Improperly-Cleaned Endoscopes Can Lead to Internal Infections

By Grant Law Office on February 2, 2012

Endoscopes are used to examine the workings of the digestive system and other organs to make sure these systems are healthy or to check on the progression of certain diseases. While uncomfortable, an endoscopy is far less invasive than surgery, especially when physicians only need to observe conditions inside the body. When endoscopes and similar equipment are not properly cleaned, however, serious consequences can result.

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine tracked cases in which patients developed various infections after undergoing an endoscopy or similar procedure. The study looked at cases in which the disease could be tracked to improperly sterilized equipment. The most common type of infection transmitted was salmonella poisoning, followed by tuberculosis caused by improperly-sterilized bronchoscopy equipment used to examine the inner workings of the lungs. One case of hepatitis B, a liver disease, was also documented in the 400 cases the researchers examined.Read more…

Security Breach At Emory University Endangers More Than 7,000 Patients

By Grant Law Office on November 7, 2011

In the digital age, protecting sensitive, confidential information can be a nonstop battle against invisible assailants. From credit card transactions to online shopping and banking, vigilance is essential. A security breach involving several Emory University medical centers jeopardized thousands of patients’ information and serves as an unfortunate reminder that when our health is vulnerable, our confidential information may be as well.

During the last week of October, Emory started a large scale alert to notify over 7,300 patients at its spinal and orthopedic treatment centers that their sensitive patient records were potentially compromised during a security problem back in 2008. According to reporting by Channel 11, representatives of the university claimed the thousands of sensitive records were physically copied by a former employee. The documents contained patients’ personal information, such as social security numbers, addresses, birthdays, and other information that is commonly used to facilitate identity crime. Thirty two documents from that leak have been connected to an identity crime syndicate. The ring has since been dismantled, but not before the criminals could file nine fake tax returns. Emory officials said the amount of people affected by the security breach could continue to rise.Read more…

AHRQ Implements New Initiative to Encourage Safer, More Effective Healthcare

By Grant Law Office on October 17, 2011

Everyone wants safe, efficient, and effective healthcare, whether they are suffering from a minor injury or a serious medical condition. In recognition of this fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has implemented a new initiative that encourages strong and clear communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

The “Questions are the Answer” initiative features a website with a number of resources that can help patients and healthcare professional participate in productive two-way communication to ensure that all concerns are addressed and everyone is on the same page. This much needed interaction keeps both the patient and healthcare professional well informed. The website includes:Read more…

Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Claiming Medical Malpractice?

By Grant Law Office on September 21, 2011

In Georgia, a medical malpractice claim is defined as any claim for damages that have resulted from the injury or death of any person caused by a healthcare professional’s or facility’s service, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or other care. A medical malpractice claim allows for a family to sue for losses and damages caused by the death of their loved one.

Knowing that it is possible to file a medical malpractice wrongful death claim is the first step, but knowing when to file a medical malpractice claim in Georgia is equally important. Generally, an action for medical malpractice must be brought no more than two years after the initial date of injury or death.Read more…

The Dangers of Delayed Cancer Diagnosis in Georgia

By Grant Law Office on June 24, 2011

According to the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS), provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,455,611 new cancer cases were diagnosed nationwide in 2007. In the same year, there were 562,867 cancer deaths nationwide. In Georgia, there were 40,336 new cancer diagnoses, and 14,983 cancer deaths, in 2007.

Though there are various types of cancers, all have the potential to cause death. Breast cancer, colon cancer, gynecologic cancers, blood cancers, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and the most common type, skin cancer, cause thousands of deaths yearly. Even with the various standard and alternative treatment options for cancer, a person’s survival is dependent on a timely and correct diagnosis. But, unfortunately, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of cancer is one of the most common types of medical malpractice in Georgia and across the nation. If diagnosis and treatment comes too late, the cancer victim may endure much pain and suffering before they, inevitably, are killed by the disease.Read more…

When Can I File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Georgia?

By Grant Law Office on May 13, 2011

Before knowing when to file a medical malpractice claim in Georgia, it is important to know if you are entitled to do so. Georgia code (O.C.G.A. § 9-9-60) defines a “medical malpractice claim” as any claim for damages resulting from the injury to or death of any person caused by:

1. Health, dental, medical, or surgical service, diagnosis, treatment, prescription; or care by a lawfully authorized physician or other health care provider, or one acting under the supervision of a lawfully authorized physician or other health care provider, or
2. Care or service by any public or private hospital, clinic, hospital authority, clinic, facility, or institution, or its employee, acting within the scope of his employment.Read more…

Georgia Supreme Court Declares Medical Malpractice Caps Unconstitutional

By Grant Law Office on April 20, 2011

The last several years have seen many debates concerning medical malpractice caps for damages awarded to victims in malpractice lawsuits. Various states are currently debating the issue in their courts, but not Georgia. According to InsuranceJournal.com, the Georgia Supreme court recently determined that medical malpractice caps are unconstitutional, repealing the cap instated in 2005.

The original purpose of medical malpractice caps was to limit the ability of victims of medical malpractice to recover full compensation for their injuries. The cap was intended to deter legitimate claims from being brought and to increase the profitability of medical malpractice insurers. Such a cap was in effect in Georgia medical malpractice lawsuits since 2005. However, the Georgia Supreme Court determined the cap, which limited noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases, was a violation of the constitutional right to trial by jury; and so the cap was lifted retroactively.Read more…