Medical errors may occur when a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional commits a mistake with regard to a patient. Every year, medical errors form the basis for many types of medical malpractice claims. Injuries resulting from medical error can cause a person damages and can often result in far-reaching consequences.
What Are Some Common Medical Error Legal Claims?
Medical errors can involve many different persons, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, administrative staff, and other workers. Some common medical errors include:
- Surgical errors (performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong patient, etc.)
- Prescription errors
- Hospital errors (such as administrative or scheduling errors)
- Pharmacy errors
- Errors involving the wrong advice
Most medical errors result from miscommunications between staff members. For instance, a malpractice claim may arise if a patient was injured because a nurse provided a doctor with wrong information. Similar situations can arise as well between other staff members. Thus, proving the liability of the hospital and medical staff.
How Are Medical Errors Remedied?
As mentioned, medical errors often form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Here, the error may be remedied through a monetary damages award. This can often reimburse the patient for injuries, medical costs, legal fees, and other expenses.
In other cases, widespread medical errors may require other remedies, such as a change of hospital policies and operating procedures. For instance, if the hospital or health care institution was having problems with communication between nurses and doctors, they may need to institute new medical protocol.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Medical Error Issues?
Medical errors can sometimes be the source of serious injuries and financial losses. You may need to hire a personal injury lawyer if you need assistance with any legal claims involving medical errors. Your attorney can provide you with the advice and guidance that is needed to help you succeed on your claim. Also, if you have any questions or concerns, your lawyer can help address these as they represent you during the legal process.
