What are common causes of medical malpractice claims with nurses?

There are many different parts of the health care system in New York. There are also many different people who work in it and have different roles within it. People generally may think of doctors first when they think about their care and who will provide it. However, there are others who play important roles in the care of patients.

Nurses are one of the other groups in the health care system who play important roles in patient care. They are often the people patients see the most while they are receiving care, especially if they spend periods of time in the hospital. Nurses are responsible for a number of the treatments that patients receive. This includes administering medications, keeping track of vital statistics and other important things.

Nurses, like anyone, can make mistakes. Doctors are usually the first ones who people hold responsible when their medical treatment does not go according to plan, but people also can include nurses in medical malpractice claims.

Common reasons for medical malpractice claims against nurses

They certainly do not occur as often, but according to a study, the most common reasons for medical malpractice claims against nurses are:

• Patient monitoring: Accounting for 45% of all claims against nurses
• Administration of medication: Accounting for 18% of all claims
• Patient falls: Accounting for 14% of all claims against nurses
• Pressure injuries: Accounting for 10% of all claims

When nurses face medical malpractice claims in the Albany area, it can be very concerning and stressful for the nurses. No matter what the reason for the claim, nurses will need to answer the claims regardless of whether they did anything wrong or not. It is important for nurses to understand the process of malpractice claims as well as the potential defenses. Consulting with experienced attorneys who can guide them through it could be beneficial.