Virginia Medical Malpractice Legal Questions

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61 legal questions have been posted about medical malpractice by real users in Virginia. 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.
Virginia Medical Malpractice Questions & Legal Answers - Page 2
Do you have any Virginia Medical Malpractice questions page 2 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 61 previously answered Virginia Medical Malpractice questions.

Recent Legal Answers

was hurt while doing therpy

Answered 11 years and 6 months ago by attorney Karen A. Leiser   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
In order to make a claim you must show 1. Negligence - that the medical provider breached the standard of care for what is expected of professionals in that field.  If your case were to go to court, an expert witness would be required to prove that. 2. Causation - that your injury was caused by the negligence of the provider. 3. Injury - you must show that you were in fact injured by the negligence, not just that you could have been injured. 4. Damages - your injury must be severe enough to be worth something.  While even the smallest injury causes some pain and suffering, the amount of pain for something like a bruised knee or a paper cut would be so small as to not be worth pursuing.  Typically in order for a lawyer to consider your case worthwhile, you would have to have injury severe enough to warrant further medical treatment.  The amount of money you may likely recover is usually related to amount of your medical bills, plus pain and suffering.  The old rule of thumb is three times your medical bills, but that is just a ballpark.   This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.    ... Read More
In order to make a claim you must show 1. Negligence - that the medical provider breached the standard of care for what is expected of professionals... Read More

What if a doctor left a piece of plasytic in your stomach after surgery?T

Answered 11 years and 6 months ago by attorney Karen A. Leiser   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
This certainly sounds like negligence, but the real question is how is it harming you.  Unless there is some injury, you are probably not going to get much even if you sued the doctor. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More
This certainly sounds like negligence, but the real question is how is it harming you.  Unless there is some injury, you are probably not going... Read More

What if a doctor forget to repair a hernia but gets paid

Answered 11 years and 8 months ago by attorney Karen A. Leiser   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
If you can get another doctor to verify that they failed to meet the standard of care, you may have a case for malpractice.  But malpractice cases are extremely expensive to bring and very risky, so the bigger question is going to be how severely were you injured because of it.  If it has since been repaired and you will fully recover, then you will probably not find a lawyer willing to take it on, because the monetary recovery would likely be relatively small.  Lawyers are generally looking for catastrophic and permanent injuries. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.    ... Read More
If you can get another doctor to verify that they failed to meet the standard of care, you may have a case for malpractice.  But malpractice... Read More

Should I file a medical malpractice suit on my podiatrist?

Answered 11 years and 8 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Podiatric malpractice cases are very difficult. I've investigated many but filed none. Additionally, if your damages were limited to six months of pain and suffering there will be a question about whether the case is financially viable. The articles below explain this in more detail. 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. Click here to review articles that I have published. 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
Podiatric malpractice cases are very difficult. I've investigated many but filed none. Additionally, if your damages were limited to six months of... Read More

Statute of Limitations in VA for medical malpractice

Answered 11 years and 8 months ago by attorney Karen A. Leiser   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
The Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice, as for other types of personal injury in Virginia, is two years from the date of the incident.  With medical malpractice this may be extended if there is ongoing treatment after the negligent act by the doctor or other health care professional.  For minors, the deadline is generally their 20th birthday.  This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More
The Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice, as for other types of personal injury in Virginia, is two years from the date of the... Read More
In any potential medical malpractice claim, you will need another expert in the medical field to verify that negligence took place.  An attorney will need this analysis before they can say whether you might have a legal claim.  This can usually cost several thousand dollars.  If you can find a doctor to review the medical file or if you are willing to pay to hire an expert to do this, then your case can be considered. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More
In any potential medical malpractice claim, you will need another expert in the medical field to verify that negligence took place.  An attorney... Read More
While it may seem obvious that the nurse made a mistake, in order to prove that it was negligence usually requires another medical expert to verify that fact.  But if it can be shown that your health care provider made an unreasonable mistake, you have a right to recover damages including further medical bills and pain and suffering.  Further information would be needed to make a full evaluation of the case. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More
While it may seem obvious that the nurse made a mistake, in order to prove that it was negligence usually requires another medical expert to verify... Read More

Do I seem like a potential medical malpractice case?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by attorney Karen A. Leiser   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
It is impossible to say without having a medical expert review your case, but in order to sustain a successful malpractice claim you would have to show that the doctor's negligence was the CAUSE of your pain and other problems.  Since you presumably had back problems before the surgery, it would probably be difficult to show that the surgery was the cause of the problem, unless these symptoms are completely new.  It sounds more likely that the surgery just did not work to correct the underlying problems, but that it is not necessarily malpractice.  There is never any guarantee of success with a medical procedure and there are even generally accepted risks that it could make you worse.  As long as the doctor acted within the standard of care that a reasonable doctor would have, then you would not have any legal claim against him or her.  Bringing a medical malpractice case is usually extremely expensive, requiring expert testimony and many hours of attorney work.  Even evaluating the case to determine whether there was professional negligence can cost thousands of dollars, so unless you have some reason to think the doctor did something wrong, it could prohibitively expensive to bring such a claim. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More
It is impossible to say without having a medical expert review your case, but in order to sustain a successful malpractice claim you would have to... Read More

My Patient Privacy was Violated, what are my recourses?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Sarah Reese (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I am sorry to hear about this. Please see this link for more information on HIPAA violations and complaints.   http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/  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
I am sorry to hear about this. Please see this link for more information on HIPAA violations and complaints.  ... Read More

Should test have been done at hosp hospital before patient was dischareged

Answered 12 years and a month ago by attorney Karen A. Leiser   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
This is more of a medical question than a legal question, but in any case of potential medical malpractice we lawyers must consult with medical experts to determine whether the doctors failed to meet the standard of care.  If that is the case, then it sounds like you may have a claim for medical malpractice. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More
This is more of a medical question than a legal question, but in any case of potential medical malpractice we lawyers must consult with medical... Read More

How long do I have to make a malpractice case?

Answered 12 years and 2 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
A statute of limitations is a law setting a time limit on legal action in certain cases. There are different statutes of limitations on different kinds of cases. For example, a breach of contract case often has a longer statute of limitations than a personal injury action. Complicating matters more is the fact that the statute of limitations in any cause of action is usually governed by state law, and different states have different time limitations. Click here for a website that provides a rough estimate of the statute of limitations in all 50 states for common causes of action. Note that this website advises that these limitations periods are merely rough estimates. You should contact a local attorney (one in your state) who can tell  you whether these estimates are correct. In medical malpractice cases, circumstances sometimes justify allowing cases to be filed after the statute of limitations expired. For example, if a surgeon leaves behind an instrument during a surgery and a  patient only discovers the foreign object after the limitations period has expired, most states have a common law exception to the statute of limitations that would allow a plaintiff to file a lawsuit that would otherwise be out of time. Finally, statutes of limitations usually incorporate exceptions that extend the limitations period for minors and people who are incapacitated. If you think that you may have a viable 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.  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. Click here to review articles that I have published. 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
A statute of limitations is a law setting a time limit on legal action in certain cases. There are different statutes of limitations on... Read More

statue of limitations

Answered 12 years and 3 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
You need to ask a Virginia attorney this question because the law pertaining to the SOL varies from state to state, but most states have law that tolls the SOL under a "discovery rule."  Click here for a website that provides a rough estimate of the statute of limitations in all 50 states for common causes of action. Note that this website advises that these limitations periods are merely rough estimates. You should contact a local attorney (one in your state) who can tell  you whether these estimates are correct.  If you think that you may have a viable 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.  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. Click here to review articles that I have published. 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
You need to ask a Virginia attorney this question because the law pertaining to the SOL varies from state to state, but most states have law that... Read More

Do I have a case?

Answered 12 years and 4 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Osteoporosis is a known complication from Prednisone use, but the question is whether your current condition was the result of your doctor prescribing the medication in a way that failed to comport with accepted standards of medical care. Somtimes doctors have to prescribe drugs that are potentially dangerous to deal with a more immdiate threat that will have more dire consequences. You might have an informed consent case, but to prevail you will have to prove that if the doctor told you about the possibility of this complication, you would have refused to use the medication, so the viabililty of your informed consent case is going to rest in part on why you needed to be put on Prednisone.  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  Click here for my website. ... Read More
Osteoporosis is a known complication from Prednisone use, but the question is whether your current condition was the result of your doctor... Read More

Do I have a medical malprctice case

Answered 12 years and 4 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Obvioulsy you have reason to suspect that you received negligent care if the doctor was biopsying everything around the cancer but not investigating that spot. The big question is whether the statutute of limitations has run.  A statute of limitations is a law setting a time limit on legal action in certain cases. There are different statutes of limitations on different kinds of cases. For example, a breach of contract case often has a longer statute of limitations than a personal injury action. Complicating matters more is the fact that the statute of limitations in any cause of action is usually governed by state law, and different states have different time limitations. Click here for a website that provides a rough estimate of the statute of limitations in all 50 states for common causes of action. Note that this website advises that these limitations periods are merely rough estimates. You should contact a local attorney (one in your state) who can tell  you whether these estimates are correct. In medical malpractice cases, circumstances sometimes justify allowing cases to be filed after the statute of limitations expired. For example, if a surgeon leaves behind an instrument during a surgery and a  patient only discovers the foreign object after the limitations period has expired, most states have a common law exception to the statute of limitations that would allow a plaintiff to file a lawsuit that would otherwise be out of time. Finally, statutes of limitations usually incorporate exceptions that extend the limitations period for minors and people who are incapacitated. If you think that you may have a viable 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.  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  Click here for my website. ... Read More
Obvioulsy you have reason to suspect that you received negligent care if the doctor was biopsying everything around the cancer but not investigating... Read More

After a faulty stitch from Dr. He referred me to a plastic surg. due to the pain and pulling of the stitch.

Answered 12 years and 5 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
There is a lack of detail in your question so it is not possible to tell you whether you have a viable case. At face value, however, it appears you are going to have a problem with financial viability. 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.  Articles linked below discuss 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 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  Click here for my website. ... Read More
There is a lack of detail in your question so it is not possible to tell you whether you have a viable case. At face value, however, it appears you... Read More

my husband died of cancer after not being diagnosed properly

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
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 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 big question in most failure to diagnose cancer cases is whether the plaintiff can prove that the defendant’s negligent care proximately... Read More

xrays mistake

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
While it was probably an alarming experience, you do not have a financially viable malpractice case unless a misdiangosis resulted in permanent harm. The articles below explain this in more detail.  If I am missing something and 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
While it was probably an alarming experience, you do not have a financially viable malpractice case unless a misdiangosis resulted in permanent harm.... Read More

Was given Lithium, a biopolar disorder drug

Answered 12 years and 7 months ago by Dr. Michael Gordon Sribnick (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
First, let me say that this answer does not create a lawyer/client relationship.  I do think you may have a good case assuming that the statute of limitations has not run out.  I am both a board certified internist and attorney in S.C.  The docor should have checked your lithium levels, tyhroid function and renal function while taking the medication.  You do not say what your renal function was prior to taking lithium, but if it was normal, that is a mistake and you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer.  In S.C. the statute of limitations for bringing a malpractice action is 2-3 years from the time you knew or should have known the damage to your kidneys, again assuming that you had normal renal function prior to taking the medication. Furthermore there are safer ways to treat manic-depressive disorders. Michae G. Sribnick, M.D., J.D. Law Firm: Michael G. Sribnick, M.D., J.D., LLC www.michaelsribnicklaw.com... Read More
First, let me say that this answer does not create a lawyer/client relationship.  I do think you may have a good case assuming that the statute... Read More
I'm sorry to hear about this.  Thank goodness it was harmless.   And since it was harmless, and thus, there are no damages, you do not have grounds for a potential lawsuit.  You must have some sort of harm and resulting damages in order to proceed with a lawsuit.  However, you can look into filing a complaint with your state board of medical licensure if you feel that is an appropriate path to take.   For more information, visit:  http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/enforcement/complaints.htm 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'm sorry to hear about this.  Thank goodness it was harmless.   And since it was harmless, and thus, there are no damages, you do not... Read More

unnecessary surgery

Answered 12 years and 10 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 malpractice case worth investigating. If your suspicions are correct and the doctor performed surgery on your neck when you actually had a shoulder problem, then obviously you were the victim of medical malpractice. At the same time, it is hard to envision a scenario in which a doctor would perform spinal surgery in the absence of pathology that suggested such a procedure was warranted.  If you want to investigate a 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
It is hard to tell you whether you have a malpractice case worth investigating. If your suspicions are correct and the doctor performed surgery on... Read More

Can I sue the hospital for malpractice?

Answered 12 years and 10 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
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. I would not take your case because the damages are limited.  Nevertheless, attorneys have different standards. Some attorneys will take on cases that are less profitable because they do not have sufficient business to turn borderline cases away. Additionally, you may be able to convince an attorney to take the case on if you agree to pay the expenses along the way.   I don’t mean to minimize what your son went through, because nobody wants to undergo an unnecessary circumcision, but if that was the extent of his damages, I would not take the 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.  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
Medical malpractice cases are very costly and time consuming for lawyers to pursue, and in most circumstances attorneys will not take them on unless... Read More

Do I have a case if dr put in wrong size ball

Answered 12 years and 11 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
I am having a hard time following you description of what happened, but it sounds like you are questioning whether you have a cause of action who performed the first revision surgery, and perhaps whether you have a cause of action against the doctor who performed the second revision for failing to provide you with adequate pain medication.  I doubt a case against the doctor who performed the second revision is viable. You may have a case against the doctor who performed the first revision. You would not expect the hip to pop out of joint one month after the surgery and the second doctor has advised you that the first doctor chose the wrong sized implant. I think there will be a question about whether the case is financially viable if the second revision cured the deficiencies of the first.  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 having a hard time following you description of what happened, but it sounds like you are questioning whether you have a cause of action who... Read More
I do not think you have a viable cause of action. The doctor did not have an obligation to perform surgery on you. Moreover, the week delay was not a function of what your physician did, but your experience at the ER (it is not clear why you were not seen but that certainly wasn't his fault). 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
I do not think you have a viable cause of action. The doctor did not have an obligation to perform surgery on you. Moreover, the week delay was not a... Read More

I had a heart attack doing a operation that I didn't have to have they miss read the test i this happen I'm 2008 have it been to long?

Answered 13 years and a month ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
A statute of limitations is a law setting a time limit on legal action in certain cases. There are different statutes of limitations on different kinds of cases. For example, a breach of contract case often has a longer statute of limitations than a personal injury action. Complicating matters more is the fact that the statute of limitations in any cause of action is usually governed by state law, and different states have different time limitations. Click here for a website that provides a rough estimate of the statute of limitations in all 50 states for common causes of action. Note that this website advises that these limitations periods are merely rough estimates. You should contact a local attorney (one in your state) who can tell  you whether these estimates are correct. In medical malpractice cases, circumstances sometimes justify allowing cases to be filed after the statute of limitations expired. For example, if a surgeon leaves behind an instrument during a surgery and a  patient only discovers the foreign object after the limitations period has expired, most states have a common law exception to the statute of limitations that would allow a plaintiff to file a lawsuit that would otherwise be out of time. Finally, statutes of limitations usually incorporate exceptions that extend the limitations period for minors and people who are incapacitated. If you think that you may have a viable 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.  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
A statute of limitations is a law setting a time limit on legal action in certain cases. There are different statutes of limitations on... Read More

i live in nj and my surgery was in va and i think the doctor set it wrong?

Answered 13 years and 2 months ago by John Joseph Ratkowitz, Esq. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Medical Malpractice
Whether you have a viable malpractice case is going depend on whether the problems you have are related to incorrect setting of the fracture or to the RSD. If you want to investigate a malpractice case, you should contact a local medical malpractice attorney (one in your state - VA).  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
Whether you have a viable malpractice case is going depend on whether the problems you have are related to incorrect setting of the fracture or to... Read More