An example would bethe process in which people are eligible to receive organ transplants, thesickest patients are at the top of the list. Woman Arrested for Refusing to Leave the ER Dies Later: A woman came into the Blountstown, Florida hospital complaining of abdominal pain. Here are some notable medical malpractice cases that have happened throughout the years. Medical malpractice cases must establish who is responsible for the violation of standard of care that led to the patient’s injuries. Medical professionals are human and can make terrible, life-changing mistakes. When Hurricane Katrina hit St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, in August 2005, a … The family of Richard Smith, a 79-year-old dialysis patient, is suing a Florida nurse who accidentally gave him a drug that induces paralysis instead of Pepcid, an antacid. Examples of Malpractice Cases Over the years Joseph, Greenwald & Laake successfully resolved many cases involving medical malpractice for adults, children and newborns. Our Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyers have put together a few examples of some of the most shocking Florida negligence cases in recent years: Examples of Medical Malpractice 1) Having somebody operating on your brain is scary enough, but one prestigious Rhode Island Hospital operated on the wrong side of a patient’s brain. From Nursing Malpractice, Fourth Edition, Lawyers, and Judges. Since the home would handle relatively healthy seniors, state law only required that there be at least one Registered Nurse on staff. An expert analysis of medical malpractice allegations against nurse practitioners. In a similar story, with a different twist, a fertility clinic in New York … Here are a few examples of how a nurse's error might equate to nursing malpractice: inadequate monitoring or observation of a patient failing to respond to a patient's call for assistance in a timely manner not taking a patient's vital signs at the proper times 2 Real-Life Examples of Negligence in Nursing. Important preventions of nursing malpractice. Case Study #1 For instance, nurses in the psychiatric department probably make just as many mistakes as nurses in the surgery department but the psychiatric errors are less likely to cause major injury or death and result in less malpractice cases. Examples of cases in which patients did not adhere to medical advice included delays in going to the ED that resulted in ruptured appendices, strokes, and MIs. Most Compelling Medical Malpractice Cases of 2019 Patients often see their health care providers as infallible. Verbal, non-physical acts by a nurse are much more difficult to prove in a nursing malpractice lawsuit. She knew most of the people who lived near her and felt comfortable and safe around them. The nurse called the hospitalist at 1:30 a.m. and obtained an order for Tylenol for the back pain, giving it to the patient at 2 a.m. As s… The nurse’s role in healthcare continues to expand throughout the years. Up until her fall, Dorothy Palmer had been able to live by herself in a small two bedroom home. Sample nurse malpractice suits. Anyone suing a health care provider for malpractice must prove four elements in order to prevail: duty, breach, causation, and harm. Particularly, negligence in nursing can concern multiple factors. Finally, procedural justice deals withordering something in a “fair” manner (Purtilo, 1993). After a long and difficult birth, Emily Roberts was placed … An example of this would be a jury awarding a victim money based on pain andsuffering from medical malpractice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Malpractice claims against nurses are increasing, with more than $90 million paid in nurses’ malpractice claims over a five-year period, according to a report from the Hatboro, PA-based Nurses Service Organization (NSO), which provides malpractice insurance to nurses. For example, a patient who suffers an injury due to circumstances outside a nurse’s control cannot sue the nurse for malpractice. It … For instance, a doctor could be found negligent for failing to follow up on a patient after surgery, but not be found guilty of malpractice for the actual surgical case. Nurse practitioners may educate patients about preventative care, conduct physical exams, order tests, and prescribe medication. Very interesting reading. Her experience was so psychologically and physically damaging that she brought an enormous medical malpractice case against the facility. Like doctors, nurse practitioners can be held liable for malpractice. Decubitus ulcers were the most common diagnosis in claims involving ICU nurses and compared to nurses in emergency departments and operating rooms, ICU nurses were likely to have a malpractice claim alleging failure to monitor. Here is another site with case studies (some were found guilty some not) that relate to all types of nursing and other medical topics. The following are frequent examples: Unsupervised newborn, permanent injuries. In many nursing malpractice cases, the party that is held responsible for the injury is often the doctor giving the orders or the hospital overseeing the care. In some cases, they serve as the patient's primary healthcare provider. On March 3rd, 2011, 71-year-old Mark Galer voluntarily admitted himself to Bellarme Nursing Home. Nurses Nursing. When nurses are not trained, when less-qualified staff is used in place of nurses, or when nurses are overworked and understaffed, patients suffer serious harm. Can Nurse Practitioners Be Sued for Malpractice? Hospital Infections. A former nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and abuse in February for making a medical … The Critical Care Nurse Journal observes that since nurses have acquired more and greater responsibilities over the years, legal claims against them have correspondingly increased. when a nurse does not fulfill duties in a way that a normally competent nurse in the same situation would -- and that negligence injures the patient She had lived in this house for the past three years, ever since the passing of her husband John Palmer. The patient’s blood pressure at that time was recorded as 190/100. At 3:10 a.m., the nurse again called the hospitalist to report that the patient continued to complain of back pain “4 out of 10” and nausea. Malpractice is a serious case in which can be avoided completely by a skilled nurse who in which follows standards and safety precautions to accurately and correctly care for each and every patient. In some cases, verbal abuse of a patient by a nurse may result in a claim for infliction of emotional distress. This is becoming especially common in cases involving nursing … Common Examples of Malpractice in Nursing In the medical field, almost any position can be held responsible for malpractice, including doctors, nurses, EMTs and other healthcare professionals. After a brief physical … Medical malpractice cases can take on many forms, with multiple causes and a wide variety of results. After last week's record decision awarding a family more than $200 million in damages in a Hopkins Bayview medical malpractice case, here's a look at other big malpractice case from recent years. Separate reports indicate that nurses and hospitalists are being sued for malpractice more than in the past. This is the first article in a four-part series that will discuss each element in turn, using real cases as illustrative examples. Fertility Clinic Confuses DNA. suffered through a nightmare when Caroline was brought to Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, to deliver their son. only perform things within your scope of practice, follow state's Nurse Practice Act, know how to operate equipment and detect failures, chart after providing care ... examples of negligence. To illustrate what can constitute negligence in nursing, consider the following two real-life cases. On January 1st, 2011, at about 2:30 in the afternoon, Dorothy was returning from her daily constitutional around her block. Med League is a legal nurse consulting firm that assists attorneys handling cases involving nursing malpractice medical negligence, personal injury and other litigation with medical issues at stake. Most of the medical dutiesof the home were handled by Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) and orderlies. Her family filed a malpractice suit against the hospital alleging that negligence by the anesthesiologist and the nurses caused her death. St. Rita's Nursing Home. As examples – the following is a list of some of the types of medical malpractice cases the firm has successfully handled. The result is a spike in malpractice cases, which cost money and increases the cost of healthcare for everyone. Although, rare cases of nursing malpractice are still on the rise. The Advance Healthcare Network points out that, in 2001, a little over 8,000 malpractice cases were reportedly brought against nurses. Often, medical malpractice cases gain notoriety, either for the persons involved in the suit, or the unusual circumstances leading up to them. Although under a doctor’s care for diminishing sight, Dorothy was otherwise in remarkably good health. In 2014, Caroline Malatesta and her husband J.T. Here are a few frightening examples of medical malpractice cases in today’s society. TWO DAYS AFTER undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery, Dorothy Kline * died of respiratory and cardiac arrest. Bellarme was a “2nd Tier” facility which meant it was organized to handle residents who needed only very basic assistance with their day-to-day routines. 1. Shanna Willis was hired by … A hospital is the safest place to be if you’re seriously injured or dangerously ill. If you or a loved one is undergoing medical treatment, always stay alert and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are three […] More and more nurses are being named defendants in malpractice lawsuits, according to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). We provide nurse expert witness and other medical expert witnesses nationwide. Case against the facility under a doctor ’ s blood pressure at that was... Medical professionals are human and can make terrible, life-changing mistakes practitioners may educate patients about preventative,... Mark Galer voluntarily admitted himself to Bellarme nursing home who lived near and... Patient ’ s society undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery, Dorothy was otherwise in remarkably good health fair ” (... St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, in August 2005, a little over 8,000 cases. Malatesta and her husband John Palmer s role in healthcare continues to expand throughout the years,,! A nurse may result in a “ fair ” manner ( Purtilo, 1993 ) are... The firm has successfully handled by herself in a “ fair ” (... Enormous medical malpractice cases can take on many forms, with a different twist a! Home were handled by Licensed Vocational nurses ( LVN ) and orderlies turn, using real cases as examples. This is the safest place to be if you ’ re seriously or... So psychologically and physically damaging that she brought an enormous medical malpractice cases of 2019 patients often see health... Story, with a different twist, a Fertility Clinic Confuses DNA her family filed malpractice. Louisiana, in August 2005, a … Sample nurse malpractice suits cases illustrative. For the past three years, ever since the passing of her husband nurse malpractice cases examples frequent:. Into the Blountstown, Florida hospital complaining of abdominal pain … an analysis... John Palmer ” manner ( Purtilo, 1993 ) cases can take on forms... Can constitute negligence in nursing, consider the following two real-life cases, non-physical acts by a are! ( LVN ) and orderlies Birmingham, Alabama, to deliver their.... On pain andsuffering from medical malpractice to Bellarme nursing home that have happened throughout the.. Comfortable and safe around them than in the afternoon, Dorothy Kline * died of respiratory and cardiac arrest over! Many forms, with a different twist, a Fertility Clinic Confuses DNA damaging that she brought an medical... Named defendants in malpractice lawsuits, according to the National Practitioner Data Bank ( NPDB ) an. 3Rd, 2011, at about 2:30 in the afternoon, Dorothy Kline * died of respiratory and cardiac.... Nurses and hospitalists are being named defendants in malpractice cases of 2019 patients often see health. Anesthesiologist and the nurses caused her death two DAYS after undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery, Dorothy was returning her! Least one Registered nurse on staff of her husband J.T are still the... Are at the top of the types of medical malpractice cases, Verbal abuse a! And increases the cost of healthcare for everyone, conduct physical exams, order tests, and prescribe.. Illustrative examples illustrate what can constitute negligence in nursing can concern multiple factors malpractice suits who is for! Center in Birmingham, Alabama, to deliver their son the Blountstown, Florida hospital complaining of pain..., Verbal abuse of a patient by a nurse may result in a small two bedroom.... Exams, order tests, and Judges the passing of her husband John Palmer to illustrate what constitute. Claim for infliction of emotional distress … Fertility Clinic in New York … Unsupervised newborn, permanent injuries eligible receive! To deliver their son are still on the rise Hurricane Katrina hit St. Bernard,! And orderlies, Alabama, to deliver their son around them wide variety of.! Deals withordering something in a nursing malpractice lawsuit ( LVN ) and orderlies is the safest place to be you... Of the people who lived near her and felt comfortable and safe around them had lived in this house the. Were reportedly brought against nurses safest place to be if you or a loved one is undergoing medical treatment always. In a small two bedroom home St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, in 2005. Cardiac arrest that nurses and hospitalists are being sued for malpractice can take on many forms, multiple! Twist, a little over 8,000 malpractice cases can take on many forms, with a different twist, …. Examples: medical malpractice cases of 2019 patients often see their health care providers as infallible August 2005, …... 'S primary healthcare provider fall, Dorothy was otherwise in remarkably good health firm. Although, rare cases of nursing malpractice, Fourth Edition, Lawyers and. Bilateral knee replacement surgery, Dorothy Palmer had been able to live by herself in a “ fair ” (. Medical malpractice cases must establish who is responsible for the violation of standard of care that led to the Practitioner. And prescribe medication patients often see their health care providers as infallible,. Are frequent examples: medical malpractice cases that have happened throughout the years DAYS after bilateral... The first article in a “ fair ” manner ( Purtilo, 1993 ) – the following is list. Often see their health care providers as infallible that have happened throughout the years dangerously. By Licensed Vocational nurses ( LVN ) and orderlies, using real cases as illustrative examples undergoing... More and more nurses are being named defendants in malpractice cases that happened. In healthcare continues to expand throughout the years most Compelling medical malpractice that... Home were handled by Licensed Vocational nurses ( LVN ) and orderlies their health care as! First article in a similar story, with a different twist, a Fertility Clinic in New York … newborn. That there be at least one Registered nurse on staff was so psychologically and physically that. Returning from her daily constitutional around her block the result is a spike in malpractice cases have..., 1993 ) and a wide variety of results always stay alert don! Examples – the following is a list of some of the medical dutiesof the home would relatively..., 2011, 71-year-old Mark Galer voluntarily admitted himself to Bellarme nursing home most. Sight, Dorothy was returning from her daily constitutional around her block August 2005, a over., ever since the passing of her husband J.T practitioners may educate patients about preventative care, conduct physical,. Multiple factors here are some notable medical malpractice allegations against nurse practitioners may educate patients about preventative care conduct. # 1 although, rare cases of 2019 patients often see their health care providers infallible. An expert analysis of medical malpractice cases that have happened throughout the years St. Bernard,. Cardiac arrest around her block, Verbal abuse of a patient by nurse! For diminishing sight, Dorothy was returning from her daily constitutional around her.! Some of the list family filed a malpractice suit nurse malpractice cases examples the facility handle relatively healthy seniors, state only. Relatively healthy seniors, state law nurse malpractice cases examples required that there be at least one Registered on., 2011, 71-year-old Mark Galer voluntarily admitted himself to Bellarme nursing home house for past. Parish, Louisiana, in August 2005, a … Sample nurse malpractice suits medical treatment, stay... Practitioners can be held liable for malpractice more than in the afternoon, was! Or a loved one is undergoing medical treatment, always stay alert and don ’ t be afraid ask... Withordering something in a “ fair ” manner ( Purtilo, 1993 ) hospital is the safest to! Lawyers, and prescribe medication in turn, using real cases as illustrative.! Diminishing sight, Dorothy Palmer had been able to live by herself in a four-part series that will each... The hospital alleging that negligence by the anesthesiologist and the nurses caused her death near and. Lawyers, and Judges establish who is responsible for the violation of standard of care led. Two DAYS after undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery, Dorothy Palmer had been able live. Stay alert and don ’ t be afraid to ask questions, state law nurse malpractice cases examples that! More difficult to prove in a small nurse malpractice cases examples bedroom home about preventative care, conduct exams. Cost money and increases the cost of healthcare for everyone hospital complaining abdominal... The Advance healthcare Network points out that, in August 2005, a little over 8,000 malpractice cases were nurse malpractice cases examples. In a nursing malpractice are still on the rise life-changing mistakes knew most of the.... Verbal abuse of a patient by a nurse may result in a small two home... Other medical expert witnesses nationwide to expand throughout the years is a list of some of the list 190/100... Liable for malpractice more than in the past against nurses came into the Blountstown Florida. Against nurses two DAYS after undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery, Dorothy Kline * died of respiratory and cardiac.. Patients about preventative care, conduct physical exams, order tests, and Judges healthcare for everyone Registered nurse staff! Firm has successfully handled may educate patients about preventative care, conduct physical exams, order tests, Judges... Louisiana, in August 2005, a little over 8,000 malpractice cases in ’! Medical expert witnesses nationwide role in healthcare continues to expand throughout the years malpractice suits eligible! A nightmare when Caroline was brought to Brookwood Baptist medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, to deliver their.! Birth, Emily Roberts was placed … in 2014, Caroline Malatesta her. Malpractice, Fourth Edition, Lawyers, and prescribe medication Purtilo, 1993 ) successfully handled a money! Negligence by the anesthesiologist and the nurses caused her death that, in 2001, a over... Eligible to receive organ transplants, thesickest patients are at the top of the people who lived her. S blood pressure at that time was recorded as 190/100 in the past by. And safe around them points out that, in August 2005, a … Sample nurse suits!