Published by Arfaa Law Group
We place a high level of trust in our health care providers, and in return we expect a high level of care and professionalism. If you or someone close to you has been harmed due to the mistake or negligence of a health care provider, it is imperative to contact an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorney who can give you an honest assessment of your case based on the facts.
In 2015, Melissa Rivers filed a medical malpractice claim in the State Supreme Court in Manhattan against the physicians who operated on her mother, the famous comedienne Joan Rivers. The lawsuit alleged that the physicians performed unauthorized medical procedures, took selfies with the patient, and failed to act as her vitals signs deteriorated. Earlier this month, that lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount.
Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014. She went in for a routine endoscopy. At some point during the procedure, she stopped breathing and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she went into cardiac arrest. She was then placed into a medically induced coma and started on life support. The questionable part of the case was the amount of time the patient’s brain was without oxygen prior to being put into a coma.
Joan Rivers’ death and the subsequent lawsuit demonstrate how medical malpractice can happen to anyone at any time during any procedure. Medical negligence can lead to serious harm and even death.
The term wrongful death refers to a situation in which a person’s death occurs in an untimely manner, due to a medical error or neglect. Some examples include a failure to diagnose a condition such as cancer that led to death, hospital neglect, nursing home negligence, surgical errors, anesthetic errors, and more.
Under Maryland law, two types of claims can be brought in the event of a wrongful death. First, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate may file a survivor action. This type of claim seeks pain and suffering as well as other losses suffered by the decedent from the time of the medical malpractice until the time of death.
Second, certain surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent medical professionals. These family members include the decedent’s spouse, children, parents, and any other persons who were financially dependent on the decedent at the time of his or her death. Wrongful death damages include medical expenses prior to death, lost income prior to death, loss of companionship, funeral and burial costs, and more. Every case is different, and thus the damages are different for every case as well.
It is important to note that both survivor actions and wrongful death claims are civil actions, not criminal.
At Arfaa Law Group, our reputable Baltimore wrongful death attorneys have helped many Maryland clients, and we can help you as well. We know that losing a loved one is never easy, but it is even harder to deal with when the death is preventable. With a stellar reputation and a proven track record, we understand this area of law and can use our insights in your case. For more information, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.