What Are the Most Common Forms of Medical Malpractice?

 Posted on August 20, 2019 in Medical Malpractice

In the United States, various forms of medical malpractice are much more common than most people would like to assume. Medical malpractice is defined as a process in which a medical professional does not adhere to a set of standards and thus causes injuries or significant harm to a patient. Malpractice in the medical field can include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and pharmaceutical errors. Regardless of the type of medical malpractice, when a medical professional acts in a negligent or reckless manner, the implications can be life-threatening. If you or a member of your family has been impacted by the negligence of a medical professional, it is time to speak with a skilled legal professional.

Medical Mistakes

In any profession, people can make mistakes; we are all human. Unfortunately, in the medical industry, a person’s negligence or reckless behavior can ultimately cost a person his or her life. Below are some of the most common forms of medical malpractice in the United States.

• Missed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis: Diagnosing a patient can sometimes be the most difficult aspect of a physician’s job. The doctor examines the patient for a brief time and makes a judgment on the patient’s physical health. Unsurprisingly, this form of diagnosis often leads to errors. Missed diagnosis occurs when a doctor is simply unable to diagnose a condition or illness that they should have recognized. Misdiagnosis is the process of diagnosing a patient with an incorrect condition. In either case, these forms of diagnostic error can ultimately cost a person his or her life if the medical condition is severe. A recent study found that diagnostic errors occur in some form approximately 40 percent of the time a person visits a medical facility.
• Surgical Error: Here in the United States, we are home to the most innovative medical procedures designed to save lives, including surgical methods that effectively address patients' conditions while allowing them to make a complete, speedy recovery. Unfortunately, these procedures do not always go as planned. Over 4,000 surgical errors occur in operating rooms throughout the United States each year. From leaving an object (such as a sponge) within a person’s body to operating on the incorrect site, surgical errors can lead to significant medical complications and costly financial implications. If you or a loved one is a victim of a surgical error, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel.

Contact an Arlington Heights Medical Malpractice Lawyer

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we fully recognize the manner in which medical malpractice can impact the life of a patient and his or her family. Unfortunately, the vast majority of medical professionals will do everything in their power to resist admitting fault in an attempt to avoid compromising their medical license or putting their practice at risk of an investigation. Because of this, it is important to hire an attorney who is well-versed in medical malpractice claims to ensure that you and your family are compensated in an appropriate manner. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with an experienced Schaumburg personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-797-8000.

Sources:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-common-is-misdiagnosis-or-missed-diagnosis-2615481

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/254426.php