What Is a Medical Mistake?
A medical mistake refers to any error or oversight made by a healthcare professional during the course of treatment. Not all medical mistakes constitute malpractice. Some errors occur despite adherence to standard medical practices, and others may not result in significant harm to the patient.
- Misinterpreting test results
- Administering the wrong medication without adverse effects
- Performing a procedure differently than intended but with no negative outcome
A medical mistake may be unfortunate, but if it does not involve negligence or cause substantial harm, it is unlikely to meet the criteria for a malpractice case.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. To establish a malpractice claim, a plaintiff must prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The healthcare provider had a responsibility to provide competent medical treatment.
- Breach of Standard of Care: The provider failed to meet the recognized standard of care in their field.
- Causation: The provider’s actions directly caused harm or injury.
- Damages: The patient suffered significant physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
Examples of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosing a serious condition despite clear symptoms
- Performing surgery on the wrong body part
- Prescribing a medication that causes severe harm due to known allergies
- Failing to obtain informed consent before a procedure
Do You Have a Case?
If you believe you have suffered due to medical malpractice, consider these questions:
- Did the healthcare provider deviate from the accepted standard of care?
- Did this deviation cause significant harm or injury?
- Do you have medical records and expert testimony to support your claim?
If the answer to these questions is yes, consulting a medical malpractice attorney may be the next step. Legal professionals can assess your case, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the claims process.
While all malpractice cases involve medical mistakes, not all medical mistakes qualify as malpractice. Understanding the distinction can help you determine whether you have legal grounds to pursue a claim. If you suspect malpractice, seeking the legal advice of an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney promptly can help protect your rights and secure compensation for your suffering.