Minnesota Medical Malpractice Legal Questions

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27 legal questions have been posted about medical malpractice by real users in Minnesota. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include dental malpractice, birth injuries, and failure to diagnose. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Minnesota Medical Malpractice Questions & Legal Answers
Do you have any Minnesota Medical Malpractice questions and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 27 previously answered Minnesota Medical Malpractice questions.

Recent Legal Answers

KNEE REPLACEMENT SCREW UP

Answered 8 years and 2 months ago by Dena Rachel Young (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I would suggest you find out the manufacturer name of the knee that was put in and find an attorney working on those cases. Good luck!
I would suggest you find out the manufacturer name of the knee that was put in and find an attorney working on those cases. Good luck!

iv missed causing a chemical burn end result amputation of a leg IS THEre a case

Answered 8 years and 2 months ago by Dena Rachel Young (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Something definately sounds wrong here... find a local medical malpractive attorney near you and go over these facts. Good luck and I'm sorry!
Something definately sounds wrong here... find a local medical malpractive attorney near you and go over these facts. Good luck and I'm sorry!

What lawyer will be willing to help me with my father's wrongful death to a nursing home in Amery Wisconsin

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by Dena Rachel Young (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I am so sorry to hear this... definately call a local nursing home abuse attorney in Wisconsin who can quikly evaluate this for you. Good luck.
I am so sorry to hear this... definately call a local nursing home abuse attorney in Wisconsin who can quikly evaluate this for you. Good luck.

Can anything be done legally or civily against Mercy hospital or the Jenna the 3 year home ?

Answered 12 years and a month ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is highly unlikely that your friends have a viable malpractice case. First, you would not immediately suspect a brain tumor in a child with those constellation of symptoms. Second, even if the failure to diagnose the tumor was negligence, it is not likely that a two week delay in diagnosing the condition made a difference in the outcome.  Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Click here for my website. ... Read More
It is highly unlikely that your friends have a viable malpractice case. First, you would not immediately suspect a brain tumor in a child with those... Read More

Could what happened to my husband in the hospital be grounds for malpractice?

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Obviously you have reason to be suspicious given the outcome of the treatment in the hospital. Depending on your husband's age and underlying health issues there may be a question about whether the case is financially viable. The articles linked below explain this in more detail. If you do want to investigate pursuing the case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Obviously you have reason to be suspicious given the outcome of the treatment in the hospital. Depending on your husband's age and underlying health... Read More
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for malpractice cases.   Looks like your state may allow 6 years, however, you should consult with a local attorney to confirm.    It sounds more like you have a HIPPA complaint rather than a medical malpractice claim, however.  Here is a link to more information on HIPPA violations and how to file a complaint.   http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/ NOTE:  This response is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice.  No attorney-client relationship exists or is formed as a result of this response. ... Read More
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for malpractice cases.   Looks like your state may allow 6 years, however, you should consult with a... Read More

Does my sister have a case?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It sure sounds like you have reason to investigate a case with seven cuts to her intestine. To know for sure, however, an attorney will have to secure the medical records and have them reviewed by an expert. He cannot even get the medical chart while your sister is still in the hospital because hosptials have a period of time after a patient is discharged to assemble the complete record. You have some time. Deal with the medical issues right now and call an attorney when the dust settles.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts,  ideally with experience in cases that involve your medical issue. If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Click here for my website. ... Read More
It sure sounds like you have reason to investigate a case with seven cuts to her intestine. To know for sure, however, an attorney will have to... Read More

After surgery to remove arthritic bone from my left thumb, the cast was put on so that the thumb was in the wrong position.

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If you are left with a permanet restriction after the redo surgery you may have a case worth pursuing given the fact that you are a pianist. If the problem is corrected with the second surgery, it is probably not a financially viable case. I am not suggesting that you should wait to determine your level of recovery after the second surgery, because the statute of limitations starts tolling when you knew or should have known that the first doctor was negligent.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts,  ideally with experience in cases that involve your medical issue. If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Click here for my website. ... Read More
If you are left with a permanet restriction after the redo surgery you may have a case worth pursuing given the fact that you are a pianist. If the... Read More

What can i do when my 2 year old daughter died after recieving the flu nasal mist Vaccine ?

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I'm sorry for your loss.  Every time a person receives an influenza vaccine there is a risk that the vaccine can actually cause the illness.  Given the tragic outcome, however, should have an attorney review the hospital records and the records of your daughters pediatrician to ascertain whether more should have been done when she visited the emergency room on January 17, 2013. If you do want to investigate pursuing the case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Since I am a lawyer, I need to advise you of the following when I communicate with you: Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Click here for my website. ... Read More
I'm sorry for your loss.  Every time a person receives an influenza vaccine there is a risk that the vaccine can actually cause the... Read More

What are FAQ's that individuals ask about malpractice lawsuits?

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If you look at all the questions on this website, you will have a pretty good idea. Most questions are fact sensitive and geared towards each person's particular circumstances. The prepared the papers below to help answer allot of the more common questions people come up with. \ Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can and should expect when pursuing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Click here for my website. ... Read More
If you look at all the questions on this website, you will have a pretty good idea. Most questions are fact sensitive and geared towards each... Read More

Can I sue the emergency room for neglect?

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Your symptoms were consistent with a PE, but whether they should have diagnosed that problem probably depends on whether you have a history or presentation consistent with DVTs or a clotting disorder. Beyond this, if the delay in diagnosis did not result in permanent harm, there will be a question about whether the case is financially viable.  Medical malpractice cases are very costly and time consuming for lawyers to pursue, and in most circumstances attorneys will not take them on unless a patient suffered a significant permanent injury that causes substantial disability as a result of the medical mistake.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts,  ideally with experience in cases that involve your medical issue. If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Your symptoms were consistent with a PE, but whether they should have diagnosed that problem probably depends on whether you have a history or... Read More

What can I do if I suspect someone looking at my medical records for her own personal reasons?

Answered 13 years and 2 months ago by Sarah Reese (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I am sorry to hear about this.  I would consider filing a HIPPA complaint against the violator.  For more information, please check out this link:  http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.html   NOTE:  This response is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice.  No attorney client relationship exists or is formed by this response. ... Read More
I am sorry to hear about this.  I would consider filing a HIPPA complaint against the violator.  For more information, please check out... Read More

After having 3 tumurs removed on the left side, of my face. i am in much pain, can't chew well' Take oxycodane and methadone for the pain from my Dr.

Answered 13 years and 2 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Medication errors are very common. Whether an attorney will investigate a medical malpractice case as a result of a medication error caused lasting harm for the patient. Many times a patient will suffer minor harm from a medication mistake because they quickly notice something is amiss when they experience side effects from the medicine, and stop taking it and contact their health care provider, and the mistake is uncovered. If you suffer lasting harm from a medication error, and you want to investigate a medical malpractice case you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Medication errors are very common. Whether an attorney will investigate a medical malpractice case as a result of a medication error caused lasting... Read More

Coerced into getting a perfectly good tooth pulled.

Answered 13 years and 3 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Dental malpractice cases are difficult to prosecute for a malpractice attorney because they are usually not financially viable. Medical malpractice cases are very costly and time-consuming.  Therefore, in most circumstances a patient must have suffered a significant permanent injury as a result of medical negligence for the case to be financially viable. Often, damage caused by dental malpractice can be remedied with additional care. Further, lasting damage is usually not significant enough to warrant the time and expense of a lawsuit. There are exceptions to this (for example trigeminal nerve injury cases). Additionally, since different offices have different standards for whether a case is worth prosecuting, if you are interested in pursuing this further you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  If you are unable to find a lawyer who meets these qualifications within your state, sometimes you may contact an out of state lawyer who can refer you to a qualified attorney in your state while providing support related to the issues of medicine. Three years later, you may also have a problem with the statute of limitations.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Dental malpractice cases are difficult to prosecute for a malpractice attorney because they are usually not financially viable. Medical malpractice... Read More

Broke collar bone, doctor didnt fuse bone back together.

Answered 13 years and 3 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Bone can fail to heal in the absence of negligence. The plate breaking may be a products liability case though.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Bone can fail to heal in the absence of negligence. The plate breaking may be a products liability case though.  If you want to investigate a... Read More

Do i have a case?

Answered 13 years and 5 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The lack of motion could be the result of the cast being on too long, or it could be due to malalignment of the elbow joint. Click here for a description of a case I litigated involving this issue.  You should definitely investigate the case. You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com.   ... Read More
The lack of motion could be the result of the cast being on too long, or it could be due to malalignment of the elbow joint. Click here for a... Read More

2 years at one hospital and they found nothing, second hospital found he had stage 3 cancer after the first visit. Viable case or no?

Answered 13 years and 6 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If he reported to the hospital with persistent respiratory problems for two years, it sounds like he has a case worth investigating.  The big question in most failure to diagnose cancer cases is whether the plaintiff can prove that the defendant’s negligent care proximately caused the damages suffered by the plaintiff. In essence, the plaintiff must be able  to show that earlier intervention would have changed the outcome. This is  a fact sensitive inquiry. An attorney will have to review the medical records and often get experts to review the pertinent radiography films to determine when accepted standards of care should have compelled a doctor to investigate the possible diagnosis. Then, if it is determined that the cancer was present and detectible, the next question becomes what was the likely stage/prognosis when the cancer should have been discovered. If the cancer was at an early stage when it should have been discovered, the case is more likely to be viable. If you want to investigate your case further, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. This discusses the issue of financial viability. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com.... Read More
If he reported to the hospital with persistent respiratory problems for two years, it sounds like he has a case worth investigating.  The big... Read More

Is it wrong for a doctor to diagnose me for something that is irrelevant to my symptoms, which in the end is life threatening?

Answered 13 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is hard to say whether the ER doctor breached accepted standards of care by failing to perform a Doppler study to investigate a blood clot. Calf pain can be caused by a variety of different things, and while a blood clot is one possible cause, your patient history may have suggested other causes were more likely. If you were off of your feet for a period of time, or you had recent surgery, then a blood clot would be higher in the differential diagnosis.  Another question is whether your case is financially viable. Being on Coumadin for six months is a headache, but if you have no after effects following this, you probably do not have a financially viable case. If you want to investigate a case further, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.   Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
It is hard to say whether the ER doctor breached accepted standards of care by failing to perform a Doppler study to investigate a blood clot. Calf... Read More

How can i get another doctor or witness to advocate for me regarding a mediical malpractice suit?

Answered 13 years and 7 months ago by Sarah Reese (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You will need to have a doctor or medical expert witness review  your medicals and see if they are willing to testify on your behalf.  It is likely that you attempting to find a doctor/expert witness on your own, without the assistance of an attorney, will be very difficult.  Many lawyers hire expert witnesses from different states.  Lawyers have access to expert witness databases and other sources to assist them in finding expert witnesses for their cases.  An expert usually costs thousands of dollars to hire.  In civil lawsuits there certain rules that must be followed when hiring and communicating with experts and in the information that is required to obtain from an expert.  Also, there are expert witness deadlines and certain rules pertaining to what information regarding an expert must be disclosed.  In addition, medical malpractice cases are very difficult to prove and expensive to pursue.   For all of these reasons, I recommend that you find a medical malpractice attorney to represent  you.  An attorney will be better equipped to assist you.  They will know your local and state laws and rules regarding these cases and will be able to assist in hiring an expert witness, if necessary.  I recommend you gather all your medical records related to this incident and start contacting local medical malpractice attorneys.  Best of luck. NOTE:  This response is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice.  No attorney-client relationship exists or is formed by this response. ... Read More
You will need to have a doctor or medical expert witness review  your medicals and see if they are willing to testify on your behalf.  It... Read More

what legal action i can take against a hospital?

Answered 13 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Hospitals usually have very strict protocols that are followed when a patient comes in complaining of chest pain, so it is possible that you have a viable medical malpractice case. I think the big question  will be how likely it is that earlier intervention would have resulted in a different outcome.  You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
Hospitals usually have very strict protocols that are followed when a patient comes in complaining of chest pain, so it is possible that you have a... Read More

My husband was treated for chronic bronchitis for over 3 years when in January, 2012, a tumor was found in his lung. He has since passed away.

Answered 13 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You may have a malpractice case. If you want to investigate this further, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  All failure to diagnose cancer cases involve issues of proximate cause. The question will be whether earlier intervention would have changed the outcome. An attorney will have to review the medical records and get experts to review the pertinent radiography films to determine when accepted standards of care should have compelled a doctor to investigate the possible diagnosis. Then, the questions become whether the cancer was present at that point, and if so, what was the likely stage/prognosis. These are difficult cases because they inevitably involve a degree of speculation.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well.  Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
You may have a malpractice case. If you want to investigate this further, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your... Read More

What is the statute of limitations in MN for a 27 year old with a brain injury due to birth complication, when the diagnosis and cause was just found?

Answered 13 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The law pertaining to the statute of limitations varies from state to state. Generally speaking, however, most states have an exception to the SOL that tolls the period of limitations to accommodate circumstances in which a reasonable person would not have known that they were the victim of negligence. It is a very fact sensitive inquiry, but it sounds like you might have an argument to make.  You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  They take these cases on a contingency basis which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free. You can use the "Find a Lawyer" service through this website to research medical malpractice attorneys.  Then, visit each attorney's website and look for a firm that has a record of successful verdicts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  They are written for a New Jersey audience (where I practice) but the ideas discussed in these articles usually apply in most other jurisdictions as well. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for more information about me. Click here for more information about my firm. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com. ... Read More
The law pertaining to the statute of limitations varies from state to state. Generally speaking, however, most states have an exception to the SOL... Read More

My husband died from lung cancer in April, 2012 after being treated by our family Dr. for chronic bronchitis, with no chest xray taken.

Answered 13 years and 9 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You may have a viable medical malpractice case if the evidence suggests that failure to intervene in December 2010 increased the risk that the cancer posed to your husband. You should contact a local medical malpractice attorney. You can use Lawyers.com to find someone. Medical malpractice attorneys usually take cases on a contingency basis and they provide free initial consultations.  Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com... Read More
You may have a viable medical malpractice case if the evidence suggests that failure to intervene in December 2010 increased the risk that the cancer... Read More

My sister had a cat scan done and read on March 2nd and the doctor said it was read by the radiologist and it didnt show anything, we took her to the

Answered 13 years and 9 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is difficult to tell you whether the first radiologists failure to find the tumor was negligent. Generally speaking that is a question that an attorney can only answer after he has the films reviewed by an expert. A single lung tumor ordinarily would not cause a sudden death like that. At the same time, if endocarditis is not diagnosed it will always lead to death. I have successfully prosecuted cases against physicians for failure to diagnose endocarditis. I'll give you a link to a description of one case below. If the true cause of death was endocarditis then you might have a medical malpractice case. Endocarditis is a difficult diagnosis to make, but if your sister had the hallmark signs of the disease and the physicians missed it she and the lung cancer was curable, the case might be worth prosecuting. A big issue is going to be whether the cancer would have left her with such a short life expectancy to cause the case to become financially nonviable. If your sister had a single tumor that had not metastasized then she could have had the lung cancer surgically removed, which would have left her with a better prognosis.  I've left some links below that discuss (a) the issue of financial viability and (b) what you can expect from filing a malpractice case. You should contact a local malpractice attorney and run the facts by him. Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here for an article discussing an endocarditis case I prosecuted.  Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com... Read More
It is difficult to tell you whether the first radiologists failure to find the tumor was negligent. Generally speaking that is a question that an... Read More

My niece was diagnosed with cronic pelvic pain after having cancer back in 2004, she was referred to a pain doctor with Cronic pelvic pain

Answered 13 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Although it sounds like you have reason to question the quality of care your niece received, assuming she has no lasting permanent problems as a result of the medication mishap, your niece probably does not have a financially viable medical malpractice case.  Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case, which touches on this problem.   Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com.... Read More
Although it sounds like you have reason to question the quality of care your niece received, assuming she has no lasting permanent problems as a... Read More