Hospital Negligence

Skilled Savannah Medical Malpractice Attorneys Dedicated to Recovering Compensation on Behalf Patients Harms by Hospital Errors

Hospitals are tasked with providing safe and reliable care to their patients, but systemic issues and lapses in judgment can lead to severe injuries or even patient death. When hospital negligence occurs, it affects not only the patient but also their loved ones, leaving them to deal with the consequences of preventable harm. At Suthers & Harper, we help victims of hospital negligence in Savannah and throughout Georgia seek accountability and fair compensation.

What Is Hospital Negligence?

Hospital negligence occurs when a healthcare facility fails to maintain the level of care reasonably expected, resulting in harm to a patient. Unlike individual medical malpractice cases, these claims often focus on broader institutional failures, such as inadequate staffing or poor training. Examples of hospital negligence include:

• Failure to Maintain Sanitary Conditions: Leading to infections or contamination.
• Improper Hiring Practices: Employing unqualified or inadequately trained staff.
• Inadequate Staff Supervision: Failing to oversee medical personnel properly.
• Equipment Failures: Not maintaining or replacing faulty medical devices.

When these failures result in patient harm, the hospital may be held liable for negligence.

When Are Hospitals Liable for Negligence?

Hospitals are responsible for the actions of their employees, including nurses, technicians, and administrative staff. They may also be held accountable for systemic issues within their facility. Common scenarios where hospitals may be liable include:

• Errors by Employees: If a nurse administers the wrong medication or a technician misuses equipment, the hospital may share liability.
• Independent Contractors: While hospitals are not always liable for the actions of independent doctors, they could be responsible if the doctor was presented as part of the hospital staff.
• Policy Failures: Hospitals may face liability if their policies or protocols directly lead to patient harm.

A Savannah medical malpractice lawyer can help determine whether hospital negligence played a role in your injury.

How Poor Hospital Management Contributes to Negligence

Many cases of hospital negligence stem from management-level failures that impact the quality of patient care. Examples include:

• Understaffing: Overworked healthcare providers may make critical mistakes due to fatigue.
• Inadequate Training: Failing to properly train new employees increases the risk of errors.
• Cutting Corners on Maintenance: Delaying repairs or upgrades to medical equipment can lead to preventable accidents.

These systemic issues often reflect a hospital’s prioritization of cost-cutting measures over patient safety.

Common Types of Injuries Caused by Hospital Negligence

Hospital negligence can result in a wide range of injuries, including:

• Infections: Poor hygiene practices or unsanitary equipment can lead to life-threatening infections.
• Medication Errors: Incorrect dosages or improper administration of drugs.
• Surgical Complications: Errors during or after surgery due to inadequate post-operative care.
• Delayed Diagnoses: Administrative errors or poor communication can delay critical tests or treatments.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term health complications.

Holding Hospitals Accountable for Negligence

Proving hospital negligence requires demonstrating that the facility failed to meet the standard of care expected in its operations. This often involves:

1. Establishing Duty of Care: Hospitals are required to provide a safe and competent healthcare environment.
2. Identifying Breach of Duty: Showing that the hospital’s actions or policies deviated from accepted practices.
3. Proving Causation: Demonstrating that this breach directly caused harm to the patient.
4. Documenting Damages: Providing evidence of medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

A skilled Savannah medical malpractice lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, and work with medical experts to build a compelling claim.

Steps Hospitals Should Take to Prevent Negligence

Hospitals can reduce the risk of negligence by implementing proactive measures, such as:

• Maintaining proper staffing levels to ensure timely patient care.
• Providing ongoing training for all employees.
• Regularly inspecting and maintaining medical equipment.
• Enforcing strict hygiene and sanitation protocols.

When hospitals fail to prioritize these safety measures, they put patients at unnecessary risk.

How Suthers & Harper Can Help You

At Suthers & Harper, we understand the devastating impact hospital negligence can have on patients and their families. Our team is dedicated to holding hospitals accountable for their failures and securing the compensation you deserve. We handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Investigating the circumstances of your injury.
• Identifying all liable parties, including the hospital and its employees.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.
• Representing you in court if necessary.

With our experience and dedication, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for justice on your behalf.

Speak With a Savannah Hospital Negligence Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to hospital negligence, don’t delay seeking legal assistance. Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims, typically within two years of the injury. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah medical malpractice lawyer at Suthers & Harper, give us a call at 800-320-2384. You can also reach us by completing our secure online contact form.