Marynell Maloney Law Firm, PLLC

Advances in medical care equipment may reduce errors

2023-04-05T04:58:24Z

Health care providers and facilities in Texas and other states are always looking for ways to create a better experience for patients and their families. For many facilities, this means using the latest medical care technology to provide patients with better care. Medical care tools can be used to reduce the number of errors that can cause serious health problems. These technological advances are being utilized in nationwide facilities to assist health care providers and reduce the chances of medical malpractice.

New medical technology

Patients in hospitals and other facilities face risks from medical errors related to infections, incorrect medication, improper diagnosis and surgical complications. But some hospitals are using technology to try and prevent these errors. When used in combination with traditional medical care practices, these advances can help keep patients safe and healthy. Artificial intelligence is being used to ensure that patients are provided the proper medication, taking into account other medications they take and their specific health concerns. Advances in AI can also help reduce surgical injuries related to blood clots and sepsis by using an algorithm to assess risk on a patient-by-patient basis.

Patients face many risks during procedures

Patients are at risk during medical procedures due to errors made by healthcare providers. While some facilities use technology to help reduce errors, medical malpractice injuries are still a serious concern for Texas patients. When one does experience an injury due to medical malpractice, one has the legal right to seek compensation from the party at fault. An attorney with experience in medical malpractice cases can help victims know and protect their rights.

Transparency is a concern in Texas medical malpractice cases

2023-03-23T16:07:55Z

When one must undergo medical treatment, one may first do some research on health care providers in the area of Texas in which they live. This research can provide information that may help the patient choose a facility or provider that they feel comfortable with. Research may include reviews from past patients as well as information on whether the provider or facility has ever been involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Unfortunately, much information about medical malpractice cases is not available.

Not all medical malpractice cases are made public

When a patient files a lawsuit for medical malpractice, that case may go to a jury trial or it may be settled out of court or by a judge. In most cases, information on those settled out of court or by a judge will not be available to the public through a basic information search. This can put patients at a disadvantage when one is deciding whom to trust with one’s care. If a patient were to search for a provider or healthcare facility to find their malpractice history, that information may legally be kept private. Patients and their families are not given the opportunity to make informed medical care decisions if they don’t have access to all relevant information. Transparency is key in reducing the number of patients who may suffer from medical malpractice.

Victims have the right to seek compensation

A victim of medical malpractice may be left injured for life with outstanding medical bills and other expenses. Victims and surviving family members have the right to seek compensation when medical malpractice was a factor in the injury or death. Texas medical malpractice victims can consult an attorney to better understand the legal path in seeking monetary compensation.

Understanding common orthopedic birth injuries

2023-03-08T04:12:31Z

Preparing for childbirth in Texas may include the expectant mother taking birthing classes, creating a cozy nursery for bringing the new baby home, and reading about the different stages of labor. While many pregnant women feel nervous about the process of birth, especially if it’s their first child, most don’t expect anything to go seriously wrong. But on some occasions, things do go wrong, and the baby suffers from an orthopedic birth injury. Many times, these injuries could have been prevented with proper fetal monitoring and care during and after the birth.

Common birth injuries

Not all birth injuries are the result of medical malpractice or negligence, but many are. Some of the most common birth injuries involve orthopedic issues. This may include fractures, damage to the brachial plexus, or injuries to growth plates. Some of these injuries are not serious and may resolve themselves over time. Others though can lead to lifelong debilitating conditions that may require extensive therapies, surgeries, and other treatments. Orthopedic birth injuries can happen during vaginal birth or when the mother undergoes a c-section. If the baby and mother aren’t monitored properly, and swift action is not taken when an issue arises, the baby can be injured. Sadly, this often means the newborn may need extra care after birth and the new parents may not be able to take their child home as quickly as expected.

Seeking help after a birth injury

A mother puts a lot of trust in her healthcare team before, during, and after childbirth. When a medical professional is negligent during this crucial time period, the child can suffer serious injuries. Parents of a child injured due to medical malpractice can consult an experienced attorney to see what options they have in acting against the individual and/or health care facility deemed at fault.

Victim’s estate awarded millions in medical malpractice lawsuit

2023-02-21T11:42:04Z

Preparing for a medical procedure in Texas can cause much anxiety for the patient and family members. Fortunately, most medical procedures go as expected and the patient makes a full recovery afterward. On rare occasions though, something goes wrong during the procedure or during recovery. When a health care provider doesn’t follow the established standards of care and the patient is injured, medical malpractice may be the cause of the injury. When a man in another state died after a procedure, his family was successful in their lawsuit against the doctor caring for him and the health center where he was treated.

Details of the case

The victim was being treated for a heart condition and was to undergo a procedure called cardiac catheterization. In this procedure, a tube is inserted into a blood vessel near the heart. The doctor who performed the procedure inserted the tube into a different area of the heart, which caused complications leading to the victim’s death. The family of the deceased victim sued the doctor who performed the procedure and the heart center where he was treated. The jury awarded the victim’s estate several million dollars in damages in the medical malpractice lawsuit. These damages were awarded based on the value of life, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses for the victim.

Justice for medical malpractice victims

Losing a loved one to medical malpractice is devastating for a family. Patients and their families should feel comfortable with their healthcare providers and should not have to worry about something going wrong due to negligence. Victims of medical malpractice in Texas have the right to seek justice through the civil court system. Consulting with an attorney can provide information on how to proceed forward with a lawsuit against those at fault.

Birth injuries regarding 3 signs of fetal distress

2023-02-17T10:53:42Z

If you're expecting a baby, you and your obstetrician (OB) will no doubt have numerous conversations about your child's health. If an issue arises at any time that signals fetal distress, a Texas OB can take immediate steps to try to protect your health and safety, as well as your baby's, such as ordering a C-section delivery, if needed. Consequently, if an OB fails to act when a baby shows signs of distress in the womb, serious birth injuries may occur. While you are not responsible for the actions of your OB, it is helpful to learn as much as you can about three common signs of fetal distress, so that you may be able to recognize when something doesn't seem right during pregnancy, labor or delivery. Sadly, many birth injuries occur because of medical negligence. If an infant survives such injuries, there may be life-long implications, such as a permanent disability.

Failure to diagnose low amniotic fluid can lead to birth injuries

During prenatal visits, the OB who is monitoring your pregnancy checks to make sure your baby is progressing well in preparation of childbirth. An issue that would cause your doctor great concern, especially in the first two trimesters, is low amniotic fluid. Severe deformities may occur in an infant, as well as other adverse effects, some of which may be life-threatening. Low amniotic fluid is one of the most common reasons for a C-section delivery. This is particularly relevant if a doctor diagnoses your condition from 37 weeks onward or during labor.

Your child's heart rate should be regular

If, at any time during pregnancy, labor or delivery, your baby's heart starts beating too fast or too slow, it can be a sign of fetal distress. Depending on the situation, an OB might ask you to take a non-stress test or might perform an ultrasound to check on the baby's well-being.

If your baby stops moving, it is a sign of fetal distress

You might notice that your baby is more active in the womb at certain times of day, or you might experience some days when he or she is more active than others. This is normal and is to be expected in a healthy pregnancy. However, if your baby stops moving or movements have greatly slowed and are not increasing again, you will want to discuss the issue right away with your medical team because this is a common sign of fetal distress. If a Texas OB fails to diagnose fetal distress, resulting in birth injuries to your infant, you can act on your child's behalf to seek restitution against any and all parties whose negligence was a causal factor toward the damages that occurred.

Former NFL player sues for medical negligence

2023-02-21T14:11:32Z

Professional athletes in Texas and states around the nation endure physical strain during training, practice and games. This extreme physical strain often leaves athletes with injuries that can leave them unable to participate in their sport for periods of time ranging from a few days to many months. Sadly, sometimes athletes must retire prematurely because of their injuries, or in the case of one former NFL player from another state, they must leave their sport because of improper medical care.

A career-ending injury

The victim in this case injured his knee, specifically tearing the posterior cruciate ligament, during a game in 2017. He needed surgery to repair the injury but believes the surgeon ignored another injury, a torn meniscus, leaving him with permanent damage to his knee. The former NFL player also believes that he wasn’t given proper medical advice during his recovery. Because of the extent of his injuries, and the damage after his surgery, the man was forced to retire from the NFL early. He is now suing the surgeon and the orthopedic facility that oversaw his recovery. He believes his football career ended early due to medical negligence.

Victims of medical malpractice can suffer greatly

Not only do victims of medical malpractice often have life-altering injuries, they are also often put in a position of financial instability. Injuries can end one’s career, leaving them with medical bills and other expenses that they can’t afford to pay for. Medical malpractice victims in Texas have the right to consult an attorney to see if they have cause to pursue a case against those whose negligence contributed to their injuries.

Woman burned during surgical procedure

2023-01-27T14:22:08Z

When a Texas patient prepares for surgery, the doctor may require certain physical preparations be completed or that certain guidelines be met before the surgery can be performed. Patients themselves often try to prepare mentally for surgery as the process can be understandably stressful and requires full trust in the medical team performing the surgery. The last thing a patient should need to worry about is suffering from serious injuries that can come from faulty equipment during surgery. Sadly, a woman in another state recently suffered severe burns from equipment used during a procedure.

Misuse of equipment

The patient was undergoing surgery to remove tumors from the back of her neck and shoulder. During the procedure, she was placed on oxygen through a tube in her nose. The medical care team was using a cauterizing tool to close the surgical wounds when the tool sparked and ignited the oxygen.

The spark caused the fabric drapes on the woman to catch fire, burning her face and neck. The burns were severe with some being second and third-degree, causing the victim significant pain. Now the woman is suing the surgical center along with several of the medical care staff that performed the surgery.

Legal help for injured victims

Medical malpractice is a serious legal matter that often leaves victims with life-altering injuries. Sadly, victims frequently report an impact on their quality of life after such injuries, and many are no longer able to work. Those who were injured due to medical malpractice have legal options when it comes to seeking compensation for their injuries. A Texas attorney with experience in medical malpractice can provide insight into an individual’s case and what options they have moving forward.

Doctor fined after medical malpractice accusation

2023-01-11T02:33:10Z

When someone seeks medical care in Texas, they expect to be diagnosed correctly and in a timely manner. A misdiagnosis can lead to long-term issues for the patient, and in some cases, it can be fatal. Sadly, a family in another state is mourning the loss of a loved one because he was not properly diagnosed and treated. The doctor who cared for the man was fined and ordered to further his education in his field, but the victim’s family doesn’t believe his punishment was severe enough.

The cause of medical malpractice accusations

The victim was a man seeking treatment for pain in his knee. The doctor who treated him had been practicing medicine for over 40 years and was a well-respected physician with no prior history of medical malpractice accusations. Ultimately, the state’s board of health determined that the physician was guilty of medical malpractice.

In this case, the doctor was accused and agreed to a settlement. The victim’s daughter is understandably devastated at the loss of her father and she believes the fine and order of continued education is not enough. She now hopes to work towards getting the medical malpractice laws changed in her state to help victims and their families in the future.

Medical malpractice victims have legal rights

Not every injury or death related to medical diagnosis and treatment can be attributed to medical malpractice. But when a Texas healthcare provider fails to follow the proper standards of care, and a patient is injured in some manner, the patient or their surviving family members have the right to seek justice through the legal system. Compensation from a medical malpractice suit can provide funds to take care of medical bills, costs associated with loss of work, and other expenses.

Former patients accuse cardiologist of medical malpractice

2022-12-26T09:17:14Z

There are many heart conditions that can be made worse when a cardiologist doesn’t follow standards of care when treating patients in Texas. This may include medical neglect where proper treatment is not provided. But it can also include overtreatment where a patient goes through unnecessary procedures that can exacerbate existing heart conditions. A cardiologist in another state is facing medical malpractice accusations from several former patients based on the care they received.

Medical malpractice in cardiology

Treating heart conditions requires knowledge about which treatments work best based on the patient’s condition. Sadly, several patients believe they were mistreated by a formerly well-known and respected cardiologist. One patient, a 70-year-old male, underwent dozens of procedures and had over 40 stents implanted in his chest. Others have similar stories that led to reviews of the cardiologist’s procedures by other experts in the field.

The results of the review by the cardiac experts show that the cardiologist may not have followed the standard treatments based on the symptoms and conditions presented by the patients in question. Some of the claims in the medical malpractice complaints include misdiagnosis of heart conditions. The victims also allege that the doctor performed unnecessary procedures, leading to permanent injuries.

Seeking compensation for medical malpractice injuries

Victims of medical malpractice can suffer the rest of their lives when misdiagnosed or not treated properly. Not only does this affect one’s quality of life, but it can also mean that the victim can no longer work, and they may face medical bills that can strain their finances. Victims of medical malpractice in Texas can speak with an attorney to see what legal options they have in pursuing a case against the provider at fault.

Texas doctors know how to recognize a stroke

2025-02-18T19:43:00Z

If you aren't feeling well and schedule a visit with your primary care physician, he or she may determine that you have a particular condition that is causing your symptoms. If it's a virus, your treatment plan might simply include rest and lots of fluids. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to help you get well. There are certain symptoms, however, that might compel a Texas physician to diagnose a more serious underlying condition, such as a stroke.

When a person is having a stroke, there are often distinct symptoms. Being able to recognize such symptoms and knowing where to seek support can often save a person's life. On the other hand, if a doctor were to fail to diagnose recognizable symptoms of a stroke, the results might mean that you end up with permanent brain damage. In a worst-case scenario, a missed diagnosis for stroke might result in a fatality.

3 symptoms that often mean a person is having a stroke

There are two main types of strokes, one being ischemic and the other hemorrhagic. The latter occurs when there is a burst blood vessel, causing bleeding in the brain. The former is a blockage, usually caused by a blood clot. The following list shows some of the most common symptoms associated with either type of stroke:

One-sided weakness or numbness in the face or body
Sudden, excruciating headache with no obvious cause
Sudden onset of incoherent speech

If someone you know is exhibiting signs of a stroke, it is helpful to instruct the person to raise both arms above the head. If he or she is unable to do so, it is possible that a stroke is occurring, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

Did a doctor fail to diagnose your stroke?

If you survived a stroke, the incident may have had lasting effects, such as sagging in one side of your face, difficulty forming speech or impaired mobility. Depending on the exact type and severity of the stroke you had, you may be able to achieve a full recovery or could have permanent impairments.

The average physician understands the acronym F.A.S.T. in association with stroke victims. It stands for FACE, ARMS, SPEECH and TIME. A failed diagnosis may result in loss of life or permanent injuries. If a physician examined you while you were experiencing symptoms and failed to diagnose a stroke, you may have grounds for seeking restitution in court.