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Hospital Liability

It can sometimes be unclear exactly where the liability of a hospital ends and a doctor’s begins, but the basic distinguishing factor is actually quite simple. Hospitals are responsible for the actions of their employees, but the vast majority of doctors are independent contractors and not directly employed by the hospital. When you check in to a hospital, some of the information on the forms and waivers you fill out includes a statement indicating that your doctor is not an employee of the hospital, freeing the hopsital of liability for an accident.

There are a few special circumstances which can change the status of liability for the hospital. If you have suffered an injury or illness due to time spent at a hospital, a Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorney of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., can help you pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled for your pain and suffering. Contact our offices today at 610-667-7511 to discuss your case with an experienced member of our legal team.

Special Circumstances

At times, the simple rule of the hospital taking liability for the actions of their employees and none for their contractors (doctors) can be modified, as in the following circumstances:

  • The hospital cannot be held liable if their employee injures a patient while a doctor is present and had the control necessary to prevent the employee’s negligence.
  • The hospital may be held liable for a doctor’s actions if they did not make it clear the doctor was not an employee
  • The hospital may be held liable if it can be demonstrated that they kept an incompetent doctor on staff

Generally speaking, hospital liability holds a larger potential for a favorable settlement than from a doctor alone.

Contact Us

If you have been injured by medical malpractice and are unsure whether the hospital can be held liable, an experienced and knowledgeable Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. can help clarify your rights and options under the law. Contact us today at 610-667-7511 for a free consultation.