Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional provides substandard care that results in injury or death. Medical errors have accounted for many lives in the U.S. as it’s the third leading cause of death. To bring more awareness to this situation, the Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP team is here to go over some of the most common types of medical malpractice:
Misdiagnosis
While there are many types of medical malpractice, misdiagnosis is the most common. According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, around 12 million patients are misdiagnosed yearly, thus leading to dire consequences. It can delay treatment and lead to unnecessary medical procedures, which can be both costly and dangerous.
If you've been misdiagnosed, you're not alone—but you may want to consider taking legal action.
Surgical Errors
Many of these errors occur due to poor communication among medical staff, fatigue, or human error. In some cases, surgical errors can be life-threatening. In others, they may result in permanent damage or disfigurement. Regardless of the severity, surgical errors are a serious concern, and medical professionals must take appropriate measures to reduce their occurrence.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can be a form of medical malpractice that occurs when a health care professional fails to provide the appropriate standard of care during the delivery process. These injuries can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can even be life-threatening. Some common types of birth injuries include skull fractures, cerebral palsy, and nerve damage. If you or your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Failure to Treat
This occurs when a medical professional fails to diagnose or properly treat a medical condition. In some cases, this can be due to negligence or incompetence. However, in other cases, it may be due to a simple misunderstanding. Regardless of the cause, failure to treat can have serious consequences for the patient, like additional medical problems or even death.
Prescription Drug Errors
Prescription drug errors can take many different forms. A doctor may prescribe the wrong medication for a patient's condition, or they may prescribe an incorrect dosage. In some cases, patients may be given a medication that they are allergic to. Prescription drugs can cause minor discomfort to life-threatening complications. If a doctor fails to take caution while prescribing medication, a person may have strong grounds for a lawsuit.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys
If you or a loved one were recently a victim of a health care professional’s negligence, you might be feeling overwhelmed, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are here to help you understand what legal options you have and guide you through this complex process.
Call our office at (800) 572-7246 or visit our website to get started on a consultation request form.