Going to a healthcare facility is an ordinary aspect of daily life. We trust these institutions with our health and well-being and expect the best possible care. Unfortunately, medical malpractice is an all-too-common occurrence that leaves patients with severe injuries, lifelong disabilities, and even death. Suppose you or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice. In that case, you should immediately seek the guidance and counsel of a Brooklyn medical malpractice attorney. In this blog post, we’ll explore the five most common types of medical malpractice for which you may need legal representation.
1. Delayed Diagnosis
When a medical provider fails to diagnose a severe condition in a timely manner, this can have disastrous consequences for the patient. A delayed diagnosis may mean the difference between life and death.
Delayed Diagnosis of Cancer in Medical Malpractice
For example, if someone has cancer but does not know it, they would not be able to treat it, and the cancer would grow. The more the cancer grows, generally, the tougher treatment will be. Thus, it would be much more difficult (sometimes impossible) to treat the cancer than if it was caught when it should have been. This would be a great burden to a patient. Medical malpractice lawyers can investigate the patient’s care to determine if the doctor followed the proper diagnostic protocols and acted promptly in the patient’s best interest.
2. Misdiagnosis
When a medical provider misdiagnoses a severe condition, the patient may receive improper care and treatment, which can lead to unexpected complications, disabilities, or death. It’s an extreme example but not impossible: if a doctor were to misdiagnose someone with cancer. Just thinking about that can be tragic. Often, cancer treatment can be very tough on the body, with toxic side effects.
We are passionate about helping those who have been misdiagnosed. Medical malpractice lawyers can determine if the medical provider followed the proper diagnostic workup and treatment protocols.
3. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur when medical staff mishandles labor and delivery. These injuries may cause irreversible damage to the newborn, such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and more. Medical malpractice lawyers can investigate your case for evidence of negligence, such as the improper use of delivery instruments or failure to detect fetal distress. In that case, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.
4. Surgical Malpractice
Surgical malpractice refers to any mishap in the operating room during or after surgery. These mishaps may include nerve damage, wrong-site surgery, retained instruments, infection, etc. A medical malpractice lawyer can help gather evidence to determine if the medical staff negligently caused the patient’s injuries.
5. Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia is a delicate science that requires precision and skill. Anesthesia errors can cause severe damage to vital organs, brain damage, and even fatalities. Malpractice may occur if the anesthesiologist doesn’t correctly calculate the medication dosage or fails to adequately monitor the patient’s vital signs. Another example of an anesthesia error can result from an anesthesiologist negligently intubating a patient, which could cause a patient to vomit into their lungs. In more serious surgical procedures, it could cause death to a patient. It is truly a matter of life and death.
As you can see, medical malpractice can occur in many forms and cause severe harm to the patient. If you’re a victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Medical malpractice lawyers can explore your case and help you understand your legal options. In the end, it’s important to hold those responsible accountable for their actions, seek justice, and recover any damages owed to you.
At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we know how to hold medical facilities accountable for patient injuries and death. If you or a loved one have been injured by hospital negligence, contact us today to schedule an appointment to talk with one of our experienced Brooklyn medical malpractice attorneys.