Law Library Articles

Top 10 Medical Malpractice Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library

We have all heard the horror stories about doctors amputating the wrong leg, operating on the wrong patient, and leaving scalpels inside of a patient’s body. However, these “horror stories” are much more realistic than you’d think: Studies and recent data show that doctors make dangerous and careless errors surprisingly often. While a 2012 study provided startling weekly estimates, more current data from The Joint Commission, a key healthcare accreditation organization, confirms these errors persist. In 2023 alone, there were 110 reported cases of surgical equipment being left inside patients’ bodies and 112 cases of “wrong surgery,” which includes operating on the wrong body part or on the wrong patient.

When a healthcare provider’s treatment falls below the accepted standard of care and a patient is injured, it is likely that medical malpractice has occurred. Amputating the wrong leg, operating on the wrong patient, and leaving scalpels inside of a patient’s body are all examples of medical malpractice. Other examples include making an error in childbirth, failing to diagnose cancer, and failing to treat appendicitis.

The following Top 10 Medical Malpractice articles in the LegalMatch Law Library provide an excellent overview to medical malpractice from a legal perspective.

1. Dental Negligence Lawyers

Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional’s care harms a patient. This can include performing the wrong procedure or causing lasting damage. To win a lawsuit, a patient must prove four things: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

2. Doctor Liability for Failure to Communicate Test Results

Patients have a right to get their medical test results promptly. Timely communication of results is important for proper treatment. It also helps build trust between a doctor and a patient. If a delay in receiving results causes harm, a patient may be able to sue for malpractice.

3. Mental Health Malpractice Lawyers

Mental health malpractice happens when a mental health professional’s actions harm a patient. This can include a wrong diagnosis or improper treatment. Proving these cases can be difficult. A patient must show that the professional’s actions caused their injury.

4. Can I Sue a Dentist?

You can sue a dentist if you believe they have committed malpractice. To do so, you must prove that the dentist had a duty to provide care and that they breached that duty. You must also show that this breach caused your injury and that you suffered damages as a result.

5. Orthopedic Malpractice Lawyers

Orthopedic malpractice happens when an orthopedist’s treatment injures a patient. This could involve operating on the wrong body part or leaving a surgical tool inside a patient. A patient must prove that the orthopedist’s care fell below the accepted standard.

6. Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. This time limit varies by state. The “discovery rule” is an exception that can extend the time limit if an injury was not immediately discovered. Learn more about these important deadlines.

7. Botched Circumcision and Wrongful Circumcision

A botched circumcision can lead to serious and permanent injuries. Parents may be able to sue for medical malpractice if a doctor was negligent. A lawsuit may also be possible if the doctor did not get informed consent before the procedure.

8. Colonoscopy Lawsuit Attorneys

Patients who are harmed during a colonoscopy may have legal options. A lawsuit can help a patient recover money for their injuries. This can include money for medical bills and pain and suffering.

9. How to Sue a Hospital

You may be able to sue a hospital for the negligence of its employees. This is known as “vicarious liability.” A hospital can also be sued for its own negligence, such as failing to have enough staff. Read this article to learn what options you might have.

10. Medical Malpractice Pharmacy Error

Pharmacists can be held liable for mistakes that harm patients. This includes giving the wrong medication or the wrong dose. To win a lawsuit, a patient must prove that the pharmacist’s error caused their injury.