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Has A Medical Mistake Been Made And Covered Up?

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Do you have a loved one or friend that has been through a medical procedure – perhaps surgery – that resulted in a new and permanent health problem?

Did you know that, according to a recent report in The New England Journal of Medicine, doctors often know of medical mistakes colleagues have made but do not report those mistakes to medical authorities or to the injured patients themselves?

“Dr. Tom Gallagher, an internist and professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and lead author of the NEJM study, said he has given more than 200 presentations to doctors about patient safety problems. He said most physicians often ask him about mistakes by colleagues. “I understand I need to tell the patient about my own mistake,”  Gallagher said the doctors tell him, “but what am I to do if I’m aware of a mistake that a colleague has made involving the patient that we’re caring for together. Should I say anything to the patient?'”[1]

Why would a physician cover up medical malpractice?

There can be many reasons why physicians make that choice:

  • A desire to protect one of the “tribe”
  • A need to protect a business relationship
  • A need to protect a friend
  • Fear of retribution from other physicians for blowing the whistle

The impact of these behaviors on patient care can be profound.

  • If the cause of a new medical problem is not revealed – subsequent care is often degraded or will fail to address the nature of the injury adequately.
  • Often victims of medical errors have a difficult time finding the care they need and get passed from physician to physician.

What needs to be done?

Putting patients first is a moral and ethical issue of great importance.  Physician groups and care facilities need to do a better job to make sure that medical care is transparent and accountable.  Only then will optimal medical care be possible.

If you or a loved one is ever the victim of medical malpractice, call a qualified Connecticut medical malpractice lawyer. A knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.

RisCassi & Davis has handled hundreds of medical malpractice cases over our more than 65 years serving the people of Connecticut.

What’s more, our Connecticut medical malpractice lawyers have received local and national recognition for our handling of these cases including:

  • Top listings in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Law Firms”
  • Top listing by Martindale-Hubbell as a “New England Top Rated AV Preeminent® Law Firm
  • Admission of five of our personal injury lawyers as members in the very prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.  The American College is a professional society of Fellows who become members only by invitation, with admission limited to experienced, outstanding trial lawyers who are unquestionably and eminently qualified as actively engaged trial lawyers.  Only 1% of all trial lawyers in any state are offered admission as members to the College
  • Listing in New England Super Lawyers published by Connecticut Magazine.  Less than 5% of attorneys in the New England states receive this honor
  • Lifetime Achievement awards from the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the Connecticut Law Tribune
  • Board Certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy

We have a great team dedicated to medical malpractice cases. Our offices are in Hartford but we are available to meet with you in your home or office if that is easier for you. Please contact us if we can help you. The consultation is free and there is no obligation of any kind.


[1]https://www.propublica.org/article/five-takeaways-why-doctors-stay-mum-about-mistakes-their-colleagues-ma

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