NYC Pays Astronomical Malpractice Settlements
New York City medical malpractice settlements have held relatively steady from 2012 to 2013. As reported recently in the NY Daily News, the city paid out $134 million in 2012, a figure that was distributed among 270 cases. In 2013, that number dropped by a mere $3 million for a total of $131 million in settlements, distributed among 262 cases.
There are many different types of medical malpractice cases. For example, a hospital or healthcare professional may be held liable for prescribing the wrong medication, for a potential misdiagnosis, for failing to properly monitor the condition of a patient, or for failing to respond to a patient’s treatment needs in a timely manner. The public Health and Hospitals Corp. created a dedicated legal team with the intention of reducing incidences of medical malpractice, such as surgical errors. However, given the $131 million in New York City medical malpractice settlements paid out in 2013, it’s clear that safety measures could still be strengthened further.
Medical negligence can prove fatal
Implementing more stringent protocols within hospitals may help save lives. Unfortunately, many patients have already suffered from fatal medical errors. Farrah Pou worked in the radiology department at Kings County Hospital. She chose to give birth at that hospital. According to her grieving husband, Pou was under the impression that she would receive exceptional care there since it was also her place of employment. Pou suffered from a medical condition that increases the risk of blood clots and should have received blood-thinning medications.
However, the hospital personnel never administered these drugs, and a month after giving birth, Pou went to the emergency room at Kings County Hospital. She complained of a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. Although Pou had never been diagnosed with asthma, the doctors administered asthma medication, rather than blood-thinners. Just one week later, Pou passed away from a blood clot. Her husband recently accepted a $2.1 million settlement offer.
New York City medical malpractice settlements from the previous year also included a substantial sum to the family of Jenise Mark. Mark was admitted to a city hospital for a C-section. The healthcare professionals allegedly administered her epidural injections incorrectly and the patient is now in a vegetative state. Although the $10 million settlement won’t restore her mobility or other functions, it does allow her family to ensure quality care for her lifetime.
Your legal rights
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or complications as a result of a medical error, you have legal rights. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can hold the hospital or healthcare professionals liable for their actions. Compensation from a jury award or settlement can pay for your medical expenses, rehabilitative costs, pharmaceutical costs, and other ongoing care needs, as well as compensate you for the emotional trauma that a medical error can cause.
You also have legal recourse available to you if you lost a loved one because of hospital malpractice in New York. While no amount of money can compensate for the wrongful death of another, litigation can hold the responsible party liable for their actions.
However, because of applicable statutes of limitation, it’s crucial to retain a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Contact the legal team at The Sanders Firm at 1-800-FAIR-PLAY to schedule your free consultation today. Our veteran trial lawyers have more than 45 years of experience in court. We’ll determine your eligibility to pursue compensation and file a lawsuit on your behalf. ResourcesNY Daily News, Hospitals’ malpractice costs drop by $3 million from last year, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/hosps-131m-errors-malpractice-costs-drop-article-1.1456979
