We trust that the healthcare professionals taking care of us when we fall ill or become injured know what they’re doing. When a caregiver fails to provide good care and is neglectful or negligent in a way that results in further harm, you might have a viable medical malpractice claim.
In a medical malpractice claim, it isn’t so much the kind of healthcare provider who made the mistake as it is the decision he or she made that caused additional injury or illness. Still, knowing whether the type of caregiver in your case can be held accountable in a malpractice claim can be helpful.
In a Hospital Environment
As it applies to medical practice, negligence means that another professional of a similar position, skill set, education level, and level of experience would not have made the same mistake the provider in question made.
When you’re in the hospital, whether it’s for a routine procedure, emergency situation, or childbirth, you will encounter numerous medical professionals. Surgeons, general physicians, obstetricians, nurses, and even interns can all be held accountable for errors in judgement that cause you harm.
Physicians’ Offices
When visiting your primary care physician or your child’s pediatrician, you’ll primarily be working with physicians, physician assistants, and nurses. If any of these professionals makes an error in the diagnosis or treatment of you or your child, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.
This is because medical professionals are expected to have the skills and knowledge to properly treat and diagnose various conditions or make referrals to specialists when necessary.
Home Healthcare
For people with permanent disabilities who require help caring for themselves, as well as the elderly who choose not to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility, home healthcare professionals are of the utmost importance.
Often titled home health aides or primary caregivers, medical professionals of this type need to provide excellent care in the home. Without monitoring, home health patients often fall victim to the neglectful and negligent behavior and decisions of their caregivers. Fortunately, negligent home caregivers can be held accountable as healthcare providers.
Nursing Homes and Similar Facilities
More often than not, those who inhabit nursing homes and assisted living facilities are elderly or have suffered a debilitating health crisis, such as a stroke or heart attack. They most often need help caring for themselves.
In a medical malpractice claim for someone who is living in one of these facilities, nurses, primary care technicians, doctors, and even the nursing home or assisted living facility itself can be held accountable if a careless mistake caused further harm to a patient.
Connect with an Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Being made to suffer due to the negligence of a caregiver you entrusted with your health is simply unacceptable. If you have questions about a possible medical malpractice claim and would like to discuss the details with a qualified Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyer, contact Kooi Law today.
You can schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with our firm through the quick contact form we’ve included below or by phone at (317) 569-1335.
