When you visit a hospital, you expect to get better, not worse. Doctors, nurses, and other medical workers are supposed to care for your health. But sometimes, mistakes happen, and these mistakes can cause serious harm. This is called medical malpractice.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to poor medical care, it’s wise to contact medical malpractice lawyers at Zinn Law Firm to understand your legal options and protect your rights.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to give proper care, and a patient is harmed because of it. According to the National Institutes of Health, medical errors are one of the top causes of death in the United States.
Medical malpractice is not just about a treatment not working; it’s about a mistake or neglect that could have been avoided. This may include giving the wrong medicine, delaying treatment, or performing surgery the wrong way.
Common Ways You May Become a Medical Malpractice Victim
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most common mistakes in hospitals is when a doctor gives the wrong diagnosis or takes too long to find the right one. This means you might be treated for an illness you don’t have while the real issue gets worse. A delayed diagnosis of a serious illness like cancer can make treatment less effective or even useless. If your condition is misdiagnosed or delayed, you are a victim of medical malpractice.
Medication Mistakes
Doctors and nurses must give the right medicine in the right amount. But sometimes, they give the wrong drug or the wrong dose or ignore a patient’s allergy. This can lead to serious health problems or even death. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if something feels off. If you find the doctor or the nurse has provided you with the wrong medicine or dosage, you can file a medical malpractice claim.
Surgical Errors
Surgery is risky, but some problems happen because of clear mistakes. These may include operating on the wrong body part, leaving tools inside a patient, or damaging other organs during surgery. These errors are often caused by lack of focus, tiredness, or not following safety steps.
Lack of Informed Consent
Before you agree to a treatment or surgery, your doctor should explain the risks and possible outcomes. This is called informed consent. If you weren’t properly informed and something goes wrong, you may have a malpractice case. You have the right to know what you’re saying “yes” to.
Birth Injuries
Medical errors during childbirth can harm both the mother and the baby. This includes failing to monitor the baby’s heart rate, delaying a needed C-section, or using tools like forceps incorrectly. These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities or even death.
Conclusion
Medical malpractice can happen to anyone, even when you think you are in good hands. Knowing how it happens can help you stay alert and ask questions about your care. If you believe a mistake caused you harm, don’t wait; contact medical malpractice lawyers to file a lawsuit and hold the negligent party accountable.
