There are risks associated with surgically implanted medical devices, complications which can lead to serious injury or even death. From prosthetics or other replacement body parts to devices for delivering medicine to the body, surgically implanted medical devices may include pacemakers, breast implants, surgical screws, artificial joints such as those used in knee and hip… Read More »
Surgical Stapler Injuries
When undergoing a surgical procedure, patients and their families assume that they will be in good hands, putting their faith not only in the medical professionals they work with directly but also the manufacturers of medical devices surgeons use. These days many surgeries include the use of surgical staples instead of sutures to close skin… Read More »
Surgical Center Injuries and Fatalities Under Fire
With a nod from federal regulators hoping to reduce costs, surgery centers are popping up across the nation offering a low cost alternative for minor surgeries and an every widening array of outpatient procedures. Unfortunately, as surgical centers have expanded their businesses, taking on increasingly risky procedures, some patients are paying the price in injuries… Read More »
Failure to Diagnose and Improper Medical Treatments
Medical malpractice occurs when a patient is harmed by a doctor or other medical professional. There are three common categories of medical malpractice relating to a failure to diagnose, improper treatment, and informed consent. A wide variety of situations within these categories can lead to a medical malpractice claim. A failure to diagnose speaks to… Read More »
Medical Errors Result in Many Wrongful Deaths
A Johns Hopkins study estimates that more than 250,000 Americans die each year from medical errors. In fact, the National Patient Safety Foundation refers to ‘patient harm’ as the third-leading cause of death, ranking just behind heart disease and cancer. Although the potential for patient harm is great, the problem is not well-documented. Medical mistakes… Read More »
Internet Prescription Meds – A Cautionary Tale
A Quad-Cities doctor has been fined for improperly prescribing pain medication to unfamiliar patients over the internet. Following an investigation triggered by a national news report featuring the Davenport doctor, the Iowa Board of Medicine found that the doctor prescribed medicine without properly obtaining medical history or interviewing patients. In his defense, the doctor claimed… Read More »