Common Forms of Hospital Medical Negligence
If you are subject to hospital negligence, your health may have been at unnecessary risk, because you have received substandard/inadequate medical treatment as a result of the negligent actions of a medical professional.
Medical negligence is a complex topic in Irish law. As of late, there is more legal regulation and accountability for medical care in hospitals around Ireland. It is important to note that proving that hospital negligence has taken place by a medical practitioner is vital.
Some common forms of hospital negligence claims arise when a medical professional:
- Makes incorrect decisions
- Fails to diagnose an illness
Causes
Hospital negligence claims arise for a number of reasons, such as:
- The inexperience of younger staff members
- High-stress levels hospital staff members are under
- Shortages and lack of vital hospital resources, such as beds
It should be noted that other healthcare professionals can also be at fault in hospital negligence cases. For example, medical professionals such as radiologists, technicians and administrators.
Types of negligence*
There are several different examples of hospital negligence, some of which include:
- Failing to or delays in diagnosing an illness/injury.
- Inadequate action on test results.
- Failure to communicate the risks linked to a specific procedure.
- Fault in the performance of an operation.
- Error in administering prescriptions/medication.
- Hospital systems fail to maintain a hygienic environment in the hospital. Causing patients to become susceptible to infections and bed sores.
- Failure to obtain informed consent of an optional surgery, such as heart surgery and cosmetic surgery.
- Poor childbirth care and procedures, causing physical and psychological birth injuries such as cerebral palsy.
- Failure to refer a patient to another specialist where it was necessary to do so.
If you or a family member have experienced any form of hospital negligence throughout your time in hospital you should speak to a solicitor immediately. Speaking with a solicitor as soon as possible following the error is important. Ideally when attempting to bring a hospital negligence claim forward speak to a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence. They will aid you throughout the process, therefore ensuring all vital steps are taken correctly.