Types of Medical Malpractice That Can Lead to Lifelong Disability

Medical errors happen all the time. After all, healthcare professionals are only human and prone to making mistakes. However, sometimes, medical errors rise to the level of medical malpractice. When medical malpractice occurs, the victim or their loved ones can file a legal claim against the liable medical professional and recover damages. Medical malpractice arises when a healthcare provider fails to act in a manner that another medical professional in the same or similar situation would have acted. Medical malpractice is a common occurrence in the U.S. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can have disastrous results. Sometimes, medical malpractice can result in lifelong disabilities.

It is crucial to understand the types of medical malpractice that can lead to lifelong disabilities. Below, we discuss some of the types of medical malpractice that can lead to such devastating outcomes.

Medication Errors

Medication errors include being prescribed the wrong medicine or given the wrong dosage. Failing to consider how different drugs interact with each other is another common type of medication error. Medication errors can cause serious harm, including organ damage and drug reactions, ultimately leading to lifelong disabilities.

Surgical Errors

Unfortunately, surgical errors are a common occurrence in the United States. Some common types of surgical errors that can cause permanent disabilities include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments or foreign objects inside a patient’s body, and operating on the wrong patient. Surgical errors can cause permanent damage, including permanent nerve damage, loss of function, and paralysis.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional incorrectly identifies a patient’s medical condition. Misdiagnosis can also involve failing to recognize a medical condition. On the other hand, a delayed diagnosis arises when a doctor delays correctly identifying a medical condition. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can lead to a lack of treatment or a patient receiving the wrong treatment, which can result in a lifelong disability. For instance, if a doctor misdiagnoses a stroke or fails to diagnose it on time, it can have life-threatening consequences, such as paralysis, weakness on one side, or brain damage.

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors occur during the administration of anesthesia. Common types of anesthesia errors include administering too much anesthesia and inadequate monitoring.  Administering excess anesthesia or failing to monitor a patient can cause brain damage.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can play a vital role in helping people who have suffered a lifelong disability due to medical malpractice. Below is how an attorney can help:

• Providing guidance and advice, including explaining what must be proven in a medical malpractice claim
• Investigating and gathering evidence
• Negotiating with the insurance company
• Court representation

Simply put, having the help of a skilled medical malpractice attorney can increase the chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Legal Help Is Available

Medical malpractice can be complex and require expertise. If you or a loved one has suffered a permanent disability due to medical malpractice, contact our Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at Carroll Law Firm to schedule a consultation.