Diagnosis mistakes in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) may cause as many as 40,000 patient deaths every year in the United States, according to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Fatal errors committed in ICUs, where critically ill patients are supposed to get the most intense care, are “alarmingly common” and could be prevented. However, they remain “underappreciated,” the study states.
If you had a loved one who died while in an intensive care unit, an ICU malpractice attorney may be able to help. Kline & Specter, with more than 50 attorneys, five of whom are also highly skilled doctors, has the experience and expertise to investigate ICU deaths and litigate potential cases.
ICU Malpractice Statistics
Patient safety experts at Johns Hopkins noted that the number of ICU deaths due to diagnostic mistakes could exceed the number of women who die of breast cancer each year.
The researchers reviewed studies that used 5,863 autopsies to detect diagnostic errors in adult ICU patients. What they discovered was that 28 percent of patients had had at least one missed diagnosis and, in many cases, the error was serious enough to have either caused or directly contributed to a patient’s death.
Infections and vascular illnesses made up more than three-quarters of those fatal flaws, with heart attacks and strokes being among the most common missed ailments. Also leading to death in the cases studied were various organ malfunctions, such as congestive heart failure and bowel obstructions.
Common ICU Medical Errors and Their Consequences
ICU patients require constant monitoring and specialized care. Medical errors in these settings can have severe consequences. Common ICU mistakes include:
- Medication errors: Administering the wrong dosage or medication can lead to life-threatening complications.
- Mismanagement of ventilators: Improper ventilator settings may cause respiratory distress or lung damage.
- Delayed diagnoses: Delayed diagnosis of conditions such as sepsis or stroke can reduce treatment effectiveness, worsening patient outcomes.
- Failure to prevent infections: Infections like ventilator-associated pneumonia or catheter-related bloodstream infections often result from poor hygiene protocols and can be fatal.
These errors can cause prolonged hospital stays, permanent disability, or even death.
How to Recognize ICU Negligence in a Loved One’s Care
Identifying possible ICU negligence requires careful observation of your loved one’s condition, medical treatment, and the responsiveness of healthcare providers.
Physical and medical indicators of negligence might include:
- Sudden health decline: Unexplained worsening of symptoms or unexpected complications.
- Signs of infection: Fever, chills, or worsening wounds that may indicate sepsis or pneumonia.
- Poor hygiene: Dirty linens, unclean skin, or neglected oral care.
- Bedsores: Pressure ulcers from prolonged immobility without repositioning.
- Difficulty breathing: Issues that may result from improper ventilator settings or lack of monitoring.
- Medication errors: Receiving the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or missed medications.
Care and communication issues can also suggest negligence. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Lack of updates from medical staff: Doctors or nurses are vague or dismissive or avoid answering questions.
- Delays in treatment: Slow response to worsening symptoms or a missed diagnosis.
- Overworked or inattentive staff: Rushed care, frequent mistakes, or lack of attention to detail.
Who Can Be Held Liable for ICU Malpractice?
Multiple parties may be held liable for ICU malpractice, depending on the circumstances of the case. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Doctors and Specialists: Physicians overseeing ICU care can be liable for misdiagnoses, delayed treatment, or improper medical decisions.
- Nurses and ICU Staff: Negligence in monitoring patients, administering medications, or following protocols can make nurses accountable.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: If understaffing, inadequate training, or poor hygiene policies contribute to errors, the hospital itself may be responsible.
- Pharmacists and Medication Providers: Dispensing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can result in liability for pharmacy professionals.
- Medical Device Manufacturers: If equipment such as ventilators or monitoring systems malfunction due to design flaws, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation. An experienced ICU malpractice attorney can help identify responsible parties and build a strong case.
Why Choose Kline & Specter for Your ICU Malpractice Case?
Kline & Specter is a leading firm for ICU malpractice cases, combining legal and medical expertise to fight for justice. Employing over 50 attorneys and more medical doctors than any other firm in the U.S., they offer unparalleled insight into complex medical negligence cases.
Since 1995, Kline & Specter has built a strong reputation for securing substantial settlements and verdicts for their clients. Their extensive experience, deep medical knowledge, and proven results make them a trusted choice for individuals seeking accountability for ICU malpractice and other forms of medical negligence.
Discuss Your Case With Kline & Specter
Families affected by ICU malpractice may be eligible for legal recourse to hold negligent medical professionals accountable.
If you suspect ICU negligence harmed your loved one, the malpractice attorneys at Kline & Specter can help you understand your options. Call 215-772-1000 to discuss your unique situation.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.
