Monday, May 09, 2011 Patient Advocates
I have recently learned of a very disturbing practice occurring in certain hospitals: Some hospitals have people on staff called "Patient Advocates". These people are supposed to provide aid and assistance to patients and their families when problems or disputes arise between them and the hospital.
As a Bay Area medical malpractice attorney, I evaluate cases against hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers, for medical negligence. In one case, a young boy's fracture of the arm was missed by physicians and staff at an Oakland Hospital specializing in treating children. When the fracture was finally discovery, it had healed in poor position and could not by repositioned entirely properly, leaving the youngster with a degree of disability. The "Patient Advocate" entered the picture with a Release which was intended to have the parents release the hospital from any liability for a little over $3000, a grossly unfair sum. The "Patient Advocate" also did not disclose to the parents that settlement of this type on behalf of a child must be approved by the Court.
Fortunately, the parents came to us before they signed the Release. We are now representing the young boy in order to obtain fair compensation and have also sought an injunction against the hospital requiring it to cease and desist from utilizing "Patient Advocates" in such a deceptive way. |