Valleywide Legal Blog

Is It Time to Consider a New Way to Discipline Doctors?

I have written in the past about the “frequent flyers,” the few doctors who malpractice repeatedly.   Studies have shown that as few as 1% of the doctors in the United States are responsible for over 30% of malpractice claims. … Read More

Posted in Arizona Medical Board, disclosure of medical mistakes, Doctors, Lawsuits, medical errors, Medical Malpractice, medical malpractice cases, medical malpractice claims, medical malpractice lawsuits, medical mistakes, Medical Negligence, Secrecy |

Doctor Hypocrisy on Display

Many health care professionals rail against patients who make claims when they have been the victims of medical malpractice.  “These claims are driving up the cost of medical care,” they say.  “These claims are bankrupting the system,” they say.  These statements are … Read More

Posted in disclosure of medical mistakes, Doctors, Fee for Service, Fraud, Health Care Costs, Malpractice costs, Medical Costs, medical ethics, medical malpractice claims, Medicare, Secrecy, tort reform |

Medical Errors – The Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

Back in 1999, a study was published which suggested that medical errors caused about 100,000 deaths each year.  This shocked the medical community and led to significant debate about the accuracy of that number as well as what could be … Read More

Posted in Hospital Negligence, Hospitals, medical errors, Medical Malpractice, medical mistakes |

Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim – Damages

Damages Medical malpractice cases are usually expensive.  Even a relatively simple case can cost tens of thousands of dollars (not including attorney’s fees).  It costs a lot to pay expert witnesses, take depositions, thoroughly prepare a case for trial, try … Read More

Posted in Medical Malpractice |

Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim – Causation

Causation In a medical malpractice case, the injured party (the plaintiff) has the burden of proof on the issue of causation.  This means that the plaintiff must prove that a healthcare provider’s (a defendant’s) negligence caused an injury or death … Read More

Posted in Medical Malpractice |

Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim – Standard of Care

Standard of Care In a medical malpractice case, it is necessary for an injured party (the plaintiff) to prove that a healthcare provider (the defendant), was negligent.  In order to prove that a defendant was negligent, the plaintiff must prove that … Read More

Posted in Medical Malpractice |