When a nurse or another healthcare professional fails to uphold their field’s standard of care, they are committing nursing neglect. This can come in many forms. For instance, nursing neglect can happen when a patient doesn’t get their medication on time and suffers a preventable health crisis. Another example is when a nurse fails to pass along vital information to a patient’s doctor, preventing them from making beneficial healthcare decisions.
Medical malpractice is more common in Dayton than you think. In fact, medical malpractice, nursing neglect, and medication errors are among the leading causes of death across the nation. If you were injured or lost a loved one to nursing neglect in Dayton, you have options––one of which involves working with a Dayton medical malpractice attorney. With an advocate, you get the time needed to heal while they pursue fair compensation.
Know What Constitutes Nursing Neglect in Dayton
Nursing neglect can take many forms. Here are a few examples:
- Failing to provide medication on schedule and in the correct dosage
- Failing to monitor a patient for complications after surgery
- Failing to care for wounds and incisions as they heal
- Failing to coordinate care with other healthcare professionals
Sometimes, nursing neglect results from understaffing, overcrowding, and underfunding, according to the Journal of Advanced Nursing. Other times, it can result from a lack of training, discrimination, and other factors. You have rights following nursing neglect regardless of why it happened.
With a personal injury lawyer’s assistance, you could recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related hardships.
Signs of Nursing Neglect in Dayton
When it comes to your or a loved one’s health, recognizing the signs of nursing neglect is vital. Knowing the signs could mean the difference between life and death. It’s also critical to ensure you’re getting the medical care you need and deserve. You may be experiencing (or have experienced) nursing neglect if:
- You’re unsure about the details of your treatment plan. If you don’t understand your treatment’s details, chances are, neither does your attending healthcare team. This could point to systematic failures within a care facility or a nurse’s failure to communicate properly.
- You suffer avoidable health problems. Some health complications result from pre-existing health conditions. Yet, you shouldn’t have to experience infections, adverse side effects from medications, or allergic reactions because of a nurse’s negligence.
- You’re constantly getting conflicting information. Your doctor, your nurse, and the rest of your healthcare team should be on the same page when it comes to your treatment plan. There should be consistent information about your medications, expected hospital stays, and other relevant details.
- You’re never dealing with the same healthcare professional. It might seem like you never have a chance to cultivate relationships with your healthcare team because people are always coming and going. Without having a consistent care team, information related to your health could get overlooked, leading to complications.
- Something feels “off.” Trust your gut. If you feel like something is awry with the quality of care you’re receiving, you’re within your rights to ask questions and get answers.
Who Perpetuates Nursing Neglect?
Despite the term “nursing neglect,” nurses aren’t always liable for medical malpractice. Other liable parties could include pharmacists, a hospital’s administration, and other medical care providers. Sorting out who is liable for your injury-related losses can get complicated–-especially while you’re dealing with a life-altering condition. In that instance, you could benefit from hiring a lawyer. As we’ll explain shortly, they can handle your case’s many obligations while you focus on rebuilding your life.
You Have Legal Options After Suffering Nursing Neglect
You don’t have to accept substandard nursing care. You have legal options for holding the responsible party accountable for your injuries and losses. One of those options involves entrusting your care to a medical malpractice lawyer. They can learn the details of your situation and work to hold the negligent party accountable.
They can assist you by:
Investigating the Details of Your Nursing Neglect
You need evidence if you want to file a successful personal injury claim or lawsuit. A medical malpractice lawyer may use your medical records, imaging scan results, and personal testimony to build a compelling case. They may also consult with third-party healthcare professionals to learn more about the substandard care you received.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Your lawyer may proceed with filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. The liable party could be a care facility, an individual healthcare provider, or another entity. Filing a claim is more than checking off some boxes and awaiting financial compensation; it involves understanding the cost of your damages, the liable policy’s details, and any allegations of fault.
Suing the At-Fault Party
Many medical malpractice cases are settled out of court. Yet, that doesn’t always happen. If your case requires a civil lawsuit, a lawyer can file your case, adhere to all case-specific deadlines, and pursue financial recovery from the liable party. They have one goal, and that’s to recover compensation for your losses.
Compensable Losses in a Nursing Neglect Case
Compensation can’t undo the incident that led to your injuries or other health conditions. Yet, it can offer the resources needed to afford corrective medical care, pay your bills, and account for other hardships. That being said, whether through a settlement or court award, compensation in your case could include:
- Medical bills, including anticipated care costs
- Lost income and other job-related benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Any necessary out-of-pocket expenses
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
You may have lost a close loved one to nursing neglect. In situations like these, you can retain a wrongful death lawyer who can pursue justice for your loved one’s funeral costs, burial expenses, and pain and suffering.
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You have more than legal options following nursing neglect; you have the support of our personal injury team. Our lawyers can secure the financial recovery your family needs. Plain and simple. To learn more during a free consultation, call today. During our conversation, you can ask questions, get answers, and chart a path moving forward.