When you go to see a medical professional, there is an expectation that this person will do his or her job properly. However, this is not always the case. If your doctor or another medical professional makes an error, it could rise to the level of negligence. Let’s look at a few common ways in which this can occur.
A Diagnosis Is Delayed or Incorrect
If a doctor misdiagnoses your condition, you could receive treatment for something that you don’t have. In most cases, this means that the condition that you do have gets progressively worse. Depending on when the proper diagnosis is made, it may be too late to do anything to help you recover or recover fully.
A Medication Error Occurs
There are many different medications on the market today that have similar sounding names even though they treat different conditions. If you receive the wrong medication, it could interact with another that you are already taking. A drug interaction may result in secondary medical issues such as numbness, internal bleeding or even death.
In addition to taking the right pill or tablet, it is important that you take the proper dose of that medication. It is not uncommon for mistakes to be made when a doctor writes a prescription or when it is called in to a pharmacy. This could result in receiving 500 milligrams of a given substance instead of the correct dose of 50 milligrams.
It is also not uncommon for individuals to receive medication that is intended for another person. This could occur if you and another patient have the same name or a name that sounds similar. If you are harmed because of a medication error, don’t hesitate to contact personal injury compensation lawyers.
A Surgeon Could Make an Error During a Procedure
If a surgeon operates on the wrong body part or on the wrong side of your body, it could be considered negligence. Typically, surgeons and other operating room staff are supposed to confirm the details of an operation before it begins. Failing to do so could be deemed a breach of the duty of care that they have toward you.
If you are harmed by the negligence of a medical professional, it may be possible to collect compensation for medical bills and other damages. An attorney may help you obtain a financial award either through a settlement or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
