When we think about medical malpractice, many of us think about injuries that are classified as “never events”—incidents that are so serious that they should never happen under any circumstances. While many medical malpractice claims pertain to never events, there are also many kinds of medical negligence claims that involve less serious types of injuries, or injuries that we do not hear about as frequently. In short, if you sustained an injury because your healthcare provider was negligent—and think about the term “healthcare provider” in broad terms—you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
I want to tell you more about different kinds of medical malpractice cases so you can have a better understanding of whether you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Medical Malpractice Takes Many Forms
A Medscape report describes some of the most common medical errors that result in patient injuries. The following are common medical mistakes and how they related to different types of malpractice claims:
- Surgical errors: Many medical malpractice claims arise as a result of surgical errors or surgery errors, and many of these cases do involve “never events.” For example, a surgeon might have operated on the wrong body part or on the wrong patient altogether. Or a surgeon might have left a towel or a sponge inside a patient during a surgical procedure.
- Anesthesia errors: An anesthesiologist needs to know the proper amount of anesthesia to give a patient, as well as whether a patient’s medical history suggests that she or he could have a dangerous reaction to anesthesia. When an anesthesiologist makes a mistake, it can lead to a medical malpractice claim.
- Diagnostic mistakes: Diagnostic errors can range significantly, from an incorrect diagnosis that ultimately results in a delayed diagnosis of a life-threatening condition, to a mistaken diagnosis of a life-threatening condition that results in unnecessary surgery. When a healthcare provider fails to properly diagnose a condition or disease, that healthcare provider may be liable.
- Laboratory mistakes: Laboratories and lab techs make errors, leading a patient to get incorrect test results. Sometimes those test results lead to a misdiagnosis, or a delayed diagnosis.
- Hospital hires a negligent doctor: Hospitals have a duty to ensure that their employees (like doctors and nurses) do not have serious safety records that could affect a patient’s health and safety. When a hospital makes a mistake in hiring, the hospital itself may be liable in a medical negligence lawsuit.
- Dentist makes a mistake: It is important to remember that dentists are also healthcare providers, and they can make errors. When those mistakes lead to injuries, the patient may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim.
- Pharmacy errors: Pharmacists can also be liable in the event of a patient injury. For example, if a pharmacist filled the wrong prescription or the wrong amount of a prescription and the patient got hurt, that patient may be able to sue the pharmacist.
Contact Me Today to Discuss Your Medical Negligence Claim
Were you injured because a healthcare provider or a healthcare facility acted in a careless or reckless manner? You may be eligible to obtain financial compensation by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. As an experienced Cleveland medical negligence attorney, I can assess the facts of your case today and develop a strategy for moving forward with your claim. When it comes to negligent doctors and other healthcare providers, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 for more information.
