Articles Posted in Medical Malpractice

It is not uncommon for a patient with complex health issues to treat with multiple providers. If a patient under the care of several physicians subsequently suffers an adverse medical event due to inadequate care, it can be challenging to demonstrate which treatment provider committed medical malpractice. In a recent New York opinion, the court discussed what evidence is needed to demonstrate liability in a medical malpractice case with multiple defendants. If you suffered losses due to inadequate medical care, it is smart to meet with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney to determine what claims you may be able to pursue.

Case Setting

It is alleged that in May 2011, the plaintiff sought medical treatment for an unexplained fever from her primary care doctor, the defendant. Despite oral antibiotic treatment, the fever persisted, leading the defendant to order a CT scan, revealing suspicious masses in the plaintiff’s abdomen and lung. Due to her history of lymphoma, the defendant referred the plaintiff to the defendant oncologist to assess a possible recurrence of cancer. The plaintiff also consulted with the defendant rheumatologist. The defendant rheumatologist conducted multiple examinations and tests, issuing reports noting abnormalities. Unable to definitively diagnose or rule out malignancy, the defendant rheumatologist referred the plaintiff to specialists.

It is reported that the plaintiff was later hospitalized for a bacterial infection, developed endocarditis, and suffered a stroke. In 2012, the plaintiff initiated a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendants. The defendant oncologist and rheumatologist moved for summary judgment; the trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, dismissing the complaint. The plaintiff appealed, but she passed away during the proceedings, and the executor of her estate was substituted. Continue Reading ›

In New York medical malpractice lawsuits, it is incumbent upon the parties to not only demonstrate their positions are supported by sound evidence but also to comply with the applicable rules of procedure. As demonstrated in a recent New York ruling in which the court ultimately dismissed the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claim, the failure to do either can be fatal to a party’s case. If you were harmed by the negligence of a healthcare provider, it is in your best interest to meet with a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your options.

History of the Case

It is reported that in 2018, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant asserting medical malpractice claims and other causes of action. In July 2020, the plaintiff sought a default judgment, which the court initially denied due to insufficient service in accordance with New York’s Civil Practice Laws and Rules. In January 2021, however, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for re-argument.

Allegedly, in July 2021, the defendants opposed the plaintiff’s motion for a default judgment, claiming improper service and cross-moved to dismiss the complaint. They argued that the court lacked personal jurisdiction over certain claims, the claims were barred by the statute of limitations, and that the plaintiff failed to aver sufficient facts to support his claims. The defendants also requested a change of venue to Chemung County. The trial court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss, in part, dismissing the medical malpractice claims. The court also granted the defendant’s request for change of venue. The plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›

Maternal infection is any infection in a pregnant woman that can spread through the blood, placenta, or birth canal during pregnancy or childbirth. If left untreated, such an infection can result in serious, even long-term, injuries and disabilities for the baby.  Therefore, discovering a maternal infection early on and treating it is very important. If a doctor does not test for and treat infections, they may be held legally responsible for a child’s birth injury. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys may be able to help you collect the compensation you deserve.  We help clients throughout Upstate New York, with offices in multiple convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the medical malpractice field is reflected in the results we have achieved for our clients.

When certain maternal infections go undiagnosed or untreated, they can endanger the unborn child. Here are a few of the most common:

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, can cause serious health problems in babies under the age of a year. Pneumonia, vision problems, congenital varicella syndrome, developmental delays, scarring, and cognitive disabilities are examples of these issues.  According to the Organization for Teratology Information Service (OTIS), the risk of birth injury is 0.5 to 1% when chickenpox occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. The risk increases with the length of the pregnancy.

We go to eye doctors to make sure our eyes are healthy and free of disease or when we notice symptoms of a problem. Sometimes another doctor refers us to an eye specialist. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are the two main types of eye doctors. Optometrists provide patients with general eye care. They perform vision tests, monitor for issues such as diabetes, and treat glaucoma, among other things. While optometrists can perform the majority of primary eye care procedures, they may need to refer a patient to an ophthalmologist on occasion.

Ophthalmologists are specialists who have received additional training in the eye, its diseases, and treatment. Their education does not end with board certification; they must continue to maintain a level of knowledge in eye-related issues beyond that of a general practice doctor. An ophthalmologist, unlike an optometrist, can treat and diagnose diseases such as glaucoma. Perhaps most importantly, ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye surgeries. This can include surgery to correct crossed eyes, remove cataracts, and treat glaucoma, and other conditions. They are also trained in Lasik eye surgery. Ophthalmologists may perform plastic surgery to smooth out wrinkles or raise a droopy eyelid in some cases. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both eye doctors, but only ophthalmologists can diagnose diseases and perform surgery on the eyes.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes optic nerve damage. This damage is frequently caused by abnormally high eye pressure.  Glaucoma is a leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness. Because vision loss is typically gradual and occurs over time, patients may not notice the change until the condition has progressed to an advanced stage. Because glaucoma vision loss is irreversible, it is critical to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure and other tests so that a diagnosis can be made early on. When glaucoma is detected early, vision loss can be slowed or stopped. When you are hurt or sick, you probably believe that going to the doctor will help you get better. And, while doctors intend to help their patients, their intervention can sometimes have negative consequences. This could be the case for a variety of reasons, including a visit to the eye doctor. Call our office today to discuss your options if you believe you have been the victim of eye doctor medical malpractice.  Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

The tracheotomy procedure, also known as a tracheostomy, is a type of medical procedure that involves the use of a breathing tube. These procedures are frequently performed on patients with neck or facial cancer or significant facial injuries. Patients who have had recurrent pneumonia or any other type of breathing problem may have had a tracheotomy. A tube is inserted into the trachea during this procedure. To insert the tub, an incision in the neck must be made to allow the doctor to insert a breathing tube into the trachea—more commonly known as the windpipe. This procedure then allows the patient to breathe through the tube rather than their mouth or nose, as they would normally. While the procedure is generally thought to be safe, complications can and do arise. These complications may be the result of a tracheotomy surgical error in some cases. If you or a loved one were injured because of a routine tracheotomy procedure, you may be eligible for compensation. Understanding the procedure and your legal options can assist you in determining how to proceed. Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

A tracheotomy is occasionally performed as a result of an emergency. Due to the emergent nature of the situation, the procedure may be performed quickly. While an urgent procedure may differ slightly, a tube will still be placed in the patient’s neck to improve the patient’s ability to breathe. When performed in an emergency, the procedure is known as cricothyroidotomy. This is usually the result of some kind of traumatic injury.

While a tracheotomy is performed to help with breathing difficulties, breathing problems may persist in some cases even after this procedure is completed. It should be noted that some difficulty is normal in the process of learning to breathe again. However, if the difficulty breathing persists, this is not normal. Breathing difficulties could be due to a blockage caused by pressure, mucus, or blood. Such issues are usually simple to resolve. Breathing problems can also be caused by medical malpractice or tracheotomy malpractice.

The sinuses are vital aeration, drainage, and lubrication channels that keep the skull clear and the nasal passages free of invaders such as dust and pollen. The fine hairs that line the sinuses, known as cilia, act as a conduit for mucus drainage from the sinuses to the nose. Because the sinuses must remain clear for proper breathing, surgery is sometimes required to clear them when they become blocked due to growths, infections, or structural abnormalities. Call our office right away if you or a family member has been injured as a result of surgical malpractice.  Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

Individuals may undergo sinus surgery for a variety of reasons. If a person is born with bone deformities that block the sinuses or had trauma to the face that has left bones protruding into the sinuses, surgery may be required to remove sinus obstructions. Similarly, when tumors, polyps, or other nasal growths appear, they must be surgically removed or risk sinus blockages and infections that can cause swelling, which is another source of problems when they obstruct the free passage of mucus from the sinuses to the nose. Nasal polyps are small swellings in the nasal passages that can cause obstruction. They develop when the nasal lining becomes irritated and swollen, and they can cause breathing problems, face pain, runny nose, recurring infections, nasal congestion, and loss of smell.

Sinus infections or sinusitis may also necessitate surgery. Common sinusitis symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, headache, cough, pressure around the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and brow, hearing loss due to ear blockage, and mucus dripping down the throat. When infections reoccur frequently, surgery to clear the passages and prevent future infections may be required. Most doctors will first try antibiotics before removing nodules or other obstructions surgically. To combat recurring infections, they may also recommend nasal sprays and rinses, steroids, allergy medications, and antihistamines. If everything else fails, surgery may be the only option.