Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims
May 22, 2019
In addition to being highly educated and trained medical professionals, doctors are also human, and capable of making mistakes. They often work very long hours in high-stress situations, which can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. Exhausted doctors are more likely to make mistakes, some of which are minor, and do not impact the health or the patient. Other mistakes are more serious and can cause severe injuries or unexpected fatalities. Patients whose health has been compromised by a medical mistake are urged to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. The following are examples of the most common types of errors that lead to medical malpractice lawsuits:
- Diagnosing Errors: This is the leading type of physician error. There are several ways that a health care provider can make a mistake when diagnosing a condition, including an incorrect diagnosis or a late diagnosis. The consequences of a diagnosis error can be extremely serious and fatal if the mistake resulted in delayed or incorrect treatment.
- Treatment Errors: This usually involves providing the wrong treatment for the injury or illness, but it can also involve failure to refer a patient to a specialist or follow-up care.
- Errors During Pregnancy and Childbirth: Even with the technology available today, a lot can go wrong during pregnancy and childbirth. The following are examples of medical problems that can lead to medical malpractice lawsuits:
– Heavy, unexplained vaginal bleeding
– Gestational diabetes
– Placenta previa
– Preeclampsia
– Negligence during a Caesarian section
– Premature birth
– Errors related to anesthesia administration
– Long labor that can jeopardize the health of the mother and/or baby
– Nerve injury to the baby during delivery - Prescription Errors: These are also common, and often result from administering too much or too little medication. In some cases, the health care provider administers the wrong medication. This can have serious consequences, particularly if there are any dangerous drug interactions or the patient has an allergic reaction.
- Surgical Errors: Common examples of surgical errors include damaging a nerve, failing to control excessive bleeding, and leaving an object inside the patient. In extreme cases, surgeons have been known to operate on the wrong body part.
- Device Error: Sometimes, things can go wrong with medical devices, which can impact the health and safety of patients. For example, if a device breaks during a surgical procedure, it can cause extreme pain and discomfort, or serious infections. If the device broke because it was defective, the manufacturer would likely be liable rather than the health care provider.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Medical Errors
If you or a loved one was injured due to a medical error, contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will determine who is responsible for your injury or illness and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our skilled legal team will walk you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are always protected. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
