It’s hard to believe a doctor making a mistake. Pop culture holds physicians in very high esteem, and ordinary people can practically revere them after a close call with injury or illness. But doctors and other health care professionals are human beings, and all kinds of human beings are capable of mistakes.
- What are the most common errors in hospitals and clinics?
Diagnostics are a special branch of medicine because the wrong diagnosis can cost a life. Misdiagnosis is a very common mistake among the types of them, although the damage done by this mistake can vary wildly. Surgical or medication errors are also possible, either as part of a misdiagnosis or another type of mistake.
- What sort of harm can be done during or after mistakes like this?
Some minor mistakes or small injuries during birth are easy to recover from, so patients can shrug them off. But the wrong medication can cause serious complications or even lead to death. Surgical errors, often called “never events” because they should always be avoided, may end up causing paralysis or organ failure, which could be a permanent or fatal condition.
- What sort of provisions are there for victims of medical mistakes?
If a doctor or health care provider was liable in the commission of a medical mistake, they may be liable for medical malpractice, which is an actionable case in civil court akin to personal injury or wrongful death cases. An attorney can review a specific case of suffering after seeking medical care and advise on the best way to approach financial damages.