Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLCLee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC2024-02-13T17:00:39Zhttps://www.medlawyer.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1102804/2022/08/cropped-Schwalben-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498232024-02-10T17:01:32Z2024-02-13T17:00:39ZImproper treatment during ambulance transport
One common area where errors can occur is during ambulance transport. In some cases, patients may receive improper medical treatment or inadequate attention from paramedics.
This could include delays in administering medications or failure to address urgent medical needs promptly. Such errors during transport can harm a patient's condition and lead to serious harm or even death.
Lack of training or understaffing
Another issue that can contribute to hospital errors is poor training or understaffing. When healthcare professionals have little to no experience or are too busy, they may be more prone to making mistakes.
This can range from giving incorrect dosages of medication to overlooking symptoms during patient assessment. Without sufficient staffing, hospitals struggle to provide the level of care that patients deserve.
Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis
Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of an illness or condition is a significant concern in healthcare settings. When healthcare providers fail to recognize the signs of a medical problem promptly, patients may suffer unnecessary complications or progression of their condition. Whether it is overlooking test results or misinterpreting clinical signs, errors in diagnosis can have serious implications for patient outcomes.
Surgical errors
Surgical errors are another type of hospital mistake that can have devastating consequences. These errors may include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient or performing the wrong procedure altogether. Surgical mistakes can result from a variety of factors, including miscommunication among healthcare team members or poor pre-operative planning.
Emergency room errors
In the fast-paced environment of the emergency room, errors can easily occur. This can include delays in triage, failure to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition or errors in medication administration. Fast and accurate treatment helps in the emergency room setting to prevent negative outcomes for patients.
Hospital errors and signs of negligence may not seem obvious at first. By being more aware of these common issues, patients can advocate for themselves and take steps to ensure they receive the quality care they deserve.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498212024-01-19T15:31:13Z2024-01-22T15:30:19Z1. Catheter-related bloodstream infections
Bloodstream infections from intravenous catheters are one of the most frequent hospital-acquired infections. When care providers insert a catheter, bacteria can enter the body and make their way into the bloodstream. Proper catheter site care and timely removal of catheters can help reduce these infections.
2. Surgical site infections
Surgical site infections occur at the surgical site after surgery. These infections result from bacteria in the surgical wound. Hospitals can help prevent these by having patients shower or bathe with antibacterial soap before surgery, ensuring staff wear sterile gloves and gowns, cleaning the skin at the surgical site and administering antibiotics appropriately before surgery.
3. Ventilator-associated pneumonia
People who are on ventilators to help them breathe are at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Bacteria can get into their lungs via the breathing tube. Maintaining good oral hygiene and suctioning secretions from the breathing tube can help minimize the risk of this type of pneumonia.
Statistics show that 1 in every 31 patients receive a hospital-acquired infection every day. Hospital staff can take important steps to control infections. Good hygiene, proper cleaning of medical equipment and using antibiotics prudently can help. Patients and family members can also reduce infection risk by washing hands frequently, keeping catheter sites clean and speaking up about any concerns.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498192023-12-20T16:34:54Z2023-12-20T16:34:54ZDistracted driving
One of the main reasons for car accidents is distracted driving. With smartphones everywhere, drivers often take their eyes off the road to text, check social media or adjust GPS settings. In fact, 97% of Americans report having a cell phone as of 2021. These distractions increase the chances of accidents, so people need to focus on their driving to avoid serious consequences.
Speeding
Driving too fast is a major factor in accidents. Speed limits are set to keep everyone safe on the road, and ignoring them not only puts the speeding driver at risk but also endangers others. Managing speed responsibly is important to make sure safety features can work effectively.
Impaired driving
Another common cause of accidents is impaired driving, often due to alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence affects judgment, coordination and reaction time. The consequences go beyond legal issues since they can lead to tragic accidents. Choosing a designated driver or using alternative transportation methods can prevent the dangers of impaired driving.
Reckless driving
Reckless driving includes dangerous behaviors like aggressive tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic. These actions not only increase the chances of accidents but also create a hostile driving environment.
Weather conditions
Intense weather, such as rain, snow or fog, significantly affects road safety. Reduced visibility, slippery surfaces and unexpected obstacles make driving more challenging. Adapting driving habits to match the weather, such as slowing down or increasing following distance, is important.
Understanding the common causes of car accidents is important for promoting safer driving habits. By educating themselves, drivers can help better understand the dangers facing them on the road.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498172023-10-31T18:54:01Z2023-10-31T18:54:01ZLack of clear communication
If you consistently find it challenging to understand your doctor's explanations or feel they are not listening to your concerns, it could be a red flag. Effective healthcare requires two-way communication. If you leave appointments feeling more confused than when you arrived, it might be time to find a doctor who communicates more clearly.
Outdated practices or technology
Medicine constantly evolves, with new treatments, research and technologies emerging regularly. If your doctor does not stay updated or relies on outdated methods without considering newer, potentially better options, you should consider seeking a physician more in tune with current medical advancements.
Dismissive of your concerns
Your concerns about your health are valid. If your doctor often dismisses or minimizes your worries without a thorough examination or explanation, it could indicate a lack of thorough care.
Difficulties in getting appointments
If you struggle to get appointments in a reasonable time frame, especially when you have urgent concerns, it might mean the doctor has too many patients or insufficient office organization. Consistent difficulty in scheduling can hinder timely healthcare, which can have negative side-effects on your health.
Your health deserves the utmost priority, and the doctor-patient relationship plays an integral role in ensuring optimal care. If you reside in Louisiana and notice these signs with your current physician, it might be time to evaluate if a change is in order. Remember, your well-being hinges on open communication, respect and trust. Always advocate for yourself and seek out the best healthcare environment to meet your needs.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498152023-10-12T21:00:30Z2023-10-12T21:00:30ZDelaying treatment of injuries
The human body's response to trauma is not always immediately apparent. Internal injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show visible symptoms right away. With there being over 586 hospitalizations per day for Americans in 2021 due to traumatic brain injuries, you can never be too careful about blows to the head.
A thorough medical examination can help you identify these hidden injuries and start appropriate treatment promptly. The sooner a medical professional assesses the extent of your injuries, the quicker doctors can develop a treatment plan to mitigate potential complications.
Preventing complications and damage
Delaying medical attention can lead to complications, turning a seemingly minor issue into a major health concern. For instance, a minor fracture left untreated may worsen over time, leading to chronic pain or impaired mobility. By seeking immediate medical attention, you contribute to the prevention of long-term damage and increase the likelihood of a swift and full recovery.
Addressing delayed symptoms
In the aftermath of an accident, adrenaline and shock can mask pain and discomfort. Some injuries may not show symptoms until hours or even days later.
By promptly consulting with a healthcare professional, you ensure that delayed symptoms are not overlooked. Conditions like whiplash or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can have severe consequences if left untreated.
Documenting injuries for insurance claims
In addition to safeguarding your health, seeking immediate medical attention creates a record of your injuries. This documentation can play an important role in insurance claims and legal proceedings. Timely medical records provide clear evidence linking your injuries to the accident, reinforcing the legitimacy of your claims and helping to create a smoother resolution.
In the aftermath of an accident, prioritizing your health by seeking immediate medical attention can help you relieve stress. Remember, your well-being is important, and timely medical care is a key step on the path to recovery.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498132023-08-22T16:51:34Z2023-08-22T16:51:34ZCauses of Erb's palsy
Childbirth poses the primary risk for Erb's palsy. 0.9 to 2.6 of 1000 babies are born with Erb's palsy. The condition can develop if the delivering party pulls excessively on the baby's head, especially when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone. Breech deliveries, where the baby emerges feet first, can also heighten this nerve damage risk.
Signs and symptoms
Erb's palsy symptoms can range widely based on how bad the nerve damage is. Typical symptoms include:
Weakness in one arm
Limited mobility in the affected arm
Reduced grip strength in the hand of the affected arm
Holding the arm against the body with a bent elbow
This condition does not affect facial features or other body parts.
Diagnosis of Erb's palsy
A pediatrician typically diagnoses Erb's palsy with a physical examination shortly after birth. The doctor will look for signs of arm weakness and may request imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to determine the damage. Electromyography, which measures muscle electrical activity, can also help assess nerve damage severity.
Treatment options
The treatment for Erb's palsy hinges on its severity. For less severe cases, physical therapy and daily exercises can often improve the arm's function. These exercises aim to maintain the arm's range of motion and ward off joint stiffness. If there is no improvement over a certain period, some might consider surgical options. Surgeons can perform nerve grafts or nerve transfers to restore some arm function.
Proper diagnosis and treatment allow many with Erb's palsy to lead fulfilling, active lives. Being aware and understanding this condition can better equip you to manage or support those who face it.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498062023-07-27T14:43:50Z2023-07-27T14:43:50Zexamined fatal car accident data for each state and the District of Columbia, then ranked them by six types of preventable collisions per capita:
Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Phone use while driving
Drowsy driving
Wrong-way driving
Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
Forbes assigned each state a score for these metrics and an overall score out of 100. The higher a state's score, the more deadly accidents it had. The study ranked Louisiana the second-most-dangerous state in which to drive out of the entire country with a score of 89.32. Only Texas, with a "perfect" score of 100, came out worse.
Why does Louisiana rank so low?
An article about the study noted that Louisiana ranked third-worst for deaths caused by distracted driving, with 3.74 such collisions per 100,000 licensed drivers. The Pelican State also ranked in the top 10 for fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers (13.44 per 100,000 licensed drivers) and drowsy drivers (1.92/100,000). The consistently poor figures across several categories were what gave Louisiana such a low ranking.
The chances that you or somebody you love will get into a life-threatening car wreck with a negligent driver are still thankfully low. But such tragedies do happen. So do collisions that you survive but are left with painful injuries that cause long-term disabilities. Nobody should have to pay huge hospital bills and lose their ability to earn a wage because of somebody else's thoughtless decisions behind the wheel.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498042023-06-21T02:04:52Z2023-06-21T02:04:52ZThousands of patients die every year as a result of mistakes with medications, including mistakes made by doctors as well as pharmacists.
Understand the fundamentals of pharmacy-related medication mistakes to protect yourself and recognize a problem before it causes serious harm.
Common pharmacist mistakes with prescription medication
Pharmacists are responsible for the proper dosing of prescription medications and that process requires precision, accuracy and discipline. Pharmacists are not infallible. There are many prescription mistakes to watch for.
Dispensing the wrong medication: sometimes the doctor provides the wrong medication, dispenses an improper dosage or provides the medication in an incorrect form.
Providing incorrect instructions: pharmacists are susceptible to making mistakes with instructions, including applying incorrect labels, providing incorrect instructions on the label or misinterpreting the doctor’s instructions.
Overlooking complications: prescription medications come with many complication risks, including allergies, interactions with other medications or dispensing a medication that acts in the same manner as one the patient already takes.
Although pharmacy procedures reduce these risks, those measures do not eliminate them.
Typical reasons for pharmacist mistakes
Pharmacist mistakes happen for a variety of reasons, including inexperience and insufficient training as well as a lack of oversight by attending pharmacists. Overworking and heavy reliance on automation also increase the risks of mistakes with prescription medications.
Be attentive to the accuracy of information when you receive medications from your pharmacy. Medical complications resulting from medication errors at your pharmacy can have lifelong consequences.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498022023-04-26T13:40:06Z2023-04-26T13:40:06ZUnderstanding highway hypnosis
Highway hypnosis is an altered mental state that often occurs on long, monotonous drives. Long-haul truck drivers are especially susceptible. In highway hypnosis, the driver enters a trance-like state, going through the motions of operating the vehicle without any conscious memory of having done so.
A driver experiencing highway hypnosis may drive for a long time without incident if the road conditions are perfect. However, a driver in a state of hypnosis is not fully alert. This means that an unexpected event, such as an animal darting into the road, could lead to an accident. In addition, the driver may unconsciously increase his or her speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other names for highway hypnosis include "white line fever" and "driving without awareness."
Preventing highway hypnosis
Rest and sleep are important for truck drivers, but even a well-rested driver can fall victim to highway hypnosis. In addition to staying within allotted hours and getting enough sleep, drivers should also make frequent stops to break up the monotony of a long drive. Listening to the radio, maintaining good posture and opening the window for some fresh air can help drivers avoid falling into a hypnotic state.
Drivers may also consider taking alternate routes to avoid spending too much time on highways.
When truck drivers are not fully aware of their surroundings, the consequences can be deadly. Truck drivers should take precautions to stay alert behind the wheel and prevent accidents.]]>0On Behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLChttps://www.medlawyer.com/?p=498002023-04-18T14:19:05Z2023-04-18T14:19:05Zprocedure requiring anesthesia carries some level of risk. However, when an anesthesiologist makes a mistake and fails to provide the proper standard of care, it can lead to severe and long-lasting consequences.
Common mistakes made by anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are highly trained medical professionals, but they are still human and can make mistakes. Some common medical errors related to anesthesia include:
Failing to monitor the patient's vital signs
Failure to intubate
Administering too much or too little anesthesia
Failing to position the patient during the procedure properly
Failing to identify and address preexisting medical conditions
Not properly informing a patient of instructions about the procedure or follow-up care
In addition, mistakes can also occur due to faulty equipment failing during the procedure or turning off the pulse oximeter alarm.
The potential consequences of an anesthesiologist's mistake
Anesthesia malpractice can have various health consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the error. Some possible effects include sore throat, damage to the mouth, nerve damage, stroke, cardiac arrest, brain damage, oxygen deprivation, coma, respiratory arrest and death. These consequences can devastate patients and their loved ones and may require ongoing rehabilitation and medical care.
Those affected by an anesthesiologist's mistakes can take steps to protect their rights and maximize their chances of recovery.]]>0