Sandy Springs Hospital Negligence Lawyer

Sandy Springs Hospital Negligence Attorney

When you go to the hospital for care, you expect to be treated professionally and safely by skilled medical staff. However, many accidents due to negligence still happen in hospitals around the U.S. each year. If a hospital caused injury to you or your loved ones, a Sandy Springs hospital negligence lawyer may be able to explain your legal options and help you pursue monetary compensation.

Hospital malpractice claims can be challenging to prove because they can involve errors by various providers, departments, and hospital policies. An experienced Sandy Springs medical malpractice lawyer can review your injury and determine whether a hospital, physician, nurse, or healthcare company was negligent. Patients who are harmed by a preventable mistake may be able to file a hospital negligence case in Georgia.

About The Tolson Firm, LLC

We believe patients have the right to knowledgeable and compassionate advocacy when medical providers neglect their duties. That’s why our lead attorney, Audrey Tolson, was named to Women Looking Ahead’s list of the “Most Powerful and Influential Female Lawyers.” As a fierce advocate for malpractice victims throughout Georgia, Audrey Tolson takes pride in helping her clients obtain the compensation they are entitled to.

Audrey Tolson is a proud Black attorney who strives to empower those in her community by using her legal knowledge and skills. At The Tolson Firm, LLC, we represent clients hurt by negligent care at hospitals all over Sandy Springs and metro Atlanta. If you received care at facilities like Northside Hospital Atlanta or Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and you were injured due to a staff member’s mistake, our firm can help you seek justice.

Common Causes of Hospital Negligence

In American hospitals, healthcare-associated infections continue to be a serious threat to patient safety. The CDC estimates that on any given day, 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one infection linked to healthcare. Of the 680,000 patients who get these illnesses in U.S. hospitals annually, around 72,000 patients die while there, highlighting the grave dangers associated with dangerous medical environments.

There are many ways that hospitals can fail to provide patients with a professional standard of care. Hospital negligence can occur in one department or involve numerous healthcare providers. Common types of hospital negligence include:

• Surgical errors or operating on the wrong body part
• Prescribing or administering the wrong medication or dosage
• Failing to monitor patient conditions
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Hospital-acquired infections due to unsanitary conditions
• Mistakes caused by improper employee training or oversight

More often than not, hospital mistakes are caused by one of these issues: understaffing, faulty communication channels, and a lack of proper enforcement of hospital policies and procedures. When any of these issues cause serious injuries or the wrongful death of a patient, we may be able to help you pursue a claim.

Laws That Affect Hospital Negligence Claims

Medical malpractice laws in Georgia establish the requirements and limits of hospital negligence claims. Georgia Code § 51-1-27 specifically establishes the expected standard of care for medical professionals. The statute states that healthcare providers have a duty to provide patients with reasonable care and skill. When the hospital staff fails to meet this benchmark and causes harm to patients, it could be held liable for its negligence.

Georgia law also requires plaintiffs to file an expert affidavit along with their medical malpractice complaint. This affidavit, created under Georgia Code § 9-11-9.1, includes a sworn statement from a medical professional. Their testimony must explain how the defendant deviated from the ordinary standard of care when treating the plaintiff.

Evidence in a Hospital Negligence Case

Like other medical negligence cases, hospital negligence cases require evidence that shows how the hospital fell below the ordinary standards of care. Many pieces of evidence can support your claim, but building your case will likely require input from medical professionals. Hospital negligence claims may be supported by evidence like:

• Hospital medical records and nursing staff’s notes
• Diagnostic test results
• Witness testimony from hospital staff and patients
• Witness testimony from medical professionals
• Documentation showing your financial losses

Hospitals have teams of records collectors, so it can be difficult to obtain evidence without legal help.

FAQs

What Is a Reasonable Amount to Ask for Pain and Suffering?

A reasonable amount of compensation for pain and suffering varies according to factors such as the seriousness of the injury, the impact the injury has on your life, and whether the injury is permanent. Some of the criteria that courts and insurers use to assess pain and suffering damages in a medical malpractice claim include physical pain, mental anguish, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Are the Chances of Winning a Claim Against a Hospital?

The chances of winning a claim against a hospital vary based on the facts and evidence of each individual case in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Some cases are stronger than others, such as cases that have medical records to support your claim, testimony from medical professionals, and evidence that the hospital was negligent and caused you harm. Having a skilled attorney on your side can also help you succeed in your case.

How Much Money Do You Need to File a Claim Against a Hospital?

The cost of filing a claim against a hospital depends greatly on the complexity of your case. Costs associated with medical negligence claims can include court filing fees, medical record retrieval fees, and professional witness costs. There is also the cost of legal assistance from your attorney. However, this is something you should discuss with them.

What Evidence Do You Need for Medical Negligence?

To prove medical negligence, it’s necessary to provide evidence that establishes how the healthcare professional breached the acceptable standard of care and how that breach resulted in harm to his or her patient. Types of evidence that may support your case include medical records, diagnostic testing, medical treatment, and professional testimony from qualified healthcare professionals.

Hire a Hospital Negligence Lawyer

You shouldn’t have to suffer because of a hospital’s negligence. If you believe that you or your loved one suffered serious injury due to hospital negligence, hire a hospital negligence lawyer today. Our Sandy Springs hospital negligence lawyers can review your case and determine whether you qualify to file a claim and whether hospital negligence penalties are appropriate. Contact The Tolson Firm, LLC, today for more information.