Who Can Be Sued For Medical Malpractice?
By Kevin Davidson
May. 28, 2014 8:20p
There are many people who find it difficult to determine which parties can be sued for medical malpractice. This is why it is advised that you immediately get in touch with a competentmedical malpractice lawyer if you have suffered from any type of medical negligence. The legal professional will provide guidance on those you could possibly bring lawsuit against.
It is important to note that in many cases of medical malpractice more than one person or party may be held liable.
What parties can be sued for medical malpractice?
Hospitals
The main parties that can be sued for medical practice are hospitals. They have the responsibility to ensure that whoever they employ possess the right credentials. In case you were attended to by an inadequately skilled medical employee, the hospital could be sued for corporate negligence for not ensuring that adequately qualified personnel are hired for treating patients. Adverse reactions from inappropriate drug prescription are also a good reason for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Additionally, a hospital may also be sued for failing to order appropriate clinical tests or for failing to ensure that relevant medical records are accurately maintained. You could also have a case if a hospital fails to admit or treat you because of your race, color of your skin, or religion. If your attorney can prove that your hospital failed to take necessary precautions to protect you from harm or injury, you have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Hospitals have a duty to ensure that a sufficient number of well-qualified nurses are always available ensure patients are properly attended to. A patient could take legal action against a hospital if he or she suffers an injury due to inability to gain access to care from a nurse. Hospitals also need to verify credentials when granting attending physician privileges in their facility, as any problem arising from failure to do this is a good ground for lawsuit. You could also hold a hospital liable for any injury arising from failure to observe instructions given by your private attending physician.
Pharmacy
A pharmacy can also be named in a medical malpractice lawsuit if its employees refuse to warn you against possible side effects of medications, especially when you are taking them for the first time. Failure to take into account allergies to medications could also make a pharmacy liable.
Manufacturers
Drug or medical device manufacturers can also be named in a medical malpractice case if their products caused you to injury or harm.
Your success in a medical malpractice lawsuit may lie in your ability to sue the right parties. You should therefore hire the services of a competentmedical malpractice attorney to guide you on parties to sue if you are still unsure. The lawyer will ensure that you get a good compensation for any injury sustained due to medical negligence.
If you have been affected by medical negligence in Missouri or Illinois, get in touch with an attorney at the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm. Call (314) 588-7200 to schedule a free consultation.