Brain Injury Attorney

Medical malpractice is a common claim made after a doctor or medical professional doesn’t provide adequate care for a patient. Medical malpractice claims are very complex, as they are subject to a lot of rules, exceptions to those rules, and elements that need to be proven. Not every medical error and negative outcome rises to medical malpractice. Because these claims are often both complex and nebulous, consulting a lawyer is a good step to take if you believe that you may have suffered as a result of substandard care. An attorney can answer your questions and clarify both your rights and options under the law. 

There are many different situations that can give rise to a medical malpractice claim. Here are five of the most common types of medical malpractice.

Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnosis

When a doctor doesn’t recognize a life-threatening condition, it can have devastating effects. The patient can get the wrong medication, thus not treating the problem and compounding the issue with inadequate and/or harmful treatment. Many doctors misdiagnose a heart attack or overlook cancer. If there are long-lasting consequences to a misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, you may have a claim of malpractice.

Surgical Errors

Most hospitals and surgical centers have multiple protocols to prevent errors in surgery, but it does happen. The surgeon may operate on the wrong site. Surgeons leave instruments in the surgical site. Anesthesia errors during surgery are also common.

Birth Injuries

OBGYNs have some of the highest malpractice rates because of childbirth-related mistakes. Not only can the baby be harmed, but so can the mother. Nerve damage or spinal cord injuries are common birth injuries that occur because of doctor negligence. As an experienced brain injury lawyer – including those who practice at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols – can confirm, brain injuries resulting from deprivation of oxygen and/or birth-related trauma are also common grounds upon which patients file medical malpractice suits.

Prescription Drug Errors

Drug errors occur from prescription to dosing. It’s not only the doctor who can make a mistake in prescribing the medication. The pharmacist could make a mistake and give you the wrong medication. The nurse could give you the wrong dose. Another common error is not checking for drug interactions before giving a patient medication.

Medical Product Liability

Manufacturers that produce medical equipment have a duty to make sure their products are safe and effective. When medical devices don’t work right, it can cause injuries to the patient. The manufacturer of the product can be liable for harm caused to victims.