Malpractice List – Common Types

In the United States, medical malpractice incidences has reached widespread proportions and is responsible for hundreds of thousands of injuries yearly. Despite its increasing frequency, most Americans remain unaware as to what constitutes medical malpractice. All in all, medical malpractice is a breach of duty by a medical provider that results in a patient being harmed.

The following malpractice list describes some of the more common instances of medical negligence. If you have been injured by any of the errors on the malpractice list below, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible:

• Obstetric error– Childbirth is a vulnerable time for both the mother and her child, and it’s crucial that doctors and medical staff take extra care to ensure patient safety during the delivery process. Failure to do so can result in significant injury and even permanent disability, including brain damage and cerebral palsy. Obstetric errors may include delayed response to fetal distress, fetal oxygen deprivation, failure to diagnose infection in the mother or infant, misuse of delivery tools such as forceps and unnecessary C-section, to name a few.
• Surgical error – One of the most common surgical errors occurs when the surgical team leaves an instrument or gauze inside the patient after the procedure is complete. These mistakes are dangerous and often leads to severe internal injuries, infections and sometimes death. Other surgical mistakes include surgery on the wrong part of the body or even on the wrong patient.
• Medication mistake – Perhaps the most frequently occurring type of malpractice listed here, medication errors are responsible for hundreds of thousands of injuries every year in the United States alone. Young children and the elderly are particularly prone to medication mistakes however, healthy Americans can experience serious injuries, even death if the wrong amount or wrong medications are given.
• Diagnostic error – These types of errors are unfortunate but not uncommon. And though a diagnostic error may occur for any number of reasons, physicians have a duty to listen to their patients and try to make the best diagnosis given a patient’s history and particular set of symptoms. This is not always the case, and the result can range from a misdiagnosis to a failure to diagnose altogether. Cancer such as breast and lung cancer, heart attack, and certain infections are conditions that are frequently misdiagnosed.

Not every type is included in this malpractice list, it takes many forms. The medical community is extremely diverse, and healthcare professionals from doctors to nurses to pharmacists to lab technicians may be responsible for an act of negligence.

Patients who suspect that medical malpractice caused their injury should always seek legal advice immediately. An attorney who is experienced can determine if a person can pursue a legal claim for compensation.

Injured by Medical Malpractice?

If you have questions or concerns regarding the malpractice list above - such as an error causing an injury - speak with our law firm right away. Even if you’ve suffered a medical injury not reflected on the malpractice list above, it’s probably in your best interest to talk to an attorney. We offer free evaluations of claims and we will answer any questions and concerns you have regarding your claim and advise you of your legal options.