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Special Edition Legal Case Study


Healthcare Professionals and Medical Malpractice: A Case Study with Risk Management Strategies

Medical malpractice claims can be asserted against any healthcare provider. Although there may be a perception that physicians are held responsible for the majority of lawsuits, the reality is that healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, pharmacists and counselors are more frequently finding themselves defending the care they provide.


Physical Therapist Edition

Case Study: Improper Full Spinal Deep Thrusts

This case involves a physical therapist working in a private practice setting. In this case, the patient was a 5'2", 156 lb, 54-year-old woman, who underwent a hysterectomy and afterwards began to experience low back pain. Five months after surgery the patient sought treatment for her back pain with an orthopedic surgeon who believed she was suffering from degenerative problems and prescribed physical therapy... Read the Full Case with Risk Management Recommendations

 

Read Previous Issues of the HPSO Special Edition Legal Case Study: Physical Therapist Edition

Pharmacist Edition

Case Study: Poisoning From Incorrect Anti-Fungal Medication

In this case, the insured pharmacist received an order for the plaintiff to receive intravenous Amphotericin Lipid Complex. The insured pharmacist incorrectly supplied Amphotericin B. The co-defendant pharmacy technician produced the correct labels but placed them on the incorrectly selected medication... Read the Full Case with Risk Management Recommendations

 

Read Previous Issues of the HPSO Special Edition Legal Case Study: Pharmacist Edition

Counselor Edition

Case Study: Alleged Slanderous Statements by the Defendant Regarding the Plaintiff and Alleged Improper Reporting of Privileged Health Information to the Plaintiff's Employer

The plaintiff was a 52 year old practicing physician when he was court-ordered via the state's professional resource network (PRN) to see the defendant counselor for assessment following an arrest for suspected driving under the influence (DUI)... Read the Full Case with Risk Management Recommendations

 

Read Previous Issues of the HPSO Special Edition Legal Case Study: Counselors Edition




November 2008 Legal Case Study



One Milligram Tablet Prescription Filled With Ten Milligram Tablets - Cerebral Hemorrhage Causes Disability - Death Several Years Later - $25.85 Million Verdict.

The plaintiffs decedent, age forty-two, was diagnosed with cancer and prescribed one milligram tablets of warfarin. She filled the prescription at a Walgreens pharmacy, which mistakenly filled the prescription with ten milligram tablets. After taking the pills for about three weeks, the decedent suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, which rendered her completely disabled. She was unable to continue her cancer treatment and remained in medical and rehabilitation facilities until her death several years later.

The plaintiff claimed that the pharmacy was negligent in mis-filling the prescription.

According to a published account a $25.85 million verdict was returned.

With permission from Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts; Lewis Laska, Editor, 901 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203-3411, 1-800-298-6288.

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