Medical Malpractice

The First Five Questions ~

Personal injury cases range from auto accidents to medical malpractice to product or premises liability to other torts resulting in catastrophic injuries. The commonality amongst all of these cases is that a legal duty was breached which resulted in harm and caused financial, physical and emotional distress. In such situations, it is important to select a seasoned attorney who is aggressive, committed and dedicated to empowering you and your case. To find the right legal counsel, here are 5 important questions to ask an attorney:

Do you specialize in personal injury cases?
Select an attorney dedicated to practicing injury law. You will receive access to a network of industry-specific experts, an attorney who is well-versed in this discipline and one who possesses a true passion for his area of specialty. This allows an attorney to focus dedicated resources and expertise on a case. If you are the victim of a personal injury, a claim will generally entitle you to damages, including past and future medical costs, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.

How many cases like mine have you taken to trial or settled?
This answer is indicative of an attorney’s level of experience and skill set as well as knowledge of cases similar to yours. Also, ask about the attorney’s success rate record with trials vs. out-of-court settlements. Most tort cases settle prior to trial. Those that don’t are presented in court to a judge or jury who will determine and award damages. The attorney should have a track record of winning cases which are similar in nature to yours, as well as resolving them through negotiation. It’s also important to have the attorney explain recommendations, based on details of your case.

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San Fernando Valley medical malpractice lawyer Robert Mandell of The Mandell Law Firm obtained a $2.25 million verdict for a patient who suffered an anoxic brain injury during eye surgery. The case, Tseng v. Mazzocco Ambulatory Surgery Center, established that the Ambulatory Surgery Center was negligent in allowing the anesthesiologist to leave the sedated patient unattended and with nurses who were not trained or licensed to care for a patient who had received anesthesia.

During trial proceedings for the San Fernando Valley eye surgery malpractice case, Mr. Mandell described how both the Ambulatory Surgery Center and the anesthesiologist were aware that the plaintiff was diabetic and had a severe, preexisting kidney disease. Nevertheless, the anesthesiologist left, and was permitted to leave by the Ambulatory Surgery Center, the surgery room after the patient was given anesthesia. As a consequence, the patient suffered an anoxic brain injury because no one knew that he had a reaction to the anesthesia and went into a deeper state of sedation than was intended, causing him to be deprived of oxygen.

What is even more shocking about this particular case is that it was proven that the anesthesiologist has a history of leaving sedated patients in the surgery room with nurses who are not trained or licensed to monitor or assist patients who have received anesthesia. In addition, Mr. Mandell helped prove that the Ambulatory Surgery Center knew about and allowed this to happen on many occasions before.

In committing over 30 years to protecting the rights of those harmed by another person’s negligence or oversight, Mr. Mandell and his legal team at The Mandell Law Firm continue to help individuals and families obtain compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.mandellaw.com/ or call 818-886-6600 if you have questions about your particular medical malpractice or personal injury case.

When a patient visits a doctor or other healthcare professional, a high level of trust is given to them by the patient. If the doctor makes a mistake, the consequences can be serious or even deadly, particularly since the patient most likely already has some type of health problem before visiting the doctor.

California medical malpractice can take a variety of forms. The negligence could occur at any point during a patient’s treatment – from discovery of the health problem, to diagnosis, to treatment, or during recovery. Some common medical errors include missing a diagnosis or making an incorrect diagnosis, errors in medication, surgical or hospital errors, birth injuries, and more. Additionally, a medical mistake may be committed by someone other than a doctor – a nurse, therapist, technician, or an aide.

Medical malpractice has occurred if a medical professional breaches their duty to a patient, and results in an injury. In deciding whether a doctor breached their duty to a patient, courts typically consider whether the doctor provided the same standard of care as other doctors in the medical community.

Medical malpractice cases in California can be incredibly complex. In many situations, it’s difficult to tell if malpractice occurred. If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, contact the San Fernando Valley medical malpractice attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm. Our lawyers will work diligently to determine whether negligence occured and will fight to protect your rights. Call today for a free consultation at 818-886-6600 to learn more.

Medical errors are, shockingly, one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. Each year, it’s estimated that between 44,000 and 98,000 people die in hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers some helpful tips to prevent you from becoming a medical malpractice statistic.

The most important thing you can do to help prevent medical errors is to become involved in your health care. When you are taking medication, make sure your doctor knows about every medicine you are currently taking, as well as allergies you have. Make sure the prescription is written clearly, so the pharmacist does not question what your doctor is prescribing. When picking up your prescription, check with the pharmacist that you are getting the correct drug. Make sure to get instructions on taking the medicine from both the doctor and the pharmacist.

If you require treatment at a hospital, choose a hospital that is known to frequently perform the procedure you are having. Ask all health care workers if they have washed their hands – studies show that if patients ask, the workers wash their hands more often and use more soap. Get clear instructions on what type of treatment you will need when you leave the hospital.

When dealing with doctors, make sure that one person is in charge of your care, and that all healthcare personnel have all important health information about you. If you have a test performed, follow up on the results. Learn more about your medical conditions by asking about it.

If a health care professional has committed an error that led to you suffering injury or a medical problem, you may be able to seek compensation. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice in California, contact the San Fernando Valley medical malpractice attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm at 818-886-6600 today for a free consultation.

A male blood donor from Palo Alto is suing Stanford Hospital and Clinics after developing a severe infection following his blood donation. The donor’s blood type is O-positive, one of the most critically needed types, and he had been giving his blood to the Stanford clinic for ten years before the incident.

The donor developed an infection in April 2008, allegedly caused by the needle stick. He was forced to endure expensive surgeries, including the removal of his collarbone, and endured a long, arduous recovery. According to the victim’s attorney, Stanford helped him initially but stopped when the surgeries got too expensive.

In June 2009, the donor filed a lawsuit against Stanford Hospital and Clinics, alleging medical malpractice and breach of contract. The blood center had assured the donor they would take care of him if something went wrong, yet the center did not cover the expenses of the resulting injuries. The victim’s attorney said the sum that his client will ask for has not yet been determined and will depend on how much Stanford earns from selling donated blood. The case is currently being litigated in Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Medical malpractice is a serious issue and can cause lasting injury and financial burden. Health professionals should be held accountable for all mistakes that harm patients. The Mandell Law Firm is an aggressive Northridge personal injury law firm that has the legal experience needed to obtain compensation from negligent medical parties. If you, or a loved one, have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, contact San Fernando Valley medical malpractice attorney Robert J. Mandell at (818) 866-6600 for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=15277

A five year old child was awarded $7.3 million by a Los Angeles jury in a case against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the sfgate.com website reported. The hospital’s doctors were found negligent for failing to rapidly determine what was wrong with the baby and for failing to properly treat him for meningitis. The lawsuit had originally been filed in 2005 and alleged that the doctors at Cedars neonatal intensive care were negligent. The trial was held in Superior court where the verdict was unanimous. Sadly though, the child suffered brain damage and will require medical attention for the rest of his life.

Diane Corwin, plaintiff’s lawyer, stated that the award would be deposited in a trust to take care of the child’s past and future medical care.

Simi Singer, Cedars-Sinai spokeswoman, stated she did not have details and was therefore unable to make a comment on the matter.

It is upsetting when medical professionals fail to provide an expected standard of care, especially when infants are involved. Each day, thousands of people see doctors, check into hospitals or rush to the emergency room for treatment for various ailments and illnesses. All too often, we take for granted that the standard of care given by those in the medical field will meet certain expectations. But what about the thousands of people who encounter medical professionals who don’t live up to even the lowest of standards? These individuals are victims of medical negligence also known as medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one believes you have suffered at the hands of a doctor, dentist, nurse, or any other medical healthcare professional in the San Fernando Valley area, the lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve. These cases can be complicated and you need knowledgeable and experienced Northridge medical malpractice attorneys on your side. Please call the Mandell Law Firm at 1-818-886-6600 for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/08/28/state/n214050D89.DTL&type=printable

A 56 year old woman in Norwalk, Connecticut has been arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and criminal impersonation charges for posing as a nurse in a doctor’s office. The story on the montereyherald.com website reported that the woman had gone as far as to spend $2,000 to throw herself a dinner party honoring her as “Nurse of the Year”. Officials stated that the Dr. believed she was a nurse especially after being named the Connecticut Nursing Association’s “Nurse of the Year” in 2008. The State’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit received a complaint from a patient which prompted the officials to investigate. Officials say the association does not exist. The woman faces up to 5 years if found guilty.

When we go to the doctor, we expect the most professional care and environment to ensure the best medical attention possible. It already takes a lot for most of us to get into a doctor’s office, and stories like this do not help. Thousands of us visit doctors and check into hospitals everyday and we assume we are in the hands of qualified professionals, providing the highest level of medical care. When medical professionals do not meet these criteria and their patients suffer as a result, they can be found guilty of committing medical negligence also known as medical malpractice.

The Northridge medical malpractice lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm have represented many clients who have been injured due to a medical professional’s negligence. Our skilled attorneys have the experience you will need to take on the often complex cases that ensue when hospitals and doctors are involved. These doctors and institutions must take all required actions to ensure that they are operating a professional and safe business. At the Mandell Law Firm, all efforts will be exhausted to make sure that you and your family are rewarded the maximum settlement for your pain and suffering. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to medical malpractice in the San Fernando Valley, please do not hesitate to contact the Mandell Law Firm at 1-818-886-6600 for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.montereyherald.com/ci_13008857?nclick_check=1