» MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Those things that doctors say never happen, actually happen pretty often.

A recent John Hopkins Patient Study contained pretty alarming findings about so-called “never events”. A “never event” is an occurrence that doctors universally agree should NEVER happen. Examples of “never events” include leaving a towel inside a surgical patient or operating on the wrong part of the body. According to the… Read More
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SPONGE LEFT IN BODY - DOCTOR NOT LIABLE

Interesting opinion, Forsberg v. Edward Hospital, just came down from the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District. The plaintiff alleged that she underwent a lumpectomy on June 4, 2004 at Edward Hospital. The surgeon was Dr. Piazza. Two incisions were made – one near the armpit and one near the left breast. During surgery, sponges were used, and one wa… Read More
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MEDICAL RESIDENTS STILL OVERWORKED

According to an article in today’s Chicago Tribune, medical residents[medical school graduates caring for patients under the guidance of more experienced physicians] are still working way too many hours. The article, written by Mary Engel, discusses a report released Tuesday by the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academies. The report recom… Read More
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DAMAGES LIMITATIONS STRUCK DOWN BY ILLINOIS JUDGE

As previously noted in my September 20, 2007 entry, trial lawyers across Illinois were holding their breath, waiting for an important decision out of the courtroom of Judge Diane Larsen, a Cook County trial judge. Judge Larsen was presiding over a case where recent legislation that capped damages in medical malpractice cases was being challenged. Specifically,… Read More
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Categories: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

ILLINOIS LEGISLATION CAPPING DAMAGES BEING REVIEWED

On September 17, 2007, oral arguments in the lead case challenging the constitutionality of Public Act 94-677[medical malpractice caps] took place in the Courtroom of Cook County Judge Diane Larsen. The case at issue involves Abigaile LeBron, an infant. Her family is alleging medical malpractice led to her severe and permanent injuries. Lawyers on her behalf a… Read More
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Categories: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE