Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that is released into the small intestine. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder.

Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball in size. Some people develop only one gallstone, while others develop several gallstones at once. Gallstones that cause symptoms usually necessitate gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones that do not cause any symptoms usually do not require treatment. When your gallbladder isn’t working properly, hard fragments known as gallstones can form.

Gallstones do not dissolve or disappear by themselves. If you are experiencing pain or other distressing symptoms, you may be forced to have your gallbladder removed. Around 80% of people who develop gallstones require surgery. Many gallbladder surgeries are laparoscopic and take between one and two hours to complete. A few small incisions are made in your abdomen by your surgeon. Thin, hollow tubes are inserted through the incisions during the procedure. Your surgical team inserts other surgical tools through the tubes using a laparoscope.

When the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle that separates your abdomen and diaphragm, you have a hiatal hernia. A small opening (hiatus) in your diaphragm allows your food tube (esophagus) to pass before connecting to your stomach. The stomach pushes up through that opening and into your chest in a hiatal hernia. A small hiatal hernia usually causes no problems. You might not even be aware you have one unless your doctor discovers it while testing for another condition. A large hiatal hernia, on the other hand, can allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Usually, self-care or medication can alleviate these symptoms. A large hiatal hernia may necessitate surgery.

Although many people have heard of hernias, few are familiar with them. Because these conditions frequently go unnoticed for months or even years, many people are unaware that they have one. A hernia is a gap in tissue or muscle that allows organs to bulge through, most commonly when the intestines break through the abdominal wall. Hernias are most commonly found in the stomach region between the hips and chest, but you may also be diagnosed with a hernia in the groin or near your upper thighs. While most hernias are not fatal, some necessitate surgery to avoid serious health complications, and certain types of hernias are more prone to complications than others.

Regardless of the differences between hernias and hernia sufferers, one thing remains constant: doctors and medical professionals have a responsibility to thoroughly examine patients, run appropriate tests and correctly read them, diagnose hernias in a timely manner, and take appropriate measures to prevent further medical issues that may result from these conditions. Furthermore, surgeons are responsible for performing hernia repair surgery in the best possible manner, avoiding surgical errors and negligent practices that may result in hernia surgery complications. It is then the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive thorough and accurate postoperative instructions and are fully informed of the risks before consenting to the procedure. Failure to complete any of these critical steps in the process may constitute medical negligence, giving those who have been injured grounds to sue for fair compensation. If you have questions about hernia-related malpractice, speaking with an experienced malpractice attorney can provide you with the answers you need to fight for your rights. Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS is distinguished by the sudden onset of numbness, weakness, sensory degeneration, and, in some cases, paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. The paralysis is ascending, which means it moves up the limbs from the fingers and toes to the torso. Loss of reflexes, such as the knee jerk, is common.  Approximately 50% of cases occur shortly after a viral or bacterial infection, some of which are as simple and common as the flu or food poisoning.

Guillain- Barré syndrome is characterized by the immune system attacking the nerves and causing weakness and tingling in the extremities, eventually leading to paralysis if left untreated  Wrong diagnoses that can mask GBS symptoms include lung infections caused by breathing difficulties, cardiac arrhythmia caused by rapid heartbeat, general weakness caused by anemia and fatigue, neurological disorders, fibromyalgia-like muscular pain, and conditions that mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Guillain- Barré syndrome is a condition that can endanger your nervous system.  Damage to the nervous system can have long-term consequences. Not only is the ability to feel and sense threatened, but so is the ability to control certain bodily functions. As a result, it is critical that healthcare providers prioritize the proper diagnosis of ailments that target this system of the body, or else they could be considered negligent and guilty of malpractice. When GBS is detected early and treated, patients recover completely over time. However, recovery times vary from person to person. Atypical clinical signs and symptoms may delay GBS diagnosis. Early neurological evaluation is linked to better clinical diagnosis and discharge outcomes.  If you or a loved suffered a complication or worsening of the condition due to a misdiagnosis of Guillain- Barré syndrome, or a failure to diagnose it, you could be eligible for damages.  Contact the seasoned medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.  We help clients throughout Upstate New York, with offices in multiple convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the medical malpractice field is reflected in the results we have achieved for our clients.

Radiation is used to treat or diagnose a wide range of diseases that affect today’s population. Common tests in hospitals and emergency rooms require radiation, and treatment for certain types of cancer necessitates prolonged, intense exposure. However, this treatment may cause complications. Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) is a short-term illness caused by irradiating the entire body with a high dose of penetrating radiation in a matter of minutes. Many tests use radiation to determine what is going on inside the body. X-rays and CT scans are two common diagnostic tools. However, the radiation itself is dangerous to patients’ health. When patients are subjected to an excessive number of tests, they may be exposed to a radiation overdose. It is far too easy for this to happen because the doctor and technicians’ primary concern is not what is safe for the patient, but rather obtaining a clear picture so that a diagnosis can be made. Patients are frequently exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation in the name of obtaining a clear picture, which is grounds for a lawsuit.

While the causes of action for radiation overdose are not exaggerated in any way, some symptoms are widely accepted as part of the risk. Fatigue is a very common side effect of radiation treatment, and it can also appear after several CT scans in a short period of time. Hair loss and low blood pressure are two other side effects. In most cases, all of these are regarded as acceptable risks in the context of treatment. However, if you have unusual symptoms or even normal side effects to a higher degree, this could indicate radiation poisoning. Low blood pressure is a common side effect of radiation treatment, but if it appears sooner than one to two weeks after treatment or lasts longer than a few days, it could be an indication of an overdose. Radiation overdose or radiation sickness can result in tissue damage, dangerously low blood pressure, significant hair loss, and other potentially debilitating symptoms such as bloody stools, skin burns and tissue damage, dizziness, hair loss, headaches, fatigue, fever, low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.  Serious radiation overexposure can also result in cancer and death.

If you or a loved one has suffered from radiation-related injuries, you should contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano. Our highly experienced medical malpractice attorneys may be able to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

Unborn babies, like adults, come in all shapes and sizes. The shape and size of an adult can have a significant impact on their overall health. Being too big or too small in an unborn baby can cause serious problems, potentially for both the baby and the mother, before, during, and after birth.

When a baby weighs more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces at birth or any time before birth, this is referred to as fetal macrosomia. It also refers to an unborn child who weighs 90% or more of the average for a baby of the same gestational age.  A baby can be… large at times. However, the doctor should closely monitor the fetal size of the baby, as well as any conditions or complicating factors for the mother.

Standard prenatal care includes fundal height measurements and ultrasounds to determine the amount of amniotic fluid present. Ultrasounds can also be used to measure the baby and provide information about the baby’s size. If your doctor fails to perform routine testing, or if they do but misinterpret or ignore the results, it could be considered malpractice if a negative outcome occurs, such as injury to the mother or baby as a result of the missed information.  The vaginal delivery of a baby with macrosomia may result in birth injuries to either the baby or the mother.  Your baby could be born with low blood sugar, develop childhood obesity, and develop metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol. If a doctor suspects that a baby has macrosomia, he or she can and should take precautions to protect both the baby and the mother.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic conditions that affect muscle function and cause progressive weakness and muscle mass loss. These conditions are a type of myopathy or skeletal muscle disorder.  In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes disrupt the production of proteins required for the formation of healthy muscle. In the United States, the total number of cases ranges from 16 to 25 per 100,000 people. The symptoms of the most common type of muscular dystrophy appear in childhood, mostly in boys. Other types do not emerge until adulthood. There is no cure, but medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.  Muscular dystrophy, depending on the type, can impair your ability to move, walk, and perform daily activities. It can also have an impact on the muscles that help your heart and lungs function.

Certain genetic disorders, among other things, can cause a temporary illness, permanent defects, or the need for lifelong treatment. Muscular dystrophy is one such genetic disorder that leaves the sufferer with a condition that worsens over time and typically reduces the victim’s lifespan. Depending on the type of muscular dystrophy, a person diagnosed may be able to receive treatment that alleviates symptoms and even extends life. However, early detection of the disease increases the chances of more effective treatment and a longer, higher-quality life. Genetic screening for the condition that occurs during pregnancy can help parents prepare for and treat their children’s disease. The discovery that your child has muscular dystrophy is undoubtedly devastating. You might not consider suing for wrongful birth or pediatric malpractice during such stressful times, but you should be aware of your options. Knowing that you can afford your child’s lifetime needs and improve their quality of life as much as possible can be a huge relief. DeFrancisco & Falgiatano’s exceptional legal team may be able to help you obtain financial support from those who have inflicted unnecessary suffering. Knowing what you can do to recover your damages is critical to your peace of mind; we encourage you to learn more by speaking with an experienced wrongful birth and malpractice lawyer.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

Some types of muscular dystrophy are present at birth or develop later in life. Other forms emerge in adulthood.  There are over 30 different types of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are two of the more common types.

Many people suffer from conditions that necessitate monitoring and the assistance of a medical device to maintain and regulate vital body functions. These devices can often save a patient’s life if used correctly and function as intended. Unfortunately, when mistakes happen, the consequences for the patient and their families can be severe.  Few people expect machines, equipment, or tools used by healthcare professionals to cause us undue harm or to exacerbate medical problems.

Medical devices have the potential to save lives. A well-designed and manufactured medical device that is properly sterilized, used, and monitored can be invaluable in assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. However, there is a risk of harm to the patient when defective medical devices are used or negligent care is provided.  Unfortunately, medical device errors can sometimes cause serious harm to patients. You may be able to recover damages if you believe you were injured as a result of a medical device error.  DeFrancisco & Falgiatano’s skilled Upstate New York medical malpractice attorneys can assess your chances of recovering damages through legal action.  We serve clients throughout Upstate New York and have offices in several convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the field of medical malpractice is reflected in the results we have obtained for our clients.

From basic hospital supplies and lab equipment to advanced technological aids like internal monitors and artificial body parts and organs, medical devices cover it all. According to Consumer Reports, even though tens of millions of patients rely on these types of devices to diagnose, manage, and maintain a variety of health conditions, these products are loosely regulated and frequently lack thorough testing before being released to the public. Because there is little regulation or standardized procedure for reporting potential problems, medical device defects and errors frequently go undetected until a significant number of patients are injured or killed.

Intubation is the technique of placing a tube into a patient’s airway to ensure they obtain enough oxygen when they can’t breathe on their own. While intubation can be a life-saving medical operation and is frequently performed during surgery, it is a difficult process in which even little mistakes can have serious, if not fatal, effects. If you have suffered an airway injury or an intubation error, contact one of the experienced malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano to see if you have a claim for compensation. We help clients throughout Upstate New York, with offices in multiple convenient locations. Our extensive experience in the medical malpractice field is reflected in the results we have achieved for our clients.

Failure to properly place the tracheal tube is a typical intubation mistake. When nurses and anesthesiologists make intubation errors, the airway might be lacerated or not enough oxygen is supplied. Intubation errors and medical carelessness can result in nerve damage, airway injury, and death. Airway injuries are a well-known anesthetic consequence. Many adverse respiratory events have been reported to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Laryngeal, pharyngeal, and esophageal injuries are common. In general, intubation allows doctors to study airways or help patients breathe. Complications can include vocal cord damage, infection, fluid buildup, throat injuries, tearing of chest tissues resulting in lung collapse, tooth injury, dental work damage, and aspiration. When a doctor conducts intubation in an emergency, complications are more likely. Yet, intubation is sometimes a life-saving procedure.

When errors occur during the intubation process, they can include the tube not being properly positioned within the esophagus; tubes becoming detached, kinked, bent, or dislodged; tubes becoming overinflated, and tubing puncturing the sensitive tissues of the mouth and airways. When such intubation errors occur, they can cause potentially catastrophic damage to patients. Some of the possible complications include traumatic brain injury when intubation errors cut off people’s supply of vital oxygen, internal bleeding and/or nerve damage when tubing punctures patients’ tissues, irregular heartbeat and/or stroke, severe infections when intubation errors and their resulting complications go unnoticed or untreated.