Malpractice claims cover a wide variety of medical mishaps which can result in the suffering and injury of patients. While some instances of malpractice are not common, others occur much more frequently. Some of the most common medical malpractice claims include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, medication mistakes, and surgical errors.
Diagnosing an illness is a highly analytic process that includes examining symptoms and checking off possible causes. Typically, the physician uses what is known as the “differential diagnosis.” That means that the physician lists the possible causes of the malady, in order of likelihood. As the doctor gathers more data on a condition through examining the patient, he or she is able to eliminate those possible causes until hopefully only one remains. It is also important, though, that the physician includes on a differential diagnosis – and does not delay in ruling out – those diagnoses that pose the highest risk of potential harm to the patient if not timely treated. If a doctor misinterprets the symptoms or does not perform a proper analysis, a misdiagnosis can result.
If misdiagnosed, a patient may receive the wrong treatment or no treatment, resulting in injury and unnecessary expenses.
If a patient goes to see a doctor, but the doctor either diagnoses a condition too late or fails to do so altogether, the result is a delayed diagnosis. Most conditions, including but not limited to cancer, sepsis (infection), and many heart conditions, respond best to prompt treatment. Accordingly, unreasonably delaying a proper diagnosis can lead to lasting injury, medical expenses for procedures that may have been avoided, and even death.
Errors with medication can take many forms. A nurse may improperly administer medication, perhaps giving it too frequently or in the wrong dosage. A doctor may prescribe the wrong medicine to a patient, or the pharmacy may give the wrong pills or instructions for use. In some cases, these errors may be honest mistakes, but they can still have disastrous consequences. In others, they result from negligence on the part of the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist involved.
Mistakes during surgery are among the most common—and most horrifying—of malpractice claims. They may include leaving items inside the patient, performing an operation on the wrong area of the body, performing the wrong surgery completely, and using the wrong surgical instruments. Errors may lead to organ or nerve damage, infection, and other forms of trauma.
Many surgical errors, such as performing an operation on the wrong patient, are considered preventable, and can warrant a medical malpractice claim if it results in significant injury.
If an error on the part of a doctor results from neglect and causes significant injury to you, you may be able to get compensation. Filing a claim requires legal expertise in medical malpractice, especially if it is to be successful in court. Riley Law Firm can examine your claim, determine what compensation you can obtain, and press your case in court. To learn more or set up a consultation, contact us.
