There are countless reasons why surgical errors take place, but in this post, we will take a closer look at incompetence. Unfortunately, incompetent surgeons and medical professionals have caused many people to suffer serious injuries over the years, including fatal injuries, in some instances. Even though a surgeon may appear to be fully competent, they may lack the skills that are required to perform the operation properly. In New York City, and around the country, victims of medical professional negligence should not hesitate to stand up for their legal rights and explore the options that might be available to them.
Incompetence and surgical errors
New York surgeon treats pediatric patients while on probation
It is stressful enough for a parent when a child requires surgery without having to wonder whether or not the operating surgeon is competent and qualified. The New York Department of Health charged a pediatric surgeon at a children's hospital last year with incompetence, gross malpractice and other forms of professional misconduct in the cases of five patients who received treatment between 2010 and 2012. The charges resulted in a settlement that allows the surgeon to continue to treat patients while on probation for two years, during which another surgeon must review her records and visit her practice. Because of the settlement, no disciplinary hearing took place in regard to the five cases.
Awards not yet determined in New York malpractice settlement
A recent court settlement of medical malpractice action against an orthopedic surgeon in Hopewell Junction, New York, requires the physician to pay a total of $140 million in damages. As a provision of the settlement, he will not admit to any medical wrongdoing.
What are the risks of robotic surgery?
Recently, a viral video touted the miraculous advancement of robotic surgery methods by showing the machinery performing an intricate procedure on a grape. While you may understandably be impressed by this technology, you and other New York residents might also have questions and concerns. Just how safe is robotic surgery? Have there been any accidents?
Being aware of the risks of surgery can keep you safer
If you are preparing to receive surgery in New York, your doctor has probably given you a set of strict instructions to follow as you anticipate your treatment. Following these instructions closely is imperative to your safety as you undergo surgery and go forward with your recovery. At Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP, we have helped victims of surgical errors to work toward getting compensation for their injuries.
Artificial surgical intelligence could reduce mistakes
While doctors are not free of human error, many people in New York fully trust and rely on their medical provider to give them a thorough diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan that will address their physical needs and medical history. However, there are still stories in the news every so often that tell disconcerting stories of patients that have been injured, some severely, because of a mistake made by a medical professional.
What are the risks of IVC filters?
Deep venous thrombosis is a common issue that could lead to serious health risks if left untreated. There are generally two ways to treat this condition. According to the National Institutes of Health, if you have DVT, the doctor may use anticoagulation or an IVC filter. You may have heard commercials about IVC filter issues in New York and wonder if they really are safe.
Do hospitals profit from surgical errors?
As a surgical patient in New York, you should be able to trust in your surgeons to always act in your best interest. However, a study conducted at a hospital in Texas approximately five years ago may have sown some seeds of doubt in patients' minds about doctors' intent as it seemed to indicate that hospitals make more money if patients develop complications after surgery because they require more medication and other treatments, as well as longer hospital stays. The implication was that hospitals may not have been doing all they could to prevent surgical complications and errors from occurring in the interest of making a profit off of patients' suffering.
Are non-English speaking patients at risk for surgical errors?
It is something most people never think about because they speak English, but when someone who does not speak English goes into surgery, there is always a fear they have no idea what is about to happen. This is horrible. Every person who seeks healthcare in New York should feel confident in that care and have the right to information about what is going on with their care.
Surgical errors that may constitute medical malpractice
If you are like most people, you feel safe in the care of doctors and surgeons. However, just like any other professional, health care providers can and do make mistakes. When surgical mistakes occur, they can result in dire and costly health issues. Our New York surgical mistakes attorneys at Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP, understand medical malpractice law and fight to uphold patients' rights when a negligent provider has caused them harm.
