Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide a standard level of care, resulting in harm to the patient. People who do not receive proper medical care may qualify for compensation.
According to CNBC, medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the United States. More than 250,000 people die because of medical errors each year, and many more receive life-changing injuries. Knowing the most common types of medical malpractice can help you determine if you deserve compensation for a medical error.
1. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is a prevalent form of medical malpractice. In these cases, a healthcare provider may inaccurately identify a patient’s condition or take too long to reach a correct diagnosis. Such errors can lead to delayed treatment, allowing the illness to progress and potentially causing severe harm.
2. Surgical errors
Surgical procedures require precision and attention to detail. However, surgical errors can occur, ranging from operating on the wrong body part to leaving instruments inside the patient’s body. These mistakes can lead to infections, additional surgeries, and long-term complications.
3. Medication errors
Medication errors are another common type of medical malpractice. These mistakes can involve prescribing the wrong medication, administering an incorrect dosage or failing to consider a patient’s allergies. Medication errors may result in adverse reactions, worsening of the patient’s condition or other serious complications.
4. Birth injuries
During childbirth, medical professionals must exercise care to ensure the safety of both the mother and the newborn. Birth injuries can occur due to mishandling of delivery tools, failure to monitor the baby’s distress signals or inadequate response to complications. Birth injuries may lead to long-term health issues for the infant.
5. Failure to obtain informed consent
Patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks and benefits of medical procedures before giving their consent. Failure to obtain informed consent is a serious form of medical malpractice. Patients deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and withholding important information can lead to unnecessary complications.
6. Negligent follow-up care
After a medical procedure or treatment, proper follow-up care is important. Negligent follow-up care can result in undetected complications or the failure to address ongoing health issues. Healthcare providers must ensure that patients receive adequate post-treatment monitoring to prevent further harm.
Understanding common types of medical malpractice empowers individuals to advocate for their well-being and seek justice when necessary. It underscores the importance of holding healthcare professionals accountable to maintain the highest standards of patient care.
