Breaking Down Medical Malpractice 

In today’s complex healthcare landscape, medical malpractice has become a significant concern for patients and healthcare professionals alike. McCune Law Group recognizes the importance of shedding light on this crucial topic to help individuals understand the intricacies of medical malpractice. In this blog post, we will break down the concept of medical malpractice, explore common types of medical malpractice, and delve into the factors that may cause such incidents. 

Defining Medical Malpractice 

Medical malpractice refers to the negligence or substandard care provided by healthcare professionals that results in harm, injury, or death to a patient. It occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care in their field of expertise, leading to avoidable harm or injury. It is important to note that not every negative outcome in healthcare qualifies as medical malpractice, as the practice of medicine inherently carries some degree of risk. 

Common types of medical malpractice include: 

1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to correctly identify a patient’s condition, leading to incorrect or delayed treatment. This can have serious consequences, as patients may receive inappropriate treatments or miss out on the opportunity for timely interventions. These situations are litigable when a professional fails to diagnose due to negligence or malicious intent. Good faith misdiagnoses may not qualify. 
2. Surgical Errors: Surgical errors encompass a wide range of mistakes that occur during surgical procedures. These may include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or damaging adjacent organs. Surgical errors can cause severe complications and long-term consequences for patients. 
3. Medication Errors: Medication errors involve mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication. This can include prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failing to consider a patient’s allergies or potential drug interactions. Medication errors can lead to adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions, or other harmful effects. 
4. Birth Injuries: Birth injuries occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, and can result from medical negligence. Examples include failure to monitor the baby’s distress, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or failure to perform a timely cesarean section. Birth injuries can have lifelong implications for both the child and the parents. 
5. Anesthesia Errors: Anesthesia errors can range from administering the wrong dosage to failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs during a procedure. These errors can lead to serious complications, such as brain damage, organ failure, or even death. 

What Can Cause Medical Malpractice 

Several factors can contribute to medical malpractice incidents, including: 

1. Negligence: Negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected in their field, either through acts of commission or omission. 
2. Lack of Communication: Inadequate communication between healthcare providers, miscommunication of critical information, or poor communication with patients can contribute to medical errors. 
3. Inadequate Training or Experience: Healthcare professionals who lack the necessary training, experience, or expertise may be more prone to making mistakes. 
4. Fatigue and Burnout: Long working hours, high patient loads, and stressful work environments can lead to fatigue and burnout, increasing the risk of errors. 
5. Systemic Factors: Issues within healthcare systems, such as inadequate staffing, flawed protocols, or insufficient resources, can create an environment conducive to medical errors. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What should I do if I suspect I have been a victim of medical malpractice? 

• If you suspect that you have been a victim of medical malpractice, it is crucial to take immediate action. First and foremost, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention from another healthcare professional. They can assess your condition, address any immediate concerns, and provide necessary treatment. It is essential to gather evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, test results, and photographs of injuries, if applicable.  

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit? 

• The statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit varies by jurisdiction. Each state or country may have different time limits within which you must file your claim. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in medical malpractice as soon as possible. They will be familiar with the specific laws and deadlines in your area and can guide you accordingly. Failing to file within the specified timeframe can result in the loss of your right to pursue a legal claim. 

Is it necessary to go to court to resolve a medical malpractice claim? 

• Not all medical malpractice claims end up in court. In fact, many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations outside of court. In settlement negotiations, the parties involved, including the healthcare provider and their insurance company, work to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This can provide a faster resolution and potentially reduce the stress associated with a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached or if the defendant denies liability, the case may proceed to trial.  

How to Start a Medical Malpractice Case 

Although medical malpractice cases can be complicated, there’s always hope for your claim with the right representation. It’s vital for doctors to be held responsible when they do not apply a reasonable standard of care. When you call on the help of a Medical Malpractice attorney from MLG, here is what to expect: 

1. Fill out our contact form with your information  
2. Set up your free consultation  
3. Meet with our Medical Malpractice team  
4. Discuss your potential case  
5. Discuss your next steps  

Compassionate Medical Malpractice Attorneys 

Our team at McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt APC, can take on your case with the right combination of drive and personalized attention. We know that hospitals often have deep pockets to protect their interests, but we’re not afraid to take on the challenge of facing a major organization. Crafting a careful strategy to ensure the best possible result, we’ll advocate for your interests in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.