Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Court Discusses Spoliation Sanctions in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: January 17, 2024 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Many people residing in skilled nursing facilities are considered fall risks and require extra care to ensure their safety. If such fall prevention measures are not properly employed, it can result in serious harm. In most cases, plaintiffs pursuing claims against nursing facilities following falls must rely on circumstantial evidence to demonstrate fault, but in some instances, direct evidence, like surveillance footage, exists. If the defendant fails to preserve such evidence, though, it may damage the plaintiff’s claims and may be grounds for instituting sanctions. In a recent New York opinion issued in a medical malpractice case, the court discussed when sanctions are appropriate for spoliation, ultimately determining that they were not warranted. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to the negligence of a doctor, it is smart to speak to a Rochester medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

Facts of the Case

It is reported that in October 2013, the decedent entered the defendants’ nursing center. The decedent, wheelchair-bound and suffering from various medical conditions, including dementia, had a history of falls. Despite being considered a high risk for falls, she fell numerous times during her stay, suffering serious harm. The surveillance video capturing her first fall was automatically overwritten two weeks later. The decedent passed away in April 2015 due to aspiration pneumonia and sepsis.

Allegedly, in November 2016, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the defendants asserting medical malpractice and other claims. The plaintiffs then sought spoliation sanctions against the defendants for not preserving the surveillance video. The trial court denied the plaintiff’s motion and granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment. The plaintiffs appealed. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Explains Extensions of Time to Serve a Medical Malpractice Complaint

Published on: January 9, 2024 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

The New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules set forth the requirements for pursuing medical malpractice claims against healthcare providers. Among other things, the rules dictate that a plaintiff must serve the initial pleading on the named defendants in a specified time and manner. If the plaintiff is unable to effectuate such service, though, they may seek leave of court to serve a defendant by other means. In a recent opinion delivered in a New York medical malpractice case, the court discussed when granting such leave is appropriate and ultimately granted the plaintiff’s request. If you or someone you love sustained injuries due to incompetent medical care, you may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it is wise to confer with a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your possible claims as soon as you can.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff, the administratrix of the decedent’s estate, initiated legal proceedings against the defendant, alleging wrongful death, medical malpractice, lack of informed consent, and negligence. The plaintiff filed a motion seeking an order to extend the time for serving the defendant with the summons and complaint. The trial court granted the motion. The plaintiff then filed a second motion requesting an extension of time to serve the defendant and leave to serve the defendant via alternative means of service; the plaintiff intended to serve the defendant at the email address provided by his former employer. The trial court denied the plaintiff’s motion, after which the plaintiff filed an appeal.

Grounds for Extending the Time to Serve a Complaint

On appeal, the court unanimously reversed the trial court’s order, finding that the trial court improvidently exercised its discretion in denying the plaintiff a second extension to serve the defendant under the applicable rules of procedure. The court explained that the plaintiff established good cause for the late service by providing evidence of diligent efforts, including attempting service at an Ohio address and the defendant’s last known New York address. Continue Reading ›

Court Discusses Triable Issues of Fact in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: December 15, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Soft tissue injuries can be painful and debilitating, and if they are not treated promptly, they can lead to permanent impairments. As such, it is important that people suffering from such ailments receive a timely and accurate diagnosis. People injured by diagnostic delays may be able to recover compensation via medical malpractice claims, but as demonstrated in a recent New York ruling, they must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the defendant’s errors caused them harm. Otherwise, the court may dismiss their claims. If you were hurt by a delayed diagnosis, it is in your best interest to confer with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney about your rights.

Case Setting

It is reported that the plaintiff filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendants, alleging that the defendants failed to diagnose and treat the plaintiff’s ruptured triceps tendon properly. The plaintiff further argued that this failure led to a loss of the opportunity for a full recovery. The defendant moved for summary judgment, seeking a dismissal of the complaint. The trial court granted the motion, and the plaintiff appealed.

Evidence Demonstrating the Need for Trial in Medical Malpractice Cases

On appeal, the court affirmed the trial court’s ruling. In its analysis, the court focused on evaluating the evidence presented by both parties. In doing so, it acknowledged that the defendants’ experts established a prima facie case, demonstrating that the defendant’s doctors adhered to accepted medical practices in treating the plaintiff. In his response, however, the court found that the plaintiff failed to present evidence demonstrating triable issues of fact. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Rules Collateral Estoppel Bars Medical Malpractice Claims

Published on: December 7, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

It is not uncommon for families to rely on extended care facilities to provide relief and comfort to ailing loved ones, and in some instances, will go so far as to ask such entities to act as guardians of their family members. If the care provided is inadequate, aggrieved family members can seek recourse, but they generally must pursue all of their claims at once, as discussed in a recent New York medical malpractice ruling. If you lost a loved one due to neglectful medical care, it is smart to meet with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney to assess your options.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is reported that the executor of the decedent’s estate sought the appointment of a guardian for the decedent in January 2021; the defendant was appointed as the guardian. Following the deceased’s death in June 2021, the defendant filed for discharge as the guardian, and the court granted it in a September 2021 order.

Allegedly, In January 2022, the executor filed the present legal action against the defendant, asserting medical malpractice, lack of informed consent, negligence, breach of fiduciary duties, and related claims arising out of the medical treatment provided to the decedent in 2021. The defendant moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims, relying on the doctrine of collateral estoppel and asserting that the issues were previously decided in the discharge proceeding. The court granted the motion, and the plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›

Court Explains Indemnification in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: November 24, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

In many instances involving complex health issues, multiple practitioners will be involved in a patient’s care. If the treatment offered is inadequate, though, and consequently causes a patient to suffer harm, the providers may attempt to assign blame to one another and seek indemnification for any losses attributed to them. As discussed in a recent New York case, however, healthcare providers pursuing indemnification claims face a high burden of proof. If you were hurt by an incompetent treatment team, it is in your best interest to confer with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney at your earliest convenience.

History of the Case

It is reported that the defendant health care agency provided services to the decedent in the winger of 2012. The defendant doctor also cared for and treated the decedent during that time. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendants, alleging medical malpractice, violation of Public Health Law, and negligence, asserting that the defendants failed to provide proper care for the decedent’s pressure ulcers. The defendant doctor then filed a third party complaint asserting an indemnification claim against the defendant health care agency. The defendant health care agency filed a motion for summary judgment as to the indemnification claim.

Indemnification in Medical Malpractice Cases

The court considered the nature of the indemnification claim, emphasizing that if the defendant doctor was found liable, he would be responsible for his comparative share of damages as an active tortfeasor, as there was no relationship or legal obligation entitling him to indemnification from the defendant home health care agency. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Medical Malpractice Cases with Multiple Defendants

Published on: November 16, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

It is not uncommon for a patient with complex health issues to treat with multiple providers. If a patient under the care of several physicians subsequently suffers an adverse medical event due to inadequate care, it can be challenging to demonstrate which treatment provider committed medical malpractice. In a recent New York opinion, the court discussed what evidence is needed to demonstrate liability in a medical malpractice case with multiple defendants. If you suffered losses due to inadequate medical care, it is smart to meet with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney to determine what claims you may be able to pursue.

Case Setting

It is alleged that in May 2011, the plaintiff sought medical treatment for an unexplained fever from her primary care doctor, the defendant. Despite oral antibiotic treatment, the fever persisted, leading the defendant to order a CT scan, revealing suspicious masses in the plaintiff’s abdomen and lung. Due to her history of lymphoma, the defendant referred the plaintiff to the defendant oncologist to assess a possible recurrence of cancer. The plaintiff also consulted with the defendant rheumatologist. The defendant rheumatologist conducted multiple examinations and tests, issuing reports noting abnormalities. Unable to definitively diagnose or rule out malignancy, the defendant rheumatologist referred the plaintiff to specialists.

It is reported that the plaintiff was later hospitalized for a bacterial infection, developed endocarditis, and suffered a stroke. In 2012, the plaintiff initiated a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendants. The defendant oncologist and rheumatologist moved for summary judgment; the trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants, dismissing the complaint. The plaintiff appealed, but she passed away during the proceedings, and the executor of her estate was substituted. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Demonstrating Liability in a Nursing Malpractice Case

Published on: October 27, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

People typically consider medical malpractice to be harm caused by negligent doctors. While many medical malpractice claims arise out of the careless acts of physicians, other healthcare providers, including nurses, can be liable for the injuries caused by negligent medical care. In a recent opinion issued in a New York case, the court discussed what evidence is needed to establish liability for nursing malpractice. If you were harmed by inadequate nursing care, you have the right to pursue damages for your losses, and it is wise to consult a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer.

Factual and Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendants provided nursing services to the decedent in his home during the months leading up to his death. In June 2017, the plaintiff, both individually and as the administrator of the decedent’s estate, initiated a legal action against the defendants, seeking damages for medical malpractice and wrongful death. The defendants, in response, moved for summary judgment to have the complaint dismissed. The trial court denied the defendants’ motion, prompting them to file an appeal.

Demonstrating Liability in a Nursing Malpractice Case

The court reversed the trial court ruling on appeal. In doing so, the court considered the elements required to establish a medical malpractice cause of action, namely evidence that the defendant departed from accepted medical standards and that such a deviation was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Grounds for Dismissing Medical Malpractice Claims

Published on: October 4, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

In New York medical malpractice lawsuits, it is incumbent upon the parties to not only demonstrate their positions are supported by sound evidence but also to comply with the applicable rules of procedure. As demonstrated in a recent New York ruling in which the court ultimately dismissed the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claim, the failure to do either can be fatal to a party’s case. If you were harmed by the negligence of a healthcare provider, it is in your best interest to meet with a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your options.

History of the Case

It is reported that in 2018, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant asserting medical malpractice claims and other causes of action. In July 2020, the plaintiff sought a default judgment, which the court initially denied due to insufficient service in accordance with New York’s Civil Practice Laws and Rules. In January 2021, however, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for re-argument.

Allegedly, in July 2021, the defendants opposed the plaintiff’s motion for a default judgment, claiming improper service and cross-moved to dismiss the complaint. They argued that the court lacked personal jurisdiction over certain claims, the claims were barred by the statute of limitations, and that the plaintiff failed to aver sufficient facts to support his claims. The defendants also requested a change of venue to Chemung County. The trial court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss, in part, dismissing the medical malpractice claims. The court also granted the defendant’s request for change of venue. The plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›

Court Explains Evidentiary Burdens in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: September 25, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

In New York medical malpractice cases, each party bears a significant burden of proof. If either party fails to offer evidence sufficient to meet their burden, the court may rule in their opponent’s favor. In a recent opinion, a New York court explained each party’s evidentiary burden in medical malpractice cases. If your child suffered injuries due to the carelessness of a doctor, you could be owed damages, and you should talk to a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer.

Case Background

It is alleged that the plaintiff filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against her obstetrician asserting medical malpractice and wrongful death claims following the delivery of her infant, who was stillborn, in May 2016. The defendant moved for summary judgment to dismiss the complaint against him. The court denied the defendant’s motion, and he appealed.

The Evidentiary Burdens in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

On appeal, the court affirmed the trial court ruling. The court explained that in order to succeed in a motion for summary judgment in a medical malpractice case, the defendant must establish a prima facie case by demonstrating either that there was no deviation from the accepted medical practice or that any deviation did not proximately cause the patient’s injuries. Once the defendant meets this prima facie burden, the plaintiff is then required to show the existence of triable issues of fact on the matters in question. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Evidence in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: September 8, 2023 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Many older and infirm patients who are admitted to the hospital for critical care are unable to move out of their beds or walk independently. In such instances, the physicians and nurses attending to the patient’s care will typically employ fall prevention measures. If they fail to do so, and a patient falls and suffers harm as a result, it may constitute medical malpractice. As demonstrated in a recent New York ruling, a defendant’s conclusory allegations that they could not have prevented a patient’s fall are inadequate to show that medical malpractice claims should be dismissed. If you or a loved one were injured due to insufficient medical care, it is prudent to speak to a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff’s decedent was admitted to the defendant’s hospital with failure to thrive and a cough. At the time of admission, she was functionally quadriplegic and categorized as a high fall risk. Tragically, days after her admission, she was discovered on the floor of her room with a head laceration, having fallen from her bed. Subsequent tests revealed she sustained a subdural hematoma. She passed away a week later.

It is reported that the plaintiff initiated a medical malpractice action against the defendant, alleging, among other things, the inadequate assessment of the decedent’s fall risk and inadequate fall prevention measures. The defendant moved for summary judgment, arguing the plaintiff failed to demonstrate a departure from the standard of care or proximate cause. Continue Reading ›