Medical Malpractice

New York Appellate Court Affirms Dismissal of Medical Malpractice Case Due to Plaintiff’s Failure to Appear at Compliance Conference

Published on: July 23, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Syracuse malpractice cases are never easy. The defendants in these types of case rarely admit that any wrongdoing or negligence occurred; in the unlikely event that a doctor or hospital admits that a mistake was made, the defendant will likely insist that there was no harm caused by the error.

Not surprisingly, a defendant in a medical negligence case will take advantage of every “technicality” that may fall in his or her favor, including the possibility of getting a case dismissed due to an opponent’s failure to appear at a court conference. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get such dismissal reversed, and the plaintiff may very well lose the right to proceed to trial if such a ruling occurs.

Facts of the Case

In a recent case arising in the Supreme Court for Dutchess County, the plaintiff was a woman who sought compensation for the alleged medical malpractice of the defendant healthcare provider. A compliance conference was ordered by the trial court, but the plaintiff failed to appear. Thereafter, the trial court dismissed the plaintiff’s complaint due to her default pursuant to the provisions of the 22 NYCRR § 202.27. The plaintiff then filed a motion to vacate the trial court’s order and judgment under CPLR § 5015(a)(1), seeking to have her civil action against the defendant restored to active status. The trial court denied the plaintiff’s motion, and she appealed.
Continue Reading ›

New York Appellate Division Affirms Denial of Summary Judgment in Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Suit

Published on: June 29, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

In a Syracuse medical malpractice case, the plaintiff is usually the person who was the victim of a doctor or hospital’s negligence. However, sometimes an act of medical negligence is so severe that it results in a patient’s death.

In such a situation, there is still the possibility of a lawsuit against the responsible medical provider. However, the procedure is more complex than if the patient himself or herself was available to pursue monetary compensation.

Typically, it is the personal representative of the estate of the deceased medical negligence victim who brings suit in such a situation. This may or may not be a family member of the deceased individual (although any proceeds will likely go to the victim’s family members).

Summary Judgment to Doctor in Medical Practice Lawsuit is Affirmed by New York Appellate Court

Published on: June 25, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Pursuing fair compensation for an act of medical negligence involves many steps. In addition to the filing of a Syracuse medical malpractice lawsuit, there is the discovery phase of litigation, which is typically followed by the filing of motions for dismissal by the allegedly negligent doctors or hospital.

If the case survives this step, the next phase is trial, followed (in many cases) by an appeal.

Because medical malpractice lawsuits can be very lengthy and time-consuming, it is important to that a person who has been hurt by a careless doctor or other medical provider contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

New York Appeals Court Agrees that Parents Should Have Been Given Leave to File Late Notice of Child’s Birth Injury Medical Malpractice Claim

Published on: June 19, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

Those who have suffered personal injuries or a loved one’s wrongful death have only a limited time in which to file a Syracuse medical malpractice lawsuit. This includes situations in which the victim of the alleged medical negligence is a minor child. If your family has been hurt by a doctor or hospital, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you get started on your case, but you must take the first step by setting up a consultation.

Facts of the Case

In a recent appeals court case, the plaintiffs were the parents of a minor child who allegedly suffered injuries during her birth at a city hospital owned and operated by the defendant. The plaintiffs sought to file suit in the Supreme Court, Bronx County, to seek for the child’s injuries via a motion for leave to file a late notice of claim. The defendant resisted the plaintiffs’ motion, urging the trial court to deny the relief sought by the plaintiffs. The trial granted the motion for leave, and the defendant appealed.

The Appeals Court’s Decision

The New York Supreme Court Appellate Division for First Department affirmed the lower court’s ruling. According to the appellate court, the lower tribunal’s decision to grant the plaintiffs leave to file a late notice of claim within the discretion of the trial court. Although the defendant pointed out that the plaintiffs have failed to set forth a “reasonable excuse” for their delay in filing a timely claim, the appellate court found that this was not fatal to the plaintiffs’ case under the circumstances. According to the court, the plaintiffs had met their burden by showing that the defendant was aware – and had actual knowledge – of the “essential facts constituting the claim” within the time period set forth under New York statutory law for the filing of claims such as the one at bar. Because the defendant had knowledge of these facts within the requisite time, it would not be prejudiced in defending the case on its merits.
Continue Reading ›

New York Appellate Court Reverses Summary Judgment to Medical Provider in Patient’s Malpractice Lawsuit

Published on: May 31, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

In a Syracuse medical malpractice case, the plaintiff has the burden of proving that he or she suffered personal injury as a proximate result of the defendant’s negligence.

Medical negligence cases are often filed against doctors, but they may also be filed against other healthcare providers, including hospitals and other facilities.

It is not unusual for the defendant in a medical negligence case to file what is called a “motion for summary judgment” in an attempt to have the trial court dismiss the claim against it on the basis that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. If a trial court grants summary judgment to the defendant, the plaintiff has the option of asking the appellate court to review that decision.

New York Appellate Court Affirms $1 Million Verdict in Hospital Negligence Lawsuit

Published on: May 30, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

About two out of five Americans take at least one prescription medication these days. While most of these medications are at least somewhat beneficial to the patient taking them, each comes with a list of possible side effects.

When a patient is admitted to a hospital, personnel should be careful to note all medications taken by the patient, including the dosage of these prescription drugs. Follow up with the patient’s family and/or pharmacy should also be made in many cases.

If this is not done and personal injury or wrongful death befalls the patient as a proximate result, the patient or his family may have a Syracuse medical malpractice or hospital malpractice claim.

New York Court Refuses to Give Adverse Inference Instruction to Jury for Defendant’s Alleged Spoliation of Evidence in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Published on: May 23, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

The plaintiff in a Syracuse medical malpractice case has the burden of proving each and every element of his or her case.

Oftentimes, the plaintiff must obtain much of the evidence of his or her claim from one or more of the defendants against whom he or she has filed suit.

Acknowledging that a defendant may have an incentive to hide or destroy evidence in order to avoid a finding of liability, New York law gives trial courts the authority to impose harsh sanctions for spoliation of evidence.

Summary Judgment to Hospital in Medical Malpractice Suit Based on Failure to Timely Diagnose Was Reversible Error According to New York Appellate Court

Published on: April 26, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

In some Syracuse medical malpractice lawsuits, the allegation is that a defendant doctor or hospital failed to make a correct diagnosis within a reasonable amount of time under the circumstances.

A delay in treating a medical condition can result in significant harm and even death to a patient.

When a patient is able to prove a claim of medical negligence, he or she may request that the jury award money damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the defendant’s failure to abide by the applicable standard of care.

Malpractice Lawsuit Filed by Doctor’s Family Can Proceed Against Dialysis Center, Says New York Appeals Court

Published on: April 26, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

A Syracuse medical malpractice case can affect many different types of people and their families.

Even a medical doctor can be the victim of an act of medical negligence, when that doctor is a patient relying upon the advice of others.

Of course, in such a case, it is likely that those accused of malpractice will try to turn the blame around on the victim – even if the defendants’ alleged negligence cost the victim his life.

New York Court Upholds Dismissal of Malpractice Claim As Untimely

Published on: April 22, 2019 | By Jeff DeFrancisco

When it comes to personal injury and wrongful death litigation, time is of the essence. If a New York medical malpractice lawsuit is not filed on within the statute of limitations, it has very little chance of ever being considered upon its merits.

There may be other deadlines that require strict compliance, as well. Taking too long to seek legal redress can result in a summary dismissal of a case that might otherwise have been very winnable – and worth a substantial sum of money to a malpractice victim and his or her family – had it been timely filed.

For this reason, it is extremely important that anyone who believes he or she has been suffered harm due to medical negligence seek legal advice as soon as possible.