State of Michigan launches investigation of Detroit Medical Center (DMC) for unsafe practices involving surgical instruments and what patients need to know about hospital malpractice.
The Detroit News reports that DMC is under investigation by state regulators for dirty, broken, and missing surgical instruments. It was launched in response to another Detroit News article showing 11 years of doctor complaints regarding patient safety.
The Detroit News found improperly sterilized tools complicated operations, unnecessarily kept patients under anesthesia, and resulted in the cancellation of dozens of operations. Complaints can be filed online at michigan.gov/lara or by phone at 800-882-6006.
We found this article shocking as DMC has nine different hospitals seeing thousands of patients each year. Many of our clients have received treatment through DMC. Access to medical care is one of the most important benefits under workers’ compensation.
Individuals who get hurt on-the-job are limited in the choice of doctor for 28 days. What happens when a medical facility causes additional harm? Here is what you need to know about your legal rights.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) continues even if a medical error has prolonged time away from your job. Additional medical treatment should also be covered 100% under workers’ compensation.
Individuals on workers’ compensation have the same legal rights as any other patient. This includes filing a civil lawsuit against the hospital for additional damages including pain and suffer.
If a civil lawsuit against the hospital is successful, a portion of the settlement must be paid back to workers’ compensation. Future wage loss benefits can also be offset depending upon how much is recovered from the hospital.
It is possible eliminate payback to workers’ compensation under specific circumstances. We recommend speaking with an experienced attorney if you are the victim of hospital malpractice. The goal should always be to maximize your total recovery.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Medical errors are leading cause of death in U.S.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Alex Treadway.
