When we seek medical attention, we place a great deal of trust in healthcare professionals to provide us with the care and treatment we need. Unfortunately, there are instances where this trust is broken due to negligence or error, leading to medical malpractice. Understanding the various types of common malpractice claims can empower individuals to take the necessary steps if they believe they have been a victim of medical negligence.
Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most frequent types of medical malpractice claims arises from misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a healthcare professional fails to accurately identify a patient’s condition in a timely manner, it can lead to delayed treatment, no treatment, or inappropriate treatment. This, in turn, may result in a worsened medical condition or even death.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors encompass a wide range of mistakes, including wrong-site surgery, wrong patient surgery, and errors made during the operation itself. These errors can have devastating consequences, leaving the patient with serious injuries, complications, or the need for additional surgeries.
Medication Errors
Patients can suffer serious harm when prescribed the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, or a medication to which they are allergic. Medication errors can occur at any stage, from the prescription by the doctor to the dispensing by the pharmacist.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries refer to harm caused to a baby before, during, or immediately after childbirth. These injuries can result from a variety of factors, including delayed C-section, improper use of birthing tools, or failure to monitor the baby’s vital signs. Birth injuries can have long-lasting or even permanent effects on the child’s health.
Failure To Treat
Failure to treat occurs when a healthcare provider correctly diagnoses a patient but fails to provide appropriate treatment. This might happen if the provider discharges the patient too soon, fails to provide necessary follow-up care, or neglects to refer the patient to a specialist when needed.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can be particularly dangerous and may occur if an anesthesiologist administers too much anesthesia, fails to monitor a patient’s vital signs, or fails to properly intubate a patient. These errors can result in permanent injury, brain damage, or death.
Failure To Obtain Informed Consent
Healthcare providers are required to obtain informed consent from patients before proceeding with a treatment plan or procedure. This means that the patient must be made fully aware of the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. Failure to obtain informed consent can lead to a medical malpractice claim if the patient would have opted out of the treatment or procedure had they been fully informed.
While healthcare professionals strive to provide the best possible care, mistakes can and do happen. If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential grounds for a claim.
At Wieand Law Firm LLC, our Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer has extensive experience handling a variety of medical malpractice cases. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you have the support and representation you need. Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Together, we stand for accountability and strive to uphold the highest standards of medical care.
