Hospital Negligence as a Factor in Illinois Medical Malpractice Cases

When you turn to a medical center or hospital for help after falling ill or suffering a serious injury, you should be able to trust that they will get you the medical care you need to get better. However, hospital negligence is far more common in Illinois medical malpractice cases than you might have previously thought. However, going up against a corporation as large as a hospital can be intimidating.

Understanding how hospital negligence works can help you build your case against the hospital and hold it accountable for your suffering and damages. Here is more about how hospitals can share liability for medical malpractice in Illinois and what you can do to recover the compensation you need to put the trauma of this experience behind you.

Recognizing Hospital Malpractice

Many families do not even think twice about holding hospitals accountable when they lose a loved one. In many cases, this is because healthcare providers may not be forthright about the exact cause of their loved one’s death or personal injuries. It is not unusual for healthcare providers to hide their negligence behind side effects or complications from treatment.

However, hospitals are responsible for the actions of their staff members unless the staff are hired as independent contractors as opposed to employees as described by the National Library of Medicine. With that being said, it is important to understand some of the different types of medical malpractice and which types of medical malpractice hospitals are sued for most often. Some of the most common types of hospital malpractice include the following:

Surgical Errors

If a surgeon, surgical nurse, or any other member of the surgical team makes a mistake or error, surgical negligence may have occurred. Some examples could include operating on the wrong body part, operating on the wrong patient, or leaving surgical instruments inside a body cavity.

Improper Treatment

Failing to provide patients with the proper treatment is tantamount to negligence. If the healthcare provider failed to use specific maneuvers when an unborn baby was experiencing shoulder dystocia, and that child went on to be diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, that healthcare provider may be held accountable for improper treatment.

Triage Errors

If emergency room staff failed to properly prioritize patients during triage, and those patients’ conditions deteriorated, causing catastrophic injury or death, the emergency room staff could be held responsible. Hospitals can also be held accountable if emergency room staff refuse to treat patients because they cannot afford to pay according to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Medication Mistakes

Hospitals can also be sued for damages if staff members make a medical mistake regarding medications. Failing to check for contraindications, overdosing a patient, or administering the wrong medication are all examples of medical malpractice.

Get Help From Illinois’ Leading Medical Malpractice Law Firm

If you believe hospital negligence contributed to the medical malpractice you experienced, you may be interested in exploring your legal options. With the legal guidance and support of a reputable Springfield personal injury lawyer from Holley, Rosen & Beard, LLC, you can gain insight and access the resources you need to build a powerful case against anyone and everyone who contributed to your deteriorating medical condition.

When you are ready to take action but are unsure of where to begin, start by filling out our secured contact form or calling our office. Our team offers free consultations to medical malpractice victims across central Illinois. Let us put our 50+ years of experience to work for you and your family.