The COVID-19 pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of our lives. As hospitals and medical professionals across the country struggle to keep up with the influx of patients, many are voicing their concerns about potential medical malpractice accusations stemming from overworked and overwhelmed healthcare workers. Additionally, people who need to visit the hospital or other medical facility to give birth, undergo surgery, or receive other routine medical treatment may be concerned about suffering an injury at the hands of a negligent practitioner who is under considerable stress. Let’s take a look at some ways in which the pandemic could shape the course of medical malpractice claims in Westchester County.
Stressed Healthcare Workers May Make More Mistakes
Since the early days of the pandemic, mental health experts began to watch healthcare workers for signs of stress and burnout. Many medical workers reported that they faced equipment shortages, stressful working environments, long hours, safety concerns, and greater anxiety when dealing with a large number of COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, prolonged stress can lead a person to make more errors. Doctors, surgeons, or nurses under significant amounts of stress may be more prone to making careless or negligent mistakes, leading to greater injury or complications in patients.
How Hospitals are Preparing for Medical Malpractice Claims
Like many hospitals across the country, New York hospitals are taking steps to prepare for an uptick in medical malpractice lawsuits in the upcoming months. Many are looking to a model implemented by the University of Michigan Health System, which adopted a “quick response system” to minimize medical malpractice litigation and resolve these claims quickly and efficiently. Additionally, hospitals are attempting to be more transparent and proactive with their patients; many also offer more training and educational sessions for their healthcare workers to keep them aware of potential risks.
Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Westchester County
While it’s helpful to recognize that New York hospitals are taking some steps to minimize the likelihood of medical malpractice incidents, errors still happen. If you have suffered an injury or lasting condition at the hands of a negligent healthcare worker, you have the right to pursue compensation that can assist you with the additional medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with your injury. Building a successful medical malpractice claim can be challenging, so it’s highly advisable to work with a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve.
For more information about how to pursue a successful medical malpractice claim in Westchester County, contact Gash & Associates, P.C. today at (914) 328-8800 to speak with an experienced attorney.
