Medical Malpractice

Burnham Brown attorneys have extensive experience successfully defending doctors, hospitals, medical groups, long term care facilities, IPAs, and other health care providers. Our cases require attorneys who understand complex medical issues and are able to explain these concepts to people without medical training - people like judges and juries. We have the medical background and legal expertise that allows them to understand the underlying medical issues, and develop the most formidable medical defense.

In addition to litigation and trial work in this area, Burnham Brown has provided claims analysis and handling services for health care clients, and advised doctors, medical corporations and other health care providers on State, Medicare, Medi-Cal, HCFA, and HIPAA law and regulations and risk management issues. Burnham Brown attorneys have recently handled the following matters:

• Represented OB/GYN against medical malpractice claim. After the delivery of her child, the patient experienced a post partum hemorrhage due to an amniotic fluid embolism. The doctor performed an emergency hysterectomy. The plaintiffs alleged the doctor negligently managed the hemorrhage, and failed to attempt more conservative measures.
• Represented Orthopedist against medical malpractice claim. Patient had a history of metastatic prostate cancer, with a biopsy confirming the presence of tumor cells in his left femoral neck. The doctor inserted a gamma nail for a subsequent fracture at the tumor site. The plaintiff alleged the procedure was negligently performed, following the breaking of the gamma nail and the discovery of a non-union.
• Represented Cardiologist against malpractice claim. Patient had a history of CAD, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an acute myocardial infraction, and presented with complaints of shortness of breath and chest pain. The doctor prescribed calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and nitroglycerin, and scheduled several cardio diagnostic tests. The plaintiff contended that given his history and symptoms an immediate angiogram should have preformed, and that the doctors omissions caused him to sustain additional heart damage.
• Represented OB/GYN against malpractice claim. During the delivery of the patient's third child, the infant's shoulder became impacted upon the pelvic bone. The doctor performed a series of maneuvers to release the child. However, the infant developed an Erb's palsy injury.