Wrong Site Surgery

When a surgeon operates on the wrong limb, the patient often sustains a devastating injury. Wrong site surgery occurs not only on the wrong limb or organ but on the wrong patient. This error results from numerous breakdowns in the hospital's system, including poor preoperative planning, a lack of institutional controls, the failure of the surgeon to exercise due care, or poor communication between the surgeon and the patient.

Dermatology Malpractice

Even physicians who practice dermatology may be liable for damages to a patient caused by their medical malpractice. Studies indicate that most malpractice claims result from the most common types of clinical situations, not the more exotic procedures.

Medical Malpractice Actions under the Federal Tort Claims Act

Generally, there is a waiver of liability for the malpractice committed by employees of the United States government pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The government is substituted for the physician as a party in medical malpractice actions, and the remedy against the government is exclusive. The federal courts have sole jurisdiction in cases under the FTCA, and a judge without a jury tries them.

Use of Binding Arbitration Clauses in Nursing Home Patient Contracts

Use of Binding Arbitration Clauses in Nursing Home Patient Contracts

Radiology Outsourcing

There is a serious shortage of radiologists in the United States. One trade journal recently reported there is an average of four vacancies per radiology department at American academic centers over the past two years. In response to the nationwide shortage and to the demand for more sophisticated scans to diagnose illnesses, physicians at many small American hospitals are relying on companies that outsource diagnosis tasks to offshore radiologists.