Syracuse Personal Injury Law Blog

The federal government funds many medical facilities in New York; as such, the healthcare providers that work in such facilities are often considered federal employees. Whether a physician works for a private or public corporation matters, in part, if the physician engages in behavior that constitutes malpractice, as it impacts how a plaintiff must pursue claims against them. This was demonstrated recently in a New York medical malpractice case in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s lawsuit on the grounds that she failed to exhaust her administrative remedies prior to pursuing claims against the defendant. If you suffered harm because of a doctor’s carelessness, it is advisable to consult a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your possible remedies.

Procedural Background of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff treated with the defendant doctor during her pregnancy. Tragically, the plaintiff’s son suffered injuries at birth, including brain damage, cerebral palsy, seizures, and the inability to walk. The plaintiff attributed the infant’s injuries to the defendant’s failure to perform an emergency C-section. During the relevant period, the defendant worked for a health center that received federal funding.

Reportedly, approximately two years after the infant’s birth, the plaintiff submitted an administrative claim to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Six weeks later, she instituted a medical malpractice claim against the defendant in state court. HHS did not issue a written determination regarding the claim at that time. The United States removed the case to federal court. It then moved to substitute itself as a defendant and dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint due to her failure to exhaust her administrative remedies. Continue Reading ›

After people undergo surgical procedures, it is critical that they receive appropriate care. Thus, if healthcare providers fail to take the post-surgical measures necessary to prevent them from developing infections and other complications, they may be liable for medical malpractice. The standard of care imposed on medical professionals providing post-operative treatment was the topic of a recent opinion delivered by a New York court in a medical malpractice case. If you were hurt by inadequate medical care, you have the right to pursue claims against the parties that caused your losses, and it is wise to talk to a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney promptly.

The Facts of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff sought treatment from the defendant doctor for arthritis in his right hip. The defendant doctor recommended that the plaintiff undergo hip replacement surgery; the plaintiff consented to the procedure, which the defendant performed without incident. The plaintiff remained in the hospital for several days following the surgery, where he was monitored and cared for by the defendant doctor and defendant physician assistant.

Allegedly, the defendant developed a decubitus ulcer on his buttocks during his admission that required further hospitalization and extensive care. He subsequently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendants, arguing they deviated from the standard of care, causing him to develop the decubitus ulcer. The defendants moved for summary judgment, but the court denied their motion. The defendants appealed. Continue Reading ›

People harmed by negligent medical care have the right to pursue medical malpractice claims against their providers, but they must act promptly; otherwise, their claims may be dismissed as untimely. Specifically, under New York law, medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within two years and six months of the date of the alleged harm. Certain exceptions may apply, though, like the continuous treatment doctrine, that allow for the tolling of the statute of limitations. Recently, a New York court discussed the continuous treatment doctrine in a case in which it denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims as untimely. If you suffered harm because of a doctor’s incompetence, it is wise to talk to a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to determine what claims you may be able to pursue.

The Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff presented to the defendant institute in October 2007 for assessment of head and neck pain. The defendant’s doctors diagnosed her with numerous disorders and recommended that she receive treatment at the defendant hospital. She subsequently underwent five surgical procedures at the defendant hospital between May 2008 and November 2012.

Reportedly, the plaintiff was misdiagnosed, and the surgeries were unnecessary. As such, she filed a lawsuit against the defendants, asserting medical malpractice and lack of informed consent claims. After the parties conducted discovery, the defendants moved for summary judgment on the grounds that the plaintiff’s claims were untimely. The trial court granted the motion, and the plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›

In New York medical malpractice cases, defendants will often not only deny liability but will ask the courts to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims against them on the grounds that they cannot be deemed liable as a matter of law. If a court finds that there are factual disputes that need to be resolved by a jury, however, it will deny a defendant’s request for judgment in their favor, as shown in a recent New York ruling issued in a medical malpractice case. If you were hurt because a doctor rendered your care in a negligent manner, you should speak to a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney to determine what evidence you must offer to recover damages.

The Facts of the Case

Allegedly, the decedent underwent a routine cholecystectomy at the defendant’s medical center. She was discharged the same day as the procedure. The next day, she was taken by ambulance to the emergency department of the medical center with complaints of abdominal and chest pain that worsened with breathing. She was examined and underwent tests, after which it was determined that she did not have a pulmonary embolism.

It is reported that the decedent was diagnosed with pleuritic chest pain and discharged. Tragically, one week later, she passed away due to a pulmonary embolism. Her estate subsequently filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant. Following discovery, the defendant moved for summary judgment in its favor. The trial court denied the motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue Reading ›

An inaccurate diagnosis can lead to improper treatment, the progression of illnesses, and other losses. While, in most instances, harm is caused by a missed diagnosis, patients can also suffer injuries if they are incorrectly diagnosed with an illness that they do not have. Recently, a New York court examined whether the administration of hospice care following an erroneous cancer diagnosis constitutes medical malpractice, ultimately determining that it did not. If you suffered harm because of a missed or wrong diagnosis, you might be owed damages, and you should speak to a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney about your possible causes of action.

The Plaintiff’s Allegations

It is alleged that the plaintiff presented to the defendant cancer center to determine whether he had pancreatic cancer. Six months later, he presented to the defendant hospice center with complaints of weakness and abdominal pain and, per the hospice center, a diagnosis of Stage IV pancreatic cancer. The plaintiff underwent an evaluation and was admitted to the hospice floor for ninety days. After forty days, he was transferred to the defendant palliative care center, where he was monitored by the defendant doctor.

Reportedly, the defendant did not have pancreatic cancer. As such, he subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendants asserting several causes of action, including medical malpractice. The defendant doctor center moved for summary judgment. Continue Reading ›