Malpractice

This case involves an eight-year-old patient who originally presented with a chief complaint of right-sided abdominal pain and one episode of vomiting.

In July 2019, a jury awarded $229.6 million in the largest medical malpractice verdict ever in the United States.

COVID-19 has brought on plenty of change to all aspects of life, and obstetrics and gynecology is not excluded.

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

Allegations in this complex case include negligence in performing laparoscopic hysterectomy and delaying treatment of bladder injury.

A new article on Medical Economics tackles a recently decided case in Minnesota that examined the doctor-patient relationship with a fine-toothed comb.

The patient had a history of fibroid uterus and dilated pelvic vessels in the left adnexal region, obscuring the left ovary. On April 2, 2014, the patient was seen as a gyn outpatient at the clinic by Defendant OB. The patient complained it caused her urinary tract irritative symptoms and back pain. An MRI was ordered for evaluation. A 9.9cm exophytic fibroid arising from the posterior uterine body with focal cystic degeneration was seen.

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

Allegations in this complex case include negligence in performing laparoscopic hysterectomy and delaying treatment of bladder injury.

In a case with multiple defendants, coordinating defenses should be the primary objective for trial.

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

This month's web-exclusive Legally Speaking article examines a case where conflicting expert testimony and a sympathetic mother made for a difficult decision.

Ranging from cases on ultrasound missteps to disease misdiagnosis, these were our most-read articles on malpractice from 2018.

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

Ongoing postoperative complaints and disturbing scan results - was this a case of a rare random complication or an intraoperative injury?

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

When a plaintiff brings forth a specious claim, constant pressure from the defense is key.

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

In this case, the question of fetal well-being as demonstrated on the FHR tracing is significant.

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

Failure to recognize the warning signs led to poor outcomes for mother and child.

Informed consent and surgical route are the main focuses of this case.

Ranging from cases on labor and delivery missteps to advice on managing EHR metadata during a lawsuit, these were our most-read articles on malpractice from 2018.

There are many things a physician should consider when shopping for malpractice insurance.

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

A pregnant patient in recovery from a cerclage was given oxytocin because of preset electronic orders.

Oxytocin is one of the most frequently used drugs during labor but it can also become a major issue in a malpractice case filed after a labor and delivery if there is an adverse outcome. PLUS: Carolyn Zelop, MD, provides commentary on a lawsuit involving a patient death during pregnancy due to cardiomyopathy.

In 2012, a Virginia woman began receiving prenatal care for her seventh pregnancy, during which she was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and obesity. During the delivery, shoulder dystocia was encountered. The baby's right arm was noted to be limp and she was diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury. The woman sued those involved with the delivery, claiming that during the course of her care, the history, physical examinations, and tests showed she had an increased risk for encountering shoulder dystocia during a vaginal delivery.