Medical mistakes can have devastating consequences for both the victims and their loved ones. These errors can compound existing injuries or illnesses, require additional care, and impact your ability to work or contribute to your household.

If you are living with a medical injury, one of our skilled malpractice attorneys may be able to help. They can answer your questions about liability in St. Louis medical malpractice claims and handle every aspect of your case from start to finish.

Not Every Bad Outcome Is Negligence

One key point to consider is that not all unfavorable medical outcomes result from mistakes. Even the best medical care is not always successful, especially when doctors working in an emergency capacity do not have access to all the relevant information.

In some situations, medical professionals may have limited options, especially when they are dealing with potentially fatal injuries or illnesses. The important question to answer is whether the doctor met the appropriate standard of care.

All medical professionals are held to a high standard. This includes making decisions and providing appropriate treatments for someone of their skill and experience. If a care provider in St. Louis failed to live up to this standard, they could be held responsible in your medical malpractice lawsuit.

Who Could Be Liable?

Numerous parties could ultimately be liable for a medical error. Most of the focus is typically on the treating physician, given that they are primarily accountable for the care a person receives. However, physicians are not the only St. Louis medical professionals who could be to blame in a medical malpractice suit.

Physicians and Surgeons

When it comes to identifying liable parties, physicians and surgeons are typically at the top of the list. They make treatment decisions, and other hospital staff not only defer to them but also rely on their training and guidance.

Nurses and Support Staff

Nurses and other members of support staff may also be at fault for a medical error. While doctors make the final decisions about treatment, nurses usually care for the patient more frequently. If a nurse fails to notice signs of distress or makes a mistake while administering medication, the consequences can be serious.

Administrative mistakes in hospitals and large medical facilities, such as misplaced records, understaffing, and poor training, can also have devastating consequences.

Pharmacists

Not all acts of medical malpractice take place in a hospital setting. Although less common, serious complications can occur if a pharmacist gives a patient inadequate or incomplete instructions regarding their medication or provides them with the wrong drug.

Our lawyers can help you file a medical malpractice lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Errors That Could Lead to Liability

An important part of establishing liability in a medical malpractice claim in St. Louis is determining how the mistake happened in the first place. Some common errors that often lead to malpractice claims include:

  • Birth injuries
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Dosage errors
  • Failure to treat
  • Surgical mistakes
  • Delayed diagnosis

Work With Our St. Louis Attorneys to Establish Liability in Your Medical Malpractice Claim

The process of holding negligent care providers accountable is rarely easy. If you are living with the consequences of a medical error, it is crucial for you to seek professional guidance as soon as possible to recover compensation.

Let our attorneys advise you on liability in St. Louis medical malpractice claims. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more.