AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have been a practicing civil trial attorney since 1989 dealing primarily with malpractice issues. I litigate very select medical malpractice cases on behalf of patients or their families. I am a Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am also Certified in Injury and Wrongful Death by the Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
In addition to my law degree, I received a Master of Arts in Bioethics and a Doctorate of Philosophy involving Medical Ethics. Because I am also an Adjunct Professor in Research and Medical Ethics at a medical school, I routinely consult with physicians and hospitals regarding medical ethics issues in an effort to improve patient care.
I can answer questions dealing with medical ethics principles. I can also respond to questions regarding potential malpractice issues.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 and I have a masters degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy American Association for Justice Arizona Trial Lawyers Association American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosophy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question I had an IUD inserted two months ago. After spending that entire day in stabbing pain, I made a doctor's appointment the next day. My doctor checked the placement of the IUD and could not locate the strings. I was then referred to a different facility to have an ultrasound done. The ultrasound technician's exact words were "this is most likely it" (referring to the IUD). Shortly after the ultrasound, my doctor called me confirming the IUD is in the correct position. I had a follow up appointment with my doctor the next day. To double check the placement of the IUD, she referred me to have an x-ray done that same day. I did not hear from my doctor after that.
Because of mild discomfort and a lot of spotting, I decided to have my IUD removed. This appointment was with a different doctor, who could not find the IUD strings and referred me to a gynecologist. Today, at my appointment with the gynecologist, he first started out by doing an ultrasound to check the placement of the IUD. He could not locate it. He then did a vaginal exam to check for the strings, but could not find them. The gynecologist then went to radiology to look at the x-ray that was done two months ago and in only minutes confirmed that the IUD had in fact perforated through my uterus during insertion and the doctor who inserted it neglected to call and inform me. I've got to be able to press charges on someone, right?
Answer Lindsay,
I am sorry to hear about your experience.
You can certainly make a claim and turn in submit a complaint to your State's Board of Medical Examiners. There was an obvious breakdown between the radiologist, your OB/GYN and you. I suggest you contact an attorney to determine if the radiologist reported the findings to the OB/GYN. If not, your claim is with the radiologist. If the radiologist reported the findings, your claim is with the OB/GYN for failing to communicate the findings with you in a timely manner.
