What Counts as Medical Malpractice?
People who are harmed by negligent medical professionals have experienced major breaches in their trust and faith in the healthcare profession. Unfortunately, not all doctors, surgeons, and other providers do their jobs to the best of their ability every day. Some make reckless mistakes that put patients’ health, well-being, and even their lives at risk. When that happens, those patients can and should file medical malpractice claims.
But what constitutes a medical malpractice claim? There are a few negligent actions on the behalf of healthcare providers that can be considered medical malpractice, including:
- Failure to diagnose—If a patient goes to their doctor with obvious symptoms of a serious illness, and their doctor fails to make a correct diagnosis, they can be held liable for the patient’s damages.
- Surgical errors—These errors including operating on the wrong body part, performing unnecessary procedures, and leaving medical equipment, such as sponge or gauze, inside a patient’s body.
- Prescription errors—Medications can help manage a patient’s symptoms and illness, but they can also cause serious harm, especially when doctors don’t check for potential interactions or if they prescribe the wrong dosage or even the wrong drug altogether.
- Not informing patients of their options—Patients should always have the right to choose their treatment options and plans. When doctors fail to inform them of their options, it can be considered medical malpractice.
If you or someone you love suspects you’re a victim of medical malpractice, get in touch with Skolrood Law Firm today. Our Roanoke medical malpractice lawyers will work hard to get you the compensation you’re owed. Contact us for a free consultation.
