Premises liability is a concern for any business, but health care facilities face heightened risks. This is mainly due to the combination of vulnerable populations and a constant flow of patients, visitors, and staff. When someone is injured on the grounds of a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility, the potential for legal action is real. At our firm, we defend health care providers against premises liability claims and help minimize the impact these cases can have on your operations.
How Medical Facilities Are Unique
Medical facilities are not like retail stores or office buildings. They often operate around the clock while serving a host of individuals in fragile physical conditions. Stretchers, medical equipment, and spill hazards are part of the daily landscape. The patient’s condition is also a factor, as many are dizzy or disoriented.
These realities do not remove the duty of care owed to those on the premises. Health care facilities must still maintain reasonably safe conditions and address known hazards. However, the context of a medical environment matters. Our approach can help juries understand these complexities, putting you in the best position to get a favorable verdict at trial.
Examples of Premises Liability Claims
The most common claims involve slip-and-fall incidents, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. Other factors could include the following:
- Faulty handrails
- Broken elevators
- Portable beds, chairs, and medical equipment
- Bunched carpet
- Spilled water
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven flooring
In health care settings, these claims may be intertwined with issues of medical negligence. Understanding the distinction between medical malpractice and premises liability is also critical, as each follows different legal rules in Virginia. Our attorneys are experienced in sorting out these legal questions and ensuring that claims are categorized and defended appropriately.
Defense Strategies for Health Care Providers
The way you approach your defense in a health care premises liability case matters. When we take a case, our first step is to investigate all the facts thoroughly. We examine everything from security footage to medical records to reconstruct the event. If we can identify the hazard, our next step is to find evidence of whether the facility was aware of it.
In many cases, health care workers followed appropriate procedures and responded quickly. We highlight these facts to show that the facility met its duty of care. In other cases, we challenge whether the conditions of the property caused the alleged injury or whether it was the result of a medical condition unrelated to the premises.
Reach Out to Satterwhite Taddeo Today
Our firm is dedicated to building the strongest defense possible in health care premises liability cases. This might result in a trial, or it could lead to a negotiated settlement on favorable terms.
Let our team of professionals review the claims against your facility and advise you of your legal options. We will work tirelessly to help you secure the best possible outcome. Contact us right away to get started.