Hospitals

Hospitals can be held liable for the intentional or negligent acts of their staff (doctors, nurses, etc). In the past, doctors were not considered to be employees of the hospital. Doctors were essentially self-employed and simply used the hospital as a place to treat patients. However, more and more doctors are now actually employed by hospitals. Since many doctors are now hospital employees, the legal doctrine of respondeat superior may apply. This doctrine requires employers to be responsible for their employees. So, if a medical professional who is a hospital employee treats you in a negligent manner, you may be able sue the doctor and the hospital.

In July 2004, a Colorado-based healthcare analysis company released startling findings from a study on hospital errors. According to HealthGrades Inc., whose analysts reviewed Medicare data in all 50 states, medical errors cause 195,000 deaths a year. The results cover hospital admissions involving Medicare patients from 2000 to 2002. The study's findings vary significantly from a 1999 report published by the Institute of Medicine that said 98,000 patients die annually due to hospital errors. A spokesperson for Healthgrades said the results clearly indicate that patient safety has not improved over the last five years.

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice while receiving treatment in a hospital, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

See Also¶

1. Bay Pines VA Medical Center
2. Children's Hospital - Boston
3. Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act: Overview
4. Medical Malpractice & Negligent Care
5. Bedsores / Decubitus Ulcer
6. Birth Injuries
7. Brachial Plexus | Erb's Palsy
8. Nosocomial & Postoperative Infections