Each day throughout the state of Pennsylvania individuals obtain medical care. While often the treatment received addresses the standard one would expect, sadly this is not always the case. When a patient is injured or dies as a result of negligent treatment, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are filed for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are failure to make a diagnosis, birth injuries, errors made during surgery and medication mistakes. Another cause of action is negligent care. These lawsuits can be brought against not only the people who were charged with taking care of the patient, but entities such as hospitals and clinics as well.

When a medical malpractice lawsuit is filed against a hospital, it may be because of the action or failure to take an action on the part of a medical professional. What some may fail to realize however, is that it can also be brought due to the actions or inactions of employees who are not medical professionals. This group might include those who work in the maintenance department or those who are responsible for cleaning the facility.

The sons of a patient to died while in the care of a Houston, Texas, hospital recently filed a lawsuit against the facility alleging gross negligence. In it, they allege that bugs such as gnats and ants got into the man's trachea tube and made their way into his larynx. At the time of his death, in July 2011, their father was being treated for collapsed lungs.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the hospital named in the lawsuit said the hospital "keeps its rooms and equipment clean and sanitary." That person also indicated that the hospital quickly responded to concerns the family expressed to the hospital.

Source: ABC local, "Sons sue hospital alleging ants in dad's larynx," Jan. 24, 2012