We rely on healthcare professionals to administer the highest level of care when we have a health issue. While most of them do adhere to their professional duties, there are times when a provider’s actions may fall below this benchmark. Whether it be due to an omission, misdiagnosis, or delayed diagnosis, patients are bound to be harmed in the process.
If you live in Pennsylvania, at one time or another, you likely have been seen by a practitioner at a Penn State Healthcare (PSH) Facility. PSH operates several facilities across the state, and various malpractice lawsuits have arisen in recent years. If you have fallen victim to malpractice at a PSH facility, our PA medical malpractice lawyers at Marzella & Associates are here to assist you in filing your claim.
When Can You Hold a Hospital Liable for Malpractice?
Recovering for damages following a hospital stay requires that certain components are present:
- There is an established doctor-patient relationship. Through this relationship, the physician owes the patient a duty of care, which applies to all doctor-patient relationships.
- Either through an act or omission, the doctor breached their duty of care to the patient.
- There must be a causal link between the physician or other healthcare provider’s actions and the patient’s injuries. More specifically, the healthcare provider’s deviation from the acceptable standard of care must be a substantial factor in the harm the patient suffered.
- As a result of the patient’s injuries, the patient has suffered compensable damages (lost wages, medical bills, etc.).
Negligence at Penn State Healthcare Facilities
Penn State Health is composed of a renowned network of providers, currently with 180 outpatient facilities and five hospital campuses operating within the state. Healthcare facilities are located in Berks, Hershey, Hampden, and Lancaster, with other locations available throughout Pennsylvania. However, the hospital strives to administer exceptional care, with specific hospital locations receiving critical acclaim, not all physicians adhere to their professional responsibilities.
In recent years, Penn State Health has faced several allegations of medical malpractice. Common negligence claims include a failure or delay in diagnosis, surgical errors, and medication administration mistakes, to name a few. A delayed diagnosis in an emergency can result in irreversible medical complications, as can be seen in failing to perform a cesarean section when the expected standard of care would indicate to do so.
In other facilities, retaining nurses has been a problem, leading to staffing shortages and substandard patient care. Nurses are considered the backbone of the medical field. With many nurses reaching retirement age, hospitals in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania report a 14% vacancy rate for registered nurses. This lack of nursing staff results in longer ER wait times, delayed discharges, and slower responses to life-threatening conditions.
Guidance from a PA Medical Malpractice Attorney
We rely on a medical provider’s expertise during a time of crisis. When you are not feeling well, you hope that a physician or other medical professional will give you their undivided attention in administering optimal care. While most healthcare professionals adhere to the expected standard of care, others may neglect their professional duties. Physicians do make errors, some of which can result in permanent damage. Our legal team is dedicated to pursuing justice against medical professionals who have wronged innocent patients.
Unfortunately, the sole source of medical malpractice is not confined to physicians, with a prevalent lack of registered nurses placing a heavy burden on the healthcare industry. While all elements are out of your control, you should not suffer from a broken system. Our medical malpractice team believes that physicians and healthcare staff should be held responsible for their shortcomings. If you have been injured due to a healthcare professional’s oversight, we want to hear from you.
Speak with a PA Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Medical mistakes cost patients dearly, costing individuals thousands of dollars in lost income, surgeries, and rehabilitative therapies throughout their lifetime. If you have fallen victim to medical malpractice at a PSH Facility, you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Providing evidence is key to recovering fair compensation for your hardship. At Marzella & Associates, our PA medical malpractice attorneys will handle the claims process on your behalf, gathering the necessary medical records, witness testimony, and expert witness statements to demonstrate your treating provider’s negligence. To get started, contact us online or give us a call at (717) 876-8681 to schedule your free consultation.