Recognizing the Signs of Medical Negligence

The consequences of medical negligence can be significant for patients. When a medical provider fails to meet the standard of care for their patients that is expected, patients can suffer serious physical bodily harm, disease progression, and death. Recently, studies have looked into the prevalence of medical negligence in healthcare organizations in the United States and worldwide and the impact on patient safety. The results show that medical negligence is a serious problem. In fact, it is cited as an increasing public health concern.

There is a big difference between a poor or undesired medical outcome and avoidable harm from medical negligence. Deciphering when a situation rises to the level of medical negligence and when it does not can be complicated. However, if you believe that you were the victim of medical negligence in Florida, you can have your case evaluated by an experienced and knowledgeable Tampa medical malpractice attorney at Fulgencio Law.

Signs of Medical Negligence to Look Out For

Knowing what medical negligence is, what the most common medical errors are, and their signs, can help you better understand if you have been victimized. Victims of medical negligence have rights and can take legal action against a provider who harmed them due to avoidable mistakes. It can be possible to obtain compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An attorney can assess your case to determine what it is worth and help you get what you deserve.

The following medical negligence scenarios are the most commonly reported.

Failure to diagnose

A medical professional who misjudges their patient’s health status and does not do what is necessary to diagnose properly is a form of medical negligence. So is misdiagnosis, where the wrong health condition is assessed and treated, and that leads to suffering, further health issues, or death.

Surgical Mistakes

Surgery is always a risk, no matter what type of surgery one is having or how old they are. However, certain errors on the part of a surgeon and their team can be considered medical negligence. Some examples are leaving a tool in a person’s body, not operating on the right body part, or causing extensive tissue and nerve damage to areas around the surgical site.

Medication Mistakes

Prescribing medicines that are toxic to certain patients because of a failure to review their medical records, prescribing the incorrect dose, or going to the pharmacy and being given the wrong medication are all instances of medical negligence.

Lack of Informed Consent

Unless you are in an emergency situation where a medical provider has to take immediate action, you must be able to make informed decisions about your medical care. This means that your doctor should be telling you the benefits and the risks of any medication or medical procedure.

Call Fulgencio Law Today

Medical negligence is a serious problem that happens more frequently than many people know. If you would like assistance with a medical malpractice claim in Florida, then you are welcome to call Fulgencio Law at (813) 463-0123 to schedule a free consultation.