As November arrives, hospitals and urgent care centers in South Carolina begin bracing for the busy months ahead. Flu season, holiday travel, and cold-weather illnesses often lead to packed waiting rooms and overworked medical staff. While healthcare professionals do their best under pressure, the risk of medical malpractice tends to rise during these hectic times. At Harbin & Burnett Law Firm, in Anderson, SC, we believe patients and their families should be informed of these risks. If you or a loved one has been harmed by negligent care, understanding how and why these errors occur can better protect your rights.
Why November Through Winter Can Be High-Risk
The period from November into early spring often sees a sharp uptick in patient admissions for several reasons:
- Flu and Seasonal Illnesses: Respiratory conditions, pneumonia, and flu complications push more people into hospitals.
- Holiday Travel Accidents: The Thanksgiving rush and early holiday movement increase the number of vehicles on the road and the chance of trauma cases.
- Staffing Strains and Fatigue: Holidays and seasonal illness among staff often reduce workforce availability, and medical professionals may face burnout, increasing the chance of mistakes.
When hospitals are stretched close to capacity, even small lapses in communication or oversight can lead to tragic outcomes.
Alarming National Data: Medical Errors Are Deadly
To understand how serious this issue can be, consider the following findings:
- A Johns Hopkins study concluded that more than 250,000 deaths per year in the U.S. may be attributable to medical error, placing it as the third-leading cause of death in the country.
- Another report estimated that up to 795,000 Americans per year die or are permanently disabled from medical mistakes.
- Diagnostic error alone, such as delayed or incorrect diagnosis, carries substantial harm. One report found the average error rate across diseases was 11.1%, with extreme variation across conditions.
These statistics highlight that medical malpractice is not a rare fluke. It is an inherent risk in the system, especially during high-demand periods.
Common Medical Malpractice Issues During Crowded Hospital Seasons
When hospitals are under pressure, the following types of mistakes become more common:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Critical symptoms may be overlooked or misinterpreted under time constraints.
- Medication Errors: High workload may lead to incorrect dosages, drug interactions, or failure to account for allergies.
- Surgical Mistakes and Post-Op Oversight Failures: Rushed procedures or insufficient follow-up care can lead to complications.
- Failure to Monitor Patients: In crowded settings, vital sign checks and other monitoring may be delayed or skipped, putting patients at risk.
When to Turn to a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you suspect that negligent medical care harmed you or someone you love, especially during a high-demand hospital season, it is crucial to act. Medical malpractice claims are complex. Investigations often require expert review of hospital protocols, medical records, staffing data, and standard-of-care practices.
At Harbin & Burnett, we understand how to dig into the details, interpret medical evidence, and fight for fair compensation.
Harbin & Burnett: Your Patient Safety Advocates in South Carolina
No season should be one of increased risk to patient welfare. Even as hospitals manage surges in demand, quality care must remain consistent. At Harbin & Burnett, we are committed to holding negligent medical actors accountable, especially when systemic pressures increase the danger of mistakes.
If you or your loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence, call us today at 864.964.0333 for a free case evaluation.