When patients visit a hospital or another medical facility, they expect to receive a reasonable standard of care. Unfortunately, doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other health-care professionals make mistakes. This is why physicians and surgeons must have insurance to pay patients for any losses they suffer as a result of negligent treatment.
Medical malpractice is more common than most people assume. If you were injured due to the negligence of a health-care provider in Florida, then the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. may be able to help. Call us today at 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, here are five common forms of medical malpractice that may give you valid grounds for a claim:
1. Failing to take action on test results
Many people suffer a variety of medical problems. Some doctors will focus exclusively on the test results from one procedure or illness, perhaps two, while ignoring those they consider less serious. Unfortunately, failing to act on test results can prove extremely detrimental to the overall health of their patients, potentially worsening an issue because of a lack of treatment.
2. Delays in treatment or diagnosis
Many reasons exist for delays in treatment or diagnosis, but when they happen, patients may be in danger due to untreated or undiagnosed medical emergencies. When it comes to your health, every second is crucially important. An example of this type of malpractice is rushing to the emergency room at midnight only to have your treatment postponed until the morning.
4. Inadequate follow-up procedures after treatment.
Many cases of medical malpractice occur after successful surgery or treatment, when doctors fail to provide post-treatment care. Follow-up appointments are crucial, and it is the medical provider’s responsibility to develop a recovery plan. Doctors must check that medications are working properly and that no complications are arising from the surgery or treatment.
4.Insufficient patient preparation prior to a procedure
It is imperative that medical providers prepare their patients for a surgical procedure or a specific treatment. This may mean adjusting medications prior to surgery or stopping them altogether, or double-checking that patients follow restrictions in diet. Preparing the patient can have an enormous effect on the outcome of a life-threatening test or surgical procedure.
5. Failure to monitor patients adequately.
Medication reactions, vital signs and surgery outcomes require regular monitoring to ensure patients do not suffer unexpected or adverse side effects of treatment. Without adequate monitoring, the patient’s condition can worsen quickly. For example, a nurse may think the patient is merely sleeping when he or she is actually slipping into a life-threatening coma.
Medical malpractice is such a widespread problem that experts recommended advocating your own medical care, such as getting a second opinion and ensuring proper communication between your surgeon and primary care physician. If you are suffering because of a medical mistake, then call the Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. at 305-290-1736 to consult a medical malpractice attorney.