Hospital negligence can take various forms, from neglecting a patient to administering incorrect medications. When medical providers commit acts of negligence in a hospital setting, serious injuries and illnesses may occur.

If you or someone you love is a victim of hospital negligence, you should immediately retain experienced legal counsel. The South Carolina hospital negligence lawyers at Hughey Law Firm can investigate your circumstances and determine your legal options for moving forward.

Please contact our firm directly today for a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our experienced South Carolina hospital negligence attorneys.

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South Carolina Hospital Negligence Guide

Why Choose Us for Your South Carolina Hospital Negligence Case?

If you or someone you care about is a victim of hospital negligence, retain experienced legal representation as quickly as possible.

The legal team at Hughey Law Firm can file a claim on your behalf, seeking various types of monetary compensation for your medical complications.

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If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we may also pursue litigation in court. Unlike many personal injury law firms, our lawyers are not afraid to take your case to litigation or trial if necessary.

At Hughey Law Firm, we have a “no win, no fee” philosophy, meaning that you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Some of our most recent case results can be found by clicking here.

We have physical offices in both Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Let us pursue the compensation you or your loved one deserve right away.

How Much Is a Hospital Negligence Case Worth in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the value of a hospital negligence case can vary widely depending on various factors, such as the severity of the negligence, the extent of the victim’s injuries, and the economic and non-economic damages incurred. 

Hospital negligence cases can result in significant compensation for victims to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

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A complex process that involves evaluating the damages the victim suffered determines the worth of a hospital negligence case in South Carolina. Victims of hospital negligence may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages aim to reimburse the victim for financial losses directly related to the negligence, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical costs, and lost income.

On the other hand, non-economic damages seek to compensate the victim for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible harms.

In addition, South Carolina allows for punitive damages in rare cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the hospital or its staff. Punitive damages punish the accused and deter similar conduct.

Common Locations for Negligence in a Hospital Setting in South Carolina

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Negligence in a hospital setting can occur in various locations throughout the facility, affecting patient safety and well-being. Knowing the most common locations for negligence can help patients and their families recognize potential risks and advocate for their rights.

Some of the most common areas where negligence may occur in a hospital include:

  • Operating Rooms — Operating rooms are high-stress environments where surgical errors can occur due to factors like miscommunication, fatigue, or lack of proper training. Surgical errors may include wrong-site surgery, incorrect procedures, or leaving surgical instruments inside patients.
  • Emergency Departments — Emergency departments are often overcrowded and fast-paced, increasing the likelihood of errors. Negligence in the emergency department can involve misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or failure to properly assess and prioritize patient care.
  • Intensive Care Units (ICUs) — ICUs are critical care units where patients are often in a fragile state. Negligence in ICUs may involve medication errors, inadequate monitoring, or failure to respond promptly to changes in patient conditions.
  • Medication Administration Areas — Medication errors are among the most common types of negligence in hospitals. Errors can occur during prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications, leading to adverse drug reactions, overdoses, or medication interactions.
  • Labor and Delivery Rooms — Negligence during labor and delivery can have serious consequences for both mothers and babies. Common issues may include failure to monitor fetal distress, delayed C-sections, or improper use of delivery instruments.
  • Nurse Stations and Nursing Care Areas — Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, but negligence can occur due to understaffing, inadequate training, or distractions. Negligence in nursing care areas may involve failure to properly assess patients, administer medications, or communicate important information to other members of the healthcare team.
  • Diagnostic Imaging Departments — Errors in diagnostic imaging, such as misinterpretation of X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, can lead to delayed diagnosis or incorrect treatment plans.
  • Patient Rooms — Negligence can also occur in patient rooms, including falls due to inadequate supervision or assistance, infections due to poor hygiene practices, or pressure ulcers due to neglect of proper turning and positioning techniques.

Proving Hospital Negligence in South Carolina

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Proving hospital negligence in South Carolina requires gathering evidence to demonstrate that the hospital or its staff failed to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.

Key steps involved in proving hospital negligence include:

  • Establishing Duty of Care — First, you must establish that the hospital owed a duty of care to the patient. In South Carolina, hospitals have a legal obligation to provide patients with a certain standard of care to ensure their safety and well-being.
  • Demonstrating Breach of Duty — Once you establish the duty of care, you must show that the hospital or its staff breached that duty by failing to provide care that meets the accepted standard. This may involve proving that the hospital or its employees acted negligently or failed to follow established protocols and procedures.
  • Causation — The victim must demonstrate that the hospital’s breach of duty directly caused harm to the patient. This requires showing that negligence caused the patient’s injuries or worsened their condition.
  • Documenting Damages — To recover compensation for injuries or losses resulting from hospital negligence, documenting the damages the patient suffered is essential. This may include medical records, bills, testimony from medical experts, and other evidence showing the extent of the harm the negligence caused.
  • Expert Testimony — Expert testimony from qualified medical professionals is often crucial in proving hospital negligence cases. Medical experts can help establish the accepted standard of care in the relevant medical field and testify to whether the hospital’s actions or omissions fell below that standard.
  • Preserving Evidence — Preserve any evidence related to the negligence, including medical records, photographs, witness statements, and correspondence with the hospital or its staff.
  • Seeking Legal Guidance — To prove hospital negligence, seek guidance from an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can navigate the legal process and advocate for the patient’s rights. An attorney can assess the case, gather evidence, and represent the patient’s interests in negotiations or court proceedings.

By following these steps and enlisting the help of an experienced South Carolina hospital negligence lawyer, victims can seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Medical Complications That Result From Hospital Negligence in South Carolina

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Hospital negligence in South Carolina can lead to various medical complications that can have serious consequences for patients. These complications may arise from errors in diagnosis, treatment, medication administration, or general patient care.

Here are some of the types of medical complications that may result from hospital negligence:

  • Surgical Complications — Surgical errors are a common form of hospital negligence and can result in complications such as infections, organ damage, bleeding, or nerve damage. Examples include performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong body part, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
  • Medication Errors — Hospital negligence can lead to medication errors, including prescribing the wrong medication, administering the wrong dose, or failing to monitor for adverse reactions. Medication errors can cause allergic reactions, drug interactions, or overdoses, leading to serious harm or even death.
  • Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis — Failure to properly diagnose a medical condition or delaying diagnosis can result in delayed treatment and worsening the patient’s condition. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to unnecessary procedures, incorrect treatments, or progression of the underlying disease.
  • Infections — Hospital-acquired infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings and can result from negligence in maintaining proper hygiene practices or preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Common hospital-acquired infections include surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections.
  • Pressure Ulcers — Also known as bedsores, pressure ulcers can develop when hospital staff do not properly reposition patients or provide adequate skin care. Negligence in preventing pressure ulcers can lead to painful wounds, infection, and tissue damage, particularly in patients with limited mobility.
  • Fall-related Injuries — Hospital negligence may contribute to patient falls due to factors such as inadequate supervision, improper use of restraints, or environmental hazards. Fall-related injuries can range from minor bruises to serious fractures or head injuries, especially in elderly or frail patients.
  • Complications of Premature Discharge — Releasing patients from the hospital prematurely or without appropriate follow-up care can lead to complications such as exacerbation of the underlying condition, medication non-compliance, or readmission to the hospital.

Fighting the Insurance Company in a South Carolina Hospital Negligence Case

Fighting the insurance company in a South Carolina hospital negligence case can be tough, but having a lawyer by your side can make a big difference.

An experienced attorney can help in the following ways:

  • Legal Knowledge — Lawyers experienced in medical malpractice know the ins and outs of the law. They understand how to navigate the complexities of hospital negligence cases and can guide you through the legal process step by step.
  • Investigation — Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to gather evidence of hospital negligence. We will review medical records, interview witnesses, and consult experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Negotiation Skills — Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, but a lawyer knows how to negotiate with them effectively. They’ll fight for fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
  • Court Representation — If negotiations fail, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to court. They will represent you before a judge and jury, presenting evidence and arguing your case to seek the compensation you deserve.
  • Experience with Insurance Tactics — Insurance companies often use tactics to delay or deny valid claims. A lawyer who has dealt with insurance companies before knows their tricks and can anticipate their moves, protecting your rights throughout the process.
  • Peace of Mind — Dealing with a hospital negligence case can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from injuries. Having a lawyer on your side allows you to focus on your health and well-being while they handle the legal aspects of your case.

By retaining an experienced South Carolina hospital negligence lawyer at Hughey Law Firm, you can level the playing field against insurance companies and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Steps to Take After an Incident of Hospital Negligence

After experiencing hospital negligence, to take immediate steps to protect your rights and seek justice:

  • Seek Medical Attention — Your health and safety are the top priority. If you sustained harm due to hospital negligence, seek medical attention right away. Document your injuries and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.
  • Document Everything — Keep detailed records of the incident, including medical records, receipts for expenses related to your injuries, and any correspondence with the hospital or healthcare providers.
  • Report the Incident — Report the incident of hospital negligence to the hospital’s administration or patient advocate. Be clear and concise in describing what happened and how it has affected you.
  • Consult with a Lawyer — Seek legal guidance from a lawyer experienced in medical malpractice and hospital negligence cases. At Hughey Law Firm, we can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and advise you on the best course of action.
  • Follow Legal Procedures — Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, which may involve filing a claim with the hospital’s insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit. They will handle negotiations and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
  • Stay Informed — Stay informed about the progress of your case and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Your lawyer will explain your rights and options every step of the way.

By taking these steps after experiencing hospital negligence, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Speak With Our South Carolina Hospital Negligence Lawyers Today

Attorney Nathan Hughey

If you or someone you love is a victim of hospital negligence, it is important that you consult with an experienced lawyer right away. The knowledgeable legal team at Hughey Law Firm will fight for your rights and pursue the full compensation award you deserve.

For your free case evaluation and legal consultation with our knowledgeable South Carolina personal injury lawyer, please contact us today at (843) 881-8644.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today!

 

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“Thank you Hughey Law Firm! It was a pleasure to work with you on my case! From the beginning, every contact I had with your firm was professional, kind, helpful, and painless! I always felt kept in the loop, and important to you as a client. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney with integrity, I would highly recommend Hughey Law Firm!”

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South Carolina Office – Hughey Law Firm LLC

171 Church St#330,
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 203-6689