Medical malpractice claims arise from any number of unfortunate situations. Some of the reasons behind malpractice actions are more common than others.
Common Mistakes Leading to Lawsuits
Data and studies have identified specific mistakes and poor decisions as the impetus for a significant medical malpractice claim. Among these are:
- Failure to diagnose: Missed or delayed diagnoses are among the top reasons for malpractice claims. Typically, these claims stem from mistakes like not ordering appropriate screenings and tests, inaccurately interpreting results, or failing to follow protocols in confirming diagnoses. Failing to notify patients of “incidental” findings or risks of false positives can also lead to malpractice claims.
- Injuring patients during treatment: Patients can end up in worse condition than before seeing a provider if they suffer an injury during their treatment. This can happen, for example, when doctors make a surgical error, or hospitals lack proper sanitation and hygiene practices, leading to an infection.
- Medication mistakes: Medications can cause severe health problems if parties improperly prescribe or administer them. Providers can be liable for errors like harmful drug interactions and incorrect dosing.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
Whether someone is in an accident or has been dealing with a medical condition for some time, they reasonably expect their care providers to be responsible, trained, and compliant with today’s standards for good healthcare.
Often, parties will Google their doctors and clinics to look for reviews; they will reach out for recommendations from friends and review published lists of the best local providers. These steps can help avoid care providers with a history of misconduct.
However, no matter how thoroughly patients and their families select their providers and prepare for their care, there is only so much they can do. In emergencies, we can’t choose our doctors and nursing teams, and there may not be any warning signs that a physician or healthcare worker might make a mistake on any day.
Because patients cannot necessarily anticipate or prevent the mistakes doctors and hospital systems may make, addressing these issues often occurs by holding the negligent providers accountable after the fact through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
What Can Happen if Malpractice Occurs?
When negligence leads to malpractice, victims can face a lifetime of pain, disfigurement, or financial burdens. In the worst cases, they do not survive.
In these situations, people often feel angry but powerless. They may not know what went wrong or who is responsible, so they assume nothing can be done. However, if malpractice did occur and was the direct cause of severe injuries and damage, something often can and should be done to hold the responsible parties accountable for their mistakes.
Consulting with a legal professional can help patients and their families restore the pieces of their lives after a life-changing medical event. Meeting with an attorney with the knowledge, experience, and resources to review the medical evidence can help determine what went wrong and if anyone is at fault. Such an experienced malpractice lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement of the claim or pursue a malpractice verdict in court.
Menzer Law Can Help
Attorney Matt Menzer is a highly-skilled, respected, and compassionate lawyer who has provided dedicated legal representation to those who have suffered from medical malpractice or serious personal injury for over 30 years. You can count on Matt to protect your rights and help you achieve your deserved compensation. Contact Menzer Law at 206.903.1818 or fill out this online form, and our team will review your claim at no cost.
Disclaimer: This content is written for educational purposes and to provide general information and understanding of the law. You should not use this information as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state.
