Medical malpractice lawsuits are stressful situations for patients and their families. When trusting a medical professional with your health or the health of a loved one, it is reasonable to have high expectations for quality care. But what happens when a healthcare provider causes injury or harm?
In those instances, it is essential to know who can be held accountable in medical malpractice lawsuits. Our Santa Fe medical malpractice attorney at Slate Stern Law can help you determine who can be sued for medical malpractice in your specific case.
Five Parties That Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice
Below, we will discuss the various healthcare professionals or entities responsible for medical malpractice and how you can seek legal recourse against them.
1. Doctors
Doctors are the primary healthcare providers, and unfortunately, they can cause harm or injury to the patient, leading to a medical malpractice claim. A physician can be held accountable due to failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, lack of informed consent, or a prescription error that directly results in injury or harm.
If you believe that your doctor acted negligently or did not meet the standard of care, you may have a valid medical malpractice case against them. It is vital to consult with an attorney experienced in medical malpractice law to help guide you through the process.
Fact: According to a study by the American Medical Association, more than one in three physicians have been sued for medical malpractice at least once at some point in their careers.
2. Surgeons
Surgeons perform intricate and delicate procedures daily, and any mistake or error can have catastrophic consequences. Like other doctors, surgeons owe their patients a duty of care and should provide them with safe and effective treatment. Unfortunately, surgical errors can range from leaving a foreign object in a patient’s body to operating on the wrong body part or even performing the wrong surgery. If a surgeon’s error directly caused your harm or injury, you might have a valid medical malpractice case against them.
3. Nurses
Nurses play a critical role in patient care, and they are responsible for monitoring patients’ conditions, administering medications, and assisting in treatment plans. However, nursing mistakes can result from a variety of factors, including understaffing, fatigue, or lack of proper training. Common nursing errors include medication mistakes, failure to monitor patients, and improper wound care, among others. If a nurse’s negligence or failure to meet the standard of care directly contributes to the injury or harm, you may have a medical malpractice claim against that nurse.
4. Pharmacists
Pharmacists are responsible for accurately filling prescriptions and providing medication counseling to their patients. A pharmacist’s error, such as dispensing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, can lead to severe injuries or health complications. Suppose a pharmacist failed to ensure that you received the correct medication or they failed to recognize a potential drug interaction that led to harm. In that case, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim against the pharmacist.
5. Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities can also be held accountable for medical malpractice claims. They have a duty to provide patients with a safe environment, properly trained staff, and appropriate care. Healthcare facilities may be held liable for issues such as inadequate staffing, lack of proper training or supervision, and failure to maintain a safe and clean environment. If a hospital or clinic’s negligence or failure to provide a proper standard of care contributed to your injury or harm, you might have a medical malpractice claim against the facility.
Discuss Your Medical Malpractice Case With a Lawyer
As you can see, several healthcare professionals and entities can be held accountable in medical malpractice lawsuits. Understanding your rights and knowing who to hold responsible is crucial for seeking legal recourse and obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve. If you believe you have suffered harm or injury due to the negligence or substandard care of a healthcare professional or entity, contact Slate Stern Law to get legal help. Call (505) 814-1517 to get a case review.