Study: Hospitals Attempt to Bury Evidence of Medical Malpractice

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PHOENIX, AZ, March 12, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hospitals in Arizona and across the country are burying their mistakes, according to a new study recently released by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson. The study found that 15,000 Medicare patients die every month in part due to inadequate treatment in hospitals. The types of medical malpractice detailed in the study are gruesome and include surgical fires, objects left inside patients after surgery and surgeries performed on the wrong patients. If your loved one has died due to hospital negligence, you need to speak with a Phoenix medical malpractice attorney to discuss your legal options.

The inspector general's study follows a report by ProPublica showing that the number of autopsies performed at hospitals has dropped drastically over the past few decades. Autopsies used to be performed on about half of patients who died in hospitals, but now autopsies are performed in only about 5 percent of cases. Some hospitals actively avoid performing autopsies because they do not want to reveal evidence of malpractice.

An autopsy is sometimes called "the ultimate medical audit" because it provides an accurate picture of what caused a patient's death. One of the most common types of medical negligence revealed during an autopsy is a medical misdiagnosis. Doctors often fail to fully investigate a patient's symptoms and consequently overlook a very serious disease or condition.

"You really can't say for sure what went on or didn't go on without the autopsy as a quality assurance tool," said Dr. Stephen Cina, chairman of the forensic pathology committee for the College of American Pathologists.

This type of quality assurance makes hospitals nervous because it can raise the number of wrongful death and professional negligence lawsuits filed. Hospitals also have financial reasons for discouraging autopsies because insurers typically do not reimburse the cost of an autopsy. Some new hospitals are even built without a place to do autopsies in an effort to discourage the procedure.

The lack of autopsies is just part of a larger problem of hospitals underreporting the number of serious mistakes that occur. Inspector General Levinson's study indicates that only one in seven medical errors that harm Medicare patients is reported. This is disturbing because about 130,000 Medicare recipients were harmed by medical negligence in a single month, according to estimates in the study. Hospitals also often ignore the few medical errors that are reported, which means that no procedures are put in place to prevent future errors.

The Obama administration does not plan to establish federal medical error reporting requirements because at least 27 states have established mandatory reporting requirements for adverse events such as infections. Unfortunately, it appears that these reporting obligations are widely ignored and that the high rates of medical malpractice in hospitals will continue to be an issue. Any change in reporting requirements will likely come from the Department of Health and Human Services under the threat of withholding Medicaid payments.

With offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale, the Phoenix medical malpractice attorneys, at the Knapp & Roberts law firm, have experience handling Arizona personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death cases. If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss with a Phoenix personal injury attorney, please contact us right away for a free personal injury consultation. Visit our Web site http://www.krattorneys.com/ for more information or call us at 480-991-7677 to discuss your legal options.

Knapp & Roberts - Phoenix Office
850 North 2nd Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Telephone: 480-991-7677
Toll Free: 800-541-4477
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=232527500943094580
http://pview.findlaw.com/view/4012983_1

Knapp & Roberts - Scottsdale Office
8777 North Gainey Center Drive
Scottsdale AZ 85258
Telephone: 480-991-7677
Toll Free: 800-541-4477
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=16070087379577341287
http://pview.findlaw.com/view/1196235_1

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How to Try and Avoid Becoming a Victim of Colon Cancer Malpractice

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NEW YORK, NY, March 16, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Unfortunately, about 103,170 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in America every year. According to the American Cancer Society, if you exclude skin cancers, it's "the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States." Furthermore, 40,290 new cases of rectal cancer are also diagnosed each year. Although the risk of developing these diseases is slightly lower in women, we all still stand about a one-in-twenty chance of finding out that we have one of these types of cancer during our lifetime. About 51, 690 new cases are likely to be diagnosed during 2012.

Fortunately, more and more people are undergoing their first colonoscopy at about age fifty. This is a highly effective test for determining if you have a benign or malignant growth in your colon. Currently, there are about one million living survivors of colon cancer. Everyone's chances of beating this disease greatly increase if they discover it in its earliest stages.

At present, most adults are advised to have a new colonoscopy every ten years. If numerous polyps or growths are found during any initial exams, which time span may be temporarily or permanently shortened.

Since even the most talented and experienced doctors can sometimes misread symptoms of colon cancer, it's important for patients to recognize some of the most serious ones. Always remember that you should obtain a second opinion when you don't believe your symptoms are being taken seriously or evaluated properly.

The following list includes many of the symptoms we must all both readily recognize and act upon in order to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Possible Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- You may notice a definite change in your bowel habits or needs. For instance, you may start to experience rather pronounced diarrhea, constipation and marked changes in the appearance of your stool;
- A person may develop a frustrating sense, even after passing stool, that he or she still needs to pass more but cannot do so;
- You may see blood in your stool. Be aware that the stool itself may not change shape, even when blood starts to appear in it. Let your doctor decide whether the blood is being caused by hemorrhoids or something more serious;
- A person may see a definite darkening in his or her stool that lasts more than a few days and can't be easily attributed to a marked change in diet. Always go see a specialist whenever you suspect colon cancer or problems passing stool;
- You may find yourself experiencing distinct fatigue and weakness;
- A person may experience abdominal cramping that's rather painful;
- You may experience unintended weight loss.

When you start to experience one or more of these symptoms, immediately go see your primary care doctor. Odds are, he or she will quickly refer you on to a specialist if initial fecal lab tests results indicate that you may have a serious disease in your colon.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New York
Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolf LLP
122 E. 42nd Street, Suite 3800
212-697-9280
http://www.medicalmalpractice.net/

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Study: Hospitals Attempt to Bury Evidence of Medical Malpractice

The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.
The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.

PHOENIX, AZ, March 12, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hospitals in Arizona and across the country are burying their mistakes, according to a new study recently released by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson. The study found that 15,000 Medicare patients die every month in part due to inadequate treatment in hospitals. The types of medical malpractice detailed in the study are gruesome and include surgical fires, objects left inside patients after surgery and surgeries performed on the wrong patients. If your loved one has died due to hospital negligence, you need to speak with a Phoenix medical malpractice attorney to discuss your legal options.

The inspector general's study follows a report by ProPublica showing that the number of autopsies performed at hospitals has dropped drastically over the past few decades. Autopsies used to be performed on about half of patients who died in hospitals, but now autopsies are performed in only about 5 percent of cases. Some hospitals actively avoid performing autopsies because they do not want to reveal evidence of malpractice.

An autopsy is sometimes called "the ultimate medical audit" because it provides an accurate picture of what caused a patient's death. One of the most common types of medical negligence revealed during an autopsy is a medical misdiagnosis. Doctors often fail to fully investigate a patient's symptoms and consequently overlook a very serious disease or condition.

"You really can't say for sure what went on or didn't go on without the autopsy as a quality assurance tool," said Dr. Stephen Cina, chairman of the forensic pathology committee for the College of American Pathologists.

This type of quality assurance makes hospitals nervous because it can raise the number of wrongful death and professional negligence lawsuits filed. Hospitals also have financial reasons for discouraging autopsies because insurers typically do not reimburse the cost of an autopsy. Some new hospitals are even built without a place to do autopsies in an effort to discourage the procedure.

The lack of autopsies is just part of a larger problem of hospitals underreporting the number of serious mistakes that occur. Inspector General Levinson's study indicates that only one in seven medical errors that harm Medicare patients is reported. This is disturbing because about 130,000 Medicare recipients were harmed by medical negligence in a single month, according to estimates in the study. Hospitals also often ignore the few medical errors that are reported, which means that no procedures are put in place to prevent future errors.

The Obama administration does not plan to establish federal medical error reporting requirements because at least 27 states have established mandatory reporting requirements for adverse events such as infections. Unfortunately, it appears that these reporting obligations are widely ignored and that the high rates of medical malpractice in hospitals will continue to be an issue. Any change in reporting requirements will likely come from the Department of Health and Human Services under the threat of withholding Medicaid payments.

With offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale, the Phoenix medical malpractice attorneys, at the Knapp & Roberts law firm, have experience handling Arizona personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death cases. If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss with a Phoenix personal injury attorney, please contact us right away for a free personal injury consultation. Visit our Web site http://www.krattorneys.com/ for more information or call us at 480-991-7677 to discuss your legal options.

Knapp & Roberts - Phoenix Office
850 North 2nd Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Telephone: 480-991-7677
Toll Free: 800-541-4477
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=232527500943094580
http://pview.findlaw.com/view/4012983_1

Knapp & Roberts - Scottsdale Office
8777 North Gainey Center Drive
Scottsdale AZ 85258
Telephone: 480-991-7677
Toll Free: 800-541-4477
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=16070087379577341287
http://pview.findlaw.com/view/1196235_1

---
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New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer from The Perecman Firm Comments on Baby's Death Linked to Circumcision

The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.
The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.

NEW YORK, NY, March 10, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Saturday, the New York Daily News (3/3/2012) reported that a two-week old baby died last fall from herpes following a controversial circumcision ritual at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.

A number of serious New York medical malpractice lawsuits have concerned circumcision errors, said New York medical malpractice lawyer David Perecman.

In this case, the cause of death was listed as "disseminated herpes simplex virus Type 1, complicating ritual circumcision with oral suction," according to the tabloid.

This is not the first time a baby boy has died as a result of the ultra-Orthodox circumcision ritual known as metzizah b' peh. In 2004 city health officials revealed that an infant died after undergoing the circumcision-related rite, said the Daily News.

Under the practice, which has been criticized by city health officials, the rabbi or mohel removes blood from the wound using his mouth.

The practice persists despite known health risks. Because the immune system of babies is not developed enough to fight serious infection, infections like herpes which is mostly harmless to adults, could be fatal for children.

"Trusted professionals can make medical decisions that lead to devastating results," said New York medical malpractice lawyer Perecman, a medical malpractice lawyer in New York with over 30 years of experience. "If you believe you or someone in your family has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced New York medical malpractice lawyer to help you investigate your rights and determine steps you can take to obtain compensation. Do not agree to any settlement with a doctor, hospital or other medical professional who may be responsible for your injury until you have met with a New York medical malpractice lawyer."

If you or your child have been injured or you have lost a loved one through medical malpractice in New York, please contact the New York personal injury lawyers at The Perecman Firm at http://www.perecman.com.

About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:

For the past 30 years, the New York medical malpractice, construction accident, auto accident, and personal injury lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of cases including falling object injuries. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, is a Board Director and the past Secretary and Treasurer of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) and a chair of its Labor Law Committee. Mr. Perecman's achievements have brought him recognition as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010.

The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict** for a construction accident, a $5.35 million dollar verdict*** for an automobile accident, and a
$40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice****.

The Perecman Firm serves Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY, Morris County, and Rockland County.

**later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
*** later settled for $3.5 million
**** total potential payout

"Lawyer Advertising"
"Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome."

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new york city medical malpractice attorney, medical negligence, circumcision, metzizah b' peh, hospital negligence, wrongful death, lawyer, attorney, the perecman firm, new york, nycRead more Press Releases from Penni Horwitz:

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How to Try and Avoid Becoming a Victim of Colon Cancer Malpractice

The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.
The remote server returned an unexpected response: (417) Expectation failed.

NEW YORK, NY, March 16, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Unfortunately, about 103,170 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in America every year. According to the American Cancer Society, if you exclude skin cancers, it's "the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States." Furthermore, 40,290 new cases of rectal cancer are also diagnosed each year. Although the risk of developing these diseases is slightly lower in women, we all still stand about a one-in-twenty chance of finding out that we have one of these types of cancer during our lifetime. About 51, 690 new cases are likely to be diagnosed during 2012.

Fortunately, more and more people are undergoing their first colonoscopy at about age fifty. This is a highly effective test for determining if you have a benign or malignant growth in your colon. Currently, there are about one million living survivors of colon cancer. Everyone's chances of beating this disease greatly increase if they discover it in its earliest stages.

At present, most adults are advised to have a new colonoscopy every ten years. If numerous polyps or growths are found during any initial exams, which time span may be temporarily or permanently shortened.

Since even the most talented and experienced doctors can sometimes misread symptoms of colon cancer, it's important for patients to recognize some of the most serious ones. Always remember that you should obtain a second opinion when you don't believe your symptoms are being taken seriously or evaluated properly.

The following list includes many of the symptoms we must all both readily recognize and act upon in order to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Possible Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- You may notice a definite change in your bowel habits or needs. For instance, you may start to experience rather pronounced diarrhea, constipation and marked changes in the appearance of your stool;
- A person may develop a frustrating sense, even after passing stool, that he or she still needs to pass more but cannot do so;
- You may see blood in your stool. Be aware that the stool itself may not change shape, even when blood starts to appear in it. Let your doctor decide whether the blood is being caused by hemorrhoids or something more serious;
- A person may see a definite darkening in his or her stool that lasts more than a few days and can't be easily attributed to a marked change in diet. Always go see a specialist whenever you suspect colon cancer or problems passing stool;
- You may find yourself experiencing distinct fatigue and weakness;
- A person may experience abdominal cramping that's rather painful;
- You may experience unintended weight loss.

When you start to experience one or more of these symptoms, immediately go see your primary care doctor. Odds are, he or she will quickly refer you on to a specialist if initial fecal lab tests results indicate that you may have a serious disease in your colon.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New York
Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolf LLP
122 E. 42nd Street, Suite 3800
212-697-9280
http://www.medicalmalpractice.net/

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