March 17, 2011 – According to a report from Medline Plus, the results of a new study find that many doctors are working longer hours than safety regulations dictate. In fact, more than 6 out of 10 new surgeons work beyond the time they should. It was found that 1 in 5 surgeons worked more than 90 hours a week and most did not take adequate breaks between shifts. In an effort to keep patients safe, there are guidelines established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), in which surgeons can work. Those who are completing their training should not work beyond 80 hours per week and should take at least a 10 hour break in between shifts. Additionally, they should take off at least 1 day a week. The reason for implementing these guidelines was surgeon fatigue, a common cause of a medical error that can put patients at risk of injury. Despite these guidelines; however, many surgeons find it difficult to stick with them, especially for emergency room medical professionals. The study also found that those who work in vascular surgery or trauma unit were at an increased risk of working beyond allotted hours. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice that was the result of a surgical or medical error, you should immediately consult with a New York medical malpractice attorney.
Contacting a New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one because of medical negligence you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a New York medical malpractice lawyer can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries and decide if filing a medical malpractice claim is right for you. At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of medical malpractice lawyers that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your medical malpractice claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
