No one expects to be the victim of medical malpractice, but it happens often. Victims can suffer significant and permanent injuries, making working and leading an everyday life difficult. If you’ve been injured due to medical malpractice, it’s essential to understand what constitutes medical malpractice and what remedies are available. We explore some common examples of medical malpractice.
1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most common examples of medical malpractice is a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. It can happen for several reasons, including failure to order the proper tests, misinterpreting test results, or simply not paying attention to a patient’s symptoms. Misdiagnosis can have serious consequences, as it can delay treatment for a severe condition or lead to unnecessary and invasive procedures.
Medical professionals are expected to perform a reasonable standard of care when diagnosing a patient’s condition. That includes ordering the appropriate tests, referring the patient to specialists when necessary, and making an accurate diagnosis based on the information available. When a medical professional fails to do this, and the patient is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed promptly, they may be liable for medical negligence.
2. Surgical Errors
Another common type of medical malpractice is a surgical error. Medical professionals are expected to exercise a high degree of care when performing surgery, and any error can have devastating consequences. Common surgical errors include performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong body part, damaging a patient’s organs or tissues during surgery, or leaving foreign objects in the patient’s body.
Surgical errors can often have devastating consequences for patients and their families. Suppose you or someone you love has been the victim of a surgical error. It is essential to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
3. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are another type of medical malpractice that can occur when a medical professional fails to exercise the proper degree of care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Birth injuries can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can even be life-threatening. Examples of birth injuries are cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia, and brain damage.
Medical professionals are expected to provide a high standard of care to pregnant women and their babies. When they fail to do this, and a birth injury occurs, they may be held liable for any resulting damages. If you or your child has been injured due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, you should contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your legal options.
4. Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors are another type of medical malpractice that can be extremely dangerous. Medical professionals are responsible for ensuring that patients are correctly sedated before surgery and monitoring them during surgery to ensure that they do not experience any adverse reactions. Common anesthesia errors include administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs properly, and not having the proper equipment to deal with an emergency.
5. Prescription Drug Errors
Medical professionals are also responsible for prescribing the correct medications and dosages to their patients. When a medical professional prescribes the wrong medication or dosage, it can have dangerous consequences. Prescription drug errors include prescribing the wrong medication, prescribing the wrong dosage, and failing to warn patients of potential side effects.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of medical malpractice. If you’ve been injured due to medical malpractice, it’s essential to speak with an experienced attorney to help you understand your rights and options. Such cases are complex, and the laws vary from state to state. An experienced attorney will be familiar with the laws in your state and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at Cameron Law Group in Tamarac, FL, have extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and their families. If you or someone you love living in Tamarac, FL, has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.