Maryland Accident Attorneys Represent Victims of Hospital Errors
Baltimore Personal Injury Law Firm Helps Injured Clients Recover Fair Compensation
Maryland has some of the best hospitals in the U.S., but not every facility makes the grade. According to a 2020 analysis by the Leapfrog Group, Maryland hospitals ranked 30th in the nation for patient safety. According to the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, 10 Maryland hospitals received an A rating, 15 got Bs, 14 were given a C, and five walked away with Ds.
Who Commits Hospital Errors?
Numerous parties have the ability to commit errors in a hospital setting, such as:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Laboratory technicians
- Midwives
- Any other hospital employees who provide patient care
Patients in a hospital or emergency room are owed a high standard of care, and if hospital personnel fails to provide treatment that meets this standard and causes serious harm, the injured person may be able to recover financial compensation.
Types of Hospital Errors
Hospitals are places of business, and whether they are for-profit or non-profit, the bottom line typically dictates their management. Some of their efforts to make a profit can lead them to cut corners, reduce staffing, or hire unqualified personnel, all of which can lead to preventable hospital errors, including:
- Emergency room errors
- Delayed diagnosis
- Misdiagnosis of an illness or injury
- Surgical errors
- Post-operation infections
- Lack of informed consent
- Negligent hiring practices
- Understaffing
- Overworked, fatigued staff
- Wrongful discharge
- Inattentive care
- Improper marking of surgical sites
- Lapses in communication between doctors and nurses
While efforts are often made to reduce the number of hospital errors, unfortunately, they continue to occur. If you were the victim of a hospital error that led to injury, you could be eligible for monetary compensation.
Can Hospital Errors Be Prevented?
Patients cannot expect any medical facility to provide perfect care at all times, and Maryland patients should educate themselves regarding ways to protect their health and take these steps to help prevent medical errors from occurring:
- Communicate with doctors and nurses to ensure that you understand the plan for your care.
- Be aware of the medications you are taking and why.
- Take notes throughout your hospital stay.
- Find out the plan should something go wrong with your procedure.
- Have a loved one present as often as possible.
If you observe any hospital errors, you should report them as soon as possible, and if your condition worsens due to a medical error, obtain legal advice from a Maryland personal injury attorney who is experienced with hospital errors and medical malpractice cases.