Despite the thorough training of doctors and tight regulations in the medical industry, mistakes still happen. Thousands of people are injured every year due to medical mistakes, and some are even killed.
Nonetheless, there is a difference between an honest mistake and negligence. Negligence is the key factor that decides whether or not malpractice occurred. What are some of the more common types of medical malpractice?
Failing to make a diagnosis
Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step in medical treatment. To make a diagnosis, doctors need to listen to their patients, conduct physical examinations and utilize diagnostic tests.
Making a diagnosis can be difficult, but doctors have a duty to act to the best of their abilities. When doctors have not exercised due caution, and misdiagnose the patient as a result, this could amount to medical malpractice.
Errors with anesthesia
The best way to treat many health conditions is surgery. Major surgical procedures typically require the patient to undergo general anesthetic. This is so they are not conscious during the operation.
Anesthesia only works properly when it is administered in the appropriate doses. Too little an amount and the patient could wake up mid-procedure. Too large an amount and the patient could suffer potentially fatal cardiac issues.
Other examples of medical malpractice
Here are some other types of medical malpractice:
- Wrong-site surgery
- Prescribing the wrong medications
- Failure to refer
- Hospital-acquired infections
Mistakes aren’t necessarily medical malpractice. However, physical and psychological harms caused by doctor negligence are medical malpractice because a breach of duty has occurred. Seek legal guidance to find out more about the law in this area.
