Introduction Liability Risks Related to Genetic Information The role of human genetics in healthcare has profound implications for physicians and patients. Genetic testing now is recognized for its role in the prevention, management and treatment of disease. The identification of genetic disorders has enabled physicians to predict which patients may be likely to develop a […]

Introduction Liability for Healthcare-Associated Infection Despite the significant progress that has been made in preventing some types of healthcare-associated infections, on any given day, one in 25 hospital patients is likely to contract a healthcare-associated infection, according to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics. More than 648,000 people develop infections during a hospital […]

Introduction Liability Risks for Vector-Borne Diseases Zika virus and its devastating results are currently in the news, but Zika virus is not the only disease transmitted by mosquitos or other vectors, such as ticks. West Nile virus is also a concern, as are other forms of vector-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, Lyme disease, Rocky […]

Autism-Related Liability Risks About 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Worldwide, it has been said that about one percent of the population is “on the spectrum.” The diagnosis and treatment of ASD is often challenging. The financial and personal costs related to these disorders pose a major burden to the families […]

Introduction Liability Risks for Sleep Disorders More than 25% of people in the United States report an occasional problem getting enough sleep. Sleeping difficulties have been associated with the development and management of chronic diseases. Insufficient sleep also can lead to injuries and disability resulting from motor vehicle or machinery-related accidents. Chronic insomnia affects almost […]

Introduction Diagnosing or Treating Infertility: Liability Risks Infertility affects about 12% of women between age 15 and 44 and about 7% of sexually experienced men younger than age 45 in the United States. 7.3 million U.S. women, or their husbands or partners, have sought treatment for infertility. A variety of factors, including disease or trauma […]

Introduction Liability Risks for Thyroid Disorders Thyroid disorders or conditions affect as many as 20 million people in the United States, but more than half of those affected are not aware they have a thyroid problem. Twelve percent of the population will be affected by a thyroid disorder or condition at some point in their […]

Introduction Risks in Diagnosing or Treating Pneumonia Pneumonia results in more than 50,000 deaths in the United States every year, with approximately 3.4% of hospital inpatient deaths being attributable to pneumonia. On a global basis, pneumonia is the leading cause of death for children under five years old. Awards and settlements in malpractice lawsuits involving […]

Introduction Alzheimer’s or Dementia: Liability Risks Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, currently affecting more than five million Americans. Other forms of dementia affect millions more. Estimates suggest that the number of Americans afflicted by Alzheimer’s will double by 2050. There is no cure for most forms of dementia. Caring for people […]

Introduction Liability for Injuries from Unsterilized Instruments More than 46 million surgical or other invasive medical procedures are performed each year in the United States. Proper disinfection or sterilization of equipment used in every procedure is essential to prevent infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the failure to comply with established sterilization guidelines […]