New York Medical Indemnity Fund Set Up to Help Children Injured by Medical Malpractice is Running Out of Money
According to local and national news reports, the New York state Medical Indemnity Fund, which was created to assist children who were injured due to doctor medical malpractice, is running out of money with drastic shortfalls reported, and will soon need additional funding to survive. CBS News reports on the Fund’s worrisome shortfall, in which some families who receive assistance from the Fund already state that they are seeing delays and challenges in getting much-needed assistance.
In New York, patients who have been injured due to doctor or medical provider medical malpractice may sue for compensation under New York state medical malpractice laws. However, the New York state Medical Indemnity Fund was established because negligent doctors and medical care providers and hospitals are only “on the hook” for part of the damages awarded to medical malpractice victims in medical malpractice cases, and, instead, child victims of medical malpractice are “enrolled” into the Fund to receive lifetime medical care for their injuries. When the Fund was first established in 2011, lawmakers envisioned that hospitals would contribute to the fund. However, state records now show that the fund lacks a needed $3 billion. That shortfall is already said to be affecting New York families across the state.
One Medical Malpractice Victim’s Story: Frustrations Getting Assistance from the Fund
Chase Sadowski, a victim of medical malpractice as a child that left him with a neurological injury, shared his story with CBS News. Sadowski is now 17 years old and suffers from severely impaired motor skills as a result of his medical malpractice injury. Sadowski’s wheelchair lift has been funded by the Medical Indemnity Fund, but it is now broken. The Fund has also failed to make modifications, as promised, to Sadowski’s car so that he can drive. Sadowski says of the frustrating situation, “I just feel we were lied to.” Sadowski’s father noted, “Where’s these environmental modifications? Where’s these vehicular modifications? I don’t get to spend that much quality time with my son because I’m too busy fighting for the things that he needs.”
As it stands now, according to CBS News, New York lawmakers are aware that the Fund needs more money, but there is much unknown about the state of the Fund and where funding will come from. It is clear, however, that medical malpractice against children has not ceased, and New York City children are at risk of injury by negligent doctors and medical care professionals.
Legal Help for New York City Medical Malpractice Victims
If you or a loved one were injured by a negligent doctor in New York City and you are seeking justice, contact the experienced New York City medical malpractice lawyers at the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. The experienced New York City medical malpractice lawyers at the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. are here to help victims of medical malpractice get compensation due for their injuries and losses under New York laws. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer today. Contact the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. and speak to a lawyer about your rights and options now.
Source:
cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-york-state-medical-indemnity-fund-medical-malpractice/
