Sepsis injury or death may be due to medical negligence
Sepsis causes tens of thousands of deaths each year in New York and throughout the country. It arises when an infection in one part of the body spreads into other parts, including the bloodstream. An infection that begins in the lungs, skin or abdomen may eventually impact the whole of the body.
Medical errors common during transitional care
New York patients have the possibility of being harmed during the transition from a hospital to home care. The discharge process can be a chaotic time when health care providers are more likely to make mistakes. When a formerly hospitalized patient begins receiving treatment at home, the patient’s home health nurses, pharmacists and other health care providers could fail to correct mistakes that were made during the hospital discharge.
Proving Hospital Negligence in Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States. For decades, it was estimated by the federal government that 98,000 people in the country were killed every year as a result of preventable medical errors. However, it is now found that the number is significantly higher. In fact, every year, approximately 440,000 people die due to doctor, nurse, or hospital errors.
Preventable hospital mistakes
When ill people go to a New York hospital, they probably do so with the expectation that the treatment will help improve their conditions. In some cases, however, mistakes are made that lead to serious harm.
Hospital operator pays out millions for malpractice
NYC Health + Hospitals, a public benefit corporation that operates several clinics and public hospitals in New York City, paid out $124 million to plaintiffs in medical malpractice complaints in 2015. The total amount that it paid was a drop from the $133 million that it paid to injured patients in 2014. However, medical malpractice claims against the organization rose from 536 to 552 in 2015.
Medical mistakes are a leading cause of death
Most New York residents would not be surprised to learn that heart disease and cancer are the nation’s two leading causes of death, but they may be shocked to learn that preventable medical mistakes are America’s third biggest killer. Research indicates that over 400,000 American hospital patients lose their lives each year due to doctor errors, prescription drug side effects or unsanitary conditions, and experts say that a sweeping, concerted and comprehensive effort is needed to tackle the problem.
Facts about Early Discharge Malpractice
In 2012, the total number of medical malpractice payouts made throughout the United States was 12,142. This means that one claim was brought every 45 minutes.
Medical Malpractice during Emergency Medical Care
When it comes to injuries caused by medical malpractice during emergency medical care, there are special rules that apply. “First responders” are protected by state laws from most lawsuits. And although there are no such protections for doctors and nurses in the emergency room, the very nature of emergencies lowers the professional expectation to avoid medical mistakes.
Anesthesia Errors during Surgery and Anesthesia Malpractice You should be Aware Of
When a person undergoes a surgical procedure, no matter how simple or complex, there is always a chance of risk. The risk stems not just from the medical procedure, but also from the process of administering anesthesia and patient care.
Patients fare better when more nurses are on duty
Hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities in New York and around the country are finding it increasingly difficult to hire registered nurses. The shortage of qualified nurses is a nationwide problem, and it is expected to become worse in the coming years as the baby boom generation continues to retire in ever greater numbers. Projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that more than 500,000 new registered nurses will be needed in the United States by 2022.
