From Unnecessary Surgery to Missed Diagnosis: 6 Practical Examples of Medical Malpractice

Updated on November 27, 2020

When doctors take on patients, they are held to a certain level of care. Unfortunately, malpractice happens more often than some people realize. Understanding the ramifications and types of medical malpractice is critical for helping victims seek the compensation they deserve for their measurable damages.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare worker is negligent or fails to act appropriately while treating and caring for patients. When a patient becomes ill or injured because of negligence or omission, the victim may seek damages from the offender. If a person has been injured because of medical malpractice, they should seek help from an Attorney in Tulsa.

6 Practical Examples of Medical Malpractice

Multiple types of medical malpractice plague the healthcare industry and lead to injuries and illnesses each year. The following offers insight into some common examples of medical malpractice cases.

1. Misdiagnosis can be as devastating as a failure to diagnose, and these are the most common reasons for medical malpractice cases across the United States.

2. Unnecessary surgeries are also a prime type of medical malpractice cases. This type often accompanies a misdiagnosis.

3. Improper medications or dosage instructions can also lead to lawsuits. Medications can become deadly when they are not taken correctly. When someone is prescribed the wrong medication or dosage, they may have the right to sue.

4. Premature discharge is also problematic when it comes to the care of patients. Patients who are sent home too early and suffer injuries should seek help from a lawyer to learn about their rights for seeking damages.

5. Failure to order proper testing is yet another kind of medical malpractice claim. A healthcare provider takes an oath to care for their patients to the best of their ability. When the right testing is not ordered by a doctor, this can have a negative impact on a person’s health.

6. Surgical errors are more common than many people realize. At least 4,000 surgical errors occur in the United States each year. These errors include surgery at the wrong site or improper practices during the surgical procedure.

Should Victims Hire an Attorney?

Because medical negligence can have such far-reaching effects, it is wise for injured victims to at least consult with an attorney before attempting to settle their claim. Hiring an attorney allows a victim to learn about their rights and options for seeking fair compensation.

Once an attorney takes on a medical negligence case, they immediately begin pursuing evidence. They will start the process of negotiations with the insurance company and will work towards a favorable settlement for their client. If negotiations fail, there is always an option for seeking a lawsuit in court.

Conclusion

When a patient seeks a doctor’s care, they expect a certain level of treatment. Although most doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers are consummate professionals, they are sometimes overworked, and mistakes can be made.

Those who have been injured because of the negligence of a healthcare professional need to be aware of the rights they hold as a victim. One of those rights is to hire an attorney to represent them in their medical malpractice case. Scheduling a consultation appointment will give injured victims the help they need.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.