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Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, is a teaching hospital staffed by both licensed physicians and medical students or residents. As of 2019, Cooper University Hospital has 635 patient beds with a variety of accredited disciplines, including cardiovascular services, oncology services, and a verified trauma program. In 2018 alone, Cooper admitted 28,716 patients. Like other medical institutions with approved trauma centers, Cooper University Hospital sees a high number of patients each year. In fact, the facility handles the majority of trauma cases occurring in Camden County because of the hospital’s approved emergency room facilities.
A high-number of critically-injured patients entering a trauma room at once can tax medical personnel. When healthcare providers are overburdened, it may impact the quality of patient care and increase risk factors for medical mistakes. A medical mistake can happen at any time and may involve a physician with an otherwise stellar safety record. Even physician burnout can contribute to errors, according to Stanford Medicine. No hospital is immune to the situations that can promote risk factors for medical negligence or carelessness.
In 2009, Kathy I. Murphy had an abdominal hysterectomy at Cooper University Hospital as part of a treatment regime to fight endometrial cancer. After surgery, she noticed the incision site leaking fluid and returned to Cooper for a follow-up procedure. Months later, when the wound still wasn’t healing, Murphy again returned to Cooper University Hospital where doctors discovered a surgical sponge left in her body by medical care professionals.
She sued the hospital in July 2011 for their carelessness resulting in her increased abdominal pain, scarring, and medical expenses. She expects to win at least $75,000 plus her related costs, according to The Pennsylvania Record.
A medical mistake made out of carelessness can complicate an existing medical condition or directly contribute to a patient’s untimely death. According to CNBC, medical errors are still the third-leading cause of death in 2018. Camden medical malpractice attorneys have the training and expertise necessary to determine when a mistake, especially a negligent error against a hospital-like Cooper University, is actually medical malpractice.
The attorneys at Console & Associates P.C. have been working with medical malpractice victims and their families in Camden for more than 20 years. Our award-winning legal team practices dedicated service to address your specific legal concerns to hold the hospital and physicians responsible for their carelessness. Contact us today at (866) 778-5500 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
