Goldblatt & Singer Law Firm Blog

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can sometimes start out looking like a bruise but can be dangerous if left untreated. TOS describes a group of disorders that occur when nerves and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the lower neck and upper chest area become compressed, injured, or irritated.

Gross negligence is a legal concept that describes an extreme lack of care or recklessness shown by one party that results in harm. In other words, the grossly negligent party demonstrated a clear disregard for the health and safety of others.

There is some degree of risk in every medical procedure or drug prescribed, and it is a doctor’s duty to make patients aware of them prior to treatment whenever possible. When a patient affirms that he or she understands the risks and still wishes to undergo the procedure or take the medication, this is known as “informed consent.”

Doctors and healthcare professionals have a professional duty to fulfill: care for their patients by diagnosing problems and improving their health as much as is reasonably possible. Of course, some conditions are inherently difficult to diagnose, but when doctors fail to follow standard diagnostic procedures, patients suffer.