Doctors and other medical professionals are legally obligated to deliver treatment that meets medical community standards. When a doctor fails to fulfill those standards and intentionally or unintentionally hurts a patient, the patient has the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor.
Medical personnel can make mistakes in almost every scenario, although some errors are more prevalent than others. However, merely demonstrating that a mistake happened is insufficient to prove guilt. The patient must demonstrate that the error fell below the appropriate level of care for the doctor’s specialty and that they were directly harmed. An Atlanta Medical malpractice lawyer can help you, so schedule a consultation today.
Common types of medical malpractice cases
Medical malpractice claims arise from events in which a medical provider causes more harm to a patient due to careless or reckless behavior. The following are the most common forms of medical malpractice events.
- Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis accounts for around 33% of all medical malpractice lawsuits. This occurs when a patient is told they have the wrong ailment. In some circumstances, patients may face additional medical concerns due to unneeded therapy or surgery and ongoing consequences from their underlying ailment. This can happen if lab findings are misunderstood or jumbled up, the patient’s medical history is not thoroughly investigated, or incorrect tests are done. Cancer misdiagnosis is a prevalent kind of misdiagnosis.
- Medication errors
Problems in the pharmacy or with the prescription might result in major health problems or the death of a patient.
- Surgical errors
Doctors might make mistakes during surgery, such as amputating the incorrect limb, leaving tools in the patient, or other surgical blunders.
- Birth injuries
Mothers and newborns can sustain preventable injuries before, during, and after birth. Failure to monitor the woman or child during and after birth, failure to utilize equipment precisely or safely during birth, failure to perform a necessary C-section, failure to provide adequate prenatal care and overuse of labor-inducing medicines are all common causes of birth injuries.
- Failure to diagnose
If a medical expert fails to provide a diagnosis or refers a patient to a specialist, causing their condition to deteriorate, the patient may file a claim.
- Delayed diagnosis
Due to carelessness, this type of medical malpractice happens when healthcare personnel wait to provide a formal medical diagnosis to a patient.
- Anesthesia errors
A patient may experience difficulties or death during surgery if given too much or insufficient anesthetic.
Consult an attorney today.
The medical malpractice cases described above are just a few examples of how you or a loved one might be harmed. If you suspect you have been the victim of medical negligence, call an experienced attorney as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.
