Medical Malpractice - Types Of Malpractice
If a doctor or medical treatment provider causes a patient to suffer a disease or injury due to his or her negligent actions or failures to act, they may be guilty of medical malpractice. Whether or not a patient already suffered from a disease or injury before the malpractice or neglect began, the healthcare provider could still face liability for malpractice if his or her actions or inactions increase a patient's risk of harm or worsen the condition. Medical malpractice can occur in many different scenarios. The following is a list of common medical mistakes:
- Failure to diagnose and properly treat a medical emergency can cause harm to the patient. In an emergency situation, prompt and accurate treatment is vital.
- Failure to diagnose or properly treat serious medical conditions is a gross failure on the part of the healthcare provider. Often, symptoms are left undiscovered or patient health is taken for granted. X-rays and other test results can sometimes be misread.
- Surgical mistakes, such as slip of a knife, can cause major medical complications. In rare cases, medical instruments or sponges are mistakenly left inside a patient after surgery.
- Inaccurate prescription or treatment can cause serious injury, disability or illness.
- Delaying diagnosis can have dire consequences, especially when treating a patient suffering from cancer.
- Malpractice can occur during labor and cause birth injuries to both mother and child. Complications could arise, requiring immediate and proper reactions from doctors and nurses. Cerebral Palsy is sometimes a result of such medical mistakes.
- Failure to advise of a diagnosis is considered malpactice. A patient has the right to know the diagnosis and to use it when assessing treatment options.
- Lack of informed consent leads to misinformed patients. A patient has the right to understand the risks associated with a particular type of treatment.
When a doctor or provider ceases treatment of a patient, it is known as abandonment. A treatment provider cannot always simply stop treating a patient, especially in emergency situations.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, permanent damage, or death that could and should have been prevented, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
