Common Examples of Medical Malpractice

Familiarity with the widely-accepted common examples of medical malpractice may allow you to recognize a failure on the part of healthcare providers to fulfill their duties. When medical providers make mistakes that hurt patients, it’s important to know what you can do. Walton Telken will act as your guide if you or a loved one in Edwardsville, IL has suffered from medical negligence. At our office, located at 241 N Main St, we work to hold negligent providers accountable.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice happens when something a healthcare provider does or fails to do deviates from accepted standards of care and causes injury to the patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management. According to the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA), proving malpractice involves demonstrating that the provider’s negligence led to direct injury or harm in the first place. It’s complicated, but knowing some of the fundamentals can help victims figure out when they should act.

Related Reading: 7 Tips for Patients on How to Reduce the Risk of Medical Mistakes

Examples of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can take many forms, and the effects can be life-altering. Below are some of the most frequent examples:

Misdiagnosis

Diagnostic errors —when a healthcare provider misidentifies a condition, preventing appropriate treatment and possibly exacerbating the patient’s condition. For instance, a heart attack may be confused with indigestion, resulting in a delay in potentially life-saving treatment. In fact, diagnostic errors are among the leading cause of malpractice cases, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Misdiagnoses frequently concern conditions such as strokes, infections or cancers — illnesses for which rapid intervention can be life or death.

Delayed Diagnosis

A late diagnosis can be devastating. The patient can suffer by missing the window on vital treatments when a condition isn’t detected without delay.” For example, diagnosing cancer late might result in a lower likelihood of a good outcome. Delayed diagnoses are often caused by overlooked symptoms, inadequate testing or miscommunication among medical staff.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors include preventable errors​ such as operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments or material inside the body,​ or unnecessary surgery. Usually these errors are due to poor communication or planning and can cause major complications, or death. Avoidable errors in surgical conditions can lead to longer hospital stays, infections, or long-term pain for those who suffer surgical malpractice.

Medication Errors

These mistakes occur when patients are given the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or unclear instructions. They can result in harmful drug interactions or serious medical complications. Such errors are often caused by miscommunication between physicians and pharmacists, the Consumer Safety Organization says. Other causes included illegible prescriptions and failure to take into account a patient’s allergies or existing medications.

Anesthesia Errors

These are particularly dangerous as they can result in death or irreversible damage. These include too much anesthesia, neglecting to monitor the patient’s vital signs, or not knowing about known allergies or medical conditions. Even small deviations in anesthesia practice can be disastrous. Anesthesia errors can result in victims suffering from complications including brain damage, nerve injury or organ failure.

Childbirth Injuries

These injuries affect both mothers and newborns, with causes often relating to the incorrect use of tools, delays in performing necessary procedures, or failure to respond to delivery complications. Birth injuries can have long-lasting physical and emotional impacts on families, according to the American Bar Association. Common ones include injury to the brachial plexus, fractures, and conditions such as cerebral palsy, caused by lack of oxygen at birth.

Hospital Infection

Hospital infections are often due to unsanitary conditions or improper protocols. Due to negligence in sterilisation or post-surgical care, the patients may get critical infections. When hospitals skip hygiene standards, the consequences can be deadly. Such infections can cause sepsis, organ failure or longer recovery times, adding to the harm endured by the patient.

What To Do If You Are a Victim of Medical Malpractice?

Take action right away. If you’re dealing with issues caused by neglect, the first step is to seek treatment for your own well-being. Gather evidence like letters from and to healthcare providers, medical records, and other documents. It’s important to know your state’s rules when filing a claim, as reported by the National Conference of State Legislators. In many states, including Illinois, statutes of limitations might affect your ability to file a lawsuit.

We recommend consulting with an experienced attorney. Medical malpractice is one of the practice areas of Walton Telken Bragee in Edwardsville, Illinois, and we can guide you through the legal process on your behalf. If you’re wondering how long a malpractice settlement may take, understanding the factors that can affect the timeline can help you prepare for the legal process. We’ll thoroughly review your case and ensure that all aspects of your claim are resolved.

Need Legal Help? Contact Walton Telken Bragee Today

Medical malpractice can be devastating. Walton Telken Bragee at 241 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL, is here to represent you. Call us now at 844-307-7349 to schedule a consultation and make sure that you get the justice that you deserve.