A recent study published in JAMA Surgery titled “Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Involving Surgical Residents,” analyzed a decade of medical malpractice cases involving surgical interns, residents and fellows. The results of the study showed that lack of supervision of these doctors by more experienced doctors led to serious injury and even death for patients.
Of the 87 medical malpractice cases identified for the study, 67 cases resulted in death or permanent disability of a patient. In more than half of the cases, lack of direct supervision by an attending physician was a factor in the medical malpractice. The cases involved a variety of circumstances, including:
- Elective surgery (70%)
- Pre-operative mistakes (36%)
- Post-operative mistakes (64%)
- Intra-operative errors and injuries (49%)
This review of malpractice cases involving surgical residents highlights the importance of pre- and post- operative supervision of resident physicians by attending physicians.
The study found that the cases involved post-operative decision-making errors by trainee physicians occurred more frequently than pre-operative decision-making errors. In multiple cases errors were linked to the lack of an in-person evaluation by an attending physician. The journal article suggested that attending physicians focus on communication and supervision of the post-management of their patients by trainees more closely.
The attorneys at Kline & Specter, PC, are experienced litigators who are dedicated to helping injured patients get the justice they deserve when doctors commit medical malpractice. We have recovered many millions of dollars for our clients.
Some of our most notable verdicts and settlements include:
- $100 million verdict (the largest medical malpractice verdict in history in Pennsylvania) for an infant who suffered severe brain damage due to doctors’ errors
- $33.1 million verdict for the death of a wife and mother due to a misdiagnosis of breast cancer
- $25 million verdict for the death of a woman in a botched fertility procedure
- $25 million settlement for death caused by the failure to diagnose a cardiac problem after open-heart surgery
With five physicians on our team of more than 40 attorneys, we can thoroughly investigate your case and understand in detail the medical mistakes that caused your injuries. We can use that knowledge to build your best case to recover the compensation you and your family need.
If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to errors made during surgery, call 800-243-1100 today for a free case consultation with Kline & Specter.
We welcome clients with medical malpractice claims throughout New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania and across the United States. Where appropriate or required under local rules, we work along with local counsel.
