The capabilities of trained professionals and modern medical facilities are impressive. Advances in technology and knowledge about the human body have led to improved diagnostic abilities and treatments for conditions that used to prove fatal. Partially as a result of this reality, most people have a lot of faith in the modern medical system and believe that if they ever need to seek care, the doctor or other medical professional evaluating their case will provide them with a proper diagnosis and the best treatment options available. What many people do not understand is that medical malpractice is still shockingly common in the United States.
Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of death among adults, and many others end up hurt or coping with worse medical outcomes because of the failings of medical professionals they’ve trusted. If someone is able to identify medical malpractice, they can potentially avoid it or at least respond appropriately if it occurs. The following are three of the most common types of medical malpractice in the United States.
Diagnostic errors
The diagnostic process is key to the administration of appropriate medical treatment. After all, medical professionals can’t resolve symptoms until they know what actually causes them. Unfortunately, diagnostic errors affect millions of Americans each year and cause tens of thousands of deaths. Sometimes doctors completely fail to diagnose people, and other times, they diagnose patients with the wrong condition. In either case, those failings can lead to severely worsened medical outcomes.
Surgical mistakes
There are numerous types of surgical errors that can lead to poor outcomes for patients. From anesthesia errors that might prove fatal to operations performed on the wrong part of the body, surgical errors are more common than people realize that often have major medical consequences. Surgical errors can leave someone unable to undergo necessary treatment or can drastically increase their recovery time.
Medication errors
There are numerous ways in which medication errors can occur. A doctor might prescribe a medication that has an interaction with someone’s pre-existing prescription drug regimen. A nurse might administer the wrong medication to a patient during their rounds in a hospital ward. A pharmacy tech mites make an error when compounding a liquid suspension for intravenous (IV) administration. Any of these errors might result in dangerous outcomes for the patient or reduce the likelihood of them responding well to treatment.
Those who understand the more common types of medical malpractice can sometimes more easily recognize when poor medical care affects their family. Pursuing a medical malpractice claim can help malpractice victims cover the treatment costs and lost wages inspired by a medical error.