Minneapolis Laboratory Error Attorneys
Medical laboratory equipment is unbelievably advanced. Think about how much more sophisticated today’s cell phones are than the ones which were available just a dozen years ago. Medical technology has advanced even further, since business breakthroughs usually precede consumer breakthroughs. So, the equipment used to detect problems like blood infections is nothing like the machines most medical professionals are familiar with. The duty of care does not allow for learning curves. If medical professionals need additional training, patients cannot be their lab rats.
The law has changed since the early 2000s as well, as has office technology. But the flexible Minneapolis laboratory error attorneys at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman adapt to these changes. We stay on the cutting edge of law and technology, so we are able to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries. At the same time, we never lose touch with our roots. These roots include old-fashioned values like hard work, dedication to clients, and open communication.
What Causes Laboratory Errors?
We touched on one of the common medical laboratory errors above, which is lack of experience with a certain machine. This lack of experience could involve basic operational matters or a failure to use all the advanced features. Advanced features on medical laboratory equipment is not simply window dressing. It is there to improve the patient care experience.
On a related note, in understaffed or overworked environments, employers, like doctors and hospitals, sometimes take shortcuts. For example, they might require a phlebotomist (someone who works with blood samples) to run organ diagnostic tests, like an MRI. Doctors cannot assume that all nurses, patient care technicians, and other professionals have the same expertise. That’s like assuming an oncologist and cardiologist are similar because they both have the same academic degrees.
Other human diagnostic errors include a failure to properly evaluate results and a failure to properly convey them to the right people. Doctors, not patient care techs or physician assistants, should evaluate laboratory test results. Additionally, when doctors examine results, they should not look for evidence that confirms their instincts. Instead, they should just look for evidence. The failure to communicate could be an internal problem or an issue informing the patient. In either situation, items often get lost in translation.
A defective product could also cause a laboratory error. In these situations, a Minneapolis laboratory error attorney can file a separate claim for damages against the manufacturer.
Evidence in Medical Malpractice Claims
Usually, manufacturers are strictly liable for the injuries their defective products cause. The defect could be a design or manufacturing defect. So, victim/plaintiffs need only prove causation.
In a medical malpractice case, victim/plaintiffs must not only prove causation. They must also prove negligence, or a lack of care. Therefore, substantial evidence is usually necessary.
This evidence usually includes medical evidence and lay evidence. The medical evidence usually includes hospital records, like diagnostic and treatment records. Generally, a neutral expert reviews this evidence and determines whether or not the doctor’s efforts fell below the acceptable standard of care.
Lay evidence is typically important as well. Family members, co-workers, friends, and other individuals generally cannot testify about the medical or legal aspects of a laboratory error claim. But they can testify about the practical effects. For example, if a test or tester didn’t spot a Tom’s hairline ankle fracture, his friends could testify about how that injury affected his daily life.
Reach Out to a Compassionate Hennepin County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced laboratory error attorney in Minneapolis, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman LLC by going online or calling 612-473-0905. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.