According to National Practitioner Data Bank in 2003 there were approximately 15,000 paid medical malpractice claims against physicians (MDs and Dos.)This number has dropped more than 40% to below 8,900 by 2014. Although the numbers may have declined, this issue is still very relevant.
Medical malpractice is when a medical professional such as a doctor, nurse, or surgeon fails to provide the proper health care treatment. As a result of this, a patient is injured or dies. There are a variety of different situations that can lead to a medical malpractice claim. Claims require proof that because the medical professional was negligent, it caused the patient injuries which led to specific damages. If you believe you have a case, it is best to seek legal advice to get assistance with taking the proper steps in filing a claim. Below are the 4 common reasons that cause medical malpractice.
1.) ERRORS FROM SURGERY
Mistakes from a surgeon during an operation can have substantial consequences. Leaving surgical instruments in the body, puncturing internal organs, or operating on the wrong body part are some examples of ways medical malpractice claims arise.
2.) MEDICATION MISTAKES
When a doctor prescribes the wrong dosage, or type of medication to a patient or just a defective drug, and in result causes the patient injuries.
3.) MISDIAGNOSE OR FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE
This accounts for the largest amount of claims. When a doctor misdiagnoses or fails to diagnose a patient, a patient may have missed out on receiving a better outcome or even prevented injuries or wrongful death.
4.) FAILURE TO DIVULGE RISK
Doctors have a legal obligation to inform patients of any risk a procedure may have due to the duty of informed consent. If a patient gets injured and later finds out about the risk of the procedure then the doctor may be liable. For more information about filing a personal injury claim reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney today and discuss the details of your case.
