Nurse practitioners face malpractice claims

When discussing the topic of medical malpractice, many may assume that a doctor would be the sole person blamed for errors. That is inaccurate, as others tasked with health care duties could face a lawsuit in an Ohio courtroom. Nurses are not exempt from medical malpractice lawsuits if their actions or nonactions lead to someone’s harm.

Nurse practitioners and medical malpractice claims

Reports indicate that medical malpractice claims against nurses are increasing. In 2022, aging services claims jumped to a total distribution of 20.3%, an increase over the 17.2% increase in total distribution in 2017. Several factors contribute to the increase, including a rising aging population and an increase in people working as nurse practitioners.

A decrease in primary care physicians also contributes to the increase in malpractice claims against nurse practitioners. Since more nurse practitioners perform duties in aging services-related roles, their risk exposure might increase.

Victims of medical malpractice

Medical malpractice could take many forms, with the consistent element being negligence. If a nurse practitioner does not bring a patient the correct medicine, such action could be a form of negligence. If a patient has an adverse reaction to the wrong prescription, expect the patient or their family to file a civil claim. Other malpractice examples include dropping a patient while moving them or not responding timely in an emergency.

Medical malpractice claims could be resolved with an insurance settlement if the person or entity sued carries sufficient coverage. Suing above policy limits may occur when such a pursuit is feasible. Victims may seek claims from multiple parties when more than one person acted negligently and caused harm.