When something goes wrong with your medical care, your first instinct is to hold someone responsible. For many, that means taking steps to start a medical malpractice claim.
While many people immediately think of doctors when they hear the term “medical malpractice,” there are other professionals who can make mistakes that lead to serious harm.
Which healthcare workers can be responsible for malpractice? Whether you were given the wrong medication, misdiagnosed, or injured during a procedure, that responsibility does not stop with your physician. Let’s find out who can be held liable in these instances.
Doctors and Surgeons
Of course, physicians and surgeons are at the top of this list. Your doctor is the primary decision-maker in your care. These healthcare professionals are frequently named in malpractice claims. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), one-third (31.2%) of physicians reported in 2022 that they had previously been sued for negligence or error.
Mistakes made by doctors might include:
- Misdiagnosing an illness
- Failing to diagnose something serious in time
- Performing the wrong procedure
- Not getting your informed consent
- Prescribing unsafe or incorrect medications
If a doctor’s actions fall below accepted medical standards and cause harm, they can be held legally responsible.
Along with them, surgeons could be liable too. Surgery involves so many moving parts, and one wrong move, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving a surgical tool behind, or failing to monitor a patient afterward, can lead to life-altering injuries or even death.
Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Nurses are the backbone of any hospital or clinic. They check vitals and administer medications. In many cases, they spend more time with patients than anyone else. But when a nurse makes a mistake, like giving the wrong medication or failing to notify a doctor of changes in a patient’s condition, it can have serious consequences.
On the other hand, nurse practitioners can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications. Like doctors, they are also responsible for their own medical decisions. If they misdiagnose a patient or overlook symptoms, they can also be named in a malpractice case.
Physician Assistants (PAs)
Physician assistants work closely with doctors, and their mistakes could be deemed as medical malpractice. If a PA misinterprets test results, prescribes the wrong medication, or skips important steps in treatment, they can be held accountable. Depending on the situation, the supervising doctor may also share liability.
Anesthesiologists and Nurse Anesthetists
This area of medicine requires precision. Too much or too little can be dangerous, and in some cases, deadly. If an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist fails to evaluate a patient properly, miscalculates dosage, or does not monitor vital signs during surgery, that can rise to the level of malpractice.
Pharmacists
While many people do not consider pharmacists part of the direct healthcare team, they play an essential role. Filling the wrong prescription, mislabeling medications, or missing dangerous drug interactions can cause lasting harm. When a pharmacist’s error leads to injury, they can be named in a lawsuit.
Radiologists and Lab Technicians
Many diagnoses rely on lab results and imaging. When those results are wrong or misread, treatment can be delayed. Radiologists who miss signs of cancer or technicians who mishandle lab samples can be just as responsible for malpractice as the doctors who rely on their data.
Therapists and Rehabilitation Specialists
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation providers are expected to follow appropriate treatment protocols. If they push a patient too far, fail to recognize signs of injury, or provide unsafe care, they can cause more harm than good. As a result, they can be held legally liable for that harm.
Mental Health Professionals
Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists have a duty to protect their patients. Failure to recognize suicidal behavior, poor medication management, or breaches in confidentiality can all lead to malpractice claims. These cases are sensitive, and these mistakes are as serious as physical injuries.
Hospitals and Clinics
Sometimes, it is not just about one person who causes harm, but the entire healthcare system. Hospitals, urgent care centers, and other medical facilities may also be liable for:
- Hiring unqualified staff
- Failing to provide proper training
- Understaffing units or shifts
- Lacking proper safety or infection control measures
Even if the person who made the mistake is no longer with the facility, the institution may still be held responsible.
You Deserve Answers and Accountability
If you or someone you love was hurt by a medical mistake, you need to take action.
Malpractice cases are challenging to handle on your own. In many cases, it is not always obvious who made the error or who should be held accountable. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn how we can help during this challenging and stressful time.
