When you or a loved one seeks medical treatment, you place your trust in the hands of healthcare professionals. However, there are times when that trust is broken due to medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient.
Medical malpractice can have serious consequences for you. Whether undergoing a routine procedure or seeking treatment for a complex medical condition, it is important to be aware of the different types of medical malpractice that can occur. This article will explore some common forms of medical malpractice, so you can be informed and prepared to advocate for your health and well-being.
Misdiagnosis
One of the most common types of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a healthcare provider fails to correctly diagnose a condition promptly, it can have serious consequences for the patient. This can lead to delayed treatment, allowing the condition to worsen, and in some cases, become untreatable. Whether it is a misdiagnosis of cancer or a delayed diagnosis of a heart attack, the repercussions of this type of medical malpractice can be devastating.
Surgical Errors
Another type of medical malpractice is surgical errors. Whether a surgeon operates on the wrong body part, leaves a foreign object inside the patient, or makes a mistake during surgery, surgical errors can have serious consequences for the patient. In some cases, these errors can result in permanent disability or even death. Healthcare providers must take the necessary precautions and double-check their procedures to prevent these types of errors from occurring.
Medication Errors
Medication errors are also a common form of medical malpractice. When healthcare providers prescribe the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, or fail to consider potential drug interactions, it can have serious consequences for the patient. Patients may suffer adverse reactions or complications as a result of these errors. Healthcare providers must carefully review a patient’s medical history and consider all possible factors before prescribing medication to prevent these types of errors.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries represent another distressing form of medical malpractice that can have lifelong consequences for both the child and the parents. These injuries can occur during prenatal care, labor, or delivery due to negligence or medical errors by the healthcare provider. Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage.
When a child suffers a birth injury, it can lead to extensive medical expenses, long-term care needs, and emotional trauma for the entire family. Determining liability in such cases can be complex, as multiple healthcare professionals may be involved in the care of the mother and child during pregnancy and delivery.
Defective Medical Devices
Medical devices intended to improve patient outcomes can cause serious harm if defective. These devices include surgical implants, pacemakers, or prosthetic devices that malfunction due to design flaws or manufacturing errors.
Patients who experience complications or injuries due to defective medical devices may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you believe that you have been a victim of medical malpractice, seek legal advice and take action to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact Phillips Carson Phillips today by calling (912) 232-0081 for a free consultation.