If you suspect medical errors in nursing, waiting until you leave a hospital can complicate the case. You might lose important evidence, and witnesses might also forget some details. Reaching out to an attorney earlier makes it easier to build a malpractice claim.
According to the National Library of Medicine, each year around 400,000 hospitalized patients experience preventable harm. Unfortunately, some of them don’t receive the justice they deserve.
At Cummings Law, we have recovered over $47 million for clients over the past few years. Our Honolulu medical malpractice attorney can help you seek competition if you were harmed due to someone else’s negligence.
What Are the Common Medical Errors by Nurses?
Giving the wrong medication or dose and not updating changes in a patient’s condition. Nurses play an important role in patient care. If they make mistakes, these can result in serious injuries or death. Other common nursing medical errors are:
- Failing to notify a physician about worsening symptoms
- Patient identification mistakes
- Falls caused by inadequate supervision
- Charting incorrect information
- Poor wound care
- Delayed responses during emergencies
If you notice anything unusual with the care you’re getting, begin immediate reporting of negligence.
What Is the Biggest Cause of Medical Errors?
Communication problems. If healthcare providers fail to share accurate information, patients face high risks.
Anytime a nurse ends their shift, they need to pass along important details. Failing to do so can affect the care you receive. You or a loved one might not get the needed tests. Changes in the condition could also go unnoticed.
The Effects of Delaying Action Against Medical Errors in Nursing
Even when you suspect medical errors, your main focus might be to recover first. Unfortunately, every day you wait to report patient harm can make a malpractice claim more difficult to prove.
Important Evidence Can Disappear
Hospitals create new records every day. Nurses may also:
- Update patient charts
- Add notes
- Move between departments
Start real-time evidence gathering as soon as you notice a problem. You can:
- Write down dates and times of the event
- Photograph visible injuries
- Keep copies of test results
Such details may become critical when filing your malpractice claim.
Witnesses May Forget Critical Details
People naturally forget conversations over time. Making notes while events are fresh gives your legal team a more accurate timeline.
Keep nursing home daily logs or similar records during a hospital stay. Our attorney can then use these to connect important events and review your recovery options.
Your Attorney Has Less Time to Build a Strong Case
Medical malpractice cases often depend on detailed records and expert reviews. Delays complicate preserving malpractice evidence.
When you reach out to Cummings Law, we’ll begin reviewing medical records. We’ll also speak with witnesses immediately. Doing so helps us identify possible negligence much sooner.
Protect Your Rights With Professional Help
Acting quickly when you suspect medical errors in nursing can make a big difference. You can collect evidence and get witness statements when memories are still fresh. Seeking legal guidance early also helps protect your rights and guides you on what to do.
Brian Cummings is one of only two attorneys in Hawaii who is board-certified in medical malpractice. He personally handles every case, helping preserve critical evidence. Reach out to Cummings Law and let an experienced professional begin protecting your rights.
