The healthcare industry has been facing a significant workforce shortage for years, notably exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2025, the crisis has reached new levels. With fewer doctors, nurses, and hospital staff available, patient care is suffering—leading to an increase in medical errors and malpractice claims.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional's actions cause injury to a patient. This can happen when a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted medical standard of care. Understanding the risks and knowing your legal rights is essential for all patients.
Sheeley Law, a Rhode Island personal injury law firm with decades of experience handling medical malpractice claims, warns that staff shortages and ongoing financial strain will continue to exceed critical levels and urges patients to protect themselves. Below are the risks, proactive steps patients should take and guidance on what to do if you are a victim of medical malpractice:
Top Risks Leading to Medical Malpractice
The U.S. Healthcare workforce is in a “state of crisis,” according to health consulting firm, Mercer. As the demand for healthcare services escalates with an aging population and ongoing health care reforms, the health consulting firm predicts a shortage of about 100,000 critical health care workers by 2028.[i] When health care facilities are short-staffed, patient care suffers. Below are the top risks patients face:
1. Increased Patient Load: With fewer doctors and nurses on duty, those who remain are overworked and responsible for more patients than they can safely handle. This can lead to:
Missed or delayed diagnoses due to rushed consultations
Medication errors caused by stress and multitasking
Surgical mistakes as exhausted surgeons and OR teams operate under pressure
2. Longer Wait Times for Care: Delays in medical treatment can turn minor conditions into life-threatening situations. Patients waiting too long for essential care may suffer worsened conditions due to:
Failure to diagnose critical illnesses in time
Delayed emergency care leading to preventable complications
Extended recovery times due to improper treatment
3. Undertrained or Unqualified Staff Filling Gaps: To compensate for the shortage of trained professionals, health care facilities are hiring temporary or less experienced workers, resulting in:
Lack of proper training or supervision
Miscommunication between temporary and permanent staff
Errors in medical procedures or treatment plans
4. Fatigue and Burnout: Long shifts and high patient volumes are contributing to:
Mental exhaustion affecting judgment
Decreased attention to detail in patient care
Higher likelihood of miscommunication among medical teams
5. Reduced Oversight and Safety Protocol Violations: Hospitals and clinics that are stretched thin may overlook essential safety protocols, resulting in:
Inadequate infection control leading to hospital-acquired infections
Surgical procedures performed without necessary precautions
Lack of follow-up care for discharged patients
What Can Patients Do To Protect Themselves?
While patients cannot fix the healthcare worker shortage, they can take steps to minimize their risk of errors and harm. Below are important reminders:
✔ Ask Questions – Always follow-up on test results, and clarify diagnoses, medications, and procedures.
✔ Double-Check Medications – Make sure your medications and dosages are correct.
✔ Advocate for Yourself – If something doesn’t feel right, seek a second opinion.
✔ Involve Family or Trusted Friend – Having someone else present can help catch errors and ensure better communication with healthcare providers.
✔ Seek second opinions – If you are questioning a diagnoses or test result, it is worth your time to get another professional’s opinion.
When to Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice, you should contact a personal injury lawyer with medical malpractice experience right away. Firms such as Sheeley Law offer a free consultation. Once we discuss the details of your case and gather evidence, Attorney Ann Sheeley will advise you on your best options for legal recourse and obtaining compensation for your damages. For more information about medical malpractice and how to pursue legal action, click here.
At Sheeley Law, we are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. Contact us for a free consultation at 401-619-5555 or email asheeley@sheeleylaw.com.
[i] Future of the U.S. Healthcare Industry. Healthcare Labor Market Projections by 2028.
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