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The most common medical negligence and malpractice cases in 2020
Medical negligence is a legal term used when a devastating mistake results in a patient becoming harmed or a current condition is worsened. Medical malpractice, however, is when a medical professional knowingly fails to follow through with the basic standard of care, and as a result, the patient is severely injured, debilitated or even killed.
It’s frightening to think that even in 2020, thousands of cases of medical negligence and malpractice are still occurring. We reach out to our doctors when we’re frightened, vulnerable or when we’re expecting a new addition to the family. So, we expect a certain standard of care. Sadly, not every patient gets that experience. Click the link for more information regarding medical negligence payouts.
Here we’ll examine the most common medical negligence and malpractice cases in 2020.
Surgical errors
Of course, many surgical procedures go ahead without a hitch. However, a small percentage do take a disastrous turn. When your medical team fails to provide you with the care and attention you need and deserve during a surgical operation, then it can leave you disabled, mentally strained and in a worse position than you were before going under the knife. Even when minor surgeries go wrong, victims can be left picking up the pieces for years afterwards. These errors could include the following:
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Leaving surgical tools inside the patient
- Tissue damage/organ damage
- Infection and disease caused by a lack of proper care and hygiene
- The wrong operation being performed
Many of us rely on medication to see us through an infection, to help reduce pain, control mental health issues, and to keep us functioning. However, there are occasions when the wrong prescription can have a devastating effect. Issues with medication can stem from the doctor, from the dispenser or even during the manufacturing process.
- Wrong medication or dose has been prescribed
- The wrong medication or instructions have been dispensed
- Medications being taken together that shouldn’t be
- Allergies not being considered
- Issues with the manufacturing of the drug
The arrival of a new baby should be a joyous one. Sadly, some parents don't get the wonderful experience they were anticipating, with birth injuries resulting in disabilities, broken bones, nerve damage, the death of the mother or child, and even mistakes made in the earlier stages of pregnancy. If your birth was mishandled you should speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
- Cerebral Palsy
- Second- and third-degree tears
- Pre-eclampsia
- Failure to notice the baby in distress
- Injuries sustained after ventouse or forceps delivery
When you reach out to your doctor you expect to be taken seriously and correctly diagnosed. Sadly a large percentage of patients fail to achieve either of these things. When a serious medical condition is completely overlooked and missed, the patient’s condition can worsen and in some extreme cases, reduce their quality of life or even result in a shorter life expectancy. If an incorrect diagnosis is made, then the result is often the same.
Final thoughts…
Reach out to a personal injury solicitor if you believe you’re the victim of medical negligence.
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