A Miami Veterans Affairs hospital is in hot water after a judge recently sided with a patient who filed a lawsuit against the institution. According to the claim, the patient was infected with hepatitis C after hospital personnel used a tainted endoscope during a colonoscopy in 2007. The medical malpractice suit is still awaiting the judge's financial decision, but the man has claimed $30 million in damages.
Florida meningitis outbreak victim files lawsuit
A great number of hospital patients are placed on medication during their stay and after they leave. Not surprisingly, Miami patients take these medications without a second thought. And they should not have to second guess their doctor's prescription. Years of training should allow doctors to avoid medication errors. Yet, incidents of prescribing the wrong medicine or defective medications still happen often enough for concern.
Settlement reached in nursing home neglect case
When individuals think of nursing home neglect, they often think of bed sores, malnourishment and missed medications. But neglect can extend over a broader range of behaviors by professionals who work in nursing homes. The threat of a nursing home fall, for example, poses serious risks to residents. When professionals fail to prevent these falls, severe injuries can result. The parties to one such case in New York recently reached a settlement. It serves as an illustration as to why Miami residents should pay attention to nursing home conditions.
Study shows increased mortality risk for victims of bed sores
Hospitals, while good-intentioned, often pose serious risks to patients. Surgeries can go wrong, conditions can go undiagnosed and incorrect medications can be prescribed. But the dangers do not stop there. After an operation, for example, neglected patients can develop bed sores. A UCLA study has shown just how dangerous these sores can be, and Miami residents should take note.
Missed diagnosis leads to patient's blindness
Miami patients expect their doctors to be able to accurately diagnose their medical conditions. Unfortunately, many times doctors fail their patients in this respect. A missed diagnosis not only prevents treatment of the existing condition, but also can raise new illnesses related to improper treatment. failure to diagnose a condition, therefore, poses a serious risk to all patients.
