Medical malpractice is a commonly heard term but rarely understood. Many medical dramas will have an episode in which one of the stars is accused of malpractice but these shows rarely go deeper about what malpractice is. 

That’s because medical malpractice is a very broad term that can apply to any situation where a patient is harmed by a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider failing to provide proper health care treatment. Below are a few of the most common forms of medical malpractice that patients have filed lawsuits over.

Anesthesia Errors

One of the most important jobs in a surgical situation is the anesthesiologist. This medical professional’s entire job is dedicated to ensuring that patients are properly numbed or unconscious for the full duration of the procedure. If there is an error in anesthesia, not only does the patient experience all of the pain of their surgery, but sometimes they can still be sedated and unable to scream or move.

Childbirth Injuries

From failure to diagnose potential health concerns with the mother, to concealing potential birth defect information, childbirth injuries cover a broad range of injuries, both physical and emotional, that take place from the first pregnancy appointment up to the birth.

Failure to Treat

A patient who is discharged early or is not believed by their health care provider and goes on to suffer an injury has been harmed by that provider’s failure to treat. This failure arises from a health care provider’s responsibility to treat every patient fully and to the best of their abilities.

Medication Errors

If a patient is given the wrong medication or the wrong dosage, the effects can be life-threatening. If a healthcare provider administers the wrong dosage of medication, this is a more serious type of medication error.

Misdiagnosis

Medicine may be complex, but if a doctor repeatedly fails or refuses to administer tests for a disease that then grows uncontrollably, and instead diagnoses the patient with a minor ailment instead, that misdiagnosis can be dangerous or even life-threatening.

Surgical Errors

A surgeon trains for years to master the bodily precision necessary to perform complex surgical procedures safely. If, for whatever reason, that surgeon fails to perform the operation safely and accidentally causes a life-threatening injury, then a medical malpractice lawsuit for a surgical error can be filed. 

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice you will need an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help you pursue justice. A medical malpractice attorney will be able to advocate for you even if you are physically unable to fight.

The best place to find an experienced medical malpractice attorney is Attorney at Law. At AAL, our nationwide network of attorneys and law firms will pair you up with the best attorneys in your area. Our partners have seen the horrors of malpractice and the damage that can occur. That’s why the firms we partner with don’t just prioritize your case, they prioritize your experience. 

Don’t wait, contact AAL today for a free, no obligation consultation and begin your journey towards better health today.