At one point, researchers estimated that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. The most alarming part of the 2016 study is that the numbers may be even higher due to poor reporting.
It is not just a privilege for someone to get proper care when treated by medical professionals and institutions — it’s the law.
Patients who experience negligent or inadequate medical care have the right to make a personal injury claim in the court of law.
The types of medical malpractice patients can experience are varied. These are some of the most common examples of negligent care.
Misdiagnosis
When a doctor misdiagnoses or fails to properly diagnose a patient, the results could be deadly. As the most common type of medical malpractice, misdiagnosis can occur when a doctor does not thoroughly examine symptoms, fails to follow up with a patient, or comes to the wrong conclusion.
According to a study that looked at medical malpractice claims around the world in 2013, death was the most common consequence in misdiagnosis claims.
These are some of the most common missed diagnoses:
Surgical Errors
Countless things can go wrong before, during, and after surgery that lead to unnecessary injury. Sometimes a doctor will recommend a surgery that is not needed. Other times, a surgeon may make an error during the operation.
In some of the most severe errors during surgery, surgeons have been known to leave items inside patients, including equipment and phones.
Another example of a surgical error is operating at the wrong site. One doctor was accused of amputating the wrong leg thanks to a series of errors.
Anesthesia Errors
Even though anesthesia has been used for more than 150 years, administering the drug remains dangerous. If an anesthesiologist does not properly investigate the patient’s history or does not monitor the patient’s vital signs during an operation, he or she could face a medical malpractice claim.
Mistakes Prescribing Drugs
Prescription drugs are important in combating all types of symptoms and illnesses. However, errors prescribing and administering medications can be fatal.
If a doctor prescribes the wrong, too much, or too little medication, it could be classified as medical malpractice. Pharmacists or nurses can also be held accountable for errors in prescribing or administering prescription drugs.
Errors During Childbirth
Every year, there are nearly four million births in the United States alone, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. While the vast majority do not encounter any issues, errors during childbirth are not out of the ordinary.
Examples of errors during childbirth include inadequate care for the mother or baby, harmful medication administered to the mother, or a failure to anticipate complications.
Medical malpractice lawsuits are common. However, they can be complicated and time-consuming.
Attorneys have the skill and knowledge needed to bring medical malpractice lawsuits. This includes first-hand experience gathering the necessary documentation, thoroughly investigating local law, and negotiating with companies.
Not only do those who hire a lawyer for their medical malpractice suits often get larger settlements but they also report higher levels of satisfaction and peace of mind. Those who think they may have a case against a healthcare professional or institution should contact a lawyer to find out more about next steps.
