The most common medical malpractice lawsuits include misdiagnoses, birth injuries, medication errors, and surgical errors. However, any situation in which a medical professional's negligence injures a patient could justify a medical malpractice lawsuit. Misdiagnosis is arguably the most common form of medical malpractice that occurs when a healthcare professional fails to recognize the signs and symptoms of a patient's condition and makes an incorrect diagnosis. A patient who has been misdiagnosed may receive delayed treatment, incorrect treatment, or even treatment unnecessary.
Misdiagnosis often occurs in cases of cancer, heart attacks, and infections. Statistically, healthcare providers in the United States make approximately 7.4 million misdiagnosis errors annually. Lack of treatment is a type of medical negligence that occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide appropriate treatment to a patient or fails to do so. The most common examples include not prescribing appropriate medication, not requesting necessary tests, or referring a patient to a specialist.
Patients can sue for compensatory and non-economic damages. Compensatory damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages include less quantifiable losses, such as pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and loss of the ability to generate income in the future. Medical negligence occurs when a medical provider makes a mistake that results in the patient's injury or death. Medical negligence in Missouri is defined as the provision or failure to provide health services that result in the injury or death of a patient.
When this happens, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be an option to hold negligent medical professionals responsible and seek adequate compensation for all the damages you have suffered. All medical malpractice cases have a statute of limitations, which refers to a deadline for filing a lawsuit to recover damages. As the name suggests, this form of medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to recognize the signs and symptoms of a condition within a reasonable amount of time. Medication errors are a major problem in the health system, and some studies estimate that at least 1.5 million people are harmed by the inappropriate use of medications.
However, proving a medical malpractice claim can be difficult, as it requires in-depth knowledge of the legal process and substantial experience. Medical malpractice can occur in any healthcare environment when the negligent action or omission of a medical professional causes harm to a patient. Medical malpractice claims can be complex and difficult to prove, even if you think your case is due to one of the causes mentioned above. Errors are common in emergency rooms, such as not requesting necessary tests, medication errors, or premature discharge.
Sometimes, medical errors can be made without causing any injury, which would not be a reason for a claim. The time limit for medical malpractice lawsuits, called the “statute of limitations,” varies by state. Don't be discouraged if your incident isn't among the most common medical malpractice lawsuits, there are many more ways a medical professional could be responsible for negligence. A doctor or other medical professional acts or fails to act in a manner consistent with the acceptable standard of care in such a way as to cause injury to the patient.
