Medical errors can have devastating consequences, disrupting the lives of patients and their families. If you want to seek justice, understanding the types of mistakes that may have caused your injuries is an essential step. Below, we explore common medical errors that can lead to malpractice claims, providing insights into how these errors occur and how victims can pursue their legal rights.
Diagnostic Errors
Diagnostic mistakes are among the most common forms of medical negligence and can have severe repercussions for patients. These errors occur when a medical professional misdiagnoses a condition, delays the diagnosis, or fails to diagnose an illness entirely.
Examples include:
- Misdiagnosing serious conditions like cancer, heart attacks, or strokes as less urgent issues
- Delayed diagnoses that prevent timely treatment and worsen patient outcomes
- Failure to order appropriate tests or interpret test results accurately
Diagnostic errors can lead to serious injury or even preventable deaths, often leaving victims or their families with lasting emotional and financial burdens.
Surgical Errors
While surgery inherently carries risks, medical negligence during or after a surgical procedure can result in severe harm. Examples of surgical errors include:
- Operating on the wrong site or performing the wrong procedure
- Leaving surgical instruments or materials inside the body
- Lack of proper post-operative care leading to infections or complications
When these errors occur, they can leave patients facing further medical procedures, long-term health challenges, or worse, permanent disability.
Medication Errors
Medication errors happen when healthcare providers prescribe or administer drugs incorrectly. This can arise due to:
- Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
- Failing to consider drug allergies or dangerous interactions
- Mixing up patient medication records
These mistakes can cause serious health complications and, in extreme cases, may even lead to fatal outcomes for patients.
Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are another tragic example of medical negligence and can affect both infants and mothers during labor and delivery. Common causes include:
- Failure to recognize signs of fetal distress
- Improper use of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors
- Delayed cesarean sections when medically necessary
The consequences of birth injuries can range from minor conditions to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, leaving families to cope with emotional pain, financial hardship, and ongoing medical care needs.
Failure to Obtain Proper Consent
Medical professionals are required to inform patients of the risks and benefits associated with treatments or procedures before obtaining consent. Ignoring this responsibility can lead to grave consequences. Failing to obtain proper informed consent may occur when:
- A procedure proceeds without adequately informing the patient of risks
- A patient is misled about the benefits or alternatives of a treatment
Without proper consent, patients may unknowingly face significant risks and severe complications, leaving them unprepared for the consequences.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you suspect that a medical error caused undue harm to you or a loved one, pursuing legal action may be appropriate. Medical malpractice cases are complex, requiring extensive investigation, expert testimony, and an understanding of Maryland's malpractice laws, including the statute of limitations.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Victims in Maryland and D.C.
Medical errors can irreparably alter lives, but victims of malpractice have the right to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical error in Maryland, Fay Law Group, P.A. is here for you. Our compassionate and experienced legal representation can help you determine whether the care you received meets acceptable medical standards and whether you have grounds for a claim. With more than 50 years of serving clients in medical malpractice, we're ready to fight on your behalf. We can help you seek fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by negligence.
Call us today at (202) 589-1300 to schedule a consultation.