No one enjoys going to the hospital when they’re ill, but sometimes it’s necessary. Some illnesses and injuries require medical expertise that can only be provided at a hospital. Though we don’t enjoy going, we also don’t expect going to the hospital will cause us harm. However, hospital negligence injures patients each year. When a patient has suffered an injury due to a medical professional’s negligence, it may be possible for them to hold the hospital responsible for the malpractice in question. Here are some common types of hospital negligence.
What is Hospital Negligence?
Hospital negligence occurs when a hospital employee injures a patient due to a negligent act or omission. As with other medical malpractice claims, hospitals are required to provide a reasonable standard of care, which is owed to all patients. To move forward with a medical malpractice claim, you must be able to prove the following:
- Violation of the standard of care: Did the hospital or employee do something they should not have done or fail to follow proper procedures?
- The patient’s injury was caused by this violation: The patient must be able to prove their injuries were directly caused by the hospital’s negligence to move forward with a valid malpractice claim.
- The patient suffered damages: Did the patient suffer lost wages from not being able to work? Did they have medical costs associated with their injury?
Types of Hospital Negligence
There are several examples of hospital negligence that could lead to an injury or fatality. Some of the most common instances include:
- Understaffed hospitals: Many hospitals try to cut costs and do not hire enough employees to work in the facility. Without a sufficient amount of staff members, many patients suffer due to delayed treatment.
- Overworked doctors and nurses: Without enough people on staff, many medical professionals are stuck working long hours, which can affect their performance. This often results in careless mistakes and unnecessary injuries.
- Errors in charts and records: A patient’s charts are fundamental to their care. Unfortunately, many hospital workers make mistakes when filing these medical records, leading to delayed treatment or administering the wrong medicine to a patient.
- Lack of basic medical equipment: When the hospital does not have the necessary equipment to treat patients, it can lead to delayed or even denied treatment.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.