It is likely that many think that a medical malpractice lawsuit must involve negligent actions by a doctor, nurse or other person directly charged with caring for an individual. The reality however is that hospitals can be held responsible for other accidents that involve on the premises as well. These incidents can take many forms, including slip-and-falls accidents.

Recently a woman in another state was successful in a medical malpractice lawsuit she filed against a hospital. She reportedly broke her kneecap when she slipped on a wet floor located outside of an elevator. As a result of the fall she was apparently left permanently disabled.

In her lawsuit the injured woman alleged that the hospital's failure to place signs indicating the floor was wet in the area, constituted negligence. The jury that heard the case agreed. Accordingly the woman was awarded a total of $1.3 million. Of that amount, $621,481 was interest on the jury's actual award of $678,519.

The fact that it was not a medical professional's actions that caused the slip-and-fall accident does not preclude a lawsuit such as this one. Because an employee of the hospital responsible for cleaning the building apparently did not place a warning sign near the wet portion of the floor, the hospital could, as in this case, be found liable for the inaction.

While this incident occurred in another state, most would likely agree it could easily happen at a Pittsburgh area hospital. This is particularly true since cleanliness is so important at such facilities, necessitating constant cleaning of surfaces, including the floors.

Source: Claims Journal, "Rhode Island Hospital Loses $1.3M Slip-and-Fall Case," June 13, 2013