Many cases throughout the United States that are reported on for medical malpractice often only involve the negligence or reckless actions of a medical doctor. Rarely do the accusations, or published accusations, fall upon the wrongdoings of a nurse. Recent studies have revealed the commonality of medical malpractice and hostile behavior displayed by none other than the registered nurses in their own facilities. To make matters worse, many boards fail to warn new employers of the nurses "bad habits" or complaints that have been made against a nurse at a previous place of employment, even when they are fired.

One California nurse reportedly verbally and physically abused many patients and even fellow coworkers in the hospital during his employment. According to reports and complaints made by staff members and patients in the hospital, this man reportedly twisted the jaw of one patient until he screamed and picked up another frail, elderly man by the shoulders before slamming him back down demanding that he stayed in bed. Other reports have showed that he disregarded emergency vital sign monitors on patients and shouted at coworkers constantly. Many coworkers even complained to their superiors and requested help, stating that they were afraid of this man. Finally, the man resigned from his job and the California Board of Registered Nursing was notified that the man was dangerous.

Unfortunately, these red flags and multiple warnings did not stop this man from being employed in other hospitals. Over the next two years, this man was accused of several counts of assaulting patients at two nearby hospitals, some of which led to actual criminal convictions. Could this have been prevented if the board took into consideration the numerous accounts and complaints by the previous employer, or the desperate warning that tagged the man as "dangerous?" Why was this man allowed to practice in not one but several other hospitals after his dangerous encounters with patients and coworkers at the first California hospital?

Cases of nursing malpractice rarely ever truly touch the surface, as many of the professional malpractice cases are concerned with negligent doctors or those of higher superiority. In fact, the board responsible for overseeing the registered nurses in California often takes years to initiate investigations regarding complaints against nurses, which leaves these nurses free to practice without restrictions and without consequences. A recent study examining more than 2,000 cases from 2002 and 2008 using the California board's own statistics revealed that the board took an average of more than three years to investigate and discipline nurses who acted wrongfully or even illegally in some cases. In comparison to other large states, the cases took nearly two years longer to instigate an investigation in California hospitals.

Reaching further into the study, other data shows that the board even failed to act against nurses who have already been documented, reported, and sanctioned by others; many of these nurses have clean records despite allegations of being fired, disciplined by another board, or even restricted to practice in other states. In one example, the board failed to revoke the probation of a nurse who was being monitored and missed 38 drug screenings, tested positive for alcohol five times, and was even fired from the job. The nurse went on to practice for another three years before the board took action.

If you were injured or your loved one was fatally harmed due to the actions of a nurse who is known to have violent or unlawful behavior, it is very important that you involve your local medical malpractice attorney right away. This type of incident is taken very seriously, as you may be forced to pay out of pocket for the injuries or illness that was acquired due to a negligent nurse or hospital staff's behavior. These types of irresponsible and reckless individuals should not be employed in such an institute, and your actions to hold them financially and possibly criminally accountable for their wrongdoings may prevent a future occurrence of abuse. Speak to your local medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to continue learning more about this topic and how they can help if you have been injured!