Doctor's Sloppy Handwriting: Are Lives Still At Risk?
What Do The Statistics Indicate?
A shocking statistic from the National Academies of Science Institute from 2006 reported that 7,000 people are killed annually from doctor's sloppy handwriting.
The stats also showed that medication mistakes injured more than 1.5 million Americans annually. These statistics show the importance for electronically storing medical notes and records in order to avoid dangerous catastrophes.
Back in 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) took effect in efforts to reform and improve healthcare nationwide.
Did this big shift in data creation improve the issue with doctor’s handwriting causing deaths?
WHAT ARE THE CORE ISSUES?
It turns out there are other issues that result from incorrect documentation not just resulting from unreadable handwriting:
- Failure to date, time, and sign a medical entry
- Lack of documenting omitted mediations and treatments
- Incomplete or missing documentation
- Adding entries later on
- Using subjective data
- Not questioning strange order entries
- Using wrong abbreviations
- Information entered on the wrong chart
Not only this, but the records themselves have been proven to cause errors that negatively affect patients.
IN CONCLUSION
It’s important to note that even though it’s been several years since the EMR Mandate took effect, not all health care facilities fully utilize these new technological systems. Not only that, but lack of proper interoperability between the various systems is still something that needs to be greatly improved. Hospitals are finding it hard to share patient records with other health care facilities that need them. This is important to ensure patient safety especially when new medications are needing to be administered or prescribed to a patient.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an injury or has suffered a loss as a result of a mistake made by a record entry, electronically or not, you may be able to receive compensation. Call our office any time to receive a free consultation. We want to give you the justice you deserve! (903) 526-1600.
Sepsis and Medical Malpractice
Sepsis And Medical Malpractice
What is Sepsis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is caused by the body's response to infections. In most instances, the body will release chemicals, and cells, into the bloodstream to fight the infections. Sepsis is when the chemical response in the body is unbalanced which can cause changes in the body that can result in damaging organ systems.
Sepsis can happen to anyone, but it is most common and most dangerous in:
- Older people
- Children younger than 1
- Pregnant women
- Those with chronic conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, kidney, or lung disease)
- Those with weakened immune systems
The CDC states, "Each year, at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. Nearly 27,000 Americans die as a result of sepsis each year. One in three patients who die in a hospital have sepsis."
WHAT ARE SIGNS OF SEPSIS?
Signs of sepsis include:
- Mental status changes
- Breathing rate of 22 breaths a minute or higher
- A systolic pressure equal or less than 100 (mm Hg)
The progression of sepsis can result in "septic shock" which is when there are changes in the vascular system, otherwise known as the circulatory system. Septic shock is more likely to cause death than sepsis. Though both are extremely dangerous and common in a hospital setting to those most "at-risk", unfortunately. Another setting that sepsis will typically occur in are nursing homes. Nursing home and hospital negligence are both incredibly common problems that can cause traumatic suffering, or even death.
HOW TO PROSPER OVER SEPSIS?
According to the CDC, it's important to prevent infections that can lead to sepsis. Be sure to take good care of any chronic conditions you may have and get all recommended vaccines. Always wash your hands and ensure that all cuts or open wounds are clean and covered until they are completely healed. Knowing the signs of sepsis such as a high heart rate and fever, or the feeling of being cold. This includes chills and shivering.
And act fast! Proper medical attention needs to be taken IMMEDIATELY if you suspect sepsis or have an infection that is not improving or is worsening.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF SEPSIS AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE?
Often, during difficult times, it's complicated to think of everything that you need to do when tragedy strikes. For example, older people who are hospitalized with a condition unknown, or an entirely different condition altogether, usually have a domino effect when it comes to illness. This can result in issues such as sepsis. The part where negligence occurs is when the staff doesn't treat it right away, or neglected to prevent the problem to begin with - a much harder case to make. But one that Martin Walker Law has no problem making.
Tragically, many of these cases go unreported. And for an entirely understandable reason.
WHAT IS A SOLUTION TO THIS COMMON PROBLEM?
Essentially, the problem is that most are not prepared for the "bad". But we have a couple of steps that you can take to be prepared:
- Add a medical malpractice or personal injury lawyer to your contacts in your personal phone or in your personal directory. The official Martin Walker Law number is 903-526-1600.
- At the first sign of negligence, contact us. The sooner the problem is caught and told, the more solid the evidence.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, sepsis is not just a condition. It's a small epidemic. Learn more through the CDC or the Mayo Clinic about the signs and symptoms. If there is ever a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. And if you suspect any sign of neglect or mistreatment of any kind from a nursing home or hospital, call Martin Walker Law. We're here to protect.
The Importance of Medical Error Reporting & Disclosure
The Importance of Medical Error Reporting & Disclosure
When a pilot makes a wrong decision, he has a co-pilot by his side to assist him in correcting it. When a school teacher makes a mistake, she usually has time to realize her mistake and correct it before any harm is done. When a doctor makes an error, they are most likely the only ones who have the ability to correct and sometimes even notice it.
Like it or not, doctors are human and are very capable of making mistakes.
However, unlike most people in the workforce, when they make a mistake it can greatly impact the lives of the individual they are assisting.
According to a study published by the journal Surgery, according to malpractice records, the most common error during surgery was leaving an object inside the patient, which happens around 39 times a week. Operation on the wrong body part or even the wrong patient occurred around 20 times a week according to their study. Not only that but these numbers were reported to be on the low end of occurrences according to the study conductors.
Doctors are not likely to report their errors, especially if they feel that the patient is not in much danger. Doctors risk legal liability, loss of reputation, loss of privileges and even license revocation. Not only do these reasons keep doctors from reporting their mistakes, but they may also fear to cause the patient unwanted distress.
Here are the top reasons why doctors should report their mistakes.
Deceiving the patient – By not disclosing the error, the doctor is interfering with the patients informed consent. This is because after an error more procedures or medications may be necessary without the patient understanding fully why it is needed.
Causing the patient even more harm – The error itself can very well cause the patient meaningless harm. However, by failing to inform the patient of the error, it could lead to even more damage. The damage may be more emotional than physical, but causing the patient to worry about why they are not recovering as quickly may lead to emotional trauma.
Lack of Justice – The patient deserves to receive the compensation that is owed to them after a terrible mistake in the doctor’s office. If the doctor fails to disclose to them their errors then proper compensation cannot be given to them.
After knowing these facts, it’s hard to see how any case against non-disclosure could ever triumph. It’s clear that non-disclosure is a deception to the patient and in clear conflict to doctor-patient relationship ethics. Doctors must rise above their human nature and admit if they make a mistake by placing the patient’s welfare above their own self-interest.
If you or someone you know has ever been subject to a mistake made by a doctor or health care physician you could very well be entitled to compensation. Call our office for a free consultation and we will do our best to win justice for you, (903) 526-1600.
Opioid Pharmaceutical Company Facing Bankruptcy
Opioid Pharmaceutical Company Facing Bankruptcy
One of the largest pharmaceutical firms and producer of OxyContin, Purdue Pharma, has stated that they are considering bankruptcy.
The Chief Executive Officer, Craig Landau, stated March 13thon the topic, “We are considering it, but we’ve really made no decisions on what course of actions to pursue. A lot depends on what unfolds in the weeks and months ahead.”
After many lawsuits and allegations of deceptive marketing practices to promote the highly addictive substance, to which Purdue has denied, one of their divisive strategies is to declare bankruptcy to stop all litigation.
The people affected by Purdue’s actions in the state of Oklahoma could be seeking more than $1 billion from defendants, according to The Washington Post.
Over 45,000 Americans died from opioid-related overdoses in 2017. While 17,029 have died from Prescription Opioids in 2017. The statistics of 2018 have yet to be published but based on the trends, it seems like it could go either way.
We are now seeing trends of an opioid, Fentanyl, growing in use as a continuation of the opioid epidemic that has been a severe issue for over a decade now.
Purdue, essentially, marketed the drugs to people for use and after a large portion of the American population became addicted, they began creating marketing campaigns to get them off of the opioids that they originally made. Purdue is facing billions of dollars in fines.
If you know of someone, or are someone, who has been affected by the opioid crisis, we are here to help you get the justice that you deserve. Call Martin Walker Law today.
Medical Malpractice Facts
Medical Malpractice – Don’t Be A Victim
Many patients often do not know that they have been victims of medical malpractice. Typically, most people falsely assume that, because the media shows large medical malpractice lawsuits, they are not entitled for pursuing a case against the doctor or hospital. Negligence is one of the biggest issues that does not get pursued and is, unfortunately, one of the most common. Don’t be a victim, learn the facts.
Medical Malpractice Facts:
- According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, it is reported that there have been over 120,000 deaths pertaining to adverse effects of medical treatment.
- Approximately 2% of those suffering from medical malpractice file claims for compensation.
- 33% of malpractice claims are because of a wrongful diagnosis.
- Approximately 23% of medical malpractice cases are due to surgery.
- 1/3rdof all physicians pay more than $10,000 each year in malpractice insurance premiums.
- Over 40% of physicians say that their monthly patient volume leads to errors.
- Medical negligence is the 3rdleading cause of death in the United States.
- On average, there are 90,000 people who die in the United States each year due to an error in medical diagnosis.
If you have been injured, contact Martin Walker Law to schedule an appointment today.
Sources: Malpractice Center, JAMA, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Should Doctors Face Drug Tests? Here Are The Facts.
Should Doctors Face Drug Tests? Here Are The Facts.
Most hard working Americans face drugs tests each and every time they step into a new position.This happens for new pilots, police officers, firefighters, and train operators, but not doctors...
Doctors play one of the most important roles in our country, they have the ability to save lives and prevent pain and suffering in countless others. Why is it then that we don't hold their position up to the same standards as that of an airplane pilot? This topic is not usually brought up in government offices, but for California lawmakers back in 2014, it was on the agenda. California was one of the first states to debate this issue and position themselves to make a change with proposition 46, but it was ultimately defeated.
A 2013 study conducted with the Journal of Addiction Medicine revealed that a whopping 69% of doctors are abusing prescription medications.
Drug companies send doctors free samples of prescription medications on a regular basis. On top of that patients often bring in their unused painkillers for safe disposal.
Here is a helpful list of behavioral signs that could indicate your doctor is abusing drugs.
Signs of addiction from medical professionals
1. Changing jobs frequently.
2. Preferring night shifts because of less supervision and higher access to medication.
3. Sleeping on the job or even in-between shifts.
4. Volunteering to administer narcotics to patients often.
5. Showing signs of anxiousness about working overtime or extra shifts.
6. Frequent bathroom breaks.
7. Smelling of alcohol or using breath mints or mouthwash excessively.
8. Glassy eyes and small pupils.
9. Errors in paperwork such as charting or reports.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a doctor who is suspected of abusing medications or alcohol, you may have a medical malpractice claim. Call our office for a free consultation and we will do our part to bring justice to your life. Call us at (903) 526-1600.
Tyler Lawyers Donate Exercise Bike To Nuns
Tyler Lawyers Donate Exercise Bike To Nuns
Attorneys at a Tyler-based law firm have provided for the fitness needs of some local nuns.
The attorneys at Martin Walker PC provided a NordicTrack Grand Tour iFit Exercise Bike to the local Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth community, according to a news release.
The gift will help support the physical well-being of the seven nuns who live in a convent on the grounds of Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler and who attend to the spiritual and emotional needs of the patients and staff.
“We have created the type of firm where every team member is dedicated to helping others,” said Martin Walker co-founding attorney Reid Martin. “Knowing the good work the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth are doing at the hospital, we wanted to find a way to repay them for their selfless acts of kindness and compassion.”
Firm co-founder Jack Walker said the sisters requested an exercise bike to use in their free time and the firm fulfilled that request, presenting the gift last month.
The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth is an international Roman Catholic congregation of vowed religious women dedicated to serving families through active ministry, according to the news release.
The U.S. province of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth has 230 sisters serving in nine states including Texas. Sister Malgorzata “Margo” Majszczyk and Sister Irene Asztemborska lead the Tyler community.
Source: Tyler Morning Telegraph