Category: Medical Issues/Negligence
Sepsis and Septic Shock
Sepsis is serious medical emergency in which the body has an extreme and life-threatening reaction to an infection. Typically, when there is an infection in the body, the immune system will work to fight the infection. Sepsis occurs when this infection-fighting process turns on the body. The immune system stops fighting the infection, and starts damaging the body’s tissues and organs. This leads to an abnormal chain reaction in the clotting system which can cause blood clots to form in the blood vessels and can reduce blood flow to different organs. Sepsis causes a widespread inflammation throughout the body, and...
read moreBreast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells inside one or both breasts mutate and grow out of control. It is the second most common cancer among women, the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, and the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 35 to 54. Although breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, men can get breast cancer as well. Types of Breast Cancer The breast has three main parts: (1) lobules, (2) ducts, and (3) connective tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. There are different kinds of breast cancer; the type...
read moreShoulder Dystocia
During childbirth, an obstetrical emergency called “shoulder dystocia” can occur when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone or sacrum (the bone at the back of the pelvis above the tailbone). When this happens, it prevents the baby from continuing through the birth canal and the baby becomes stuck inside the pelvis. This can cause serious complications for the baby and the mother if not handled properly. Causes and Risk Factors Shoulder dystocia is a relatively rare delivery complication. There are several common, interrelated risk factors, but there is no one certain cause. Factors that may increase...
read moreCauda Equina Syndrome
The collection of nerve roots at the bottom of your spinal cord are known as the “cauda equina” (which translates to “horse tail”). The cauda equina nerves are responsible for the motor and sensory function in the legs and bladder. They send and receive messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs. When there is a dysfunction or compression on the cauda equina nerve roots, it can cause pain, weakness, and incontinence and is referred to as “cauda equina syndrome.” Although it is not life-threatening, cauda equina syndrome can permanently damage a person’s body and affect their health...
read moreAortic Dissection
The aorta is the largest and main artery of the human body. The wall of the aorta is made up of three layers: (1) the inner layer (intima), (2) the middle layer (media), and (3) the outer layer (adventitia). It extends from the base of the neck, down through the chest and abdomen, and branches off to two other arteries–the right and left common iliac arteries–just below the navel. The aorta pumps blood away from the heart and delivers oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention and...
read moreNeurogenic Bladder
The nerves and muscles of the urinary system work together to hold and release urine at the right time. Ordinarily, the nerves carry messages between the bladder and the spinal cord and brain telling the muscles in the bladder to tighten or release. However, in someone suffering from a neurogenic bladder, these nerves and muscles do not communicate and work together the way they should–causing issues with the storage and release of urine from the body. When a neurological condition affects the way someone’s bladder functions, it is referred to as a “neurogenic bladder.” These “neurological conditions” can be injuries...
read moreDeep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
There are two types of veins in the body: superficial veins and deep veins. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in a “deep vein.” This can happen when the vein becomes damaged or if the blood flow within the vein slows down or stops. While superficial veins lie just below the skin’s surface, deep veins are located deep within the muscles and are not as easily accessible. DVT can occur in any deep vein, but most commonly occurs in the legs–typically in the upper thigh or calf. DVT can also occur in the arms and the...
read moreUnderstanding IV Complications and When You Need an Attorney for Medical Malpractice
IVs or intravenous therapy can be lifesaving, but, if mistakes are made, can lead to life threatening consequences. An attorney for medical malpractice can help you navigate the aftermath of this type of medical complication. If you or a loved one has experienced a medical problem due to the negligence of a medical professional’s administration of an IV, this guide will help get you started as you determine if you may need an attorney for medical malpractice. Frequently Asked Questions About IVs and Hiring an Attorney for Medical Malpractice What is intravenous therapy? Intravenous therapy (commonly referred to as an...
read moreCan You Sue A Doctor For Losing Medical Records?
Are you wondering if can you sue a doctor for losing medical records? Medical malpractice cases require a plaintiff to prove that a physician deviated from the standard of medical care. To determine whether a physician provided proper and adequate care to a patient, there are several facts that need to be considered. These include: the patient's condition, the patient’s medical history, the physician’s awareness of the patient's history, the physician's contemporaneous observations, and more. These can be shown using medical records. Therefore, when records are missing from a patient’s file it can be detrimental to their case against a...
read moreAltering Medical Records
Importance Of Medical Records Medical records are the backbone of any medical malpractice case. Before a patient can file a lawsuit against a physician, nurse or a medical facility in Florida, medical experts are required to review sign an affidavit attesting that there is a good faith basis to claim that there was a breach in the standard of care. These experts rely primarily on the patient records to determine whether another doctor did not provide the care any reasonable doctor in the same position would. If a physician, nurse, or medical facility has been altering medical records, then a...
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