St. Joseph Medical Center doctors sued for medical malpractice

Medical malpractice claims commonly originate from situations in which doctors, nurses or hospitals provide substandard care that dramatically affects the health of patients. Medical negligence can take many different forms, from a lack of care or treatment to unnecessary procedures that result in unnecessary expenses and complications. Recently, medical malpractice claims were filed on behalf of 39 patients with Maryland’s HealthCare Alternative Dispute Resolution Office.

A number of doctors operating out of the St. Joseph Medical Center stand accused of medical malpractice for recommending and implanting heart stents in patients who allegedly  did not have a pressing medical need for such a procedure. The bulk of the legal case against the doctors involves stents placed in over 100 patients and revolves around a cardiologist who recommended the procedures and oversaw the operations.

Also named as defendants are the examiner who determined that arterial blockage was the problem in these patients and other doctors who had a hand in the recommendation or fulfillment of the procedures suggested by the cardiologist. The hospital has noted that it is aware of the filings and will file its response with a local dispute resolution office, which will arbitrate the case.

Medical malpractice can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses along with the pain and suffering of patients as they undergo treatment to correct errors or reverse damage done. Those who believe a doctor or hospital has provided substandard care that threatens their health or compromises their well being should seek to understand their rights under the law. Understanding these rights and responsibilities will allow them to take the next step towards seeking compensation or damages for the negligence of a doctor or facility.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, “More doctors accused of putting unnecessary stents in patients,” Andrea K. Walker, Oct. 16, 2012