Could CMV Have Caused Your Baby’s Hearing Loss?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common non-inherited cause of deafness in children. A new study shows that more than 10 percent of babies who contract CMV will suffer permanent hearing loss. How Do Babies Get CMV? Studies have shown that mothers contract the virus from toddlers and pass it along to their fetuses. Women can… Read more »
Posted in Birth Injury, Misdiagnosis
Which Florida Hospitals Are the Safest?
The Leapfrog Group, a business-backed information group focused on patient safety, released a new analysis for Florida hospitals. Their report rated almost half of them an A on error prevention. Brandon Regional Medical Center is Leapfrog’s most-improved hospital, jumping from a D to an A in just six months. The suburban Tampa facility is part… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Medication Errors, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
How Much Do Readmissions Cost Hospitals?
Based on the new standards outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), hospitals all over Florida will pay millions in fines for high readmission rates. In 2013, almost two million Medicare patients were readmitted to hospitals within 30 days of their initial treatment, costing roughly $26 billion. Healthcare officials believe that they could save Medicare… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Gainesville VA Hospital Pays Millions in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
The Veterans Affairs hospital in Gainesville paid and settled more wrongful death cases than almost any other medical center in Florida. The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville paid more than $5 million in wrongful death settlements in the decade following September 11. The Lake City medical center, operating in the same health system,… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Medication Errors, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
How Common Are Hospital Infections?
At least six Florida hospitals are having trouble controlling their infection rate, putting patients at risk for serious health complications. Did My Hospital Cause My Infection? Every year, 1 in 25 hospital patients sustains an infection during treatment. Unfortunately, about 75,000 of those patients lose their lives. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) establishes infection… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Surgical Errors
Florida Couple Wins Birth Injury Lawsuit
A Florida couple sued their doctor and ultrasound technician for failing to tell them their son was disabled before he was born. The young couple was diligent about prenatal care and following doctor’s orders, so they were excited to welcome the new addition to their family. Tragically, the child was born catastrophically disabled, with no… Read more »
Posted in Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice, Medical Malpractice Trial, Medical Negligence, Misdiagnosis
Can a Hospital Force Me to Have a C-Section?
A pregnant woman is fighting a Florida hospital in court, after it threatened to report her to family services if she refused to have a C-section. The victim in this case had delivered three other children by C-section. She decided that for her fourth child, she would undergo a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), a… Read more »
Posted in Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice
Spinal Injury Center Sues Competitor Over Malpractice Claims
A Florida spine-injury center is suing a rival institute, accusing the doctors there of attracting patients by making false claims. The Laser Spine Institute is one of the busiest spinal injury centers in America, treating about 5,000 patients a year nationwide. The Bonati Institute, a rival spine-injury facility, filed a lawsuit accusing Laser Spine of… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Is School Staff Responsible for Athlete’s Death?
The Florida Supreme Court is currently deciding whether or not schools have a duty to use potentially lifesaving medical devices on students. In 2008, an 18-year-old soccer player collapsed and stopped breathing during an intramural soccer game. The coach performed CPR on the boy, but it took almost 26 minutes for the paramedics to resuscitate… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Malpractice Trial, Medical Negligence
Do Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Actually Help Anyone?
Settlements from medical malpractice lawsuits can be worth millions, but most cases are about more than money. In many cases, victims use the suit to force changes in the healthcare system and prevent future injuries. Millions of patients receive care at doctors’ offices and hospitals every year, but they can be very dangerous places. The… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice Trial
