Getting Familiar with the Common Types of Medical Malpractice

It might be surprising to learn that medical malpractice affects many people in the United States. Getting familiar with the common types of medical malpractice is a good place to start if you or a loved one feels they may be entitled to compensation due to the negligence of a medical professional.

Malpractice takes many forms and the impact can range from short-term problems to permanent, life-changing health problems and even death. With an estimated 250,000 Americans dying from medical malpractice related incidents each year, it’s important to know everything we can about holding those who were negligent accountable.

7 Common Types of Medical Malpractice

 
1. Failure to Diagnose - One of the most common types of medical malpractice is referred to as failure to diagnose. As its name implies, the failure to diagnose can cause serious health problems and in many cases, death. For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose an injury that if left untreated, it creates the need for surgery and leads to a permanent disability and chronic pain. This common type of medical malpractice may entitle the victim to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.
 
2. Surgical Error - Surgical error is a common type of medical malpractice that occurs during, before or after surgery. Surgical errors examples include operating on the wrong body part or failure to provide adequate post-surgical care. While there is a range of types of surgical errors, many can cause illness and serious, long-term health problems.
 
3. Incorrect Treatment - Incorrect treatment of a medical condition is a common type of medical malpractice in which a patient experiences detrimental health problems or death as a result of a physician who provides the wrong treatment of a critical illness or injury.
 
4. Birth Injury - A birth injury is a very serious and, unfortunately, common type of medical malpractice. Errors that occur as a result of a doctor or technician’s mistakes during pregnancy, labor and/or delivery can be devastating to the entire family. The most common type of medical malpractice related to birth is cerebral palsy, which can happen when the baby is deprived of oxygen during the birth process. Not performing C-section when needed or negligent/improper monitoring are also common mistakes that lead to birth injuries and may be considered medical malpractice.
 
5. Cancer misdiagnosis - Cancer misdiagnosis is a devastating and common type of medical malpractice. When cancer is not diagnosed in the early stages, it can mean the difference between life and death. If you or a loved one has experienced a cancer misdiagnosis, you may want to contact an attorney to understand your rights under the law.
 
6. Medication errors - Common types of malpractice claims are related to errors in prescribing and administering prescription medications. When a doctor prescribes the wrong drug or dosage, it can lead to overdoses and long-term health problems. Medication error can also happen when a pharmacist provides the wrong medication to the patient. Another way medical malpractice happens is when medical professionals fail to check for drug allergies or interactions with existing medications.
 
7. Bedsores - Bedsores are another of the common types of medical malpractice. They are also referred to as pressure ulcers because they form on pressure points as a result of an ill patient being left in the same position for too long. Bedsores are considered a “never event” and are usually a sign of neglect. Bedsores can lead to many other serious health problems if left untreated.

If you or a family member are a victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Call Bonner Law at 1-800-4MEDMAL or visit our page for a free consultation.

Michael P. Bonner has over 30 years of experience representing clients in medical malpractice litigation.

Contact Bonner Law for a free consultation today.