Medical malpractice is responsible for hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Negligence can occur when a medical provider causes an injury or death either through improper action or omission of the appropriate action. Medical malpractice can occur during diagnosis, before treatment, during treatment, or post-operatively. Medical errors are responsible for nearly 200,000 deaths in the US each year.
Birth injuries are defined as any injury sustained by an infant during process of birthing or labor. Most of these injuries are directly related to negligence committed by the medical staff. Many of these injuries are particularly serious and include brain, nerve, and spinal cord damage.
Birth injuries can also be the result of failing to recognize abnormalities or disease during the pregnancy. Improper treatment and the failure to act promptly can also lead to injury. It is possible that the medical professionals involved and the medical facility can be held accountable for their negligence. Birth injuries tend to last a lifetime. Be certain you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
Cerebral palsy is relatively common and affects approximately 2 out of every one thousand children. It is usually discovered during the child’s first year. While disease and infections can be a cause, medical mistakes are responsible for many cases of cerebral palsy each year.
Some of these causes include:
• Umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum
• Failing to perform a c-section when needed
• Improper monitoring of fetal monitor
• Failure to handle seizures and other issues properly
Mothers and unborn children have a right to safe and effective medical care. When a medical provider or hospital deviates from proper procedures, injuries can occur.
Occasionally, hospital errors result in injury, and the patient leaves the hospital in worse condition than he or she entered.
Some common hospital errors:
• Leaving surgical equipment or supplies in the body
• Improper or inadequate anesthesia
• Operating on incorrect body part
• Treating wrong patient
• Errors of diagnosis
• Employing unlicensed doctors
• Communication errors
Medical professionals can be held accountable for these errors. Seek counsel as soon as possible after suffering an injury from a hospital error.
Medication errors are the source of nearly 25% of all malpractice suits. Administering an improper dosage is the most common medication error. These are usually the result of transcription errors and administering the wrong drugs. Nurses are commonly responsible for dispensing medications. Nurses are also frequently required to work in an unfamiliar environment due to staffing issues. These factors increase the likelihood of medication errors.
Medication errors are the result of negligence.
Misdiagnosis of cancer and other diseases can be a direct cause of injury and death. Well over 10% of cancer patients are initially misdiagnosed. The loss of valuable time contributes to death and disease. A disease can only be treated after it has been diagnosed.
Delayed diagnosis of serious diseases commonly results in premature death. Misdiagnosis is the number one medical error nationwide. Improper and delayed treatment for actual disease can result in additional injury and permit the disease to spread further.
Nursing home abuse or elder care abuse is a particularly sad situation. Families believe they can depend on a nursing home or other assisted living facility to provide the care and attention that the elderly frequently require. Nursing homes and similar facilities are often the recipients of federal funds. Receiving these funds requires the facility to comply with certain federal rules, regulations, and laws.
Many of the requirements focus on the dignity of the patient. Any violation of these rules can be grounds for a lawsuit. Negligence and intentional conduct are often cited in nursing home abuse cases.
Half of all malpractice cases are brought against surgeons. In many instances, surgeons have the potential to cause the greatest harm. Surgeons have removed the wrong lung, amputated the wrong foot, and left surgical instruments and supplies inside the patient’s body.
If you or a family member is the victim of a surgical error, be sure to fully investigate your rights. You are entitled to compensation for your medical and other expenses.