Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. When a victim has been injured or otherwise harmed in a hospital while seeking routine medical care, it is important for both the victim and their loved ones to be familiar with the possible legal liability of the hospital and the legal resources protecting them.
Hospital negligence
Hospitals can be considered negligent in a variety of different ways. Hospitals can be liable for their own negligence by failing to adequately train staff; by failing to adequately staff the hospital; by failing to provide adequate security for the safety of patients; and by failing to property maintain or select equipment or maintain the hospital facility. Hospital negligence may also apply in circumstances when a hospital has negligently hired or retained an employee and that employee has been medically negligent within the scope of their employment.
Medical malpractice claim
When a hospital is negligent, they may be liable to the victim for the harm suffered by the victim. A medical malpractice claim for damages can help injured victims and their families address their physical, financial and emotional damages. A claim for damages can help victims with medical expenses, lost wages and their pain and suffering. Wrongful death damages may also be available to surviving family members when medical malpractice has led to a fatality.
Medical malpractice protections are important protections for victims of medical malpractice at the hands of hospitals, doctors and other medical care professionals to be aware of. Victims and their families should be familiar with them and understand their legal rights when harmed by medical negligence or carelessness.