
Sophia Soraya
April 4, 2025
The consequences can be life-changing if a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to provide the care a patient expects and deserves. Failure to give expected care means that a medical professional did not uphold the standard required in their field, leading to serious harm. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we fight for patients in New Jersey who have suffered due to medical negligence and are ready to help you seek justice.
Does Failure to Give Expected Care Constitute Negligence?
Yes, failure to give expected care is a form of medical negligence. Patients suffer when a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to meet the expected standard of care. You may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim if you or a loved one suffered harm because a medical provider failed to give expected care.
To prove negligence, it must be established that:
- The provider had a duty of care to the patient.
- The provider breached that duty by failing to uphold medical standards.
- The breach directly resulted in injury or harm.
Common Types of Negligence or Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s failure to give expected care results in patient harm. Here are some of the most common examples:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: If a doctor misdiagnoses or delays diagnosing your condition, you may miss critical treatment opportunities, leading to more severe health complications.
- Surgical Errors: From operating on the wrong body part to leaving instruments inside a patient, surgical mistakes can lead to devastating complications that impact recovery and quality of life.
- Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can lead to dangerous side effects or worsening conditions.
- Birth Injuries: Medical negligence during labor and delivery can result in injuries to the newborn or mother, including cerebral palsy or brain damage.
- Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: If a doctor improperly informs a patient of the risks associated with a procedure and the patient suffers harm, the provider may be liable.
- Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia, such as incorrect dosages or failure to monitor the patient, can cause severe harm or death.
Who Can Be Liable for a Breach of Duty Care?
Multiple parties may be legally responsible if you or a loved one suffered harm due to a medical provider’s negligence. Identifying the liable party is crucial for building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances, liability in a medical malpractice case may extend beyond just the doctor and also include:
Doctors and Surgeons
Physicians who fail to diagnose illnesses, provide appropriate treatments, or perform medical procedures in accordance with accepted medical standards and best practices may put their patients at risk of harm, complications, or delayed recovery.
Nurses and Hospital Staff
Neglecting patient care, such as ignoring basic needs, administering the wrong medication, or failing to report critical information, can seriously harm patient safety and treatment outcomes.
Hospitals and Medical Institutions
Hospitals may face legal and financial consequences when negligence, poor training, or flawed policies jeopardize patient safety. Strong training, effective policies, and proper oversight are crucial to prevent errors and ensure quality care.
Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Companies
Pharmacists and drug manufacturers can be liable for errors, such as incorrect medication or defective products, that cause harm. Ensuring accountability is essential to protecting patient safety and maintaining trust in healthcare.
Anesthesiologists and Radiologists
Anesthesiologists and radiologists play vital roles in patient care, but errors like incorrect dosages or misinterpreted imaging can have serious consequences. These mistakes highlight the need for precision and vigilance in their work, as they may be held liable for errors.
Under the New Jersey Revised Statutes, Title 2A, Section 2A:53A-27, in cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage due to alleged malpractice or negligence by a licensed professional, the plaintiff must provide an affidavit from an appropriately licensed person within 60 days of the defendant’s answer to the complaint. The affidavit must state that there is a reasonable probability that the care, skill, or knowledge involved fell outside acceptable standards. The court may grant an additional 60-day extension for filing the affidavit if good cause is shown.
Speak With a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If a healthcare provider’s failure to give expected care caused harm to you or a loved one, you deserve answers and justice. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent providers accountable. Call (201) 588-1500 today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Sophia Soraya
Sophia Soraya is a seasoned attorney specializing in complex civil matters, with a focus on personal injury, professional malpractice, and product liability cases across New York and New Jersey. Sophia is a Partner with the Firm and has been selected as a Super Lawyers, Rising Star for consecutive years.
University: J.D. New England Law (Boston)
Bar Number: 000402013
Locations: New Jersey and New York.
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