Josh Atkins, M.D., calls our attention to a recent article in the Philadelphia Daily News (May 14, 2009). After a 10 day trial a Jury awarded the money to the widow of a 51 year old man who presented to the emergency department with chest, back and leg pains. A chest x-ray that was ordered was never read by the emergency department physician who ordered the film (he went off duty), nor was it seen by his replacement (inadequate hand off). The radiologist read the film the next morning, but by then the patient had died. (link to original article: ( http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/44960862.html )
David S. Smith, M.D., Ph.D.
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