ED Legal Letter – August 1, 2014
August 1, 2014
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Recent Malpractice Cases: Beware of Syncope and Stroke!
It is important to be aware of emergency department (ED) cases and situations that lead to lawsuits in order to avoid repeating errors and reduce personal liability. This issue highlights some recent cases that involve syncope and stroke. -
Should Med/Mal Claim Be Settled or Defended?
Upon learning he was being sued, one emergency physician (EP) was determined to defend the claim vigorously, until he learned that one of the experts on the plaintiffs side happened to be one of his professors from medical school. -
Disclosure of Errors in ED Setting: Patients Typically Grateful
An EKG was misread by an emergency physician (EP), and the patient had an adverse outcome as a result. The patients family was contacted, and a face-to-face meeting was arranged with the hospital, the emergency department (ED) medical director, and the EP who made the error, who were all in attendance. -
UMHS’ EDs Seeing Fewer Malpractice Claims
Malpractice claims involving care provided at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbors three emergency departments (EDs) decreased by about half in the past decade, after a disclosure, apology, and compensation program was implemented, estimates Richard C. Boothman, JD, executive director for clinical safety and chief risk officer