News sources are reporting that a hospital in Providence, Rhode Island is being fined for committing a surgical error. In fact, since 2007, Rhode Island Hospital has been fined five times for operating on the wrong body part. This means that five patients have undergone surgery only to discover that surgeons performed wrong site operations.
The Rhode Island Department of Health recently fined the hospital $150,000 after one surgeon operated on the wrong finger of a patient this past month. Aside from having to pay the hefty fine, the hospital will now have to install video cameras in every operating room and all surgeries performed will be watched closely by a clinical professional. The state's Department of Health believes this measure will lead to reduced instances of surgical errors while protecting patients' safety.
Prior to this instance, Rhode Island Hospital was already being subjected to ridicule after surgeons performed three separate brain surgeries and operated on the wrong parts of patients' brains. After the errors occurred, the hospital said that it would make proper reforms, but had shown little follow through.
In the United States, patient safety analysis is determined by HealthGrades. According to the analysis, Rhode Island Hospital was average in overall patient safety.
If you have been harmed by a surgical error in Rhode Island, click here to find a medical malpractice lawyer!
Results tagged “surgical errors” from Medical Malpractice Lawyers & Attorneys
When patients need surgery, much stress is associated with lying on an operation room table. This is usually due to the fact that while patients are sedated by anesthesia, any number of things could go wrong and leave them with painful injuries and complications. In some tragic cases, patients may even be killed during surgical procedures if errors are made by surgeons, anesthesiologists and attending medical staff, which is why many people tremble at the thought of having surgery.
Each year, countless people are injured while being operated on. Usually, injuries can be attributed to surgical errors and/or negligence. Believe it or not, surgical errors are quite common, and are typically caused by:
- Medical staff being inattentive
- Medical staff being tired/fatigued
- Poor communication between medical professionals
- Illegible handwriting on patients' medical records
- General negligence and recklessness
Once a person has become a victim of a surgical error, numerous things could happen as a result. In some cases, people may escape with minor injuries that will heal with time. In other cases, surgical errors can lead to extensive internal and external damage, which can adversely impact patients' lives forever.
Thankfully, patients that have been victimized by surgical errors have the right to file a lawsuit against negligent medical professionals. However, before patients file surgical malpractice lawsuits, they should take the time to consult with a highly-trained and experienced medical malpractice lawyer first.
If you sustained an injury from a surgical error, click here to find a medical malpractice lawyer near you!
In Southeast Texas, defendants involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit recently motioned for a dismissal.
According to reports, the plaintiff, the family of Charles West, filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital and two of the hospital's physicians in 2007. The lawsuit was filed after West swallowed a chicken bone. While he did not choke on the bone, the bone continued through his system, and eventually tore a hole in his bowel. The hole led to his sudden death a few days later.
In December 2007, West's family filed a lawsuit against the hospital and two physicians, blaming the defendants for West's death. The family claimed that the hospital's negligence following West's emergency surgery (to repair his bowel) led to the 74 year old man's death.
Yesterday, the defendants were supposed to partake in a motion to dismiss hearing in the 136th District Court. The judge scheduled to preside over the case, Milton Shuffield, was expected to listen to arguments for dismissal. However, court personnel report that the hearing had to be rescheduled for another time because the plaintiffs submitted their answer to the motion only a few hours before the hearing was set to begin. The defendants wanted time to review the 50 page motion before moving forward.
The defendants are expected to argue that the plaintiff's medical reports are insufficient and do not warrant a medical malpractice lawsuit. Despite expert testimony citing the hospital's negligence, the defendants counter that the lawsuit lacks foundation and should be dismissed.
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