Medical Errors: “Study Confirms Experience that Doctors Cover Up Mistakes”
Boston Medical Malpractice Attorney Marc L. Breakstone Comments on His Experience with Medical Record Cover-Ups in His Record-Breaking Recoveries
BOSTON – (February 9, 2012) – Boston medical malpractice attorney Marc L. Breakstone said today, “The Mongan Institute for Health Policy Survey concerning doctors’ adherence to medical standards confirms what we have learned through years of litigation experience: Doctors often conceal their errors to avoid the consequences of their mistakes.”
Mr. Breakstone, who has recovered two of the largest medical negligence awards for individuals in Massachusetts history ($10.2 million and $7.5 million), said that he has seen numerous cases in which doctors have altered medical records or created false medical records to “cover their tracks.” In these two cases, it was shown that physicians, nurses, EMTs and others had either altered, destroyed or recreated falsified records.
These bogus records were revealed after years of investigation and intensive discovery efforts. Mr. Breakstone pointed out that “these falsified records appeared genuine to the patients’ families. It was not until we dug up original pre-altered records that the cover-ups were revealed.” Mr. Breakstone lamented that the falsification of medical records is rarely disclosed. Without the civil justice system, “most wrong-doing would go unnoticed and unpunished,” he said. He also said that it is rare for a physician to admit they had made an error, big or small.
Mr. Breakstone added that it is important for patients to learn as much as they can about their medical procedures and conditions so they can ask hard questions if matters become complicated. “Patients have a right to review their records at any time, even while in the hospital, and this is one way to make sure mistakes are not buried.”
Mr. Breakstone is available for further comment on the Mongan Institute Report as well as other patient safety issues. For more information, call 978-284-3401 or 617-723-7676.
Click here to read: Doctors Admit They Lie to Patients and Hide Mistakes, Survey Reveals, The Boston Globe, Feb. 9, 2012.
The lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck of Boston have over 80 years combined experience handling complex medical malpractice cases involving surgical malpractice, medical errors, medication errors and failure to diagnose cancer. If you have been injured, it is important to learn your rights and how long you have to file a claim. For a free legal consultation, contact us today at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.