March 28, 2024

What are Common Examples of Medical Malpractice? – 2024

Medical Malpractice – Having access to quality and reliable medical care is very important. While seeing a doctor and receiving the care you need can help you thrive and live a happy and healthy life, there are situations in which a mistake or some form of negligence could result in significant health setbacks. If your loved ones has suffered an injury, illness, or other health setbacks as the result of a mistake of your doctor or other healthcare providers, it could be an example of medical malpractice. If you are a victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

Overall, medical malpractice is a specific form of personal injury. To be considered a personal injury, it has to meet a few different characteristics. First, to constitute medical malpractice it must be evident that your doctor or healthcare provider did not provide you with an expected level or standard of care. Second, you must have incurred an injury or other loss due to poor care. Finally, you will need to show that you have incurred financial damages and losses due to poor care. There are some common situations that are more likely to result in malpractice claims.

Misdiagnosis of Illness or Injury

When going to the doctor, all people will have the general expectation that their doctor will be able to diagnose an illness. However, there are situations in which the doctor may not diagnose an illness at all or will catch it later than they should. This can be a very dangerous situation as the lack of diagnosis will prevent someone from obtaining the care plan that they need. Typically, the doctor can be found guilty of malpractice if it is clear that they should have been able to catch something base on their medical evaluation or other available information.

Prescription Medication Errors

Prescription medication can be very helpful when it comes to providing care. The right medication can help you feel better, reduce the impact of certain health conditions, and can even save your life. However, there are situations in which prescription medication can be harmful. A doctor has the responsibility of carefully reviewing your past medical history and other information to determine if a certain medication is right for your situation. If they prescribe something that is dangerous due to your health history, it is an example of malpractice.

Surgical Errors

Going through any type of procedure can be a scary situation. While most surgical procedures will go well, there are situations in which a doctor could make a mistake or error that can result in a setback, failing to fix the medical issue, or lead to additional challenges. Some examples of malpractice due to surgical errors can include if a doctor did not use sterile equipment if proper protocols were not followed, if a sponge or other items are left within the body, or if the doctor made an unreasonable error that results in nerve or organ damage.

Challenges with anesthesia during surgery are also common examples of medical malpractice. The effectiveness and safety of anesthesia will vary a lot from person to person. The doctors and anesthesiologists are responsible for reviewing your medical history to ensure it is safe for you. They are then responsible for monitoring you during the procedure and changing the dosage in some situations. If you incur an injury or other loss due to the improper use of anesthesia, it could be an example of medical malpractice.

Poor Care and Attention After a Procedure

While a surgical procedure can be difficult on the body, the process of proper recovery can also be challenging. Following any type of procedure, the healthcare provider has the responsibility to ensure that you are recovering properly and provide any additional necessary follow-up care. This can include monitoring your vitals, checking in with you from time to time, and checking for symptoms of certain post-surgical problems. If the healthcare provider is not monitoring you properly, or even allows you to leave too soon, and you then suffer a setback it could be an example of medical malpractice.

Errors During Childbirth

Bringing a child into the world can be a very wonderful experience. However, the medical process and procedure of childbirth can always be a stressful situation and hard on the body. Due to this, practically all new mothers will deliver their babies in a safe hospital environment. While most situations will go well, there is always a risk that there can be challenges during the birthing process. Oxygen deprivation, improper use of equipment, surgical errors, and issues with anesthesia could put the health of both the baby and mother at risk. Medical errors or negligence that take place during childbirth are common examples of medical malpractice.

If your loved one has incurred an injury or other loss due to medical malpractice, it would always be helpful to engage an attorney. The medical malpractice attorneys at Wapner Newman can provide a range of services that will ensure you are properly represent. This will include providing you with a full consultation on your case, negotiations with the other parties involved, and all the support you need as you go through the settlement or other legal processes. This can help ensure you receive fair reimbursement for your loss while being able to focus on your recovery.

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