Types of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can lead to significant damage and emotional distress for the affected patients, as well as close family and friends. Errors caused by physicians, medical staff and hospitals can result in serious injuries that can lead to permanent disability and even death. The following are some of the most common types of medical errors and carelessness that can result in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Birth Injury

The birth of a child is supposed to be a joyful occasion, but careless mistakes can turn this happy event into a nightmare. Failure to diagnose specific conditions such as Rh incompatibility, metabolic disorders and oxygen shortage can result in permanent brain damage to the infant.

Medication Errors

Prescribing the wrong medications to patients can lead to devastating health consequences. According to some statistics, as many as 100,000 cases of medication error occur in the U.S. alone each year. Such mistakes often include prescribing the wrong drug, prescribing drugs that are dangerous in combination and writing prescriptions that are illegible or misread by pharmacy staff.

Failure to Diagnose

Failing to diagnose a serious illness can result in permanent disability or even death. When doctors do not diagnose a major medical condition such as cancer or heart disease, they can be held responsible when their mistake leads to injury, impairment or death.

Elder Abuse

Recent reports indicate that elder abuse in nursing homes and other care settings is on the rise. This form of abuse can involve everything from neglect to actual physical injury. This type of medical malpractice can result due to inexperienced or untrained staff as well as administrative negligence.

Wrongful Death

Medical malpractice cases can also be brought forward when a patient dies due to the actions or negligence of a doctor or hospital. Such cases are called wrongful death lawsuits. In many of these cases, bereaved families are left with massive medical bills, in addition to the loss of their loved one. Monetary awards typically account for the financial aspects as well as the pain and suffering experienced by partners and family members.