When we go to a hospital for treatment we expect to be cared for and receive adequate medical treatment. Unfortunately, instances of medical malpractice attributable to hospital errors are all too common. According to experts, some 440,000 people die every year from hospital errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. To put it another way, every day more than 1,000 people will die due to an otherwise preventable hospital error.
Bobby Jones is an experienced Greenville, SC medical malpractice lawyer that has a proven track record of fighting for victims and their families. If you or someone you know have suffered a medical injury at a hospital in South Carolina, contact us today
to discuss your rights and options.
Determining Liability in Cases Involving Hospital Errors
As an employer, a hospital is liable for actions of its employees that are acting within the scope of their employment. However, a provider is not always considered an employee of the hospital. For example, a doctor that has “admitting privileges” may not qualify as an employee under South Carolina law. If a provider is not considered to be an employee of the hospital, then as a general matter the hospital will not be held liable for his or her negligence. Rather, the patient’s recourse would be against the provider and the medical malpractice insurance company.
This determination of whether a provider is an employee of the hospital is not always straightforward and can have significant implications. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced Greenville, SC medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your rights and options.
Common Hospital Errors Resulting in Patient Injury
There are many potential medical errors that can occur in a hospital setting and result in serious injury. Some common examples include:
- Infection or sepsis caused by the failure to sterilize equipment or the improper administration of IV medication
- Failing to close, sterilize, and/or properly bandage a patient’s wounds
- Failing to obtain and develop a patient’s medical history such as his or her age, current medications, and chronic health conditions
- Hospital acquired infections and/or diseases spread by the failure to use personal protective equipment
- Prescribing and administering the wrong medication or wrong dosage
- Failing to safeguard patients and their sensitive medical data
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Greenville, SC Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases involving patient injuries attributable to the negligence of hospital staff are complex. Victims must show that hospital employees and/or an individual provider failed to render an acceptable standard of care. As we discussed above, determining whether the hospital is liable for the negligence of medical providers is not always clear cut.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to a South Carolina hospital’s negligent actions, it is important to consult with an experienced Greenville, SC medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your rights and remedies. Bobby Jones Law has a proven track record of helping medical malpractice victims and their loved ones to recover the compensation that they deserve. We serve clients throughout South Carolina from our office conveniently located in Greenville. Please contact us for a FREE consultation.
