5 Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. To put that into perspective, about 250,000 patients die each year as a result of medical errors. That’s approximately 700 deaths per day. And while some cases are unavoidable, there are certain types of errors that are more common than others. Here are 5 of the most common types of medical malpractice and how you can avoid them.
1. Diagnostic Errors
One of the most common—and potentially deadly—types of medical malpractice is diagnostic errors. That’s because when a diagnosis is wrong, treatment can be delayed or completely wrong, which can lead to serious health complications or even death. To avoid this, it’s important to get a second opinion if you have any doubts about your diagnosis. You should also make sure that your physician runs all the necessary tests before rendering a diagnosis.
2. Medication Errors
Medication errors are also quite common and can have serious consequences. That’s because even a small mistake in prescribing medication can lead to serious side effects or an allergic reaction. To avoid this, make sure that you double-check your prescription with your pharmacist before taking any medication. You should also keep a list of all the medications you’re taking so that your doctor is aware of any potential interactions.
3. Surgery Errors
While surgery errors are relatively rare, they still happen. To avoid this, make sure that you choose a reputable surgeon who has experience performing the procedure you need. You should also ask your surgeon about any risks associated with the surgery and make sure that you understand them before proceeding. Finally, be sure to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.
4. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are relatively common—about 28,000 babies are born each year with some type of birth injury—and can range from minor to severe. To avoid this, make sure you choose a qualified Obstetrician who is experienced in performing the type of delivery you want. You should also be aware of any potential risks associated with childbirth and discuss them with your doctor beforehand. Finally, don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right during labor or delivery—trust your instincts!
5. Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors are one of the most dangerous types of medical malpractice because they can lead to serious complications or even death. To avoid this, make sure you choose an experienced anesthesiologist who is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). You should also ask your anesthesiologist about any potential risks associated with anesthesia and make sure you understand them before proceeding. Finally, be sure to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Medical malpractice is unfortunately quite common in the United States today. While no one wants to think about becoming a victim of medical malpractice, it is important to be aware of the risks. By understanding what medical malpractice is, how it happens, and what you can do to protect yourself, you can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim. If you or someone you know has been a victim of medical malpractice , please contact our office for a free consultation. We would be happy to review your case and answer any questions you may have.
