In the United States, medical malpractice is sadly common. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical negligence ranks behind only heart disease and cancer as the most common cause of death in this country and in 2012, more than $3 billion was paid out in medical malpractice settlements. Read on for information about the most common types of medical malpractice injuries and what you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.
Childbirth Injuries
Childbirth can be a physically traumatic experience and it is not uncommon for babies to experience injury during delivery that can have lifelong consequences. A number of these injuries can be caused by medical malpractice including brain injuries such as cerebral palsy, fractured bones, and paralysis. While it is important to remember that these injuries are usually caused by something other than malpractice, if you believe your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence then be sure to discuss your case with an experienced malpractice lawyer.
Injury Caused by Medication Errors
Medication errors harm hundreds of thousands of Americans every year and these errors can happen in many different ways. The most common form of medication error is incorrect dosage: a doctor could write down the wrong dosage on a prescription, a nurse could administer the wrong amount, or there could be a malfunction with the equipment that administers the drug, leading to the wrong quantity being administered at once.
Injury Caused by Anesthesia Errors
Mistakes made by anesthesiologist are often more dangerous than surgical errors and can result in permanent brain damage, injury, and possibly death. Malpractice can occur when the anesthesiologist neglects to inquire about a patient’s medical history to prevent possible complications or fails to properly educate the patient on proper postoperative care and the risks involved if instructions are not followed. Dangerous errors can also occur when the incorrect dosage is given or if the attendant fails to properly monitor the patient’s vital signs.