Maryland Malpractice Blog tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009-05-04:/14 2009-10-22T00:48:30Z Provided by the law offices of Robinson and Associates. Movable Type 4.25 Wrong Diagnosis tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.465 2009-10-22T00:48:15Z 2009-10-22T00:48:30Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com With the multitude of technological advances that have occurred in the field of medicine, it is difficult to comprehend that a patient could still be wrongly diagnosed in this day and time.  It seems impossible and inconceivable that a patient could be diagnosed by a professionally trained physician with a disease or illness that they do not even have.  Patients that are wrongly diagnosed may be injured in more ways than one.  Not only does the patient have to deal with the pain and suffering inflicted on them by the diagnosis and the fear it brings, but the patient may also be subjected to unnecessary and painful medical treatments.  Often these treatments carry with them adverse side affects that can cause either temporary or permanent damage to the individual's health and quality of life.  Before a diagnosis is made, the physician should carefully review all information to ensure that they are giving the patient the correct diagnosis.  Otherwise, the physician may be sued for medical malpractice if the patient discovers that they are not suffering from the disease with which they were diagnosed and treated.

     When a patient describes the symptoms that they have been experiencing to their physician, the physician many times is not able to make an immediate diagnosis.  Medical tests may be required in order to determine what illness is causing the patient's symptoms.  Many illnesses have similar symptoms; therefore, physicians have to take great pains to make certain they all necessary tests have been conducted in order to make a correct diagnosis.  Because many medications can have harmful side effects, it is imperative that patients not be prescribed medications for illnesses or diseases they do not have.  A cost-benefit analysis usually needs to be considered before any medication is prescribed, as most medications carry potential health risks.  In some cases, the risk of leaving the illness untreated is greater than the risks posed by the medication.  However, if the patient does not have the illness the medication is designed to treat, then the patient has just taken a harmful medication without purpose or benefit to their health.

    A wrong diagnosis can not only affect the patient's physical health but their mental health as well.  The anguish experienced by individuals when diagnosed with an illness or disease is often overwhelming and can be debilitating.  When a patient suffers this type of emotional distress due to a wrong diagnosis, the party responsible for the wrong diagnosis should be held accountable.  While most physicians correctly diagnose their patients, there are those physicians that can and do wrongly diagnose their patients.  Patients that have been wrongly diagnosed and suffered physically and emotionally due to the wrong diagnosis may be entitled to compensation by the responsible party.

    The law firm of Robinson and Associates employs attorneys that are dedicated to assisting individuals in Maryland and Washington D.C. that have been victims of medical malpractice.  Robinson and Associates is a law firm with years of experience regarding medical malpractice claims and provide no obligation consultations to those individuals in Maryland and Washington D.C. that have been wrongly diagnosed by their physician.
]]> Uninformed Consent tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.464 2009-10-22T00:47:55Z 2009-10-22T00:48:07Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com An individual is dealing with a deadly disease, and the treatment options available to them may be limited, ineffective, or the individual may simply be unaware of their treatment options.  The individual is told about an experimental drug that is being tested to treat various diseases, including the disease with which they have been diagnosed, and they are told that they can voluntarily be part of the experimental trials being conducted to test the effects of the drug.  Feeling as though this may be their only chance to improve their health and lengthen their life, the individual agrees to partake in the experimental trials.  However, not all of the information regarding the experimental drug, the trials, and other, safer treatment options are fully explained to the individual.  Believing that the experimental drug may be their last chance, the individual undergoes the experimental trials.  As a result of the experimental drug, the individual dies more quickly than they would have with no treatment at all.  the victim's family may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim due to uninformed consent.

    Uninformed consent has been found to be a genuine problem when it comes to medical treatment and especially clinical trials.  The language of many consent forms is confusing and would require an attorney or other law professional to decipher some of the information contained in the forms.  Often these consent forms fail to specify potential risks associated with the clinical trials or medical procedures, and many times the doctors fail to fully explain the consent form and what it means for the patient and their health.  When patients consent to procedures or trials without fully understanding the consequences, this is considered uninformed consent.  Medical malpractice claims can arise due to uninformed consent, especially if the patient is injured or dies as a result of the trials or procedures.

    Most people can understand and appreciate the value of clinical trials.  Many great medical discoveries have been made as a result of experimentation with new drugs.  However, individuals agreeing to undergo clinical trials should learn as much as about the drug and trials as possible before consenting to be a willing participant.  If the institution and doctors involved in conducting the trials have a financial interest in the outcome of the study, potential trial participants may want to reconsider.

    Anytime bias or gain is introduced in any type of experiment, the opportunity or risk for deception is greater as those conducting the trials have much at stake regarding the outcome of the experiments.  Individuals should thoroughly research the experiment being conducted and ask numerous questions before submitting to clinical testing and experimentation.   Because uninformed consent can be hazardous to the health of the individual, it is important to for the individual to gather as much information as possible before consenting to any experimental treatment.

    Victims of uninformed consent or their families that live in Maryland or Washington D.C. can contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates for a consultation.  Robinson and Associates are experienced and practiced medical malpractice attorneys, and they assist victims in Maryland and Washington D.C. with their medical malpractice claim.  Uninformed consent should not be tolerated and medical professionals should be held accountable when individuals are injured as a result of this type of medical malpractice.
]]> Medical Tampering tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.463 2009-10-22T00:47:34Z 2009-10-22T00:47:46Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com Physicians and other hospital staff are professionally trained specialists in their fields, and that is why it is so surprising when a healthcare professional commits either negligent or harmful acts in regard to their patients.  When individuals need to undergo medical procedures, the expectation is that the healthcare professionals providing these medical services will act responsibly with the health of the patient.  Individuals should reasonably expect for their health and well-being to be the first priority of their healthcare providers.  While most healthcare providers do provide their patients with exceptional medical and health related services, there are those rogue healthcare providers that do not adhere to the medical community's standards of care.  These healthcare providers knowingly and intentionally put their patients at risk, and the consequences can seriously negatively impact the lives of their patients.

    Recently it was reported that allegations were being brought against a hospital employee for tampering with medical products.  This individual was stealing drugs from the hospital and replacing the drugs with some other type of solution (i.e. saline).  Unfortunately these drugs were intravenous drugs, and the hospital employee was using a syringe to inject the drugs into their own body and then refilling the dirty syringe to be used on his or her patient.  It was reported that several of the patients injected with these dirty syringes had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C.  The health and quality of life of these patients will be permanently affected due to this illness.  The hospital employee has been accused of acting recklessly and carelessly with the health of their patients and endangering public health by tampering with medical products.

    The patients that were exposed to the Hepatitis C virus through the use of dirty syringes were victims of medical malpractice.  These victims will now be faced with this disease for the rest of their lives.  The hospital employee acted with complete disregard for the health of his or her patients.  When a healthcare provider acts in a careless manner and should be able to reasonably foresee that their reckless behavior could cause injury to another, the healthcare provider has committed an act of negligence.  Whether a medical professional intentionally commits an act that causes an individual harm or injures the patient due to acts of negligence, the medical provider could be held liable for the patient's injuries.  In a case of medical tampering, the injured victim may be eligible to receive financial reimbursement from the party responsible for their injuries.

    Victims of medical tampering in Maryland or Washington D.C. should contact a lawyer immediately to initiate a medical malpractice claim.  The law firm of Robinson and Associates can help victims review their case and determine if grounds for a medical malpractice claim exists.  If so, Robinson and Associates can help victims of medical malpractice in Maryland and Washington D.C. every step of the way and will work to secure a satisfactory verdict.
]]> Undertreatment tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.462 2009-10-22T00:46:54Z 2009-10-22T00:47:26Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com Retirement communities and assisted living facilities appeal to many families because they know their elderly loved ones will be cared for by trained medical staff and have the supervision they need.  Because nursing homes often have negative connotations and stigmas attached to them, retirement communities and assisted living facilities are often more attractive options than are nursing homes.  Families placing their elderly loved one in any type of facility have expectations regarding the treatment and care of their loved one.  In many cases, the family cannot provide the care and supervision their loved one requires, and a retirement community or assisted living facility can provide the services that the family is unable to provide.  No one ever expect that their loved one will not receive the care and treatment they need, especially those elderly individuals living in a retirement community or assisted living facility.

    Just as nursing homes have been cited for failure to properly treat and provide medications for their patients, the same is true for retirement communities and assisted living facilities.  There have been cases in which the residents of retirement communities and assisted living facilities have not been prescribed the life-saving medications they so desperately need.  These patients are being undertreated because they are not receiving the proper prescription medications.  Two of the major reasons that patients are not being prescribed the proper medications include the type of facility in which the resident resides and the frequency of physician visits to the facility.

    While a goal of retirement communities and assisted living facilities is facilitating the independence of the residents they house, these residents may require assistance in obtaining the prescription medications essential to their health and well-being.  Residents of these facilities that are not receiving the prescription medications they need may have grounds to claim medical malpractice due to neglect.  Families of those living in retirement communities or assisted living facilities should closely monitor the care and treatment provided to their loved one and contact an attorney is things seem amiss.

    Victims living in retirement communities or assisted living facilities in Maryland or Washington D.C. that have been undertreated may want to seek legal representation to assist them with their medical malpractice case.  The experienced attorneys of Robinson and Associates can provide the legal counsel and guidance for which victims of medical malpractice are searching.  Robinson and Associates provides no obligation consultations to victims and their families in Maryland and Washington D.C.
]]> Medical Malpractice - Undertreatment tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.433 2009-09-28T06:23:26Z 2009-09-28T08:24:56Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com Retirement communities and assisted living facilities appeal to many families because they know their elderly loved ones will be cared for by trained medical staff and have the supervision they need.  Because nursing homes often have negative connotations and stigmas attached to them, retirement communities and assisted living facilities are often more attractive options than are nursing homes.  Families placing their elderly loved one in any type of facility have expectations regarding the treatment and care of their loved one.  In many cases, the family cannot provide the care and supervision their loved one requires, and a retirement community or assisted living facility can provide the services that the family is unable to provide.  No one ever expect that their loved one will not receive the care and treatment they need, especially those elderly individuals living in a retirement community or assisted living facility.

    Just as nursing homes have been cited for failure to properly treat and provide medications for their patients, the same is true for retirement communities and assisted living facilities.  There have been cases in which the residents of retirement communities and assisted living facilities have not been prescribed the life-saving medications they so desperately need.  These patients are being undertreated because they are not receiving the proper prescription medications.  Two of the major reasons that patients are not being prescribed the proper medications include the type of facility in which the resident resides and the frequency of physician visits to the facility.

    While a goal of retirement communities and assisted living facilities is facilitating the independence of the residents they house, these residents may require assistance in obtaining the prescription medications essential to their health and well-being.  Residents of these facilities that are not receiving the prescription medications they need may have grounds to claim medical malpractice due to neglect.  Families of those living in retirement communities or assisted living facilities should closely monitor the care and treatment provided to their loved one and contact an attorney is things seem amiss.

    Victims living in retirement communities or assisted living facilities in Maryland or Washington D.C. that have been undertreated may want to seek legal representation to assist them with their medical malpractice case.  The experienced attorneys of Robinson and Associates can provide the legal counsel and guidance for which victims of medical malpractice are searching.  Robinson and Associates provides no obligation consultations to victims and their families in Maryland and Washington D.C. ]]> Birth Injuries & Maryland Law tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.432 2009-09-28T06:22:29Z 2009-09-28T06:22:52Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com  Thousands of babies are born every day across the United States, and most of these children are born without injury to either the child or the mother.  The majority of doctors that specialize in labor and delivery are experts in their field and carry out their job duties with care and precision.  However, there are cases in which children suffer birth injuries before, during, or after labor, and many times these birth injuries can be attributed to the negligence of the doctor or his or her staff attending the delivery.  Birth injuries can severely impact a child's development and quality of life.  While birth injuries can occur naturally during the labor and delivery process, some birth injuries are the result of medical malpractice.

    High risk pregnancies must be closely monitored as the lives of both mother and child could be endangered if precautions are not taken during pregnancy and birth.  While babies of high risk pregnancies may be more susceptible to birth injuries, babies of low risk pregnancies can also be injured during the birthing process.  For these reasons, it is imperative to the health of the child and the mother that the doctor ensures that every preventative measure necessary is taken in order to make certain the baby is born safely and without injury.  It is the doctor's responsibility to make sure the mother understands her health status and the potential risks posed to her unborn child because of her physical conditions.  Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the doctor to provide the expectant mother with timely and proper treatments when needed.

    During the process of labor and delivery, the doctor has to use his or her professional, medical judgment in determining whether it would be in the best interests of the child and the mother for the child to be born vaginally or via cesarean section.  This is just one of many decisions that often have to be made by the doctor during labor and delivery.  If the doctor vacillates or waivers on these types of decisions both the mother and child could suffer life-threatening injuries.  Even the smallest of delays due to indecision or failure to act in a timely manner can cause serious, permanent injuries to the child.

    When a child is born with a birth injury, it will be important to investigate all facts of the case to determine if the birth injury was the result of medical malpractice.  Parents in Maryland or Washington D.C. that would like their child's birth injury case reviewed may contact the offices of Robinson and Associates.  Robinson and Associates has been assisting families in Maryland and Washington D.C. with their medical malpractice cases for several years, and their attorneys are always available to provide a no obligation consultation. ]]> Anesthesia Error Lawyer tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.431 2009-09-28T05:40:04Z 2009-09-28T05:41:02Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com The use of anesthesia during medical procedures has become commonplace, but the risks associated with the use of anesthesia are still very real.  Administering anesthesia had become a specialized field, and only those specialists trained in administering anesthetizing drugs should do so.  Even when anesthesia specialists administer these types of drugs, injuries to the patient undergoing the procedure can and do still occur.  There are a number of reasons why an anesthesia error may occur, but one of the most troubling reasons in negligence.  When a patient suffers an injury due to an anesthesia error, the patient may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.  Not only could the anesthesiologist be held accountable for an anesthesia error but the doctor and other medical staff could be held accountable as well.

    Acting recklessly with the lives of others is just inexcusable.  When an individual is aware that his or her actions or inactions could cause harm to another and do nothing to change their behavior, this individual should be held responsible for any injuries sustained by innocent parties as a result of his or her negligent behavior.  When distracted drivers cause car accident, when store owners fail notify customers of hazards on the property, or when employers do not supply their employees with the proper safety equipment, these individuals can be held accountable for any personal injury that results due to their negligence.  The same holds true for those in the medical profession.  When licensed healthcare providers fail to perform their job duties according to the medical community's standards of care and an injury or death results, the healthcare provider can be sued for medical malpractice because of their negligence.

   In the case of an anesthesiologist of other healthcare provider that fails to properly monitor patients administered anesthesia or fails to properly administer anesthesia to their patients, the anesthesiologist and the other healthcare providers can be held liable for any injuries suffered by the patient.  Too much or too little anesthesia may be administered, or the anesthesia may negatively interact with other drugs taken by the patient. Patients may not receive anesthesia in a timely manner or oxygen may not be properly administered to the patient while anesthetized.  This can lead to permanent and disabling injuries and can even lead to the patient's death.  Patients may suffer serious injuries such as strokes, nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, coma, or brain injuries.  If anesthesia is not administered properly, patients may even awake during medical procedures.  They may be aware of their surroundings and may feel pain but be unable to move or speak.  This can lead to severe psychological problems, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or panic disorders.

    Victims of anesthesia error in Maryland or Washington D.C. can contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates for a consultation.  The attorneys at Robinson and Associates can review the medical malpractice claim and assist in formulating a strategy for a successful outcome in the case.  Victims of anesthesia error in Maryland or Washington D.C. may be eligible for financial compensation for their injuries, and Robinson and Associates can help victims ensure they receive the monies to which they may be entitled. ]]> Anesthesia Errors tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.396 2009-09-12T01:55:11Z 2009-09-28T05:41:29Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com The use of anesthesia during medical procedures has become commonplace, but the risks associated with the use of anesthesia are still very real.  Administering anesthesia had become a specialized field, and only those specialists trained in administering anesthetizing drugs should do so.  Even when anesthesia specialists administer these types of drugs, injuries to the patient undergoing the procedure can and do still occur.  There are a number of reasons why an anesthesia error may occur, but one of the most troubling reasons in negligence.  When a patient suffers an injury due to an anesthesia error, the patient may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.  Not only could the anesthesiologist be held accountable for an anesthesia error but the doctor and other medical staff could be held accountable as well.

    Acting recklessly with the lives of others is just inexcusable.  When an individual is aware that his or her actions or inactions could cause harm to another and do nothing to change their behavior, this individual should be held responsible for any injuries sustained by innocent parties as a result of his or her negligent behavior.  When distracted drivers cause car accident, when store owners fail notify customers of hazards on the property, or when employers do not supply their employees with the proper safety equipment, these individuals can be held accountable for any personal injury that results due to their negligence.  The same holds true for those in the medical profession.  When licensed healthcare providers fail to perform their job duties according to the medical community's standards of care and an injury or death results, the healthcare provider can be sued for medical malpractice because of their negligence.

   In the case of an anesthesiologist of other healthcare provider that fails to properly monitor patients administered anesthesia or fails to properly administer anesthesia to their patients, the anesthesiologist and the other healthcare providers can be held liable for any injuries suffered by the patient.  Too much or too little anesthesia may be administered, or the anesthesia may negatively interact with other drugs taken by the patient. Patients may not receive anesthesia in a timely manner or oxygen may not be properly administered to the patient while anesthetized.  This can lead to permanent and disabling injuries and can even lead to the patient's death.  Patients may suffer serious injuries such as strokes, nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, coma, or brain injuries.  If anesthesia is not administered properly, patients may even awake during medical procedures.  They may be aware of their surroundings and may feel pain but be unable to move or speak.  This can lead to severe psychological problems, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or panic disorders.
]]> Prescription Overdose tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.395 2009-09-11T00:15:48Z 2009-09-28T05:47:53Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com The overuse of pain medication has been a growing problem in the United States, and doctors that are willing to continue writing prescriptions for pain medication for their patients are part of the problem.  Some pain medications such as Oxycodone and Methadone are highly addictive, and patients prescribed these medications should be closely monitored.  These medications are classified as narcotic medications and should only be used by the patient as needed.

    Prescriptions for narcotic medications should be limited in both quantity of pills per prescription and the number of refills allowed.  However, some patients develop an addiction to these medications and some doctors will continue to prescribe these medications to the detriment of their patients.  The lure of the money to be made by prescribing these medications becomes more important than the health and well-being of the patient.  Sadly, there have been reports of patient deaths due to overdoses of highly potent prescription medications such as Fentanyl and Morphine among others.

    When a doctor continues to prescribe powerful pain medications to patients well beyond the reasonable time the patient should need the medication, the doctor is acting in a negligent manner.  Doctors should be aware of the signs and red flags associated with prescription drug use and should be unwilling to enable the patient in his or her abuse of prescription medications.  For a doctor to do otherwise is to act negligently and carelessly with the health of another.

    Prescription medications are designed to give relief to victims suffering from ailments and diseases, and if the medications are used for any other purpose it is an abuse and misuse of the medication.  When doctors facilitate a patient's drug use by continuing to supply the patient with the prescription medication, the doctor may be held liable for any resulting injuries to the patient.   Additionally, if the patient dies as a result of the overuse of these prescription medications, the doctor may be held liable for the patient's wrongful death.

    When a patient or their family files a medical malpractice claim against a doctor, the patient or his or her family may be awarded financial remuneration by the court if they have a valid malpractice claim.  Generally, patients or their families are compensated for wages lost due to the patient being unable to work, medical expenses for hospital stays and medical services, and for the patient or their family's physical and emotional pain and suffering.  Even if the patient is unsure of whether or not they have a valid medical malpractice claim, it would be in their best interests to contact an attorney for a consultation to review the facts of the case.

    Those that live in Maryland or Washington D.C. and have questions regarding their medical malpractice claim or would like to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney should contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates.  The attorneys employed by Robinson and Associates are medical malpractice experts and can provide residents of Maryland and Washington D.C. with the legal counsel and advice they need.

]]> Facts on Medication Errors tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.394 2009-09-09T00:14:15Z 2009-09-09T01:50:09Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com
It seems like almost everyday there are new prescription medications on the market to treat the various illnesses from which many individuals suffer.  Whether an individual has problems with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis or any other number of ailments, there are prescription medications on the market designed to alleviate these problems.  With so many new medications flooding the market, it seems almost impossible for doctors to effectively keep up with and stay informed regarding these different medications and what the medications are used to treat.  This is especially true when many of these medications have similar names but very different uses.  Unfortunately, patients have been prescribed the wrong medication because of the doctor's error.  For example, Lamictal may be prescribed instead of Lamisil.  One drug treats seizures while the other is an antifungal medication.  A patient receiving Lamictal instead of Lamisil could be severely, adversely impacted by taking the wrong medication.

    While most medication errors are simple mistakes and are not accompanied by malicious intent, the health consequences suffered by the patient cannot and should not be ignored.  Licensed healthcare providers have an obligation to their patients, and when these obligations are not met the healthcare provider should be held accountable.  When doctors do not adhere to the medical community's accepted standards of care and an injury to the patient results as a consequence, the doctor can be held liable for the patient's injuries.  This can be true even when an innocent mistake is made because that innocent mistake can have life-altering ramifications for the patient.  For these reasons, it is imperative that doctors take the time to ensure that the medication they are prescribing their patient is in fact the correct medication.  Being 99 percent sure is not enough when it comes to the health of an individual.

    Almost anyone can appreciate the difficulty that medical providers have in keeping up with the latest medications and their uses.  Advertisements for new medications are on television, magazines, billboards, and the like.  It is no wonder that medication errors are made on a regular basis.  However, this does not excuse the fact that a medication error has occurred and patient has suffered an injury.  Even if the doctor had the best intentions in prescribing the medication this does not change the fact that the wrong medication was prescribed to the patient.  The doctor may be held responsible for medical malpractice due to negligence.  If the patient files a medical malpractice claim, the patient could recover monies for lost wages and medical expenses.

    Medical malpractice can happen anywhere, and residents of Maryland or Washington D.C. are no exception.  Victims of medical malpractice in Maryland or Washington D.C. that would like to speak with a legal professional regarding their medical malpractice claim should contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates.  With many years of medical malpractice law suit negotiation and litigation under the belts, Robinson and Associates can offer the expert legal advice for which medical malpractice victims are searching.
]]> Medication Errors tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.383 2009-09-02T17:33:55Z 2009-09-28T05:45:21Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com It seems like almost everyday there are new prescription medications on the market to treat the various illnesses from which many individuals suffer.  Whether an individual has problems with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis or any other number of ailments, there are prescription medications on the market designed to alleviate these problems.  With so many new medications flooding the market, it seems almost impossible for doctors to effectively keep up with and stay informed regarding these different medications and what the medications are used to treat.  This is especially true when many of these medications have similar names but very different uses.  Unfortunately, patients have been prescribed the wrong medication because of the doctor's error.  For example, Lamictal may be prescribed instead of Lamisil.  One drug treats seizures while the other is an antifungal medication.  A patient receiving Lamictal instead of Lamisil could be severely, adversely impacted by taking the wrong medication.

    While most medication errors are simple mistakes and are not accompanied by malicious intent, the health consequences suffered by the patient cannot and should not be ignored.  Licensed healthcare providers have an obligation to their patients, and when these obligations are not met the healthcare provider should be held accountable.  When doctors do not adhere to the medical community's accepted standards of care and an injury to the patient results as a consequence, the doctor can be held liable for the patient's injuries.  This can be true even when an innocent mistake is made because that innocent mistake can have life-altering ramifications for the patient.  For these reasons, it is imperative that doctors take the time to ensure that the medication they are prescribing their patient is in fact the correct medication.  Being 99 percent sure is not enough when it comes to the health of an individual.

    Almost anyone can appreciate the difficulty that medical providers have in keeping up with the latest medications and their uses.  Advertisements for new medications are on television, magazines, billboards, and the like.  It is no wonder that medication errors are made on a regular basis.  However, this does not excuse the fact that a medication error has occurred and patient has suffered an injury.  Even if the doctor had the best intentions in prescribing the medication this does not change the fact that the wrong medication was prescribed to the patient.  The doctor may be held responsible for medical malpractice due to negligence.  If the patient files a medical malpractice claim, the patient could recover monies for lost wages and medical expenses.

    Medical malpractice can happen anywhere, and residents of Maryland or Washington D.C. are no exception.  Victims of medical malpractice in Maryland or Washington D.C. that would like to speak with a legal professional regarding their medical malpractice claim should contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates.  With many years of medical malpractice law suit negotiation and litigation under the belts, Robinson and Associates can offer the expert legal advice for which medical malpractice victims are searching.
]]> Negligence in Medical Malpractice tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.382 2009-09-01T17:28:07Z 2009-09-01T17:31:43Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com  In everyday life, when individuals act carelessly and recklessly with the safety of others, serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries can result.  If an individual does not obey traffic rules and regulations, the well-being of those around them may be jeopardized.  When an employer does not supply his or her employees with the proper safety equipment and demands that they work in high risk situations, the lives of the employees can be at risk.  The same is true for those licensed professionals within the medical community.

    When medical doctors act carelessly with the health and well-being of their patients, the outcome can be disastrous.  If an individual is injured or dies while being treated by a doctor, an investigation of the doctor and his or her method of treatment should be pursued.  Because even the most experienced and well-trained doctors can sometimes act in a negligent manner, it is important to determine the root cause of the injuries or death suffered by the individual.

      Patients expect their doctor to be able to diagnose their illness or disease based on the symptoms reported and tests undertaken.  When doctors are not sure of the exact diagnosis, various medications may be given to the patient in an attempt to figure out the exact cause of their symptoms.  These medications are often potent and should be administered carefully.  The patient should be closely monitored in order to determine how the patient is reacting to the medications.

    Recently, a case was documented in which a doctor was prescribing multiple medications for a patient whose symptoms that were not clearly documented.  The doctor failed to monitor that patient's blood levels while the patient was taking these multiple prescription medications.  The patient died during the course of treatment.  The doctor's license has been suspended until an investigation has been completed and the patient's cause of death determined.  Because of the doctor's failure to check the patient's blood levels, the doctor may have acted in a negligent manner by not providing his or her patient with the medical community's accepted standards of care.

    Individuals living in Maryland or Washington D.C. that have been the victims of medical malpractice because of a doctor's negligence may seek legal advice from the law firm of Robinson and Associates.  Robinson and Associates is a law firm that has been helping the people of Maryland and Washington D.C. successfully settle their medical malpractice claim for years.  A medical doctor's negligence should not go unreported or unpunished.
]]> Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.371 2009-08-26T16:10:37Z 2009-08-26T16:49:37Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com hospital-image.jpg
When doctors, nurses, or other licensed healthcare providers fail to provide proper and timely treatment to their patients, wrongful death may occur.  Wrongful death can be defined as a death the results from the negligence or other unjust actions of another party. Examples of wrongful death may include: death that occurs during surgery, death that occurs during labor and delivery, death resulting from ingestion of prescription medication, death that occurs due to failure to diagnose.  Because patients trust their doctor with their health, a doctor has an obligation to his or her patients to provide them with the best care possible.  When doctors fail to meet the obligations and responsibilities they have to their patients, the results can be devastating.

Wrongful deaths usually occur without warning, and the victim's family is never prepared for the early demise of their loved one.  Wrongful death is especially shocking when the victim's family comes to the realization that their loved one died unnecessarily at the hands of a medical provider.  Parents that were prepared to take their newborn baby home leave the hospital empty-handed because the baby died during labor and delivery due to the doctor's negligence.  A wife leaves the hospital without her husband after he was to undergo a routine, non life threatening operation because anesthesia was administered incorrectlyy.  A child loses his or her mother due to an adverse reaction because the wrong medication was prescribed by the mother's doctor.  These scenarios are not only heartbreaking but unnecessary, preventable, and avoidable.

A wrongful death can be both emotionally and financially ruinous for the victim's family.  The family may lose their sole financial provider, and funeral costs can be very expensive.  Additionally, families are also usually faced with overwhelming medical expenses.  When a wrongful death occurs at the hands of a licensed healthcare provider, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit in order recoup some of their financial losses as well as be provided compensation for their loss of compansionship and emotional distress.  The families of wrongful death victims in Maryland and Washington D.C. can contact the law firm of Robinson and Associates for assistance with their wrongful death claim.  Robinson and Associates has years of experience helping families in Maryland and Washington D.C. successfully negotiate or litigate settlements for medical malpractice claims.

]]> Cerebral Palsy - Birth Injury- Maryland Medical Malpractice tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.153 2009-06-18T18:54:37Z 2009-06-18T19:20:17Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com While birth injuries can be a part of the natural birthing process, there are some birth injuries that occur due to the physician negligence or nurses in attendance during labor and delivery.  Birth injuries can occur at any point in time during the labor and delivery process.  Medical situations or emergencies may arise during labor and delivery in which the physician or nurse is required to make a quick decision, and sometimes instead of acting quickly the doctor or nurse will hesitate or fail to recognize the situation.  This hesitation or equivocation can cause irreversible damage to the baby. 

One of the more serious birth injuries that can occur as a result of medical malpractice is cerebral palsy.  Cerebral palsy is caused by brain abnormalities, which can be the result of lack of oxygen, bleeding, head trauma, or other injury sustained during the labor and delivery process.  Cerebral palsy can cause developmental delays and may not be recognized in the child until approximately 3 years of age.  Signs of cerebral palsy include but are not limited to: a lack of muscle coordination, stiff or tight muscles, and abnormal muscle tone.  The effects of cerebral palsy on the individual's life can vary from person to person, but are generally very serious and expensive to care for over a life time.

Children born with cerebral palsy can sometimes require extensive medical care and specialized treatment.  This is especially true for those children born with severe cases of cerebral palsy.  Cerebral palsy can affect the child's ability to speak, swallow, walk, and complete general day to day activities.  The medical care and specialized services that some children require can place a heavy strain on the family's finances.  Therefore, it is imperative that parents seek help from qualified attorneys to show that their child's disability is the result of medical malpractice.  When medical malpractice can be proven, the family and the child can be awarded very significant monetary damages.

Parents that either suspect or know their child is suffering from a birth injury such as cerebral palsy will need assistance in proving their case.  Medical records will need to be obtained and potential witnesses will need to be interviewed.  This process can be daunting, overwhelming and very expensive which is why it is critical to retain the services of qualified counsel.  The lawyers at Robinson & Associates can provide parents with the assistance and guidance they need to prove their case when when they believe their child's cerebral palsy may be related to medical malpractice.

    ]]> medical mistakes by physicians or nurses during labor and delivery.  Medical malpractice is not common, but when it does occur the consequences can be devastating.  In such cases, Robinson & Associates can offer the qualified legal guidance and counsel parents seek.  By offering free in-depth case reviews by our qualified attorneys, we endeavor to make this difficult and complex process a little easier.
]]> Birth Injury 2 - Medical Malpractice Washington D.C. tag:www.marylandmalpracticeblog.net,2009://14.152 2009-06-18T18:39:20Z 2009-06-18T18:54:05Z Bruce Robinson http://www.marylandaccident.com birth injury before, during, or after labor.  The majority of birth injuries occur while the baby is in the birth canal, but there are other times that injuries may occur as well.  Some of the injuries sustained by newborns occur as a result of natural labor and delivery processes, but other birth injuries are the result of the doctor's or nurse's negligence or harmful acts.  When a birth injury occurs due to the medical negligence or harmful acts of a healthcare provider, the parents of the injured child may have a medical malpractice claim. Robinson & Associates malpractice lawyers can help parents in Maryland and Washington D.C. determine if they have a valid medical malpractice case.

    Brain damage/injury is one of the most devastating birth injuries suffered by a child.  The severity of the brain damage varies from child to child, and the ways in which the child's life is affected will also vary.  Cerebral palsy occurs as the result of brain damage during the birthing process when the child is deprived of oxygen.  Children affected by brain damage may experience developmental delays and learning disabilities.  Muscle function, control, and coordination may be affected, and children with brain damage may have trouble with daily activities such as speaking, eating, swallowing, and walking.  Robinson & Associates  experienced attorneys can assist in preparing and litigating medical malpractice cases involving children with brain damage due to medical malpractice in Maryland and Washington D.C.

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    Families in Maryland or Washington D.C. that need legal guidance in regard to filing a medical malpractice claim should contact Robinson & Associates for assistance.  Our attorneys will review each case personally to determine if the case has merit and can be pursued in a court of law.  Parents trust the health and well-being of their children to healthcare providers.  When the healthcare provider fails to adhere to accepted and established standards of care and a birth injury occurs, the healthcare provider should be held responsible for his or her actions.  We are here to help assure parents that those responsible for their child's injuries are held accountable.]]>