Westchester Hospital Neglect Lawyer
When a hospital fails to provide the standard of care required by law, patients can suffer serious and sometimes irreversible harm. Hospital negligence in Westchester County is a form of medical malpractice that can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured due to inadequate medical care, surgical errors, or negligent actions by medical professionals, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our Westchester hospital neglect lawyers are committed to holding healthcare providers accountable for the harm they cause. We have extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases across Westchester County and are ready to advocate for injured patients and their families.
Understanding Hospital Negligence in Westchester County
Hospital negligence occurs when a hospital or its staff fails to meet the acceptable standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. These errors are not simply mistakes—they are violations of a patient’s right to competent medical treatment. In Westchester County, hospitals, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are legally obligated to provide care consistent with the practices of reasonably skilled providers.
Common forms of hospital negligence include:
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors, including giving the wrong medication
- Inadequate monitoring or delayed treatment
- Birth injuries due to poor care during labor or delivery
- Emergency room mismanagement
When negligence leads to injury or worsens a patient’s health condition, the injured party has the right to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence in a hospital setting may involve multiple parties. Liability could rest with:
- The hospital itself for inadequate policies or poor staffing
- Doctors or surgeons for surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Nurses for failure to monitor vital signs or administer medication
- Other medical professionals who deviated from the accepted standard of care
Hospitals are often liable for the negligent actions of their employees. However, some physicians may be considered independent contractors, which may complicate liability. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the circumstances of your medical malpractice action to determine all responsible parties.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Westchester County
To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in New York, the injured patient must prove the following:
- A provider-patient relationship existed.
- The medical provider breached the accepted standard of care.
- That breach caused injury (proximate causation).
- The injury led to damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Under New York law, most medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within two years and six months from the date of the malpractice or from the end of continuous treatment by the same provider for the same condition. However, there are exceptions—such as when a foreign object is left in the body, or if the victim is a minor. Speaking with an attorney promptly ensures these critical deadlines are met. It is essential to speak with knowledgeable Westchester medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Hospital Neglect Case?
Victims of hospital negligence may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and emotional pain
- Wrongful death (for surviving family members)
- Non economic damages for long-term suffering
- Future medical costs and other out-of-pocket expenses
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our legal team works with expert witnesses and medical experts to build strong cases for our clients. We pursue maximum compensation to help them recover money and move forward with confidence.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Hospitals
Hospital-based medical malpractice encompasses a wide range of negligent acts. Some of the most common include:
Failure to Diagnose or Misdiagnosis
A failure to diagnose a serious condition or illness in time can result in a delay in treatment and a worsening prognosis. Proper diagnosis is a cornerstone of competent care, and its absence can justify a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Surgical Errors
Mistakes during surgery—such as performing the wrong procedure, leaving surgical tools inside the patient, or operating on the wrong body part—are severe and often preventable forms of malpractice.
Birth Injuries
Injuries to infants during labor or delivery due to negligent monitoring or improper technique can have lifelong consequences. These cases often involve significant emotional and financial burdens.
Medication Errors
Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can lead to severe complications or even death. Medication errors may be traced back to both the hospital and the prescribing doctor.
Emergency Room Negligence
Emergency rooms are high-pressure environments, but that does not excuse poor care. Delayed diagnosis, improper triage, and incorrect treatment can all result in liability for hospital negligence.
The Importance of Medical Records and Expert Testimony
Medical malpractice cases require strong evidence. Your legal team will need to review medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and demonstrate how the malpractice occurred. Expert testimony is crucial to establish that the standard of care was breached and that those negligent actions directly caused your injuries.
At our law offices, we work with top medical experts to validate claims and build compelling cases. Our Westchester County attorneys leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for our clients.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for Your Medical Malpractice Case
Our law firm focuses on helping injury victims across Westchester County, including those affected by hospital negligence and other medical errors. We bring decades of combined experience and a track record of success in holding healthcare professionals accountable for their mistakes.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, personalized legal assistance
- Thorough investigation of your legal matter
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
- Aggressive representation in court, if needed
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that malpractice can take on individuals and families. Whether you’ve suffered a worsened health condition, a permanent disability, or the wrongful death of a loved one, our team is here to help you recover damages and find peace of mind.
Learn more about how a Westchester hospital neglect lawyer can help you hold negligent medical professionals accountable. Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at (800) 842-8462 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
FAQ: Westchester Hospital Negligence & Medical Malpractice
What is considered hospital negligence in Westchester County?
Hospital negligence includes any failure by a hospital or its staff to provide appropriate care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or inadequate monitoring.
Can I file a lawsuit if I was given the wrong medication in a hospital?
Yes. Administering the wrong medication is a serious form of medical malpractice. You may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
What is the time limit for filing a medical malpractice claim in New York?
In New York, most medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within two years and six months from the date of the malpractice or from the end of continuous treatment related to the condition. Some exceptions apply, such as in cases involving foreign objects or claims by minors.
Do I need an expert witness for a hospital negligence case?
Yes. Medical malpractice cases usually require expert testimony to prove that the standard of care was violated and that the malpractice occurred due to negligent actions.
What damages can be recovered in a hospital malpractice case?
You may recover money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may also pursue compensation.