Medical professionals are among the most respected members of our society. People trust them with their health, lives, and the well-being of their loved ones. But when that trust is broken, the consequences can be severe.
No one expects to walk into a hospital and come out in worse condition. If a medical professional’s negligence causes harm to someone, this is called medical malpractice. Those who have been affected can file a medical malpractice claim to receive compensation for their losses and hold the negligent party accountable.
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. Complications can arise even with the best care. However, when a medical error happens due to a deviation from the accepted standard of care, it may give rise to a valid medical malpractice claim. If you want to learn how to determine if you are eligible to file a medical malpractice case, you should understand the different types of medical errors.
Here are the most common categories of medical mishaps that may be considered malpractice.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
A timely and accurate diagnosis is the basis of effective treatment. If a doctor misdiagnoses a condition or diagnoses it late, it can lead to worsening of the condition.
Common Examples of Misdiagnosis Errors:
- A heart attack may be mistaken for indigestion in an emergency room.
- A cancerous tumor diagnosed as benign may lead to progression of the disease.
- A stroke may be overlooked in a young patient due to age-based assumptions.
Surgical Errors
Surgical procedures always have risks, but negligence during surgery can lead to severe outcomes. These mistakes can occur in the operating room, pre-operative planning, or post-operative recovery.
Common Examples of Surgical Errors:
- Leaving surgical instruments such as sponges or tools inside the body.
- Wrong-site surgery (e.g., amputating the wrong limb).
- Damaging nearby organs or nerves not related to the surgery.
- Operating on the wrong patient due to miscommunication.
Medication and Prescription Errors
Medication errors are more common than many realize and can happen at any point in the prescribing and dispensing process.
Common Examples of Medication Errors:
- Prescribing the wrong drug for the condition.
- Administering the incorrect dose (too much or too little).
- Failing to check for patient allergies or existing medications, which may cause adverse drug interactions.
- Poor communication between healthcare providers or pharmacists leads to delivering the wrong medicine.
Birth Injuries
Obstetric malpractice refers to preventable errors made during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that result in injury to the baby, the mother, or both.
Common Examples of Obstetric Errors:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress leads to brain damage or cerebral palsy.
- Improper use of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, can cause physical trauma.
- Delaying a necessary C-section leads to oxygen deprivation of the fetus.
- Undiagnosed maternal conditions, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesiology involves carefully calculating and administering powerful medications. Mistakes in this area are particularly dangerous due to the narrow margin for error.
Common Examples of Anesthesia Malpractice:
- Failure to assess patient history, such as allergies or preexisting conditions.
- Administering incorrect dosage, resulting in overdose or underdose.
- Poor monitoring during surgery, leading to oxygen deprivation, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
- Delayed response to anesthesia complications, such as anaphylaxis or aspiration.
Conclusion
Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects thousands of people every year. Understanding the types of malpractice is important if you suspect something went wrong during your medical care. If you or your loved one has been affected due to a preventable medical error, reach out to a medical malpractice lawyer to know your legal options. They will help you gather evidence, negotiate, and receive fair compensation for your losses.
Disclaimer: The content on Wellness Derive is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.
