Posts by Crandall & Pera Law, LLC
Heart Patients Warned Against Common Antibiotics
Patients with underlying heart disease should not use antibiotics commonly prescribed for bronchitis and sinus infections as they may dramatically increase the risk of death from heart problems, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Use of the antibiotic azithromycin (sold under the brand name Zithromax) was linked with nearly…
Read MoreMedical Malpractice Highlighted in Colorado Doctor Case
The Colorado Medical Board has filed 14 counts of unprofessional conduct against a Denver surgeon for various forms of medical malpractice, according to CBS News. Dr. Warren Kortz is accused of leaving sponges and surgical equipment in patients as well as improperly using robotic surgery for kidney transplants. Not only has Kortz misrepresented the success…
Read MoreGene Patents Delay Research, Affect Every Patient
A potential decision made by the US Supreme Court on a current case regarding patenting human genes could affect the health and lives of every American. Myriad Genetics currently controls the patents on variations of two human genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – whose mutations provide a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. With…
Read MoreDepakote Reported to Cause Long-Term Effects on Children
Depakote, a drug used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder and migraine headaches, could cause lasting negative effects when used while pregnant, recent studies suggest. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the use of Depakote while pregnant, which has reported risks of decreased IQ and a risk of autism for the…
Read MoreTherapy “Plateau” No Longer Stops Medicare Coverage
A class-action lawsuit last month has prohibited Medicare from denying patients coverage for reaching a “plateau,” meaning their conditions are not improving. Medicare patients with chronic health problems or disabilities that require nursing care, home health services or outpatient therapy will be able to continue to receive the skilled care they need for as long…
Read MoreM&M Conferences Shield Errors from Patients
“Morbidity and mortality” – or M&M – conferences emerged in the early 20th century as a way for physicians to review cases that had gone wrong behind closed doors, away from patients and families. In the medical world, surgery M&Ms are especially known for their confrontations, as more experienced surgeons often browbeat younger doctors into…
Read MoreWarning Signs of an Incompetent Doctor
Nearly half of U.S. physicians experience symptoms of burnout – think exhaustion and depression – according to a new study in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. When a physician has the life of you or a loved one in his or her hands, it is of the utmost importance that they are functioning at…
Read MoreFamily of OSU Student Hit By Dump Truck Files Lawsuits
The family of Daniel Hughes, the Ohio State freshman who was hit by a dump truck on campus September 5, has filed negligence lawsuits against the university and several contractors. Hughes, 18, lost his right leg and suffered severe damage to his pelvis and spine as a result of the accident. His parents and three siblings…
Read More2.25 Million Verdict Estate of Jane Doe v. ABC Hospital Anonymous City, OH
A 34 year old married mother of two boys recently delivered her third child. During surgery for the delivery, a C-section, a portion of intestines were injured. This lead to an infection that went undiagnosed for several days. Unfortunately she died as a result. A confidential settlement was reached before trial.
Read MoreHospitals Placing Profits Over Patient Care
Consolidation in health care is creating a tightening bind for independent doctors across the country, according to a recent article in The New York Times. Reduced Medicare reimbursements and higher technology costs are just some reasons why the percentage of independent doctors nationwide has dropped from 57 percent to 39 percent since 2000, according to…
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