Different Types of Medical Malpractice You Can Pursue Legally
When you seek medical treatment, you trust that the healthcare professionals will provide you with the appropriate care. Unfortunately, medical mistakes do happen, and they can result in severe injuries and even death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it is essential to understand the different types of malpractice and how you can pursue legal action. In this blog post, we will discuss some common forms of medical malpractice that you can take legal action against with the assistance of a medical malpractice attorney.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is a highly common type of medical malpractice. When a healthcare professional inaccurately diagnoses or delays the diagnosis of a condition, it can result in substantial harm. Patients may miss out on crucial treatment opportunities, resulting in worsened health conditions. Medical conditions frequently misdiagnosed or subject to delayed diagnosis encompass a range of ailments, including cancer, heart disease, strokes, and infections.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors can have devastating consequences on patients' lives. Surgeons and their teams are expected to adhere to a high standard of care during surgeries. However, mistakes can happen, such as wrong-site surgeries, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient's body, performing surgery on the wrong patient, or anesthesia errors. These errors can cause severe injuries, infections, extended recovery times, and sometimes even death.
Medication Errors
When prescribing medication, healthcare professionals must ensure that patients receive the correct drugs in the right dosage and at the appropriate intervals. Medication errors can occur at various stages, including prescribing, administering, or monitoring the effects of medication. Common examples of medication errors include prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, failing to consider drug interactions, or administering medication that the patient is allergic to. Medication errors can lead to dangerous side effects, worsening of the patient's condition, or even fatal outcomes.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries occur when medical professionals negligently handle the childbirth process, resulting in harm to the mother or the newborn. Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, brain damage, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have lifelong consequences for the child, requiring additional medical care, therapy, and support.
Medical malpractice can occur in various forms, and if you have been a victim, you have the right to pursue legal action. Consulting with a medical malpractice attorney will help you understand your legal options and take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Remember, justice can be obtained, and you don't have to face the consequences of medical malpractice alone.
Contact a medical malpractice attorney near you to learn more.