A critical part of a successful medical outcome is swift, safe, and accurate laboratory testing and reporting. Safe testing and precise reporting can provide healthcare providers with crucial information regarding diagnosis and treatment. When a patient suffers injuries because of unsafe laboratory equipment or another Texas medical error, they may be able to hold the laboratory, hospital, or device manufacturer liable for their damages.
Medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits based on Texas laboratory errors often arise after a doctor fails to order the appropriate test, a laboratory uses unsafe practices or defective equipment when collecting lab samples, a clinician improperly records the results, or a physician incorrectly reads a report.
In addition to medical malpractice claims, Texas patients may file a negligence claim based on products liability if they suffered injuries because of a defective medical device or laboratory equipment. Medical devices are instruments, machines, and apparatuses that are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Some common medical devices and laboratory equipment are, catheters, intrauterine devices, artificial joints, syringes, centrifuges, and testing tubes. Injuries may arise when a device is ineffectively sterilized, improperly inserted or implanted, inadequately monitored, or is otherwise defective. These errors can have long-lasting and potentially fatal consequences for Texas patients.
For example, a national news report recently detailed the tragic death of three premature babies. Eight babies at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit began to show signs of illness after receiving donor breastmilk. After three babies died, the hospital’s infectious care unit discovered that the laboratory equipment used to measure the breast milk contained deadly bacteria. The particular bacterial strain is typically nondeadly, except for those with compromised immune systems. In response to the deaths, the hospital modified its milk preparation protocol, and began transporting some vulnerable babies and mothers to other medical facilities. Only one of the surviving babies has been discharged from the hospital, and the others are still under critical care. At least one of the families who suffered the death of their baby filed a lawsuit against the hospital. Many families are alleging that the hospital failed to provide the families with details regarding when they knew about the bacteria and what measures they took to mitigate the harm they suffered.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of a Texas Laboratory Error?
Texas laboratory and healthcare errors can cause patients and their families to experience a delay in diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know suffered injuries because of a laboratory error, you should contact the Texas medical malpractice attorneys at Carabin Shaw. Our attorneys have over two decades of experience advocating on behalf of Texas injury victims. We have successfully represented clients in their claims against negligent healthcare providers, medical facilities, laboratories, and manufacturers. These lawsuits can be very complex and emotionally draining. Our attorneys understand the unique issues these cases raise and work tirelessly to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Compensation may include payments for past medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and funeral expenses. Contact one of our Texas medical malpractice attorneys at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free consultation.