Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Blog

It may seem like common sense that children should not be given medication that contains opioid ingredients. But until a recent FDA announcement, that it will restrict these ingredients, opioids were commonly included in children’s cough and cold medicines. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cough and cold medicines that contain codeine, hydrocodone, or any other opioid ingredients, should not be given to children of any age. The FDA is now requiring that safety labeling on prescription cough and cold medicines must indicate that the product cannot be used to treat children, and that only adults aged 18 and older can legally use them. New labels will also address safety information for adults, which will include expanded boxed » Read More

Every birth carries risks, but some birth injuries are unfortunately caused by medical negligence. Doctors and other medical professionals sometimes make medication, diagnosis, surgical, and other errors leading to birth injuries. In these circumstances, family members may choose to pursue a medical malpractice injury claim to recover the medical expenses associated with the baby’s injury. At Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP, we have helped clients obtain financial compensation for all types of birth injuries, including: Brachial Plexus Injuries Cerebral palsy Erb’s palsy Failure to Perform C-Section Fetal Distress Hydrocephalus Hypoxia Kernicterus Meningitis Preeclampsia Shoulder dystocia Common Causes of Birth Injuries and Risk Factors While medical advancements have reduced the risk of severe injury, there is still the possibility of medical negligence » Read More

The state board of medical examiners recently revoked the license of a South Jersey doctor who improperly prescribed the fentanyl spray, Subsys, to three women. The doctor’s license was initially suspended in October 2016 when it was discovered that she inappropriately prescribed the opioid to a woman who suffered fatal injuries eight days later. Although the medication was intended for use only by cancer patients, the doctor prescribed it to three women, none of whom were cancer patients. This case may open the door for a flood of opioid prescription lawsuits as more patients who were inappropriately prescribed the drug come forward. Subsys Subsys is the name of several immediate release opioid fentanyl medications. The drug is delivered through the » Read More

For most women, the happiness of new motherhood is unparalleled, and the experience of bringing a new life into the world brings immense joy. The emotions are sometimes so overwhelming that many women overlook the possible dangers associated with pregnancy. A recent study has revealed that new moms face an increased risk of heart failure post-partum. In fact, as many as 900 women are fatally injured each year due to circumstances related to pregnancy and childbirth. The number of new moms who suffer illness or injury after giving birth is also on the rise. The reasons for the increase in illnesses and fatalities are unclear, but researchers point to a list of common factors, including: Stroke Sepsis Aneurysm Blood transfusion » Read More

When a healthcare worker makes a mistake, patients can suffer severe consequences. A 2016 study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University identified medical malpractice as the third leading cause of death in the United States, surpassed only by heart disease and cancer. While it is clear that changes must be made to our healthcare system to protect patients, even physicians are not sure where to start. Before they agree on solutions, experts must agree on the severity of the problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks trends in cause of death based on International Code of Disease (ICD) codes. But there is no code for human or system error. It is up to practitioners to document medical » Read More

A new study has revealed that certain classes of anticholinergic drugs may put patients at an increased risk of dementia. The drugs in question are mainly used to treat depression, urinary incontinence, and Parkinson’s disease. The following are a few facts about anticholinergic drugs: They block the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical released by nerve cells to send signals to other nerves and muscles. Between 20 percent and 50 percent of older adults are prescribed a certain class of anticholinergic drugs to treat neurological, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and muscular conditions. People who were prescribed anticholinergics to treat depression, urinary incontinence, and Parkinson’s disease had a 30 percent increased risk of developing dementia later. Other classes of anticholinergics, such as those » Read More