Top Nursing Errors That Could Lead To A Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Nurses are essential to the health care system, providing critical care and support to patients day and night. However, when a nurse makes a serious mistake, the consequences can be life-threatening. In some cases, these errors rise to the level of medical malpractice. If a nurse’s negligence causes harm, the patient may be entitled to compensation.

Here are some of the top nursing errors that could lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit:

Medication Errors

One of the most common—and dangerous—nursing mistakes involves medication. These errors can include:

• Administering the wrong medication
• Giving the incorrect dosage
• Delivering medication to the wrong patient
• Failing to check for drug allergies or interactions

As our friends at Rasmussen & Miner can attest, medication errors can cause severe complications, especially in vulnerable patients. When such mistakes result from carelessness or a failure to follow proper protocols, they may be grounds for a lawsuit.

Failure To Monitor Patients

Nurses are responsible for continuously monitoring patients’ conditions and vital signs. Failure to observe and report changes—such as drops in blood pressure, breathing irregularities, or signs of infection—can lead to a delayed diagnosis or missed treatment opportunity. If a nurse fails to recognize or communicate serious changes in a patient’s condition, and harm results, legal liability may follow.

Documentation Mistakes

Accurate charting is critical in medical care. Nurses are required to properly document everything from medication administration to wound care and patient complaints. Incomplete or inaccurate records can lead to miscommunications, delayed treatment, and incorrect medical decisions. If poor documentation results in patient injury, it may be considered negligence.

Patient Falls And Injuries

Nurses must assess patients for fall risks and implement appropriate safety measures, such as bed rails, non-slip footwear, or regular checks. When these precautions are not taken—and a patient falls and suffers injury—the facility and the nurse may be held accountable. Falls can result in serious injuries, especially among elderly patients, including fractures or brain trauma.

Failure To Communicate With Physicians

Timely communication between nurses and doctors is critical, especially when a patient’s condition changes or new symptoms arise. A nurse who fails to notify the physician of urgent concerns—such as a drop in oxygen levels or signs of stroke—may be liable if the delay leads to serious harm. This communication failure can form the basis of a malpractice claim.

Improper Use Of Medical Equipment

From IV pumps to ventilators, nurses are trained to use a wide range of medical devices. Incorrect operation, failure to monitor equipment, or not recognizing alarms can cause injury or death. When equipment is misused due to negligence, legal action may be warranted.

When Is It Malpractice?

Not every mistake is malpractice. To qualify as malpractice, a nursing error must involve a breach of the standard of care and result in injury to the patient. A qualified nursing errors lawyer can investigate the situation, consult medical experts, and determine if you have a valid claim.

Nursing errors can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a nurse’s mistake, don’t stay silent. Consult an experienced nursing errors lawyer to understand your rights and explore your options for justice and compensation.