If you suffered an injury because of a nursing error, a Palm Beach Gardens nursing error lawyer could evaluate your case, investigate the cause of an injury, and help determine whether you can receive compensation. While nurses play a critical role in health care, they can make errors in either judgment or execution, which can be a form of medical malpractice. As defined in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, a nursing error is an unintended mishap made by a nurse at the sharp end of an event that adversely affected—or could have adversely affected—a patient’s safety and quality care. Read on to learn more about how a determined injury attorney could work to make a difference in your case today.
Nursing Standards of Practice
Nurses have taken over a substantial amount of responsibility in patient care over the past several decades. Because nurses are often the healthcare professional who a patient will interact with first and most frequently, it is important for nurses to follow and abide by regulations and ensure that their care does not fall below acceptable standards. Despite increasing demands and pressure on nurses in the healthcare field, nurses must still provide each patient with competent care.
The Florida Nurse Practice Act
Nurses in Palm Beach Gardens must comply with the standards and practices of all other healthcare professionals. Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 766.102, a patient can sue a nurse if their care falls below the standards expected of a medical professional. More specifically, this means that if someone suffered an injury because of a nursing error, they will need to prove that a nurse did not meet their professional standards and they suffered an injury as a direct result.
The Florida Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464.002, Florida Statutes, sets forth minimum standards for practicing nurses and ensures that nurses who do not meet the standards of a nurse cannot practice in a healthcare setting. Know that a skilled malpractice attorney can work to hold negligent nurses accountable for their actions that ultimately resulted in a patient’s injuries.
Harm from Nursing Errors
Because nurses have more autonomy now than in the past, there are several ways a nursing error can cause an injury. First, nurses may commit an error that causes an injury on its own. This can include actions such as:
- Improperly administering a medication
- Improperly using equipment
- Failing to properly monitor a patient
In addition, a nursing error may cause injuries because a doctor relies on the nurse’s evaluation and incorporates the nurse’s recommendations into the patient’s treatment. While the doctor is ultimately responsible for the patient’s health and well-being, it is still very possible for a nursing error to have a serious impact on a patient’s health in this scenario. Know that a dedicated Palm Beach Gardens nursing error lawyer can assist those who have suffered from these injuries through aggressive legal representation in court.
Reaching Out to a Palm Beach Gardens Nursing Error Lawyer
Nurses play an important part in maintaining a patient’s well-being. However, when a nurse fails to meet the standards and expectations of a nursing professional and commits a nursing error, they can cause serious injuries and even death. If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of a nursing error, contact a compassionate Palm Beach Gardens nursing error lawyer today to discuss your case.
Speak to a member of our team today.