Nursing malpractice is a serious issue that can cause significant harm to patients and, at the same time, bring about legal consequences for healthcare providers. As consumers of health services, it's critical to understand what constitutes nursing malpractice and the steps to take when one falls victim to such a situation.
What is Nursing Malpractice?
Nursing malpractice is defined as the failure of a nurse to act in accordance with prevailing professional standards or failure to foresee circumstances that an ordinarily prudent nurse would foresee. Essentially, it occurs when a nurse fails to provide a reasonable standard of care that a similarly trained and experienced nurse would have provided under the same circumstances.
In legal terms, to establish a case of nursing malpractice, it must be demonstrated that:
the nurse had a duty or obligation to the patient,
the nurse was negligent or did not provide the level of care expected,
there was a breach of duty, and
this negligence resulted in injury or harm to the patient.
Examples of Nursing Malpractice
Here are some ways that nursing malpractice commonly occurs:
Negligent Care
Negligent care is one of the most common forms of nursing malpractice. This can occur when a nurse fails to adequately monitor a patient's condition, fails to report changes in a patient's status to the attending physician, or does not respond promptly to a patient's needs.
Medication Errors
Another prevalent form of nursing malpractice involves medication errors. These can range from administering the wrong medication, giving the incorrect dosage, or failing to check for potential drug interactions. Such mistakes can lead to severe complications, including overdose, allergic reactions, or even death.
Misdiagnosis
Though typically associated with physicians, nurses can also be held liable for misdiagnosis. For example, if a nurse practitioner incorrectly diagnoses a condition or fails to diagnose a condition altogether, they could be held responsible for any harm that results from delayed or incorrect treatment.
Improper Use of Medical Equipment
Nurses are often responsible for using and maintaining a variety of medical equipment. If a nurse improperly uses such equipment or uses faulty equipment without checking its condition, it can cause serious harm to patients.
What to Do if You're a Victim of Nursing Malpractice
If you believe you've been a victim of nursing malpractice, it's important to seek legal counsel immediately. Documentation is crucial in these cases, so ensure you have detailed records of the care received, including dates, times, and names of the healthcare providers involved.
Discuss Your Malpractice Case with Our Team
The Dickinson Law Firm is committed to providing comprehensive legal representation for clients pursuing compensation in malpractice cases. We are dedicated to helping clients understand their rights and options, and we meticulously build strong cases to present in court.
With a focus on thorough investigation and evidence gathering, we strive to hold accountable those responsible for malpractice. Although outcomes cannot be guaranteed, The Dickinson Law Firm works relentlessly to advocate for our clients' interests and to seek appropriate financial restitution for damages incurred.
Call (770) 924-8155 to request a consultation today.