Healthcare businesses are integral to our well-being, but even the most trusted institutions can face legal challenges. Lawsuits in the healthcare sector are often complex and can stem from various issues.
Understanding the common reasons behind these legal actions provides insight into the challenges faced by healthcare providers. It also highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of care. Here are three prevalent reasons people sue healthcare businesses.
Errors in Medication
Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare and can occur due to incorrect dosages, wrong prescriptions, or failure to account for drug interactions. An example might be a pharmacist dispensing a medication that is contraindicated for the patient’s existing conditions, leading to adverse effects or ineffective treatment.
Impact and Consequences
Medication errors can have severe consequences, ranging from serious health complications to death. According to the National Library of Medicine, medication-related errors account for 5% to 41.3% of all hospital admissions globally. They also contribute to 22% of readmissions following discharge.
In the United States alone, the FDA reports that over 100,000 medication errors are documented annually, affecting approximately 7 million people. These errors often lead to lawsuits as patients seek compensation for the harm inflicted.
To mitigate these risks and improve patient safety, healthcare businesses must navigate complex legal challenges and enhance their medication management processes. This involves implementing rigorous protocols and adopting advanced technologies to prevent future errors and safeguard patient well-being.
How do Electronic Health Records (EHRs) help prevent medication errors?
EHRs help prevent medication errors by providing a centralized and accurate digital record of a patient’s medication history. This reduces the risk of errors due to illegible handwriting, incomplete records, or outdated information. EHRs also enable real-time updates and better coordination among healthcare providers.
Negligence in Patient Care
Negligence involves a failure to provide the appropriate level of care that a reasonably competent professional would offer in similar circumstances. This can include neglecting to monitor a patient’s condition, improper use of medical equipment, or lapses in maintaining proper physical care.
Impact and Consequences
Negligence in healthcare can lead to serious complications, as highlighted by a recent case reported by KSDK in April. A woman from St. Louis County, Ashley Nelson, experienced a stroke after visiting a chiropractor.
After enduring neck pain from a plane trip, Nelson sought chiropractic care. Shortly after the treatment, Nelson’s vision became completely crossed. This reaction was due to a tear in the intimal layer of her vertebral artery. The tear likely led to a blood clot forming and traveling to her brain, resulting in a stroke.
This incident underscores a growing issue where patients across the country are filing lawsuits against chiropractors for strokes caused by rapid neck manipulations. If you believe you’ve suffered harm due to chiropractic care in St. Louis, it’s advisable to consult St. Louis personal injury lawyers. They can provide guidance and help you pursue legal action effectively.
A skilled lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by first evaluating the details of your case to determine its merits. They can review medical records, consult experts to link the chiropractic treatment to your injury, and explain your legal options.
TorHoerman Law states that a lawyer will handle filing, drafting, negotiating, and court representation if necessary.
On the other hand, businesses offering any form of treatment with potential harm should note these risks. Ensuring thorough assessments, obtaining informed consent, and adhering to safety protocols can prevent similar incidents and protect both patients and practitioners from legal repercussions.
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor is a medical expert focused on identifying and managing musculoskeletal issues, with a primary emphasis on spinal problems. Chiropractors employ hands-on methods, including spinal adjustments and manipulations, to treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and joint issues.
Breach of Patient Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is a fundamental healthcare aspect, with over 92% of patients viewing it as an essential right, according to the American Medical Association.
The HIPAA Journal reveals that in 2023, there was an average of 1.99 reported data breaches each day involving 500 or more records. This frequent occurrence highlights the persistent vulnerability of healthcare systems to data breaches. On average, approximately 364,571 healthcare records were compromised every day, reflecting the scale and severity of the problem.
Impact and Consequences
Such breaches result in legal repercussions and regulatory fines and erode patient trust in healthcare providers.
To combat these issues, healthcare organizations must implement stringent security measures and regularly train staff on data protection practices. Adhering to privacy laws is essential to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. It sets standards for the handling of protected health information (PHI) by healthcare providers, insurers, and other entities involved in healthcare.
Overall, healthcare businesses operate in a high-stakes environment where maintaining quality care and adhering to legal standards are crucial. Understanding the common reasons behind lawsuits can help providers recognize potential pitfalls and enhance their practices.
By addressing these issues, healthcare businesses can work towards minimizing legal risks and improving overall patient care. This proactive approach can ultimately result in improved patient outcomes and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.
