In Alabama, Can I Sue My Doctor and the Hospital?

Anytime a patient has suffered at the hands of a medical professional, there is a possibility that a medical malpractice lawsuit may result. One of the many questions that arises is whether or not the patient can sue the hospital in addition to the health care professional that actually made the error.

In law, we use the term respondeat superior when referring to the idea that an employer is responsible for the damages caused by its employees. In Alabama, a hospital cannot generally be held responsible for the mistakes made by health care practitioners that are not employees or agents of the hospital.

We use another legal term, corporate liability, to describe a situation where a corporation should be held responsible for the wrongs caused by its staff if the corporation failed to properly monitor or supervise its staff, or if the corporation simply staffed individuals that were incompetent or unfit. While one may sue a hospital in an Alabama medical malpractice case based on the theory of corporate liability, one must have an excellent medical malpractice attorney to actually be successful in the end.

Because the laws of medical malpractice differ in each state, if you're thinking of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer, you should seriously consider hiring one who works in your state, near you. Of course, make sure the lawyer you hire is experienced and knowledgeable to increase your chances of success. To find an excellent Alabama medical malpractice lawyer near you, click here.