In 2016, about fourteen thousand doctors in the United States were served with malpractice lawsuits.
These numbers will continue to grow as time goes on. Medical malpractice is, unfortunately, becoming a fairly common lawsuit in the United States. Some of these lawsuits are fake, but some are all too real.
For the patients suffering from hospital negligence, a lawsuit is the only way to receive justice of some type.
If you suspect you are a victim of medical malpractice, this is the article for you. We will cover what makes up medical malpractice, what to do if you believe you are a victim, and other tips.
Table of Contents
What Defines Medical Malpractice?
The definition of medical malpractice is much simpler than it sounds. A medical error is the starting point from which a medical malpractice case could evolve. A mistake made by a medical team or a poor care plan has the potential to lead to a harmful situation for the patient, which can result in long-term pain, disability, or permanent damage.
Medical errors fall into two general categories:
Error of Omission
An error of omission occurs when the action does not happen. This can include a medical professional’s failure to notice malfunctioning equipment or failure to diagnose a serious disease.
Error of Commission
An error of commission, on the other hand, occurs when the action happens, but is the wrong action. Errors in this category can include scenarios like an operation occurring in the wrong area.
Signs You or Your Loved Ones Are a Victim of Medical Negligence
The most obvious signs that an individual is a victim of medical malpractice consist of:
- pain
- a significant change to your health or body
- long-term effects as a result of a medical procedure
- death of a patient
Certain diagnoses will not eliminate things like pain or changes to your body or wellness. However, medical negligence crosses a line when errors are involved.
It is difficult to diagnose medical malpractice on your own. But noting the above signs can send you on the right path to finding out if you have a case on your hands.
What to Do
The first step to take when you suspect you are a victim of malpractice is to connect with an experienced malpractice attorney. These law experts know the ins and outs of medical malpractice law. They will be able to assist you in determining if you have a lawsuit on your hands.
If you do indeed have a case, hiring a lawyer is the next obvious step. They will work closely with you as your case goes to court.
More info on the legal steps to take in a medical malpractice case is available online.
Stay up-to-Date On Medical Law News
The best way to find out if you are a victim of medical malpractice is to connect with a professional. There are several loopholes when it comes to medical care. And determining if one of these loopholes has been exploited is best left to the experts.
To keep up with the latest medical news and trends, stop by our website! We feature a variety of articles on Lifestyle and Health and plenty more topics.
