Medical malpractice refers to situations where a healthcare provider’s negligence or failure to meet the standard of care causes harm to a patient. The consequences of medical mistakes can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, long-term complications, or even death. Medical errors occur in various ways, and some types of malpractice are more common than others. Below, we will explore the most frequent types of medical malpractice and what can be done if you or a loved one is affected by these errors.
Medical Malpractice – A Leading Cause of Harm
Medical errors are not only common but have also been identified as one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to researchers from Johns Hopkins, medical mistakes account for over 250,000 deaths annually. This statistic highlights the critical need for heightened awareness and better patient safety measures in the healthcare industry. While medical professionals are highly trained, human error remains an unavoidable risk.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most common types of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis. This occurs when a doctor fails to accurately diagnose a patient’s condition, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment. Misdiagnosis can cause a medical condition to worsen or result in unnecessary treatments. In some cases, this may even lead to a patient’s death if the proper diagnosis is not made in a timely manner.
Delayed diagnosis is a related issue where a doctor fails to diagnose a condition within an appropriate timeframe. A delayed diagnosis can have severe consequences, especially with serious conditions such as cancer or heart disease, where early intervention is crucial for successful treatment. This failure to promptly identify a medical condition can significantly reduce a patient’s chances of recovery and overall well-being.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors are another significant category of medical malpractice. These mistakes can range from minor oversights to severe, life-threatening incidents. Surgical errors can include operating on the wrong patient, performing the wrong surgery, or operating on the wrong body part, all of which can have devastating consequences for the patient involved. In some cases, surgical professionals may also leave surgical instruments inside the patient’s body, leading to infections, internal bleeding, or the need for further surgeries.
Anesthesia errors are another form of surgical mistake. An anesthesiologist may fail to monitor the patient appropriately during a procedure, leading to an overdose or insufficient anesthesia, which could result in severe injury or death. Proper monitoring and accurate dosing are critical to the surgical process, as anesthesia errors can lead to serious complications for the patient.
Birth Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Birth injuries are often devastating and can result in lifelong consequences for both the mother and child. These injuries can occur due to the negligence of healthcare professionals during the delivery process. Errors such as failing to monitor the baby’s vital signs, improperly using birthing instruments like forceps or vacuum devices, or not performing a timely C-section can lead to significant harm.
Cerebral palsy, a disorder affecting movement and muscle coordination, is a common result of birth injuries. It may occur when the brain is damaged during labor and delivery, often due to a failure to recognize fetal distress or incorrect handling during birth. Parents may be left with significant medical expenses and emotional strain as they care for a child with lifelong disabilities resulting from medical malpractice.
Medication Errors
Medication errors are another frequent type of medical malpractice. These can involve the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failure to administer a necessary medication altogether. For instance, a doctor may prescribe the wrong medication, or a nurse may administer the wrong dosage, both of which can have serious consequences for the patient.
Incorrect medication can result in severe allergic reactions, overdoses, or even death. Sometimes, a doctor fails to consider a patient’s allergies or other medical conditions, leading to a dangerous interaction with prescribed medications. Other times, healthcare professionals may simply fail to double-check their orders, resulting in a patient receiving the wrong medication or dosage.
Failure to Treat
Failure to treat is a form of medical negligence that occurs when a healthcare provider fails to administer the appropriate treatment for a diagnosed condition. This could include discharging a patient prematurely, not following up with necessary treatments, or neglecting to take action based on a patient’s symptoms. A competent doctor is expected to understand the patient’s medical needs and provide the appropriate treatment to help manage or alleviate their medical condition.
When a doctor fails to treat a condition correctly, it can worsen, potentially causing irreversible harm to the patient. For instance, if a patient has a serious infection and the doctor fails to administer the correct antibiotics or doesn’t adequately monitor the patient’s condition, it could result in a life-threatening scenario. Failure to treat cases often involve claims against medical professionals who neglect their responsibility to ensure patients receive the necessary care.
What Happens After a Medical Error Occurs?
If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury or illness due to a medical mistake, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A Santa Ana medical malpractice lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the laws related to these claims and will know the proper process of ensuring you are evaluated and getting the claim filed appropriately. It is imperative to work with an attorney as soon as you think you may have been harmed as a result of a medical mistake. These claims are complicated, and you can be sure that the other side will have a legal team ready to back them up. You need legal assistance as well.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Malpractice Case
If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney. A medical malpractice claim can be complex, as these cases often require specialized knowledge of both the medical field and legal processes. An attorney can help gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and determine the best course of action for your situation.
Working with a skilled lawyer is essential to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering. Whether the malpractice claim involves surgical errors, medication mistakes, or failure to treat, an experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process. At Callahan & Blaine, we have extensive experience in handling medical malpractice cases and have successfully obtained large settlements for our clients. For experienced representation, call Callahan & Blaine at (714) 241-4444, or reach out through our contact form to learn how we may assist with your insurance claim.
