Once you find out that you must go into surgery, it can be frightening news. One of the least worrisome things that you could possible imagine is mistakes by your doctor. It's a little more common that you think so here's a list of the most common causes of Medical Malpractice:
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Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital or healthcare professional causes injury to a patient, whether it be through negligence or omission. While fairly common, medical malpractice can have a devastating impact on not only the patient, but their loved ones as well. Medical malpractice can sometimes even lead to permanent injury or death, which is why it is so important to be able to recognize what medical malpractice is and know what to do if you suspect it has occurred. Here are some of the most common cases of medical malpractice and next steps you should take if you or a loved one has fallen victim to it.
Birth Injuries
Some of the most common cases of medical malpractice involve birth injuries. Birth injuries occur when damage is inflicted on an infant during the birthing process, and of every 1,000 infants born in the United States, 6-8 of them will be affected by a birth injury. There are several different types of birth injuries that fall under this umbrella, with some of the most common being:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hypoxic Brain Damage
- Misdiagnosis
- Placental Abruption
Birth injuries are often some of the most devastating kinds of cases of medical malpractice, and in worst-case scenarios, can even result in death of the infant. Many birth injuries can also result in the need for lifelong medical care, making these cases of medical malpractice all the more devastating.
Misdiagnosis/Failure to Diagnose
A misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a condition can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening, making it one of the most serious cases of medical malpractice. As a healthcare professional, it is imperative to listen to a patient’s concerns and run the proper tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Cancer misdiagnoses are some of the most common and also most dangerous, as devastating consequences can occur if left untreated. What makes a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose so dangerous is that patients typically put a lot of trust into healthcare professionals expecting them to take the necessary steps in detecting a condition, so when a doctor fails to do that, the patient’s health is put in danger. With something as serious as cancer, for example, failing to properly treat and diagnose symptoms can often result in death.
Surgical Errors
Going in for surgery can be an incredibly scary and nerve-wracking experience, and one that requires the patient to fully trust their surgeon. However, this trust can be broken if a surgical error occurs during the procedure. Some of the most common surgical errors include:
- Performing unnecessary surgery
- Too much or too little anesthesia
- Performing the incorrect procedure
- Using non-sterile equipment
- Leaving medial equipement inside of the patient
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it is important that you know what to do. Hiring one of the top medical malpractice lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will go over the details with you and help you build a case based on your experience. Falling victim to medical malpractice can be traumatic, but with the right team on your side, you can rest assured that you will see justice.
Do you have a medical malpractice story to share? Leave your story in the comments below!