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Thursday, March 12, 2009
Malpractice Settlement of $1.6 Million Leads L.A. Hospitals to Modify Consent Forms
When a hospital or doctor loses a medical malpractice case they may also lose a great deal of money and face a decline in their reputation.
One lawsuit in Los Angeles was so substantial that Los Angeles County hospitals are now seeking a way to standardize the patient consent form. This revamping is in response to a malpractice suit that cost the county $1.6 million to settle.
Shanay Bridges filed a lawsuit after a 2005 back surgery left her paralyzed. She asserted that no one fully explained the risks of the surgery to her. The county Board of Supervisors approved a settlement, but continued to say that her medical care was correct.
California is now looking into software that would keep electronic records of signed consent forms. The new standardized consent form is expected to be in use by the end of 2009.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Many patients believe that if they have signed a consent form, they have signed away the right to file a medical malpractice claim. This belief is incorrect.
The laws regarding medical malpractice are complex and require the expertise of an attorney who understands these laws. They can help you understand why signing a consent form does not strip you of your legal rights when medical malpractice occurs.
A consent form is generally used as proof that a patient understands the potential risks associated with a procedure. However, if the doctor or nurse neglected to fully inform you of all the risks and danger involved, the consent form may be invalid, despite your signature.
The consent form may also be void if the doctor was negligent in any way that caused you harm during the procedure.
If you are in the Los Angeles, California area and want more information for your medical malpractice claim, please contact The Cochran Firm to schedule a consultation. Our medical malpractice lawyers will help you review medical records and determine what injuries and losses you sustained due to medical malpractice.
One lawsuit in Los Angeles was so substantial that Los Angeles County hospitals are now seeking a way to standardize the patient consent form. This revamping is in response to a malpractice suit that cost the county $1.6 million to settle.
Shanay Bridges filed a lawsuit after a 2005 back surgery left her paralyzed. She asserted that no one fully explained the risks of the surgery to her. The county Board of Supervisors approved a settlement, but continued to say that her medical care was correct.
California is now looking into software that would keep electronic records of signed consent forms. The new standardized consent form is expected to be in use by the end of 2009.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Many patients believe that if they have signed a consent form, they have signed away the right to file a medical malpractice claim. This belief is incorrect.
The laws regarding medical malpractice are complex and require the expertise of an attorney who understands these laws. They can help you understand why signing a consent form does not strip you of your legal rights when medical malpractice occurs.
A consent form is generally used as proof that a patient understands the potential risks associated with a procedure. However, if the doctor or nurse neglected to fully inform you of all the risks and danger involved, the consent form may be invalid, despite your signature.
The consent form may also be void if the doctor was negligent in any way that caused you harm during the procedure.
If you are in the Los Angeles, California area and want more information for your medical malpractice claim, please contact The Cochran Firm to schedule a consultation. Our medical malpractice lawyers will help you review medical records and determine what injuries and losses you sustained due to medical malpractice.
Labels: Los Angeles
posted by Anonymous at 7:14 AM
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