If you were harmed due to hospital negligence, you may feel unsure of how to hold the facility responsible for the care you received. Filing a claim against a hospital allows you to address the harm caused by their mistakes and pursue a resolution for your losses. With guidance from the Baltimore hospital malpractice attorneys with Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A., you can better understand your legal options and take decisive action.

Common Reasons for Suing a Hospital in Baltimore

Hospitals can be held liable for various forms of negligence that result in harm to patients. These issues often stem from systemic failures, such as insufficient staffing, lack of proper training, or unsafe facility conditions. When hospitals fail to meet the expected standard of care, the consequences can be life-altering for patients and their families. Below are some of the most common reasons patients sue hospitals:

  • Medical errors – Surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or medication errors by hospital staff. These errors often lead to complications or preventable injuries.
  • Neglect – Failure to monitor patients, respond to emergencies, or provide adequate care. Neglect can result in worsened conditions or preventable deaths.
  • Unsafe conditions – Infections caused by unsanitary environments or poorly maintained equipment. These conditions jeopardize patient safety and contribute to preventable harm.
  • Administrative failures – Mismanagement of records or delays in treatment due to scheduling errors. These issues can disrupt care and lead to negative outcomes.

Steps to Sue a Hospital in Baltimore

Filing a lawsuit against a hospital for medical negligence requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the legal process. Taking the right steps can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of achieving a positive outcome. Here are the steps to sue a hospital in Baltimore:

  1. Determine if the hospital is liable.

Identify whether the negligence was caused by an employee, such as a nurse or technician, or an independent contractor, such as a physician. Hospitals are typically liable for the actions of their employees but may not be responsible for independent contractors. Understanding this distinction is essential to determining whether the hospital can be named as a defendant in your claim.

  1. Gather evidence of negligence.

Collect medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to support your claim. Evidence should clearly demonstrate how the hospital failed to meet the standard of care and how this negligence caused harm. Thorough documentation strengthens your case and provides the foundation for building a compelling argument.

  1. File a formal complaint or notice of intent to sue.

Submit all required documentation within Maryland’s legal deadlines under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-109. Filing on time is critical to preserving your right to pursue compensation. This step includes preparing a detailed complaint that outlines the negligence, the harm caused, and the damages you are seeking.

  1. Request a Certificate of a Qualified Expert.

Maryland law requires plaintiffs to file a Certificate of a Qualified Expert within a specified timeframe. This certificate confirms that a medical professional has reviewed your case and determined that negligence occurred. Obtaining this certification is a critical step in validating your claim and meeting the state’s requirements.

  1. Consult with additional experts as needed.

Depending on the complexity of your case, consulting with multiple experts may strengthen your claim. For example, a surgical error case may require opinions from both a surgeon and an anesthesiologist. Expert testimony helps demonstrate the standard of care and how the hospital deviated from it.

  1. Calculate your damages comprehensively.

Work with your legal team to assess all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Calculating these damages accurately is essential to ensuring that your claim seeks full compensation for both immediate and future challenges.

  1. Engage in pre-litigation negotiations.

Many medical negligence claims are resolved through settlement discussions before going to court. Your attorney can negotiate with the hospital’s legal team or insurance company to seek a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, your case may proceed to trial.

  1. Prepare for trial, if necessary.

If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your case will proceed to trial. This phase involves presenting your evidence, expert testimony, and legal arguments to demonstrate how the hospital’s negligence caused harm. A trial allows you to seek justice in court, but it also requires thorough preparation and a strong legal strategy.

During the trial, your legal team will cross-examine witnesses, challenge opposing arguments, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. While litigation can be a complex and lengthy process, having an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer ensures that your case is handled professionally and that your rights are protected.

What Compensation Can You Seek in a Hospital Lawsuit?

Victims of hospital negligence may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages address financial losses that can be accurately verified, such as medical expenses, lost income, and the cost of rehabilitation or long-term care. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the hospital’s negligence.

Why You Need a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorney for Hospital Negligence Cases

Hospital negligence cases are complex and require a detailed investigation to determine liability and build a strong claim. An experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorney can review medical records, consult with experts, and gather evidence to demonstrate how the hospital’s actions, or lack thereof, caused harm. This thorough approach ensures that your case is well-prepared to stand up to scrutiny.

Legal representation is also essential for navigating Maryland’s specific requirements for hospital negligence cases. Meeting deadlines, such as the statute of limitations under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-109, and obtaining the necessary expert certification are critical steps that an attorney can handle on your behalf. Missing these requirements can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation, making skilled legal guidance indispensable.

Steps to Take Immediately After Experiencing Hospital Negligence

If you suspect that hospital negligence has caused harm to you or a loved one, taking immediate action is essential to protect your rights and build a strong case. Acting quickly allows you to preserve key evidence, document the circumstances, and seek legal advice. Following specific steps can improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Here are three important steps to take:

  1. Document all interactions with hospital staff and any treatment details. Keep a detailed record of conversations, treatment plans, and any changes in your condition. This documentation provides valuable context and supports your claim by establishing a clear timeline of events.
  2. Request copies of medical records and maintain a personal record of symptoms or complications. Medical records are critical for identifying deviations from the standard of care, while personal notes provide additional evidence of how negligence has impacted your health. Both forms of documentation strengthen your case and provide clarity during the claims process.
  3. Contact Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. A legal professional can assess the details of your situation, determine the strength of your claim, and guide you through the next steps. Taking this action connects you with the expertise needed to pursue justice and compensation.

Consult Our Baltimore Hospital Malpractice Lawyers for Help Today

If you suspect a hospital’s negligence caused your injuries, understanding your rights is the first step toward pursuing justice. A Baltimore hospital malpractice lawyer with Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. will guide you through the legal process and work to secure the outcome you deserve. Reach out today by phone or by our secure online form to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can advocate for you every step of the way.