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Laurence Michael Deutsch

Laurence Michael Deutsch

Leading medical malpractice verdicts throughout New York State
  • Medical Malpractice
  • New York
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&A
Biography

Laurence Deutsch has a proven record of success in medical malpractice trials for over 20 years. He has achieved some of the leading verdicts in counties throughout New York State.

Mr. Deutsch has been included in the Verdicts and Settlements Hall of Fame by the New York Law Journal.

Mr. Deutsch carries the highest attorney rating (“10.0”) from the Avvo rating service. He has been awarded “Super Lawyer” designation by the Thompson Reuters rating agency. Mr. Deutsch has also obtained the highest rating of “Preeminent” from the Martindale-Hubbell rating agency.

Mr. Deutsch is the author of leading publications on trial practice and medical malpractice, including Medical Records for Attorneys (sole author of the full-length reference book, published by the American Bar Association). Mr. Deutsch is also co-author of the “Medical Malpractice” chapter for The Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Action in New York (published by the NY State Bar Ass’n) and the “Preparing for Trial” chapter for Medical Malpractice in New York (also published by NY State Bar
Assn).

Mr. Deutsch is a frequent lecturer at accredited programs for other attorneys, teaching trial strategy, medical malpractice law, evidence, and working with experts (New York State Trial Lawyers Association, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, American Business Institute, and the
American Conference Institute).

Mr. Deutsch received his Law Degree from the University of Chicago and his undergraduate degree from Union College graduating magna cum laude and elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Mr. Deutsch is admitted to all State Courts in the State of New York. Mr. Deutsch is a member of the Medical Malpractice Committee of the New York City Bar Association, which is an invitation-only

Education
The University of Chicago Law School
J.D. (1987)
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The University of Chicago Law School Logo
Union College
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Honors: Phi Beta Kappa
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Professional Experience
Managing Partner
Deutsch Law PC
- Current
Proven success representing medical malpractice plaintiffs in cases throughtout New York State. Offices in NYC, Westchester and Saratoga.
Partner
North & Deutsch, LLP
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Partner in NYC based medical malpractice trial firm.
Principal
Laurence M. Deutsch Law Firm, P.C.
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Representing patients injured through significant medical malpractice
Trial Attorney
Breitner & Hoffman
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Medical Malpractice Defense-Trials
Associate
Bower & Gardner
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Medical Malpractice defense
Publications
Articles & Publications
Preparing for Trial (co-author of chapter, Medical Malpractice in New York, 4th ed)
NYS Bar Association
Medical Malpractice (co-author of chapter, The Personal Injury Action in New York)
NYS Bar Association
Working With Experts and Expert Related Evidence
National Business Inst.
Decisions 2006
NYSTLI
Medical Records for Attorneys
American Bar Assn -American Law Inst.
Awards
Rated "Superb"
Avvo
Internet attorney rating organization
New York Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Nominated by peers. Less than 5% of New York attorneys qualify.
Peer Review Rated
Martindale Hubbell
Professional Associations
Assn Bar of City of New York
Member; Subcommittee Co-Chair
- Current
Activities: Member Medical Malpractice Committe; Co-Chair Legislative Subcommittee
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American Assn Justice (Formerly ATLA)
Member
- Current
Activities: Trial Lawyers Association
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New York State Bar  # 2182996
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New York
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Practice Area
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Legal Answers
Q. My father died last year from what I believe were multiple medical mistakes .Are hospitals hard to sue
A: First, I am very sorry for your loss. And from what you describe it sounds as though this was a very protracted course.

The direct answer to your question is "no" as in hospitals are not difficult to sue, per se (if the case is brought by an experienced medical mapractice attorney). The issues for suing a hospital are very similar to those of suing and individual physician, although a hospital may be liable for "system" "policy" or "team" failures in ways that don't apply to individuals. Also, typically, the non-Attending medical providers such as nurses, residents, therapists, etc will also typically generate liability for the hospital (don't always have to be sued individually, as the hospital is generally responsible for them).

I would say that you should try to distinguish in your own mind between those things that you believe, medically, set the train in motion as far as your father's ultimate outcome. The dirty sheets, overall neglect etc, while terrible to witness (or experience) is often the type of "noise" that has to be put in perspective to get a real handle on case merits.

I am also struck by the fact of advanced abdominal cancer. If this was ultimately the cause of death, then in my opinion perhaps the most fruitful course of investigation would be whether there was an overall delay in diagnosis, looking back to care a year or more prior to the hospitalization. So I would recommend seeking experienced advice, with some of these distinctions in mind. I hope this is helpful to you. Best regards, Larry Deutsch
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Q. Can the statue of limitations start on when you find out about the issue
A: You will need an answer from a Colorado attorney. That said, I would get that answer as soon as possible because, at least in New York (my State of practice) and many other states, the time it takes to "discovery" malpractice does not necessarily stop the clock for limitations purposes. In fact, in New York, time to discovery only rarely stops the clock (for certain cancer misdiagnosis cases). Typically, the time to sue (in NY generally limited to 2.5 years) starts to run from the date of alleged malpractice.

That said, there are various extensions or "tolls" that may also apply, such as for a person under 18. However, as you can tell from only this brief discussion, the time limits are often not straight forward. Therefore, do not assume you have the full/maximum limitations period of Colorado in order to start your claim, but seek in-State advice sooner rather than later. There is also the practical issue that most reputable attorneys won't review a matter in which the time is just about to expire.

I hope this is of some help to you.
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Q. I had a baby two weeks ago, the hospital released me. Two weeks later i started himriging had to have surgery.
A: I'm not licensed in Ohio but from what you say I think you should look for a medical malpractice attorney in your State who specializes in malpractice. From what you say, I believe that you will find qualified attorneys who will want to investigate this in detail, if you find the right attorneys.

From what you say, it appears this may be a viable case (that this was a miss that should not have occurred). And, inability to have more children at 21 is, to my thinking, a significant injury, in addition to the pain and distress you experienced from the hemorrhage itself. The legal "value" of such a matter will also depend on a number of other factors, e.g. how many children you now have, whether married, plans to have future children etc.

I brought a very similar case in New York for failing to diagnose "retained placenta" and won that in a jury trial. Our experts believed (and the jury agreed) that there was insufficient examination and that the retained placenta should have been picked up.

In addition, it seems that the balloon placement itself may have been negligent in causing additional injury.

As this is a specialized area, I would advise to seek a "true" medical malpractice attorney. Look at the website of prospective attorneys, and see if they emphasize medical cases (or have particular attorney who specialize in them). Too many attorneys try to do the "occasional" malpractice case, but in my experience this doesn't work well.

I hope this is of some help to you.
... Read More
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Deutsch Law, PC
1411 Broadway
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Toll-Free: (914) 279-4500
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
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Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
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Deutsch Law, PC
1 Chase Rd
Suite 204
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Telephone: (914) 279-4500
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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