Hospital Negligence & Nursing Errors Attorney
Hospitals and nursing staff play a critical role in patient care. Patients trust these institutions and their employees to provide safe, professional treatment. However, when hospitals or nurses fail to meet the standard of care, the consequences can be catastrophic. At Watson & Carroll, P.C., L.L.O., we represent individuals harmed by hospital negligence and nursing errors, holding these institutions accountable for the harm caused.
You are one step away from getting the help you need.
What is Hospital Negligence?
- Hospital negligence occurs when the facility or its staff fails to provide appropriate care, resulting in patient injury. This includes:
- Inadequate staffing: Failing to ensure enough qualified personnel to meet patient needs.
- Failure to train staff: Employing nurses or medical professionals who lack adequate training or credentials.
- Unsafe conditions: Allowing unsanitary environments or defective medical equipment.
- Policy failures: Neglecting to implement or follow proper safety protocols.
Hospitals are responsible not only for their employees but also for creating an environment that prioritizes patient safety.
What are Nursing Errors?
Nurses are at the forefront of patient care, often responsible for monitoring patients, administering medications, and responding to emergencies. Nursing errors can have devastating consequences, including:
- Medication errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to note allergies.
- Failure to monitor patients: Missing changes in a patient’s condition or failing to report symptoms to a physician.
- Improper procedures: Mistakes during wound care, catheter placement, or other routine tasks.
- Documentation errors: Failing to properly record patient information, leading to incorrect treatment.
Common Causes of Hospital and Nursing Errors
Errors in hospitals often result from systemic failures or individual negligence, such as:
- Understaffing and fatigue: Overworked nurses and staff are more prone to mistakes.
- Poor communication: Miscommunication between healthcare providers leads to errors in treatment.
- Lack of supervision: Inadequate oversight of inexperienced or untrained staff.
- Pressure to cut costs: Hospitals prioritizing profits over patient care.
The Impact of Hospital and Nursing Errors
Negligence at the hospital or nursing level can lead to serious harm, including:
- Worsened medical conditions: Delays or errors in treatment can exacerbate illnesses.
- Infections and complications: Unsanitary conditions or improper care can result in preventable complications.
- Long-term disability: Errors may lead to permanent injury or diminished quality of life.
- Emotional and financial strain: Patients and families face mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
Our Expertise in Hospital Negligence Cases
With a unique combination of legal and medical expertise, John F. Carroll is uniquely qualified to represent victims of hospital negligence and nursing errors. As a registered nurse in Nebraska and an attorney licensed in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa, John brings a dual perspective to every case. This allows our firm to:
- Identify violations of medical standards of care.
- Understand the root causes of errors and how they contributed to harm.
- Advocate effectively in both legal and medical contexts.
State-Specific Legal Considerations
Each state has unique laws governing medical malpractice, including caps on damages:
Nebraska (NE)
Total damages are capped at $2,250,000 for cases occurring after 2014. (Nebraska Revised Statute § 44-2825)
South Dakota (SD)
Noneconomic damages are capped at $500,000, with no cap on economic damages. (South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-3-11)
Iowa (IA)
Noneconomic damages are capped at $1 million for individual providers and $2 million for hospitals, with no limit on economic damages. (Iowa Code § 147.136A)
Understanding these laws is essential for building a strategy that maximizes recovery.
How We Fight for You
At Watson & Carroll, we are dedicated to securing justice for victims of hospital and nursing errors. Our approach includes:
- Thorough investigation: Reviewing medical records, staffing policies, and hospital protocols.
- Expert consultations: Collaborating with medical experts to evaluate negligence.
- Aggressive advocacy: Pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Main Office
2809 S. 160th St. Ste. 309
Omaha, NE 68130
Contact Us Today
Hospitals and nurses are entrusted with the health and safety of their patients. When they fail in this responsibility, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been harmed by hospital negligence or nursing errors, Watson & Carroll is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.