Hospital negligence occurs when a hospital or its staff fails to provide the level of care that patients are legally entitled to, resulting in preventable harm. It’s not about a bad result but about avoidable mistakes. At Marzella & Associates, we have witnessed firsthand how a single oversight in a hospital setting can profoundly impact a patient’s life. When that happens, the hospital must be held accountable.
Our medical injury lawyers can uncover what really happened, including where safety broke down, who was responsible, and how to make things right for you and your family.
What Hospital Negligence Really Means
Hospital negligence extends beyond a single doctor’s error. It occurs when the institution itself fails to uphold safety standards, whether through poor policies, faulty equipment, inadequate staffing, or lack of supervision. In Pennsylvania, hospitals have a legal duty to protect their patients from preventable harm. The hospital and its staff can be held accountable if they fail to fulfill that duty.
For instance, if a nurse administers the wrong medication because the hospital’s tracking system was outdated, the hospital (not just the nurse) shares responsibility. Likewise, if you develop a severe infection because instruments weren’t properly sterilized, that’s a systems failure, not just bad luck.
Many facilities also face chronic understaffing, especially in emergency and intensive care units. When hospitals cut staff or fail to train new hires properly, patients face increased risks, including misread test results, missed warning signs, or delayed treatment that turns survivable conditions into fatal ones.
In 2024 alone, Pennsylvania hospitals reported over 315,000 patient safety incidents, according to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority. That number represents not just statistics, but real people whose care went wrong, proof that preventable harm remains a pressing issue statewide.
When Hospital Negligence Turns Tragic
We represented a man who went into cardiac arrest after receiving a contrast agent during an MRI. In those critical minutes, the hospital staff wasn’t prepared. The necessary emergency drugs weren’t on hand, and confusion among physicians delayed life-saving treatment. Our client suffered severe brain damage as a result.
After the trial, the jury awarded $10.83 million, including compensation for lifelong medical supervision and care. The case highlighted how system failures, such as inadequate emergency preparedness and communication breakdowns, can transform a medical procedure into a catastrophe. It’s a reminder that hospitals must be ready for the emergencies they promise to handle.
What Our Malpractice Lawyers Can Do for You
A Harrisburg hospital error attorney can help you by:
- Examining hospital records and internal communications to identify precisely where care failed.
- Consulting independent medical experts who can confirm whether the hospital violated accepted standards.
- Calculating the full impact of harm, from medical costs and lost wages to lasting physical or emotional damage.
- Standing up to hospital insurers and defense lawyers, during negotiations or in a trial, who often rush to protect their institution before the injured patient.
Obtain Legal Guidance from Our Experienced Attorneys
If your recovery took a sharp and unexplained turn or if you lost a loved one after what should have been routine hospital care, our Harrisburg hospital errors are ready to assist you. Set up your free case evaluation by contacting Marzella & Associates online or by calling 717-876-8681.