The Weekend Effect: Why Hospital Risk Goes Up on Weekends and How to Mitigate It
People checking into a hospital on weekends are more likely to die than those who admitted on weekdays. The phenomenon has been dubbed “the weekend effect.”
“Bad Apple” Doctors and Nurses, or Negligent Systems — What Causes Medical Error?
Two decades of study lead to this big-picture conclusion: Medical errors flow mostly from badly designed systems — not from bad physicians and nurses.
How Can a Stroke Lead to an Amputated Leg?
A stroke usually comes from a blood clot in the brain. So how can a something that starts in the brain lead to an amputated leg? Sadly, it's not that...
The Case of Sandra Williams: Part Two
Resolving the case of Sandra Williams v. St. Francis Hospital, which pit Williams and Bell Law Firm against staggering negligence and courtroom deceit.
The Case of Sandra Williams: Part One
The case of Sandra Williams v. St. Francis Hospital pit Williams and Bell Law Firm against staggering negligence and courtroom deceit.
Surgical Fires and Operating Room Fires: A Rare, but Real Danger
There are 3 components to a surgical fire: an ignition source, an oxidizer such as nitrous oxide, and fuel; all generally present in operating rooms. Such fires burn more than 500 people annually,...
War Stories: Cris Nelson and a Lesson in Creativity
Nelson v. Emory shows that the common thread in medical malpractice cases is the human story. Show it to the jury and they will see the truth.
War Stories: Michael Barbour and a Lesson in Risk
Barbour v. Piedmont Newnan Hospital was a challenging malpractice case that underscores the importance of creativity in the courtroom and the power of human connection.
War Stories: Connie Lockhart and a Lesson in Tenacity
Roughly 85-90% of the cases we see are resolved through settlements. However, that wasn’t the case for Connie Lockhart. Her case went all the way through a jury trial, where...
Breaking Down the Ryan Stephens Case: Pt. 2
There are 3 lessons I take away from the Stephens case: the importance of communication, how quickly a mistake can turn horrific and the need for awareness.