Most surgeries carry some potential for harm, but many patients determine that the benefits outweigh the risks. Patients must be fully informed of the possible side effects of procedures, though, otherwise, they cannot make educated decisions regarding whether to proceed. As such, doctors who fail to obtain their patient’s informed…
Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
New York Court Discusses Elements of Medical Negligence and Lack of Informed Consent Claims
A patient that suffers harm due to a medical procedure may seek to recover damages via a medical malpractice lawsuit. In some instances, an injured patient may not only be able to allege the surgeon who performed the surgery is liable for medical negligence but may also be able to…
New York Court Explains Appealability of Rulings on Motions in Limine in Medical Malpractice Cases
In medical malpractice cases, expert opinions are not only needed to establish the standard of care but also to causally link the defendant’s breach of the standard to the plaintiff’s harm or demonstrate that the defendant complied with the standard and should not be held liable for any losses the…
New York Court Discusses Proving a Patient-Doctor Relationship Exists in Medical Malpractice Cases
Ophthalmologists generally provide routine care, but they are expected to be able to diagnose and treat serious eye issues as well. As such, if they fail to diagnose an illness in a timely manner, it can lead to permanent vision issues and may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.…
New York Court Discusses Pleading Requirements in Medical Malpractice Cases
Federal law does not require parties pursuing medical malpractice claims to include evidence in their initial pleadings. It does, however, require them to set forth factual assertions that are sufficient to inform defendants of the claims against them so that they may properly prepare defenses. Plaintiffs that fail to meet…
New York Court Explains the Difference Between Negligence and Medical Malpractice
Although it is common for a plaintiff pursuing a medical malpractice case in New York to assert that the defendant acted negligently, there are significant differences between ordinary negligence and medical malpractice claims. Thus, if plaintiffs fail to produce the evidence needed to support malpractice claims, it could adversely impact…
New York Court Explains Spoliation Sanctions in Medical Malpractice Matters
In medical malpractice matters, the plaintiff will typically rely, in part, on treatment records to show that the defendant failed to provide competent care. Thus, if a defendant fails to retain medical records, imaging, or other documents relating to the plaintiff’s care, it could adversely impact the plaintiff’s ability to…
Court Explains Causation in New York Medical Malpractice Cases
Generally, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case must prove not only that the defendant was negligent but also that the defendant’s actions caused the plaintiff’s harm. In other words, simply demonstrating that the defendant deviated from the applicable standard of care is not sufficient to present a successful malpractice…
New York Court Discusses Summary Judgment in Medical Malpractice Claims
Few medical malpractice cases are actually tried to a verdict. Some settle before they reach the trial stage, while others are decided via summary judgment. In other words, parties will often try to get the court to rule in their favor as a matter of law once discovery is complete.…
New York Court Discusses Expert Reports in Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice lawsuits often are reduced to a battle between the experts. In other words, whether a defendant is deemed liable for medical negligence typically depends on which expert’s testimony the judge or jury finds more compelling. In some instances, however, the parties are denied the chance to present their…