Hospitals are responsible for providing care to patients who face a wide range of injuries and medical conditions. While their goal is to properly treat patients, carelessness and neglect within a health care facility can sometimes worsen your condition rather than improve it. In these cases, a Columbia hospital negligence lawyer from Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could help you pursue compensation for the damages you suffered due to medical malpractice.
Whether a doctor’s poor decision or systemic neglect within a hospital caused your injury, our dedicated medical malpractice attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
What Are Examples of Hospital Negligence?
Hospital negligence refers to acts or omissions in your treatment that breach the standard of care a hospital must provide to its patients. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 15-79-110, these shortcomings can constitute medical malpractice when they do not align with what a reasonably prudent health care provider would or would not do under similar circumstances. Our attorneys work with trusted medical experts to review your case and identify evidence of malpractice at a Columbia health care facility. Your claim could include the following acts of negligence:
- Failing to document medical history
- Disregarding reported symptoms
- Neglecting to order diagnostic testing
- Failing to consult with specialists
- Misdiagnosing symptoms
- Making surgical errors
- Prescribing the wrong medication
- Failing to warn of potential side effects or risks
Broader operational issues, such as understaffing, defective or outdated equipment, or policies that risk harm to patients, can also cause hospitals to fail their standard of care.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim
If you suspect your care at a hospital was negligent, you should consult with one of our Columbia attorneys as soon as possible. You generally have three years to file a claim for medical malpractice pursuant to the statute of limitations under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-545. The filing period typically begins on the date of the hospital’s breach in the standard of care or on the date of its reasonable discovery. However, the law may reduce the deadline to two years if your case involves a hospital affiliated with a government agency. Submitting your claim promptly is essential for maintaining the right to recover compensation for your damages.
The nature of your injury and the impact it has on your life determine the compensation our legal team could help you pursue. Our experience in medical malpractice claims enables us to identify the full range of your potential losses and advocate for the maximum compensation in court. The types of damages that could be available include:
- Past and future medical care costs
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Diminished quality or enjoyment of life
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-32-220, there is no limit to the noneconomic damages you can recover in a malpractice case. However, these awards are separate from economic damages, such as lost wages or treatment costs.
Call Our Columbia Attorneys Today if You Suffered Due to Hospital Malpractice
The individuals who run our hospitals swear an oath to do no harm to their patients. Yet a mistake or negligent act within these facilities can cause you pain, irreversible harm, and financial loss. A Columbia hospital negligence lawyer at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could pursue your legal right to compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
