Most Common Medical Malpractice Claims
We trust doctors and hospitals to take care of us when we’re sick or have suffered an injury, and most of the time they do. Unfortunately, there are instances when a doctor or other healthcare provider makes a patient’s condition worse through negligent actions or by failing to act. In these instances, many patients file medical malpractice claims to help recover compensation for the additional injuries.
Some of the most common types of medical malpractice claims include:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose – If a doctor fails to properly diagnose a condition, it can be fatal for the patient. For the best patient outcomes, conditions need to be diagnosed as quickly as possible so the appropriate medical treatment can be given. When a doctor misdiagnoses a patient, or fails to provide a diagnosis, patients lose valuable time.
- Surgical errors – Although surgery has inherent risks, there are some things that should never happen during a surgery. Surgical mistakes can be caused by inexperience, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or just plain inattention, among other causes.
- Medication errors – Nearly all patients in hospitals receive some type of medication. If a healthcare provider makes a mistake when administering medication, patients can suffer serious injuries. Administering the wrong dosage, administering the wrong medications, or not checking for drug interactions could all prove fatal.
- Anesthesia errors – The use of anesthesia has greatly improved the practice of medicine. While anesthesia is crucial for operations, anesthesia errors can cause permanent brain damage or even death if mistakes are made during administration.
- Hospital negligence – Hospitals are required to uphold certain safety standards. Things like unclean hospital rooms, spills, or even negligent hiring practices can harm patients.
What To Do If You Suspect A Medical Error
Victims of medical malpractice and their families may feel like they have nowhere to turn for help. If you suspect you suffered injuries as the result of a medical mistake, the best thing to do is to immediately seek medical attention from a doctor and hospital not affiliated with the medical provider making the original mistake. Victims should also seek the help of an experienced attorney. A medical malpractice lawyer will be able to perform a complete investigation by requesting medical records and determining what exactly went wrong.
Get Help With Your Medical Malpractice Claim
At Glisson Law, we understand how difficult medical malpractice injuries can be for you and your family. We work diligently for our clients to get them the compensation they rightfully deserve from the responsible parties.