What To Do If You Suffered Injuries Because Of Hospital Negligence

Hospitals are where people head for the treatment of medical conditions, so it is disturbing to learn how frequently patients suffer additional injuries or ailments because of being hospitalized. Estimates on patient harm associated with hospital care reveal that more than 210,000 fatalities are linked to preventable harm by hospital administration, staff, and other employees. Researchers also found that serious harm is significantly more common than fatal hospital injuries, possibly up to 10 to 20 times higher. Annually, 1 in 25 patients will suffer health care-acquired infection while hospitalized, and a Medicare patient has a 25 percent chance of suffering injury or death in the hospital.

These figures are shocking, but nothing can prepare you for the shock of developing a serious medical condition in the hospital. Because they are preventable, these acts may amount to negligence that gives rise to a medical malpractice claim. You can trust a Florida hospital negligence lawyer to assist with the legal process, but some tips on what to do can help you through such a horrific experience. If you have concerns, observe an error, or suffer injuries, you should:

Report Your Concerns

It is important to notify hospital officials about negligence, and the nursing staff will usually be the best route to report issues during your stay. For any matters that arise after hospitalization, you will need to communicate with the administration about concerns. Do your best to put things in writing and otherwise document your reporting efforts.

Seek Corrective Treatment

When hospital negligence leads to worsening your medical condition or new injuries, you must get essential care right away. Prompt treatment will get you on the road to recovery quickly, and seeking immediate care also supports your legal rights in a hospital negligence claim. Treating physicians will provide a diagnosis, and prognosis, and may conduct corrective procedures. These medical records are extremely important as evidence.

Request Your Medical Chart

Another critical piece of evidence for your claim is your chart because it contains:

• Your active medical history of the harm you suffered because of hospital negligence
• Your past medical history
• Current medical conditions, chronic diseases, and pre-existing health issues
• Your medications
• Lab screenings and test results

The information in your medical chart is useful for assessing your health and well-being before being admitted, so you can compare it to your condition after suffering harm in the hospital.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Florida laws on hospital negligence are extremely complicated, and there are numerous requirements you must meet before taking legal action against the facility. You avoid pitfalls and support your rights when you have legal help.

Our Florida Hospital Negligence Attorneys Will Guide You Through the Process

These tips on what to do are helpful, but it takes an in-depth knowledge of Florida law and extensive experience in medical malpractice cases to prevail in a hospital negligence claim. Freidin Brown, P.A. will assist with all essential steps and legal requirements, so please contact our offices in Miami or Fort Myers, FL to set up a free consultation. We can explain your rights after reviewing your unique circumstances.

Source:

journals.lww.com/journalpatientsafety/Fulltext/2013/09000/A_New,_Evidence_based_Estimate_of_Patient_Harms.2.aspx