Trial Attorney Blog
Medical malpractice is often associated with a physician’s error, but in reality, medical mistakes can occur at any level of healthcare, including nursing staff.
Nurses play a critical role in patient care, and when errors happen, they can have serious or even life-threatening consequences.
Families and patients affected by these mistakes often wonder if they can seek legal recourse.
Specifically, they may ask: Can a Duluth medical malpractice lawyer help if a nurse made the mistake — not the doctor?
The answer is yes, and understanding the nuances of these cases is crucial for anyone navigating this complex area of law.
Understanding Medical Malpractice Involving Nurses
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional’s negligence or failure to meet the standard of care causes harm to a patient.
While doctors often receive the spotlight in malpractice cases, nurses are equally bound by professional standards and are legally accountable for their actions.
Examples of nurse-related errors include:
- Medication administration mistakes, such as giving the wrong drug or dosage.
- Failing to monitor patient vitals or report alarming changes.
- Neglecting to follow a doctor’s prescribed treatment plan.
- Improper handling of medical equipment or failure to maintain sterile conditions.
- Delayed or missed diagnoses due to overlooked symptoms.
Nurses are front-line caregivers. Mistakes, whether through omission or commission, can have severe repercussions.
In Georgia, as in other states, a nurse’s actions can constitute medical malpractice if they directly cause harm to a patient.
The Role of a Duluth Medical Malpractice Lawyer
A Duluth medical malpractice lawyer or a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Atlanta is well-versed in Georgia’s medical malpractice laws and can assist victims in holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.
These lawyers are trained to investigate complex medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and build cases that demonstrate how negligence led to harm.
Even if a doctor did not make the mistake, a malpractice lawyer can pursue claims against the nurse, the employing hospital, or the healthcare facility.
Hospitals often have vicarious liability for their employees, meaning they can be held responsible for errors made by nurses during the course of employment.
Why Nurses Can Be Held Liable
It’s a common misconception that only doctors can be sued for medical malpractice. In fact, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other licensed healthcare professionals are legally accountable for their actions. Under Georgia law:
- Nurses must adhere to professional standards and protocols.
- Failure to comply with these standards, resulting in patient harm, can constitute negligence.
- Hospitals and clinics may also bear liability under the principle of respondeat superior, which holds employers accountable for employee actions performed during employment.
For example, if a nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient due to negligence, and the patient suffers serious side effects, both the nurse and the hospital can be held legally responsible.
Steps to Take if a Nurse’s Mistake Caused Harm
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a nurse’s error, prompt action is crucial. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention
- Ensure immediate medical care for any injuries or complications. Documentation of the injury is essential for building a legal case.
- Preserve Medical Records
- Obtain copies of all medical records, including nurse notes, medication logs, and test results. These documents are critical for proving negligence.
- Document Everything
- Keep a detailed log of the events, conversations, and observations related to the incident. Note dates, times, and names of involved staff.
- Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
- Reach out to a Medical Malpractice Attorney near me or a local firm with experience in Georgia malpractice cases. Lawyers can guide you through the process, evaluate liability, and help pursue compensation.
- Avoid Public Statements
- Do not discuss the incident publicly or on social media, as statements can be used against your case.
Compensation in Nurse-Related Malpractice Cases
Victims of nurse negligence may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury or inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where negligence results in death, family members may pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial support.
A Medical Malpractice Attorney in Atlanta or Duluth can calculate the full extent of damages and ensure that all liable parties are held accountable.
Why Choose Finch McCranie LLP
Finch McCranie LLP is a trial practice firm with a long history of success. Founded in 1965 by Baxter Finch and Claude Ross, the firm quickly established itself among the best plaintiffs’ personal injury firms in Georgia, with numerous notable verdicts. The firm’s attorneys have extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice claims, including cases involving nurse negligence.
With a dedication to client advocacy, Finch McCranie LLP provides:
- Thorough case investigations.
- Expert consultations from top medical professionals.
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies.
- Personalized attention to each client’s unique circumstances.
By leveraging decades of trial experience, the firm ensures that victims of medical malpractice receive the justice and compensation they deserve.