A Cowards Quote

 “Courage and conviction are powerful weapons against an enemy who depends only on fists or guns. Animals know when you are afraid; a coward knows when you are not.” – David Seabury

Does Abuse Exist in The Medical System, Elderly & Disabled?

 

What is Patient Abuse?

Patient abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors and actions that violate a patient's rights and dignity. It can manifest in different forms, including physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, neglect, and financial exploitation. Patient abuse is an infringement on a patient's fundamental rights to receive proper care, respect, and protection.

 Recognizing the Signs

Recognizing the signs of patient abuse is essential in identifying and addressing instances of mistreatment promptly. By being aware of the indicators, patients, their families, and healthcare providers can take appropriate action to prevent further harm. It is crucial to understand that signs of patient abuse may vary depending on the type of abuse and the individual's circumstances.

To facilitate recognition, here are some common signs associated with different forms of patient abuse:

Type of Abuse and Signs of Abuse

• ‍‍Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries or bruises, broken bones or  fractures resulting as a result of different techniques resulting in severe harm.
• Emotional and Behavioral Abuse: Fear, anxiety, or depression, agitation or withdrawal, sudden changes in behavior
• Verbal and Psychological Abuse: Humiliation or insults, threats or intimidation, isolation or ignoring the patients legitimate concerns. 
• Neglect and Financial Exploitation: Poor personal hygiene or lack of medical care or medication, unusual financial transactions or missing assets

It is important to note that these signs may not always be definitive proof of patient abuse, but they should raise concerns and prompt further investigation. If you suspect any form of patient abuse, it is crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities and seek support and resources for the affected individual.

By understanding what patient abuse entails and recognizing the signs, we can work together to create a safer and more compassionate healthcare environment for all patients. Promoting awareness, prevention, and intervention are vital steps in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Physical Signs of Patient Abuse

When it comes to identifying patient abuse, recognizing the physical signs is crucial. These signs may manifest as visible injuries or marks on the patient's body. It is important to be vigilant and attentive to any unexplained physical changes that may indicate abuse.

Unexplained Injuries or Bruises

One of the most common physical signs of patient abuse is the presence of unexplained injuries or bruises. These injuries may appear in various locations on the body and may vary in severity. Some common areas where these injuries may be observed include the arms, legs, back, or face.

It is important to note that while occasional bumps and bruises can be a part of everyday life, repeated or unexplained injuries should raise concern. The table below provides examples of potential signs of patient abuse related to unexplained injuries or bruises.

Physical Signs and Description

• ‍‍Multiple bruises in different stages of healing: Bruises at various stages of healing can indicate a pattern of ongoing abuse.
• Injuries inconsistent with the patient's medical condition or explanation: Injuries that do not align with the patient's reported medical history or explanation may indicate abuse.
• Frequent injuries in unusual locations: Injuries in uncommon areas, such as the inner thighs or abdomen, may warrant further investigation.

Broken Bones or Frequent Fractures

Another physical sign of patient abuse is the presence of broken bones or frequent fractures. These injuries are often a result of physical force or trauma inflicted upon the patient. It is important to be cautious when encountering patients with recurrent fractures or a history of multiple bone injuries.

The following table highlights potential signs of patient abuse related to broken bones or frequent fractures.

Physical Signs and Description

• ‍‍Multiple fractures occurring in a short period: Repeated fractures within a short span of time may indicate ongoing abuse.
• Fractures in different stages of healing: Fractures at various stages of healing can suggest a pattern of recurrent injuries.
• Inconsistent or vague explanations for fractures: Inadequate or inconsistent explanations given for fractures may raise suspicions of abuse.

Restraining Marks

Restraining marks, such as bruising or redness around the wrists or ankles, can be indicative of physical abuse. These marks may suggest that the patient has been physically restrained against their will. It is important to pay attention to any signs of physical restraint, especially if they appear frequently or without a legitimate medical reason.

The table below outlines potential signs of patient abuse related to restraining marks.

Physical Signs and Description

• ‍‍Bruising or redness around wrists, ankles, or other body parts: Marks indicating the use of physical restraints can be a sign of abuse.
• Consistent presence of restraining marks: Frequent or persistent presence of restraining marks may indicate ongoing abuse.
• Presence of other injuries alongside restraining marks: The combination of restraining marks with other injuries may suggest physical abuse.

Recognizing and documenting these physical signs of patient abuse is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. If you suspect that a patient may be experiencing abuse, it is important to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities or healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Emotional and Behavioral Signs of Patient Abuse

Recognizing the emotional and behavioral signs of patient abuse is crucial in identifying and addressing instances of mistreatment. Abuse can deeply affect a patient's emotional well-being and behavior, often leaving lasting psychological scars. In this section, we will explore some common indicators of emotional and behavioral abuse.

Fear, Anxiety, or Depression

One of the telltale signs of emotional abuse is the presence of fear, anxiety, or depression in the patient. Abused patients may exhibit excessive fear or apprehension, especially when interacting with certain individuals or in specific environments. They may also display signs of anxiety, such as restlessness, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. Moreover, a significant change in the patient's overall mood, including prolonged periods of sadness or unexplained depression, can be indicative of emotional abuse.

Agitation or Withdrawal

Abused patients may exhibit behavioral changes, often manifesting as agitation or withdrawal. They may become easily agitated, displaying signs of irritability, aggression, or hostility towards others. On the other hand, some patients may withdraw and become socially isolated, avoiding interactions or activities they previously enjoyed. These changes in behavior can be a result of the psychological trauma caused by abuse.

Sudden Changes in Behavior

Another important sign to look out for is sudden and unexplained changes in a patient's behavior. This can include drastic shifts in personality, interests, or daily routines. For example, a previously outgoing patient may suddenly become introverted, avoiding social interactions. Or a patient who was once punctual and organized may start displaying disorganized or erratic behavior. These sudden changes can be an indication of emotional distress resulting from abuse.

It is important to note that emotional and behavioral signs alone may not definitively confirm patient abuse. However, they serve as red flags, prompting further investigation and intervention. If you suspect abuse based on these signs, it is essential to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities and ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.

By understanding and recognizing the emotional and behavioral signs of patient abuse, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable individuals. Being vigilant and proactive in identifying these signs can help protect patients from further harm and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.

Verbal and Psychological Signs of Patient Abuse

In addition to physical signs, patient abuse can also manifest through verbal and psychological means. These signs may be more subtle but can have a profound impact on the well-being and mental health of the patient. It's important to be aware of these signs to identify and address patient abuse effectively.

Humiliation or Insults

One of the verbal signs of patient abuse is the use of humiliation or insults towards the patient. Abusive individuals may belittle, mock, or degrade the patient, undermining their self-esteem and causing emotional distress. This can occur in private or in the presence of others, exacerbating the humiliation experienced by the patient.

Threats or Intimidation

Another red flag of patient abuse is the presence of threats or intimidation. Abusers may use fear as a tactic to control and manipulate patients. They may issue threats of physical harm, punishment, or retaliation to instill fear and ensure compliance. Patients who constantly live in fear or feel threatened should not be taken lightly, as these signs can indicate an abusive environment.

Isolation or Ignoring

Isolation or ignoring is a form of psychological abuse where patients are intentionally excluded or ignored by their caregivers or healthcare providers. This can manifest as purposeful neglect, where patients are denied social interaction, emotional support, or basic human contact. Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, exacerbating the emotional toll of patient abuse.

Understanding and recognizing these verbal and psychological signs of patient abuse is crucial for early intervention and prevention. By being vigilant and observant, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and family members can play a vital role in identifying and reporting instances of patient abuse. It is essential to create a safe environment where patients feel empowered to speak up and seek help if they experience any form of abuse.

Neglect and Financial Exploitation

In addition to physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, patient abuse can also manifest in the form of neglect and financial exploitation. It is crucial to recognize the signs of neglect and financial abuse to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable patients.

Poor Personal Hygiene or Malnutrition

Neglect can be observed through the neglect of a patient's personal hygiene and nutrition. Patients who are subjected to neglect may have unkempt appearances, poor oral hygiene, or unclean living environments. Lack of proper nutrition can result in visible weight loss, malnourishment, or dehydration.

Signs of Neglect and Examples

• ‍‍Poor personal hygiene: Unkempt hair, body odor, dirty clothing
• Malnutrition: Visible weight loss, sunken eyes, pale skin

Lack of Medical Care or Medication

Another sign of patient neglect is the absence of necessary medical care and medication. Patients who are neglected may not receive timely medical attention for their existing health conditions or may be denied access to prescribed medications. This can lead to worsening of their health conditions and preventable complications.

Signs of Neglect and Examples

• ‍‍Lack of medical care: Delayed or missed medical appointments, untreated injuries or illnesses
• Absence of medication: Inconsistent or no administration of prescribed medication

Unusual Financial Transactions or Missing Assets

Financial exploitation occurs when a patient's finances or assets are misused or taken without their consent. Caregivers or others in positions of trust may exploit patients financially, leading to significant financial losses. It is important to be vigilant for any unusual financial transactions, sudden changes in the patient's financial situation, or missing assets.

Signs of Financial Exploitation and Examples

• ‍‍Unusual financial transactions: Unauthorized withdrawals, excessive spending, sudden changes in financial accounts
• Missing assets: Disappearance of valuable possessions, unexplained loss of money

Recognizing the signs of neglect and financial exploitation is crucial in protecting vulnerable patients. If you suspect any form of patient abuse, it is important to take action by reporting your concerns, seeking support and resources, and promoting awareness and prevention to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.

Taking Action Against Patient Abuse

When it comes to patient abuse, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect the well-being and safety of vulnerable individuals. Recognizing the signs of abuse is just the first step. This section focuses on the actions that can be taken to address patient abuse effectively.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

If you suspect that a patient is being abused, it is essential to report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. Reporting suspected abuse helps ensure that the victim receives the necessary support and intervention. The reporting process may vary depending on the specific circumstances and location, but here are some general steps to follow:

1. Document the details: Make a note of the observed signs of abuse, including dates, times, locations, and any other relevant information.
2. Contact the appropriate authorities: Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate agency or organization, such as a local law enforcement agency, adult protective services, or a healthcare facility's designated reporting line.
3. Provide accurate information: Be prepared to provide the details of the suspected abuse, as well as any supporting evidence or documentation you may have.
4. Follow up: If you have reported abuse, follow up with the appropriate authorities to ensure that your concerns are being addressed and that the necessary actions are being taken.

Seeking Support and Resources

Support and resources are crucial for both the victims of patient abuse and those who suspect or report abuse. If you are a victim or know someone who is, it is important to seek help from the following sources:

Resource and Contact Information

‍National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

National Adult Protective Services Association: www.napsa-now.org

Remember, seeking support is not limited to the victims alone. If you suspect abuse or want to learn more about preventing patient abuse, reach out to these resources for guidance and assistance.

Promoting Awareness and Prevention

Raising awareness about patient abuse is a crucial step in preventing future incidents. By promoting awareness, we can work towards creating a safe and supportive environment for patients. Here are some actions that individuals and organizations can take to promote awareness and prevention:

• Educate healthcare professionals: Provide training and resources to healthcare professionals to help them recognize and respond to signs of patient abuse effectively.
• Establish reporting mechanisms: Encourage the implementation of clear and accessible reporting mechanisms within healthcare facilities to ensure that suspected abuse is promptly addressed.
• Advocate for policy changes: Support initiatives that aim to strengthen laws and regulations related to patient abuse and advocate for the rights and protection of vulnerable individuals.
• Foster a culture of empathy and respect: Promote a culture within healthcare settings that prioritizes empathy, respect, and patient-centered care, thereby reducing the likelihood of abuse.

By taking action against patient abuse, we can contribute to a society that values and safeguards the well-being of all individuals. It is our collective responsibility to recognize, report, support, and prevent patient abuse in order to create a safer and more compassionate healthcare system.

Sources

The Signs of Patient Abuse

Elder Abuse Signs and What to Look For

Signs | Elder Abuse | Stanford Medicine

Do Surgeons Decline With Age?

The issue of surgeon retirement age presents a significant concern within the medical community, particularly as it relates to patient safety and surgical outcomes. Research indicates that the physical and cognitive capabilities of surgeons may decline with age, leading to potential risks in surgical performance. The rapid advancements in medical education and technology further exacerbate this issue, as older surgeons may find themselves increasingly disconnected from the latest practices and techniques in their field. The absence of a federally mandated retirement age in the United States compounds the problem, allowing surgeons to continue operating despite evidence suggesting a decline in their abilities.

Anecdotal evidence, alongside objective assessments, highlights the reluctance of many surgeons to retire, often due to personal attachment to their profession or financial considerations. This reluctance poses a substantial risk to patient safety, as the cumulative effects of aging can lead to increased complications during surgery. The medical community must confront this uncomfortable reality and establish clearer guidelines regarding the retirement of surgeons, ensuring that patient welfare remains the paramount concern.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative that hospitals and medical institutions take proactive measures to evaluate the performance of aging surgeons. Regular assessments should be instituted to monitor both physical and cognitive capabilities, thereby ensuring that surgical teams are composed of individuals who can meet the demands of modern surgical practices. 

Failure to address this issue not only jeopardizes patient safety but also undermines the integrity of the surgical profession as a whole. It is essential for the medical system to engage in this critical discourse and implement necessary changes to safeguard the future of surgical care for every patient not just some. 

Abuse Within the Medical System Exists

SIGNS OF ABUSE OF POWER

It can be hard to spot the signs of covert emotional abuse. But there are some common tactics to be aware of, including:

1. Constant criticism and belittling
2. Gaslighting, scapegoating, and love bombing
3. Passive aggressiveness 
4. Isolation from friends and loved ones
5. Undermining your accomplishments
6. Emotional neglect
7. Giving the silent treatment
8. Making subtle, painful digs or threats that sound like jokes 
9. Giving insults that, on the surface, sound like compliments
10. Withholding love or affection
11. Blaming you for all the problems in the relationship or anything that goes wrong
12. Limiting your access to resources or financial control 
13. Forbidding you from getting a job or doing something to better yourself
14. Denying your experience in ways that leave you questioning your reality
15. Doing or saying things that make you feel powerless or undeserving of love
16. Reframing your attempts to connect as neediness
17. Refusing to take responsibility for their words or actions
18. Making promises to change, then denying that they ever made the promises
19. Normalizing abusive, unhealthy behaviors
20. Engaging in online stalking or surveillance to control your internet or phone use

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What should you do if you think you might be experiencing covert emotional abuse?

Because it’s so subtle, it can be hard to tell if you’re experiencing emotional abuse. Abusers often deny any negative intentions and can make you feel like you’re imagining things. For example, they may say things like “Geez it was just a joke” after insulting you. Or they may tell you the reason they don’t want you to spend time with friends is because they want to “protect” you. 

So what should you do if you think you might be experiencing emotional abuse? Most importantly, remember that abuse can take many forms, and it’s never your fault. You don’t have to endure physical harm to be a victim or ask for help. Give yourself time to reflect on your experience and what’s really happening in your relationship. Take note of any suspected instances of abuse and how they made you feel. You can write your thoughts in a journal (but keep it in a secure place) and ask for external validation from friends, family, or other people who know you well. 

As you begin to gain clarity about your situation, you can then take steps to seek support and keep yourself safe.

What options are available to someone experiencing covert emotional abuse?

If you or someone you care about is experiencing abuse of any kind, know that help is available. Your first priority should always be your safety. You can call 911, local crisis services, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233) if you feel that you or your children are in danger. 

If there are no immediate safety concerns, you can use the following suggestions to support yourself as you heal from the effects of emotional abuse. Remember these are just suggestions and what’s most important is finding what works for you.

• Prioritize self-care. Abuse can take a toll on your mental health and physical well-being. So try to set aside some time to engage in activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. 
• Set healthy boundaries. You don’t have to stand by and listen to hurtful comments, manipulations, or insults. Let the other person know that if they belittle you or emotionally abuse you in any way, you’ll remove yourself from the conversation. Plan ahead, and consider where you’ll go if you need to make an exit.
• Challenge self-blame. Abusers will often do or say things that leave you feeling like the abuse is your fault. But that is never the case. So when you notice self-blame creeping in, try to challenge those thoughts. 
• Nurture your support system. Abuse thrives on isolation because it’s harder for a perpetrator to harm you if other people witness their behavior. So reach out to your support network and talk about your experience with people you trust. 
• Seek professional help. Emotional abuse can have a lasting impact on your mental health. A therapist can help you regain your sense of self, set and uphold boundaries, learn to spot abuse, and build healthy relationships.

Find care with Rula

While it can be hard to  detect, research shows that covert emotional abuse can sometimes be even more harmful than physical abuse. So if you or someone you care about has experienced it, know that it’s okay to ask for help. At Rula, our goal is to streamline access to effective, compassionate mental healthcare for anyone who needs it. 

No matter the mental health challenge you’re facing, you can use our therapist-matching program to find a therapist who takes your insurance in just a few minutes. From there, you can schedule your first online appointment and begin accessing care as soon as tomorrow. 

$2.5 MILLION SETTLEMENT :: ROTHMAN HOSPITAL & DR. DAVID NAZARIAN

 Source: LEGAL INTELLIGENCER 

Taking legal action against a hospital or Doctor might feel hopeless at times. Remember that hospitals & Doctors  are responsible for providing safe care, and if negligence caused your loved one's death or  if you suspect negligence or any treatment or medical care  below the standard of care before, during or after hip, knee and/or back and any & all Medical and/or Orthopedic procedures you really deserve answers.

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Jury Returns $2.5M Award Against Rothman Specialty Hospital & Dr. DAVID NAZARIAN, M.D.  for Failing to Prevent Blood Clot After Surgery :: MALPRACTICE  :: NEGLIGENCE :: DEATH

DAVID NAZARIAN,  M.D. 

in a wrongful death lawsuit, discovering the Clinical Team NEGLIGENT in failing to properly treat a patient following hip surgery with David Nazarian. 

Photo: Lightfield Studios via Adobe Stock

News

Jury Returns $2.5M Award Against Health Care Providers for Allegedly Failing to Prevent Blood Clot After Surgery

"I am extremely happy for the family of Mrs. Koesterer. The verdict vindicated their feelings that the life of their mother, who was age 86, was worth more them a nominal sum. It seems to dispel the insurance industry myth that the life of an elderly person is minimal and confirms that no matter the age, all lives are precious," said the plaintiff's attorney, Thomas Sacchetta of Sacchetta & Baldino.

June 07, 2024 at 10:46 AM

CLICK BELOW NOW

Medical Malpractice

Riley Brennan

---

Correction: The article incorrectly stated the verdict was against Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The verdict was only against Rothman Orthopaedics & Dr. David Nazarian.  

A Philadelphia jury returned a $2.5 million verdict against Rothman Orthopaedics & DAVID NAZARIAN,  M.D. in a wrongful death suit,

finding the Clinical Team NEGLIGENT

 in failing to properly treat an elderly patient following hip surgery, which led to a lower left extremity deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism.

The case, Koesterer v. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, was tried for three days before Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Gwendolyn N. Bright, with the suit stemming from the death of Virginia Koesterer, after she suffered a massive venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Koesterer's estate alleged her death was the result of negligence on behalf of numerous health care workers and health care facilities, claiming her VTE originated from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) formed during or soon after her hip surgery the morning before.

Daniel Koesterer, as executor of Koesterer's estate, sued defendants Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Thomas Jefferson University Physicians, Jefferson Health, Jefferson Health System, Reconstructive Orthopaedic Associates II, Reconstructive Orthopaedic Associates II, and Dr. David Nazarian. At trial against the Reconstructive Orthpaedic defendants and David Nazarian, he claimed the defendants failed to properly treat Koesterer for her increased rise of venous thromboembolism development, which he claimed was a breach in the standard of care.

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"I am extremely happy for the family of Mrs. Koesterer. The verdict vindicated their feelings that the life of their mother, who was age 86, was worth more them a nominal sum. It seems to dispel the insurance industry myth that the life of an elderly person is minimal and confirms that no matter the age, all lives are precious," said Koesterer's attorney, Thomas Sacchetta of Sacchetta & Baldino. "The carrier only valued Mrs. Koesterer life at nuisance value. The jury in our case took their job seriously, considered all the evidence, and delivered a fair verdict based on all the evidence."

According to the plaintiff's pretrial memorandum, Koesterer "clearly had a significant past medical history with known increased risk of development of venous thromboembolism," yet all of her anticoagulation medications were stopped before her left total hip arthroplasty.

The plaintiff alleged that Koesterer wasn't adequately mobilized during her postoperative period, and that her blood pressure wasn't adequately maintained, despite the acknowledgment that it should be. Sacchetta claims her orthopedic providers were made aware of her hypotensive episodes.

"This combination of lack of adequate care was a breach in the standard of care and led to the development of Ms. Koesterer's left lower extremity DVT, which ultimately led to a PE that caused her death. Had the standard of care been met, by adequately caring for Ms. Koesterer with maintenance of her aspirin, a bridging anticoagulation therapy, appropriate mobilization, and/or maintenance of her blood pressure to prevent hypotension, Ms. Koesterer would not have developed a left lower extremity DVT that led to a PE and her death," the plaintiff argued in the filing.

The memo further alleged that NAZARIAN failed "to follow the cardiology recommendation of aspirin immediately following surgery," and that this was a breach of the standard of care and "increased the risk of harm to Ms. Koesterer contributing to her death." The hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Physicians, and Thomas Jefferson Health Systems "violated their duty to Ms. Koesterer to ensure her safety and well being while under their care," by failing "to properly oversee all medical providers to ensure that patients safety and that proper medical care was provided," according to the memo.

"Additionally they failed to formulate, adopt, and enforce adequate rules and policies to ensure that quality care for patients including Ms. Koesterer by failing to have proper policies and enforce said policies as is relates to anticoagulation. The breaches of care by the hospital with regard to their failure to enforce the policies and to oversee the medical personnel was a direct violation of the standard of care and caused and increased the risk of harm to Ms. Koesterer thereby causing her death," the plaintiff's filing said.

Defendants, Nazarian, Reconstructive Orthopaedic Associates II, and Reconstructive Orthopaedic Associates II, argued in their pretrial memo that the plaintiff's claims were without merit and denied all allegations of negligence.

According to the defendants, Koesterer was admitted to the hospital for a planned hip replacement by Nazarian. Approximately 1,000 units of heparin were administered intraoperatively, and after the procedures, and Nazarian ordered a 2 mg tablet of warfarin, and entered an order for 2.5 mg warfarin tablets to be given to her once a day.

Koesterer was later seen by Dr. Kenneth Rosenberg at the request of Nazarian. Rosenberg noted that Koesterer "had permanent atrial fibrillation on warfarin with a controlled rate of diltiazem and recommended continuing it unless her systolic went under 100," that the Jefferson Antithrombotic Service (JATS) was following Koesterer for warfarin management, and that Koesterer was on Plavix, which "Dr. Rosenberg felt that aspirin was acceptable for a few days for DVT prevention," according to the defendants.

According to the memo, the morning of Sept. 19, 2019, it was noted that Koesterer denied chest pain, shortness of breath, and bleeding, and that Dr. Taki Galanis planned to start warfarin 2.5 mg that evening and check Koesterer's internal normalized ratio the following day. Galanis also noted that bilateral compression devices were to be continued.

The defendants claim that the cardiology and orthopedic surgery teams were working on plans for antiplatelet resumption, and that the present plan for Koesterer was to continue the current dose of warfarin the evening she died. According to the memo, Koesterer became hypotensive that night, and was later found in ventricular fibrillation and declared dead.

Marcie A. Courtney, a principal at Post & Schell, represented Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Jefferson University Physicians, Jefferson Health, and Jefferson Health System.

Marshall L. Schwartz, a partner at O'Brien & Ryan, served as counsel for the defendants Nazarian, Reconstructive Orthopaedic Associates II, and Reconstructive Orthopaedic Associates II.

Neither attorney immediately responded to messages seeking comment.

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