James M. Shwayder, MD, JD

Learn how documentation can significantly benefit patients and providers.

Shoulder and abdominal dystocia during a vaginal delivery for fetal hydrops

Delayed response to surgical complications leads to adverse outcomes.

How important are the experts?

Patient sues obstetrician, claiming ultrasounds were misread following intrauterine fetal demise because of undetected cord and growth restriction.

Hear from James Shwayder, MD, as he goes through the details of a case involving methotrexate in an intrauterine pregnancy that eventually led to fetal demise.

The penalties of deception can be much worse than medical negligence.

James M. Shwayder, MD, JD delves into his Legally Speaking column from the May issue of Contemporary OB/GYN®.

What was to blame for this fetal demise?

This case illustrates how a clear explanation and empathy for the patient’s concerns may have avoided litigation altogether.

This case presents a unique dynamic involving certified nurse midwives; following protocols enhanced defensibility.

An LVAH case underscores the importance of continuing education.

This case involves induction of labor for a suspected large for gestational age (LGA) baby in a mother with a normal antepartum course.

The outcome in this case underscores the importance of excellent legal representation and scrupulous expert witness selection.

Physicians should meet with their attorneys to prepare for any testimony, especially in cases with documentation discrepancies and unreliable physician-nurse communication.

Did this community physician act accordingly after the patient was diagnosed with MAP?

Inability to recognize that a patient requires care from a specialist may lead to allegations of negligence.

Multiple gynecologic surgeries led to legal action with a surprising outcome.

Four cases illustrate common errors that can lead to litigation when performing obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound.

Treatment should follow a conservative approach – especially when the patient is asymptomatic.

Patient communication and preoperative consent are the main issues in this case.

Bowel injuries are not often recognized at surgery so communication with the patient following surgery is vital.

Metadata from an EHR form an audit trail of activity, which can make or break a malpractice case.

From the 35th Annual Meeting - Las Vegas, Nevada- November 2006