Each year, an average of 20,000 medical malpractice claims are filed against practitioners and hospital systems in the United States. If you experienced complications following a surgery or procedure, or a worsening condition, these may be signs that negligence has taken place. Even though you may think of a medical professional as carrying sole responsibility for a medical mistake, the hospital where you were treated will also be on the hook. In this blog, our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers discuss what steps you can take to protect your rights if you experience harm in a hospital setting.
Seeking Justice on Behalf of Injured Patients
It is estimated that 2.6 million people die due to medical negligence each year. If you believe that you have been given substandard care by hospital staff, you should take appropriate steps to preserve your claim. Gathering relevant evidence is key to a successful claim. In a hospital malpractice case, evidence may include medical imaging results, injury documentation, medical bills, expert witness testimony, and hospital protocol documentation.
According to 225 Pa. Code Rule 702, an expert witness is someone who possesses “scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge” and can help a judge or jury understand the evidence in a case to make an informed decision. The expert’s method of reaching conclusions must be widely accepted within their field. Expert testimony is often critical in medical malpractice cases, allowing the trier of fact (i.e., a judge or jury) to render a verdict better understanding the significance of the medical evidence before them.
When you work with Marzella & Associates, our legal team maintains strong relationships with highly esteemed physicians in various specialties, giving you the greatest chance of success.
Types of Hospital Negligence in Harrisburg, PA
Instruments Left Behind During Surgery
A surprising number of cases result in surgical instruments being left in the body cavity. Whereas surgical sponges are the most common missing surgical instrument (MSI) left behind, scalpels, forceps, and clamps have also been found in patients. Sometimes, these surgical instruments can adhere to organs, causing sepsis. MSI cases are classified as “never events” or medical errors that were completely preventable and should never have occurred.
Wrong Site Surgery
Wrong-site surgery can occur when the wrong part or side of the body is operated on. Whether it be a lack of communication or a failure to mark the surgery site, a wrong site surgery can leave the patient in a worse condition than if they skipped going under the knife.
Taking into account the number of wrong-site surgeries that have occurred in medical settings, certain protocols, such as timeouts, are becoming standard protocols in hospital settings. During a timeout, the surgical team confirms the name of the patient, the treatment, and the site being operated on. While this precaution is a step in the right direction, it does not prevent all medical errors.
Delay or Failure to Diagnosis
The complexities of diagnosing medical conditions cannot be ignored, with various ailments or illnesses presenting with similar symptoms. Sadly, a delay or inability to recognize a patient’s condition leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Aside from a patient’s condition continuing to worsen given the natural course of a disease, an incorrect diagnosis often results in the wrong medication or dosage being administered.
Switching Patient Charts
Patient charts list a patient’s medical history, including their current medications and allergies. Charts that are inadvertently switched can result in the wrong medication or dosage being dispensed, potentially having fatal consequences.
Improper Training of Hospital Staff
Hospitals rely on nurses to manage patient care, but that is certainly not the case when hospital staff are not properly trained. Improperly trained nursing staff can result in delays in receiving treatments and increased times in stabilizing trauma patients, ultimately having dire results.
Victim of Hospital Negligence? Speak with Our Harrisburg Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
Hospital negligence can impact individuals of any age, even those who have no pre-existing conditions. Physicians should be held liable for their mistakes, both financially and professionally. If you have been a victim of hospital negligence, our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers are here to help.
With over 30 years of experience, the malpractice lawyers at Marzella & Associates have assisted thousands of plaintiffs recover the compensation to which they are entitled. To arrange your free consultation or to learn more about our services, contact us online or give us a call at (717) 876-8681 today.