When we are seriously ill or need surgery, we go to the hospital to get better. Unfortunately, hospitals often engage in hospital negligence, resulting in serious injuries, and in severe cases, death. Hospital negligence refers to negligence on the part of hospital administration. It is only one of several different types of medical negligence. There are three common types of hospital negligence that can result in injury or death.
Patients Suffering From Infections
Hospitals owe their patients a reasonable duty of care when it comes to preventing infections. Some of the most deadly types of infections happen in hospitals. Infections acquired in hospitals are often preventable, but unfortunately, they can be deadly. It is particularly dangerous for a person who’s already sick to acquire a severe infection, such as MRSA. Hospitals have a duty to make sure that all of their equipment is cleaned properly, that their staff washes their hands regularly, and that tubes and other equipment are used in sterile environments.
MRSA is one of the most dangerous antibiotic-resistant infections that frequently occur in hospitals or other health care facilities, such as dialysis centers and nursing homes. When MRSA happens in these settings, it is called healthcare-associated MRSA. Complications from MRSA can include lungs, heart, bloodstream, bones, and joints.
Negligence During Surgery
Hospital administrators, doctors, and nurses are smart people who we entrust with our safety and well-being. When we enter a surgical suite to receive surgery, we expect surgeons to provide the right type of surgery in a reasonably safe manner. Sadly, surgeons make heinous mistakes every day in the United States. In some cases, surgeons will operate on the wrong body part. For example, one surgeon amputated the wrong limb. Another surgeon operated on the wrong side of a person’s brain. Or, a medical professional might leave a sponge or other device inside a patient before they close up the surgery.
Incorrect Patient Care
Hospitals are notoriously understaffed, and this can often cause severe injuries to patients. When nurses and doctors are understaffed or overworked, they are more likely to make mistakes, such as providing the wrong medication or not checking a patient enough for dangerous bedsores. The results of a lack of care can be deadly. For example, when a doctor does not see enough of a patient, he or she may miss a prominent symptom that could lead the doctor to accurately diagnose the patient. Failure to provide a patient with a dose of medication can result in serious injuries or even death, especially for patients who are already greatly at risk due to their medical condition.
Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today
Those who are harmed by hospital administration errors or other types of negligence may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. At Pulvers Thompson, our New York City lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in all types of medical malpractice lawsuits, including medical malpractice lawsuits. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
