.
 

Washington State Supreme Court overturns certificate of merit requirement

Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

Some states require a qualified medical expert to sign off on a document attesting that there is merit to the plaintiff's claim.
 

Errors lead to undiagnosed melanoma

By Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

After referring his patient to a dermatologist to have a mole looked at, the clinician considered the case resolved. Not so fast.
 

A decade of child abuse goes undetected

David S. Starr, MD, JD October 13, 2009

The patient's symptoms and her situation at home were not considered indicative of sexual abuse.
 

Honesty and apologizing reduce malpractice lawsuits

Ann W. Latner, JD October 12, 2009

Honesty really is the best policy, especially when it comes to taking responsibility and avoiding lawsuits.
 

Adoption of patient safety reforms urged

Ann W. Latner, JD October 12, 2009

A recent report analyzed studies of treatment protocols for chronically recurring, avoidable medical errors.
 

Nearly nine out of 10 U.S. physicians support President`s backing of malpractice reform

September 11, 2009

In the same survey, 94% of physicians say defensive medicine has led them to order unnecessary tests or procedures.
 

Concussion knocks football player out of competition

David S. Starr, MD, JD September 11, 2009

A football pro sues his team's doctor and physician assistant after repeat concussions sideline his promising career.
 

New York extends malpractice insurance freeze

August 18, 2009

Governor extends freeze while negotiations continue.
 

Blocked artery goes undetected

David S. Starr, MD, JD August 17, 2009

The patient's ECG was first interpreted as normal, but he later suffered an MI following surgery.
 

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