A Massachusetts judge recently ruled in Beauregard v Peebles that a hospital can be held responsible for the medical mistakes of a physician who is classified as an independent contractor, the Legal Laser reported on March 2.
A patient who underwent surgery at a private hospital Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham and Natick became paralyzed after a doctor at the hospital gave her anesthesia, inserting it directly into her spine before the surgery to manage the level of pain she would feel while under surgery. Although the doctor was not classified as an employee, his title was Chief of Anesthesia, he wore a coat with his name and the hospital’s name on it, and the form the patient signed did not indicate that he was an independent contractor.
Many hospitals have begun hiring doctors and other staff on a contract basis to limit their liability, but this can seriously limit a medical malpractice victim’s options for recourse.
The Massachusetts attorneys of Crowe & Harris, LLP , passionately represent medical negligence victims and may work on your behalf for the funds you need to recover. Call our offices at (617) 404-3417 today to learn more.