New Jersey Medical Malpractice Legal Questions

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173 legal questions have been posted about medical malpractice by real users in New Jersey. 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.
New Jersey Medical Malpractice Questions & Legal Answers - Page 4
Do you have any New Jersey Medical Malpractice questions page 4 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 173 previously answered New Jersey Medical Malpractice questions.

Recent Legal Answers

Should we pursue a lawsuit?

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Nerve damage caused by malpositioning during surgery is a relatively common type of medical malpractice claim. Also, if he is still experiencing neuropathy 6 months after the fact after consulting a neurologist, in all likelihood the problem is permanent. Consequently, he has a malpractice case worth investigating.  If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state).  Click here, here  and here for more information about me. Click here for summaries of some of the cases that I have litigated. Medical malpractice attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, which means you only have to pay if you succeed.  Additionally, initial consultations are usually free.   Below are some articles you may find helpful.  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. 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
Nerve damage caused by malpositioning during surgery is a relatively common type of medical malpractice claim. Also, if he is still experiencing... Read More

Do i have a malpractice case after a 4 day old dental implant failed and upon extraction I went into shock went to ER now teeth face are numb

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is hard to answer your question without more information. Obviously, you would not expect a dental implant to fail after four days, you would not expect a patient to go into shock during the procedure to remove it and you would not expect your teeth and face to be numb after this, so you have a good reason to suspect that you were the victim of negligent care. To know whether your suspicions are well grounded, and attorney will have to obtain your medical records, review them and try to connect the dots. Also, it is not clear how long you have been suffering from the numbness, but a big question will be whether this problems is permanent in nature. If it is not, then you probably do not have a financially viable medical malpractice case. The articles linked below discuss this in more detail.  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.   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 is hard to answer your question without more information. Obviously, you would not expect a dental implant to fail after four days, you would not... Read More

i had surgery last last and the doctor that did the surgery did not do it right and it was incomplete and now i have to get it all over again

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Spinal surgery cases are difficult because outcomes can be compromised in the absence of negligence. To know whether you have a viable case, and attorney will have to look at the records and the pertinent radiographic films. Also, it would be helpful when analyzing the case to have the benefit of the findings in the operative report from the repeat surgery.  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
Spinal surgery cases are difficult because outcomes can be compromised in the absence of negligence. To know whether you have a viable case, and... Read More

Negligence

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If you can prove that the doctor negligently caused the overdose by incorrectly adjusting the pump, then you may have reason to investigate a medical malpractice case. The question is whether Sherrin suffered permanent harm as a result of the overdose. Medical malpractice cases are very time consuming and expensive, and to be financially viable there has to be sigificant harm from a medical mistake. The articles below explain this in more detail. 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
If you can prove that the doctor negligently caused the overdose by incorrectly adjusting the pump, then you may have reason to investigate a medical... Read More

I recently had an etopic preganacy and I had a tublization done. I was told that I coulndn't have any more kids can I sue the doctor for hospital bil

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Even if done correctly, tubal ligation is not 100% effective. Most medical information sites describe the success rate at 99%. Additionally, there are different methods of performing the procedure that can decrease the success rate. In general, the risk of failure increases over time. Finally, a good portion of these procedures (12-15%) can result in ectopic pregnancies. To determine whether you have a viable medical malpractice case, an attorney will have to have an expert review all of the pertinent records to ascertain whether the pregnancy was the result of a negligently performed procedure. Two other big questions will be whether your state recognizes a cause of action for “wrongful birth,” and what damages you may be entitled to if your state does. You are not going to find an attorney to file a lawsuit for the costs of the tubal ligation, that is not a financially viable case. If you were damaged as a result of the pregnancy, that is a different question. It really depends on the nature of the damages.  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
Even if done correctly, tubal ligation is not 100% effective. Most medical information sites describe the success rate at 99%. Additionally, there... Read More

Gastric sleeve complications failuse to diagnose a stomach leak

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is difficult to tell you whether you have a viable medical malpractice case without looking at the records. It is possible for surgical staples to reopen and cause leakage which is generally considered accepted complications of procedure. The liver injury, however, seems to be outside the scope of that complication. The subsequent finding of a hole in the stomach and spleen could be consistent with a surgical error or part and parcel of and abscess/infection. It sounds like you were diagnosed with an infection shortly after the surgery because you were put on antibiotics for two months after you were diagnosed the liver injury. Finally, the fact that your doctor lost operating privileges at the hospital 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery is obviously cause for concern. To know whether you have a malpractice case, attorney will have to obtain and review your medical records.  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. If you have additional questions you can email me or call me directly.  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 is difficult to tell you whether you have a viable medical malpractice case without looking at the records. It is possible for surgical staples to... Read More

what made me have a stroke?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Good Morning. Even if DHE is administered correctly it can cause decreased blood pressure to the extremities and brain, causing a stroke. Nevertheless, there are certain protocols that can be followed to decrease this risk (including the simultaneous administration of Benadryl). Beyond this, if patients are simultaneously taking other medication, DHE should not be administered because the risk of stroke is more significant. Quick research suggests that if you are on certain antibiotics, HIV protease inhibitors and some antidepressants, DHE should be avoided. I am on vacation at the beach with my family until next Monday. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss this further, I can contact you when I return. In the meantime, the articles below will provide you with some basic background information about medical malpractice litigation. 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
Good Morning. Even if DHE is administered correctly it can cause decreased blood pressure to the extremities and brain, causing a stroke.... Read More

Can I sue a doctor for Medical Negligance that led to death after 2 years?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The statute of limitations on a wrongful death case in New Jersey is two years from the date of death, so your cause of action is probably time barred.  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 statute of limitations on a wrongful death case in New Jersey is two years from the date of death, so your cause of action is probably time... Read More

Could i start a case of malpractice of something that hapened to my deceased mother?

Answered 12 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I am sorry for your loss.  If your mother had annual mammograms and they all failed to detect breast cancer, you have reason to be suspicious, but to know whether you have a viable malpractice case an attorney would have to have an expert look at the pertinent medical records and mammogram films. It sounds like you only have until February 2014 to investigate a case, because the statute of limitations on a wrongful death case runs2 years from the date of death. The survivorship aspect of the claim starts tolling at the point when you knew, or should have known that someone committed malpractice, so that might be even sooner.  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
I am sorry for your loss.  If your mother had annual mammograms and they all failed to detect breast cancer, you have reason to be suspicious,... Read More

colonostpy dr.made hole in intestine

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Perforations during colonoscopies are almost always considered a risk inherent in the procedure, and not deemed malpractice by experts. Attorneys do prosecute cases when the complication is not immediately recognzied and treated, and the delay in diagnosis causes harm.  Obviously, you have allot on your plate right now dealing with your wife's medical problems. When the dust settles, if you think there was a delay in diagnosing the perforation, and you want to investigate a potential 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
Perforations during colonoscopies are almost always considered a risk inherent in the procedure, and not deemed malpractice by experts. Attorneys do... Read More

Had hip replacement and DR made leg 1.25 longer and it has a great effect causing me not to be able to work

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
More information is needed. Was it 1.25 inches longer or 1.25 centimeters? This will have an impact on the viability of the claim.  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
More information is needed. Was it 1.25 inches longer or 1.25 centimeters? This will have an impact on the viability of the claim.  Below are... Read More

can i sew for medical malpractice even if its been 2 years?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
There are equitable exceptions to a statute of limitations defense, but at face value it doesn't sound like they will help you since it was apparent at the outset that the doctor who performed the staple procedure did something wrong.  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
There are equitable exceptions to a statute of limitations defense, but at face value it doesn't sound like they will help you since it was apparent... Read More

Fathers primary gave him cough medicine and decongestant for shortness of breath and chest pain and sent him home

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I think you are going to have a difficult time finding an attorney to take the case on because a week delay in diagnosing lung cancer is not going to make a material difference in the outcome. Therefore, even assuming it was a mistake for the doctor not to investigate cancer when your father first complained of shortness of breath and chest pain, the case will fail on proximate cause. Of course, if your dad complained of symptoms consistent with lung cancer prior to this, or had a chest x-ray, that showed lung cancer while under the doctor’s care, that is a different story. 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
I think you are going to have a difficult time finding an attorney to take the case on because a week delay in diagnosing lung cancer is not going to... Read More

Upon being discharged from the ER, I was given someone else's discharge papers, and not my own.

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Not every medical mistake is a medical malpractice case. Patients have to suffer significant harm for a case to be financially viable.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.   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
Not every medical mistake is a medical malpractice case. Patients have to suffer significant harm for a case to be financially viable.  Below... Read More

do I have a case?

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is hard to tell you whether you have a viable medical malpractice case based on the facts in your question. First, it appears the end of your question got cut off and so I don’t know what you are diagnosed with when you are readmitted to the hospital. Second, without knowing the final outcome it’s impossible to tell you whether you have an economically viable case. If you provide more information I can try to give you a more comprehensive answer. 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 is hard to tell you whether you have a viable medical malpractice case based on the facts in your question. First, it appears the end of your... Read More

I had a hysterectomy in 2011 been have problems since.Had 2 blood tranfusionsand also hospitalized twice. I just recently had another surgery last wee

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is hard to answer your question without knowing more facts about why you were anemic and the details of the subsequent surgery that you recently underwent.  It certainly sounds like things didn’t go as expected. If you do not have a firm understanding of why these things have happened this suggest to me that you have cause to investigate whether the first procedure was performed negligently.  Depending on how well the subsequent surgery helped you are problems there may be an issue about whether or not the case is financially viable. 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
It is hard to answer your question without knowing more facts about why you were anemic and the details of the subsequent surgery that you recently... Read More

I have a case. The doctor first caused an infection during surgery, then spent too much time denying. Who will take my case?

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Post-operative wound infection cases are difficult to prosecute because many times a wound infection can occur in the absence of negligence. There are some circumstances where accepted standards of care require the use of prophylactic antibiotics because an infection can have devastating results ( for example, in a situation involving a total knee replacement). Most of the time, however, these cases are not pursued because the patient acquired an infection, but because a doctor failed to recognize and treat an infection in a timely fashion. It is hard to tell you without looking at the records whether your doctor negligently failed to respond to your infection in a timely manner. Obviously, you believe that these circumstances exist. Certainly with wound seepage in the area of surgery, you would expect someone to culture the wound so that an antibiotic specific to the bacteria could be prescribed.  You indicate that infectious disease was consulted. The question is why more was not done to investigate the nature of the pathology. You indicate there is more information, that would be helpful to provide you with a more reasoned response. Finally, without knowing anything about the damages you suffered, there is a question about whether any case is financially vialbe. Articles below discusss this issue in more detail.  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 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
Post-operative wound infection cases are difficult to prosecute because many times a wound infection can occur in the absence of negligence. There... Read More

can you sew a doctor that gives you wrong treatment

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
To sue a doctor in New Jersey, you must find an expert who will sign an affidavit indicating that there is reason to beleieve that you were harmed by negligent care. Beyond this, there are allof of other factors that are considered when determining whether a client has a viable medical malpractice case. The articles below discuss these issues.  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
To sue a doctor in New Jersey, you must find an expert who will sign an affidavit indicating that there is reason to beleieve that you were harmed by... Read More

what should I do if I was neglected in an emergency room and is now suffering from psychological trauma

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If you were not injured as a result of the mistreatment, you do not have a financially viable malpractice case. The articles linked at the bottom of this article explain the financial issues involved in these kinds of lawsuits. That doesn't mean you have of action. If you're not getting a satisfactory response from the patient advocate at the hospital, you can file a complaint about mistreatment that occurred in a hospital setting, you can do so through the New Jersey Department of Health - Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing. Click here for their contact information and/or to file an online complaint.  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 were not injured as a result of the mistreatment, you do not have a financially viable malpractice case. The articles linked at the bottom of... Read More

can i sue for cervical spine injury. that occur doing a abadoral?

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is possible that you can file a lawsuit related to injuries that occurred during an epidural injection, but to know for sure I would need to know more facts. What was the injury? Was it addressed following the procedure? What problems do you now experience because of the 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
It is possible that you can file a lawsuit related to injuries that occurred during an epidural injection, but to know for sure I would need to know... Read More

DENIED PT SCAN

Answered 13 years ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is difficult to tell you whether you have a viable case based on those facts alone. I would need a better idea of what the diagnosis was when the PT scan was recommended and other facts.  Below are some articles you may find helpful.  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
It is difficult to tell you whether you have a viable case based on those facts alone. I would need a better idea of what the diagnosis was when the... Read More

is there a lawsuit for forced delivery

Answered 13 years and a month ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Good morning.  Traumatic birth injuries can occur when doctors do not have a plan in place to deal with a large baby (macrosomia). There are warning signs that when seen throughout the pregnancy that should put a doctor on notice of potential problems at birth. They include: Gestational diabetes Pre-pregnancy diabetes Obese mother  Rapid/excessive pregnancy weight gain Prior delivery of a “large for gestational age” baby or macrosomic baby Post-term pregnancies  Advanced maternal age Multiple gestation A fractured arm is a concern, but there are others, including the possibility of the development of shoulder dystocia. Also, if the baby was not breathing, there are other questions, including whether deprivation of oxygen will lead to developmental issues.  You are in the middle of dealing with (a) a new baby (who has a broken arm) and (b) an exhausted mom. You have plenty of time to investigate a malpractice case. Let the dust settle a little bit with the medical issues, and then have an attorney review the OBGYN records, and Mom and Baby's admission records. If the arm heals and there are no other complications, then the case may not be financially viable. It will take time, however, to be in a position to know the impact of these injuries, beccause new babies cannot communicate and you often have to wait until they get a little older to determine how an injury like this is going to have a long-term impact.  Good luck! 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
Good morning.  Traumatic birth injuries can occur when doctors do not have a plan in place to deal with a large baby (macrosomia). There are... Read More

who should pay for nerve damage from cosmetic procedure

Answered 13 years and a month ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The problem with plastic surgery cases in general is that nearly all doctors require patients to sign extensive informed consent paperwork that explains that the results from the surgery are not guaranteed. Under the circumstances, it is difficult to prevail in these cases. The debate usually centers on whether the results from surgery were within the range of reasonable rather than whether the defendant doctor was negligent. Also, while jurors deny it, they give plastic surgeons the benefit of the doubt in these cases because jurors often conclude the plaintiff brought the problems on himself because of vanity. It is not necessarily a fair conclusion, but it is a big obstacle in these cases. You also have a statute of limitations problem, becasue medical malpractice cases have to be filed within two years of the date a patient knew, or should have known that he was the victim of malpractice. you may be able to get around this if you can prove that you were mislead about the nature of your condition, but you this is a fact sensitive inquiry.  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. 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. ... Read More
The problem with plastic surgery cases in general is that nearly all doctors require patients to sign extensive informed consent paperwork that... Read More

I had reconstructive surgery on my left hand pinky finger. Prior to the surgery I was able to close my hand to a fist and bend my middle knucles.

Answered 13 years and 2 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The outcome was not what you expected, so you certainly have rason to be suspicious. To know whether you have a cause of action, an attorney would really have to look at the medical records and perhaps even submit the pertinent radiographic films to an expert. Even if there is a case, the next question is whether the case is economically viable. Part of the answer to that question is going to rest on whether the condition that you are in now is able to be remedies with additional surgery. 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
The outcome was not what you expected, so you certainly have rason to be suspicious. To know whether you have a cause of action, an attorney would... Read More

I have permanent nerve damage from a dislocated hip that happened in the hospital after a hip replacement, do I have a case?

Answered 13 years and 2 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You certianly have reason to investigate a medical malpractice case. To know whether you have a viable claim, an attorney will have to review your medical records and have the pertinent radiographic films reviewed by a qualified radioloigst. At this point, having not done that, the best I can tell you is that if your post-operative symptoms did not materially change between the time of the operation and the time you were diagnosed with the dislocation, it sounds like you have a case.  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.   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
You certianly have reason to investigate a medical malpractice case. To know whether you have a viable claim, an attorney will have to review your... Read More