Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence

Medical Malpractice
Each year more than 195,000 people die as a result of hospital negligence.

Every one of these deaths can be traced back to a preventable mistake.  For each wrongful death caused by a doctor, nurse or hospital staff member, thousands of others suffer from complications due to negligent care.  The careless or neglectful behavior of a medical professional can lead to bodily injuries such as bedsores and broken bones.  Neglect can turn to violence when a patient is the victim of elder abuse.

When a mistake occurs, the patient and their family pay the price.  The price of being a victim of medical malpractice is not only the dollar amount needed for additional medical care and necessary medical equipment, but lost wages and pain and suffering as well.  Insurance companies will try and convince you that the settlement they offer is fair, that the amount is more than enough to cover your costs.  However, only a lawyer experienced in medical malpractice suits and nursing home negligence can accurately assess the true value of your case.  Located in Atlanta, Georgia Kaufman Law is ready to fight for patients rights.  Call today to speak with an experienced attorney.


Types of Medical Errors
There are many types of medical malpractice cases and they can occur in every sector of the medical community.  Below are examples in which errors on the part of the medical community have catastrophic effects on the patient. 

• Birth injuries
• Medication errors
• Anesthesia errors
• Hospital negligence (failure to monitor, medication mistakes, chart mix-ups, falls, security)
• Surgical errors
• Wrongful Death 

Resulting Injuries
Injuries arising from hospital or physician negligence are numerous.  They can range from minor injuries and complications to paralysis or even wrongful death.  The following list outlines the most common injuries that result from medical error: 

Birth injuries:

• Shoulder dystocia, cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, brachial palsy, Preeclampsia, wrongful death of mother or child.

Medication Errors

• Severe allergic reaction, stroke, paralysis, organ failure.

Anesthesia errors

• Tracheal damage, asphyxia (loss of proper air supply), coma, spinal cord injury, brain damage, heart attack, stroke, aspiration, collapsed lung, pneumonia.

Hospital Negligence

• Falls: broken bones, cuts and bruises, sprained or strained muscles, head trauma, spinal cord injury, paralysis.
• Failure to Monitor: undo complications, heart attack, stroke, brain damage.
• Security: attacks from other patients or trespassers.
• Medication errors: see above
• Chart Mix-Ups: medication errors, failure to diagnose, incorrect treatment, wrong surgery.

Surgical Errors

• Internal bleeding, infection, excess scaring, organ, tissue, nerve or muscle damage, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, excessive post-surgical pain, blood clots, surgical tools left inside the body,  excessive blood loss and wrongful death.

Many medical errors occur when doctors and hospitals let insurance company clerks practice medicine by directing your treatment.  A doctor that omits medical services can also be negligent.  With over 30 years of experience in medical malpractice and nursing home neglect, Kaufman Law has the experience you need.  We dedicate ourselves to help ing the truly injured with unparalleled personal service.  We will walk you though every step of the process, ensuring that all of your questions are answered.  You will never feel alone when working with Kaufman Law.  If you are serious about getting the money you need to get your life back on track, please call 1-888-WRECK-404 (1-888-973-2540) today.  

In Georgia, the law limits the time you have to file your case, so you should obtain legal advice as soon as possible. As lawyers we collect evidence to use as proof. Often a delay in hiring an attorney means that evidence is lost forever.  Call Atlanta based Kaufman Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-WRECK-404 (1-888-973-2540) today for your free consultation.

Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence
Finding a care facility for the elderly can be time consuming and frustrating.  You have likely visited many facilities, trying to find the best place for your loved one to reside.  You are entrusting the care of your parent or spouse to someone else, and you believe that this home will be diligent in their care.  However, this is not always the case.  Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse include: 

• Neglect
• Wrongful death
• Bed sores/decubitus ulcers
• Falls
• Physical abuse
• Psychological abuse/emotional abuse
• Medication-related injuries/errors
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Improper or poor hygiene

Protecting the Vulnerable
Nursing homes and hospitals are designed to help patients get well and maintain their quality of life.  The number one rule of medicine is "do no harm".  However, the doctor or nurse treating you or a loved one may make mistakes or become careless.  In a worse case scenario they may actually commit elder abuse and neglect. A lack of competent care, either in a nursing home or during a surgery, can have devastating effects on the patient- even resulting in wrongful death. 

Unfortunately, many nursing home incidents are not reported to the police.  The staff will often attempt to deal with the issue "in-house", leaving your family member at risk.

If you have witnessed or are suspicious that your loved one is being abused or neglected in any way, there is something you can do.

 If you see any signs of abuse or neglect you must act immediately to protect your loved one.  According to the National Center on Elder Abuse signs of abuse may include:

• bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks;
• bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures;
• open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing;
• sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding;
• broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and signs of being restrained;
• laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs;
• an elder's report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated;
• an elder's sudden change in behavior;
• the caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone.

With over 30 years of experience in nursing home negligence, Kaufman Law has the experience and passion to help you fight for you families rights.  We know the ins and outs of nursing home abuse and are prepared to take on the toughest cases.  Please call Kaufman Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-WRECK-404 (1-888-973-2540) for your free consultation today. 

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Library for Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence:

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• [PDF]   
• Ten tips for finding good nursing home care   
  Description: The nursing home you choose will have a direct impact on the quality of your family member’s life. At Kaufman Law, we feel your loved ones deserve the very best. We offer ten tips help you to find it. But, if it turns out that your loved one is being abused or neglected in anyway, there is something you can do. Call Kaufman Law’s nursing home negligence and abuse specialists at 1-888-WRECK-404 to learn more.
• When pharmacies make mistakes, lives are put at risk.   
  Description: Every year, more than 1.5 million Americans are victims of medication errors. These errors occur in hospitals, in pharmacies and in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes. When mistakes are made, patients don’t get better, and sometimes they are injured or killed. Get the facts here and learn what you can do to prevent medication errors. The malpractice lawyers at Kaufman Law have more than 30 years of experience. Call 1-888-973-2540 at any time to schedule a free consultation.
• Georgia Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: Is a cap on damages unconstitutional?   
  Description: A recent medical malpractice case has law makers reconsidering the limits of the powers of the legislature. The $350,000 maximum award limit on pain in suffering was called into question, after a judge decided to uphold a jury decision to award a victim of plastic surgery malpractice more than 1.15 million dollars in damages. The state Supreme Court is now determining whether the law violates the right to a trial by a jury that is guaranteed in the state’s Constitution.
  
  There are no financial limits on the pain and suffering that can be caused by medical malpractice. At Kaufman Law, we have more than thirty years of experience and we can help you. Call us at 1-888-973-2540 for a free consultation.
• Common types of medical malpractice in Georgia   
  Description: Medical malpractice comes in a variety forms, but the bottom line is that any preventable healthcare mistake that harms or kills a patient could be considered malpractice. Common examples of a medical mistake include surgical errors, failure to diagnose a condition, emergency room mistakes, delayed diagnosis, and more.
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• Nursing Home Compare: Is Your Elder Care Facility Up to Par?   
  Description: Many families struggle with the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, and part of the challenge is finding a well-regarded and highly rated home. The federal government’s Medicare / Medicaid website Nursing Home Compare is one resource for concerned families. If you have questions about nursing home abuse or neglect, please don’t hesitate to contact the Atlanta based Kaufman Law attorneys at 888-973-2540.
• Nursing Home Residents’ Rights Protected by Law in Georgia   
  Description: If you have a loved one in a Georgia nursing home or assisted living facility you may be comforted to know that nursing home residents have rights that are protected by law in Georgia. This article lists the rights of residents as presented by the State Bar of Georgia. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, please don’t hesitate to contact the Atlanta based Kaufman Law attorneys at 888-973-2540.
• Basic rights and services for nursing home residents in Georgia   
  Description: Thanks to laws passed in 1987 nursing home residents are afforded certain rights and are entitled to a certain level of service. Any long-term care facility that wishes to receive Medicaid or Medicare funding must follow the laws spelled out in the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 (also known as OBRA ’87).

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Frequent Questions for Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence:

• How common is elder abuse in nursing homes?
• What questions should I ask when looking for a nursing home or assisted living center for my family member?
• What if I signed a waiver?
• What are some types of medical malpractice?

Case Results for Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence:

• $25,000,000 - Failure to timely diagnose and treat a stroke

Awarded: $25,000,000.00

• $1,430,000 - Doctor failed to timely diagnose and treat a perforation of the small bowel

Awarded: $1,430,000.00

• $940,000 - Failure to correctly diagnose and timely treat a heart attack

Awarded: $940,000.00

• $500,000 - Failure to diagnose and timely treat a ruptured appendix

Awarded: $500,000.00

• $500,000 - Client suffered permanent hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, and nerve damage

Awarded: $500,000.00

Web Resources for Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence:

• Rate Medical Doctors
• Georgia Composite State Board of Medical Examiners

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