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Elsevier

Why Patients Sue Doctors

Lessons learned from medical malpractice cases

  • 1st Edition - February 17, 2019
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Duncan Graham, Bernard Kelly, David A. Richards
  • Language: English

Why do patients sue their doctors? The answer is not straightforward. It is unlikely to be singular. One thing, however, is certain: the answer is important to the quality of he… Read more

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Description

Why do patients sue their doctors? The answer is not straightforward. It is unlikely to be singular. One thing, however, is certain: the answer is important to the quality of health care. This book provides answers to this important question.

In Why Patients sue Doctors the authors draw on their collective experience in over 1000 real-life medicolegal cases to explore why and how doctors make mistakes. By analysing and discussing the situations and behaviours that lead to complaints by patients and their families, this book provides practical guidance on how to improve clinical care and avoid litigation. The lessons learned will help practitioners in the future avoid some common clinical pitfalls of the past.

This will be of immediate interest to anyone concerned about the quality of healthcare and how to improve it. The cases presented by the authors will also be of general interest to those wishing to know more about medical litigation.

Table of contents

IntroductionImpaired doctorsPosttraumatic stress disorderDeliriumCerebral palsyPostnatal depressionSyncopeVisual disturbanceHeadacheSteroid toxicitySagging lipChildhood cancerNeck painShoulder painUnexplained feverSore wristHaemoptysisDyspnoeaChest painBreast lumpsSick infantObesityAbdominal painUnexplained weight lossRectal bleedingMissed periodPelvic organ prolapseLeg weaknessLacerated footListening and observingThinking and reasoning Professionalism and insightLessons for doctors and others Further reading

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: February 17, 2019
  • Language: English

About the authors

DG

Duncan Graham

Duncan Graham is a barrister with a medical degree. He previously worked as a medical practitioner and solicitor. He now specialises in cases of medical negligence, coronial inquests, professional misconduct, and class actions involving pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

BK

Bernard Kelly

Bernard Kelly is a general practitioner who works in metropolitan, rural and remote locations. He has extensive experience in teaching and medical regulation. He provides expert witness opinions in medical negligence and professional misconduct cases.

DR

David A. Richards

David Richards is a physician, with broad experience in clinical and interventional cardiology, education and research. He provides expert witness opinions for plaintiffs, defendants and government agencies.