What Legal Action Can You Take After Hospital Negligence?
September 9, 2024 in Blog, Medical Malpractice, Negligence
When you’re in a vulnerable state seeking care, hospital negligence can be the final nail in the coffin. The consequences of hospital negligence can range from mild inconvenience to severe harm or even death. When a hospital or its staff fails to provide proper care, resulting in injury or worsening conditions, legal action might be necessary.
Below, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo explain your options following hospital negligence.
What is Hospital Negligence?
Hospital negligence refers to situations where medical professionals or hospital staff fail to meet the standard of care expected of them. This can happen through direct actions, like administering the wrong medication, or through inaction, such as delaying treatment for a life-threatening condition. Unlike unavoidable medical complications, negligence occurs when the hospital deviates from expected care protocols and directly causes harm to the patient.
There are a variety of factors that can lead to negligence, including:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: When a doctor or hospital staff fails to accurately diagnose a condition in a timely manner.
- Medication errors: Administering the wrong medication or dosage.
- Surgical mistakes: Errors during surgery lead to further complications or permanent damage.
- Poor post-operative care: Failing to monitor patients properly after surgery can result in avoidable complications.
- Inadequate sanitation: Unsanitary conditions in hospitals can lead to infections.
- Failure to obtain informed consent: Patients must be fully informed of potential risks and alternatives before any treatment or surgery is performed.
If you’ve experienced any of these issues while receiving care, you may have grounds to pursue legal action with the help of an NYC medical malpractice lawyer.
Steps to Take After Suspecting Hospital Negligence
If you suspect hospital negligence, the first step is to document your experience thoroughly. This includes keeping a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments, and any conversations you’ve had with healthcare providers. It’s also important to obtain copies of your medical records, test results, and prescriptions. After documenting everything, seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional. This can help you understand if the initial treatment was improper or harmful, and it may offer additional documentation to support your claim.
If negligence is suspected, a knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate your case, help gather further evidence, and navigate the complex legal process, including filing a lawsuit, negotiating settlements, or representing you in court if needed.
How Can a Medical Malpractice Attorney Help?
Hospital negligence cases often require a deep understanding of medical and legal matters. Without an experienced attorney on your side, hospitals and insurance companies may try to deny or minimize claims, making it difficult for victims to receive adequate compensation.
Medical malpractice lawyers in NYC can work on your behalf, fighting for fair compensation and holding hospitals accountable for their actions. Having a lawyer in your corner not only provides support during a stressful time but also increases your chances of a favorable outcome. If you’ve experienced harm due to hospital negligence, take swift legal action and start working with an experienced attorney immediately. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys at SPBMCC are ready to help.
Contact an Experienced NYC Medical Malpractice Lawyer at SPBMCC Today
Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. is a reputable, full-service personal injury law firm specializing in various areas. Our dedicated litigation support teams are committed to vigorously representing clients in personal injury cases, 9/11-related illnesses, firefighter accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, premises liability, and medical malpractice across New York City, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk counties, and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our firm or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.