5 Common Forms of Medical Malpractice You Should Be Aware of

By Your Health Magazine

Atlanta has its fair share of medical malpractice cases. As a bustling metropolitan area with numerous healthcare facilities, the city’s residents rely heavily on medical professionals for quality care. While doctors and healthcare professionals are trusted to provide us with the best care possible, mistakes can still happen.

Unfortunately, these mistakes can significantly impact a patient’s health and well-being. Such situations require legal counsel from a medical malpractice attorney in Atlanta.

Here are 5 common forms of medical malpractice that everyone should be aware of:

Misdiagnosis

One of the most common forms of medical malpractice is misdiagnosis. A doctor provides an incorrect diagnosis when they don’t properly diagnose the patient’s condition or provides an incorrect diagnosis. The consequences of misdiagnosis can be severe, as it can lead to delayed treatment or even the wrong treatment being prescribed. In some cases, it can even result in serious health complications or death.

It is estimated that up to 32% of medical malpractice claims are related to misdiagnosis, making it one of the most prevalent issues in healthcare. Common reasons for misdiagnosis include rushed appointments, inadequate testing, and failure to consider all symptoms.

Surgical Errors

Another form of medical malpractice that many people are familiar with is surgical errors. Surgical errors can range from minor ones, such as leaving a surgical instrument inside a patient, to significant ones, such as operating on the wrong body part. In some cases, these surgical errors can result in serious injuries or even death.

Surgical errors are often caused by negligence or lack of proper training and preparation. They can also occur due to communication breakdowns between medical staff or insufficient pre-operative planning.

Medication Errors

Medication errors occur when healthcare professionals prescribe the wrong medication or incorrect dosage or fail to notice drug interactions or allergies. Patients can suffer severe consequences from these mistakes, especially those with pre-existing conditions or on multiple medications.

Medication errors are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with an estimated 1.5 million people harmed by medication errors every year. To prevent this form of medical malpractice, patients should always double-check their prescriptions and inform their healthcare providers of known allergies or reactions.

Birth Injuries

Any harm or injury to a baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery is referred to as a birth injury. These can include moderate bruising or more serious diseases, including nerve injury or cerebral palsy. Birth injuries might occasionally also be the result of medical personnel’s carelessness or errors made during delivery.

Fractures, brain damage from oxygen deprivation, and shoulder dystocia—a condition in which the baby’s shoulders become locked during delivery—are common birth complications. Healthcare practitioners should keep a careful eye on the mother’s health and progress during their pregnancy and delivery to prevent birth trauma.

Wrap Up!

Medical misconduct is a grave concern that can lead to terrible outcomes for both patients and their loved ones. Despite the prevalence of these five types of medical malpractice, they can be avoided with the right education, communication, and attention to detail.

When it comes to defending yourself against medical negligence, remember that information is power. Remain vigilant and knowledgeable.