The recovery following a stroke or serious injury is often lengthy and can require treatment at a variety of facilities. Some patients in Texas spend time at rehabilitation facilities once they are able to endure approximately 15 hours of physical therapy each week. While some medical professionals claim that it is easy to overlook the potential for hospital negligence and other forms of medical malpractice at such facilities because patients are generally healthier than those in nursing homes or hospitals, a recent study reveals that 29 percent of patients at rehabilitation facilities suffered as a result of a medical error during their stay.
As part of the study, doctors reviewed 417 cases from a variety of rehabilitation facilities from March 2012. Of those cases, they spotted 158 incidents of harm as a result of the care the patients received; the study claims that approximately half of those cases were preventable. Approximately 25 percent of the patients who were harmed required treatment at an acute care facility.
The doctors found that harm was often caused by inadequate monitoring or care. Approximately half of the cases were related to medication errors. Improper monitoring leading to falls, constipation and bed sores played a factor in 40 percent of cases. While these examples typically did not lead to fatalities, these victims often required additional treatment or suffered a permanent disability or loss of independence.
Following the study, the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association released a statement claiming that it welcomes studies that allow the industry to improve care provided in rehabilitation hospitals but further states that changes have been made since 2012. However, those who have suffered harm as a result of hospital negligence and other forms of medical malpractice are left struggling to cope with the financial, emotional and physical ramifications of such negligence. To help with these consequences, many victims in Texas seek to hold these facilities accountable for their actions by filing medical malpractice lawsuits. A successfully presented case could not only lead to a financial award but could also result in protections for future patients. Consultation service from the Maloney Team is free. Contact us today to get started.
