According to a study conducted by a major US University, medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States. No one expects to be harmed by the people who are supposed to help heal them. Unfortunately, medical errors happen more often than you might think.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a medical procedure or incident, you may wonder if you have grounds for a medical malpractice suit. It can be confusing and daunting but knowing how to identify it is important, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal system.
This post will provide you with a basic understanding of medical malpractice and outline some key factors to consider.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is a legal term used to describe when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care. It can result in any number of injuries or death to the patient.
Medical malpractice can occur due to negligence, errors in judgment, or even deliberate wrongdoing. Being a victim of medical malpractice can be a traumatizing experience, leaving you or your loved one feeling betrayed, confused, and helpless.
4 Common Medical Malpractice Cases You Probably Didn’t Know
There are many instances in which a patient may feel they have been the victim of medical malpractice. However, not all cases of poor medical care will rise to the level of malpractice. To succeed, a patient must generally show that their provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care and that this failure caused them to suffer an injury.
With this in mind, here are four common examples of medical malpractice cases:
- Surgical errors: Any time a surgeon makes a mistake during an operation, it could be considered medical malpractice. This could include situations where the wrong body part is operated on, foreign objects are left inside the patient, or the wrong procedure is performed.
- Diagnostic errors: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can also be grounds for a medical malpractice case. This is especially true if the delay in diagnosis worsens a patient’s condition.
- Medication errors: Doctors and other healthcare providers must be careful when prescribing medication, as even a small error can have serious consequences. If a patient is given the wrong medication or dosage, they may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.
- Birth injuries: Unfortunately, sometimes things can go wrong during childbirth, even when the medical staff is doing everything right. If a baby is injured during delivery, the parents may be able to file a medical malpractice case.
Know Your Rights And Seek Compensation
Every case is different, so if you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. At Hashem Law Firm, we have the most experienced medical malpractice lawyers in the area.
We will help you understand your rights and options and fight to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. We know how to gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the responsible parties on your behalf. Contact us for a reliable medical malpractice law firm in Arkansas.