When someone feels ill and they seek medical attention, they expect to receive proper care. But what happens when the care they received leaves them in worse health than before? It happens more often than you think. In fact, over 200,000 people die due to medical malpractice in the United States each year. Luckily, there are laws that protect patients when their healthcare providers fail to act in the patient’s best interests.
Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor, or other medical professional causes harm to the patient due to mistakes caused by negligence or incompetence. These incidents are considered medical malpractice under the law when there is a violation of the standard of care, an injury was caused, and the injury resulted in significant damages. Most healthcare professionals are wonderful and work very hard. Many of these mistakes happen unintentionally, usually because of over-worked staff and miscommunication. In such medical malpractice cases, seeking the guidance of an experienced injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure your rights are protected. If you believe you have been a victim, filing a medical malpractice claim may be a crucial step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits:
Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis – A diagnosis error can lead to delayed medical treatment, incorrect treatment, or even no treatment at all. This can make a patient’s condition much worse and lead to catastrophic consequences.
Surgical Errors – Sometimes surgeons will perform unnecessary procedures or operate on the wrong site. In some cases, surgical materials, such as sponges, are left inside the patient’s body.
Medication Errors – Taking the wrong medication can be deadly. There are times when a doctor or pharmacist may prescribe the wrong medication or give the wrong dosage. They may even fail to tell the patient about the risks of that particular medication.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, contact The Cochran Firm Philadelphia today. Our medical malpractice attorneys have valuable experience and a proven record of getting justice for victims of medical malpractice. Call us at 1(800) 969-4400 for a free initial consultation.