Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims

If you’re like many people, you trust healthcare providers to provide competent and compassionate care. However, mistakes can occur, resulting in what is known as medical malpractice. 

Understanding the common types of medical malpractice claims can help you recognize when you might have a case. Let’s explore some of these types below.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most common types of medical malpractice claims involves misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. This happens when a healthcare provider doesn’t accurately diagnose a condition or does so too late. These issues lead to harm or a worsening of the patient’s condition. 

Examples include failing to recognize symptoms of a heart attack or cancer, resulting in delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are another frequent cause of medical malpractice claims. These mistakes can vary from performing surgery on the incorrect body part to inadvertently leaving surgical instruments inside a patient. Surgical mistakes can lead to serious complications, additional surgeries, and long-term health issues for the patient.

Medication Errors

Medication errors happen when healthcare providers prescribe incorrect medication or dosage or overlook potential drug interactions. Such mistakes can lead to adverse reactions, deterioration of the patient’s condition, or even fatalities. Patients should diligently verify their prescriptions and raise concerns if they notice anything unusual.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries constitute another form of medical malpractice claim with severe repercussions. These injuries can happen during pregnancy, labor, or delivery and might stem from healthcare providers’ negligence. 

Examples of common birth injuries encompass cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage, all of which can profoundly impact the child and their family throughout their lives.

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors, although less common, can be particularly dangerous. Administering excessive or insufficient anesthesia, inadequate patient monitoring during surgery, and utilizing faulty equipment can all result in severe complications. Such complications may include brain damage or even death.

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Doctors must get permission from patients before doing any medical procedure. If they fail to do so, their negligence can lead to a medical malpractice claim. This is particularly true if the patient experiences harm due to insufficient information regarding the procedure’s risks and benefits.

Schedule a Medical Malpractice Claims Consultation in Pennsylvania

If you think you’ve been harmed by medical mistakes, seek legal help. Our lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey P.C. can explain what you need to do. Your health and well-being are our top priority. 

Call 888-536-2426 to schedule a consultation today. We proudly serve clients in Scranton,  Wilkes-Barre, Berwick, Tunkhannock, the Pocono Mountains area, northeast/central Pennsylvania, and the surrounding regions.