When a patient falls inside a hospital or clinic, this could qualify as medical malpractice. It depends on the circumstances and whether the patient experienced physical harm. Anyone wanting to consult with an attorney about the possibility of financial compensation may search online for medical malpractice lawyers near me.
Ordinary Negligence vs. Malpractice
Some falls are caused by ordinary negligence, which is not considered malpractice. For example, a housekeeper might have forgotten to place a warning sign near a wet floor. However, if a hospital patient falls out of bed because the railings were left down, that could be considered malpractice.
Physical Injury and Psychological Trauma
The fall must have caused an injury. Otherwise, there is no valid malpractice case. The patient might have felt embarrassed and undignified, but that is not enough to justify an insurance claim or lawsuit against the facility.
An exception would be if the fall was traumatic enough to cause long-lasting psychological trauma. For example, a staff member transporting a patient in a wheelchair must verify that an elevator cab is a level with the floor. Otherwise, the wheelchair can tip. A situation like this can be discussed with an attorney after looking online for medical malpractice lawyers near me.
Getting Started
Lawyers who represent clients in malpractice cases typically provide free consultations. This could take place in person or by phone. During the meeting, they answer questions and evaluate the case. The prospective client learns whether proceeding with a claim against the organization is reasonable.
