When a doctor, nurse, or hospital is negligent, patients and their families suffer. These professionals, in one way or another, contribute to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in the United States each year.
According to Dr. RJ Roberts of the University of the Wisconsin Medical School, there are top causes of medical malpractice that you should be aware of. These are:
Lack of Informed Consent. Before you undergo any procedure, accept any lab tests, or fill a prescription, you are supposed to be informed of potential risks, expected outcomes, and any available reasonable alternatives.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis. Cancer is something that frightens us all. Unfortunately, 29% of mammograms return a false negative. When doctors do not follow up on these false results, diagnosis is either missed or delayed. The same can be said of other types of cancers.
Negligence or Errors. Doctors get as tired and distracted as the rest of us. Exhaustion and mental stress can lead to surgical errors and patient complications. A doctor that is to tired to perform his or her duties is dangerous.
Misdiagnosis of Trauma. Doctors may make the mistake of thinking an illness or injury is less severe than it is and fail to follow up with further diagnostic testing. Failure to follow through completely can result in severe, life-altering complications.
Failure to Consult in a Timely Manner. When doctors hesitate to make referrals as necessary, patients can suffer. If you feel that you need a specialist, never be afraid to speak up or seek help if your general physician is dragging his or her feet.
Medication errors. There are over 200,000 deaths each year that can be contributed to prescription medication. More specifically, to a lack of education when it comes to these medications. Malpractice claims also have been filed based upon a doctor’s poor handwriting being misinterpreted by the pharmacy.
Birth Injury. Birth defects and birth injury claims rise most often from the misuse of oxytocin. This is especially true when the baby is experiencing distress during the birthing process.
There are a variety of reasons for the general increase in medical malpractice lawsuits, but these are the most common.
If you or your family have suffered at the hands of a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or hospital due to negligence or a failure to act, please contact our offices immediately. We are here to help you put the pieces of your life back together, and first consultations are always free. Call us today.