Medical errors by healthcare providers cause extensive injuries and losses in the US, leading many victims to consider their legal options. To prevail in a medical malpractice case, it is necessary to show that a physician departed from the relevant standard of care, causing harm to the patient. In addition, a claimant must comply with Maryland’s medical malpractice statute of limitations when seeking legal remedies. You must file a lawsuit within three years after the injury was discovered or five years after the injury was committed, whichever is earlier.
When pursuing your remedies, you should keep in mind that there could be multiple parties who played a role in your injuries. Negligent hiring is a theory that holds an employer accountable, and a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer can explain whether the concept impacts your case. An overview is also helpful.
Negligent Hiring and Medical Malpractice Cases
Negligent hiring in medical malpractice cases refers to a healthcare provider’s failure to properly vet or screen its employees. Especially medical staff, leading to patient harm. In Maryland, healthcare facilities are expected to hire qualified professionals who meet strict medical standards. When a facility hires staff without verifying their credentials, training, or background, it can result in substandard patient care.
For instance, employing a doctor with a history of malpractice or a nurse lacking adequate experience could lead to serious medical errors. This negligence in hiring can make a medical facility liable if a patient suffers due to unqualified staff.
Negligent Hiring Can Harm Patients
When unqualified or inadequately trained individuals are employed, the risk of mistakes in diagnoses, treatment, and procedures increases. For instance:
- A physician with a history of misdiagnosis could issue a false-positive cancer diagnosis.
- A poorly vetted nurse may improperly administer medication.
- An orderly with a criminal background may assault vulnerable patients.
Maryland hospitals and clinics have a duty to hire competent staff to ensure safe, quality care. When they fail in this responsibility, patients may suffer unnecessarily from injuries that could have been avoided with proper hiring practices.
Legal Options for Victims of Negligent Hiring
Those who suffer due to medical errors related to negligent hiring may be entitled to compensation. Initially, you will file a claim and deal with the healthcare provider’s insurance company. Often, these cases are settled. However, if the insurer does not pay a fair amount to cover your losses, you can take the case to court.
Maryland victims of negligent hiring deserve fair compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages caused by a facility’s failure to hire qualified professionals. A skilled attorney can investigate hiring practices, review employee credentials, and gather evidence to support the claim of negligent hiring.
A Baltimore County Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Guide You
It’s helpful to know about negligent hiring and the role it plays in some med mal cases. To learn more about your options, please contact Michael A. Freedman to set up a no-cost consultation. You can reach our offices in Owings Mills Glen Burnie by calling 410.363.6848 or visiting us online.
