Holy Cross Hospital Malpractice & Violations

Hospital performance refers to how well a healthcare system adheres to safety protocols and quality standards. Various organizations rate healthcare systems based on patient surveys. A hospital’s quality of care can also be measured by reviewing violations and deficiencies directly related to patient experiences.

Hospitals at the center of lawsuits tend to offer less quality health care. When hospital staff fail to provide personalized care and protect the well-being of their patients, they may be subject to a medical malpractice or negligence lawsuit.

Our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers are committed to using our extensive experience in the legal field to protect patients’ rights, hold negligent facilities accountable, recover compensation, and improve Illinois health care for everyone.

About Holy Cross Hospital

Here is everything you need to know about the Holy Cross health healing ministry.

Overview

Holy Cross Hospital is a community hospital that serves Chicago’s West and Southwest neighborhoods. The 264-bed facility offers inpatient and outpatient medical and psychological services, including behavioral, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, infectious disease, and substance abuse.

The company claims to offer excellent-quality emergency care to a broad range of patients while promoting healthy communities as its motto.

In addition to emergency support at the main Holy Cross location, primary care and outpatient services are also available for ongoing medical support.

The Holy Cross Health care affiliation follows Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, or ERDs or Directives. These directives may differ from those of other community primary care or health care centers. The healthcare center claims to serve the local communities through the guidelines set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Ownership and Affiliations

Holy Cross Hospital is a part of Sinai Chicago, which owns four hospital systems: Holy Cross Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, Schwab Rehabilitation, and Sinai Children’s Hospital. The Community’s Holy Cross health care system also includes 17 local clinics, one community institute, and a research center within its network.

The hospital was founded in 1928 as a Catholic Hospital sponsored by the Catholic Education Institute. It employs over 3,500 employees and claims to offer competitive benefits.

Reputation and Performance

Holy Cross Hospital holds several accreditations, including Diversity Leaders and a Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission. While the hospital is not ranked as one of Ilinoi’s top 10 hospitals according to the U.S. News & World Report, it has been named a High-Performing Hospital, specifically for specializations including heart failure [1].

According to the same report, the hospital had a high overall rating score for diabetes care [1]. However, the system is rated one out of five stars for patient experience. Many patients claim they are unsatisfied with the hospital, unwilling to recommend it to others, and less than satisfied with doctors’ and nurses’ communications.

Notable Legal Actions Against Holy Cross Hospital

The Holy Cross healthcare system has been subject to various notable legal actions. Here are a few to consider.

Failing to Provide an Appropriate Medical Screening Examination

In October 2023, Chicago ER negligence attorneys ordered Holy Cross Hospital to pay $85,000 for violating the patient dumping statute by failing to provide an appropriate medical screening evaluation.

The patient, listed as M.N., was ordered to leave the emergency care department without notifying the nursing staff of their entrance. The plaintiff suffered a severe medical emergency and was unable to receive the treatment they needed.

Wrongful Death Claim Against Holy Cross Hospital

Based on Cook County Public Records, In December 2017, family members filed a wrongful death claim against Holy Cross alleging negligent medical care.

Banasiak v. Holy Cross Health Care alleged that the staff at Holy Cross failed to properly place a catheter in the patient, leading to excessive blood loss. The absence of further court records suggests the case may have been settled. [2]

Failing to Follow Federal Laws Regarding Pension Guidelines

In June 2018, the Holy Cross healthcare system was penalized and ordered to pay its employees a pension settlement. The Holy Cross system argued that it was exempt from the same federal rules that guide other businesses’ pension plans since it is registered as a religious organization.

The lawsuit resulted in Holy Cross Health Care paying $4 million and distributing the $5 million left in the pension plan.

Inspection and Deficiency Reports at Holy Cross Hospital

The Holy Cross Healthcare system has also received numerous complaints. Only 36% of patients would recommend Holy Cross health systems to others [3].

The organization reviews various patient experiences to identify deficiencies. The healthcare services organization received numerous shortcomings, including unsanitary environments, a lack of staff information related to medicines, and the need to be given appropriate discharge instructions.

Heart attack patients were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days than when compared to state and national average rates.

Medicare also independently rates healthcare systems. Medicare has rated Holy Cross Health with a one-star rating [4]. The Medicare program requests patients and their family members to rate the hospital based on timely and effective care, complications and deaths, unplanned hospital visits, and maternal health.

In many categories, Holy Cross ranked far below the national average. Data for some categories was unavailable due to fewer health records and patient responses.

Understanding Medical Negligence and Your Rights

Medical negligence occurs when a patient fails to receive medical care that meets the accepted industry standard. Medical providers owe patients a duty of care, which includes practicing in a way that other medical professionals would in the same situation.

Medical negligence sometimes leads to extended hospital stays or excess pain and suffering. However, when doctors, physicians, or nursing staff are negligent, it can also lead to a loss of patient life. Patients who don’t receive the right care and support they require can suffer from a worsening of their condition or the development of other health issues.

A few common types of medical negligence may include the following:

• Surgical Errors: Surgical errors can lead to unnecessary injury or pain and suffering. It can also prolong the treatment or recovery of the condition in which the patient first sought medical care.
• Medication Mistakes: Medication mistakes, including drug interactions or improper dosing, can lead to disastrous side effects.
• Failure to Diagnose: Failure to diagnose promptly can leave patients in prolonged pain and prevent them from timely recovery.
• Improper Care: Improper care may include any deviation from the standard expected healthcare delivery.

Patients and their families seek personalized care when visiting a healthcare center. The hospital may be liable for any damages incurred when they don’t receive the compassionate care and physician expertise they deserve.

Why Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A medical malpractice attorney can help victims and their families access medical records, gather evidence, and build a strong case. Lawyers also rely on expert witnesses to help support a strong case.

Since medical negligence cases are based on proving that the administration or doctor deviated from the standard of care, expert witnesses can use their medical backgrounds to support that allegation.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping Illinois communities explore their treatment options and seek justice when organizations like Holy Cross fail to fulfill their legal duties. We serve the public by providing trusted legal guidance and support to the local community.

While many healthcare negligence cases are settled outside of court, we strive for a fair settlement offer. If Holy Cross or any other negligent health care system fails to offer a fair settlement, our legal team is prepared to represent these claims in trial.

Compensation in a medical malpractice case might include medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Family members may also seek compensation for funeral expenses or loss of consortium if the medical negligence leads to a loss of life.

Secure Expert Legal Representation!

Every Illinois resident deserves access to good medicine, whether seeking primary care, emergency services, or outpatient rehabilitation. That’s why we’re committed to helping victims of medical malpractice exercise their legal rights.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers also works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to seek financial assistance to pursue your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Medical negligence lawsuits are subject to Illinois statute of limitations, making it crucial to explore your legal options soon. Likewise, building a strong case against a healthcare center takes time to gather sufficient evidence. Our team has the necessary resources to secure justice and fair compensation.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] U.S. News & Health Report, [2] Cook County Record, [3] Seal of the State of Illinois, [4] Medicare

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.