Medical Malpractice

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a medical condition correctly or in a timely manner. This can result in incorrect or delayed treatment, allowing the condition to worsen and potentially causing irreversible harm. For instance, a misdiagnosed heart attack may be mistaken for heartburn, leading to a lack of necessary treatment that could prevent further complications.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are another common form of medical malpractice. These can include operating on the wrong site, performing the wrong procedure, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body. Such errors can lead to serious injuries, infections, or additional surgeries, putting the patient’s health and safety at risk.

Medication Errors

Medication errors involve prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, which can result in adverse effects or allergic reactions. A patient may be given a drug they are allergic to or a dosage that is too high or too low, leading to severe health consequences.

Failure to Inform (Lack of Informed Consent)

Failure to inform, or lack of informed consent, involves not providing the patient with adequate information about the risks and alternatives of a procedure or treatment. Patients have the right to know the potential risks involved and should be able to make informed decisions about their care. If a patient undergoes a procedure without being fully informed of the risks, it could be grounds for a malpractice claim.

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can occur during surgery and can have severe consequences if not managed correctly. These errors can include administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs properly, or not considering a patient’s medical history, which could lead to complications. These mistakes can result in brain damage, prolonged recovery, or even death.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are another serious form of medical malpractice. These occur when negligent actions during childbirth lead to harm to the mother or the newborn. Examples include failing to recognize fetal distress, improper use of forceps, or not performing a necessary C-section in time. Such mistakes can result in long-term health issues for the child or mother, including cerebral palsy or other developmental disorders.