Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

November 29, 2023

The HIV and Hepatitis Exposure at Salem Hospital—Blog

In a concerning development that has raised alarms in the medical community, Salem Hospital in Massachusetts recently disclosed a significant health scare involving the potential exposure of nearly 450 patients to bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B, and C. This incident, stemming from endoscopy procedures conducted over two years, has put a spotlight on critical issues surrounding patient safety and healthcare practices.

The nature of the exposure, as reported, involved inconsistencies in the administration of IV medications during endoscopy procedures, a standard practice in internal examinations. This revelation has prompted a thorough investigation into the hospital’s protocols and procedures. In response, Salem Hospital has initiated a series of corrective measures. It has been working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to mitigate any potential health risks to affected patients.

The goal is to provide an in-depth analysis of the incident, examine how such an exposure could occur in a modern medical setting, examine the immediate and long-term responses by Salem Hospital, and examine the broader implications for public health and patient safety standards. Many legal and ethical considerations arise in such situations, underscoring the importance of rigorous healthcare protocols and patients’ rights in the face of medical uncertainties.

November 13, 2023

Understanding Daylight Saving Time: Safety Tips and Awareness

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Adjusting our clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice made in history and surrounded by debate. Instituted during World War I as a measure to conserve energy by extending daylight hours, DST has had a lasting impact on how we manage our time and activities. When we “spring forward,” we move our clocks an hour ahead, effectively shifting an hour of morning light to the evening. Conversely, when we “fall back,” we return to standard time, reclaiming the hour of daylight in the morning. This shift, although seemingly minor, can have profound effects on our daily lives.

The idea behind DST hinges on the thought that by aligning our active hours with daylight hours, we can reduce the need for artificial lighting and save energy. However, the effectiveness and benefits of DST have been a subject of ongoing debate. Critics argue that the energy savings are marginal and do not justify the disruption caused to human circadian rhythms.

Beyond the discussions of energy conservation, the time change can pose real dangers, particularly in modern society where schedules and routines are tightly packed and finely tuned. The loss of an hour’s sleep in spring can lead to increased sleepiness and distraction, which can be particularly hazardous when it comes to activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery. The change can also exacerbate health issues, affecting everything from cardiac function to mental health.

October 31, 2023

Trick-or-Treating Safety 101: What Every Parent Should Know

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Halloween is more than just a holiday; it’s a season of joy, creativity, and community. For children, the allure of transforming into their favorite characters and embarking on a neighborhood adventure for candy is a source of immense excitement. Families come together to decorate their homes, carve pumpkins, and partake in local festivities, making it a cherished time of year for many. Yet, amid the laughter and the rustle of costumes, it’s easy to overlook the importance of safety.

As the streets fill with young witches, superheroes, and princesses, the risks associated with this fun-filled night also rise. From navigating dark roads to interacting with strangers, Halloween presents a unique set of challenges that require careful attention. That’s why safety precautions should not be an afterthought but an integral part of your Halloween planning.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we are committed to the well-being of our community, and we want to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for your young trick-or-treaters.

October 11, 2023

The Discharge of a Brigham and Women’s Hospital Doctor: Ethical and Legal Implications

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In recent news, Dr. Derrick Todd, a rheumatologist, formerly affiliated with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham is facing mounting allegations of conducting inappropriate pelvic and breast examinations. The hospital placed Dr. Todd on administrative leave and launched an investigation which led to their decision to terminate his employment. In light of the hospital’s decision to terminate his employment, Dr. Todd resigned. In addition, Dr. Todd has entered into a voluntary agreement with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine not to practice medicine.

This unsettling case has not only raised concerns about the conduct of the accused physician but has also cast a spotlight on broader issues concerning patient safety, medical ethics, and the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers. The allegations against Dr. Todd serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability patients may experience when seeking medical care. They also underscore the responsibility that medical institutions have in ensuring that their staff adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.

If you were a patient of Dr. Todd and believe he performed medically unnecessary breast and pelvic examinations it’s imperative to seek legal counsel immediately. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers are experts in handling medical malpractice cases and can provide you with the legal guidance you need.

July 24, 2023

Harvard Medical School Controversy: Misused Cadavers and the Legal Fallout

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As a firm that has stood at the forefront of personal injury and medical malpractice litigation for years, we at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers understand the importance of trust, particularly when it pertains to the healthcare sector and medical institutions. It is with a sense of concern and disappointment that we bring to your attention a disturbing development from one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, Harvard Medical School.

In an unsettling revelation, a lawsuit has been filed against Harvard Medical School involving a disturbing case of desecration and mismanagement of bodies donated for scientific research. The lawsuit, a class action, was initiated by John Bozek, whose mother’s body was donated to the institution for research purposes. Bozek’s action represents not just his personal grievance but also the concerns of all families who believe their loved one’s body parts were mishandled by the school’s former morgue manager.

A Perversion of Trust

January 20, 2023

Female Lawyers Are Today’s Lady Justice

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As the story goes, Lady Justice, also known as Lady Liberty, was a Roman goddess who was recognized by the scales she held in one hand to balance the concepts of reason and justice, and a sword in the other hand to symbolize the swift power of justice. In addition, she is sometimes depicted wearing a blindfold to represent the idea that justice should be rendered without regard for a person’s wealth, status, or power.

If you have ever visited Charlestown, you have probably seen the Lady Justice sculpture that serves as a memorial to Massachusetts’ first courts established in 1630. However, women did not start working in the legal profession until 1869 and have played an essential role in the legal system ever since. They have helped create a place for others to grow and contribute in an environment that men have traditionally dominated.

History is filled with trailblazing female attorneys who shaped American history. For example, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Harvard Law School graduate, became the second female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, following in Sandra Day O’Connor’s footsteps. She has blazed the way for the female attorneys and judges of today. Another Harvard Law School graduate, Janet Reno became the first female Attorney General of the United States in 1993. And let us not forget Margaret Marshall, one of the most famous female lawyers from Massachusetts. Born in South Africa, Marshall completed her legal education at Yale Law School. She was appointed to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 1999 and was the first female to serve in that capacity. She did so until 2010.

January 20, 2023

Court Orders Geico to Pay $5.2 Million to Woman Who Contracted STD in Car

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Geico has been ordered to pay $5.2 million in damages to a Missouri woman who allegedly contracted a sexually transmitted disease, known as HPV, in an insured car owned by her then-boyfriend.

On June 7, the Missouri Court of Appeals published an opinion siding with the woman, identified in court papers as M.O., who said she contracted HPV while having sex in the policyholder’s car in 2017.

HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted disease with symptoms that include warts on or near the genitals. Although many people with HPV are asymptomatic, they can still infect others via sexual contact. While treatment can help people with HPV, there is no cure.

January 20, 2023

What To Do When You are Injured

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Suffering an injury can be a jarring experience. It can be downright overwhelming when it’s at the hands of a negligent person or entity. However, you must not panic. Instead, approach the situation carefully, as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

It’s important to know what to do immediately following an accident. Here are five things you should do following an injury.

Report the accident. It’s normal to want to put your injury out of your mind. However, you must record your experience and be as detailed as possible. This could be your testimony and give your case credibility.

September 2, 2022

Man Dragged to His Death by Red Line Train in South Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In April 2022, a 39-year-old Boston man died after he became trapped in the door of a Red Line train and was dragged a short distance as the train left a platform in South Boston.

Unfortunately, these tragic incidents happen far too frequently and cause serious injury to innocent travelers, even though they are largely preventable.

Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers believes that everyone should be able to use the MBTA’s systems and facilities safely and without incident. If you or a family member have been hurt in an MBTA subway or train dragging accident, we can help you recover maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

July 16, 2022

ROUND UP LITIGATION UPDATE

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Recently the United States Supreme Court has rejected two bids by Bayer (the purchaser of Monsanto) to dismiss litigation that Round Up weed killer causes cancer.

Round Up is a glyphosate based herbicide manufactured by Monsato. Essentially it is a weed killer. Glyphosate is known as a probable human carcinogen that is linked to the development of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL).

The Supreme Court denied a petition by Bayer that had asked the Court to consider whether the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) preempts a state law failure to warn claim regarding warnings labels on Round Up weed killer.