Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

New York Court Discusses Grounds for Precluding Expert Testimony in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: December 18, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Medical malpractice cases are typically a battle between the party’s experts. As such, if the court prohibits a plaintiff’s expert from testifying, it can greatly impair their ability to establish liability. In some instances, though, a plaintiff may be able to successfully argue that their expert was improperly precluded from testifying, as shown in a recent opinion delivered in a New York medical malpractice case. If you suffered harm due to inadequate medical care, you might be owed compensation, and it is smart to meet with a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

Factual and Procedural History

It is reported that the plaintiff underwent a hysterectomy that was performed by the defendant. Following the surgery, she developed necrotizing fasciitis. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, arguing that his negligent post-surgical care constituted medical malpractice. Prior to trial, the defendant moved to preclude the plaintiff’s expert from testifying regarding the cause of her infection. The court granted the motion, and the case proceeded to trial. The jury ultimately found in favor of the defendant, and the plaintiff appealed.

Grounds for Precluding Expert Testimony in Medical Malpractice Cases

On appeal, the plaintiff argued, among other things, that the trial court erred in barring her expert from offering testimony. The court agreed and ultimately reversed the trial court ruling and remanded the matter for further proceedings. In doing so, the court explained that each party must identify the person they intend to call to testify as an expert witness at trial, disclose the subject matter of their testimony, and offer their qualifications. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Examines Issues of Fact in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: December 13, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

It is not uncommon for more than one doctor to perform surgery on a patient. If the patient subsequently suffers harm due to mistakes made during the procedure, the surgeon in charge of the patient’s care may be deemed liable for medical malpractice, even if other doctors participated in the surgery. This was demonstrated in a recent New York ruling in which the court found that factual issues existed as to whether the defendant surgeon caused the plaintiff’s harm and reversed the trial court ruling dismissing the plaintiff’s complaint. If you were hurt during a medical procedure, it is in your best interest to speak with a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer about what claims you may be able to pursue.

The History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff suffered from abnormal uterine bleeding. As such, she underwent a hysterectomy that was performed by the defendant and another non-party doctor. The defendant operated on the right side of the plaintiff’s body, and the non-party doctor operated on the left; the plaintiff experienced excessive bleeding on the left side. After the surgery, the plaintiff reported urinary incontinence.

Allegedly, diagnostic imaging subsequently revealed that her ureter was severed during the procedure. She underwent additional surgeries to repair her injuries. She then instituted medical malpractice claims against the defendant. Following discovery, the defendant moved for dismissal of the plaintiff’s complaint via summary judgment. The trial court granted the motion, and the plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Authority to Preside Over Medical Malpractice Claims

Published on: December 8, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Medical malpractice claims are complex, and in most instances, it is prudent for victims of medical negligence that wish to pursue claims against their healthcare providers to seek the assistance of an attorney. It is not necessary for a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case to be represented by counsel, but the decision to proceed pro se often has negative consequences. This was demonstrated recently in a case in which a New York federal court dismissed the pro se plaintiff’s medical malpractice claims due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction. If you were harmed by a doctor’s failure to comply with the standard of care, you should confer with a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer about what measures you can take to protect your interests.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff’s son was born at the defendant hospital and that he suffered an injury at birth. He was then placed in the defendant foster care center, where according to the plaintiff, the abuse continued. As such, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendants in federal court, asserting claims of negligence and medical malpractice that arose under state law. He subsequently filed a petition to proceed in forma pauperis. The court granted his motion but ultimately dismissed his complaint due to a lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

Medical Malpractice Claims Filed in Federal Court

The court explained that federal courts have jurisdiction over a narrow range of claims. Further, they must independently determine whether they can exercise subject matter jurisdiction over a claim before evaluating its merits. In other words, Congress only granted the federal courts original jurisdiction over matters in which the plaintiff asserts a federal question or where there the case involves citizens of different states, and the amount in controversy and jurisdictional requirements are met. Continue Reading ›

Court Examines the Relation Back Doctrine in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: November 29, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Pursuant to New York law, parties pursuing wrongful death claims against negligent healthcare providers must comply with the applicable statute of limitations. Generally, the courts will dismiss claims filed outside of the statutory period. There are exceptions, though, that allow for the tolling of the statute of limitations, such as when a claim relates back to a previously filed pleading. In a recent opinion issued in a wrongful death and medical malpractice case, a New York court analyzed whether the relation back doctrine applies to consolidated cases, ultimately concluding that it does. If you lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, it is in your best interest to consult a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney to discuss your potential claims.

The Procedural History of the Case

It is reported that the decedent died in October 2017. In May 2019, the plaintiffs filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit against multiple defendants, arguing that their failure to properly interpret the decedent’s imaging studies led to his death. In January 2020, the plaintiffs filed a second medical malpractice and wrongful death case, naming a doctor that was not properly served in the first case and her company as defendants.

Allegedly, the two cases were then consolidated. The defendants in the second action then moved for dismissal of the plaintiffs’ claims on the grounds that they were filed outside of the statute of limitations. The plaintiffs opposed the motion, arguing that the relation back doctrine applied and, therefore, the claims were not barred by the statute of limitations. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses Grounds for Granting a Motion for Change of Venue in a Medical Malpractice Case

Published on: November 23, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Generally, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit has the right to designate the venue for the case in the initial pleading. The right is not boundless, however, and there are several grounds upon which a defendant can seek a change of venue. Recently, in an opinion delivered by a New York court in a matter arising out of medical malpractice, the court explained the basis for granting a motion for a change of venue. If you suffered harm because of inadequate medical care, it is smart to speak to a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer about your rights.

The History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff sought treatment from the defendant optometrist for a detached retina in the left eye. The defendant performed an attachment procedure but according to the plaintiff, failed to do so properly. The procedure occurred in the Bronx, at the office of the defendant practice.

It is reported that the plaintiff subsequently filed a medical malpractice claim against the defendants in Bronx County. The defendant practice was dismissed from the case. The defendant optometrist then moved to transfer venue to New York County. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Declines to Exercise Federal Jurisdiction Over Medical Malpractice Claims

Published on: November 14, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

While it is prudent for people who want to pursue civil claims to seek the assistance of an attorney in most instances, medical malpractice cases are especially complex, and the decision to proceed pro se often negatively impacts a plaintiff’s rights. The ramifications of pursuing medical malpractice claims without an attorney were demonstrated in a recent New York matter in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s claims. If you were hurt by the negligence of a physician, it is in your best interest to retain a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer to assist you in protecting your interests.

Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff was admitted to the defendant hospital and discharged later the same day. He did not indicate the nature of his concerns in his complaint. Four days later, he suffered a medical incident and was taken to the defendant medical center, where he was again discharged the same day. He subsequently fell after his discharge and was readmitted. During his second admission to the medical center, he had a pacemaker implanted. He then filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendants in federal court, seeking $50,000 in compensation. He was not represented by an attorney and requested to proceed in forma pauperis.

Federal Jurisdiction Over Medical Malpractice Claims

While the court granted the plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis, it dismissed the plaintiff’s claims without prejudice due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The court explained that if it determines at any juncture that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction over a matter, it must dismiss the action. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Grants Summary Judgment in Plaintiff’s Favor in a Car Accident Case

Published on: November 7, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Although the majority of car accidents are caused by careless driving, people who negligently cause collisions rarely admit liability. Instead, in most instances, they will argue that there are factual disputes that must be resolved by a jury. In some cases, though, the evidence will be so compelling that the courts will deem a defendant liable as a matter of law, as demonstrated in a recent opinion issued in a New York case arising out of a rear-end collision. If you were hurt in a car crash, you have the right to seek compensation, and it is wise to talk to a Syracuse personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Factual and Procedural History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff husband was driving a vehicle in which the plaintiff wife was riding as a passenger when they were struck from behind by a car driven by the defendant. The plaintiffs subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit in which they asserted negligence claims against the defendant.

Allegedly, the defendant filed an answer in which he set forth the affirmative defense of comparative negligence. The plaintiffs then moved for dismissal of the affirmative defense and summary judgment in their favor on the issue of liability. The trial court denied their motion, and they appealed. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Explains Grounds for Granting Summary Judgment in a Bike Accident Case

Published on: October 27, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

Bicycle accidents can cause catastrophic harm, and in most instances, they can are brought about by negligence. As such, people hurt in such crashes will often seek compensation from the person they deem responsible. While liability is obvious in some bike accident cases, in others, the issue of fault must be determined by a jury. This was illustrated in a recent New York ruling delivered in a bicycle accident case in which the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment on the issue of liability. If you suffered harm in a bike accident, it is in your best interest to meet with a Syracuse personal injury attorney to determine your potential claims.

The Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff sustained injuries in a bike accident when he collided with the open door of the defendant’s van. He subsequently filed a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant, alleging he negligently caused the crash. The accounts of how the accident occurred differed. The plaintiff asserted that he was riding at a speed of five to seven miles per hour and that the defendant swung his door open seconds before the plaintiff struck it.

It is reported that the defendant stated that he checked the lane behind him and saw nothing for 200 feet and opened his door, and five seconds later, the plaintiff hit it. The plaintiff moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability and for dismissal of the defendant’s affirmative defense of contributory negligence. The trial court granted the motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue Reading ›

New York Court Discusses the Statute of Limitations in Claims Against Medical Providers

Published on: October 21, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

New York law sets forth statutes of limitations for pursuing civil claims. While medical malpractice claims fall under the umbrella of civil claims, they have a shorter statute of limitations. Thus, which limitation applies depends on whether the person that allegedly caused the plaintiff harm committed ordinary negligence or negligence in the context of medical treatment. Recently, a New York court discussed how to determine which limitations period applies in a matter in which the defendant pursued claims against a social worker and psychologist. If you were hurt by the carelessness of a physician, it is smart to talk to a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney about your right to pursue damages.

The Plaintiff’s Harm

It is reported that the plaintiff’s son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorders and bipolar disorder in 2014. While he periodically suffered psychotic episodes during which he acted violently and destructively and hallucinated, his condition was stabilized with medication and psychiatric care. Following a psychotic episode, he was confined to a state institution. While he was designated as having the most serious category of mental health illnesses, he was not medicated, and his condition declined.

Allegedly, he suffered multiple psychotic episodes during his confinement. He experienced delays in receiving a mental health evaluation or medication and ultimately stabbed the plaintiff. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendants, the parties responsible for her son’s confinement and care during his confinement. Among other things, she alleged that the parties responsible for his psychiatric care negligently performed their services. The defendants moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claims as time-barred. Continue Reading ›

Court Explains Evidence Needed to Establish Negligence in a New York Medical Malpractice Case

Published on: October 13, 2022 | By DeFrancisco & Falgiatano

It is not uncommon for surgical procedures to be less successful than anticipated. While in some instances, such results are unavoidable, in others, they are the result of negligence. As such, a party that suffers injuries following a procedure typically must produce expert testimony to show that their harm was the result of medical negligence and was not merely an unavoidable outcome. Recently, a New York ruling issued in a medical malpractice case highlighted the importance of expert testimony, as the failure to provide an adequate expert opinion resulted in the dismissal of the plaintiff’s claim. If you suffered injuries due to medical incompetence, you should meet with a Syracuse medical malpractice lawyer to determine what claims you may be able to pursue.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff underwent a bypass of the femoral popliteal artery in his right leg. The surgery was performed by the defendant doctor and defendant physician’s assistant at the defendant hospital. The surgery ultimately proved unsuccessful. The plaintiff later underwent two additional bypass surgeries, which were unsuccessful, before his right leg was amputated below the knee.

Reportedly, the plaintiff subsequently filed a medical malpractice action against the defendants asserting, among other things, that the defendant doctor’s negligence in performing the initial surgery led to the amputation of his leg. After discovery was complete, the defendants moved for dismissal of the plaintiff’s claims via summary judgment. The plaintiff filed a response in opposition to the motion, but the court granted it. The plaintiff appealed. Continue Reading ›