Duffy & Duffy Recognizes National Patient Safety Week

UNIONDALE, N.Y., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Duffy & Duffy, a preeminent medical malpractice law firm based in Uniondale, N.Y., applauds the National Patient Safety Foundation's (NPSF) eighth annual National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which takes place March 7-13, 2010. This observance reinforces the importance of quality health care for patients, placing an increased emphasis on patient safety.  

Each year in New York, more than 7,000 victims suffer from medical errors that could have been prevented. Duffy & Duffy encourages patients to take charge of their own care by learning what questions to ask and by feeling comfortable enough to speak up when something is not right.  

"Too often, my firm works with patients who were put through unnecessary pain and suffering because of a medical error that should have been prevented," said Mike Duffy, Managing Partner, Duffy & Duffy. "While doctors and hospitals should be held accountable for any mistakes made, patients should also take an active role by arming themselves with the information they need to know when given a diagnosis or prescribed a treatment or medication."

Duffy & Duffy recommends patients heed the following tips, which were developed by the Agency for Healthcare, Research and Quality and are supported by the NPSF:

• Speak up if you have any questions or concerns
• Ensure your surgeon and doctor agree and are clear on what needs to be done if you're having surgery
• Make sure anyone involved in your care is fully informed of your health information
• Question a treatment if it doesn't seem necessary – more isn't always better
• Learn about your condition and treatments by asking (your doctor, nurse, other reliable sources)
• If you don't hear back on test results, ask – no news isn't always good news

While National Patient Safety Awareness Week offers increased emphasis on patient safety, Duffy & Duffy encourages patients to remember these tips throughout the year.

About Duffy & Duffy: One of the preeminent trial firms in the nation, Duffy & Duffy, Esqs. provides unparalleled legal counsel to the victims of medical malpractice and negligence-with unparalleled results. The firm's seasoned trial partners have more than 50 years of experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases. Duffy & Duffy has a proven track record in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of their clients. For more information, please visit http://www.duffyduffylaw.com/.

SOURCE Duffy & Duffy