Just saw some figures in relation to the Vioxx litigation in the US. According to Bloomberg News, Merck + Co, the US manufacturer has now paid claims to the families of 3,468 users of Vioxx, who died of heart attacks or strokes, accepted as a result of the Vioxx medication. Apparently a fund of $4.85… Continue Reading
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The Power of Open Disclosure
Posted in Contemporary Medicine, Overseas CasesI have often been asked at presentations I have given for health professionals, what is the single step they can take which will reduce their chances of facing a claim of medical negligence. My answer has been the same for 10 + years. It is surprising how many clients I see, who apart… Continue Reading
Sarah Palin and Tort Reform
Posted in Contemporary Medicine, Not So Serious, Overseas CasesThe power of the blog! I get to write about the remarkable Ms Palin, who I suspect would get on like a house on fire with our own Pauline H. Anyway, came across this amusing response post concerning Ms Palin’s recent ruminations on tort reform in the US, published (well self-published) via the ubiquitous facebook, which… Continue Reading
Death and Medical Negligence Claims
Posted in Contemporary Medicine, Obstetrics, Our Cases, Overseas CasesReasonably often, clients consult us following the death of a loved one, resulting from apparent negligent medical care. I have spoken to a potential new client this week, traumatised by the tragic death of their child as a consequence of what seems from the client’s account to be clearly negligent care on the part of… Continue Reading
Tort Reform in the US – another reason I’d be a Democrat!
Posted in Contemporary Medicine, Overseas CasesHave been following (loosely) recent discussion in the US concerning health care reform. As usual, a self-interested group, have sought to tag ‘tort reform’ (I’ve always thought a neat term for the removal of rights from the negligently injured, not sure it is ‘reform’ rather than ‘remove’) on the agenda. Twitter (yes, I… Continue Reading
Awaiting Amaca and Ellis
Posted in Causation Issues, Overseas CasesOne rumour I have heard suggests that the High Court will be asked in Amaca and Ellis to review the degree of causation needed for negligent action to be taken to have caused loss. These critical cases are due to be heard by the Court, later this year, probably in October. At present (and for… Continue Reading
Patient Responsibility – International Differences Highlighted by Recent Case
Posted in Case Summary, Causation Issues, Contributory Negligence, Overseas CasesI was interested to read recent news reports concerning a case decided in Canada. An Indian/Canadian man, Mr Kahlong was awarded CAD $5 million in a claim against a Hospital in Vancouver. According to news reports, Mr Kahlong who was 41 years of age suffered from low back pain for which he was referred for… Continue Reading