When Utilities Err
When a homeowner reported the odor of gas, utility workers discovered a leak in a service line across the street from his residence but did not check his home. Several weeks later, the homeowner lit a cigarette lighter outdoors, causing an explosion and flash fire, which resulted in his death several days later. The gas utility settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by survivors when their lawyer demonstrated that the utility had failed to detect a natural gas leak and replace a service line to the man’s home, even though there had been hundreds of line failures due to corrosion over the previous 25 years.

Second medical opinions
No one should ever feel uncomfortable or awkward about obtaining a second opinion for diagnosis or treatment of a medical problem. As consumers, we usually comparison shop for the best deal on a home appliance or for an office photocopier, so becoming involved in obtaining the highest-quality medical health care should go without saying.
Patients should always understand their medical situ-ations. Some studies show that many suggested surgeries may be unnecessary. Insurance carriers encourage patients to obtain second opinions in many situations. Physicians often welcome second opinions on their assessments from medical colleagues.
To obtain a second medical opinion on a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, biopsy, x-ray, medical test, diagnostic assessment, or other medical counsel, start with a personal physician. But patients can also seek potential referrals from other doctors, medical societies, relatives, friends, and neighbors. No matter what the approach, feeling comfortable and confident about resolving health issues is the key.

Failure to diagnose
A patient became unable to walk, following several years of varying treatments for her serious hip and back pain. Her doctor’s practice settled out of court when her lawyer demonstrated that the disability resulted from her primary care physician failing to diagnose a spinal cord tumor in a timely manner.