Health

Medical Malpractice: A Frightening Situation Where Saviors Turn Villains

February 26, 2024
SAHIL BATRA
Table of contents

Just about everyone has been to the doctor. Even those who claim to be at their peak of health, often make occasional visits for a thorough checkup. This is how important the profession is.

When you have such an indispensable profession, it is only natural to assume the individuals who practice it are near-perfect human beings.

Sadly, that is not the case.

Mistakes happen. And when mistakes happen in medicine, they can have life-altering consequences. In some instances, victims pay with their lives for the negligence of healthcare professionals. Visit injuryverdicts.com to get an in-depth explanation of the topic.

But what does the term “medical malpractice” mean?

Medical malpractice is defined as the harm suffered by the patient due to the action or inaction of healthcare professionals.

There are different ways this happens.

Diagnosis Errors

These are the errors made by healthcare professionals in diagnosing an illness. Wrongly diagnosing an illness and a delay in identifying the illness are considered diagnosis errors.

The basis of these types of medical malpractice claims is the fact that –

  • The patient receives treatment for a condition they don’t have.
  • The condition worsens the longer it’s left undiagnosed.

Both of the instances mentioned above tend to have serious consequences for the victim.

Childbirth Injuries

This is a type of medical malpractice that is seen before, during, and after childbirth.

The medical professionals assisting the delivery have the responsibility to care for both the mother and the child.

This is one of the more serious types of medical malpractice, as a negligent act can have life-altering consequences for the victim.

The following are some instances where the lives of the mother and child may be at risk:

  • Ignoring fetal distress
  • Incorrect use of medical equipment like forceps or a vacuum extractor
  • Exerting too much force to pull the baby
  • Improper monitoring of the baby’s vital signs
  • Not performing a cesarean when required
  • Inability to avoid or control tearing/hemorrhaging in the mother

Also Read: Why It’s Essential to Find a Burn Injury Lawyer You Can Rely On

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia is a vital part of several medical procedures. But incorrect administration of anesthesia can have serious consequences, like a permanent injury or brain damage.

The following are some instances of anesthesia errors:

  • Administering too little or too much anesthesia
  • Not monitoring the patient’s vital signs
  • Not inquiring about the patient’s medical history
  • Not informing the patient about the risks of not following preoperative instructions
  • Intubation errors

Surgical Errors

Surgeons are bound to make mistakes as well. And when they do, they can have harmful effects.

A negligent surgeon has an increased chance of making the following mistakes:

  • Operating on the wrong body part
  • Damaging internal organs during the procedure
  • Leaving instruments after the procedure

Medication Errors

A medication error is when a healthcare professional prescribes the wrong medication. These errors happen outside the pharmacy as well.

In a hospital, the doctor’s or nurse’s failure to prescribe or administer the correct medication is also considered medical malpractice. On top of that, the malfunction of a device that administers medication is also considered medical malpractice.

Medical Malpractice Claims

It is important for victims of medical malpractice to fight back. But this is impossible without the assistance of medical negligence lawyers.

For a valid medical malpractice claim, you’ll have to prove that:

  • That the healthcare practitioner did not meet the standard of care that was expected of them
  • The healthcare practitioner’s breach of duty of care caused medical attention to become worse

This is possible with the help of an experienced lawyer for medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice victims can seek the following damages:

  • Hospitalization
  • Medication
  • Therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical expenses
  • Future lost wages

They will help tackle the challenges involved and make sure all the victim’s losses and damages are compensated.