Health

COVID-19 Creating New Medical Malpractice Cases

Published

4 years ago

September 15, 2020

As the pandemic continues to impact many industries and ways of life, some are surprised by the increase in medical malpractice cases across the country. Shortages of supplies like personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer in addition to shortages of staffing and rooms in many hospitals has forced medical teams to make difficult decisions that may generate medical malpractice suits.

As courts sift through the many medical malpractice cases with limited staff and limited hours, medical professionals and attorneys who deal with medical malpractice cases say that they have seen more active cases related to COVID-19 or in relation to some of the ramifications of the pandemic. This may mean longer wait times of compensation for those seeking damages from negligent nurses, physicians, or other medical staff.

While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act that broadly protects those providing medical treatment for covid-19, there may still be individuals who seek compensation on behalf of loved ones who were injured or died due to the negligence of a medical professional.

Additionally, there may still be instances of negligent care for non-coronavirus related medical care because medical staff are overwhelmed from the pandemic, leaving another avenue where patients could seek damages. As the pandemic continues within the U.S., some who have received medical care may want to pursue a claim for negligent care either related to the novel coronavirus, or for another instance of negligence in the medical setting.

What is Medical Malpractice?

A medical malpractice case can arise when a medical or health care professional causes unwarranted or negligent injury to a patient. It could be an action or non-action and can either be an intentional disregard of medical policy or simply an accident.

“Medical malpractice cases can arise in a variety of situations, but commonly occurs in surgeries where a surgical team is in a rush and may fail to sterilize the surgical equipment, or fails to do a proper count before the patient is closed up and mistakenly leaves behind tools or equipment in a patient,” explains attorney Gary Christmas of Christmas Injury Lawyers.

In many instances of medical malpractice, a patient’s life is severely impacted by the action or inaction of the physician or medical team. In the scope of the coronavirus pandemic, some instances that could fall under medical malpractice are premature discharges, failure to recognize systems or order proper testing, and poor follow-up or aftercare.

How Has Coronavirus Created New Medical Malpractice Claims?

As medical professionals continue to learn more and more about the novel coronavirus, their strategies and treatments have adapted. However, there is still a shortage of space and personal protective equipment that threatens hospitals across the country. This means that medical teams may be more likely to release a patient early or incorrectly diagnose a patient to prevent them taking up a bed that could go to a worse-off patient.

Actions like these could cause the severe injury or death of a patient, which is where medical malpractice suits have risen. Whether due to an overwhelmed hospital, or to the lack of awareness in the medical professional treating a patient, some are seeking justice after experiencing medical malpractice in states across the country.

Some claims may be related to inadequate care, and other claims may derive from a patient who entered a hospital for a non-coronavirus related need and was disregarded or insufficiently cared for. In instances like these, patients and their loved ones may benefit from seeking legal representation or assistance. The HHS may have generated broad protections for hospitals and medical teams, but there may still be the possibility of compensation.

Looking Forward

There is still much to be understood about the novel coronavirus, but one thing that is for certain is that it will have profound long lasting effects on how medical professionals and everyday people interact. While there does not appear to be an end in sight, there are still many things a person could do to protect themselves and the ones they love from the virus, or from negligent medical care.

For anyone thinking of pursuing a medical malpractice claim, it may be beneficial to reach out to a local attorney who handles these types of cases. With the unprecedented situation created by the coronavirus pandemic, laws and regulations surrounding medical malpractice claims may have changed in a way that impacts a person’s ability to pursue their rightful compensation. Lawyers like them could not only help a person understand the nuances of the law, but they could additionally help them navigate their personal medical malpractice case in such a strange time.

Health

What Sets Why Not Natural Supplements Above Other Supplements Companies in the U.S.

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Why Not Natural

By: Georgette Virgo

In an industry plagued by minimal regulation and questionable practices, Why Not Natural Supplements sets a new standard in transparency and scientific excellence. Founded by chemical engineer Kelin Marquet, this female-owned supplement company challenges the status quo with clean and effective formulations backed by rigorous research.

Why Not Natural Supplements’ outlook on supplement creation contrasts starkly with many competitors in the $50 billion U.S. dietary supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval for supplements, which leaves consumers vulnerable to potentially ineffective or harmful products. Why Not Natural Supplements has implemented stringent self-imposed standards that go far beyond regulatory requirements.

“We’re on a mission to educate consumers about what a supplement should look like,” says Kelin Marquet. “As a mother of three, I’m motivated by creating supplements that I feel comfortable giving to my own family.”

A Science-First Approach to Supplement Formulation

Why Not Natural Supplements’ commitment to scientific integrity begins with its founder. Marquet’s background in chemical engineering informs every aspect of the company’s product development process.

“I use my background and strong understanding of science to pore through research articles and choose active ingredients that work – not cheap substitutes you usually find in supplements,” Kelin Marquet explains.

This science-first perspective extends to the company’s use of bioavailable forms of nutrients and its emphasis on third-party testing. Why Not Natural Supplements rigorously tests every product—including their best-selling Organic Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops with K2, 4-in-1 Magnesium Complex, Liquid Vitamin A (10,000 IU) with Coconut MCT Oil, and many others—for purity and potency. This practice sets the company apart in an industry where such thorough quality control is far from standard.

Transparency and Clean Formulations

Why Not Natural Supplements’ transparency is evident in its viewpoint on ingredient selection and labeling. The company maintains a list of ingredients that will never appear in its products, including artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and common allergens.

“It’s not just about what’s in a supplement – it’s essential what’s not in it, too,” Marquet emphasizes. This philosophy extends to the company’s use of clean, minimalist formulations that avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.

The company provides consumers with clear, accurate information about each product’s contents. This level of transparency is rare in an industry where, according to the National Institutes of Health, supplement labels may not always accurately reflect the product’s contents.

Kelin Marquet emphasizes that each product formulation undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny, with every ingredient serving a specific, research-backed purpose. “We don’t just throw ingredients together because they’re trendy,” Marquet explains. “Every component in our formulas is there for a reason, in its most bioavailable form, and at the optimal dosage.”

Education and Consumer Empowerment

Why Not Natural Supplements’ mission extends beyond creating high-quality supplements to educating consumers about supplement quality and safety. The company uses its social media platforms and website to provide in-depth information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the science behind its formulations.

This educational outlook is particularly crucial in light of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the supplement industry. As online sales platforms capture an increasing market share, the traditional role of natural and specialty retailers as information gatekeepers is diminishing. Why Not Natural Supplements is stepping into this gap, providing consumers with the knowledge they need to understand dietary supplements and find one that best fits their needs.

“We’re not just selling supplements,” Marquet states. “We’re empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health by showing them exactly what goes into each formula and why.”

In an industry where regulation is minimal and quality can be inconsistent, Why Not Natural Supplements stands out as a company committed to raising the bar through its science-based method, commitment to transparency, and focus on consumer education.

“Our goal is to change how individuals see natural supplements,” Marquet concludes. “We believe that by prioritizing quality, efficacy, and transparency, we can help consumers reclaim their health and trust in their supplements.”