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Hospital Liabilities for Malpractice

Vancouver General Hospital Centennial Pavilion

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If you spend any time watching medical shows or paying attention to the medical news and discussion of doctors’ salaries, you probably know about the concept of malpractice insurance. Just as drivers must buy insurance to cover payments in case they cause an accident, doctors must have insurance in case they make a mistake and get sued for malpractice (literally “bad practice”).

This might take many forms. Perhaps the doctor made a bad decision, or made a mistake in surgery. Perhaps he prescribed the wrong medication, or took a risk that wasn’t really justified. Whatever the situation, the injured party might then sue him and/or his hospital for recompense.

It’s one thing to sue an individual (already an intimidating prospect); it’s another entirely to consider suing a hospital. If you believe you’ve been the victim of hospital malpractice, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the best authority on your side. That means the right lawyer.

Laws are different from state to state. A Michigan medical malpractice attorney knows the intricacies of Michigan state law and the workings of the malpractice court much better than a similar lawyer from Indiana might (the latter, of course, would be an expert on Indiana law).

The lawyer may be able to make a case to prove institutional bad practice at the hospital in question, which could result not only in recompense for the victim but also for sweeping changes at the institutional level that will ensure better care for future patients. At the least, such a case could identify poor doctor behavior and make sure that is corrected. However large the scale, the outcome is better care for patients and justice for the wronged.

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Role Of Tech In Medical Care – Will It Work Under Demanding Conditions?

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Does technology really help reduce the cost of medical care? Is it an environmentally friendly option? Does it really simplify the process for doctors and patients alike? Under ideal conditions, technology is a lifesaver as far as comfort, convenience and costs are concerned. It is possible to for a doctor to perform diagnosis and prescribe medicines by checking the patient’s history with just a click of the mouse.

As technology improves, a three-dimensional image of the deceased organ may be created so that the exact problem can be explained to people even if they do not have any knowledge of medical science. All this information can be stored and retrieved for future research and improvements in treatment. Doctors are already using virtual surgeries to enhance their skills without putting any animal or human being at risk.

A sad truth of life is that ideal conditions never last. Technological solutions and innovations do not function properly when ideal conditions do not exist. The storm that knocks out electrical power in the state will leave doctors and patients without access to medical records. Lack of bandwidth may result in garbled communication which only complicates matters during diagnosis.

People are already making use of the internet as an alternative source of information and advice at zero cost. Many persons have suffered severe consequences because they rely on hearsay opinion of anonymous people on the internet instead of relying on expert advice of doctors. Technology can be relied upon only when it works well under the most demanding conditions.

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Knowing Your Medical Rights

As a patient, you may feel you are at the mercy of doctors. You take the medicine, follow instructions and come back when instructed. But patients have rights, and you need to know yours before your next appointment.

1. Informed consent means you have the right to know the facts regarding your care. It means you can choose to consent to or refuse treatment. If you do not understand the pros and cons of a procedure or medication, your doctors have an obligation to explain them to you. No matter what their medical opinion may be, you have the right to accept or refuse care for yourself.

2. Understand that the Patient’s Bill of Rights is from the hospital’s view, not yours. These rights are valid to the degree that the hospital choses to enforce them. It is up to you to defend your own rights. Never assume that a hospital’s posting of this Bill of Rights has any reflection on the treatment you may receive.

3. You have certain responsibilities as a patient. Always provide your doctor and with accurate information. Take responsibility for understanding your health and treatment. If there is a reason that you cannot follow the prescribed treatment, discuss it with your doctor. Also, realize how your lifestyle affects your health. Medication is no substitute for poor habits.

4. Advanced directives are a way to express what kind of treatment you want if you become incapacitated. If illness or injury leave you unable to voice your wishes, a directive will make your desires known. Living wills are examples of advanced directives. An alternative is to give a trusted person medical power of attorney to make decisions for you.

A Florida medical malpractice lawyer can help you if you feel someone has violated your rights.

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