Posted in Medical Malpractice on September 16, 2024
Medical mistakes happen. These mistakes are unfortunate, and they are often caused by the negligent actions of a qualified medical provider or agency.
But what mistakes get made most often? According to Johns Hopkins researchers, medical errors are the third leading cause of death each year in this country. The numbers they present are somewhat astounding, which makes us want to examine exactly what errors are happening.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are two of the most common types of medical malpractice claims. In these cases, a healthcare provider either diagnoses a patient with the wrong illness or fails to diagnose an illness in a timely manner. Both situations can lead to serious consequences for the patient, including a lack of appropriate treatment or worsening of their condition. For example, a patient with a serious illness like cancer may lose valuable time if their diagnosis is delayed, affecting their treatment options and overall prognosis. In some instances, misdiagnosis may even lead to unnecessary surgeries or treatments that could have been avoided.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors can have absolutely devastating effects on patients. These types of claims arise when something goes wrong during the surgery itself or in the preparation and aftercare. Common surgical mistakes include performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong part of the body, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient. Postoperative care is also crucial, and failing to monitor patients properly after surgery can lead to complications such as infections or internal bleeding. In some cases, patients may even suffer life-threatening injuries due to these errors.
Medication Errors
Medication errors occur when a patient is given an incorrect medication, the wrong dosage of their med, or experiences harmful drug interactions. These types of medical malpractice can be internally harmful and, in the worst cases, fatal. Healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring that they prescribe the correct medication and dosage, taking into account the patient’s medical history and any potential interactions with other drugs. Additionally, failing to warn patients of possible side effects or neglecting to check for allergies can also lead to claims of medical malpractice. The consequences of medication errors can be severe, including overdose, allergic reactions, or worsening of the patient’s condition.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur in several ways, some of which aren’t in anyone’s control. However, sometimes, these happen when a healthcare provider fails to properly monitor or care for the mother or baby during gestation, labor, or delivery. These injuries may result from improper use of delivery tools such as forceps, failure to perform a timely C-section, or neglecting to address signs of fetal distress. Common birth injuries include brachial plexus injuries, fractures, and brain injury due to a lack of oxygen during delivery.
Anesthesia Errors
Errors related to anesthesia are particularly dangerous, as they often occur while the patient is unconscious. Mistakes in administering anesthesia can range from giving too much or too little of the drug to failing to properly monitor the patient during the procedure. Anesthesia errors can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, heart issues, and even wrongful death. Additionally, if a patient is not informed of the risks associated with anesthesia or the provider fails to review their medical history, it can result in a Long Beach medical malpractice claim.
Failure to Treat
Failure to treat occurs when a doctor or other medical professional diagnoses a condition but does not provide adequate or timely treatment. This can include discharging a patient too early, failing to follow up on a treatment plan, or not referring the patient to a specialist when necessary. The statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in California is almost always three years from the date the harm occurred or one year from the date the injury was discovered, whichever deadline comes first. The consequences of not treating a condition can be severe, leading to a worsening of the person’s condition or the development of new health problems. In some cases, this type of negligence can be life-threatening, especially if the untreated condition is serious or progressive. Personal injury attorneys in Long Beach, CA, can help file a medical malpractice lawsuit to secure the necessary compensation.
The Importance of Working With an Attorney
Medical malpractice cases often involve extensive investigation, expert testimony, and negotiation with insurance companies. Working with experienced Long Beach medical malpractice attorneys, Harting Simkins and Ryan, LLP is so important to making your case and securing the compensation you so badly need. Get a free consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Long Beach, CA today.