New study shows tragic consequences of poor hospital communication

I have handled many medical malpractice cases where a gap in communication at a hospital causes a patient to get severely injured or even die.

It usually happens like this.

A doctor orders some lab work or a radiological study, like a CT scan or MRI. After the results are in, a nurse, lab tech or radiology tech does not information the physician who ordered the study. When the results are critical, this means that precious time is lost when the physician remains in the dark and cannot order life-saving treatment.

According a recent study in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, annual medical malpractice payouts for communication breakdowns, including failing to share test results, more than quadrupled nationally between 1991 and 2010, to $91 million. For patients and their families, it means their lives may never be the same.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a communication failure at a hospital, contact Painter Law Firm at 281-580-8800 for a free evaluation of your case.

Additional Resources
Painter Law Firm video: Good hospital communication saves lives
Painter Law Firm article: Instead of pointing fingers at each other, doctors and nurses need to focus on patient care and safety
Washington Post article