When seeking wellness and healthcare, patients place an immense amount of trust in the hands of medical professionals. However, when that trust is breached due to negligence or substandard care, medical malpractice may occur. As a legal professional, it’s crucial to understand the various types of medical malpractice to effectively advocate for victims. Our well-regarded peers from Kiefer & Kiefer explain different types of medical malpractice – do you have a case?
Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most prevalent forms of medical malpractice is the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition. When a healthcare provider fails to accurately diagnose a condition or takes an unreasonably long time to do so, patients may suffer harm. Whether it’s cancer, infections, or other serious illnesses, a delayed or incorrect diagnosis can result in delayed treatment and worsened outcomes.
Surgical Errors
Surgery inherently carries risks, but when errors occur due to the negligence of a surgeon or the medical team, it constitutes medical malpractice. Common surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or failing to follow proper surgical procedures. These mistakes can lead to severe complications, additional surgeries, and long-term harm to the patient.
Medication Errors
Prescribing and administering medication is a routine aspect of healthcare, but errors in dosage, medication type, or administration can have serious consequences. Medication errors can lead to adverse reactions, allergic responses, or even fatal outcomes.
Birth Injuries
Childbirth is a vulnerable and critical time for both mothers and newborns. Medical malpractice during childbirth can result in birth injuries, including cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or other conditions that may have lifelong consequences. Both the mother and the baby could be harmed in birthing malpractice.
Anesthesia Errors
Administering anesthesia requires precision and vigilance. Anesthesia errors, such as administering the wrong dosage or failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs, can result in serious complications, including brain damage or death. Anesthesiologists and the medical team must adhere to strict protocols to ensure patient safety during surgeries.
Failure To Obtain Informed Consent
Patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks and potential outcomes of medical procedures before giving their consent. Failure to obtain informed consent is a serious breach of medical ethics and can lead to legal action. Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, and any failure to provide adequate information may be considered medical malpractice.
Nursing Home Neglect Or Abuse
Medical malpractice is not limited to hospitals; it can also occur in long-term care facilities. Nursing home neglect or abuse can take various forms, including failure to provide proper medical care, inadequate supervision, emotional abuse, or neglecting basic needs. When elderly or vulnerable individuals suffer harm due to substandard care, legal action may be warranted.
A Legal Advocate After You’ve Been Harmed By Healthcare
Medical malpractice cases are complex and often emotionally charged, requiring a deep understanding of both medical and legal principles. Recognizing the various forms of medical malpractice is crucial for a medical malpractice lawyer seeking justice for victims and holding healthcare professionals accountable for their actions.