North Adams Medical Malpractice Law Blog

The tax law signed in 2017 doubled the federal estate tax exemption, meaning the vast majority of estates won't have to pay federal estate tax. But that doesn't mean you should ignore its impact on your estate plan.

Typically, when a physician in a hospital makes an order for a specific medication, it must be approved and released by a licensed pharmacist. Nurses, who most often administer medications to patients, are also most likely aware of appropriate dosage amounts of most drugs. Sadly, eight different cases of doctor error indicate that something in the system of one hospital was not working to ensure correct medication dosage to patients. Massachusetts patients may be interested to learn that eight wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against a physician for prescribing a lethal dose of fentanyl to different patients.

Recently, the two additional lawsuits were filed against the physician. In one case, a mother sought emergent care for shortness of breath, but she died not long after being admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit. Upon a review of her medical records, the family's attorney states that the woman was administered 800 micrograms of fentanyl. In a video accompanied by the article, it was noted that any dose above 200 micrograms of fentanyl can be harmful and/or lethal to a patient's health. 

Hearing that a loved one has made it through surgery is an enormous relief. Unfortunately, making it through surgery is only part of the process. Recovery and aftercare is an important part of the success rate of any surgery. Massachusetts readers may be interested in one family's recent medical malpractice lawsuit alleging negligence in the care of their wife and mother.

The family reported that the patient was in relatively good health when she began experiencing shortness of breath. Doctors diagnosed the woman with aortic insufficiency, which required surgery on her aortic valve to improve the symptoms. Although the woman made it through the surgery, her family has accused the hospital of providing inadequate care in the days following her operation, which they believe ultimately resulted in her death.

When going to a health care provider, people in Massachusetts and elsewhere probably have the expectation of receiving quality care that meets certain standards. It can be devastating for someone to suffer from health complications as the result of doctor error, medical negligence or other preventable factor. Sadly, instances of medical malpractice can be quite serious or even fatal for the patient.

A family is moving forward with a lawsuit against a dental facility after the tragic loss of their toddler son last year. The family alleges that the death of the two-year-old was the result of medical negligence, and they are seeking appropriate financial damages through their civil claim. The boy passed away after he underwent a procedure for root canals.