Category: Doctor Errors

For most families in Rhode Island, the birth of a child is a time of celebration and happiness. Unfortunately, the aftermath of delivery turned into a nightmare for one family in another state. A medical malpractice lawsuit filed against the hospital as a result of the harm the woman suffered recently resulted in a significant financial award.

The woman was admitted to the Tripler Army Medical Center in July 2013. She was 37 years old at the time and delivering her third child. Several hours after she arrived at the hospital, she was reportedly experiencing a fast heart rate and low pressure and was clammy and pale.

After the baby was delivered, reports indicate that her condition deteriorated with signs apparently indicating that intravenous antibiotics were needed. However, such care was not provided, and when a rapid response team responded, she was already experiencing sepsis. She experienced the failure of many of her organs, and she required a ventilator. Although she was released from the hospital in late August, she was readmitted in September. She has since undergone a kidney transplant and will likely face yearly hospitalizations for the rest of her life.

The hospital reportedly admitted liability in the case, and the judge awarded the woman $24.7 million to cover future medical expenses and to compensate her for lost wages. Even though most hospitals are equipped with medical professionals dedicated to their patients, incidents such as these happen in facilities in Rhode Island and across the country. Often, the only way to ensure that victims of medical malpractice can afford the ongoing medical care they require is to pursue compensation through civil litigation.

Did one doctor’s pending legal case lead him to fail in his care to another patient? That is the allegation of one recent medical malpractice lawsuit. A physician is facing charges of medical negligence, as is the hospital he worked for and the group who owned the hospital. Individuals in Rhode Island who are interested in learning more about doctor errors may be interested in the details of this recent and developing story.

The now-deceased patient of the surgeon had reported to the hospital, stating that he was suffering from an extreme headache. After testing, the radiologist notified the physician about enlarged cavities inside the man’s brain, but the surgeon delayed the man’s surgery for approximately 12 hours. The lawsuit alleges that, at that time, the man’s condition was critical and that he did not receive timely care. Unfortunately, the man died due to complications from a failing shunt.

At the time of the surgery, the physician was allegedly involved in criminal activity with at least two other individuals. The malpractice lawsuit alleges that the man’s involvement with the crimes affected his work and led to his improper handling of the man’s medical case. The lawsuit also mentions that the man’s past medical mistakes and work history should have disqualified him from eligibility to work at the hospital.

This physician also faces another medical malpractice case from 2016. In the medical field, a hospital patient is protected by the law when under the care of a physician, and any medical treatments must be provided in a timely fashion to protect the patient’s health. A delay in treatment can result in death. Individuals in Rhode Island who may have faced a similar issue with a doctor may wish to consult with an attorney for a review of the legal case.

Cosmetic surgery has never been more popular for residents of Providence and elsewhere in the country. With average fees ranging from $371 for Botox injections to $6,550 for a facelift, plastic surgery is becoming more affordable for those in almost every income bracket. However, states the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it is vital – and can save lives – only to choose physicians who are officially certified in cosmetic surgery procedures.

Some complications of plastic surgery are unavoidable, while others may be the result of a doctor error or unprofessional conduct, points out TotalBeauty. For example, some people are more likely to scar after a surgical procedure than others. Factors may include genetics, skin pigmentation and the type of procedure involved. Even the most qualified cosmetic surgeons may be unable to prevent patients from developing scars.

On the other hand, there are many so-called professionals who have no business performing the cosmetic procedures they offer. It is becoming increasingly common for dentists to offer Botox treatments or for gynecologists to provide facial wrinkle-filling services. These procedures may result in serious complications, including temporary blindness from Botox that is injected in the wrong place.

In some cases, the results of unprofessional plastic surgery can be fatal. Medical spas exist that offer procedures such as liposuction, which should be performed under general anesthesia but are done under local anesthesia in the spa facility. Patients have died from respiratory depression, an effect of local anesthesia overdose.

Some people choose inexperienced or unethical plastic surgeons because of the significantly lower rates they charge. However, when it comes to safety, as well as protecting their looks, it may be best for patients to put their trust in a certified surgeon who knows what he or she is doing.