Posts by Nursing Law Center
▪︎ Case Study with Medical and Legal Insights: Blood Clot Misdiagnosed as Sciatica in ED Resulting in Leg Amputation and $28.8M Verdict.
In this ED misdiagnosis blood clot case study, the plaintiff, a 35-year-old man, presented to the emergency department (ED) of a General Hospital on March 7, 2015, with complaints of back pain and a cool, discolored left foot that was turning “purplish” [per plaintiff’s counsel description. However, medical records document “discoloration”.] He was triaged by a…
Read More▪︎ Avoiding Impeachment – Deposition and Trial Tips for Nurses and Expert Witnesses
Impeachment is the legal process of attacking a witness’s credibility by exposing contradictions or mistakes. In practice, opposing counsel will scrutinize your earlier statements (in reports, depositions or prior cases) to find any inconsistency with your trial testimony. In other words, if you testify one way at a deposition or in a report or in…
Read More▪︎ Top 5 Reasons Nurses Are Disciplined by Boards of Nursing and Case Examples
Understanding the top reasons behind nurse disciplinary actions can help protect your license and professional reputation. In this post, we explore common disciplinary triggers and real case examples to help you avoid similar outcomes. #1. Unprofessional Conduct: This broad category covers behaviors that violate ethical standards, including falsifying records, breaching patient confidentiality, or engaging in…
Read More▪︎ The Most Frequent Reasons Nurses Are Sued for Malpractice
Nursing malpractice lawsuits often result from preventable mistakes. In this post, we explore the most common causes and how nurses can reduce risk. Top Causes of Nursing Malpractice Lawsuits These failures to act as a reasonably competent nurse would have most commonly resulted in the patient’s death or pressure injuries. Less common were infections, fractures…
Read More▪︎ Monitor Alarms Turned Off Result in Catastrophic Cases!
Effective nursing alarm management is crucial in preventing catastrophic patient outcomes. This article examines real cases where alarm mismanagement led to severe consequences, emphasizing the importance of proper protocols and vigilance. I have periodically been involved in cases where monitor alarms have been silenced, resulting in catastrophic injuries to the patient. In the most recent…
Read More▪︎ There Are Many Things Nurses Can Do to Help Protect Themselves From Malpractice Claims
Nursing malpractice prevention is crucial for maintaining a successful career. This article outlines key strategies to help nurses protect themselves from potential claims. Nurses can take steps to protect themselves from negligence and malpractice claims while ensuring patient safety. Here are some of the most effective ways to minimize risks: 1. Follow Standard Procedures &…
Read More▪︎ New Malpractice Case – Old Problem
Surgical sponge malpractice remains a significant concern in operating rooms. A recent case highlights the consequences of retained sponges and underscores the critical role nurses play in prevention. If you work in healthcare you know that retained foreign objects are a common source of malpractice cases against physicians who do surgery. But did you know…
Read More▪︎ Analyzing Breaches of the Standard of Care in Malpractice Cases (LNC)
Understanding how a breach of the standard of care can lead to malpractice claims is crucial for nursing professionals. This article explores common scenarios and prevention strategies. In medical malpractice cases, one of the central issues is whether a healthcare professional breached the standard of care. The “standard of care” refers to the level and…
Read More▪︎ I Just Testified As an Expert Witness in This Case…(LNC)
Last month I testified as an expert witness in this unfortunate case involving a patient who was seen in the ED for severe, acute pancreatitis and severe dehydration. His condition was documented as “very unstable.” Although one ED physician documented that the patient should be admitted to the ICU, when she went off shift another physician…
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