Medical malpractice is a serious concern in healthcare, as it can have life-altering consequences for patients. When we discuss who can commit medical malpractice, it’s essential to understand that medical malpractice can involve a range of healthcare professionals and institutions. In essence, anyone involved in a patient’s care who breaches the standard of care can potentially commit medical malpractice.

In practical terms, this means that any medical professional who diagnoses, treats, or cares for a patient in a hospital or nursing home can potentially be held liable for medical malpractice. The facilities where patients seek care can also be found liable for malpractice when a provider’s negligence or recklessness results from insufficient policy guidance, training, or supervision.

The following is a list of various parties that can be held accountable for medical malpractice. If you’ve been injured, call our office to speak with a Virginia Beach medical malpractice lawyer.

Physicians and Surgeons

Doctors, including general practitioners, specialists, and surgeons, are perhaps the most commonly associated professionals with medical malpractice cases. Medical malpractice by physicians can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, failure to obtain informed consent, and negligent treatment decisions.

Nurses

Nurses play a vital role in patient care but can also be subject to medical malpractice claims. Examples of nurse-related malpractice include administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, failing to monitor a patient’s condition, and not following established protocols.

Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia during surgery. Errors related to anesthesia can be particularly dangerous and may include administering the wrong type or dosage of anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs, or improperly intubating the patient.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists can commit malpractice when dispensing a patient the wrong medication or the incorrect dosage. This can lead to adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions, or other serious health complications.

Dentists

Dental malpractice can occur when dentists fail to meet the standard of care during dental procedures. Issues such as incorrect extractions, improper anesthesia administration, or inadequate equipment sterilization can lead to infections.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can be held liable for medical malpractice under the principle of vicarious liability. This means that if a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, commits malpractice while working within a hospital or healthcare institution, the institution can also be held accountable for the negligence, particularly if they failed to provide adequate supervision or maintain proper protocols.

Medical Residents and Interns

In teaching hospitals, medical residents and interns are often involved in patient care under the supervision of attending physicians. If these trainees make errors or fail to provide the expected standard of care, they and their supervising physicians can be liable for medical malpractice.

Radiologists

Radiologists interpret medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Errors in their interpretations can result in delayed or incorrect diagnoses, which can lead to serious harm or even death.

Midwives

Midwives are responsible for providing prenatal care and assisting with childbirth. If they fail to provide appropriate care during pregnancy or labor, resulting in harm to the mother or baby, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.

Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Alternative Medicine Practitioners

Even practitioners in alternative medicine and non-traditional healthcare fields can be subject to medical malpractice claims. This may include chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and others. Malpractice in these contexts can involve improper treatment techniques, lack of informed consent, or negligence in patient care.

Call Our Office Today

The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has successfully represented many clients and their families who suffered serious injury or illness because of the negligence or carelessness of a doctor or other medical staff. In one case, we were able to obtain a $350,000 settlement for a client who suffered significant injury when his surgeon left a surgical sponge behind after gall bladder surgery.

Our Virginia Beach medical malpractice attorneys understand the overwhelming stress these types of mistakes can have on families and work diligently to obtain financial compensation because of the harm victims suffered when medical staff failed to provide the necessary medical treatment. Contact our office today for your free case evaluation and discuss what legal recourse you may have.

 

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