Medical Malpractice

Top 4 Most Common Medical Malpractice Claims

Not many people look forward to visiting the doctor. Whether it is because of a broken arm, a minor but persistent illness, or an emergency, most of us would prefer to avoid these situations altogether or rest and recover at home. However, when these challenges arise, and medical intervention is both necessary and unavoidable, one thing remains universal: the expectation of receiving competent, compassionate, and professional care—free from errors or negligence that could lead to medical malpractice.

Trust us when we say your chosen doctor wants that for you, too. Unfortunately, medical errors are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with numbers varying between roughly 250,000 and 400,000 per year. Even if a mistake or negligence does not lead to a fatality, they can cause serious harm to patients, including long-term injuries, disabilities, and other impairments.

Understanding medical malpractice and the types of errors that frequently occur can help patients of all ages better recognize potential warning signs, take proactive steps to protect themselves, and navigate their healthcare safely and confidently.

What Are Some of the More Common Medical Malpractice Claims in America?

The National Library of Medicine defines medical malpractice as “any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.”

Below are a few of the more common errors that can justify a solid medical malpractice claim:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to recognize the exact condition or illness their patient is dealing with. For instance, a doctor mistaking chest pain for indigestion rather than a potential heart attack. Another could be confusing a stroke with a migraine. Timely treatment is critical regardless of the reasons you are visiting a doctor. If this does not happen, it can lead to delayed or unnecessary treatments, incorrect prescriptions, and worsening of a patient’s condition to the point of irreversible complications.

Surgical Errors

All surgeries come with risks. That said, there is a big difference between risks associated with surgery and errors that should not happen under any circumstances. For instance, we have all heard horror stories of surgical instruments accidentally being left inside a patient or a doctor operating on the wrong body part. We have also heard stories of post-surgical complications due to poor sterilization practices or the doctor failing to ensure the patient understands their role in post-operative care. Surgical errors include any omission or mistake during or after a procedure that should not have happened and can constitute a viable medical malpractice claim.

Medication Errors

Patients are prescribed medication for various reasons, and it is the doctor’s and pharmacist’s responsibility to ensure that the medicine they prescribe is accurate, safe, and appropriate for each patient’s unique illness or situation. Medication errors occur when a doctor administers the wrong dosage or medication or fails to recognize harmful drug interactions or allergies.

Birth Injuries

Childbirth is a joyous moment for any family. That said, it can quickly be marred by medical errors and negligence by the attending physician or their staff, leading to unnecessary complications and injuries to the baby, the mother, or both. Examples of birth injuries that can be caused by failing to monitor fetal distress or incorrect use of delivery techniques and equipment include nerve damage, cerebral palsy, facial paralysis, fractures, brain damage, and even death.

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury, illness, or fatality due to a doctor’s error or negligence, you need an attorney specializing in medical malpractice claims. We know how to navigate the complex laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry, and we will use this knowledge to hold medical professionals and facilities accountable for any negligence or malpractice that may have caused your injuries.

Call Keys Law Offices Today!!

At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way so you always know what is going on with your case.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

Our staff is always available. Call us today!

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