Medical malpractice often stirs fear in those seeking health care. It’s a legal term that refers to situations where doctors or other medical providers fail to meet the standard of care patients need, which can unfortunately cause them harm.
Often, many individuals do not recognize when they may have a valid malpractice claim. To help identify potential cases of malpractice, below are three common types.
Incorrect diagnosis or a delay in diagnosis
An incorrect diagnosis or a delay in receiving a correct one can lead to patients undergoing unnecessary treatments or missing out on essential treatments. This can allow the disease to progress, leading to severe health complications or even death.
Establishing a malpractice claim in these instances requires a comparison. Essentially, the claim needs to show that a correct and timely diagnosis from a competent doctor would have resulted in a more effective treatment plan, improving the patient’s health. Successfully establishing this can help victims in seeking justice.
Failing to provide clear pre-operative instructions
Performing surgery at the wrong site
Leaving surgical instruments inside a patient
Causing unnecessary harm to surrounding tissues
Failing to provide adequate follow-up care resulting in complications like infections or blood clots
These errors can lead to extended recovery times, additional surgeries and, in some cases, irreversible damage.
Mistakes in prescribing medication
Prescription mistakes are another common form of malpractice. These can involve doctors prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, leading to harmful side effects. They can also include failing to consider harmful drug interactions, which can significantly harm a patient’s overall health. Such errors can cause adverse reactions, worsen the patient’s condition or fail to treat the condition effectively.
In all these situations, victims have the right to file a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for the harm suffered. This may include compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings and other costs. An attorney experienced in medical malpractice can help in demonstrating the health care professional’s negligence and its impact on the patient’s health in these complex matters.
