Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPWinckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLP2024-03-11T20:15:55Zhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1301617/2023/07/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477932024-03-11T20:15:55Z2024-03-11T20:15:55ZBurns
Electrical burns can occur on the skin where the current enters or exits the body. These burns can vary in severity, from minor burns that only affect the outer layer of skin to more severe burns that damage deeper tissues and require medical intervention.
Tissue damage
Electrocution can cause damage to internal tissues and organs. The electrical current can disrupt the normal functioning of muscles and nerves. This leads to pain, numbness and muscle contractions. In severe cases, the current can cause tissue necrosis, which is when tissue dies. This may require surgical intervention.
Cardiac arrest
Electrical current can disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. This can lead to a sudden loss of heart function, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It may require assistance on the scene of the accident, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation.
Long-term complications
Electrocution can also lead to long-term complications. These may include nerve damage, chronic pain and psychological trauma.
The type and extent of electrocution injuries can vary depending on the severity of the shock and the path the electrical current takes through the body. In some cases, the effects of electrocution injuries may not be immediately apparent. However, individuals should always seek medical care after an incident for an assessment.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477922024-02-21T15:36:02Z2024-02-23T15:35:53Z1. Communication breakdowns
One major factor in wrong-side surgery is communication breakdowns. In the fast-paced environment of operating rooms, miscommunication or failure to verify information can lead to disastrous consequences. Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and other staff members must effectively communicate and double-check pertinent details before proceeding with a surgical procedure.
2. Inadequate preoperative verification
Another common cause of wrong-side surgery is inadequate preoperative verification processes. Surgeons and their teams are responsible for confirming the correct patient, procedure and surgical site prior to the operation. However, lapses in verification protocols or reliance on outdated methods can result in errors. Implementing standardized checklists and using modern technology can help mitigate this risk.
3. Fatigue and stress
The demanding nature of surgical work can also contribute to wrong-side surgery incidents. Surgeons and health care professionals often work long hours under high levels of stress and fatigue, increasing the likelihood of mistakes. Fatigue can impair cognitive function and decision-making abilities, leading to errors in judgment or execution during surgery.
4. Lack of proper training and experience
Inexperienced or inadequately trained medical personnel may also contribute to wrong-side surgery occurrences. Surgeons, particularly those new to their field or unfamiliar with specific procedures, may be more prone to mistakes.
Wrong-side surgery is a serious patient safety issue, and patients deserve the highest standard of care.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477912024-02-21T15:34:37Z2024-02-21T15:34:37ZDelayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis
Medical mistakes cause significant death every year, 250,000 or more, and are number three on the list of death causes in the U.S. One common sign of medical malpractice is a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to correctly identify a patient's condition in a timely manner. As a result, the patient may not receive the appropriate treatment, leading to worsened health outcomes or unnecessary suffering.
Failure to obtain informed consent
Another indication of potential medical malpractice is the failure to obtain informed consent from the patient before administering treatment or performing a procedure. Patients need information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed treatment or procedure. This allows them to make an informed decision about their care.
Surgical errors
Surgical errors are serious mistakes. These errors may include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient's body, or performing the wrong procedure.
Medication errors
Medication errors involve mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication to patients. These errors can result in serious harm to the patient.
Lack of follow-up care
Patients rely on healthcare providers to provide them with appropriate follow-up care after receiving treatment or procedure. A lack of follow-up care can result in complications going unnoticed or untreated.
Medical professionals should protect their patients' rights and ensure that they receive the best possible treatment and standard of care they deserve. Identifying medical malpractice signs can help hold medical professionals accountable for any negligence.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477902024-02-08T19:04:49Z2024-02-09T19:03:47ZMisdiagnosis
One typical error in emergency rooms is misdiagnosis. This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to accurately identify a patient's condition. Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed or incorrect treatment, harming the patient's condition and potentially causing long-term pain.
Failure to order important tests
In some cases, emergency room healthcare providers may neglect to order important tests to properly evaluate a patient's condition. Without these tests, it can be challenging to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Failure to order these tests can result in missed diagnoses and poor care.
Medication errors
Medication errors are another common type of medical malpractice in emergency rooms. These errors can include administering the wrong medication, giving incorrect dosages or failing to consider potential drug interactions. Medication errors can have severe consequences, ranging from serious allergic reactions to adverse drug effects.
Delayed treatment
Emergency room overcrowding can lead to delays in treatment. When patients do not receive timely care, their conditions may gradually get worse, leading to further complications. Healthcare providers have a duty to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions and provide prompt treatment accordingly.
Communication failures
Effective communication among healthcare providers is important in emergency room settings. Errors can occur when information is not properly communicated between nurses, physicians and other staff members. Communication failures can lead to misunderstandings, delays in treatment and ultimately, patient harm.
While emergency rooms typically provide rapid and life-saving care, medical malpractice errors still happen all the time. To reduce these potential pitfalls, healthcare providers need to strive to improve patient outcomes.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477892024-01-19T20:50:34Z2024-01-26T20:49:48ZConfirmation bias
One bias is confirmation bias, where healthcare providers tend to favor information that confirms their initial impressions while ignoring conflicting evidence. This may happen quickly and irrationally.
In the context of medical diagnosis, this bias can lead to premature closure, which is the acceptance of a diagnosis without fully exploring other possibilities. This rush to judgment may result in misdiagnoses and poor treatment plans.
Stereotyping and diagnostic errors
Stereotypes, consciously or unconsciously held by healthcare professionals, can lead to errors. When a patient's symptoms align with a particular stereotype, there is a risk of tunnel vision.
This happens when clinicians focus on confirming the stereotype rather than considering many choices. A narrow focus can lead to overlooking important information and delays in providing the right care.
Absence of cultural competence
Cultural biases can further hurt diagnostic accuracy. Problems may happen as a result of misinterpretation of symptoms, communication breakdowns and lack of consideration of a patient's unique background. Healthcare providers must understand cultural nuances to ensure an inclusive and accurate diagnostic process.
Biases in medical diagnoses pose a significant threat to patient safety and the integrity of healthcare practices. Reducing their impact is an important step for healthcare professionals to provide optimal care to every patient.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477882024-01-11T22:25:07Z2024-01-12T22:24:18Z1. Cognitive impairment
A TBI can disrupt normal cognitive functions, affecting memory, attention and problem-solving abilities. Individuals with TBIs may struggle with learning new information or retaining existing memories. Concentration becomes a challenge. This hinders daily tasks and work responsibilities.
2. Mood disorders
TBIs often bring about changes in emotional well-being. This can lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The disruption to the brain's intricate balance may cause persistent feelings of sadness or fear. Coping with daily stressors becomes more difficult, affecting personal relationships and overall mental health.
3. Motor skill deficits
Damage to the brain can result in impaired motor skills, affecting coordination, balance and fine motor control. Individuals may experience difficulty walking, performing routine activities or engaging in recreational pursuits.
4. Speech and communication challenges
A traumatic brain injury can impact the language centers of the brain, creating speech and communication difficulties. Expressing thoughts coherently or understanding spoken or written language may become challenging.
5. Sensory processing issues
Some individuals with TBIs may encounter sensory processing issues. This is where the brain struggles to interpret and respond to sensory stimuli. It can result in heightened sensitivity to light, sound or touch.
Every year 1.56 million people sustain a TBI. While some only take a little time to recover from, others lead to lifetime illnesses. That makes seeking compensation an important step to take.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477872024-01-02T22:16:06Z2024-01-02T22:16:06Z1. Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy, a common birth-related palsy that accounts for approximately 70% of cerebral palsy cases, results from damage to the developing brain. This damage can occur due to oxygen deprivation during birth, often caused by medical errors. Children with cerebral palsy may experience difficulties in movement, muscle coordination and balance.
2. Erb's palsy
Erb's palsy, also known as brachial plexus injury, affects the nerves controlling the arm and hand. Typically caused by excessive force during delivery, this palsy can occur when a healthcare provider pulls on the baby's head or shoulders too forcefully. This improper technique can result in nerve damage and limited mobility in the affected arm.
3. Facial nerve palsy
Facial nerve palsy can occur during birth when there is pressure on the baby's face, leading to damage to the facial nerves. This can result in temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. Though often associated with forceps or vacuum extraction, medical errors during delivery can contribute to the development of facial nerve palsy.
4. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
HIE is a serious condition that arises when the baby's brain receives insufficient oxygen and blood. Medical errors, such as delayed response to fetal distress, mismanagement of umbilical cord issues or medication errors, can contribute to HIE. Infants with HIE may face developmental delays, seizures and long-term cognitive impairments.
For parents facing the challenges of birth-related palsy, seeking prompt medical attention, collaborating closely with healthcare providers, and accessing appropriate support services can play an important role in optimizing the child's well-being and developmental potential.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477862023-12-22T17:43:43Z2023-12-22T17:43:43ZRespiratory distress
Anesthesia plays a crucial role in controlling a patient's breathing during surgery. Anesthesia errors may lead to respiratory distress, including hypoventilation or even respiratory failure. The consequences can range from mild complications to severe oxygen deprivation. This may lead to brain damage or permanent disability.
Allergic reactions
Administering the wrong type of anesthesia or failing to account for a patient's allergies can trigger severe allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic response that can cause extensive complications.
Malignant hyperthermia
Anesthesia errors can induce a rare, lethal condition known as malignant hyperthermia. This condition leads to a rapid increase in body temperature. It also causes muscle rigidity and a cascade of metabolic changes. It can be life-threatening if not addressed right away.
Postoperative complications
Improper anesthesia administration can contribute to prolonged recovery times and postoperative complications. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, confusion and delayed awakening. This may impact their recovery and lead to extended hospital stays.
The majority of surgeries involving anesthesia proceed without complications. Despite that, the stakes are high when errors occur. Anesthesia-related fatalities only occur in an average of 1 out of every 200,000 patients. The risk of other complications, such as those listed here, is more significant. Recognizing the more significant complications and long-term effects of anesthesia can help you understand when errors may have occurred.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477852023-12-16T21:39:38Z2023-12-16T21:39:38ZPotential health complications
The primary concern with early discharge is the risk of unresolved or worsening medical conditions. Patients discharged before they are stable may find that their conditions worsen. This can lead to emergency readmissions, which are stressful and can also expose the patient to additional health risks.
Increased risk of infection
Patients discharged early may not have fully recovered from their initial condition, making them more susceptible to infections. In a home setting, they might not have the same sterile environment and medical supervision that a hospital provides, increasing the risk of complications.
Medication management issues
Proper medication management is important during recovery. Patients discharged early might face challenges in managing their medications, especially if they have not received comprehensive instructions or do not have immediate access to a pharmacy. This can lead to medication errors, which can have serious consequences.
Emotional and psychological impact
Early discharge can also have an emotional and psychological impact. Patients may feel anxious about managing their condition at home without the support of hospital staff. This anxiety can hinder their recovery and affect their overall well-being.
The importance of proper discharge planning
To prevent these issues, hospitals must ensure proper discharge planning. This includes ensuring the patient is ready to go home and that they understand their medication and care instructions. They should also schedule follow-up appointments or home care services if needed.
Patients and their families should feel empowered to ask questions about their care and express any concerns they might have about going home. With careful planning and open communication, the risks associated with early hospital discharge can be significantly reduced.]]>On Behalf of Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLPhttps://www.wincklerharvey.com/?p=477842023-12-06T02:32:28Z2023-12-06T02:32:28Z1. 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.]]>