A hospital inpatient accidentally receives a serious injury, caused by a hospital employee? Who pays for this?

Question

A patient entered the hospital for hip replacement surgery, with no injuries to the feet. When the patient returned to the assigned room there was a serious injury to the foot on the side that the hip was replaced. This wound started weeping, about the third day and had to be cleaned and dressed. Also a special "egg carton" boot was placed on that foot to keep further damage and to relieve pressure. The patient was in the hospital for a time then sent to a "Specialty" hospital for some days then went back to the hospital for EGD and treatment for a bleeding ulcer and further treatment to the injury. In all the patient has been an inpatient for four months.
The hospital has charged all costs to the patient's insurance and Medicare.

Answer 1

You need to consult a lawyer. In some cases your insurance company may act for you , because its in their interest to do so, but talk to an independant lawyer first.

You may have to sue the hospital.

Answer 2

If there is proof and documentation the the patient did not arrive with and injury to the foot, and is was attained during the stay--the hospital should cover the cost for the wound/injury to the afflicted
foot. Contact the hospital's patient advocate, or risk manager--the hospital will have one or both of these people on staff.These people protect and maintain the patients rights. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Can you prove it was done at the hospital? If so get a lawyer. Its called malpractice, and if you have a good claim, your damages will be paid.

Answer 4

Hospitals Insurance should have covered it or they reimbursed Medicare and patients insurance ............or they can get Sued