Nursing Malpractice - A Dramatic Increase in the Last Decade

Nurse malpractice, rarely intentional, is when a nurse is negligent while performing job related duties.  In recent decades, nursing malpractice injuries have increased dramatically.  Thousand of injuries are made by nurses, some serious and some fatal.  Just as doctors and other medical professionals, nurses are held accountable for their errors.

Nursing malpractice lawyers represent victims of medical mistakes.  They help victims obtain fair and appropriate compensation for damages they have suffered.

These damages include:

• Physical


• Financial


• Emotional

Why Nursing Malpractice is Increasing

Nursing is an important part of the healthcare industry and it is high in demand.  Unfortunately, there is a shortage in qualified nurses.  Nurses that are registered and licensed.  To fill this shortage nurses are asked to work overtime, resulting in over-worked nurses.

The shortage of nurses is not the cause of nursing malpractice, it does however increase the risk of a mistake occurring. 

Some issues that can contribute:

• Nurses who repeatedly work long hours are overly tired.  A 2004 report showed nurses working over 12.5 hours are three times more likely to make a mistake.


• The healthcare industry has hired unqualified nurses or nurses aides t fill the shortage of qualified nurses.  Here is a higher risk of a mistake happening with untrained staff.


• It is also common that miscommunication and carelessness can cause a serious injury or even death.

Types of Nursing Malpractice

There are many types of nursing malpractice:

• Medication errors - the wrong dosage of medicine was given or medicine was given to the wrong patient


• Not following the doctor's instructions


• Failing to respond to a patient in a timely manner


• Performing a procedure without proper training

Consequences of Nursing Malpractice

Nursing malpractice can have devastating consequences include:

• Overdose in Medication


• Adverse drug reaction


• Coma


• Organ damage (brain, heart, or kidney)


• Infection


• Death

Protect Your Legal Rights

If you were a victim of nursing malpractice, you have legal rights.  Professional lawyers can assist you in compensating some losses you suffered.  They will evaluate your case for free and if it determined that nursing malpractice is the cause they will help recover damages lost such as:

• Pain and suffering


• Medical expenses


• Lost wages and/or loss of earning capacity


• Loss of companionship or support (in cases involving a fatality)


• Other losses

Contact a medical lawyer today.  An experienced lawyer will answer any questions, advise you of your legal options, and make sure you are fully protected.