Dr. Julius Cuong Pham, an assistant professor at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, and his associates, produced the study by examining medication errors from 592 U.S. hospitals, which were voluntarily reported from 2000 through 2005.
Dr. Pham believes the nearly 24,000 emergency room medication errors to be particularly concerning given the growing trend in U.S. hospitals of hiring temporary nursing staff to fill both short-term and long-term shifts. Temporary nurses are becoming more prevalent because they are considered a cheaper option than permanent nurses since they do not receive benefits.
]]> The results of the study suggest that lack of familiarity with their surroundings may contribute to the increased rate of medication errors for temporary workers. However, the study's authors are quick to warn that the cause of the increased rate of errors may be more complex than simply the presence of temporary workers. In a statement, Dr. Pham observed, "A place that uses a lot of temporary staff may have more quality of care issues in general. It may not be the temporary staff that causes those errors but a function of the whole system."Patients in Michigan, and throughout the U.S., need to be vigilant when it comes to medical errors. If you have been injured as a result of a medical error contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney in your area to be advised of your rights.
]]>Often times, when a medical error occurs, many doctors restrict their communication with the patient for fear of admitting fault. Consequently, the only way the victim can get answers is to go to court. These instant adversarial positions can make resolution difficult. However, a policy instituted by the University of Michigan (U-M) may have a better way to tackle these situations.
In a report by The New York Times, Richard C. Boothman, chief risk officer for the University of Michigan Health System, stated that by doctors and hospitals refusing to talk, "we have given the patient no alternative but to sue." In response, U-M Health System's new policy is what they call the "humanistic approach."
]]> Basically, the "humanistic approach" involves the U-M conducting a full investigation following a medical mistake. This investigation includes not only the doctors, but the patient and patient's attorney as well. Then, the U-M apologizes if they feel they are in the wrong, and the parties work out reasonable compensation.Results of this new approach have been dramatic for the U-M. Costs per medical mistake case have been cut in half, and the U-M has saved $2 million in the first year alone. Moreover, settlement time has been reduced from 20 to 10 months. It is a win-win situation, the hospital saves money and the patient injured as a result of the medical mistake receives his or her settlement sooner; not to mention the emotional closure for the victim because of an actual apology.
Medical errors occur every day and in every state. These mistakes can have devastating effects on the victim, and can cause lifelong agony or even death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a medical error, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney in your area to be advised of your rights and options.
]]>According to research published in the Annals of Surgery, the chance of dying after an emergency surgery was 20 percent higher at a teaching hospital as compared to their non-teaching counterpart.
]]> Twenty-three out of every 1,000 patients died at non-teaching hospitals after emergency surgery, while 28 out of every 1,000 died at teaching hospitals. Authors of the study were unable to provide an exact explanation for the different rates of death between the types of hospitals, but it may be attributed to the severity of illnesses of patients at each hospital.A University of Michigan surgery professor, who was not involved in the study, Dr. Justin Dimick, stated that the results of the study do not reflect the types of patients that are hospitalized at teaching hospitals. He generally feels that teaching hospitals tend to get the more complex cases. For example, a cancer patient at a teaching hospital may have more severe cancer than a cancer patient at a non-teaching hospital; something the study did not take into account.
Regardless of the actual reasons behind the increased risk of death at teaching hospitals, patients need to protect themselves from potential injury. Medical errors occur every day that may severely injure, or possibly kill, patients. If you have been injured due to mistakes that occurred during a hospital stay, contact an experienced attorney in your area today to be advised of your rights.
Source: Reuters, "Which hospitals have more problems after surgery?" Kerry Grens
]]>Donaldson pegged the risk of dying in an aircraft crash at 1 in 10 million. Shockingly, your chances of dying from a hospital error are much greater at 1 in 300. While that number is worldwide - Michigan hospitals are presumably less risky than the worldwide average - the number is still an alarming wake-up call for many patients.
]]> According to CTV News, the U.S. hospital infection rate is 4.5 percent. While that easily bests Europe (7 percent) and Canada (11.6 percent), it is still a troubling statistic. It indicates that nearly five of every 100 patients hospitalized in Michigan will suffer a potentially fatal infection.The WHO explains that these infections are often easily preventable, yet occur when doctors, nurses or technicians fail to wash their hands before making contact with patients. Some of the common infections derive from surgical site infections and urinary catheters.
Not only are these medical infections dangerous, but they often keep the patient in the hospital for a much longer stay, causing the patient more pain, suffering, medical expenses and time away from their home or work. If you are visiting a Michigan hospital, you should certainly consider asking your doctors and nurses if they have sanitized their hands.
Source: CTV News, "Hospital stays are riskier than flying, says WHO" Aug. 8, 2011.
]]>Logic suggests that claims of outpatient medical malpractice will continue to rise, as rising healthcare costs cause more patients to receive their medical care outside of hospitals, to avoid bills that include not only a physician's office, but also costs from the hosting hospital. However, the focus on medical error prevention remains on the inpatient setting.
]]> The AMA StudyThe malpractice study analyzed data from 2005-2009, comparing the payouts of medical malpractice claims between inpatient and outpatient settings. While inpatient medical errors still remain the larger category for malpractice claim payouts, it only holds about a four percent higher number of claims resulting in payout, versus outpatient claims (43 percent). This gap has been steadily narrowing each year. However, the underlying of nature of the medical malpractice claims tends to differ between the two settings.
In outpatient care, medical malpractice claims are most likely to fall into the category of misdiagnosis (46 percent), while surgical errors were the most common reason for inpatient malpractice claims (34 percent). Most medical claims from both inpatient and outpatient errors resulted in major injury or wrongful death of the patient.
Whether inpatient or outpatient, medical professionals must meet the requisite standards of care in treating their patients. When a medical error harms or kills the patient, the victim or surviving family should contact a reputable personal injury attorney experienced in medical malpractice claims.
Source: jama.ama-assn.org, "Paid malpractice claims for adverse events in inpatient and outpatient settings" 2011.
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]]>Weber's crash is emblematic of the danger that Michigan bikers face. This tough military vet could survive intense military conflict, but lost his life on a U.S. roadway. While his bike was the only vehicle involved in the crash, most motorcycle accidents are due to another motorist's failure to "see" the biker. Weber should be honored for his military service, but his tragic death should also serve motorcycle awareness and safety campaigns.
]]> Now that motorcycle is in full gear, motorists have to be vigilant about looking for bikers before pulling out in traffic. Most fatal car-v-motorcycle accidents occur when the vehicle makes a left turn in front of the bike. Drivers also commonly make right turns in front of motorcyclists, either at intersections or when exiting driveways or parking lots.May is national Motorcycle Awareness Month, as government officials and motorcycle safety advocates attempt to educate motorists so that fatal accidents can be reduced. Bikers are particularly vulnerable in a motor vehicle accident, so the best way to protect them is through prevention.
Please keep an eye out for motorcyclists on our Michigan roadways, and bikers -- ride safely.
Sources: WNEM.com, "Former Soldier Killed in Motorcycle Crash," May 17, 2011. KFOXTV.com, "Motorcyclist Dies After Striking Electric Pole in Chaparral," May 13, 2011.
]]>With April's backdrop as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Holland Police used these exercises to show young motorists the dangers of inattentive driving. The police officers told NewsChannel3 that the 16-20 year-old age group is the segment most involved in fatal car accidents. While inexperience and drunk driving contribute to that dubious distinction, it is apparent that text-crazy teens cause many crashes through distraction. While teen-centered initiatives are great to educate young drivers, Michigan's most recent crash fatality reports shows alarming data for the state as a whole.
]]> Michigan Motor Vehicle Death Toll Rises in 2010While the final tally has yet to be released, preliminary data indicates that Michigan had a four percent increase in traffic fatalities in 2010. That number is disproportional to the nation's motor vehicle death total, which was the lowest since reporting began in 1949.
The news is alarming to motor-vehicle safety advocates, law enforcement and legislators. Michigan, like most states, has been making a focused effort in eliminating car accidents by reducing drunk driving and distracted driving. Unfortunately, these efforts have not come to fruition.
As we near the halfway of 2011, please remember to stay sober and put down the phone. Let's use this year to reverse Michigan's upward trend of motor vehicle accident fatalities.
Sources: UpNorthLive.com, "Deadly traffic accidents down nationally, up in Michigan in 2010," April 1, 2011. Wmmt.com, "Wake-up call for distracted drivers," April 24, 2011.
]]>The woman's incredibly good fortune in this crash is even more remarkable in light of recent statistics, which show that drowsy driving is responsible for one in six of all fatal car accidents in the U.S. The study, conducted by the AAA Foundation, analyzed crash data from all 50 states and also surveyed drivers.
]]> The results of the driver survey are a source of concern, as well. Two-fifths of those surveyed admitted falling asleep or nodding off while driving at some point in their lives, and more than a quarter said that in just the past month they had driven despite having difficulty keeping their eyes open. More than half of those who had fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year did so after having driven no more than an hour, demonstrating that drowsy driving can be a problem even on shorter trips.Crashes involving nodding off at the wheel can often be more severe, as the drivers generally don't do anything to avoid or mitigate the crash, such as slowing down or steering to avoid a head-on collision with a car or other obstacle.
Do your best to avoid driving drowsy, but unfortunately there is little that one can do to avoid being the victim of another driver who chooses to drive fatigued.
]]>The crash occurred at the intersection of Ecorse and Harris Roads. Witnesses state that a vehicle driven by Stephanie Joyce Stone, 32, proceeded through a green light at the intersection. Witnesses claim they then heard the roar of an engine accelerating and saw a Yellow Ford Mustang run a red light while travelling 60-80 mph and enter the intersection, crashing into Stone's vehicle. The impact of the collision was so great that Stone's car struck three other cars.
]]> Witnesses and responders reported that Stone was unresponsive, as was her child in the front passenger seat who suffered major injuries. Another child was found crying and flailing in the back seat, surviving the crash with minor injuries.In courtroom testimony by witness Kenyatta Smith, the driver of the Mustang, Howard, started walking away briskly from the bloody scene of the car accident. Smith claims to have taken video footage of Howard's odd post-accident demeanor on his cell phone. In his testimony, Smith explained that Howard appeared to be under the influence of some substance, whether it be alcohol or drugs.
The prosecution is presenting evidence that Howard was under the influence of alcohol, THC, Hydrocodone (a painkiller) and Alprazolam (anti-anxiety medication). Aside from the second-degree murder charge, Howard faces a variety of additional charges including operating while intoxicated causing death, operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, operating while intoxicated third-offense and failing to stop at an accident causing death.
Source: AnnArbor.com, "Witness testifies he recorded driver leaving scene of fatal Ypsilanti Township car accident," 3/1/2011.
]]>Michigan law forbids "the obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush." This dangerous practice has become such a problem that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently issued a press release reminding business owners and property owners to be responsible in their snow removal along Michigan highways. MDOT cited two dangers created when people don't adhere to proper snow removal:
]]>If you own a business or residence along a Michigan highway, please take special care to ensure you are complying with the law and helping out with motorist safety.
The Consequences of Negligent Snow Removal
You probably aren't going to see many people ticketed for violating the Michigan Vehicle Code's snow removal law. It isn't a well-known law and therefore police will be less likely to enforce it. However, that doesn't mean that improper snow removal has no consequences.
Those who are involved in an auto accident caused by negligent snow removal can name the business or property owner as a party in a lawsuit, alleging that they caused or contributed to the car crash. Even when a personal injury suit isn't filed, the property owner's insurance company may be brought into negotiations where the improper removal of snow played part in the car accident.
A Michigan Attorney Can Help
If you believe your auto accident injury was potentially caused by someone's failure to follow Michigan Law's requirements on snow removal, contact a Michigan personal injury attorney. Also, remember to take pictures or video of the snow or slush that caused your accident, as the property owner is likely to take remedial action quickly afterwards.
Source: Michigan.gov
]]>Unfortunately, no.
Each New Year's, approximately 80 people die in drunk driver accidents. Experts believe even more will die in the 2011 celebration because the holiday falls on a Saturday. If you are on the roadways on Jan. 1, your chances of dying from a drunk driver are 150 percent higher than normal, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
]]> Michigan's Efforts to Curb the Needless DeathsLast year, 300 people were arrested in Michigan for drunk driving on New Year's; that number will likely be higher this year since the holiday falls on a weekend. Extremely intoxicated drivers face additional punishment now, with Michigan's "super-drunk" laws that target offenders with a blood-alcohol concentration of .17 or higher.
Detroit and Ann Arbor police departments, along with most others statewide, will have increased patrol efforts this weekend. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging law enforcement to step up enforcement in accordance with its Over the Limit - Under Arrest campaign.
Stay out of Harm's Way
The easiest way to avoid a deadly car crash is to stay in on New Year's Eve. Understandably, this simply isn't an option for many: there are too many great parties, music venues or bars offering a top-notch place to celebrate 2011. However, there are a few reminders to help prevent you from being a drunk driver victim:
• Have a designated driver: a friend, taxi driver or bus driver have a good chance at getting you home safely.
• Be cautious: assume that other drivers are under the influence and exercise extreme caution if you are driving this evening.
• Prevent an accident: if you have a buddy that is set on driving after drinking too much, stop him. Remind him about New Year's annual car-crash death toll and that over 300 will be arrested in Michigan this holiday. If that doesn't work, tell him that the average DUI costs $10,000 - assuming you don't kill or injure anybody.
Have a very happy, and very safe, 2011!
]]>This data shows a startling increase in drug use by motorists. While the study could not measure whether the driver was under the influence of drugs during the time of the fatal accident, the numbers allude to a recent increase in impaired driving.
The data included prescription medication, over-the-counter meds and illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and meth. The categories of drugs that were tested for included: narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, cannabinoids, phencyclidines (PCPs), anabolic steroids and inhalants.
Impaired Driver Liability in Michigan
When someone decides to drive while impaired by drugs, whether prescribed or illegal, they assume liability for victims' resulting injuries or wrongful death.
]]> Even if the driver is not under the direct influence of drugs at the time of the accident, the drug use could still be partially responsible for the accident. If a truck driver has been using meth or another stimulant to stay awake and drive through the night, the drug use may still be responsible for the trucker's sleep-deprived collision occurring the next day.Another example would be where someone smokes marijuana, but waits to drive until they no longer feel "high." If the cannabis causes the motorist to feel drowsy and sluggish, even hours after use, the drug use may be a significant contributor to the crash.
Investigatory work by both the police and attorneys can help uncover contributing factors, such as a driver's drug use, in a motor vehicle accident.
Source: NHTSA.gov
]]>The new legislation taking effect on October 31 will increase punishment to those who reach the "high blood-alcohol content" classification in the following ways:
Michigan's Drunk Driving Epidemic
Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Michigan. While many people safely enjoy themselves on fun occasions such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, far too many decide to take the wheel in an impaired state.
According to the 2009 Michigan Drunk Driving Audit, Over 6,200 were injured from alcohol-related crashes in our state last year, claiming 351 lives. Even as Michigan police step up enforcement, drunk drivers will continue to wreck lives by inflicting severe injuries and death upon their victims.
While the criminal justice system works to prosecute these offenders, civil lawsuits also work to both punish the wrongdoers and compensate the victims and their families.
A personal injury suit or wrongful death claim can help injured persons and survivors recover monetary damages for the harm the drunk driver caused. Michigan's dramshop liability law can also hold bars liable for the harm a drunk driver causes if they served that person while he or she was visibly intoxicated.
Source: Michigan.gov
]]>Trauma from the accident can damage the nerve fibers that affect a person's ability to move or function below the level of the injury. A complete spinal cord injury can result in permanent impairment of certain nervous system functions. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that the victim has retained some degree of functionality below the injury level and can often make a full recovery.
The symptoms of spinal cord injury include the following:
]]> • A loss of pain sensation or a feeling of pain in an injury-free part of the body• Numbness and loss of sensation in the limbs and extremities
• Loss of muscle control including bowel or bladder difficulties
• Muscle spasms
• Infection
• Sexual dysfunction
Spinal-cord injury victims need to receive treatment such as corticosteroids soon after the injury to reduce the swelling in the spinal region. Surgery may be necessary to remove any bony fragments, fluid or tissue that is compressing the spinal cord, or to fuse the fractured vertebrae. Traction and immobilization may reduce dislocation. Extensive rehabilitation is often necessary after such a traumatic injury.
There has been research into ways to stimulate activity or growth in damaged nerve cells, such as transplanting new nerve tissue and genes into the spinal cord. This includes stem cell research and medicines used in treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The average initial hospital costs following a spinal injury are around $140,000. The average first-year expenses for all types of spinal injuries are $198,000. These costs will vary depending upon the geographical area where treatment and care is rendered.
In Michigan, a victim of an auto accident who has suffered a spinal cord injury can benefit from that state's generous no-fault law, which provides an injured person with the reasonable and necessary expenses for the victim's care, recovery and rehabilitation. These include medical expenses, in-home nursing care, accommodations that may include a specially designed residence, room and board expenses incurred for taking care of the injured party, rehabilitation, medical mileage reimbursement, special transportation and guardian expenses. Michigan does not impose a limit on the amount of the expenses.
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