Medical Malpractice

Federal Court in Maryland Declines to Hear Medical Negligence Claims

Published on: February 7, 2022 | by Arfaa Law Group

People housed in federal facilities unfortunately often suffer a variety of injuries, including losses caused by incompetent medical care. Thus, if they proceed to pursue claims against the parties responsible for their harm, their lawsuit may include not only claims but also other causes of action. If a plaintiff’s complaint sets forth causes of action arising out of both state and federal law, they will most likely file it in federal courts. While the federal courts can resolve medical malpractice claims arising out of state law if they accompany federal question claims, if the court subsequently dismisses the plaintiff’s federal claims, it will most likely decline to hear their state claims as well. This was illustrated in an opinion recently set forth by a Maryland court, in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claims for procedural reasons rather than their lack of merit. If you were injured by incompetently rendered health care in a facility operated by the federal government, you have the right to seek compensation, and it is advisable to confer with a skilled Maryland medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

The Plaintiff’s Harm

It is alleged that the plaintiff was living in a federal facility located in Maryland. While there, the defendant, a staff member of the facility, forged the plaintiff’s signature on a blood draw waiver, which resulted in the cancellation of his blood draw. He asserted he suffered mental distress as a result and subsequently filed numerous state and federal claims, including medical negligence, against the defendant and other staff members in the federal district court. The defendants moved to dismiss his claims. The court granted the motion as to the federal claims then addressed his medical negligence claims.

Federal Court’s Supplemental Jurisdiction Over Medical Malpractice Claims

The court held that to the extent that the plaintiff’s complaint set forth claims that the defendant engaged in medical negligence, it would not exercise supplemental jurisdiction over them. The court explained that pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a federal district court has the authority to decline to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over claims if the court has already dismissed all of the claims over which it had original jurisdiction. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Explains Supplemental Jurisdiction Over State Medical Malpractice Claims

Published on: January 28, 2022 | by Arfaa Law Group

People housed in federal facilities are unfortunately often subject to extreme indifference at the hands of the medical professionals who work in such facilities. Further, they are frequently victims of medical malpractice. As such, it is not uncommon for them to assert medical malpractice and a variety of other claims against the negligent party in one complaint. While medical malpractice claims typically arise under state law, federal courts can adjudicate them alongside other claims in certain situations. If the other claims are dismissed, however, it is not uncommon for the court to dismiss the medical malpractice claims as well, regardless of whether they have merit. This was demonstrated recently in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. If you suffered harm because of the negligence of a health care provider, you could be owed compensation, and you should contact a trusted Maryland medical malpractice lawyer regarding your rights.

The Plaintiff’s Allegations

It is reported that the plaintiff was housed in a federal facility. While there, he suffered harm in two separate incidents involving health care providers. In the first incident, he was given medication that caused him to suffer an allergic reaction, which he was advised was a common side effect after the fact. In the second incident, he was exposed to COVID-19. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendants, setting forth multiple claims, including medical malpractice. The defendants then moved to dismiss the case in its entirety.

Supplemental Jurisdiction Over State Medical Malpractice Claims

Much of the court’s opinion focused on issues other than the alleged medical malpractice. To the extent the plaintiff asserted medical malpractice claims, however, the court specifically declined to exercise additional jurisdiction over them. According to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a district court may decline to exercise additional jurisdiction over a state law claim if it has already dismissed all connected claims over which it held original jurisdiction. Continue Reading ›

Court Explains Requirements for Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Maryland

Published on: January 21, 2022 | by Arfaa Law Group

Under Maryland law, people harmed by the carelessness of their treatment providers have the right to seek compensation for their losses. They must abide by the applicable procedural rules, however, and if they do not, their claims may be dismissed. This was illustrated in a recent matter filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claims. If you sustained injuries because of incompetent medical care, you might be owed damages, and you should speak to a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to evaluate your options.

The Plaintiff’s Allegations

It is reported that the plaintiff underwent treatment at a clinic that offered low-cost medical care for residents of Montgomery County. He alleged that he was subject to unjust treatment and that he suffered harm due to the dental care provided by the defendant dentist. Thus, he filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, asserting, among other things, a medical malpractice claim against the defendant dentist.

Allegedly, he argued that the defendant breached the applicable standard of care by failing to perform a tooth extraction. The defendant moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claim on the grounds that the plaintiff failed to comply with the requirements for pursuing such claims as set forth under Maryland law. Continue Reading ›

Court Discusses Defenses in Maryland Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: January 14, 2022 | by Arfaa Law Group

Doctors faced with claims that they committed medical malpractice will often deny liability. In some instances, they will assert that other factors caused the plaintiff’s injuries and may go so far as to argue that the plaintiff is responsible for the harm they allegedly suffered. As demonstrated in a recent Maryland birth injury case, however, the argument that the plaintiff assumed the risk of harm is not valid in a medical malpractice case. If your child suffered harm at birth due to the negligence of a doctor, it is advisable to contact a skilled Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to discuss what evidence you must produce to recover compensation.

The Facts of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff mother presented to the labor and delivery unit of a hospital when she was thirty-three weeks pregnant. At the time, she had high blood pressure and was experiencing vaginal bleeding. The defendant induced labor, but after four hours, she noticed the fetus’s heart rate was dropping. As such, she made the decision to perform a non-emergency cesarean section. She began to perform the procedure, but seven minutes passed between the time she made the incision in the uterus and when the infant was delivered.

Allegedly, the infant was born without a heart rate and needed 22 minutes of resuscitation. Tragically, he passed away a short time later. The plaintiff mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant on behalf of herself and the infant’s estate. The defendant argued that the plaintiff assumed the risk of harm and was contributorily negligent, and the plaintiff filed a motion for summary judgment on the issues. Continue Reading ›

Federal Court Dismisses Medical Malpractice Claims Arising Under Maryland State Law

Published on: January 7, 2022 | by Arfaa Law Group

In the United States legal system, parties will typically pursue claims arising out of state law in state court. While federal courts will handle state law claims in some cases, they are courts of limited jurisdiction. Thus, they will often decline to exercise jurisdiction over certain matters, like medical malpractice claims. This was demonstrated recently in a Maryland case in which the court dismissed the plaintiff’s medical malpractice lawsuit that she filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. If you were harmed by incompetent medical care, you may be owed compensation, and it is in your best interest to meet with a dedicated Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to assess your potential claims.

The Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff sought treatment at the defendant hospital. The precise nature of the plaintiff’s ailment and subsequent care was not explained in the court’s opinion. Regardless, it is clear that she suffered harm, which she argued arose out of medical negligence. As such, she filed a medical malpractice complaint against the defendant in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. After reviewing the complaint, however, the court determined that it must be dismissed.

Federal Jurisdiction Over Medical Malpractice Claims

The court explained that federal courts have limited jurisdiction. As such, they can only handle cases if they possess the power to do so, as granted by the Constitution or a statute. If a party decides to pursue a matter in federal court, then they must allege that the federal court has subject matter jurisdiction over the case, and if the court’s jurisdiction is challenged, must prove that it is valid. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses Federal Jurisdiction Over Medical Malpractice Claims

Published on: December 7, 2021 | by Arfaa Law Group

While it rarely occurs, it is possible for a medical provider that causes a patient harm to commit other grievances as well. As such, a person harmed by medical malpractice may assert numerous causes of action in one lawsuit against the provider that caused their harm, and in many instances, such matters are pursued in the federal courts. Whether the federal courts will exercise jurisdiction over state medical malpractice claims depends on multiple factors, as discussed in a recent Maryland ruling in which the court ultimately dismissed the plaintiff’s case in its entirety. If you were harmed by a negligent healthcare provider, you have the right to seek damages for your losses, and you should speak to a skilled Maryland medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

Procedural History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff was housed in a federal facility when he sustained an injury to his left hand. He sought treatment for his injury from a nurse in the facility. He was diagnosed with a “boxer’s fracture” and treated with an arm sling, a wrap, and a splint. At some point, he refractured his finger. He alleges that after his second fracture, he did not receive pain medication or a wrap to stabilize his finger for three weeks.

Maryland Court Assesses Medical Malpractice Claims Asserted in Federal Lawsuits

Published on: November 26, 2021 | by Arfaa Law Group

The medical care offered to people who are housed in federal facilities, unfortunately, is often inadequate. People who sustain injuries due to such incompetent care have the right to pursue claims against the parties responsible for their harm, however. In many instances, such claims will arise under both state and federal law. While a plaintiff is permitted to pursue state law medical malpractice claims and allegations that the defendant violated their civil rights in one lawsuit, there are often practical challenges with asserting both claims in one case. This was demonstrated recently in an opinion issued by a Maryland court in a matter in which it dismissed the plaintiff’s federal complaint, which included medical malpractice claims. If you were injured by a reckless healthcare provider, you might be owed compensation, and it is in your best interest to confer with a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer regarding your potential claims.

The Facts of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff was housed in a facility owned by the defendant. He alleged that during his stay, he received inadequate medical care for his anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He subsequently filed a pro se federal lawsuit against the defendant, arguing his civil rights were violated. The plaintiff’s complaint also asserted medical negligence claims that arose out of state law. The defendant moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s case in its entirety. After reviewing the complaint, the defendant’s motion, and the plaintiff’s response, the court found in favor of the defendant and dismissed the plaintiff’s claims.

Medical Malpractice Claims Asserted in Federal Lawsuits

While the court discussed the factual sufficiency of the plaintiff’s federal claims, it did not do so for the plaintiff’s medical malpractice claims. Instead, it merely declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over them due to the fact that it dismissed all claims over which it has original jurisdiction. The court noted that the claims were not dismissed with prejudice, and therefore, the plaintiff could pursue them in state court if he so pleased. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses Notice Requirements Under the FTCA

Published on: November 4, 2021 | by Arfaa Law Group

Many medical facilities are funded and operated by the federal government. Patients who suffer harm due to incompetent care rendered in such a facility may be able to recover damages, but they typically must comply with the requirements imposed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), as their claims will ultimately be pursued against the federal government. The duties that arise out of the FTCA are strictly construed, and the failure to abide by such obligations may be fatal to a plaintiff’s claim. This was demonstrated in a recent opinion issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in which the court affirmed the dismissal of the plaintiff’s medical malpractice case. If you suffered harm due to the negligence of a health care provider, it is sensible to consult a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer promptly to prevent the inadvertent waiver of your right to recover damages.

The Facts of the Case

Reportedly, the decedent underwent treatment at a federally funded hospital. He subsequently died due to complications from liver cancer. The plaintiff, the decedent’s wife, filed a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking damages for the decedent’s death, pursuant to the FTCA. The plaintiff alleged, in part, that the defendant’s doctors negligently failed to screen the decedent for liver cancer. The defendant moved for summary judgment, arguing that the plaintiff’s claims were barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The court granted the motion, and the plaintiff appealed.

Notice Requirements Under the FTCA

After reviewing the pleadings and evidence of record, the appellate court affirmed the trial court ruling. The court explained that absent a waiver, the United States is shielded from liability in civil lawsuits via sovereign immunity. The FTCA acts as a waiver of such immunity but only allows parties to pursue claims against the government if they comply with certain terms and conditions.

While the government consents to suits seeking damages for the harm caused by its employees while acting in the scope of their employment, such claims are barred unless they are presented to the appropriate federal agency, in writing, within two years of the date when the claim accrues. The court elaborated that a claim accrues when the plaintiff either knows or reasonably should know of both the harm suffered and the cause of the harm. In the subject case, the trial court determined that the plaintiff’s claims accrued in 2011, but she failed to file her administrative tort claim until 2014. Thus, her claims were barred by the statute of limitations. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Discusses Pursuing Damages Under the Federal Tort Claims Act

Published on: October 8, 2021 | by Arfaa Law Group

It is not uncommon for people treated in federal facilities to suffer harm due to incompetent medical care. While people injured by the medical negligence of federal employees have the right to pursue damages, they generally must comply with the rules set forth under the Federal Tort Claims Act (the FTCA) and any other applicable laws; otherwise, their claims may be dismissed. This was explained in a recent ruling in which a Maryland court illustrated the pre-requisites for pursuing medical malpractice claims in federal court. If you suffered damages due to the carelessness of your treatment provider, it is advisable to meet with a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to evaluate your options for pursuing compensation.

History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiff, who lived in a federal facility, fell from his bed and injured his leg. He visited the medical department, where he was examined and underwent an x-ray. He was informed that his x-ray did not indicate any injuries to his leg and knee and was directed to exercise. A month later, he returned to the medical center as his pain had increased to the point where he could no longer walk but was merely diagnosed with a muscle strain.

Allegedly, an additional x-ray taken approximately nine months after his fall indicated he suffered from avascular necrosis in his right hip and would need to undergo a hip replacement. He then filed a lawsuit against his treatment providers and the federal government, asserting, among other things, medical malpractice claims under the FTCA. The defendants moved to dismiss the claims, arguing that the plaintiff failed to comply with the proper procedure for pursuing such claims. Continue Reading ›

Maryland Court Explains Privileged Quality Assurance Documents in Medical Malpractice Cases

Published on: September 10, 2021 | by Arfaa Law Group

In Medical malpractice cases, the records, notes, and charts produced by the defendant doctor are often key in establishing liability. Not all materials created by doctors are discoverable, however, as some are protected from disclosure by privilege. In a recent Maryland ruling issued in a hospital malpractice case, a court discussed what materials are privileged in medical malpractice claims pursued against the United States government. If you suffered injuries due to a careless physician, it is smart to speak to a skilled Maryland medical malpractice lawyer to discuss what evidence you must produce to recover damages.

The History of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiffs filed a medical malpractice case against the United States government alleging their minor child suffered harm due to negligent care provided by anesthesiologists when he underwent surgery at a federally owned hospital. One of the anesthesiologists testified during his deposition that he wrote himself an email following the surgery, setting forth his recollections regarding the procedure. The plaintiffs requested the email in discovery, after which the anesthesiologist advised he had written it to the other anesthesiologist involved in the procedure.