Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects patients throughout Pennsylvania. When doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers fail to meet the standards of care, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the common types of medical malpractice cases can help you recognize if you have a valid claim. This post will explore the most frequent types of medical malpractice cases and the legal steps you can take if you are a victim.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. This could be a mistake made during diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or during surgery. Patients rely on healthcare professionals to make decisions based on their knowledge and experience. When this trust is broken, it can lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are one of the most common types of medical malpractice cases. They can occur during any type of surgery, whether it’s a routine procedure or a major operation. Some of the most common surgical errors include:

• Performing the wrong surgery or procedure: A doctor may perform surgery on the wrong organ or body part, leading to unnecessary damage and health complications.
• Leaving objects inside the body: This includes surgical tools, sponges, or other instruments that are mistakenly left behind during surgery.
• Anesthesia errors: Anesthesia mistakes can cause severe complications, including brain damage, heart failure, or even death if not properly administered.

Surgical errors are serious and can lead to long-lasting complications. If you’ve suffered due to a surgical mistake, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim.

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can be one of the most damaging forms of medical malpractice. If a doctor misdiagnoses a condition, it can lead to incorrect or delayed treatment, worsening the patient’s health. Common examples of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis include:

• Failure to diagnose cancer: If a doctor fails to recognize the signs of cancer early, it can delay treatment and reduce the patient’s chances of recovery.
• Misdiagnosing heart attacks: A heart attack that’s mistaken for something less serious can result in death or permanent damage to the heart.
• Inaccurate diagnosis of infections: Bacterial or viral infections that go untreated due to incorrect diagnosis can cause severe complications.

Early diagnosis is critical to treatment, and any failure to diagnose or delay diagnosis could have serious consequences. If your condition worsened because of a doctor’s error, you may have a valid case for medical malpractice.

 Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are often a result of medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries can have lifelong consequences for both the child and the mother. Some common birth injuries caused by malpractice include:

• Erb’s palsy: This is a condition that affects the arm and shoulder muscles, often caused by excessive force during delivery.
• Cerebral palsy: This is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage that can occur during delivery, sometimes due to lack of oxygen or improper use of medical tools.
• Delayed C-section: When a C-section is delayed, it can result in injury to both the mother and child.

Birth injuries can cause significant emotional and financial burdens. If you suspect that your child’s birth injury was caused by a medical mistake, you should seek legal advice to understand your options for compensation.

Medication Errors

Medication errors are another common form of medical malpractice. These errors can occur at any point in the process, from prescribing to administering medication. Some types of medication errors include:

• Prescription mistakes: A doctor may prescribe the wrong medication or the wrong dosage, leading to harmful side effects.
• Medication interactions: Some drugs can interact with others in dangerous ways. If a healthcare provider fails to consider these interactions, the patient can suffer serious consequences.
• Administering the wrong drug: A nurse or pharmacist may give the wrong medication to a patient, either through mislabeling or misunderstanding of instructions.

Medication errors can result in severe reactions, hospitalizations, or even death. If you or a loved one was harmed due to a medication error, you may have grounds for a claim.

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Informed consent is a fundamental right that ensures a patient understands the risks and benefits of a medical procedure before it is performed. A healthcare provider is required to explain the potential risks, complications, and alternatives before proceeding with a treatment or surgery. Failure to obtain informed consent can result in a malpractice claim if the patient suffers harm as a result.

For example, if a patient undergoes a surgery without fully understanding the risks involved and suffers complications, the healthcare provider may be held accountable for failing to inform the patient.

Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing home negligence falls under the broader category of medical malpractice. When patients in nursing homes or long-term care facilities are not given the proper care, they can suffer injuries. Common nursing home malpractice includes:

• Neglect: Failure to assist with daily needs such as feeding, hygiene, and mobility.
• Physical abuse: Staff may physically harm residents, leading to injuries or even death.
• Medication mismanagement: Residents may not receive their prescribed medications or may receive incorrect doses.

Nursing home negligence cases can be emotionally difficult, but they are serious and can lead to long-term consequences for the victims.

Hospital Negligence

Hospitals are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the best possible care during their stay. When hospitals fail to provide appropriate care, they may be held accountable for malpractice. Common examples of hospital negligence include:

• Failure to monitor patients: A patient may suffer due to a lack of monitoring after surgery or during recovery.
• Infection control failures: Hospitals are expected to maintain a sterile environment to prevent the spread of infections. If a patient contracts an infection due to poor sanitation practices, the hospital may be liable.

Hospitals must adhere to strict standards of care. If you or a loved one suffered because of a hospital’s negligence, legal action may be necessary.

Conclusion

Medical malpractice cases can be complex and emotionally taxing, but understanding the common types of medical malpractice can help you recognize if you’ve been a victim. Whether it’s a surgical error, misdiagnosis, birth injury, or another form of negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible.

At Kingbird Legal, we understand the challenges you face when dealing with the consequences of medical malpractice. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers is committed to fighting for your rights and helping you receive the compensation you deserve. If you believe you have a medical malpractice case in Pennsylvania, contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice you need.