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  • Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyers Report on Rehab Hospital Injuries

    Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyers Report on Rehab Hospital Injuries

    Many patients recovering from major surgery, neurological conditions, such as stroke, or long term illness are admitted to rehabilitation centers for extended physical strengthening and conditioning before heading home. Patients most often enter rehabilitation centers after being released from a hospital and considered in stable health. Unfortunately, almost 29 percent of these individuals suffer injuries and illnesses while in rehab facilities, some resulting in fatal injury. A recent study conducted by the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that medication errors, substandard care, and infections at rehab centers across the U.S. caused significant injury, permanent disability, and severe illness to patients in rehabilitation centers.

    Researchers studied 417 Medicare patients in various rehab centers across the United States to determine the rate of injuries and their causes. The number and severity of incidents that they discovered were much higher than they had previously expected.

    Almost half of all injuries reported resulted from medication errors. Allergic reactions to medications, severely low blood pressures, internal bleeding, and overdoses from narcotic pain medications were a few of the most serious incidents resulting from medication errors. Another 40 percent of injuries resulted from poor patient monitoring and sanitation. Bed sores, constipation, infections, and malnourishment were reported in patients that spent long hours in bed, or those who could not ambulate to the bathroom independently. Analysts for the study concluded that the majority of these injuries were preventable, and that doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation staff were responsible for substandard care.

    More Training is Required to Cut Down on Malpractice

    The studied also revealed that patients injured in rehab facilities are commonly transferred to acute care hospitals and medical centers, prolonging their recovery and increasing costs in estimates of billions of dollars each year. Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that rehabilitation centers need to focus on improving conditions at their facilities to reduce the number and severity of patient injuries. Ongoing collaboration with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should focus on proper training and education of all rehab physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and staff on preventive measures and acute emergencies that can occur at these institutions.

    Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Help Injured Patients Collect Compensation

    If you or someone you know has been injured or lost their life in a rehabilitation or medical facility due to substandard care or medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The reputable team of Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help you claim the justice and compensation you deserve.

    Call us at 1-800-222-USWA (8792), or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our Philadelphia offices serve clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

    ALLENTOWN/BETHLEHEM
    1-800-222-USWA (8792)

    LANCASTER
    717-824-3376

    READING
    610-376-1696