Avoid Hospitals During The Holidays

Avoid Hospitals During The Holidays

You may not want to hear it, but studies show that negligence and accidents at hospitals peak during the holiday season. This is often the busiest time of year, leaving hospitals short staffed and unable to adequately care for all the patients that walk through the doors. It is simply a recipe for medical malpractice. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Times to Avoid

If you can help it, avoid the hospital around the holidays. But why? Like any other job, hospitals are often staffed with those with the least amount of seniority during the holidays. Or, to put it another way, those with the least experience are often in charge. This can put you at greater risk for medical malpractice.

It is close to impossible to determine when you will fall ill, but if you are scheduling an elective surgery, make it for after the first of the year. By that time, things will have calmed down and returned to normal at the hospital.

Protecting Yourself

If you have no way to avoid the hospital during the holidays, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Ask to see the most experienced doctor on staff. If you are at all uncomfortable with the medical care you are receiving, speak up. It is your right to ask about any diagnoses or treatments that are being given to you.

Ask your family to keep their eyes open. You may not always be conscious. You will definitely have to sleep. Ask your family to keep their eyes open for any signs of negligence or poor care.

Speak with anyone who is in charge of your care. Know who your nurses and doctors are. Do not be just another face in a hospital bed. Be sure that the medical staff understands that you are paying attention to what is going on around you.

If you feel that you may have been the victim of medical malpractice, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Our lawyers are here and ready to assist you. Call our offices today for a free initial case evaluation. We will review the details of your case and advise you how to best proceed.