Consent is when an individual or entity gives another party the permission or authority to do something. It differs from informed consent because the person asking for consent may not have a legal obligation to provide information that could affect the person’s...
Medical Malpractice
Common types of unnecessary medical treatments
Unnecessary medical treatments cause concern for patients regularly. These treatments can pose long-term risks and a financial burden. Unnecessary treatments come in many forms, making it difficult to recognize them in some instances. There are a few common treatments...
Minimize your chances of falling after surgery
After an operation, it’s common to experience a daze for some time. This disorienting feeling could make the simple act of walking or standing dangerous. Ideally, someone should constantly be monitoring you after an operation, but hospital shortcomings could mean...
The value of a second medical opinion
Receiving a serious medical diagnosis can be life-altering. While you put trust in your care providers, sometimes a second opinion is beneficial. There are several benefits to seeking a second opinion. New perspectives Seeking a second opinion gives you the chance to...
How do I know if my bad medical outcome was a surgical error?
For some, a surgical error is obvious. If you go in for surgery on your right leg, but your bandages are on your left leg, the wrong-site surgical error is apparent. If your surgery was internal and you experienced a bad medical outcome, how do you know if it was the...
How stress and fatigue can lead to medical mistakes?
Stress and fatigue pose significant risks in the medical field. When people do not get enough sleep due to stress or long hours, their thinking can become muddled. This can be especially dangerous in jobs where safety is crucial. For example, tired and drowsy drivers...
Is falling at a hospital treated the same as at any other business?
For readers of legal blogs, you likely know that if you slip and fall at a grocery store or other business, you may have a premises liability claim against the business owner. However, what if you fall at a hospital while you are receiving medical care? Is that a...
6 top causes of medical device failures
Advancements in the medical field have brought about many devices that help in diagnosis, treatment and improved quality of life for patients. From heart pacemakers to insulin pumps, these devices play a pivotal role in healthcare. However, like any other piece of...
“Never events”: 5 kinds of surgery that should never happen
There are surgical errors of unfathomable scale that you would think are humanly impossible. Coined by the National Quality Forum chief executive, “never events” or serious reportable events, as the name suggests, are tragic medical situations that should never have...
Surgical errors make surgeries dangerous to patients
Surgery is necessary for treating specific conditions, but it usually has risks. Patients may sustain injuries or die, especially if the procedure involves sensitive and vital organs. But if the patient suffers damage not because of these risks but because of the...