Common Causes Of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits - Gavel With Medical Stethoscope

Common Causes Of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When patients go in to get treated for a medical condition or injury, they expect to come out feeling better. However, that does not always happen. Sometimes doctors and other medical professionals are negligent, which can cause harm to patients. When this occurs, a medical malpractice lawsuit can result, as explained by our friends at Disparti Law Group. If you have been injured while under a medical professional’s care, you may want to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer.

Here are the most common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits that you should know about.

Surgical Errors

Surgery is sometimes medically necessary to treat certain health conditions and injuries. However, if there is carelessness, fatigue, lack of skill, poor planning or lack of communication in the operating room, mistakes can happen. Common surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving a surgical instrument inside the body and operating on the wrong patient. Surgical procedures also require the use of anesthesia to help patients be comfortable. If too much or too little anesthesia is administered, however, serious complications can arise.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis accounts for a large percentage of medical malpractice lawsuits. If a doctor diagnoses a patient with the wrong illness, the patient’s actual illness may progress and become more difficult to treat. The most frequently misdiagnosed medical conditions include cancer, heart problems and organ damage.

Hospital Infections

Hospital infections refer to infections that develop during a hospital stay and are not related to the patient’s health condition. The most common types of hospital infections include urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections and staph infections. These infections are more likely to occur if hospital staff do not properly clean or sanitize equipment.

Medication Errors

Many people rely on prescription medications every day to treat various illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, if the wrong medication or incorrect dosage is prescribed, it can result in dangerous complications. Patients can also suffer harm if they develop an allergic reaction to a medication or their medication has a dangerous reaction with another drug they take.

Childbirth Injuries

The birth of a child should be a happy occasion for parents. However, if medical staff are negligent during the labor and delivery process, the babies could suffer harm. The most common types of birth injuries include cerebral palsy, fractures, bell’s palsy, hypoxia and erb’s palsy. Babies who suffer injuries during birth may have long-term complications, like developmental delays and behavioral problems. 

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice

If you believe that you have suffered harm under a medical professional’s care, you should see a different doctor as soon as possible. He or she should try to correct the first doctor’s mistake and recommend additional treatments.

It is also important to discuss your case with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. He or she can help you file a timely lawsuit against the negligent parties and improve your chances of getting fair compensation. Your lawyer can handle the negotiation process with the insurance company and reduce your stress.

Scroll to Top