New York, NY–The New York local Daily News revealed an investigation into medical errors in city run hospitals plus the doctor’s, nurse’s, and support staff’s efforts to cover up their negligent acts. The Daily News reported on Sunday, July 26, 2009 that New York City hospitals mishandled medical records. Medical records were apparently falsified, altered, and even missing when investigators inquired. The investigative news release detailed officials with the State of New York issued 16 citations between 2004 and September 2008 for incomplete, altered, or missing medical records. The research into New York City run hospitals found a patient at Bellevue Hospital in September 2005 lost his arm because of negligent acts of medical malpractice, and months later died because of the negligent acts of a fourth year medical student and the nurses. Furthermore, the medical student and nursing staff falsely documented the patient’s condition for days.
The hospital was fined $14,000 dollars for the “sentinel event” by the state and the grieving family wasn’t informed. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) http://www.jointcommission.org/ defines a “sentinel event” as any unanticipated event in a healthcare setting which results in death or serious physical or psychological injury to a patient, not related to the patient’s original illness. Bellevue was not the only hospital investigated by the Daily News team. Jacobi Medical Center located in the Bronx, Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, and Harlem Hospital Center were also found to have had similar incidents, on more than one occasion, where hospital staffers knowingly falsified medical records.
New York medical malpractice attorney, J.C. Reiter, contends most doctors and nurses are experienced, competent, and honest when caring for the sick and injured. However, patients may still be exposed to medical errors and negligent actions by a doctor or a nurse when seeking healthcare. The following are several actions to take if you feel you have fallen victim to the negligent action of a doctor, nurse, or other medical provider:
- Seek medical attention immediately; your physical health is the primary concern.
- Find an experienced specialist to treat your injury.
- File a report against the doctor or hospital who you believe committed the medical malpractice with the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Professional Conduct (OPMC) http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/doctors/conduct/ .
- Consult with a New York personal injury attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice claims.
The seasoned law offices of Jonathan C. Reiter, a personal injury law firm knowledgeable in medical malpractice injury claims in the State of New York, understands the complexities of medical malpractice laws. The plaintiff’s firm is also familiar with the pertinent medical and scientific issues required to build a compelling case of liability and damages against hospitals, doctors, and nurses. With over 30 years experience as a medical malpractice attorney handling cases in New York and other jurisdictions like New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, Mr. Reiter is familiar with the injured victim’s needs.
Media Contact: Jonathan C. Reiter
New York Medical Malpractice Attorney.
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811
New York, NY 10118
Phone: (212) 736-0979
