Physicians are frequently named as defendants in Philadelphia medical malpractice lawsuits. However, medical malpractice liability in Pennsylvania extends beyond individual doctors. Any healthcare provider or entity that delivers care below the accepted standard and causes harm may be held legally responsible.
If multiple parties share responsibility for a medical malpractice incident, each party can be held liable for their portion of fault for the patient’s injury or condition.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Under Pennsylvania law, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes injury or harm to a patient. This standard is based on what a reasonably skilled provider would have done under similar circumstances.
Who Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice?
Pennsylvania law allows a wide range of individuals and entities to be named as defendants in medical malpractice cases.
Here’s a breakdown of common parties who may be held liable:
1. Physicians
Doctors are often at the center of malpractice claims because they are the primary decision-makers in patient care. This includes specialists like surgeons, anesthesiologists, OB-GYNs, pediatricians, and hospitalists. Claims against physicians can arise from surgical errors, misdiagnoses, failure to treat, among other things.
2. Hospitals and Medical Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and entire healthcare systems can also be named in lawsuits. Facilities can be held liable for improper procedures, systemic failures, and inadequate staffing.
Additionally, under vicarious liability laws, a hospital may be responsible for the negligent acts of its employees.
3. Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants
Non-physician providers like RNs, NPs, and PAs are another potential defendant. If they administer the wrong medication or fail to follow proper procedures, they may be directly liable. Even if a nurse is shielded from liability by an employment agreement, the employing hospital or clinic can still be held legally accountable.
4. Pharmacists and Pharmacies
Pharmacists must ensure that patients receive the correct medication and dosage. Providing the wrong drug, incorrectly labeling medication, or failing to warn about dangerous interactions can give rise to a Philadelphia mediation error claim. Both hospital-based and retail pharmacies are common defendants in med mal cases.
5. Pharmaceutical Companies
If a drug causes harm due to a defective design, manufacturing flaw, or improper labeling, the pharmaceutical company may be liable. These cases straddle the line between product liability and medical malpractice.
6. Medical Device Manufacturers
When a medical device malfunctions or is found to be defective and causes harm, the manufacturer may be held liable. This includes devices used in hospitals as well as those prescribed for home use, such as pacemakers or insulin pumps.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Help
Medical malpractice in Pennsylvania isn’t limited to mistakes made by doctors. Any individual or entity involved in providing healthcare that falls below the accepted standard can potentially be held liable. If you need help identifying the liable parties in your case, you should consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Call Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.