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James M. Roswold is licensed in Missouri Only. Heather A. Lottmann is licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Victor B. Finkelstein is licensed in Kansas and Missouri.
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Medical Malpractice
New radiation technology can help cancer victims, but medical negligence risks their lives
Advances in technology have led to great improvements in the machines that deliver radiation for the treatment of cancer. These machines are now programmed to deliver high doses of radiation to a very specific area, so only the cancer cells are targeted. This means the cancer can be treated without causing damage to other parts of the body.
Unfortunately, while technology is advancing the radiologists that use the equipment are not receiving adequate training in how to use the new machines and how to check for errors. The lack of training leads to the potential for mistakes from a variety of sources including: software errors, programming mistakes, prescription mistakes, poor safety procedures, lack of oversight and inadequate staffing and training.
In Louisiana, Landreaux A. Donaldson received 38 straight doses of radiation, each at nearly twice the prescribed dosage, while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. He was treated with a linear accelerator that was so new that the vendors training instructors were still on-site. The accelerator delivered radiation in a radically improved way – it emitted tiny beams of radiation from many points on a spiral encircling the patient. However, when treating Mr. Donaldson, the hospital used the wrong CT treatment scan for the machine.
Medical personnel compensated for their mistake with a new plan that departed from standard medical procedure. Unfortunately, they made a miscalculation that affected all 38 treatments over two months.
The next year, Mr. Donaldson began experiencing ulcers, anemia and urethral stricture, which required surgery and other medical treatment. He eventually filed a medical malpractice law suit against the hospital. It was settled out of court.
The New York Times recently investigated radiation treatment at New York hospitals.The investigation found 621 mistakes involving radiation treatment errors that occurred between 2001 and 2008 in hospitals in New York State. Many of the errors were minor, but others had devastating consequences.
In 133 of these cases, the device used to shape the radiation beam was wrongly used, misplaced or left out. In 284 cases, the radiation missed the intended target either partially or completely, the wrong body part was treated, or the patient received a treatment intended for another patient.
It is believed that radiation mistakes are under reported due to the lack of licensing requirement and state oversight. In Kansas, medical physicists must be registered, but there are no licensing requirements. In Missouri, there are no requirements at all.
Radiation error is a form of medical malpractice. It can lead to serious injury and even death. If you have been injured due to medical negligence while a patient at a hospital, you have rights. Contact the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses. Call our Kansas City office at 888-348-2616 to discuss your legal rights with a personal injury attorney.
And request our free book, The Truth About Medical Malpractice claims.
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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
Get Directions
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys*
11900 College Boulevard, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein
11900 College Boulevard, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein
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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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Latest News
- Posted on 4/1/2012Mother Sues Florida Hospital after Nurse Cuts Baby's Finger Off
- Posted on 7/29/2011Kansas City Hospitals Exceed National Average for Medical Mistakes