Common Medical Errors That May Lead to Medical Malpractice Claims

We are in a rapidly changing time for medical treatments and health. Technology has created a fast-paced evolution in the medical field. Some of these advancements are of tremendous benefit to injured people. For example, expansions in diagnostic trials—such as top-end MRI scans—can assist in pinpointing severe brain injuries.

Still, there remain notable gaps in medical treatment that can result in failures to diagnose injuries and ailments. Likewise, some medical providers act with negligence, resulting in injuries and even death due to a variety of medical errors.

Fortunately, with the help of a highly qualified California medical malpractice lawyer, you may file a medical malpractice claim to obtain the economic and non-economic losses you incurred.

When you are suffering from a medical condition or illness, you trust medical professionals to offer competent medical treatment that upholds the required standard of care. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we have over 30 years of experience helping medical malpractice victims secure millions in settlements and judgments.

Attorney Eric Ratinoff is a seasoned trial lawyer. He is equipped not only to advocate for you, but also to connect you with the care you need to recover. Our skilled legal team employs advanced legal strategies, utilizing our best resources to communicate our clients’ stories. From retaining valuable field expert testimonies to graphic storyboards and micro-documentaries, we fight on your behalf to obtain complete compensation for the losses suffered due to medical negligence.

4 Most Common Medical Errors That May Lead to Medical Malpractice Claims

If a medical professional violated their duty of care and failed to uphold their medical standard, you may recover compensatory damages. The following are the four most common errors that lead to medical malpractice claims:

1. Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose are common medical errors, with over 12 million people suffering from medical misdiagnosis annually in the US. This type of medical error often occurs when similar symptoms are present in different illnesses, which can cause confusion. Likewise, misdiagnosis occurs when less common symptoms are present that are difficult to diagnose. An accurate diagnosis is imperative for adequate patient care. Without it, a patient may suffer complications, injuries, or worsening conditions.

2. Prescription Errors

Prescription errors occur for a variety of reasons and often go unreported by patients. The following are common reasons for these types of errors:

  • A medical provider makes a mistake when writing the prescription
  • Hospital staff incorrectly administers the medication
  • A pharmacist incorrectly fills a prescription
  • Dangerous drug interactions occur because doctors fail to read a patient’s chart

Prescription errors may result in long-term consequences for victims, including injury, worsening conditions, or even death. A healthcare provider is lawfully required to uphold a standard duty of care, including ensuring the right medication is administered and contains no potential allergic reactions or interactions with other prescription medications.

3. Surgical Errors

Surgical errors result from failing to adequately prepare before the operation or acting with negligence during the surgical procedure. Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:

  • Operating on the wrong body part
  • Performing the wrong operation
  • Leaving a foreign object inside the body
  • Operating on the wrong patient

Other common types of surgical errors following a procedure include inadequate postoperative instructions, neglecting to follow postoperative procedures, or administering the wrong medications or dosages during or after surgery.

4. Anesthesia Errors

An anesthesiologist is responsible for administering the proper amount of anesthesia. If too little is administered, patients may wake during their procedure, and if too much is administered, patients may suffer permanent injuries or even death.

Speak With a Knowledgeable Medical Malpractice Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.

If you have suffered injuries due to a medical error, speak with a highly qualified medical malpractice lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. for an assessment of your claim. With our compassionate, tailored legal services, our goal is to tell your story and recover maximum compensation, holding medical providers accountable for their careless actions. We’ve been advocating for medical malpractice victims for over 30 years. The people we represent are worth the fight.

Schedule a complimentary consultation at (916) 970-9100 or fill out our contact form to speak with a skilled medical malpractice lawyer.