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What Counts As Medical Malpractice?

Personal Injury

As a lawyer who handles malpractice cases can explain to you in detail, cases that are considered malpractice cover a range of different cases. They refer to any type of illness or injury that a patient under the care of a medical professional suffers because of a critical mistake or lack of action. Many patients suffer permanent bodily harm as a result of negligence committed by doctors and other medical professionals every year. It can be hard to notice the signs of medical malpractice, so here are some common situations that lawyers often handle.

Wrong or misinterpreted lab results

Lab tests reveal important information such as cholesterol levels and A1C levels. Doctors rely on accurate lab test results to determine what other tests and actions that a patient should undergo to treat or improve their health condition or disease. However, unfortunately mistakes concerning incorrect lab readings can happen. A doctor or lab technician may mix up patient samples, misread results, or they may confuse lab tests for one another.

Prescription errors

Many patients have regular prescriptions that they must take to manage their health or treat an illness. Some patients take prescriptions for life, and the dosage is highly specific. One deviation from the dosage or type of medication can result in life-threatening injuries. These errors are common in many malpractice cases. They can happen because a pharmacist or doctor may confuse certain medications with similar names or properties, they can forget to explain the instructions for how to take the medication, or they can provide the wrong dosage amount.

Delayed care

When a person suffers a medical emergency, medical care must be given in a timely manner. Delays of seconds and minutes can result in disastrous consequences. Doctors who owe a duty of care to patients are responsible for understanding how to recognize symptoms and determining the correct diagnosis on time, as a knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer knows, such as one from Hall-Justice Law Firm, LLC. If you have experienced a sudden medical condition such as stroke or other emergency that requires efficient care, but did not receive the care in time despite a doctor and other medical staff being present, you may be able to take legal action against them for their failure to give you the treatment you needed.

Incorrect tests or exams

When you see a doctor and they inform you that you must receive a particular test, they should be able to identify the specific tests that you need, whether it’s a blood test or an exam specific to your condition. If you believe that your doctor mistakenly ordered or administered the wrong test and your condition worsened as a result, or you developed a new injury or illness, you can file a claim against them. You would need to have evidence such as the type of test ordered as well as other medical documents.

For more information about what an experienced and skilled lawyer can do for you and if your case qualifies, make an appointment with one as soon as possible.