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Common forms of medical negligence

On Behalf of | Jul 30, 2021 | Medical Malpractice

Doctors are some of society’s most respected professionals, and rightfully so. However, despite the many years of education and training, some doctors fail to adhere to the proper standard of care when treating their patients. New York doctors who breach the duty owed to their patient have committed medical negligence and may be held liable for any damages caused by their negligence. Medical negligence can occur in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common forms of medical negligence.

Diagnostic errors

When a patient goes into see a doctor, the doctor must first diagnose the patient’s condition. Doctors may act negligently during the diagnosing process by:

  • Failing to consider all of the patient’s symptoms.
  • Prematurely discharging the patient without performing proper testing.
  • Failing to consider all possibilities when diagnosing the patient.
  • Incorrectly diagnosing the patient.

Mistakes in the diagnosis stage can result in a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, which may cause additional harm to the patient.

Prescribing insufficient or incorrect medication or treatment

Once the patient has been properly diagnosed, the doctor must then recommend appropriate treatment and prescribe the proper medications. A doctor may act negligently by:

  • Prescribing too much or too little medication.
  • Prescribing the wrong medication.
  • Recommending treatment that does not meet the standards of the medical community.
  • Failing to recommend the best possible treatment.
  • Recommending the wrong treatment.

Surgical errors

If surgery is part of the patient’s treatment plan, it is important that the doctor meets the necessary standards of care when performing the procedure. A doctor may act negligently during surgery by:

  • Operating on the wrong part of the body.
  • Leaving behind a sponge or medical instrument inside the body.
  • Performing the wrong procedure.
  • Injuring a nerve during surgery.
  • Administering the incorrect amount of anesthesia.

Lack of informed consent

Before a doctor can perform any test or procedure, he or she must get informed consent from the patient. That means the patient must be given the details of the procedure in a way they can understand, as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure. However, in an emergency situation, informed consent is generally not needed.

If you are suffering as a result of medical negligence, filing a lawsuit against the medical professionals who treated you may be the best way to recover damages for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. Consider consulting with a medical malpractice attorney in your area for advice and guidance through the legal process.