Health Care and Social Law Articles

Articles written by attorneys and experts worldwide discussing legal aspects related to Health Care and Social including: defective drugs, failure to diagnose, informed consent, medical law, medical malpractice, medication errors, pharmaceutical law, social security, social services law, surgical errors.


Health Care and Social Attorneys

Social Security Disability Application Process in Raleigh

  May 22, 2012     By Brent Adams & Associates
A Raleigh Social Security disability attorney can help you with the Social Security disability process of applying and demonstrating need for your benefits. The Social Security disability process can be both frustrating and harrowing, particularly if you have already been rejected and denied benefits in the past. Fortunately, a Social Security disability attorney can help you with:

What Services Do Medicaid Lawyers Provide?

  May 21, 2012     By Frank & Kraft, Attorneys at Law
Medicaid is the federal program that provides healthcare benefits to a wide variety of people including uninsured individuals with low income, pregnant women, certain children and disabled individuals, and senior citizens who need nursing home care. However, in order to receive Medicaid benefits individuals must meet financial eligibility requirements.

How Can I Become Someone's Guardian?

  May 21, 2012     By Frank & Kraft, Attorneys at Law
A friend or family member has become incapacitated, physically or mentally, and cannot take care of themselves and their finances. You want to step up to help. What can you do to become their guardian? First, get an attorney to help you with the process. Have a complete understanding of the health, living conditions, and finances of the person you want to help.

Dependent Social Security Disability Benefits – Learn if You Qualify

  May 17, 2012     By Brent Adams & Associates
Dependent Social Security disability benefits can help family members of someone who is disabled. A North Carolina Social Security disability lawyer explains who can qualify. Depending upon your work, there are specific members of your family that may qualify for benefits, which include the following:

Social Security Disability Claim: Learn How Your Application is Reviewed

  May 17, 2012     By Brent Adams & Associates
A state agency will review your Social Security Disability application. It must meet work and disability standards for benefit approval. If your claim has been denied, talk to a North Carolina Social Security disability lawyer. When you apply for Social Security disability, the primary goal of the Social Security Administration is to determine if you are disabled and unable to work due to the severity of your disabling condition.

How a Power of Attorney and a Revocable Living Trust Work Together

  May 16, 2012     By Robert J. Kulas, P.A.
If you have a Revocable Living Trust, you know that it can serve as an essential incapacity planning tool. If you’re ever disabled – through illness or injury – to the point that you can no longer manage your own financial affairs, your Disability Trustee can step in and take over your trust property. However, if a Revocable Living Trust is the only estate planning tool in your incapacity plan, then there are probably gaps that need to be filled.

Ubiquity of Dementia Demands Action

  May 16, 2012     By Frank & Kraft, Attorneys at Law
Everyone has heard of Alzheimer's disease, a debilitating condition that causes dementia among our nation's senior citizens. People who suffer from dementia can find it difficult to understand certain concepts, and as a result they can find it impossible to make sound decisions for themselves.

Social Security: A Safety Net, Not a Cure All

When you are young time seems to pass slowly as you anxiously await certain benchmarks. For example young people will look forward to the day when they can start high school and then get a driver's license and it can seem to take forever. On the other hand, many people will tell you that as you age time starts to pass by very quickly.

New Policy on Social Insurance for Foreign Employees in China

  May 16, 2012     By UB & Co. Attorneys and Counselors
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security issued the Tentative Measures for Social Insurance Enrollment of Foreign Employees in China (Draft for Comments) (the "Tentative Measures") on June 10, 2011. The main contents of the Tentative Measures are as follows:

Don't Expect too Much from Social Security

  May 14, 2012     By Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
Statistics indicate that a high percentage of people who are approaching retirement age are simply not ready, and many seniors will never be able to retire. If you ask each individual who is unprepared how he or she got into this predicament, you will get a variety of different answers. But without question, a lot of people find themselves lacking because they expected too much from Social Security and Medicare.

Some Actos Claims Need to be Filed by June 2012

  May 14, 2012     By Maxwell S. Kennerly, Esquire
In many states, the statute of limitations for pharmaceutical injury lawsuits is one year, and we believe the manufacturer of Actos will argue that the statute of limitations began running on June 15, 2011, when the FDA issued a warning about the link between Actos and bladder cancer. Thus, patients who developed bladder cancer while on Actos should contact an attorney immediately to ensure their claims are preserved.

Doctor Proposes Information Tech to Reduce Prescription Errors

  May 12, 2012     By Ferrer Shane, PL
A study found that drug-related errors accounted for about a quarter of all preventable patient injuries. The study estimated that between 10 percent and 15 percent of prescriptions contain errors. Many people think medical malpractice consists mainly of sensational cases, like accidentally leaving medical instruments inside a surgery patient. The reality is that medical malpractice often takes a more mundane but equally dangerous form: illegible handwriting on drug prescriptions.

Advanced Age Can Bring Dementia With It

  May 11, 2012     By Augulis Law Firm
It may be human nature to avoid subjects that are not especially pleasant, and this is one of the reasons why people often procrastinate when it comes to incapacity planning. Though it is not hard to understand why someone may prefer to avoid the topic, if you do you are putting yourself and your family members in a vulnerable position.

Planning for Dementia

  May 11, 2012     By Davidov Law Group
Most people have watched an episode of 60 Minutes at some point in their lives and are familiar with Mike Wallace who recently passed away at the age of 93. Wallace's son recently stated that his father suffered from dementia before he passed away. It’s never easy watching a family member who has dementia. It’s particularly hard when the proper planning has not been done before the family member gets dementia.

What Physicians Should Know about Insurer's Retrospective Audits

  May 9, 2012     By Quadrino Schwartz
What are retrospective audits? Once insurance claims are settled, physicians’ practices hope, and probably assume, that the claims won’t be revisited. The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Neurology presented a cautionary report, updated in 2010, warning physicians that insurers may be taking a backward look at previously settled transactions from even years earlier.

How to Meet Social Security Disability Qualifications

  May 9, 2012     By Brent Adams & Associates
Social Security disability qualifications will depend on your work situation and the severity of your impairment. A Social Security disability attorney in Raleigh, N.C., may be able to help. In order to obtain disability benefits, there are Social Security disability qualifications that you must meet. Even then, you will need to be able to support this with ample evidence.

Plavix Side Effects

  May 7, 2012     By Arias Ozzello & Gignac LLP
The Need for Stroke and Heart Attack Medication - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Healthy blood vessels allow oxygen and other nutrients to flow to the brain. When a clot is formed that blocks the brain’s input of blood, a stroke may result, resulting in mild, moderate or severe impairment - or death.

Pradaxa Shows Significant Side Effects

  May 7, 2012     By Arias Ozzello & Gignac LLP
Pradaxa is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner, that was approved by the FDA in Oct. 2011 to prevent blood clots in patients who experience atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat. When the heart does not beat in a regular, healthy rhythm, blood may collect in the heart and clots may form as it collects. If a clot is pumped into the bloodstream and it reaches the brain, a stroke may result. Pradaxa was designed to thin the blood, allowing it to flow freely without clotting.

Medical Negligence and Medical Malpractice Problems in the United States

  May 7, 2012     By The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
Medical negligence is defined as the act or omission in treatment of a patient by a medical professional, which deviates from the accepted medical standard of care. Medical malpractice is negligence whereby a medical professional did not take the proper action required in a reasonable amount of time and this negligence caused injuries to the patient.

Medical Malpractice Injuries

Medical malpractice is a growing problem in the U.S. If you were injured because of a doctor or nurse error, there are probably many questions that need answers. Please continue reading to learn about the types of injuries that can be sustained by medical malpractice. Studies show that nearly 200,000 people are killed because of medical malpractice every year.

Medical Malpractice in Personal Injury Cases

  May 4, 2012     By Goodman Law Group
Victims of injuries and wrongful deaths resulting from negligent or, sometimes even malicious behavior for doctors and/or other medical professionals, in general, tend to just quietly accept whatever settlement these medical professionals, and the insurance company, offer them.

Plan for a Nursing Home Now

  May 4, 2012     By The Hartley Law Firm
Have you ever considered what might happen to your assets if you have to go into a nursing home for a long term stay? Nursing home care is extremely expensive.The time to plan for it is long before you will ever possibly need it. Waiting until you are sick is too late. Medicaid will pay for long term care in a nursing home.

Elder Law Primer – What is Elder Law?

  May 4, 2012     By Robert J. Kulas, P.A.
As you get older, different laws have a greater or lesser effect on your life. Elder law is simply a phrase used to describe all the legal issues that affect people as they age, retire, and die. Let's take a look at some of the more common issues that elder law attorneys deal with.

Social Security Disability: Check the List of Impairments to See if You Qualify

  May 3, 2012     By Brent Adams & Associates
The Social Security Administration uses the List of Impairments – or Blue Book – to determine whether or not an applicant is disabled. Consult a North Carolina disability attorney for guidance. The Social Security disability List of Impairments (also known as the “Blue Book”) plays an important role in the disability determination process.

An Introduction to Elder Law – 3 Issues

  May 3, 2012     By German Law Group
When you are making your estate plan you may hear the phrase “elder law” but not really know what it means. Elder law is simply the collection of legal issues and topics that most often impacts the elderly. Creating an estate plan, for example, is one aspect of elder law, though the topic includes numerous other legal issues. Let’s take a look at some of the most common elder law issues.

Medical Malpractice Including Surgical Errors and Surgery Mistakes in Hospitals and Doctors Offices

  April 30, 2012     By The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
Every year approximately 225,000 people in the United States die from medical malpractice, making it the third leading cause of death after heart attacks and cancer. Many people are seriously injured or die each year from not only major operations but elective surgeries such as cosmetic surgery and bariatric surgery. Surgical errors and surgical malpractice is a terrifying prospect for any patient to experience.

How to Appeal a Denial of Social Security Benefits

  April 26, 2012     By Frank & Kraft, Attorneys at Law
Although you may not have any problems qualifying for your Social Security benefits once you reach retirement age, there is always a chance that you could be denied. If this happens to you, there’s no need to panic. You can appeal the denial and still stand a good chance of getting approved. In fact, over half of those denied Social Security benefits are approved after they appeal.

What is an Advance Medical Directive?

  April 25, 2012     By Robert J. Kulas, P.A.
An Advance Medical Directive is an essential estate planning document that lets you communicate your wishes for end-of-life medical care to your doctors and loved ones. What kinds of situations does an Advance Medical Directive cover? It’s effective when you’re terminally ill or seriously injured and can’t speak for yourself to communicate your decisions and preferences concerning your medical treatment.

Can You Spot the Signs of Elder Abuse?

  April 25, 2012     By Robert J. Kulas, P.A.
Tens of thousands of elders fall victim to some form of abuse every year, and the abuse is very often at the hands of caregivers or close family members. The signs of elder abuse can be hard to recognize, for a couple of reasons. First, many of the signs overlap with what appear to be normal signs of aging – frailty and mental decline.

Estate Planning With a Special Needs Child

  April 25, 2012     By Robert J. Kulas, P.A.
When you have a child with special needs, many areas of your life require additional planning and special arrangements, and your estate plan is no different. If your child receives government benefits, you already know that there’s a cap on the amount of assets he or she is allowed to have and still receive those benefits.

Los Angeles Disability Discrimination: Laws, Claims, and Attorneys

  April 24, 2012     By Mesriani Law Group
Claiming for disability discrimination in the State of California is no easy task despite the implementation of laws protecting employees and applicants from workplace discrimination. There are two laws that protect individuals from employment discrimination based on disability—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

A Birth Injury from Medical Malpractice

  April 23, 2012     By The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
A birth injury is one of the most heart-breaking situations a family can experience. A Birth injury can devastate a family and have a permanent impact on the lives of everyone involved. One of the most devastating events that can happen to a mother and family is experiencing a birth injury with a newborn baby.

Why is a Medical Expert Giving Testimony at Your Social Security Disability Hearing?

  April 19, 2012     By Paul Giannetti, Attorney At Law
In a relatively small number of hearings a medical expert, hired by the government, will give testimony at your Social Security hearing. This expert will be present for the entire hearing and will listen to your testimony before giving his or her opinions. The expert will have never examined you.

For Many Seniors Staying at Home is Possible

The cost of long-term care has become truly exorbitant, and this is a subject of great concern within the elder law community and there is no relief in sight. Industry analysts tell us that the cost of long-term care is going to increase into the foreseeable future.

Hospital-Acquired Infections Increase Mortality Rate for Elderly ICU Patients

  April 17, 2012     By Davis Levin Livingston
Senior citizens, who are admitted into a hospital intensive care unit and suffer from a hospital-acquired infection, have their risk of death increase by 4 times compared to those seniors who do not have any infection.

Cerebral Palsy and How Medical Malpractice May be Responsible

  April 16, 2012     By The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce Fagel
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle coordination and body movement. Cerebral palsy occurs from a lack of oxygen to the brain of the infant during labor or after delivery. It can also occur from premature delivery, infection, and head trauma. Approximately 70% of children who have cerebral palsy developed it due to an event before birth that interfered with normal brain development.

Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Lawsuit

  April 16, 2012     By Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C.
New cases of serious, uncontrolled bleeding in user of the prescription drug Pradaxa have surfaced. Pradaxa is used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Lawsuits are now being initiated, contact our firm for a free case evaluation.

Doctors Claim They Suffer Increased Stress from Worrying about Malpractice Lawsuits

  April 13, 2012     By The Law Offices of Steven P. Kuhn
Despite all of the years of education and specialized training, reports show that 225,000 people die in the United States every year from negligence on the part of medical professionals. This number is relatively small compared to the even larger number of people who are injured or permanently disabled because of errors on the part of medical professionals.

Should I Hire a Zoloft Lawyer?

  April 12, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
Should you worry about protecting a large drug manufacturer who may have acted negligently to protect the profitability of their product, while your child suffered as of result of this negligence? We get this question lot: Should I hire a Zoloft lawyer? A lot of our clients don't consider themselves the 'litigious type' and thus can feel apprehensive about filing a lawsuit.

Financial Abuse of the Elderly

  April 12, 2012     By The Law Offices of Saul Kobrick, P.C.
It is useful to recognize the fact that estate planning is just one aspect of elder law, and as elder law attorneys it is our job to stay apprised of all of the issues of the day that affect our seniors. One matter that has been getting a lot of attention recently is that of elder financial abuse, and it is something to keep in mind when you are engaged in planning for your twilight years.

Why Do You Need an Advance Healthcare Directive?

  April 12, 2012     By The Law Offices of Saul Kobrick, P.C.
No one likes to think about what would happen to them if they were injured or became ill and could no longer make medical decisions for themselves. But it happens to people of all ages, every day. If you don’t tell your doctors and your family what your wishes would be in a situation like this, then they’re left to try to figure things out for themselves.

Birth Injuries: What You Need to Know

  April 11, 2012     By The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
Did your child suffer from an injury or illness while in the care of a doctor or nurse? Was your child the victim of medical malpractice? You could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering in order that your child could receive the medical treatment they need to get back to full health.

The Rise of Gastric Bypass Surgery Malpractice

  April 11, 2012     By Steven J. Weinberg Trial Lawyer
Gastric bypass surgery has long been touted as a dependable solution for individuals who need to lose a substantial amount of weight. This surgery is an invasive surgical procedure that involves the stapling, banding or rerouting of the stomach and small intestines so that food and nutrition bypass the normal physiological route that food takes through the body.

Older Patients: Make Sure Your Doctor Tests You for Colon Cancer

  April 10, 2012     By Demas Law Group, PC
Like many other forms of cancer, you can definitely survive for many years if you catch and treat colon cancer at an early stage. Although many Americans are aware that they should have a first colonoscopy (the test used to view the interior walls of a person’s colon) near age 50, it’s a precaution that a number of others keep postponing.

Assisted Living Community Alternative

  April 10, 2012     By Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
One thing to consider when contemplating the contingencies of reaching an advanced age, is the possibility of being unable to handle your day-to-day needs on your own. The likelihood of a stay in a nursing home or assisted living community may be the first thing that comes to mind. These options exist, but there are some pitfalls that go along with these types of facilities.

Will Zoloft Cause Birth Defects?

  April 6, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
This question of whether Zoloft causes birth defects likely brought you here for two reasons. #1: You’re currently taking an antidepressant like Zoloft and you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. #2: Your child was born with a birth defect and you want to know if Zoloft was responsible in causing the injury.

High Percentage of Boomers Unprepared for Retirement

  April 6, 2012     By Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
In 2011, there was a poll conducted by the Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com. The purpose of the probe was to get an idea about how prepared baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) are for retirement. The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age and massive numbers of people are involved.

Medical Care vs. End-of-Life Care

  April 5, 2012     By Byrd Garrett PLLC
There was a 60 Minutes segment that aired in '09 that was entitled "The Cost Of Dying," and this report was very relevant to anyone who is wondering why estate planning lawyers recommend advance health care directives like living wills and durable medical powers of attorney.

How to Deal With Elder Abuse

  April 5, 2012     By Byrd Garrett PLLC
Do you know what to do if you suspect elder abuse? First you must understand what elder abuse is and how to spot it. - Types of Abuse - Elder abuse is the abuse of a retired aged individual in a nursing facility or in his or her own home. There are many types of elder abuse: financial, physical including sexual, verbal, and neglectful.

Defective Hip Replacement Lawyers

  April 5, 2012     By Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP
Depuy and other companies have recently come under fire for the manufacture of faulty hip replacements. These devices often fail to meet quality standards advertised by the companies that produce them, and may necessitate a second surgery to repair the damage caused by these defective products.

How to Decide if Someone You Love Needs Long Term Care

  April 5, 2012     By Byrd Garrett PLLC
The decision to seek long term care for a loved one is a difficult one to make. Perhaps you are afraid of hurting your family member’s feelings by suggesting they are no longer capable. Or maybe your family member isn’t ready to admit the need for help. Despite the difficulty of broaching this touchy subject, you must do so for the health and safety of your loved one. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.

Elder Abuse Revised

  April 5, 2012     By Law Firm of Mark S. Eghrari & Associates PLLC
Everyone gets older – that’s just a fact of life. And while we can’t avoid aging, we can take steps to ensure that our loved ones are properly cared for when they become elderly and can no longer take care of themselves. It’s a sad fact that abuse of the elderly in nursing homes and medical facilities is an ongoing concern. Not in every facility of course, but it does happen. And unfortunately, the victims frequently suffer in silence.

Fiduciaries

  April 4, 2012     By Law Firm of Mark S. Eghrari & Associates PLLC
When it comes to financial matters we need several people we can trust to act in our best interest. These people include friends, relatives and professionals. In legal language, such people are called fiduciaries. A fiduciary can be a person or institution that you trust would act in your best interest when you need help. Fiduciaries can include attorneys, bankers, business advisers, mortgage brokers, real estate agents etc.

What is an Advance Medical Directive?

  April 4, 2012     By Law Firm of Mark S. Eghrari & Associates PLLC
An advance medical directive can actually consist of two different legal documents, both designed to protect you medically in the event you can no longer speak on your own behalf. The first is commonly called a Healthcare Power of Attorney or Health Care Proxy and it allows you to specify who will make decisions on your behalf in case of a medical emergency.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

  April 4, 2012     By The Becker Law Firm
After labor and delivery, if your child developed persistent pulmonary hypertension and you believe it was caused by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a birth injury claim. To learn what legal options may be available, contact a Cuyahoga County birth injury lawyer. A lawyer will take the time to examine the details of your case and determine if you have a legitimate claim worth pursuing.

Zoloft Statute of Limitations

  April 2, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
As a general rule of thumb, if you're concerned about the statute of limitations for your Zoloft related birth injury case, the sooner you contact an expert the better. It's as simple as filling out a free Zoloft case evaluation form to find out if you have a case. Whether you consider yourself a litigious person or not, in the case of Zoloft, the manufacturers may have known about the potential dangers to your child but negligently chose to not disclose this information.

Personal Injury Cases – Each One is Different

  April 1, 2012     By Greenman, Goldberg, Raby & Martinez
Personal injury cases can have a myriad of circumstances and situations associated with them. It takes the long-standing and varied experience of an established law firm to understand the subtle differences from one case to another. It is this discerning quality you need to look for when deciding which law firm in Las Vegas may be ideally suited to handling your personal injury case.

Las Vegas Medical Malpractice Lawyers Handle Various Types of Cases

  April 1, 2012     By Greenman, Goldberg, Raby & Martinez
Las Vegas medical malpractice lawyers can help you determine which type of case you may have:

Zoloft Usage by Sex

  March 28, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
Historically doctors had no idea that any risks were being posed to the unborn child when the mother took Zoloft while pregnant. Conversely, the manufacturer of Zoloft may have known of the increased risks to fetuses but chose not to disclose them. There are several reasons why they may have done this but most likely it was to protect their bottom line, make a quarterly earning call, or hope that the number of affected infants would be nominal.

A New York Defective Products Attorney Can Help Unravel the Law's Complexities and Use Them in Your Favor

  March 27, 2012     By Brown Chiari LLP, Attorneys at Law
You undoubtedly use products in your home every day, and simply assume that they are safe. Maybe the product you bought isn't particularly effective, but at least you know it's safe. Occasionally, though, a product will slip by the United States' very tough product liability laws, and make it onto the market even though it's not safe.

The True Costs of Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's

  March 15, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
When Andrew “Bud” Kangas, of Appleton, Wisconsin, learned he had Alzheimer’s disease, he quickly handed over his finances to a family member. Like many Alzheimer’s sufferers, he simply became overwhelmed by his caretaking costs.

Improving Your Doctor’s Hygiene

  March 15, 2012     By The Donahey Law Firm, LLC
Hygiene in hospitals is not as high of a priority as one would expect. When people don't feel well, they see a doctor. They probably assume that the doctor will not spread anything to them to make them sicker. Ohio residents may be disturbed to find out that hygiene in hospitals is not as high of a priority as one would expect.

Hospitals Aiming for Fewer Errors and Better Patient Care

  March 15, 2012     By The Donahey Law Firm, LLC
An estimated 100,000 people per year die in hospitals around the country from preventable errors and over the years this situation has only worsened. About 10 years ago a study from the Institute of Medicine was released. It estimated that 100,000 people per year died in hospitals around the country from preventable errors. Ohio residents will be disappointed to know the situation has only worsened.

Your Hospital Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

  March 15, 2012     By Tolmage, Peskin, Harris & Falick
Preventable hospital mistakes range from U.S. surgeons operating on the wrong person or body part, happening as much as 40 times per week, to a hospital staff member’s failure to properly disinfect a room or wash his hands. The landscape of the modern medical system at first can seem quite picturesque. American hospitals are capable of great feats: saving lives, curing disease, and inventing new procedures.

Did Zoloft Cause My Child’s Birth Defects?

  March 14, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
In the case of Zoloft, this was prescribed to pregnant women by doctors who truly believed they were not risking the health of the unborn child. And the mother trusted the judgment of the doctor. What nobody counted on, was that manufacturer of Zoloft may have known of these unacceptable risks, yet did nothing to warn pregnant women of these dangers.

Leading Las Vegas Worker’s Comp Attorneys You Can Afford

  March 14, 2012     By Greenman, Goldberg, Raby & Martinez
Being injured while on the job can be both a physically and emotionally draining process. Dealing with the physical pain as a result from an accident can be debilitating and frustrating—especially if it interferes with how you perform at work.

Study Shows Nursing Home Patients with Dementia Likely to Suffer an Injurious Fall When Taking Antidepressants

  March 13, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
It's no secret that falls in the elderly nursing home population remain one of the largest threats to patient’s safety and overall well-being. Recognizing this threat, nursing homes must assess each patient for their potential fall-risk and create a plan of care to reduce the incidence of falls during their stay at the facility.

Types of Medical Malpractice

  March 13, 2012     By The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
If you or a loved one were injured because of the negligence of a hospital or medical professional, you could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Medical malpractice is a tragic reality in many people’s lives. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 die in the U.S. every year due to hospital or doctor errors.

Compensation Structures for Medical Practices Part 2 - Compliance with Stark and Anti-Kickback Laws

  March 13, 2012     By Matt Dickstein - Business Attorney
Today, I briefly outline the legal requirements that apply when a group medical practice pays compensation to its members. My prior newsletter explained compensation plans from a non-legal perspective. This newsletter talks about the law, specifically, medical practice compensation plans under California and federal referral laws (Stark and Anti-Kickback).

Planning for the Care of Your Special Needs Loved One

  March 12, 2012     By Law Offices of Barton P. Levine
We will start out by discussing the rules of eligibility for certain types of assistance programs. Next, we will discuss problems and pitfalls in planning for a Special Needs loved one. This will evolve into a discussion about what are believed to be the best options of planning for special loved ones - the Supplemental Needs Trust.

HECM Can Finance Purchase of Long-Term Care Insurance

  March 11, 2012     By Ryan, Hicks, Cumpton & Cumpton, LLP
The high and rising costs associated with long-term care are something to take very seriously when you are making preparations for the latter portion of your life. If you combine the typical length of stay with the average cost of nursing home care you could be looking at an expense that exceeds a quarter of a million dollars. This is an amount that a lot of people would find difficult to pay without seeing a significant portion of their legacies going down the drain.

Surgical Errors on the Rise

  March 9, 2012     By Johnson & Monteleone, L.L.P.
As a society, we trust our medical professionals and care facilities to provide us with the highest quality of medical care and treatment. Doctors and other medical professionals are held to a high standard of excellence because the results can be devastating and fatal for patients when they do not meet this standard.

Pharmacist Sentenced to Home Confinement after Re-Packaging Drugs for Nursing Home Patients

  March 9, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Pharmacists play an essential role in the well being of nursing home patients by filling physician prescriptions and in many cases keeping track of all the medications each patient takes to assure there are no contraindications in mixing different drugs. Obviously, keeping track of medications is an difficult but important job.

Johnson v. Graceland Care Center of Oxford, LLC v. Conley (41 So.3d 692)

  March 9, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Case: Johnson v. Graceland Care Center of Oxford, LLC v. Conley (41 So.3d 692) Parties: Plaintiff (Appellee) - 1. Estate of Adela Johnson (Deceased) 2. Conley, Representative of Esther Conley (Deceased) - Defendant (Appellant) - Graceland Care Center of Oxford, LLC and DeSoto Healthcare, Inc. Court: Supreme Court of Mississippi (2010)

Newkirk v. Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC. (898 N.E. 2d 299)

  March 8, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Case:Newkirk v. Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC. (898 N.E.2d 299)Parties:Plaintiff (Appellee) - Newkirk, representing the estate of Martha O’Neal - Defendant (Appellant) - Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLCCourt:Supreme Court of Indiana (2008).

Lee v. Hawaii Pacific Health (121 Hawai’I 235, 216 P.3d 1258)

  March 8, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Case: Lee v. Hawaii Pacific Health (121 Hawai’I 235, 216 P.3d 1258) Parties: Plaintiff (Appellee) - Lee, as personal representative of the estate of her son, Ross Unebasami (Deceased) - Defendant (Appellant) - Hawaii Pacific Health Court: Intermediate Court of Appeals of Hawaii (2009)

Wilcox v. Schwartz

  March 8, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Case: Wilcox v. Schwartz Parties: Plaintiff (Appellee) - Wilcox - Defendant (Appellant) – Schwartz Court: Appellate Court of Connecticut (2010).

Salas v. Grancare, Inc. (22 P.3d 568)

  March 8, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Case: Salas v. Grancare, Inc. (22 P.3d 568) Parties: Plaintiff (Appellee) - Salas, representing a class of nursing home residents (both deceased and living) - Defendant (Appellant) - Grancare, Inc. Court: Colorado Court of Appeals (2001).

Effects of Zoloft on Fetal Growth

  March 8, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
Easier said than done, but if you can find a way to combat depression that doesn't involve Zoloft, especially during your third trimester, then those risks to your child are dramatically reduced. Certain birth defect risks, such as pulmonary hypertension, have been reported to increase 600% when mothers took Zoloft in their last trimester.

Common Questions about Medical Malpractice

  March 7, 2012     By The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC
Every year, approximately 1.5 million people are injured or killed due to medical malpractice. If you or a loved one were harmed because a medical professional or hospital made a mistake, they could be held liable for what they have done. Those who have been victimized by the negligence or carelessness of a doctor, nurse, or medical organization, most likely have many questions going through their mind.

C-Diff Infection Alleged to Blame for Death of Nursing Home Patient

  March 5, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
A recently filed wrongful death lawsuit claims that clostridium difficile, or commonly known as C. Diff, is to blame for the death of a patient in an Illinois Nursing Home. The lawsuit alleges two short-term stays at Helia Healthcare facilities (Helia Healthcare of Energy and Helia Healthcare of Benton) are to responsible for the man's C. Diff infection and development of decubitus ulcers. It is further alleged that these medical complications contributed to the man's death.

Complications During Pregnancy, Such as Uterine Rupture, Put Mother at Risk

  March 5, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Every day in the United States, more than two women die from pregnancy complications. An Amnesty International 2010 report (Deadly Delivery: The Maternal Health Care Crisis in the USA) revealed that women in the United States have a higher lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy complications than women in 40 other countries. A woman's chance of dying in childbirth in the United States is five times higher than in Greece, four times higher than in Germany, and three times higher in Spain.

Sexual Side Effects of Zoloft

  March 5, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
Zoloft has been shown in several double blind studies to cause numerous sexual side effects for both men and women. Up to 70% of men on Zoloft experienced difficulties with ejaculation. For women on Zoloft, almost half experienced difficulties with orgasm. For both men and women, 12% had problems becoming sexually aroused, while on Zoloft.

Study: Hospitals Attempt to Bury Evidence of Medical Malpractice

  March 2, 2012     By Knapp & Roberts - Personal Injury
A recent study indicates that hospitals bury evidence of medical negligence through underreporting and by refusing to perform autopsies. Hospitals in Arizona and across the country are burying their mistakes, according to a new study recently released by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.

Actos Litigation Moves Forward

  March 2, 2012     By Knapp & Roberts - Personal Injury
Scientists recently linked the blockbuster diabetes drug Actos to bladder cancer. Actos’ maker insists that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks, but bladder cancer sufferers disagree. The first hearing was recently scheduled for a wave of lawsuits against diabetes drugmaker Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Medicare Standards Require Nursing Home Patients to be Transported Safely

  March 2, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Emergency medical and transportation services are a necessary component of a comprehensive medical care program. Ambulance services can be provided by: volunteer, municipal, private, independent and institutional providers. All providers must meet requirements set by State and local laws in order to ensure adequate services and safe transport.

Zoloft Discontinuation Syndrome

  February 29, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
What is Zoloft discontinuation syndrome? - Zoloft discontinuation syndrome is the technical term for what occurs when patients experience 'Zoloft withdrawal', or stop taking Zoloft too suddenly. There is no way to tell in advance if one will experience withdrawal symptoms – it is determined by numerous factors such as the dosage, how the patient was taken off the drug, metabolism, etc. The withdrawal symptoms can be severe and can last several weeks.

MetLife Releases New Long-Term Care Survey

  February 29, 2012     By Kevin Pillion - Co-Executor PLLC
If you are serious about being prepared for all of the eventualities of aging, you need to understand the fact that the majority of senior citizens will need living assistance someday. Given this reality, proceeding with the notion that it is unlikely that you will ever need such care is tantamount to a wager against the odds.

A Solution for the Unprepared

  February 28, 2012     By Kevin Pillion - Co-Executor PLLC
If you are expecting to retire in relative comfort you are going to have to acknowledge that this is a goal that will take effort to reach rather than viewing it as an entitlement. With the above having been stated, statistics tell us that a very high percentage of people are unprepared for retirement.

You Can Increase Your Full Social Security Benefit

  February 25, 2012     By Law Office of Roy W. Litherland
The unfortunate truth is that a significant percentage of Americans do not plan ahead diligently with retirement in mind and they wind up being overly dependent on Social Security. The Social Security Administration states that in excess of 60% of Social Security recipients rely on their benefits as their primary income source. This can be a problem because the average monthly benefit is less than $1,100.

Breastfeeding on Zoloft

  February 24, 2012     By McEwen Law Firm Ltd
Currently there is a general consensus among medical professionals that Zoloft does pass through breast milk and it should only be taken by women who breastfeed if the benefits outweigh the risks. Quantifying both of these of course can be awfully difficult. According to WebMD, Sertraline (Zoloft) does pass through breast milk.

Never Event #7: Surgical Site Infection

  February 24, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
According to the the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2.6% of the the 30 million operations performed each year are accompanied by a postoperative infection. Certain procedures account for a higher number of infections---some procedures have infection rates of up to 11%.

Poorly Monitored Medications May Put Children at Risk for Developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome

  February 24, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
One of the most profound cases I worked on involved a girl who was prescribed Bactrim by doctors at a medical clinic for complaints of a sore throat following an outdoor soccer match in cool weather. Soon after taking the medication, the girl began to develop bumps on her throat, followed by a skin rash. After several more visits to the clinic, the doctors advised the girls parents to continue with the Bactrim.

Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Patients' Rights in Medical Malpractice Cases

  February 24, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
For the third time in recent years, the Illinois Supreme Court has rejected the State legislatures attempt to limit the rights of those who have been harmed by negligent doctors and hospitals. This most recent decision held section 2-1706.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure was unconstitutional because it violated the separation of powers between the judiciary and legislative branches of government.

What are the Early Signs that a Child May have Cerebral Palsy?

  February 24, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the early months of life, although specific diagnosis is usually delayed until later. Parents are often the first to suspect that their baby’s motor skills aren’t developing normally. Infants with cerebral palsy frequently have developmental delay, in which they are slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk.

Underlying/Associated Diseases Not Diagnosed

  February 24, 2012     By The Becker Law Firm
A misdiagnosis malpractice claim may lead to compensation if you were injured as a result of an undiagnosed underlying or associated disease. Contact a medical neglect lawyer.

When an Undiagnosed Aneurysm Leads to a Medical Malpractice Claim

  February 24, 2012     By The Becker Law Firm
If you or a loved one was the victim of an undiagnosed aneurysm, you may be entitled to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the doctor. To learn what your rights are, you should seek counsel from a malpractice attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. When there is a failure to diagnose a serious medical condition, and it results in devastating consequences, liability may be found with the doctor. This may be a case of medical negligence.

Are Cesarean Sections Helping or Hindering the Health of Mother and Infant?

  February 24, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
As a lawyer, who litigates birth injury cases, I've noticed that there is still quite a bit of confusion about c-section deliveries. I've noticed that many doctors fail to adequately explain the procedure to their patients and many times is is done so during a particularly stressful time--- like when the woman is in labor!!

Medical Malpractice and Nursing Homes

  February 24, 2012     By Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Medical malpractice claims arise when people are injured by negligent or intentional acts of a licensed medical professional. Medical malpractice claims may involve a: doctor, nurse, psychiatrist, dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist, hospital, or other healthcare provider.

Long-Term Care Insurance Financing Strategy

  February 24, 2012     By Frank & Kraft, Attorneys at Law
Long-term care is extremely expensive and the fact is that Medicare does not pay for it. So, if you truly want to be prepared for all the eventualities of aging you are going to have to be proactive about addressing these potential expenses.