The 3 worst types of medical malpractice
Medical errors happen all too frequently in the U.S. In fact, preventable medical errors are the third leading cause of death in this country, according to a leading study conducted in 2016 at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Researchers estimated that approximately 251,000 lives are lost each year because of medical error. What’s shocking is that this number is higher than deaths due to stroke, accidents, or Alzheimer’s disease.
A single mistake made by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional could result in an individual suffering a serious, often permanent injury, or losing his or her life. Medical malpractice is often the result of:
- Inexperience with certain medical procedures or treatments
- Mental and physical exhaustion
- Mixed up patient information
- General negligence or carelessness
Three of the worst types of medical malpractice include:
- Delayed diagnosis
- Medication errors
- Surgical errors
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of negligence, a medical, or a surgical error, you need to consider how you can be fairly compensated for the resulting damages, including medical and hospital costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Scott S. Harris, medical malpractice attorney in San Diego, has more than 30 years of experience when it comes to handling cases involving medical malpractice. He has helped people throughout the state of California get fair and adequate compensation for injuries resulting from medical malpractice.
Other things to watch for
Emergency rooms are often very chaotic and stressful. Doctors often see a large number of patients who need unexpected medical care due to accidents, violence, or the sudden onset of an illness. And they often see a large number of patients in a short time.
In this type of hectic environment, medical records may not get thoroughly reviewed when assessing the situation before recommending a course of treatment or surgery for the patient; miscommunication can occur between staff, which can result in serious treatment errors that end up causing permanent injury to a patient or even loss of life.
Because of the very nature of the ER, medical malpractice law may permit an ER doctor more leeway than other doctors who have more time to consider a proper course of treatment for their patients. However, ER doctors can still be held liable for providing substandard care to a patient.
Does any of this sound familiar?
While delayed diagnosis, medication errors, and surgical errors are some of the worst types of medical malpractice, if you suspect that your doctor was negligent in providing you with the duty of care expected of a competent doctor under the same or similar circumstances, you should consider taking action by filing a medical malpractice claim.
Recent medical malpractice trends indicate a decline in the number of successful malpractice claims, but an increase in the average payout for victims with strong cases. If you feel you have a strong claim of medical malpractice, Scott S. Harris has a great track record when it comes to handling these types of cases, which is crucial for increasing your chances of a successful outcome.