Top Medical Errors That Lead to Malpractice Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

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Top Medical Errors That Lead to Malpractice Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

When people enter a hospital or medical office, they expect to receive a high standard of care that improves their health. They trust doctors and staff to make informed decisions and follow accepted medical standards. And most of the time, that trust is well placed. However, medical mistakes are a reality. Some of those mistakes cause serious harm. In Pennsylvania, many malpractice lawsuits begin with a patient or family realizing that something went wrong and that the outcome could have been avoided. Let’s dive into the top medical errors that lead to medical malpractice in Pennsylvania. 

Diagnostic Errors That Change Outcomes

Mistakes in diagnosis remain one of the leading causes of malpractice claims across the state of Pennsylvania. These errors occur when a condition is missed or misidentified. A diagnosis that was too late is also considered a medical mistake. Sadly, the consequences can be severe. This is especially true when early treatment would have made a meaningful difference.

Cancer is frequently involved in delayed diagnosis cases. A mass may be overlooked on imaging, symptoms may be attributed to stress or aging, or the test results may not receive timely follow-up. However, by the time the correct diagnosis is made, the disease may have advanced beyond earlier stages when treatment options were more effective.

Heart attacks and strokes also appear often in these claims. Patients may arrive at emergency rooms complaining of chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or weakness. If those symptoms are dismissed or not fully evaluated, patients can be sent home only to suffer a life-altering event. In stroke cases, even small delays can mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability.

Diagnostic errors usually involve more than one mistake. Medical histories may be incomplete. Lab results may be reviewed too late. Specialists might not be consulted when needed. Communication gaps between departments can further complicate care. Over time, these small failures combine into a major breakdown.

Surgical Mistakes and Operating Room Failures

Surgery always carries risks, and this has to be clearly conveyed to patients that complications can occur. What they do not expect are preventable errors that should never happen.

Wrong-site surgery continues to be reported nationwide, and that doesn’t change in Pennsylvania. In these cases, surgeons operate on the incorrect body part or even the wrong patient. Although rare, these mistakes highlight serious lapses in verification procedures.

Another common issue involves surgical instruments or materials left inside a patient’s body. Sponges, clamps, or other tools can be accidentally forgotten before closing an incision. These objects can lead to infections, internal injuries, and additional surgeries.

There are also errors related to surgical technique. Nerves may get damaged, organs can be punctured, and excessive bleeding may go unnoticed for too long. Rushed procedures, and poor coordination among operating room staff often contribute to these outcomes.

Postoperative care is equally important. Patients must be monitored for signs of infection or adverse reactions to anesthesia. When warning signs are missed, even minor complications can escalate. Things can move at such a fast pace that it can lead to more errors.  

Also, many surgical malpractice cases involve multiple offenders. That further complicates the issue. Surgeons, nurses, and hospital administrators may all play a role. What this means is many parties can be part of a medical malpractice lawsuit. 

Medication Errors

Medication mistakes are another major source of malpractice claims. These errors can happen when prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs.

Patients may receive the wrong medication, an incorrect dose, or a drug that interacts dangerously with something they are already taking. Allergies may be overlooked or orders may be entered incorrectly into electronic systems.

Transitions of care are particularly risky. When patients move from emergency departments to hospital rooms, or when shifts change among nursing staff, information can be lost. One provider may assume another already gave a medication, leading to overdoses or missed doses.

Children and older adults face higher risks. Younger children are especially vulnerable as they cannot clearly communicate symptoms or concerns. In long-term care facilities, residents may receive medications without proper monitoring, leading to gradual declines that go unnoticed until serious harm occurs.

Some families only learn about medication errors after reviewing medical records or speaking with independent professionals. Victims benefit from consulting with an experienced malpractice lawyer for hospital errors to understand whether the mistake resulted from negligence or if it was a result of a systemic problem. 

Breakdowns in Monitoring and Communication

Not all malpractice cases stem from dramatic events like surgery or misdiagnosis. Many arise from ongoing failures in basic patient care. Patients may fall because calls go unanswered. Pressure injuries can develop when immobile patients are not repositioned. Infections may spread due to lapses in hygiene protocols. Vital signs can change without triggering timely intervention.

Communication failures play a significant role in these situations. Doctors may believe nurses are monitoring a patient closely, or nurses may assume physicians are reviewing test results. Specialists may think someone else explained treatment risks to the family.

Discharge planning also contributes to many claims. Patients may be released too early, they may be given unclear instructions, or sent home without proper follow up. When complications arise, families are left scrambling for answers and guidance. 

These problems often show systemic issues rather than isolated mistakes. Staffing shortages, heavy workloads, and inefficient communication systems can all increase the likelihood of harm to the patient.

It’s not surprising that In Pennsylvania, malpractice lawsuits are often centered on neglect. It is often not a one-time error. Healthcare professionals are humans and they can make mistakes, but when mistakes were clearly avoidable or there was neglect involved, it becomes a clear case of medical malpractice. 

How does understanding common medical errors help patients and families? Well, for a start, they help them recognize warning signs. They can use this understanding to advocate for themselves. Asking questions at the right time can make a huge difference. We know that healthcare will never be entirely risk-free, but awareness empowers people to take an active role in their care and the care of their loved ones.