If you or a loved one is hurt or sick, you expect to feel better after visiting the hospital or doctor’s office, but the truth is that some people may leave the doctor’s office worse than before if a healthcare professional makes an error that leads to injury or other complications. While no two cases of medical malpractice are alike, look out for these potential types of malpractice.
Types of Medical Malpractice
- Misdiagnosis – Whether a doctor fails to diagnose your condition or incorrectly diagnoses you, both cases can be troublesome. Going home and believing you are not sick could lead to worsening of your condition. Being treated for a condition you do not have may cause undue pain and mental distress.
- Surgical Error – Many risks are involved in surgery, even if it is performed correctly without mistakes. However, negligence on behalf of a healthcare professional or use of faulty medical equipment can turn a routine procedure into a complicated and painful injury.
- Medication Error – Taking the wrong medication or too much of a medication can cause serious complications and even death. Read the labels and ask questions if you need to. Make sure the doctor and pharmacist are aware of any medicines you are taking – prescription or not.
- Birth Injuries – Childbirth should be a special and exciting time, but it can seem like a nightmare if you or your child is injured. Just as with any medical procedure, mistakes due to negligence during childbirth may have permanent and devastating consequences.
- General Negligence – Common mistakes like forgetting to change a bandage or failing to follow up properly with a patient may seem small, but some can have a major impact.
Be a More Informed Patient
With greater awareness of some of the possible forms of medical malpractice, continue to educate yourself on ways to prevent them and make sure you are a more informed and active patient. Engage the doctor, be thorough in discussing your medical history and don’t be afraid to speak up if something seems off.
Of course, you can try as hard as you can to prevent errors, but some still may occur. If this is the case, contact a medical malpractice lawyer who can advise you on the next steps as soon as possible.
