Medical Mistakes: Common Errors Made by Doctors

Generally speaking, medical professionals are among the most trusted and caring people in the world. However, medical mistakes can and do occur. While life-threatening errors are rare, there are some medical mistakes that seem to happen more often than others. Medical malpractice lawsuits are usually made up of the following blunders made by medical professionals. It is important for people to be aware of the common issues and what their rights may be surrounding their claim so that they may receive due justice.

Prenatal Negligence

One of the most common mistakes found in medical malpractice cases is in prenatal negligence. This essentially means that the medical professional did not provide adequate care to a patient during any or all of the stages of her pregnancy. Examples of prenatal negligence are:

  • Failure to identify birth defects that can reasonably be discovered prior to birth
  • Failure to discover ectopic pregnancy
  • Failure to diagnosis medical condition in mother or child

Prenatal negligence can carry over to issues associate with the development of the child postpartum. Reaching out for advice from an attorney as soon as possible can help connect the dots between medical issues with a child and the prenatal care of the mother.

Medication Mistakes

Medication mistakes are certainly harmful as amount or administration can lead to serious injury or death. Common issues associated with medication are:

  • Failure to administer proper dosage
  • Failure to provide proper prescription
  • Failure to detect issues with equipment that administers dosage

Medication mistakes can have a huge impact on a person’s health. Mixing medications, failure to receive proper medication, or overdosing can cause serious injury or even death.

Anesthesia Mistakes

Anesthesia is very serious. One mistake with this type of procedure and people can have permanent brain impairment, paralysis, or death. Some of the most common reasons that medical professionals are sued over medical mistakes are due to the following reasons:

  • Failure to review patient’s entire medical history
  • Not notifying individuals of the complications and risks
  • Failure to monitor vital signs
  • Using faulty or outdated equipment

Surgery Mistakes

Mistakes made during surgery can be the most terrifying for patients. Some of the most commonly reported mistakes made on the operating table are:

  • Performing the wrong operation
  • Injuring vital organs during the surgery
  • Negligent post-op care
  • Leaving surgical tools inside the body

Surgical mistakes can lead to unnecessary procedures, infection, and a more difficult recovery. If you suspect your surgery was not completed properly, reach out for help immediately.

Seeking Advice

While medical mistakes are not very common, they can happen. If you or someone you know have been seriously affected by the negligence of medical professionals, reach out to someone who can help you through the process. The litigation attorneys at Hendrickson and Long PLLC are ready to hear from you. Located in Charleston, West Virginia Hendrickson and Long have years of experience representing people who deserve their day in court. Allow their knowledge and insight to work for you. Contact them today.