Frederick Jace
Medical negligence is a serious problem in the United States, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities every year. Over 400,000 deaths each year are attributed to medical errors, according to the Journal of Patient Safety. Nearly $4 billion is paid out annually in medical malpractice claims in the United States. Medical malpractice is far more common in Florida than you might think. How common is it? Florida is one of the top five states in terms of medical malpractice.
When a healthcare professional fails to give a patient the proper care or treatment, it is considered medical negligence, and the patient may suffer grave outcomes. In this article, we’ll talk about the five types of medicall that are most common and have serious consequences.
Birth Injuries
A study by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that 27 out of every 1,000 live births in the country result in birth injuries. In Florida, the parents, or the surviving parent, can go to the Florida civil courts to pursue compensation. Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyers can assist victims in examining their legal options, holding culpable parties accountable, and obtaining remuneration to cover medical and ongoing care costs.
The failure of a healthcare professional to recognize or appropriately address complications during labor and delivery can lead to these injuries. It can cause brain damage, cerebral palsy, and Erb’s palsy.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
When a healthcare professional misdiagnoses a medical condition, it may lead to ineffective or no treatment, while a delayed diagnosis may result in complications and delayed treatment. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis account for 34% of malpractice claims, according to a study published in BMJ Quality and Safety, with a median payout of $340,000. These figures demonstrate the serious effects of delayed or incorrect diagnoses on patients’ lives.
To guarantee that losses are adequately compensated for, patients who have experienced medical malpractice should seek the help of a medical malpractice attorney from Foyle Legal. They can aid in gathering proof, locating those who should be held accountable, and negotiating with insurance or healthcare companies.
Medication Errors
Medication mistakes happen when a medical professional prescribes the incorrect drug or dosage, which can cause negative side effects or complications. They cause harm to at least 1.5 million Americans yearly, according to a report by the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention.
Numerous things, including poor communication between healthcare professionals, illegible handwriting, a lack of patient information, and insufficient medication management systems, can contribute to these errors. The adverse side effects of medical errors in patients include allergic reactions, organ damage, and even death.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors take many forms and occur during surgical procedures, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, and performing unnecessary surgery. A Journal of the American Medical Association study states that surgical errors account for 22% of malpractice claims. The study also reveals that surgical error claims receive a median payout of $160,000, underscoring the seriousness of the harm done to patients.
Hospital-acquired Infections
Hospital-acquired infections include pneumonia, sepsis, and MRSA. According to a report by the CDC, one in 31 hospital patients in the US is exposed to hospital-acquired infections each year. Patients who need assistance navigating the complexities of medical malpractice cases. It is important for patients to defend their legal rights, pursue justice, and ensure that negligent healthcare providers are held accountable.
Conclusion
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, medication errors, surgical errors, birth injuries, and hospital-acquired infections are some of the most frequent types of medical malpractice that have disastrous effects. In the face of these sobering statistics and heartbreaking stories, it is clear that medical negligence is a problem that must be addressed.
Patients have the right to expect safe and effective medical care, and healthcare providers are responsible for delivering it. By understanding the most common forms of medical negligence and taking steps to hold those responsible accountable, we can work toward a future where medical errors are minimized and patients’ rights are protected. Let us continue to work towards a healthcare system that values patient safety above all else.
