Published on behalf of Hospital negligence is an unfortunate reality. Every day, thousands of patients trust the care and treatment they receive at a hospital. However, many of those patients will suffer hospital malpractice which results in severe harm or even death.
The laws of Pennsylvania permit negligence claims against hospitals and emergency rooms in situations where a patient receives below standard medical care which results in harm or damage. A common scenario involves a hospital where wrong medication is given to a patient. Another common scenario involves a resident who performs a surgery and makes a mistake.
Pennsylvania Hospital Malpractice – Types of Hospital Negligence
Under Pennsylvania law, there are two main theories of negligence or causes of action which may be pursued against hospitals: corporate negligence and vicarious liability. In most hospital malpractice lawsuits, both theories will be at issue.
The first theory is based on the hospital’s actions or inactions. The patient does not need to prove the negligence of a doctor or nurse to establish this theory. Instead, for example, a hospital’s failure to have a proper procedure or protocol in place or otherwise violating the patient’s rights forms the basis for a theory of corporate negligence. In order to prevail, the plaintiff-patient must prove that the hospital had actual or constructive notice of the defect or procedure which created the harm or damage. Basically, the patient has to show that the hospital either knew or should have known about the issue.
A theory of vicarious liability, on the other hand, involves a hospital employee’s negligence. In other words, the hospital is held liable for the negligent acts of its staff, such as a nurse or doctor. For example, a hospital may be liable in a situation where a nurse or other staff member fails to report a change in a patient’s condition, which results in some harm to the patient.
To succeed in pursuing a corporate negligence claim or a vicarious liability claim against a Pennsylvania hospital, it will be necessary to have the case reviewed by a hospital expert who will review the hospital records and determine whether the hospital was negligent. It is very important to seek legal advice from an experienced Pennsylvania hospital and emergency room malpractice attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations is often at issue in medical malpractice cases.
Related Legal Articles:
- How to Prove Hospital & Emergency Room Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital Emergency Room Malpractice Law – The Statute of Limitations
- Common Emergency Room Mistakes in a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
For more information, contact our Pennsylvania hospital emergency room lawyers at 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle hospital malpractice cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Published: July 11, 2012