Surgeries, medical procedures or even routine doctor visits may cause a great deal of stress and worry. Everyone has heard medical negligence stories involving extreme problems or errors. However, the reality is that many different things can establish medical negligence.
Common examples
Errors during surgery, the wrong surgery being performed, or at item left inside a patient’s body are examples of severe medical negligence. However, the following may also be considered medical negligence:
- Discharging a patient too early
- Not following up with a patient
- Not ordering proper tests
Additionally, if you’ve had surgery or a major medical procedure and are experiencing abnormal pain, or develop an infection, these could be considered legally actionable medical errors.
It is not necessary to have surgery, or a major medical procedure to be the victim of medical negligence. A doctor who diagnoses you with the wrong ailment or disease, or who prescribes an incorrect dosage of a medication, or a wrong medication altogether, could be liable for medical negligence.
Doctors have a legal duty of professional care to their patients, and any of these things could be a breach of that duty. If that breach causes you damages, medically, financially or even mentally and emotionally, medical negligence could be established.
Fires or other hospital emergencies that disrupt patient stays or prevent the receipt of proper medical treatment could also be viewed as negligent acts, depending on the circumstances. Overall, there are numerous things that could constitute medical negligence, and your health is not something to be taken lightly. If you think you’ve been the victim of medical negligence, talking with a personal injury attorney could be beneficial.
