Medical malpractice occurs when medical providers make a mistake that rises to the level of medical negligence, subsequently harming a patient. Unfortunately, medical malpractice occurs everywhere, including at local Kansas City hospitals. If you think you were harmed by a hospital doctor, nurse, or another medical provider, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common hospital errors. Read on to learn more about the six most common medical errors that can occur.
1. Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose
Hospitals are constantly busy, especially in emergency rooms. One of the most significant issues for people experiencing a medical crisis is a doctor’s failure to diagnose or misdiagnose. Doctors triage people based on the severity of injuries or illness, and many facilities are short-staffed. That can lead to a medical provider rushing through and missing something critical that causes a patient irreparable harm.
2. Medication Errors
Medication errors happen when someone prescribes the wrong medication or fails to recognize dangerous interactions with medications you might already be taking. That’s why it’s so important to be honest about all medications and supplements you take. Medication errors can also occur when a nurse accidentally gives you the wrong dose or administers medicine at the wrong time.
3. Surgical Errors
Any number of things can go wrong during surgery. However, some of these mistakes fall under medical malpractice. Some of the most common surgical errors include performing the incorrect procedure or in the wrong location on the body, leaving surgical instruments inside, or causing an unintended injury. For example, a doctor amputates the wrong leg or leaves surgical gauze inside the patient.
4. Childbirth Injuries
Errors involving childbirth can cause harm to both the mother and baby. These mistakes can occur during the mother’s pregnancy or when delivering the child. Examples include failure to diagnose prenatal complications, misuse of forceps during labor, or mishandling a baby during delivery. Childbirth-related errors can result in significant harm, such as cerebral palsy.
5. Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia is required in nearly every surgery, so the anesthesiologist must know what they are doing. Complications and mistakes can be especially dangerous, sometimes leading to death. Errors involving anesthesia can include administering too much anesthesia or not monitoring a patient’s vitals while under.
6. Hospital-Acquired Infections
Patients are at risk for hospital-acquired infections, especially when facilities don’t take proper precautions. Unsterile conditions, contaminated instruments, and improper staff hygiene are a few of the ways that patients can contract an infection. Illnesses can spread quickly in hospitals, especially among patients with weakened immune systems.
Contact a Kansas City Hospital Errors Lawyer
If you have experienced one of these common hospital errors or some other form of medical malpractice, it’s crucial to speak with a skilled Kansas City hospital errors lawyer. Proving medical malpractice is complex and requires you to follow specific guidelines and deadlines. Failure to adhere to these requirements could mean you lose your right to compensation.At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we have over 20 years of extensive litigation experience and a record of success when it comes to complex cases. With full-time doctor and nurse experts on staff, we are well-equipped to handle even the most complicated medical malpractice cases. Let us be your legal advocate when you need assistance with a medical malpractice claim. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and learn how we can help.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
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