Sunday 22 April 2012

Misdiagnosis of Vagina Cancer and Medical Negligence

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Vagina cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the vaginal tissues of a woman. This area is also referred to as the birth canal. Anytime that cell production does not function normally, and growth is disturbed or changed in any way, cells can divide quickly and start to grow out of control. When this occurs, cancer can result, because of damaged that has affected the part of the cell that is related to genetic material called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It is not completely understood what causes vagina cancer.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms that are associated with cancer of the vagina become more numerous. Nearly twenty percent of all cases of vagina cancer have no symptoms at all. The only way these cases are found is through abnormal results of a Pap test.

For the most part, vagina cancer is rare, and makes up the smallest number of cancer cases seen in women. While, as mentioned above, there are not many symptoms associated with the condition, there are a few things that have been observed, such as: vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood, bleeding following sexual intercourse, and pain or discomfort in the area of the pelvis. Other symptoms that have reported include: blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine, frequent urination, and pain in the area of the rectum. Since vagina cancer is rare, there are not a lot of cases seen on a yearly basis, which makes it hard for medical professional to become familiar with this type of cancer. This leads to a much greater chance of a misdiagnosis happening, which is inevitably a form of medical negligence.

There are two forms of vagina cancer that can affect women of just about any age. These two forms are as follows:

Adenocarcinoma Vaginal Cancer: this form of the disease typically affects younger women who are under the age of twenty. This form is not commonly seen.

Squamous Cell Vaginal Cancer: this form of the disease typically affects women who are between the ages of fifty and seventy years old. This form is more commonly seen.

In order to properly diagnose vagina cancer, you will need to stay current with routine checkups with your primary care physician, or with your gynecologist. Because most practitioners do not see many cases of the disease, there is a high risk of a misdiagnosis happening. That being said, if there is even the slightest suspicion of vagina cancer being present, the physician should send the patient to a cancer specialist who is more familiar with this disease, so that more in depth testing can be conducted. Tests that should be ordered include an internal vaginal examination, a cervical smear, a colposcopy, and a biopsy. Any area that appears to be abnormal for any reason should be further examined by collecting a tissue sample for microscopic review.

The best possible prognosis will come from the proper tests being ordered, the results being received in a prompt fashion, results being interpreted properly, and effective treatment being started right away. Any delay in treatment, for any reason, especially due to a misdiagnosis can be devastating and can lead to a fatal outcome. This is because the longer vagina cancer is left untreated, the greater the chance it will spread to other areas, and other organs, making it nearly impossible to treat.

If you or someone you know has been harmed because of a misdiagnosis of vagina cancer, it is important that you understand that you have legal rights, and you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries by taking legal action. The best possible way to go about taking this action is to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical negligence and malpractice. These professionals are quite skilled in this area of the law, and know exactly how to proceed.

A personal injury attorney will examine all the details of your claim in order to ensure it is viable, and then will make recommendations on the best course of action. From this point, the attorney will handle all of the details on your behalf, leaving you with nothing to deal with except your own personal recovery.

Best of all, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that you do not have to worry about how to pay for your claim upfront. You pay nothing until the time your case settles. This can make all the difference in the world for someone who is on the fence about how to proceed with their legal claim because of having a tight budget.

Once the claim is filed, your personal injury attorney will work hard to seek compensation for your past, present, and future medical expenses, any loss of income because of having to quit your job, as well as pain and suffering.

Since these types of cases can be quite complex, it is not recommended to attempt filing on your own without legal representation. The laws that govern medical negligence and malpractice cases can vary a great deal depending on the jurisdiction that oversees them, which can make filing somewhat confusing. A personal injury attorney completely removes this hassle, and will take care of every last detail.

Medical negligence claims are particularly concerning, and when they deal with cancer misdiagnoses can be absolutely devastating. These incidents should have never happened should the proper amount of attention been paid to the details, and the person or people responsible for the mistake need to be held accountable. Not only will you be seeking justice for yourself, and for your family, you will also be taking actions to help prevent this from happening to any other innocent victims.

Do not delay in seeking legal guidance for your claim. There are strict statutes of limitations that must be adhered to in order for your claim to proceed. Medical professionals have teams of legal representatives working hard to protect their interests and so should you. You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.

For information on medical negligence lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.


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A Definitive Guide on Medical Malpractice

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It is alarming that about 98,000 people die every year due to medical malpractice. Doctors are not the only ones involved in these cases. They also involve nurses, dentists, therapists, and other medical practitioners. These kind of malpractice like legal malpractice involves negligence. The former specifically refers to improper and negligent performance of the doctor or any other medical professional in the diagnosis, care, and treatment. This takes on various forms including surgical errors, prescription mistakes, late or wrong diagnosis, failure to diagnose a certain disease, injuries during childbirth, errors in the administration of anesthesia and many more. Almost 100,000 people could have been saved if these errors were prevented. But death isn't the only result; injuries, disabilities, and trauma can also arise from mistakes committed in the medical facility.

Filing Medical Malpractice Complaint

The legal remedy for such event is to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor, hospital or medical practitioner involved. Since these are known for being difficult and expensive, it's a must to have a reliable and competent medical malpractice lawyer at your side. Most attorneys give free initial consultation and advice regarding what to do about the matter. Since there is what you call a statute of limitation for these complaints to be filed, it's necessary to file it as soon as possible. The statute of limitation means that there's only a specified duration of time that the complaint can be filed. If filed after this, the complaint will not be accepted by the court and the plaintiff will not receive any monetary compensation even if the complaint is valid and has strong evidence.

Legal Requirements for the Medical Malpractice Complaint

In order for a medical malpractice complaint to be valid, it should have these three elements: negligence, damages (injury) and causation. Having all these elements are necessary to build a strong case. Negligence refers to the error of the doctor or deviation from the standard medical procedures. For every given medical treatment, a standard procedure of care is provided for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. If the doctor fails to follow that whether intentionally or unintentionally, negligence is present. For example, if a 60-year-old woman goes to a hospital due to chest pains, the doctor must have her undergo standard tests to check for heart diseases and other possible health problems. If not, this can be considered as negligence in the part of the doctor and hospital.

In medical malpractice, damages include medical expenses, lost income, lost future earnings, future medical bills, pain and suffering and other personal damages. Finally, there should be a causation or a link between the two elements mentioned above. The negligence must have caused damages that are enumerated above for the claim to be considered valid as a medical malpractice complaint. This is the element that is the hardest to prove in cases like this. But with a good lawyer to help you prove that the medical professional's negligence did indeed cause you damages then you would be able to make a claim for monetary compensation.

For more tips and information about legal malpractice please visit: medical malpractice.


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Birth Injuries: What You Need To Know

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In the U.S., 7 out of every 1,000 births involve some type of injury. This could have been sustained during labor and delivery, or sustained while the infant was still in the womb. Doctors and other medical staff are responsible for carefully monitoring mothers during the months leading up to the birth of their child, throughout the labor process, and after the child is born. If they fail to do so, it can not only result in injury to the mother, but injury to the unborn child as well.

There are several types of birth injuries that can affect babies. Sometimes these are due to natural causes and no person is to blame. However, even if doctor's actions did not directly result in the child's harm, they are still responsible for accurately diagnosing the condition in a timely manner and quickly carrying out the correct treatment. Other types of birth injuries can be traced directly back to an action on the part of a doctor or other medical professional or traced back to an action that they failed to perform.

One common type of birth injury that can result from medical negligence is brachial plexus injuries. The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that run from the spine down the arm. As these nerves are delicate, any force or trauma to neck or arm can result in nerve damage. The brachial plexus nerves carry signals to the muscles, so this type of damage can result in partial paralysis or difficulty in moving the arm. A breech delivery (feet first delivery) can result in brachial plexus injury. If the neck and arm are pulled or wrenched in a specific way or too much force was exerted, your child could be left with this injury.

Erb's Palsy also affects the brachial plexus nerves. If the baby experiences complications while traveling through and exiting the birth canal, such as in a feet first delivery, the child could be left with this type of injury. Doctors are responsible for foreseeing any problems that could occur during childbirth. If they failed to recognize a problem or failed to do anything about it, you could have a medical malpractice case.

Many people do not realize that cerebral palsy could in fact be a result of a birth injury. Cerebral palsy is actually a group of disorders that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. Although it is unknown as to what the exact cause of these disorders is, one widely accepted cause is a lack of oxygen to the brain while a baby is being born. If a complication arises during labor and delivery and air is cut off from the child, they may be left with this type of brain damage. As of now, there are not treatments that are able to reverse the effects of cerebral palsy.

Lastly, another condition that parents may not realize was actually caused by medical malpractice is mental retardation. The definition of mental retardation is an intellectual disability that causes a child's brain functioning to be below the norm. With over 3% of the population in the U.S. suffering from some type of mental retardation, this is a very widespread problem. One would expect that doctors would have a better understanding of what causes this based on this fact, however, they are only able to pin point a cause in a quarter of the cases. If it can be proven that your child suffered from this birth injury because of a doctor error, you could have a medical malpractice case.

With over 60 years of combined experience in medical malpractice law, the Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein is able to help families dealing with these tragic cases. From anesthesia errors to birth injuries to doctor errors to brain damage, they have seen it all. A New York medical malpractice attorney from their team could review your unique situation and seek to get you a fair settlement for what you have gone through. They have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients and could do the same for you. Contact a NYC medical malpractice lawyer from their team today for a free consultation. Learn how they could defend you and your family.


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Medical Animations: A Useful Tool in Medical Malpractice Cases

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Medical Malpractice in the U.S.

Medical malpractice is big business. Estimates are that medical liability costs in the U.S. exceed $40 billion annually. The stakes for both sides are very high. Plaintiff attorneys, working on contingency arrangements typically front the costs of litigation in the hopes of a giant payday for themselves and their clients. Defense costs are borne by the physicians themselves, either directly or indirectly via insurance premiums. In addition, physicians risk licensure restrictions, damage to their professional reputation and even the potential for loss of livelihood from an adverse verdict.

The past few years have seen sharp surges in malpractice insurance rates driven in part by greater frequency of litigation, larger awards and/or increased defense costs. The average payout, as well as the number of cases with verdicts exceeding $1 million has increased substantially. Attorneys often point to jurors' capabilities to explain unexpected verdicts.

Juries in the U.S. are selected from the general population pool. Although physicians are included in potential jury pools, they are typically eliminated in medical malpractice cases during the process of jury selection called voidere. Occasionally other medical professionals are selected to sit on juries involving medical negligence. However, more often jurors have little or no medical background. The argument has been made that medical malpractice cases are too technically complex for the average layperson to fully grasp within the brief timetable of a trial. A successful outcome is often linked to the attorney's ability to effectively convey his point of view.

Attorneys for each side try to create the greatest advantage for their clients by employing a number of legal tools at their disposal. The attorneys argue the case for, or against, the physician's negligence using traditional evidence such as medical records, witness testimony and medical expert opinions. At trial, medical illustrations and artwork are often utilized to clarify or emphasize a point to the jury. We have incorporated the use of computer graphics to create enhanced medical illustrations.

Medical Animations: What are they?

Illustrations presented at trial have traditionally been static diagrams or sketches presented to sharpen a visual image for the jury. Medical illustrations may be used to demonstrate anatomy or physiologic pathways to help explain pathologic circumstances. Surgical procedures can be illustrated using diagrams from textbooks or journals. Computer technology and advanced software applications have allowed us to take medical illustrations to the next level.

Plastic surgery and dermatology are very visual specialties. Often results are in highly visible areas for the entire world to see. In addition, these procedures are typically photographed by the physician. The photo-documentation incorporated into these procedures creates a unique opportunity for useful medical illustration at trial.

In cases of alleged medical negligence, information is gathered from these photographs, as well as medical records, operative reports, sworn testimony, expert medical examination, and journal or text references. In order to defend against admissibility challenges at trial, the information is totally customized to the plaintiff's circumstances. The information is loaded onto the computer and using advanced software is enhanced into a dynamic medical animation.

The Animation Team

The process is coordinated by the attorney, the expert physician and the computer graphic artist. The attorney determines the goals to be emphasized by the animation. These goals may be to explain the steps and decision points involved in a particular surgery or perhaps how a revisional procedure could mitigate potential damages.

The lay public often tends to minimize plastic surgery procedures. Despite complex anatomy and surgical physiology, aesthetic procedures are often relegated to simplistic terms such as a "boob job" or a "nose job". Ironically, these procedures are often difficult to conceptualize, even by other physicians. They require a keen sense of spacial relationships and topography.

Attorneys often feel that educated jurors are more likely to empathize with their client. The medical animation gives the lay person a unique view into a customized operation. Another area where the animations are utilized is to fill in gaps of previous surgery or proposed corrections where photographs may not be obtainable. A proposed surgical correction may significantly impact the damages claimed by a plaintiff.

The expert physician is a critical component of the team. The physician must interface between the goals of the attorneys and the skill of the graphic artist. It is up to the expert physician to incorporate all of the available facts and accurately synthesize the information into a logical educational sequence.

The computer graphic artist is given the great responsibility of making the evidence come to life. The process is similar to creation of a cartoon. Using the available photographs, data and diagrams, the artist undertakes a painstaking, frame-by-frame assembly of the animation. Intervening movement is added by using computer generated images. The process involves an active dialog among the three team members until the final product is created.

(see Case Reports below)

Conclusion

Medical animations are a new tool that can be utilized by physicians and medical malpractice attorneys. They have been used successfully both at trial and at mediation proceedings. Current use of medical illustrations is helpful but only static in nature. Simple verbal descriptions are inadequate for aesthetic cases.

Case Report (C.L.)

The patient is a young female who underwent a conventional, Wise-pattern breast reduction. Post-operatively she developed keloid scars. The surgeon injected her with Kenalog. The peri-areolar scars spread and the patient complained of a deformed appearance. A medical negligence action was filed against the surgeon alleging that the Kenalog concentration was excessive and caused skin atrophy and spread scars.

Upon careful review of the records it was noted that the patient had gained 100 lbs. and her breast size grew from a pregnancy following surgery. The plaintiff was required to undergo an expert medical examination (E.M.E.).

The defense argued that it was the additional breast weight, and not the Kenalog, that caused the scars to spread. Moreover, it was argued that she would benefit from a secondary breast reduction and, based upon the patient's measurements taken at E.M.E., the surgery would eliminate the entire area of unsightly scarring.

A medical animation was created using the patient's own photographs, the operative record, measurements taken at E.M.E., textbook diagrams and computer graphics. The goal was to educate the jury about breast reduction surgery and demonstrate how a secondary breast reduction would completely eliminate the patient's complaints and therefore mitigate any damages claimed. The medical animation was narrated and explained by the expert at trial. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant physician.

Case Report 2

A teenage female underwent breast expansion and reconstruction for significant asymmetry. Years later she underwent a second procedure, including prosthesis exchange and contralateral reduction mammaplasty. The patient sustained complications and a perceived poor outcome from the second procedure and filed suit against her surgeon. She subsequently underwent a third surgical procedure to revise the results.

The three stages of surgery were recreated using the computer-enhanced medical animation incorporating the patient's records and photographs. Pictures of the patient's initial pre-operative state were not available; therefore, computer software was used to digitally morph the post-operative photographs to demonstrate her likely appearance.

The medical animation is a dynamic, customized and accurate computer graphic that allows jurors a much greater understanding of the relevant issues of a case. The cost of an animation will vary depending on the length and complexity. However, it should be weighed against the potential costs of an adverse verdict.

Jorge A. Perez, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a board certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. He serves as an expert in matters of medical malpractice. Dr. Perez has been repeatedly selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America's Top Doctors. More information is available at http://www.perezplasticsurgery.com/ or call (954) 351-2200.


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Have You Been A Victim of A Misdiagnosis of Melanoma?

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Believe it or not, even with the growing awareness of skin care and sun safety, the main cause of death from a form of skin disease is melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and it can be quite serious and aggressive, making it very important to address quickly. When melanoma occurs, melanocytes are affected. Melanocytes are specific types of cells that are in charge of giving skin its pigmentation, which is referred to as melanin. Melanin is a natural material that provides color for the skin and hair.

While everyone tends to think of just the skin area when discussing melanoma, it can also affect the iris of the eye, which is the area that is colored. That being said, it is most common for melanoma to develop on the skin that overall appears normal. It can also start off as a mole or other area that is abnormal and can change with time. Moles that are present from very early on, even birth, can develop into melanoma.

There are four main types of melanoma. The most commonly occurring form of the disease is referred to as superficial spreading melanoma. This is usually identified by the flat, irregular shape of the area, along with various shades of black and brown. Superficial spreading melanoma can form at any time, in all age groups, can be found in just about any area of the body, and is more commonly seen in people with fair skin.

Nodular melanoma is the second most common form of the condition and is typically noted by a raised area that is dark blackish blue or bluish red; however there are some forms that have no color. This form is the most aggressive form of the disease and accounts for roughly fifteen percent of all cases.

The third most common type of melanoma is lentigo maligna. This form of the disease is commonly seen in elderly people, and is found on the skin located on the arms, neck, and face, or any other area that has been damaged by the sun. This type of melanoma is recognized by its flat, large size, and can be light brown with areas that are darker in color.

The fourth type of melanoma is somewhat rare and is called acral lentiginous melanoma. This form of the disease is found on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and under the nails and is more often seen in African Americans.

In addition to the above mentioned cases, there are also rare types of melanoma that form in the rear of the eye, in the retina, and even in the mouth. These forms of the disease are typically found during routine dental examinations or eye examinations. Even rarer, are cases of melanoma that form in the anus, the urinary tract, the vagina, the esophagus, and the small intestine.

Melanoma is a serious medical condition that can spread rapidly. While it is true that melanomas are not as common as other types of skin cancer, cases continue to rise each year, making it a leading cause of death related to dermatological issues. As people continue to age, the risk of developing melanoma increases as well, but it is important to note that younger people can also be affected.

Melanoma can be very aggressive, and can pop up at just about any stage of life. Since it can be a bit confusing distinguishing between a harmless mole and something more serious, the ABCDE guidelines have been put in place to help people judge their skin issues. "A" is for Asymmetry due to the fact that the shapes of melanomas are often irregular. "B" is for Border due to the fact that the borders of melanomas are also irregular. "C" is for Color because most melanomas have multiple colors. "D" is for Diameter because the majority of melanomas have a diameter of more than seven millimeters. "E" is for Evolving because melanomas change over time.

In order for a correct melanoma diagnosis to be made, a medical professional skilled in the field of dermatology, or other type of skin cancer specialist should examine the area in question. If you are seen by a primary care physician who does not specialize in issues with the skin, you should be recommended to a specialist. In the event that this recommendation is not made, a form of medical negligence may have occurred.

It is very important that any suspicious lesions be checked by a specialist since they can promptly make an accurate diagnosis and provide the best course of treatment. These professionals know how to examine the area, use special tools like a dermatoscope, and remove the discolored area to be further examined in a laboratory. Biopsies and laboratory tests are critical to making a correct diagnosis of melanoma. Follow up tests and examinations are also necessary. Furthermore, an incorrect dismissal of symptoms as something far less serious can also have devastating results that should not be left unpunished.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a melanoma misdiagnosis you should not delay in seeking professional legal assistance. It is in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Since different states have various laws and statutes of limitations on this type of claim, it is not advisable that you attempt to file on your own without professional assistance. A personal injury attorney who is skilled in the area of medical malpractice and negligence knows the ins and outs of the system quite well and can help you every step of the way, from filing to settlement. Because most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you have no worries about funding your claim as it progresses through the system. An issue this serious should not be allowed to happen. Not only are you protecting your own interests by taking action, you are also helping to ensure this type of action does not happen to other innocent victims in the future.

For information on medical malpractice lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.


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Misdiagnosis of Thyroid Cancer, Who Is Responsible?

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The thyroid is a gland in the neck that is located near the base of the throat and is shaped like a butterfly. This gland is comprised of two different lobes, one on the left and one on the right, and is in charge of producing certain types of hormones. The thyroid uses iodine to help with the production of these various hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid have many important functions such as regulating blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, and body temperature. They are also necessary to manage different muscles, the nervous system, and organs. The thyroid is also a major factor in development and growth for children.

Thyroid cancer is a disease that results in the thyroid gland cells growing at a pace that is uncontrollable and rapid, which then becomes abnormal and causes masses to form, known as tumors.

Once the cells are examined under a microscope, and depending on how they appear, the type of cancer is classified as one of four possible types: anaplastic, follicular, medullary, or papillary. Each of these types of thyroid cancer grows at a different pace, and if not treated properly and promptly can spread to other areas within the body.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is responsible for roughly two percent of all cases of the disease. This form is extremely aggressive, and is the fastest growing form of thyroid cancer.

Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most commonly seen type of the disease, and is responsible for between thirty and fifty percent of all cases. This type of thyroid cancer originates in the cells of the thyroid that produce hormones.

Medullary thyroid cancer is responsible for about five to seven percent of all cases of the disease. This form of thyroid cancer starts in the parafollicular cells that produce calcitonin, which are also known as C cells. This type of hormone does not make use of or contain iodine.

Papillary thyroid cancer makes up the majority of cases of the disease, representing about sixty to eighty percent. This form of thyroid cancer is quite slow growing, and originates in the hormone producing cells that contain iodine.

For the most part, thyroid cancer is a slow growing cancer that often begins with just one symptom: swelling at the base of the neck where the gland is located. Another common symptom may include difficulty swallowing because of the tumor pressing on the gullet or windpipe. Typically, the main function of the thyroid gland is not affected when a tumor is present and individuals who have an overactive or underactive thyroid gland are not considered to be at a higher risk of developing cancer. Since there are few symptoms that are absolutely definitive, it is not uncommon that this disease is misdiagnosed.

In order to ensure a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer is made, it is necessary for the following to occur:

Blood work - Blood tests help to measure the thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) levels, which is often a strong indicator of abnormalities, including cancer.

Fine needle aspiration and/or biopsy - This involves a medical professional inserting a thin, small needle into the area of the neck that is swollen. It is usually done with the help of an ultrasound. The needle then collects a sample of tissue that will be later examined in a laboratory.

While it is true that most type of thyroid cancers are not aggressive, and grow slowly, it is still absolutely critical that an early diagnosis is made, in order for the best treatment to be ordered, thus providing the best chance of recovery.

Unfortunately, each year, many patients needlessly suffer because a proper diagnosis of thyroid cancer is not made, it is overlooked, or it is delayed to the point that a successful recovery is no longer possible. The main reasons for this have to do with various levels of human interpretation, which leaves a great deal of room for error. When this happens, medical negligence has occurred, and it is important that the responsible parties be held accountable. You do have legal rights, and you should understand that you may be able to take action in order to receive monetary compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.

If you or someone you know has suffered because of a misdiagnosis of thyroid cancer, or a delayed diagnosis, you should not delay in seeking legal advice. A professional personal injury attorney who specializes in the area of medical negligence or malpractice is quite skilled with handling these types of cases and can handle every aspect of your claim. He or she knows the ins and outs of the law, and will be able to determine if your case is viable, along with the best way to file, what evidence is necessary, and when an expert should be called to testify.

Since these cases can be quite complex in nature, and because the laws and statutes of limitations do vary a good deal from state to state, it is important that you get help and do not try to pursue your case on your own. Medical professionals have teams of legal counsel on their side, ready to protect their clients at all times. Because of these reasons, it is very hard for someone without their own legal representation to recoup damages.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you will get proper legal representation of your own, without the need to pay upfront. This will allow you to focus on seeking the medical help and treatments you need to improve your medical condition, without having the added worry of how to fund your legal claim. Personal injury attorneys take care of your case from start to finish. You should never risk becoming a victim twice, and you should not let the party or parties responsible who are for your injuries get away with what they have done. A personal injury attorney can help you to secure your future, while bringing forth the justice that is rightly deserved.

For information on cancer misdiagnosis lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.


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About Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits

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If you had transvaginal mesh implanted as a treatment for urinary stress incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or another medical condition and you are now experiencing complications as a result, you may wish to consider transvaginal mesh lawsuits. Transvaginal mesh lawsuits are helping countless women who are experiencing serious medical complications as a result of a treatment method that was intended to help and protect them.

Understanding Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits

When women undergo pregnancy and childbirth, this can cause problems in their body to develop. Two potential problems that are common as a result of pregnancy are pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvis begins to protrude into the vaginal wall, sometimes causing the vagina or other organs to begin to shift or protrude. In severe cases, the vagina may actually protrude so far it is out of the body. Stress urinary incontinence, on the other hand, occurs when you involuntary release urine when you sneeze, laugh or do other physical activity. Of course, both of these conditions can also develop outside of pregnancy as well, but pregnancy is a major cause.

Many women who experience stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse were treated with the implantation of transvaginal mesh. Unfortunately, although this product was supposed to help keep everything in place and help them to feel better, in many cases, it began to cause serious and significant medical problems that were sometimes much worse than what the mesh was intended to treat.

When a medical product causes harm to patients, those patients have the right to demand recourse. They can file a defective drug or product lawsuit against the manufacturer and/or distributor of the medication and hold the company responsible for the harm that the company caused by releasing a product onto the market that was not safe.

Getting Damages with Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits

When a patient brings a lawsuit against a company for a defective medical product, typically he or she will not need to show that the maker of the product was negligent in any way. It is sufficient so show that the product caused harm to the patient even when used as intended. A patient may also be able to hold the maker of a medical product responsible if the company failed to adequately warn about dangers and side effects.

Those who use transvaginal mesh may be able to demonstrate a causal link between the mesh and side effects including erosion of the mesh through the tissues of the vagina; problems with the mesh extruding form the body; pain during sex; perforation of the bladder or puncture of the bladder; bleeding, discharge or drain from the vagina; pain in the vagina; and scarring of the vagina. Other possible side effects may also be caused by the mesh as well.

The side effects are significant, in some cases giving rise to the need for multiple surgeries. The company should be made to pay for this, and transvaginal mesh lawsuits are the best way to hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

If you have experienced complications, you should contact an experienced attorney today to discuss possible legal recourse for your medical issues.


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The probability of success In a medical lawsuit In Canada

Medical causes get a lot of press, media attention and blogging comments. And while medical malpractice lawsuits offer large prizes in the United States, this does not hold true in Canada. In fact, many would argue that in the United States, medical malpractice awards are so out of proportion to the injury plaintiffs are suffering. Here in Canada, doctor lawsuit awards are much lower. A medical lawsuit that is sure to have success in the United States is not a result that is economically feasible to consider pursuing here.

Why you might ask? Canadians aren't, just like the wounded in a medical malpractice case as an American? Most doctors in Canada is defended by Canadian Medical Protection Association (CMPA), an organization with a great deal of influence and a large amount of money. With billions of dollars in assets, the CMPA is dedicated walking by their doctors. The organization uses its vast financial resources to hire the best lawyers and defence experts defend accused doctor of doctors in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

The victims of these malpractice lawsuits, however, are already struggling financially from their injuries, medical expenses, rehabilitation, medical care and lost wages. As a result, the financial challenge that just involve a medical lawsuit isn't worth the victim of medical malpractice. Apparently asked a challenge, a lawsuit against a member medicine CMPA is doomed to failure.

Defenses that doctors use to defend a lawsuit medical malpractice include:

• Forseeablility-doctors are commissioned with the duty to protect their patients from risks and dangers. Biosphere However, doctors frequently claim that the result of a particular medical procedure was an unpredictable and therefore have a defense.

•The patient has contributed to or caused the injury-this defense makes the case that a patient has not followed the instructions of the medical or medical advice.

• The risk was a recognized one-this defense is used when a physician explains the risks of a procedure and the patient gives what is informed consent. What happens here is that medical claims he/she is not responsible for injury to an individual patient because the risk was covered in the information provided to the patient and the patient chose to take the risk.

• The injury was caused by another-as the defendant in a lawsuit, medical place routinely blamed on faulty equipment, hospital personnel incompetence or other medical treatment.

• The injury was a pre-existing One – this defense claims that the patient had a previous condition or injury that have contributed or one for which has been filed the lawsuit caused medical.

A Medical Malpractice lawsuit requires a specialist lawyer lawsuit

Pursuing a lawsuit medical malpractice is not for the faint of heart. Before filing a lawsuit, make sure you are committed to an experienced medical malpractice attorney experienced Canadian lawsuit and have in hand all your medical records.

If you are looking for additional information on medical malpractice litigation in Canada, please do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney or medical malpractice lawyers now, time is a problem, don't wait.


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Medical Malpractice in Pediatrics: What Every Parent Should Know

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Your child means the world to you. You do everything to make sure that he has everything he needs to live healthy, safely, comfortably and most of all, happy. When a child suffers from a serious injury, disability, or even death due to a medical error, it's understandable that a parent would feel rage against the doctor who committed the mistake. Every parent should know about medical malpractice in pediatrics. Every parent should be aware that even topnotch doctors can commit the worst mistakes in the field of medicine that they are supposed to be experts of. Every parent should learn that medical malpractice or negligence is something that they can fight against.

Pediatric malpractice can happen anytime. It can involve negligence in neonatal care or failure to diagnose a chronic disease in teenage children. Most of these cases are difficult and complicated. As you can imagine, the doctor and the hospital will not be too accommodating when it comes to offering you with the information you need to file the claim. They may distort some facts or choose not to disclose pertinent information regarding the case. It's possible that they will not explain truthfully or properly what really happened that caused the injury, disability or death of the child.

Because of this, parents should be aware of what can be included in a valid pediatric malpractice claim. These are complications from surgery, mistakes in the administration of anesthesia, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a disease, avoidable birth trauma, pediatric burn injury cases, negligence during the postoperative recovery, errors in nursing, infections, failure to diagnose infections, and errors in prescription. As with any other medical practitioner, it's also possible for a pediatrician to commit varied mistakes when providing care and treatment to your child. But those that cause the most common cases of pediatric malpractice are failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of pneumonia, infection, meningitis, appendicitis and errors in prescription.

If it happens that you suspect of medical malpractice in the way your child's treatment and care were handled, you must collect and review all of the child's medical records, evidence, testing reports, and evidence. All these are necessary for filing the malpractice claim. You'll have better chances of recovering compensation that your child rightfully deserves if you are equipped with complete documents. Since complete and accurate records are to be kept by the physician, hospital or medical facility where you child was given treatment, you can ask them for these documents.

Right now, there is no special area of law that addresses malpractice injury in the field of pediatric. But the medical malpractice law that applies to the adult also applies to a child. A lawyer who's experienced in malpractice law is qualified to handle such case. If you have a personal injury attorney and lawyer, he/she can refer you to a smart and efficient medical malpractice lawyer. It's of utmost importance to find a good lawyer to back you up through every step of the way.

For more tips and information about medical malpractice please visit: personal injury attorney & lawyer.


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PPACA/HHS Slush Fund

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As you know, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA) almost two weeks ago. Logic would tell each one of us who strive to be informed and who attempt to remain up-to-date with important current events, like a nationalized health plan, that nothing should be done regarding the health reform law, until after the Supreme Court issues their ruling, in mid to late June. Logic suggests that Congress, the current administration, and the federal governmental agencies would focus their attention on other matters, until after the ruling is made. And logic reminds us that the current health system, with its flaws and shortcomings (including the rising costs and the many problems of our health system) that people still need medical care, even during the months spent waiting for the SCOTUS ruling, and so medical care should continue as needed. Or, in other words, wouldn't we apply a moratorium on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), no longer implementing any of the policy, until after we know the Justices opinions on constitutionality of the PPACA, and that the current medical system would continue to function as it has for years.

Well, unfortunately, we are dealing with a body of powerful individuals, who either fail to think logically, or we are watching a group of people who ignore the obvious, as they have an overconfidence that they know what is best for us, regardless of what we, the American people, think. On April 9th, 2012, the current administration diverted $500 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), earmarked to help implement the PPACA. This money falls outside of the standard appropriations process. This money comes from a $1 billion implementation fund, which many have referred to as a "slush fund." The $500 million transfer isn't new for the Human Health and Services (HHS) department, as HHS transferred $200 million to the IRS over the last two years, and plans to transfer more than $300 million the rest of this year, according to a congressional aide. The $1 billion fund was set aside for "federal" implementation activities and is available for any governmental agency. However, the HHS has exercised its privilege of tapping into this fund more frequently than any other agency. The HHS reportedly plans to drain the entire fund by September, before the presidential election.

Another example of how the government has continued to move forward with implementing the PPACA is the request for $8 million for 2013, to assist with implementation of the individual mandate. The IRS has stated that they want to hire another 300 new employees next year to police the individual mandate and to collect the numerous new taxes laid out in the PPACA, such as new fees on drug companies and insurance policies, to name a few. When asked, an IRS spokeswoman would not release just how much money has already been spent thus far in their implementation of the individual mandate.

What makes this so frustrating to those of us who go to work every day for a fixed salary, and then pay our fair share (and in most cases more than our fair share) of the overall cost to run the US government is that it's our tax dollars that continue to foot the bills for these types of "slush funds." And then, the disingenuousness of the process is egregious. The HHS apparently plans to use every penny of this $1 billion fund. And the IRS plans to become a police state to make sure that each and every one of us participates in the required purchase of health insurance, as well as, the police state for collecting the penalties, fines and fees now placed on drug companies and insurance companies, in order to help pay for the PPACA. This foundation is being laid before our very eyes, in preparation of full implementation of the PPACA, regardless of what the Supreme Court decides.

Whether or not one even agrees or disagrees with a socialized health care system, or health reform, wouldn't it seem logical and reasonable to halt all activity (like the HHS tapping into the $1 billion "slush fund", or the IRS hiring 300 more employees to collect the fees, fines, and penalties), at least until after the SCOTUS decision has been made. Shouldn't all health reform activity cease, until the US Supreme Court decision is finalized? I suppose that seems too fair and too logical. As is evident from the last forty years of Congressional or Governmental decisions and actions, we are not dealing with fair-minded or logical individuals.

So, what is the real motivation for ramming this plan down the American people's throats? It appears to me that the driving force behind the PPACA isn't to assure that all Americans have health care, even though that's what we are being told daily; I believe this is more about control, power, and money. Of course, don't think I'm so intelligent or logical. Anyone who is thoughtful and analytical would draw the same conclusions, as no other profession would be allowed to proceed, if a landmark decision that would shape their profession for years to come lay at the feet of the Supreme Court. Under any other circumstances, all activity would be frozen until after the Justices had made their ruling. There would be a moratorium placed on any other professional activity, in any other similar type of situation in which the Supreme Court had been asked to render an opinion about the legality or constitutionality of any other policy. That would be the only logical and prudent course of action. However, since that is not what is being done, then I believe that alerts us that something else, besides providing health care for all Americans, is the motivational and driving force behind this law. And when I attempt to read the health reform tea leaves, the conclusion I draw from the current activities, is that this case is about money, power, and control. At least, that's my opinion! What do you think?


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Risks Involved in a Premature Birth

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Most babies are born between the 37th and 40th week of pregnancy. This is considered full-term. Babies who are born a few weeks early generally don't suffer problems. However, that risk changes the earlier the baby is delivered.

The more premature the baby is, the more complications there can be. This is why if premature labor can be avoided, it should. A premature baby can suffer serious problems, including death.

Early prenatal care can help prevent a premature birth. However, if there was any negligence of the doctor or another healthcare provider, they could potentially be held liable.

The causes aren't always known. Some women are more likely to experience a premature birth, which is why doctors need to carefully monitor them. This includes those carrying multiple babies, along with teens and older women.

Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of a premature birth, such as a sexually transmitted disease or an infection in the mother that has not been treated.

Women who have previously delivered a baby prematurely or have health complications could also be at risk. Conditions such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, heart disease, significantly elevated blood pressure and kidney disease are some examples.

Doctors should be aware of these potential causes for a premature birth and take steps to prevent it. While premature labor can't always be avoided, close monitoring and addressing health needs could make a huge difference.

Complications of a Premature Birth

Babies born too early can suffer from a number of complications including:

underdeveloped organs; breathing/feeding difficulties; irregular blood sugar levels; seizures; low oxygen levels; bleeding in the brain; infections; learning disorders; irregular body temperature; underdeveloped immune system; jaundice; developmental problems; and death.

Some of these complications can be treated and the child will grow and develop as they should. However, other times certain complications may lead to impairments in development, learning and vision. A child may also develop cerebral palsy.

Treating a patient who is at risk for a premature birth is vital. The doctor should take appropriate steps to manage the mother and if there is a premature birth, the child as well.

When there is any indication that the doctor or another healthcare provider acted in a negligent manner, you should consult with a birth injury lawyer. A lawyer can explain if you have a valid claim, what legal options are available and what types of damages you may be eligible to seek.

Don't delay as you may be running out of time. Birth injury claims may have a time limit in which they can be filed.

The Becker Law Firm is a group of birth injury lawyers in Cleveland and Elyria Ohio. The Becker Law Firm also handles cases of medical malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death.


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Victim of medical malpractice? What should do

Undergoing medical treatment is rarely a pleasant experience. However, most people recognize the need to receive regular medical care, as part of maintaining an acceptable quality of life. Doctors and other health professionals are held to certain standards of care and trust in their patients to exercise all their skill and judgment at their disposal.

Sometimes, however, health professionals fail to exercise an acceptable level of care. This deviation from accepted medical practices can consist of a misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose a condition. May also derive from inadequate treatment of or failure to provide care. Sometimes medical malpractice is the result of having insufficient equipment. Doctors may be liable for medical malpractice, but this may well dentists, nurses, administrators, and healthcare facilities.

When the patient feels that they are a victim of malpractice can be a stressful time. Income can be lost and the quality of life can take a sharp decline. The mental and emotional toll can also be extended. Personal relationships can suffer, making the consequences of having experienced medical malpractice create shockwaves throughout the patient's life.

When a patient believed to have been the victim of a medical injury it is important for them to act quickly by contacting an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Such a lawyer will use their knowledge to determine whether or not the patient actually experienced medical malpractice and if the case has sufficient merit to be prosecuted. A claim of malpractice is one that is difficult and expensive to try. The opinion of experts must be obtained and this can be an expensive process. In addition, many requests for malpractice must be taken for trial before they are resolved. This can lead to years of patient's life and become expensive and stressful.

Most attorneys will have a medical malpractice case that has merit on a contingency basis. This means that the lawyer gets paid when was essentially won the case of their customer and they were offset by the defendant. At the beginning of the case, the lawyer and the client will sign an agreement in which the percentage of compensation of the Attorney is signed. This can be a percentage from 25% to 45% depending on the lawyer's practice. Generally the percentage given to the lawyer will be lower if the case can be resolved before going on trial.

Those who believe that they are a victim of medical malpractice should consult a lawyer as soon as possible thereafter. The Statute of limitations can define how long after the occurrence of the malpractice a claim can be made. That's why consultation with an attorney is crucial. It is only with such a rapid consultation that the lawyer can ensure that no important deadlines are missed.

A claim of medical malpractice has a way of encroaching on every aspect of the life of the actor. Can be a central concern for a period of months or maybe even a couple of years. However, a glaring case of malpractice also consumes the life of the patient. They may be able to work or enjoy life in any capacity. In such cases, the compensation is necessary and right. In extreme cases where the malpractice resulted in the death of the patient, the family of the deceased may sue on their behalf. Such a case would be compensation for the loss of the company and punitive damages.

Claimants in a case of medical malpractice can make claims for lost wages, and pain and suffering. In general, the actor is trying to be placed in a position comparable to that which they would have occupied the malpractice had never occurred. Although the financial compensation may not always fully remedy the problems caused by medical negligence at least can help improve the quality of life. With the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney claimants can increase peace of mind.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a medical procedure, is surely deserved compensation. Because it takes expert or medical malpractice lawyers Maryland to determine if the user has not occurred in medical negligence, should talk with an experienced medical malpractice attorney Maryland today.


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Should You Make A Medical Negligence Claim?

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When we have been mistreated by a medical professional we are entitled to compensation via a medical negligence claim. However, many people are reluctant to make such a claim. There are a number of reasons for this.

Not Knowing Your Rights

Some people aren't even aware that they are entitled to make a medical negligence claim if they have been mistreated, misdiagnosed or received poor care. Of course, the medical profession isn't going to shout about the fact and so patients are largely unaware of their rights. It IS the case, though, that if you have suffered because of poor treatment then you CAN make a claim.

Not Knowing If You Qualify

A lot of people are understandably unsure if they qualify for medical negligence compensation. It is a complicated area of law but if you feel you have suffered physical or mental symptoms as a result of poor care, misdiagnosis, poor treatment or even bad advice then it is worth contacting a medical negligence solicitor so they can review your case and advise you accordingly.

They will establish if the person or institution had a duty of care towards you, whether or not they failed in that duty of care and the level of suffering you have experienced. All of this will help determine if you have a case or not and what level of compensation the solicitor will seek on your behalf.

If you do have a case they will then be able to progress medical negligence claims on your behalf and you can look forward to some level of compensation that will aid you in your recovery.

Feeling Guilty About Suing

Medical practitioners are, in the main, people we trust. This especially applies to GPs and midwives but even they can make mistakes. However, because of the trust we put in them and the often close relationship we can have with them some people find it very difficult to bring a claim when a mistake is made.

We don't want to think that we'll be ruining the career of a GP we've known all our lives or a midwife that had done a great job but made one small mistake. This is perfectly understandable, but it doesn't change the fact that there is still a case for medical negligence and the compensation that can follow.

Patients should remember that they won't be receiving their compensation directly out of the pockets of their GPs or other medical people, they will be paid out of the substantial insurance that every medical professional has. It is also unlikely that any careers will be ruined unless the mistake was incredibly serious and the professional is deemed unable to do their job - in which case, you are doing future patients a favour by removing them from harm.

Whatever your feelings about the likelihood of having a case or doubts about suing, speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor to get the best advice there is and to ensure that you you receive the correct level of compensation should it be determined that you have, indeed, suffered from some kind of medical mistake.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, clinical negligence solicitors and experts in medical negligence claims for compensation.


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Misdiagnosis of Larynx Cancer, What Should I Do?

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The larynx is located in the throat, and is also referred to as the voice box. Cancer of the larynx is a particular form of cancer that affects this area. The vocal chords, which vibrate to make sounds when a person speaks, are located in the voice box, which itself is made of cartilage. The larynx is connected to the throat and can be located just under where the throat is found. Throat cancer, including cancer that affects the larynx occurs when the cells of the throat mutate and change at an abnormal rate. The mutations then cause the cells to change and grow at a rapid rate, and live much longer than is typical for that of healthy cells. This causes an accumulation of cells that are abnormal, thus resulting in tumors.

While it is not known for sure what exactly causes these cells to grow in this fashion and cause cancer, medical professionals have been able to determine a number of factors that increase the chances of developing larynx cancer. Behaviors such as smoking, chewing tobacco, and abusing alcohol all increase the possibility of developing cancer.

There are some main symptoms that are associated with larynx cancer. Because this type of cancer forms on or close to the vocal chords, the tone of a person's voice, and the voice itself, may change. Hoarseness may also be reported in some patients. Other noted symptoms that are attributed to cancer of the larynx include discomfort swallowing, shortness of breath, a lump that can be felt in the throat or neck, and chronic ear aches.

That being said, there are some cases of cancer of the larynx that do not affect the vocal chords whatsoever, therefore there is no noticeable change in the tone or quality of the voice. It is also quite common that a patient who reports to the doctor with early symptoms of larynx cancer is dismissed as having a minor case of laryngitis because of a viral infection. Anytime this happens, a delay in treatment occurs, and the result could be quite devastating.

In order to make a proper diagnosis of cancer of the larynx, medical professionals need to conduct a complete physical examination along with ordering certain tests and x-rays. If there is a failure to adhere to this procedure, an act of medical negligence may have occurred. When preliminary tests and physical examinations are done, a more definitive diagnosis may be made by referring the patient to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These specialists will physically feel the throat and neck area for any lumps or enlarged glands, and take a look at the overall health and condition of the mouth, and back of the throat. A more close up examination may be needed by using a fiber optic nasendoscope. A nasendoscope is a thin tube that has a light on one end. This helps the physician to view down the throat at a greater distance. From this point, follow up examinations may be ordered to get an idea of the shape of the larynx, which will require sedation by means of general anesthesia. Any items of concern will be collected during this procedure and biopsied for further diagnosis.

If cancer of the larynx is caught early, it can be treated, and the patient can have an improved quality of life, and may be able to be cured. If the cancer is left untreated, or there is a delay in treatment, it is possible that the cancer can spread to other areas of the body, which can lead to a case that is much more difficult to remedy.

If a proper diagnosis is not made because of an error on the part of a doctor or because of a technician who did not properly interpret lab results, a form of medical negligence may have occurred. When this happens, it is important to understand that you have legal rights, and you may be able to enforce those rights in a court of law.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a misdiagnosis of larynx cancer, you should not delay in seeking legal assistance. Contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help to ensure your rights are protected and give you the best chance of obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Personal injury attorneys who specialize in this area of the law are extremely skilled with these cases, and will work hard on your behalf. He or she will handle every last detail, collect medical records, evidence, and even arrange for expert testimony if needed. Personal injury attorneys will file all proceedings and provide advice on the best way for you to head with your case.

Best of all, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you have nothing to pay upfront. By not having to worry about how to fund your claim as it progresses through the legal system, you can spend your time focusing on your personal health and recovery, as well as spend precious time with friends and family.

In the event that you have lost a loved one because of a misdiagnosis of larynx cancer, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on the decedent's behalf. A personal injury attorney will discuss your options and guide you in the proper direction.

Medical negligence claims can be quite complicated and are certainly not something you will want to take on yourself. Every state has various laws that govern these types of cases, and various statutes of limitations that must be followed. Failing to file in the proper amount of time or in the right way can sabotage your chances of receiving compensation.

Do not risk becoming a victim twice. Medical professionals have teams of legal representatives working on their side to protect them in all ways, and you should have someone in your corner. Hiring a personal injury attorney will give you all the tools necessary to get the justice you so rightly deserve.

For information on medical negligence lawyers & attorneys, visit the Philadelphia law firm website FeldmanShepherd.com.


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Medical billing and Medical Records Review, after your review of accident

When you're involved in an accident and suffer injuries, you may bring a civil suit against the party responsible for causing the accident. You can also settle your case out of Court by an agreed amount paid by the person who hurt you. In both cases a medical record review can become necessary to validate the injuries sustained in the accident and treatment you received. In addition, a review of medical billing may need to be conducted to determine which expenses incurred. This helps to establish the costs of care that should be compensated.

The purpose of incident is to make a whole new recurring, which means that the plaintiff should receive full compensation for damages: actual medical expenses and expenses for injuries sustained. A review of medical records and bills from legal nurse consultants trained and billing accounts can help to bring out all the relevant information on injuries and invoices so an applicant can get the amount they deserve. Having your use of Attorney professional resources review will ensure a fair which will allow you to return to life as you knew.

Medical Record Review

A review of the medical record can be done for a number of reasons after a personal injury. Medical record review can also be done in the course of medical treatments and analyze the types of care be provided than what is normal for a particular type of injury.

Doctor examination record must always be performed by qualified professionals. The details uncovered during review medical record can be used as a tool for negotiation with the insurance company or as evidence in a jury trial, so confidence in the results absolutely indispensable. Legal nurse consultants are experts in legal and medical field and are generally the best people to conduct this type of review.

Medical Billing Review

As a medical record review, a review of medical billing can be an important part of a personal injury case and can be done for a number of reasons. For example, a review can be carried out in the framework of a comprehensive verification and processing medical bills. In this case, the purpose of the medical law review is to determine whether the services paid for were actually rendered or to determine whether the costs are in line with industry standards. A medical billing can also review compares the cost of services to regional and national media costs or just calculate the total amount paid in order to determine an appropriate amount of compensation for medical expenses.

In many cases, review of medical billing also implies that separates unrelated medical expenses in order to get a better understanding of where the treatment costs are being incurred. An explanation of benefits can also help to clarify exactly the bottom line costs. Review of medical billing can also help uncover problems such as do double service charges.

When you work with medical billing expert review, it is important to work with professionals who have experience in the specific field. This may include working with professionals who have both legal expertise and experience in medical coding. Medical experts review both billing and medical records review specialists can help in every personal injury case to make sure that justice is done.

Know more about Medical Bill Review and Medical Record Review visit us at MedLegal. com.


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Steps in Filing a Medical Malpractice Complaint

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Medical malpractice is the most common legal complaint that involves hospitals and doctors. This takes place when a medical error, even the smallest or simplest one, occurs due to negligence or carelessness and results in injury, disability or fatality. It's a popular misconception that for a medical error to be considered malpractice, death should occur. It's not necessarily that way. If a mistake committed by a doctor or member of the medical staff results in serious injury or disability, this can also be grounds for a medical malpractice complaint.

Some of the common errors in medical malpractice include failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of a disease, improper treatment, surgical errors, incorrect administration of anesthesia, prescription errors, and so on. If you or anyone in your family member were a victim of medical malpractice, you can file a complaint and recover for damages. Here are the steps that you need to undertake regarding this matter.

Talk to a lawyer

The first step is to find an attorney who specializes in the area of medical malpractice. Having a good lawyer by your side will help make things easier and less complicated for you. As you can probably imagine, the doctor or hospital that committed the error would do everything in its power to safeguard his/her/its reputation so you can expect that they will not be too easy in disclosing information pertinent to your case. A lawyer will help you get through this obstacle. Since most of medical malpractice cases involve lots of money, the doctor and hospital will have their malpractice defense lawyers fight arduously for the case.

Get certification of merit

Your lawyer will have a medical professional on his/her staff who will be ready for consultation regarding the details of the case. This medical professional will give a certification of merit to confirm that negligence in the medical care or treatment was present.

Notify all the parties involved

It's not only the doctor who's involved in the case but also the nurses and hospital (or clinic or any other medical facility). They will all be notified about the claim. They in turn will get in touch with the medical malpractice insurance providers to notify them about this. Their defense attorney will start to build defense.

File the suit

After it has been established that the case is meritorious, you and your lawyer can now work to file the case in the civil court. This will begin the legal process. The parties will have time to establish their cases and build their evidences. This will help determine the strength of the claim.

Consider settlement negotiations

Most of the cases that involve medical malpractice are settled out of the court. Since both parties are aware of the costs and risks of taking the complaint to trial, they usually agree to settle the amount out of court. If it happens that the amount of damages are not amicably agreed upon, then the plaintiff attorney will bring the case to the court.

Like legal malpractice, medical practice cases are hard and complicated. It's best that you have a good lawyer to help you in every step of the way.

For more tips and information about legal malpractice please visit: medical malpractice.


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How to find a good medical negligence Solicitors

Medical negligence claims often require extensive research. legal aspects and clinical aspects of both need to be carefully assessed by competent professionals. Choosing a good solicitor will make medical malpractice often stressful and timely process a little easier for you and knowing that you have fully trained professional looking after your box should give you some peace of mind.

Fortunately, very few cases of medical negligence reach the court proceedings, but again you will need a qualified medical malpractice attorney to work on your claim to ensure the process is handled correctly and runs smoothly. The decision to take legal action should not cannot be taken lightly-the process can be stressful, timely and expensive, and you have to be in a strong position mentally repeating and give details of your story when necessary. There are charities guidance that will be able to advise and support through your complaint, and you should consider this help if the box has been life-altering.

If you are not happy with the treatment you have received in a hospital or other medical institution has the right to complain and health authorities should deal with your complaint promptly. You have to go through a variety of procedures with regard to the size of your complaint and more than likely you will have to go through the patient Liaison Advisory Service (PALS). Your lawyer should be able to help you with all of the above procedures and help you get your complaint addressed effectively and efficiently.

To find yourself a good medical negligence solicitor you should carefully research firms in your area until you find one that you think will be suitable to your case. Find out if the lawyer has a history of successful cases to win and more to the point, cases that are similar to yours. Where do specialties lawyer binding? Have a website with good references? The more information that they are willing to give away shows that have less to hide and successful history speaks volumes for their expertise and professionalism. Arrange an appointment with potential firms so can speak face to face, it is important to have a relationship with your doctor as professional spend a lot of time together-it is important to trust your lawyer and believe they are in it for help, not only to make money.

You will need to collect all the evidence ready to give your solicitor, it is important to note down everything that happens when it is fresh in your mind-keep a diary, or notes to keep track of everything. The more detail you have, more useful will be when the lawyer is considering your case. It is essential that all the evidence is so clear and transparent as possible, it may take a long time to collect such information, but it is an integral part of a successful claim. You'll need to find out the names of all the medical professionals who have been involved in your treatment, your GP for the surgeon, the diagnosis and the treatment received, the names of all witnesses and all conversations that were transported throughout and after the procedure should be observed; This is why it is so important to take note of everything that happens.

Find a reputable medical negligence attorney must not cannot be a fight, until research their credentials and the history of the previous case, and you get your solicitor, confidence should be confident in moving forward with your claim.

ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, experienced medical negligence solicitors in compensation for medical negligence.


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Understanding The Misdiagnosis of Lymphoma

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Lymphoma is a type of cancer that afflicts the body's lymphatic system. There are two main types of this disease which are referred to as Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (which was previously called Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma), and Hodgkin Lymphoma (which was previously called Hodgkin's disease). Generally speaking, both types of Lymphoma have symptoms that are similar in nature, which often include fatigue, a fever, itchiness that is felt all over the body, difficulty breathing, a loss of appetite, coughing, and frequent or drenching sweating episodes.

One of the symptoms that is often noted in early cases of lymphoma is a swelling of the lymph nodes that are located in the neck, armpit, and groin, that are not painful. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be due to other conditions that are far less serious in nature, so it is not uncommon for the disease to be misdiagnosed in the earliest stages. Medical health professionals need to take the proper steps to make sure a proper diagnosis is made so that they are not negligent in their ruling. This includes carefully ruling out other types of diseases, and not simply making a random assumption that the symptoms are due to something minor.

The lymphatic system is comprised of a series of ducts and tubules that are responsible for carrying a material called lymph to various parts of the body. Lymph is a milky type of fluid that is comprised of lymphocytes. The lymphocytes then combine with monocytes and granulocytes to make white blood cells, which are responsible for helping the body to repair the blood and fight off infections.

The lymph nodes are small organs that are shaped like peas and located within the lymph vessel system. The main job of the lymph nodes is to accumulate and produce lymphocytes. Lymph nodes in groupings can be found in the neck and groin areas, under the arms, in the chest, and in the abdominal area. The spleen, which is found in the upper region of the abdomen, as well as the thymus, which is found under the breastbone, and the thymus are also part of the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes are stored in the lymphoid tissue until they combine with the lymph that flows through the lymph nodes. There are two different types of lymphocytes: T cells, and B cells. Lymphoma can form in either type, however B cell lymphoma is far more common in adults, and T cell lymphoma is more common in children.

T cells and B cells have different jobs with the immune system of the body. When an infection enters the body because of a bacterium, B cells take action and begin making antibodies. These antibodies then attach to the bacterium and inform the other cells in the immune system to attack and kill the infection. T cells help to protect the body from viruses. If a virus enters the cells in the body, the body begins to produce proteins that are sent to the surface of the cells that are infected. T cells can then identify the proteins and produce cytokine which destroys the infected cells. Some cytokines can also be attracted to other types of cells, which further helps to eradicate the cells that are infected with the virus. T cells can also help to eliminate certain types of cancerous cells.

While lymphoma is usually classified as one of the type types that were discussed above, there are actually ten or more forms of lymphomas that are non-Hodgkin. These forms can be staged or categorized by how quickly they are growing or how aggressive they are spreading. The lower the grade, the slower the cancer is growing, while the higher the grade, the more aggressive the cancer.

It is during the earliest stages of this type of cancer when the highest chance for a misdiagnosis is possible. Patients who report the symptoms listed above need to be thoroughly evaluated by means of more blood testing and x-rays. The best way to diagnose the condition is to remove one of the enlarged lymph nodes and examine it in a laboratory under a microscope. Tissue samples and biopsies from other areas of the body can also be quite helpful in order to determine if the disease has spread.

This type of cancer is quite dangerous and can spread at a fairly rapid pace. It is because of this that it is extremely important that a timely and correct diagnosis is made. If a proper diagnosis is delayed for any reason, the results could be catastrophic. More aggressive treatments may be needed, extensive surgeries, and other types of chemotherapy and radiation may be required. In some cases, it may simply be too late once a proper diagnosis is made and the patient may have no chance of survival.

When a proper diagnosis of lymphoma is not made, medical personnel can and should be held accountable. This is a form of negligence and you owe to yourself, your family, as well as other patients to seek justice. The best way to go about this is to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical negligence and malpractice. Because these types of cases can be complex and can be lengthy it is not a good idea to try to file a claim on your own. A personal injury attorney knows the ins and outs of this area of the law and can take proper action to ensure your case progresses properly and has the best chance of success.

Since most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you will not have to worry about paying anything up front or funding your claim as it progresses through the courts. This will allow you to focus on more important areas of your life, such as your recovery and spending precious time with your family. A personal injury attorney cannot undo the harm you have suffered but he or she can help you to get the justice you deserve so that you can rebuild your life as best as possible.

For information on misdiagnosis and medical negligence please visit FeldmanShepherd.com


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Transvaginal Mesh Represents a Treatment Procedure That Might Not Be Too Safe

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For many women childbirth represents the pinnacle moment of their life and it is probably one of the reasons a child can save many things in a relationship. Having another life depending on your own will require you to focus not only on the others in your family but also on your own actions and health. After childbirth, women experience changes in their bodies. One of them is known as pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when the muscles and tissue between the pelvic organs and vaginal wall can no longer support the organs, causing them to bulge into the wall of the vagina.

One treatment procedure available for patients suffering from pelvic organ prolapse is transvaginal mesh implants, a device meant to offer reinforcement to the muscles and tissues that are weak and therefore offer support to the pelvic organ, preventing them to bulge into the vaginal wall and in some cases beyond it.

Unfortunately, many medical studies have linked this treatment procedure to severe and painful complications. Even the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health warning after thousand of reports received for patients regarding the harmful effects of transvaginal mesh procedures. This treatment option has lead many patients to experience bleeding, severe pain, organ like blood vessels and bladder being perforated and infections.

Women that have been injured after having transvaginal mesh surgery may be entitled to receive compensation to cover all the damages the product has caused them. Before filing a lawsuit, it is very important to make sure you are indeed the victim of this product's negative effects. Consulting with a specialized and determined lawyer with years of experience dealing with similar cases will be of great help, as he will know exactly what to look for and what to do. Getting proper compensation is vital due to the fact that it will cover all your medical expenses, any lost wages and all the pain and suffering the patient may have endured because of the product. Your legal defender will have to prove that the mesh used in your surgery is the cause of your injuries and that it is can be a threat to all patients using this pelvic organ prolapse treatment procedure. This will be achieved by bringing undeniable medical evidence in court, evidence that cannot be denied even by the defenders of the companies that make and distribute the product. Getting properly compensated is the first step in the right direction in the mission to get your life back on a positive track.

For more information regarding transvaginal mesh lawsuits, please contact a lawyer specialized in this type of cases.


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Types of Medical Malpractice

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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. Many more suffered from serious health complications or injuries. What makes these cases so heartbreaking is that people trust medical professionals to have their best interests in mind and seek to make every effort to help them. When the exact opposite happens, it can be difficult for them to know where to turn for help. If you or a member of your family were injured or suffered an illness and you believe it was due to medical negligence, please contact a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

There are countless types of medical malpractice; however, there are some errors that are more common than others. Anesthesia is used for numerous types of surgeries to numb the area of the patient being operated on or to completely put the patient to sleep. This drug is safe when used correctly, but when it is administered in the wrong dosages or the patient is not properly monitored, it can result in death. If the anesthesiologist fails to notice a complication or see that the patient is having an adverse reaction to the drug, they could be held liable for negative consequences.

Another heart-rending consequence of medical malpractice is birth injuries. Birth injuries can occur while the baby is still in the womb or may be sustained during labor and delivery. Some of these injuries are unavoidable, while others are the direct result of a doctor error. There are many types of drugs that can lead to birth defects, but usually the manufacturer places warning labels on the medication. If they failed to do so or your doctor prescribed you drugs that proved to be harmful to your unborn child, this could be a case of medical malpractice. Brachial plexus injuries are also common during delivery. In some cases, a Caesarean section should have performed as would have avoided damage to these nerves in the baby's neck and arm. Any wrenching or pulling to the child's shoulder or neck can damage the brachial plexus and lead to paralysis.

Lastly, many people are made to suffer when their doctor failed to diagnose them correctly, and thus, failed to give them the proper treatment. The incorrect treatment may be ineffective in the least, and at the worst, make the condition graver. There are several variables which may lead a doctor to give a misdiagnosis, one of which is negligence. It is their responsibility to investigate every possible avenue regarding what the problem may be and it is on them if a patient suffers. If you have been the victim of any of these types of injuries, please contact a legal representative from your area so that you can get the justice you deserve.

The Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC is a medical malpractice law firm dedicated to helping victims in New York City and the surrounding areas. With over 60 years of combined experience, each New York medical malpractice lawyer from their firm understands how difficult it is to cope with medical malpractice both towards yourself or your family. They have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for their clients and they fight tirelessly to secure the maximum amount of compensation for those who need it. If you would like to learn more or speak to a member of their legal team, contact an NYC medical malpractice attorney from their firm today.


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False Positive Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims

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As hard as it may be to believe, on top of medical negligence in the form of cancer misdiagnoses, there are also times when false positive cancer diagnoses are made. This means that in addition to the worry of a medical professional missing the presence of cancer, or failing to diagnose it in a timely manner, there are also times that medical professionals diagnose a patient as having cancer when it is not really true.

Giving a patient a false positive diagnosis can cause serious physical, emotional, and even financial consequences. For the most part, false positive diagnoses typically occur because an improper method was used to implement a test, or the test was not analyzed properly which falls into the category of medical negligence.

Perhaps the worst part of this issue is that false positive diagnoses are not all together uncommon. In fact, it is estimated that as many as forty percent of all initial tests for cancer could be done in error, which would require a retest for a proper result. Because of this issue, it is important that a physician order a second test to verify the first results. It is when a final diagnosis is made, and it is found to be incorrect, that true harm results for the patient.

When Clinical Errors Occur

One of the most serious problems that arise when a false positive cancer diagnosis is made is the starting of cancer treatments. These treatments can include strong cancer fighting drugs, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and even surgical procedures. Cancer treatments are meant to destroy living cells which can be quite serious for patients who undergo these treatments and are not really ill. If your physician insists upon a certain type of treatment, especially one that could be life threatening, is based upon only one test that has been run, and you were not informed that the test results could be erroneous, it is almost certain that some form of medical negligence has occurred. In this situation, it is possible to hold the doctor who ordered the test, the lab technicians who analyzed the test, as well as the testing facility liable.

How Compensation is Awarded

While patients who have suffered with a false diagnosis are lucky in the fact that they are not truly afflicted with cancer, it is still possible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages. These cases are quite important and can reap large monetary awards.

Compensation is often sought for patients who have not only dealt with the emotional trauma of a false diagnosis, but especially for those who have undergone cancer treatments that were not necessary. These treatments place patients at a high risk for life threatening complications, cause pain and suffering, and cause the patient to miss work, leading to financial distress. What's more is, cancer treatments can actually cause more harm such as is the case with surgical procedures, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Patients who have endured this type of trauma experience high levels of stress, anxiety, stress disorders that never completely dissipate even after a correct diagnosis is issued, and suffer with periods of depression. They also tend to have trust issues with medical professionals that cannot be repaired, which could lead to serious implications down the road should a real medical issue arise.

There is often a good amount of financial loss that is experienced as well; this can be for medical expenses for unnecessary treatments as well as to get personal affairs in order. On top of seeking compensation for the physical and psychological harm, that has been done, as well as pain and suffering, victims of false cancer diagnoses can also seek compensation for their financial hardships that were endured. These financial losses can be significant, so recouping this loss can go a long way toward completing a personal recovery.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Personal injury lawyers specialize in handling many different types of claims involving misdiagnoses, including those that have to do with false positive cancer diagnoses. Since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing upfront to file your claim. This means that you do not have worry about how to fund your claim as it progresses through the legal system.

If you or someone you know has suffered in any way because of a false positive diagnosis of cancer, it is important to understand that you have legal rights, and they need to be upheld. The best way to go about this is to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Since different states have different laws governing how to file a claim, as well as how long you have to file a claim, time is most definitely of the essence. Attempting to file a claim on your own, without professional assistance could be a very costly mistake that could eliminate your chances of a favorable outcome.

You should not take chances with your future, or the future of your legal claim. You should also not continue to allow a medical professional who took an oath to "do no harm" to get away with this caliber of negligence. Taking swift action not only allows you to obtain the justice that you deserve, it also helps to protect others from having to undergo a similar fate. While mistakes happen, there are certain mistakes that could be and should be avoided at all costs. False positive diagnoses are one of those mistakes that should simply never happen.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer who specializes in the area of medical negligence and malpractice for assistance with your case may be one of the best decisions you ever make. These professionals will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish, so you do not have to worry about the details. All evidence is collected, and paperwork is filed on your behalf. Medical professionals have a number of lawyers working hard to protect them and their financial futures, and so should you.

For information on getting legal help for medical negligence visit http://www.feldmanshepherd.com/


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Claiming Compensation For A Misdiagnosis

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A lot of people fail to realise that medical negligence claims involve all sorts of cases, and misdiagnosis or wrong diagnosis is one of the most common types of negligence that is claimed for.

The misdiagnosis of symptoms or failure to diagnose a patient can lead to medical conditions becoming worse or in the worst cases, can be life-threatening. A delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis can deprive a patient of the medical treatment they need in order to help their condition.

A misdiagnosis can occur for a number of reasons - the medical professional may have made a genuine mistake, may not have had the adequate training, or might not have been giving their patient the full attention they deserved.

When you visit your GP with a medical problem, you are sent away with medication or referred to a specialist to get sorted. However, there are cases where patients have visited their GPs only to be told to stop being anxious as there are no serious problems only to discover later that they are seriously ill. Of course this is rare, but incidents like this do and can happen.

Examples of misdiagnosis, wrong diagnosis or failing to diagnose

Fractures

There have been previous cases where fractures have been dismissed as heavy bruising and the patients are sent away with an elastic bandage and pain killers. The patient then develops more severe pain so returns to the GP only to discover they do have a fracture and more damage has been caused as it should have been dealt with sooner. Some patients were required to have operations on fractures when they would not have previously had to if they had been properly diagnosed in the first place.

Cancer Misdiagnosis

Sometimes doctors will fail to diagnose a patient with cancer even if the patient has symptoms, or conversely the doctor will diagnose a patient with cancer when none is present.

If cancer is left untreated, it can spread, and treatments that might have worked originally, might not work if the cancer has become more aggressive. In cases where cancer is diagnosed by mistake, it can cause large amounts of stress and anxiety to the patient and to the patient's loved ones.

Medical malpractice is a sensitive issue and requires extensive knowledge of both the legal and medical fields. If you have experienced a misdiagnosis or wrong diagnosis, you should firstly seek help from the Citizen's Advice Bureau or Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) and find out what your next steps are. Going through this process can be traumatic and by visiting these charities you will be given guidance on counselling and support, and be steered in the right direction of a specialist negligence lawyer who will be able to help you find out whether it's worth making a claim for misdiagnosis negligence. To claim for compensation you will need to prove your condition would not have occurred or worsened if you had been referred to treatment straight away. The process can be long and tiresome but worth it in the long run not only to financially secure yourself in the future but also to raise awareness for others who are going through the same problems.

Clair O'Hara is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, specialists in medical negligence compensation including medical negligence solicitors.


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