Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

New York Court Examines a Doctor’s Duty to Prevent a Patient’s Self-Harm

Published on: October 13, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Doctors have a duty to provide their patients with thorough and adequate care. This means that they must not only avoid causing their patients physical harm but also that, in some instances, they must prevent patients from harming themselves. The duty a doctor owes to a patient with ideation of self-harm was the topic of a recent New York opinion delivered in a medical malpractice case in which the court denied the defendant’s request for dismissal. If your loved one died due to the negligence of a doctor, it is in your best interest to confer with a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer to discuss what compensation you may be owed.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant treated the decedent for chronic pain. Throughout the course of his care, the defendant prescribed the decedent opioids. Two years after the defendant began treating the decedent, the decedent saw a neurologist, who described the decedent as being depressed and having suicidal ideation. Shortly after that, the decedent died in his home. The medical examiner assessed his death as accidental and caused by acute combined intoxication with gabapentin and hydromorphone.

It is reported that the plaintiff subsequently commenced a lawsuit against the defendant asserting medical malpractice and wrongful death claims. The defendant moved for summary judgment, but the court denied the motion. The defendant then appealed. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Explains When Expert Testimony is Admissible in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: October 6, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

The strength of a plaintiff’s medical malpractice case often hinges on the strength of their expert’s opinion. In other words, the more compelling the expert’s argument that the defendant caused the plaintiff’s harm is, the more likely it is that the jury will find in the plaintiff’s favor. Expert opinions must be more than merely persuasive, though, they must also be based on reliable facts and methods; if they are not, they may be deemed inadmissible. Recently a New York court discussed the admissibility of expert testimony in a medical malpractice case in which it precluded the plaintiff’s expert from testifying. If you suffered harm due to incompetent medical care, you could be owed damages, and you should talk to a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer about your possible claims.

The Background of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff’s son suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth. After the injury was deemed permanent, the plaintiff filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant, the doctor that delivered the infant. Among other things, she asserted that the defendant’s aggressive use of force on the infant’s head and shoulders caused the child’s harm. Prior to the trial, the defendant moved to bar the plaintiff’s expert from testifying that maternal labor forces could not have caused the infant’s injuries or that they would not have happened if the defendant had not moved the infant’s head.

When Expert Testimony is Admissible

The court granted the defendant’s motion. In doing so, it discussed when expert testimony is admissible. It stated that pursuant to the Federal Rules of Evidence, a person deemed an expert by their skill, education, training, knowledge, or expertise may offer their opinion as long as their testimony is based on adequate data or facts and is the product of reliable methods and principles that they have reliably applied. The opinion must also help the trier of fact determine a fact in issue or understand the evidence. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Explains Grounds for Denying a Motion for Substitution in a Medical Malpractice Case

Published on: September 23, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people injured by negligent medical care to pass away while their claims against the practitioners that caused their harm are pending. Under New York law, however, their estates can proceed with their claims, provided they comply with the rules of procedure. If they do not, their right to recover damages may be waived, as demonstrated in a recent ruling issued in a New York medical malpractice case. If you lost a loved one because of the incompetence of a doctor, you should speak to a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer to discuss what claims you may be able to pursue.

History of the Case

It is reported that the decedent went into cardiac arrest during an intubation procedure performed by the defendant in 2010. The plaintiffs, the decedent’s co-guardians, commenced a medical malpractice action against the defendant in 2012. In 2013, due to the decedent’s death, the court imposed a stay. The decedent’s mother, one of the plaintiffs, sought and obtained voluntary administration of the decedent’s estate and letters testamentary.

Allegedly, in 2017, the plaintiffs filed a motion asking the court to lift the stay and to substitute the decedent’s mother, as the administrator of the decedent’s estate, as the plaintiff and for leave to file an amended complaint in which they would assert a wrongful death claim. In response, the defendant moved to dismiss the amended complaint for failure to move for substitution in a timely manner. The court denied the plaintiff’s motion and granted the defendant’s, and the plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›

Court Discusses Grounds for Setting Aside a Jury’s Verdict in a New York Medical Malpractice Case

Published on: September 14, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Parties in medical malpractice cases typically ask juries to weigh the evidence presented at trial and issue a verdict based on that evidence. Parties do not always agree with the jury’s reasoning, though, and if they believe that the jury ruled improvidently, they can ask the court to set aside the verdict. As explained in a recent opinion delivered in a New York medical malpractice case, however, the court will only vacate a jury’s verdict if it is clear that it does not comply with the evidence presented. If you suffered losses due to negligent care rendered by a medical professional, it is smart to meet with a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer to assess your options for seeking damages.

Background of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff was admitted to the defendant hospital in 2009. A CT scan of the chest showed a large mass, and a biopsy confirmed that it was lymphoma. She subsequently began chemotherapy treatment through a mediport in her chest. During the administration of the chemotherapy, she complained of burning, and the treatment was discontinued.

Reportedly, it was later found that the needle had become displaced, causing the medication to infuse into the tissue surrounding the mediport and injuring the plaintiff. The plaintiff later filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant. A trial was held, which resulted in a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiff and an award of damages for suffering and pain. The defendant filed a motion asking the court to set aside the verdict. The court denied the defendant’s motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Summary Judgment on the Issue of Liability in Car Accident Cases

Published on: September 8, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

While some collisions arise out of circumstances beyond anyone’s control, most are brought about by negligent driving. Even if it seems obvious that a person’s reckless driving caused an accident, however, issues of liability are rarely resolved by the courts before trial. For example, in a recent opinion issued in a case arising out of a rear-end collision, the court found that there were factual disputes in the matter that precluded summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff. If you were injured in a car accident, you have the right to pursue claims against the responsible party, and it is smart to meet with a Rochester personal injury lawyer about what claims you may be able to pursue.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that in March 2015, the plaintiff suffered injuries in a rear-end collision involving the defendant. Specifically, the plaintiff asserted that he was stopped at a red light at an intersection when his vehicle was struck in the rear by a truck driven by the defendant driver and owned by the defendant company. As such, he filed a lawsuit against the defendants, arguing that their negligence caused him harm. After discovery ended, the plaintiff moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability. The court denied his motion, and he appealed.

Summary Judgment on the Issue of Liability in Car Accident Cases

On appeal, the trial court ruling was affirmed but on different grounds than those relied upon by the lower court. The court explained that pursuant to New York law, a rear-end collision involving a stopped vehicle establishes negligence, prima facie, on the part of the driver of the second vehicle. As such, the second driver must rebut the inference of negligence by offering a nonnegligent reason for the crash. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Explains Grounds for Remanding a Medical Malpractice Case to State Court

Published on: September 3, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

The majority of medical malpractice cases are pursued at the state court level. Some defendants, though, prefer to litigate claims before federal courts and will move a case filed in state court to a federal district court. Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, though, and if the removal of a medical malpractice case is improper, it will be remanded back to the state level. Recently, a New York court discussed when it is appropriate to remand a medical malpractice case back to state court in a matter in which it granted the plaintiff’s motion. If you were harmed by inadequate medical care, it is in your best interest to have a discussion with a Rochester medical malpractice lawyer concerning your options for seeking justice.

Procedural History of the Case

It is reported that the decedent lived in the defendant’s nursing home as a resident. In May 2021, she passed away after contracting COVID-19. The plaintiff then filed a case against the defendant asserting medical and nursing malpractice, wrongful death, and numerous other claims. The basis for the plaintiff’s claims was the defendant’s alleged failure to take necessary precautions during the pandemic, which ultimately led to her mother’s death.

Allegedly, the defendant removed the case to federal court, arguing that such removal was appropriate because the defendant acted at the direction of multiple federal agencies when responding to the pandemic and because federal question jurisdiction existed under the PREP (Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness) Act. The defendant subsequently filed a motion to dismiss. The plaintiff filed a motion to remand the matter to state court. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Proximate Cause in a Car Accident Case

Published on: August 28, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

New York law requires that motorists operate their vehicles in a safe manner and comply with traffic laws. Regardless, car accidents are common, and they usually occur because a person drove recklessly, in violation of the law. People hurt in collisions can pursue claims against the party responsible for their harm, but they must prove fault to recover damages. A defendant will rarely concede liability in a car accident case; on the contrary, many argue that they are not at fault and will ask the court to dismiss the case. In a recent New York ruling, a court explained what a defendant must establish to obtain judgment in their favor as a matter of law in a case arising out of a collision. If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you might be owed damages, and you should contact a Rochester personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff suffered injuries in a car accident involving the defendant. The accident occurred when the plaintiff, who was making a U-turn from a bus lane, was struck by a vehicle owned by the defendant company and operated by the defendant driver. The defendants moved for dismissal via summary judgment dismissing the complaint. The court denied their motion, and they appealed.

Summary Judgment in Car Accident Cases

On appeal, the trial court ruling was affirmed. The court explained that a defendant moving for dismissal via summary judgment in a personal injury case must show, prima facie, that they were not the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s harm. As there can be multiple proximate causes of an accident, a defendant asking for summary judgment in their favor must show that they are free from fault as a matter of law. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Statute of Limitations in Medical Malpractice Cases Involving Minors

Published on: August 21, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

People harmed by incompetent medical professionals have a limited amount of time to pursue their claims. If they fail to file a medical malpractice lawsuit within the statute of limitations, they will typically lose the right to recover damages, as illustrated in a recent New York ruling in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s case, rejecting her assertion that it sounded in negligence rather than medical malpractice. If you were injured by a reckless physician, you should confer with a Rochester medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to avoid waiving your potential claims.

Factual and Procedural History

It is alleged that the defendant was a resident in the hospital where the plaintiff was delivered and attended to the plaintiff’s mother during her March 1999 birth. The defendant allegedly dropped the plaintiff on the floor of the delivery room immediately after she was born. In January 2020, the plaintiff filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant.

Reportedly, the defendant moved to dismiss the complaint on the grounds that it was barred by the statute of limitations. The plaintiff opposed the motion, arguing that the statute of limitations for negligence, rather than medical malpractice, applied. The court denied the defendant’s motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue Reading ›

Court Remands Medical Malpractice Case Arising Out of Treatment for COVID-19 to New York State Court

Published on: August 14, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Most New York medical malpractice cases are filed in state court. In some instances, though, a defendant will move a case to federal court. Federal courts can only hear certain cases, however, and if a court founds that it lacks jurisdiction over a matter, it will remand the case back to the state level. This was illustrated recently in a New York ruling issued in a medical malpractice case in which the court remanded the matter due to its lack of subject matter jurisdiction. If you were hurt by the carelessness of a healthcare provider, it is in your best interest to talk to a Rochester medical malpractice attorney about your options for pursuing damages.

Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the decedent was a resident of the defendant’s nursing home for two months in 2020. Toward the end of her residency, her condition declined, and she was diagnosed with COVID-19; she died later that same day. The plaintiff, the administrator of the defendant’s estate, subsequently filed a medical malpractice case against the defendant in state court, alleging, among other things, that the decedent died due to the defendant’s failure to take safety precautions during the pandemic. The defendant moved the case to federal court under the assertion that the complaint arose under federal law pursuant to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act. The plaintiff then moved to remand the case back to state court.

Federal Jurisdiction in Medical Malpractice Cases

Upon review, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion. The court clarified that a defendant bears the burden of proving that removal is proper; as the defendant failed to meet its burden in this case, the court was required to remand the matter back to state court. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Explains Consequences of Failing to Comply with Discovery in a Medical Malpractice Case

Published on: August 7, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Medical malpractice cases are typically document-intensive, as both plaintiffs and defendants rely on medical records to support their positions, and discovery is a critical component of such cases. As such, if a party fails to comply with discovery requests, it may greatly impair their opponent’s ability to prove their claim or defense. The courts take a party’s refusal to answer discovery requests seriously and, as shown in a recent New York opinion issued in a medical malpractice case, may find it constitutes grounds for dismissing a case in its entirety. If you suffered injuries due to a negligently performed procedure, you might be owed compensation, and you should speak to a Rochester medical malpractice attorney to determine your rights.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff, who was from South Korea, presented to the defendant’s office for gynecologic care in November 2017. At that time, the defendant confirmed that the plaintiff was five weeks pregnant. Later that week, the defendant performed an abortion on the plaintiff, which the plaintiff alleged deviated from the accepted and good practice of medicine.

Reportedly, the plaintiff returned home to South Korea the following month, where a doctor advised her that she was nine weeks pregnant with an unhealthy fetus that was likely to suffer birth defects. She underwent a second abortion procedure that was successful. She subsequently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant, arguing that the negligently performed abortion caused her to sustain permanent losses and rendered her unable to work for several months. Continue Reading ›