If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to a medical error, it’s natural to feel confused and anxious. The idea that a trusted medical professional might have made a mistake can be overwhelming, especially when it results in further injury, illness, or loss. You may wonder what your next steps should be, and how you can hold those responsible accountable for the harm they’ve caused. At Keenan Law Firm, we understand the emotional and physical toll a medical error can take. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process, providing support and clarity every step of the way. If you are facing a potential malpractice case, we are here to help you navigate this challenging time and work toward a positive resolution.
What Is Medical Malpractice and How Does it Happen
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional makes a mistake while providing care, and that mistake causes harm to the patient. Medical errors can take many forms, from misdiagnoses to surgical mistakes, and they can have serious consequences for patients. A malpractice lawsuit can help patients seek compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages caused by these mistakes. However, proving medical malpractice can be complex, and understanding the types of medical errors that commonly lead to lawsuits is an important first step.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most common medical errors that lead to malpractice lawsuits is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. This occurs when a doctor fails to correctly identify a medical condition, or takes too long to make the diagnosis, resulting in the patient not receiving the proper treatment in a timely manner. A misdiagnosis can be particularly dangerous when it comes to conditions like cancer, heart disease, or infections. If a patient does not receive the correct diagnosis, the treatment they receive may be ineffective, and their condition could worsen significantly.
In some cases, a delay in diagnosing a condition can also make treatment more difficult or less effective. For example, if a cancer diagnosis is delayed, the cancer may spread, reducing the chances of successful treatment. If you suspect that a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis has led to worsened health or injury, it may be worth considering whether you have a case for medical malpractice.
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Surgical Errors
Surgical errors are another common cause of malpractice lawsuits. Surgeons, like all medical professionals, are highly trained, but they can still make mistakes during surgery. These errors may include performing the wrong procedure, leaving surgical tools inside the patient, or damaging nearby organs or tissues. Surgical mistakes can lead to serious consequences, such as infection, internal bleeding, or long-term disability.
While surgery inherently carries risks, patients are entitled to a certain level of care. If you’ve experienced a surgical error that has caused harm, you may have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit. In these cases, it is essential to determine whether the error was caused by negligence or a failure to meet the standard of care expected from a skilled surgeon.
Medication Errors
Medication errors are another frequent cause of malpractice claims. These errors can happen at various stages of treatment, including prescribing the wrong medication, providing an incorrect dosage, or failing to recognize harmful drug interactions. Medication mistakes can lead to severe side effects, complications, or even death, especially if the wrong drug is administered or if a patient receives too much or too little of a necessary medication.
Pharmacists, nurses, and doctors all play a role in preventing medication errors, and when they fail to do so, they may be held accountable for the harm caused. If you or a loved one has experienced a medication-related error, it’s important to investigate whether the healthcare provider met the required standards in prescribing, administering, or monitoring medication use.
Verdicts & Settlements
Failure to Monitor Patients
Another type of medical error that can lead to malpractice is a failure to properly monitor patients during treatment. Whether a patient is recovering from surgery, being treated for a serious illness, or undergoing a procedure, it is essential that healthcare professionals monitor their progress to ensure there are no complications. Failing to monitor a patient appropriately can result in undetected problems, such as infections, changes in vital signs, or adverse reactions to medication.
In some cases, a failure to monitor can lead to significant harm, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and goes unnoticed. Hospitals and medical staff have a responsibility to provide ongoing care and attention to their patients, and when they fail in this duty, it can lead to malpractice claims.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are another type of medical error that can result in a malpractice lawsuit. Childbirth is a complex and high-risk process, and sometimes medical errors occur during labor and delivery that result in injury to the baby or mother. These errors can include mistakes made during the delivery, improper use of medical instruments, or failure to monitor the baby’s or mother’s health.
In cases where birth injuries occur, parents may pursue a malpractice lawsuit if the medical professional’s actions or negligence directly caused harm to the baby or mother. Birth injuries can have lifelong consequences, and it is crucial to investigate whether the medical team provided the proper care during delivery.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia is used to manage pain and ensure patients are comfortable during surgery and other procedures. However, errors related to anesthesia can have serious consequences, including brain damage, respiratory failure, or death. Anesthesia errors may include administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to properly monitor the patient’s vital signs, or not recognizing a patient’s allergies or sensitivities to certain drugs.
When anesthesia errors happen, the consequences can be devastating, and it is important to understand the role the medical team played in these mistakes. Anesthesia providers, including anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, have a responsibility to carefully assess patients and ensure their safety throughout the process.
Informed Consent Issues
Another important aspect of medical care is informed consent, which requires healthcare providers to explain the risks and benefits of a procedure or treatment to the patient. If a doctor or healthcare provider fails to properly inform a patient about the potential risks of a procedure and the patient suffers harm as a result, it may be considered medical malpractice. Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement, and patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare based on all available information.
If you believe that you were not properly informed about the risks of a medical procedure or treatment, and you suffered harm as a result, it may be time to explore whether you have a case for malpractice.
How We Can Help You with Your Case
If you have been harmed by any of the medical errors discussed here, or if you suspect that your healthcare provider’s actions caused injury or damage, it is important to reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you pursue a malpractice claim. At Keenan Law Firm, we understand the distress that comes with being the victim of a medical error. We are committed to helping clients understand their rights and options, and we work hard to secure the compensation they deserve.
Medical malpractice cases can be complicated and require a thorough investigation. Our team will help you gather the necessary evidence, work with medical professionals to assess the situation, and represent you in court if necessary. We understand the importance of getting justice for the harm you’ve suffered and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, do not hesitate to reach out to Keenan Law Firm. We are here to provide the support you need during this difficult time and help you pursue a successful case result. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.