Tort Reform in New Jersey
December 31, 2014
As the authors explained in Part One of this article, like many other states, New Jersey has instituted tort reform measures aimed at reducing the incidence of frivolous lawsuits and the costs of practicing medicine. These changes in the law have had unintended consequences, however, often making the prosecution of a medical malpractice claims so complicated that only specialist attorneys can handle them.
To Settle or Defend
December 31, 2014
Apple's iPhone muse and general know-it-all, Siri, can provide a ready answer to nearly any question. Its analytical ability would, however, be sorely taxed by the agonizing decision that physicians must make when facing medical malpractice claims: to defend or empower the insurance company to try to settle?
Liability to Non-Patients: Recent Decisions Offer Guidance
December 31, 2014
Although, generally, there must be a physician-patient or a hospital-patient relationship for a legal duty of care to exist upon which liability may be founded, in some situations, health care providers may be held liable to someone other than a patient.
Verdicts
December 31, 2014
In-depth look at a ruling that a plaintiff was not unfairly surprised by greater detail In expert testimony .
Electronic Health Records
December 31, 2014
Patients who remain in an integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) system benefit from better access to integrated medical information across specialties and locations. However, full benefits are not seen in all cases where such systems have been implemented.
Drug & Device News
December 31, 2014
Updated information about a key case involving contaminated medication.
Med Mal News
December 31, 2014
News about medical bills, and wrongful birth suits.
The Bumpy Road: Tort Reform in New Jersey
November 30, 2014
In New Jersey, the AOM Statute, although reducing the number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed overall, has created virtually as much litigation by way of motion practice and appellate practice; these make up for the reduced number of lawsuits.
End-of-Life Nursing Care
November 30, 2014
Medical malpractice suits involving nurses who are caring for patients at the end of life are rare. However, they can occur. Nurses can protect themselves by understanding the needs of patients and families at this critical time, by following approved standards of care and by thoroughly documenting their work.