Medical malpractice is defined as professional negligence of a healthcare provider that results in injury or death. This encompasses a broad spectrum of circumstances, but most cases are a direct result of inaccurate records or miscommunication. However, some doctors also practice substandard methods of treatment, which could result in catastrophic consequences for the patient. No matter why you have decided to seek medical care, here are three of the most common forms of negligence to look out for during your treatment.
Medication and Anesthesia
Although mistakes are sometimes unavoidable, errors related to medicine dosage or anesthesia can have devastating side effects depending on the amount administered and the health of the patient. While the effects of a mix-up are usually harmless, a child may experience more severe symptoms than an adult, causing long-term dysfunction and pain. Another concern when it comes to medication and anesthesia is whether a patient has an allergy to certain substances. A simple oversight could cause a patient to die or go into anaphylactic shock, much like a reaction to bee venom or shellfish. If you are prone to severe allergic reactions, make sure your medical records clearly state this fact for the benefit of your doctor.
Diagnosing and Treating a Condition
Medical malpractice can also stem from failure to diagnose or treat a condition. In fact, any delay when it comes to diagnosing cancer, disease or infection qualifies as negligence. In some cases, this includes inaccurate interpretation of scans or x-rays, but improper treatment for a known condition can be just as harmful, especially if you have experienced a stroke or heart attack. With recent advances in electronic record keeping, technical errors are also becoming more frequent. For patients who depend on consistent treatment or medication, even the slightest fluctuation could be dangerous.
Emergency Treatment and Discharge
For many people, a trip to the emergency room is a matter of unexpected illness that entails hours of waiting and discomfort. Patients who choose to visit a local hospital for emergency care expect a thorough health assessment along with relevant referrals for additional treatment. Unfortunately, early discharge without a confirmed diagnosis can cause further complications and form the foundation of a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you refuse to receive treatment in the emergency room, you may be required to sign a statement that verifies your decision. This confirms that the patient will not pursue legal action against the health care provider in the event of a subsequent illness.
With so many options for treatment now available to patients, it is important to understand the consequences of medical malpractice. Once you have learned to recognize medical malpractice, you can hire an attorney to assist you with a claim.