While Florida is home to many world-class medical facilities, errors can still occur due to systemic issues or lack of oversight. Hospital negligence can be difficult to spot in the moment, especially when you are prioritizing your recovery.
However, certain warning signs may indicate that the standard of care was not met during your stay or visit. Learning how to identify them can be a critical step in safeguarding your health and your legal rights.
Misdiagnosis or delayed treatments
When your doctor ignores your symptoms or does not review your test results in a timely manner, your condition could worsen. You could also end up developing a new, unrelated injury or illness when you initially needed medical attention for something else. This type of oversight can demonstrate that a lack of care was present during your treatment.
Surgical “never events”
Due to the nature of their work, surgeons are expected to avoid making catastrophic medical errors that can severely harm a patient. Finding out that these mistakes occurred during your operation can point to bigger problems in the hospital.
Medication errors
When you experience a preventable adverse drug reaction like allergies or nerve injury, check the information on your prescription. Receiving the wrong dosage or medication can indicate inappropriate conduct or neglect from your physician.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
If you find yourself developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) or pneumonia after your hospital stay, it could be due to poor sanitation or hygiene protocols. These severe infections can be a clear warning sign of hospital negligence.
When taking action matters
Filing a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault party is not just about seeking compensation for your recovery. It is also about holding the healthcare provider accountable for their actions. A lawyer can help you with the pre-suit requirements and secure evidence needed should your case go to court.