Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Medical Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: August 4, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

If you believe that you or your loved one has suffered from medical negligence in regard to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is important to reach out to a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorney who can help. At Arfaa Law Group, we can examine the circumstances of your DVT and help you explore your legal rights and options.

According to the Mayo Clinic, DVT takes place when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in a person’s body, typically in the legs, although it can also develop in the lower part of the body below the pelvis. DVT can cause leg pain and swelling, but it can also occur without any symptoms. While DVT can sometimes resolve on its own, DVT can be life-threatening if the blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, which is a condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). A pulmonary embolism can be fatal because it blocks the artery in the lung, cutting off the blood supply completely. A smaller clot can reduce blood flow and cause damage to the lung tissue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that while the precise number of people affected by DVT/PE is unknown, as many as 900,000 could be affected each year in the United States. The CDC also estimates that 60,000 to 100,000 people die of DVT/PE each year. Of these deaths, 10 to 30 percent of people will die within one month of the diagnosis. Sudden death is the first symptom in approximately one-quarter of people who have PE.

Cataract Surgery Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: July 24, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

Each year, over two million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States, making it one of the most common procedures in the country. While most of these surgeries go well, some actually end up worsening a patient’s condition instead of improving it. If you or someone close to you has experienced deterioration of vision after cataract surgery, it is important to reach out to a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorney who can protect your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your harm.

According to the Mayo Clinic, cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of your eye and, in most cases, replace it with an artificial lens. A cataract causes the lens of a person’s eye, which is typically clear, to become cloudy. This can significantly affect a person’s vision. Over an extended period of time, cataracts can cause loss of vision. An ophthalmologist performs cataract surgery on an outpatient basis.

As mentioned earlier, cataract surgery is extremely common and is generally safe. However, the following complications can arise: bleeding, infection, glaucoma, hemorrhage, loss of vision, retinal detachment, secondary cataract, or excessive swelling. Of course, this list is not exhaustive. When a patient suffers an adverse outcome from cataract surgery, many times, further treatment or surgery is needed to correct the problem.

Aortic Aneurysm Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: July 17, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

Aneurysms commonly occur in the aorta. Unfortunately, aortic aneurysms are often subjects of medical malpractice cases. When doctors fail to properly diagnose or treat an aortic aneurysm, the consequences can be extremely serious, even life-threatening. If you or your loved one has suffered harm because a doctor failed to diagnose or treat an aortic aneurysm properly, we can help. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and determine the strength of your claim.

An aneurysm is an area of a blood vessel wall that has weakened and bulged outward. An aortic aneurysm is a ballooning or protruding of a section in the wall of the aorta caused by a tear or weak spot. The aorta can be enlarged to greater than 1.5 times its normal size. The aorta is the body’s largest artery and carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Since the section with the aneurysm is overstretched, it can burst or rupture. Once an aneurysm ruptures, the condition becomes life-threatening for the patient.

Medical professionals are trained to recognize the signs associated with aortic aneurysms, but they often do not. Injuries to a patient can result when a physician fails to recognize symptoms or simply dismisses them. Harm can also occur when a physician fails to order the appropriate tests or prematurely discharges a patient from the emergency room.

Intravenous Fluid Contamination in Maryland

Published on: July 10, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

Intravenous (IV) therapy involves infusing liquid (i.e., blood or medication) directly into a vein. Unfortunately, the fluid in IV bags can become contaminated with bacteria that can adversely affect a patient’s health. If you or someone close to you has been injured or harmed by IV fluid contamination, you may be able to recover damages through a medical malpractice claim. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers can examine the circumstances of your injury and determine who was at fault.

In recent years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has investigated a number of instances of IV bag and fluid contamination. If IV bags are not properly sterilized and stored correctly, they can be a breeding ground for bacterial growth. When such contaminated fluids enter a patient’s bloodstream through an IV, the patient may suffer negative health consequences, including but not limited to:

Fever;
Flu-like illness;
Tachycardia;
Respiratory problems;
Sepsis;
Septic shock;
Endocarditis; or
Death.

Urology Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: July 3, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

Having a urology issue can be extremely painful. When you go to a doctor with this type of issue, you expect the issue to improve, rather than get worse. If you or someone you know has been harmed by urology treatment or surgery, you may have been a victim of medical malpractice. At Arfaa Law Group, our skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys will take the time to thoroughly examine the facts of your case and determine whether or not negligence played a role. You can rest assured that if we take on your case, we will fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Urology is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinary tract system. Urologists also treat problems that affect the kidneys, prostate, testes, bladder, urethra, ureter, and pelvic floor. Furthermore, urologists often treat problems with male reproductive organs, including conditions such as erectile dysfunction and impotence. Urology errors can happen in a variety of ways, including:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer;
Mismanagement of cancer patients;
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of urological issues;
Failure to perform incontinence surgery properly;
Circumcision errors;
Vasectomy errors;
Medication errors;
Failure to appropriately test patients;
Failure to properly monitor patients; or
Failure to get informed consent before a procedure.

Endoscopy Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: June 27, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

While an endoscopy is a relatively safe medical procedure, the reality is that endoscopy errors can result in serious injuries. If you or someone close to you suffered harm during or after an endoscopy, you should consult with a Baltimore medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Not all adverse outcomes are results of medical malpractice. At Arfaa Law Group, we can scrutinize the facts of your case and determine the viability of your claim.

An endoscopy is a nonsurgical medical procedure that allows a doctor to look inside a patient’s digestive tract using an endoscope. An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end that allows a physician to look deep into the body. Endoscopies can be used to examine the stomach, esophagus, abdomen, pelvis, joints, urinary system, large intestine, and lungs.

During an upper endoscopy, an endoscope is inserted in the mouth and passes through the throat into the esophagus, allowing the physician to view the upper esophagus, stomach, and part of the small intestine. A lower endoscopy, commonly known as a colonoscopy, is when an endoscope is passed into the intestine though the rectum to examine this area of the intestine. It is important to note that there are a number of different types of endoscopies aside from upper endoscopies and colonoscopies.

Pediatric Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: June 20, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

There is perhaps nothing more worrisome to a parent than a sick child. When you take your sick child to the doctor, you expect to receive competent care. If a pediatrician commits an error, it could have serious consequences for your child’s health. At Arfaa Law Group, we understand the nuances of medical malpractice law and can apply our knowledge to use in your case. You can rest assured that we will help you seek the compensation you deserve for your child’s harm.

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric malpractice most commonly occurs in meningitis cases in the United States. Additionally, pediatric malpractice also occurs in appendicitis cases and errors made in medication prescribed to an infant or young child. Other examples of medical mistakes that could result in injuries include:

Failure to diagnose;
Failure to follow up;
Mismanagement of infections; or
Administration of drugs to which the doctor knew or should have known the child would have an adverse reaction.

IUD Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: June 13, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a little, T-shaped piece of plastic inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a type of long-term contraception that is considered to be 95 to 98 percent effective. One type of IUD releases a hormone (progesterone) and is replaced each year. The second type is made of copper and can be left in the body for five years. The most common shape, however, is a plastic “T” wrapped with copper wire. Mirena, Skyla, and ParaGard are common brands.

Prior to the placement of the IUD, the physician should take a woman’s medical history, conducting a physical examination as well as a pap test. After a full evaluation, the physician will be able to determine whether a woman can safely use an IUD. Some women are disqualified from using the device due to a variety of reasons. For example, a woman who suffers from abnormal vaginal bleeding or who is currently pregnant would not be able to use an IUD.

If it is deemed safe, a physician places an IUD into the uterus. The physician should take great care when doing this in order not to injure the woman. The improper insertion of an IUD can lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit against the physician.

Diabetes and Medical Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: June 6, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people throughout the United States. The American Diabetes Association estimates that about 25 million Americans suffered from diabetes as of 2011. If it is not properly treated or left untreated, diabetes can be fatal. If your diabetes was negligently treated, causing your condition to worsen, you may have a medical malpractice claim against your health care provider. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys can meticulously analyze the facts of your case and determine the viability of your claim.

Diabetes is a group of diseases in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin is compromised, resulting in an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and heightened levels of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood stream and urine. Put simply, diabetes affects how your body uses blood glucose. According to the Mayo Clinic, glucose is vital to your health because it is an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. In addition, glucose is the primary source of fuel for your brain.

The health consequences of inadequate diabetes treatment can be severe. Potential complications include kidney failure, blindness, stroke, renal failures, limb amputation, diabetic foot ulcers, and more. In some cases, pregnant women may suffer from gestational diabetes, which must also be managed properly to avoid detrimental health effects to both the mother and the fetus.

Liposuction Malpractice in Maryland

Published on: May 25, 2017 | by Arfaa Law Group

Many patients undergo plastic surgery in hope of positive results, and many accomplish them. Unfortunately, however, complications do arise for a number of patients. If you or someone close to you was injured during liposuction surgery, you need to reach out to a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At Arfaa Law Group, we are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable for the harm that they cause.

Liposuction refers to a surgical procedure in which excess fat from under the skin is removed through a small incision and vacuum suctioning. The goal of the procedure is to remove excess fat from the human body and change the body’s shape. Liposuction can be performed on a number of body parts, such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, chin, and upper arms.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there was continued growth in cosmetic procedures during 2015. Since 2000, overall cosmetic procedures have risen by 115 percent. The top five cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2015 included 1) breast augmentation; 2) liposuction; 3) nose reshaping; 4) eyelid surgery; and 5) tummy tuck. In total, there were 222,051 liposuction procedures that year, a five percent increase from 2014 but a 37 percent decrease from the year 2000. Liposuction is one of the most dangerous types of plastic surgeries a person can elect to have. A study conducted by two prominent California plastic surgeons estimated that the death rate from liposuction was one in 5,000, a rate almost 20 times higher than that of other forms of elective cosmetic surgery.