When we visit a doctor or hospital, we trust that healthcare professionals will provide us with the right treatment. However, mistakes happen, and sometimes these errors lead to serious harm. If a healthcare provider’s negligence caused you or a loved one harm, you may be a victim of medical malpractice.
Here are the top five signs that could indicate medical malpractice:
1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
A misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a serious condition can lead to unnecessary treatments, worsening health, or even death. Common misdiagnosed conditions include cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and infections.
Signs of misdiagnosis:
- Your condition does not improve despite treatment.
- You receive a diagnosis that doesn’t match your symptoms.
- A second opinion reveals a different diagnosis.
2. Surgical Errors
Surgeries are complex procedures, but some errors go beyond acceptable risks. Surgical mistakes can cause severe complications and may be grounds for a malpractice claim.
Examples of surgical malpractice:
- Performing surgery on the wrong body part.
- Leaving surgical instruments inside the body.
- Unnecessary or incorrect procedures.
- Preventable infections due to poor hygiene.
3. Medication Errors
Taking the wrong medication or the wrong dosage can have life-threatening consequences. Medication errors can occur due to miscommunication, illegible handwriting, or failure to check a patient’s medical history.
Signs of a medication mistake:
- You receive a prescription for a drug you’re allergic to.
- The dosage is incorrect, leading to severe side effects.
- You are given the wrong medication in a hospital setting.
4. Lack of Informed Consent
Before undergoing treatment or surgery, a doctor must explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives. If you did not receive full information and were harmed as a result, it could be a case of malpractice.
Signs of lack of informed consent:
- You were not told about the risks of a procedure.
- You were pressured into treatment without understanding your options.
- You experienced complications that you were never warned about.
5. Worsening Condition Due to Neglect
If a doctor fails to monitor your condition or ignores your symptoms, it can lead to serious health deterioration. Medical neglect can occur in hospitals, nursing homes, or private practices.
Examples of neglect:
- Failure to order necessary tests or scans.
- Ignoring patient complaints or symptoms.
- Delaying treatment, leading to a more severe condition.
What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, take these steps:
- Get a second opinion from another doctor.
- Request copies of your medical records.
- Document any symptoms, treatments, and conversations with healthcare providers.
- Consult an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and proving negligence requires strong evidence. If you suspect malpractice, our experienced Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers can help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.