Saved by the Statute of Limitations
Keeping accurate notes that reflect each time a test, procedure, or referral is recommended and then refused by a patient helps protect clinicians from malpractice claims.
All articles by Ann W. Latner, JD
Overlooked Results and Poor Follow-up Delay Diagnosis
Faulty memory, incomplete notes, a broken computer system, and poor-follow-up all lead to a 2-year delay in a cancer diagnosis.
An Issue of a Missed Diagnosis
Three trips to the emergency department failed to diagnose compartment syndrome in a young boy following a trampoline injury.
Privacy Violation Without a HIPAA Breach
Remotely accessing patients’ protected health information puts a nurse in a precarious position.
A Case of Negligence and Miscommunication
A physician assistant is concerned about a patient’s injury but does not seek the advice of her supervising physician.
Multiple Medical Errors and Negligence
A series of medical errors and negligence that occurred in a nursing home lead to an elderly man’s death.
A Case of False Imprisonment
Failure to document a telephone call leads to a lawsuit alleging false imprisonment in a mental health case.
Nurse Fired After Reporting Improper Narcotic Storage
A nurse was terminated for reporting improper medication storage practices.
Social Media Post Prompts Firing
An RN’s post online violates a patient’s privacy, and she is fired.
Nurse’s Documentation Wins Case for Hospital
An RN’s careful note-taking protects hospital from liability.
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