Two Michigan Hospitals Get Failing Grades for Patient Safety

Hospital Safety Grades: What Low Ratings Mean for Medical Negligence and Hospital Negligence Risks

Two Detroit hospitals received failing grades for patient safety, failing to keep patients safe from medical negligence and errors. Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace and Detroit Receiving both dropped from a D to an F in this falls rating. According to MLive, in total, 15 Michigan hospitals had their ratings fall in 2024. To see a complete list and view a searchable database of hospitals in your area visit view this interactive chart.

Medical Mistakes Are Preventable When Safety is a Priority

At Giroux Pappas, we hear from clients every day about unnecessary injuries that occur in Michigan hospitals. We understand that medical professionals don’t intend to make mistakes, but the reality is that errors happen—and these errors can have serious consequences. Our firm has the expertise in medical malpractice to help you navigate these challenges. We know how to read and interpret complex medical records to build a strong case for our clients.

The Leapfrog Safety Grades: A Measure of Hospital Negligence

When we go to a hospital, we expect safe, effective care. But according to the latest safety grades from The Leapfrog Group, not all Michigan hospitals are living up to this promise. The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit health care watchdog, evaluates over 3,000 hospitals nationwide twice a year, assigning letter grades from “A” to “F.” These grades assess how well hospitals prevent medical errors, infections, and accidents—factors that are critical in avoiding cases of medical negligence and hospital negligence.

Key criteria include:

• Preventing medical errors and hospital negligence
• Reducing hospital-acquired infections
• Maintaining patient safety during surgeries
• Ensuring proper medication management

Hospitals that earn higher grades show a commitment to patient safety, while those with lower grades often have gaps in their safety protocols, increasing the risk of medical negligence.

The Reality of Medical Negligence in Lower-Graded Hospitals

While many Michigan hospitals received top marks, the report also revealed some troubling statistics:

• 29 hospitals received a “B” grade
• 26 hospitals received a “C” grade
• 2 hospitals received a “D” grade
• 2 hospitals received an “F” grade

Hospitals with “D” and “F” grades are more likely to expose patients to avoidable injuries and complications due to hospital negligence. Every day, we hear from clients who have suffered due to poor hospital practices, leading to prolonged recoveries or new medical issues.

Common Examples of Hospital Negligence

1. Higher Infection Rates: Hospitals with poor infection control can expose patients to serious threats like MRSA or C. difficile, especially during surgeries or long-term care. These infections are preventable, yet we regularly encounter cases where patients contracted life-threatening infections due to hospital negligence.
2. Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside the patient, are clear examples of medical negligence. We’ve helped numerous clients who were harmed by such errors, guiding them through the complex process of holding hospitals accountable.
3. Medication Mistakes: Incorrect dosages or administering the wrong medication can have devastating effects on patients. Unfortunately, we frequently see cases where medication errors have led to severe injuries, illustrating a lack of adequate safety checks.
4. Inadequate Fall Prevention: Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to falls in hospitals. Without proper fall prevention protocols, hospitals are putting patients at risk. These types of hospital negligence are often avoidable with better safety measures.

Why Hospital Safety Grades Matter: Protecting Yourself from Medical Negligence

Hospital safety grades are more than just statistics—they’re a crucial tool for patients making decisions about where to seek care. According to Leah Binder, CEO of The Leapfrog Group, hospitals need to improve their safety measures to reduce the risk of medical negligence because “no one should have to suffer from a preventable error in a hospital.”

At Giroux Pappas, we know firsthand the impact that hospital negligence can have on patients and their families. Every day, we speak with clients who have experienced unnecessary pain and suffering due to preventable hospital errors. We are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and take action if you’ve been harmed.

Protecting Yourself from Medical Negligence: Practical Tips

If you or a loved one requires medical care, it’s essential to do your research to minimize the risk of hospital negligence:

• Check Safety Grades: Visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org to review the latest ratings for Michigan hospitals.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about infection control, surgical protocols, and medication management. It’s your right to know how your care is being handled.
• Be Proactive: Keep a detailed list of your medications, allergies, and medical history. Speak up if something doesn’t seem right, as this can prevent potential errors.

Holding Hospitals Accountable for Medical Negligence

At Giroux Pappas, we specialize in medical malpractice cases and are skilled at reviewing medical records to uncover evidence of hospital negligence. If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to poor care, our experienced legal team is here to help. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice and are dedicated to ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Final Thoughts: The Path to Safer Hospitals

Michigan hospitals have made progress in improving patient safety, but the journey is far from over. By staying informed about hospital safety grades and advocating for your own care, you can reduce the risk of suffering due to medical negligence.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by hospital negligence, contact Giroux Pappas today. We are committed to holding healthcare providers accountable and helping victims of medical negligence find the justice they deserve. Together, we can work towards a safer healthcare system for all.

Other Common Medical Malpractice Causes

1. Errors in Diagnosis

Errors in diagnosis were the most commonly cited mistakes in paid claims at 31.8 percent—nearly 5 percent above the runner-up. Common examples include:

• Misdiagnosis, in which a patient is treated for the wrong condition, such as being given antacids for heart attack symptoms.
• Delayed diagnosis, in which critical treatment is postponed due to medical professionals’ failure to promptly recognize a condition like cancer.
• Failure to recognize complications, such as a doctor overlooking signs of sepsis in a patient with a known infection.
• Faulty medical testing, in which lab errors lead to incorrect treatment, such as a misread X-ray suggesting the absence of a fracture.

2. Errors in Surgery

Surgical mistakes were the second most common error, accounting for 26.9 percent of all paid claims. Common types of surgical errors include:

• Wrong-site surgery, in which a procedure is performed on the incorrect part of the body, such as operating on the left knee instead of the right.
• Retained surgical items like sponges or tools being accidentally left inside the patient’s body.
• Nerve damage due to a surgical mishap, potentially leading to long-term impairment or loss of function.
• Anesthesia errors, in which incorrect anesthesia application results in complications like insufficient pain relief or severe adverse reactions.

3. Errors in Medication and Treatment

Medication and treatment errors were the third leading cause of paid claims, accounting for 24.5 percent of the total. Examples include:

• Incorrect medication, in which a patient is given the wrong drug, leading to adverse effects or no treatment benefit.
• Overdose, in which medical professionals prescribe or administer too much medication, causing severe or potentially fatal side effects.
• Underdose, in which medical professionals provide insufficient medication, failing to effectively treat the condition and possibly allowing it to worsen.
• Drug interaction, in which failure to consider all of a patient’s medications results in harmful interactions that cause serious health complications.

Contact Us If You Need Help With a Medical Negligence Case

That’s where Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys come in. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys serving Michigan understand the complexities of these cases and how to win them. Our service area includes Southfield, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Warren, Grand Rapids. We want to fight hard for maximum compensation while you rest and recover. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s pursue justice together. 248-531-8665