Epistaxis: the factors involved in determining medicolegal liability
Publication Date
2014
Journal Title
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol
Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine litigation involving epistaxis and analyze factors that determine liability. MethodsJury verdicts and settlements regarding cases involving epistaxis were gathered utilizing the Westlaw database. Factors involved in litigation gathered included demographics, defendant specialty, procedure, alleged cause of malpractice, outcome, monetary award, and other variables. ResultsA total of 26 cases were analyzed. The majority of cases (57.7%) were decided in favor of the plaintiff or settled out of court. Total awards amounted to $24,501,252. Average awards for cases decided in favor of the plaintiff were $2,260,893 and ranged from $499,845 to $9,022,643. Settlements averaged $1,084,375 and ranged from $300,000 to $3,800,000. Common causes of malpractice encountered included delay in diagnosis, complications from medical procedures, and failure to recognize complications in a timely manner. ConclusionContrary to previous reports analyzing malpractice for varying medical procedures and complications, litigation in epistaxis is more commonly resolved in favor of the plaintiff or resolved through out-of-court settlements. Substantial financial awards and therapeutic complications from blindness to death make epistaxis a candidate for litigation. Of importance from a medicolegal stand is the fact that 30.8% (8) of the patients involved in epistaxis litigation died, either from complications of therapy or from experiencing epistaxis as a complication of another procedure/pathology. Using necessary diagnostic imaging, ensuring proper management techniques, and recognizing complications in a timely manner can serve to limit legal liability and enhance patient safety. (C) 2013 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Volume Number
4
Issue Number
1
Pages
76-81
Document Type
Article
Status
Northwell Researcher
Facility
Northwell Health
Primary Department
Otolaryngology
PMID
DOI
10.1002/alr.21229