What is an example of malpractice?
Medical malpractice remains a widespread problem despite advances in both medicine and healthcare technology. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to recognize when it occurs and how best to protect yourself. In Georgia, medical malpractice cases follow specific state laws, and our firm exclusively handles cases within the state. Here are eight examples of medical malpractice and the warning signs that go with them to help you better understand what it is and how to protect yourself.
- Negligence during treatment is a widespread form of medical malpractice. Patients entrust doctors with their care during sickness or injury, so it’s imperative for doctors to make sure their treatment doesn’t do more harm than good and doesn’t exacerbate the underlying problem. When giving medical care, every patient has different needs that must be taken into account. If this isn’t done right, the patient may have a bad reaction.
- For instance, if the wrong medication is prescribed, its dose is incorrect, or drug-drug interactions aren’t assessed accurately by a physician, then the patient’s condition could deteriorate or even lead to medical emergencies such as an overdose, a heart attack, a stroke, or death. Also, some treatments, like surgery, may need techniques that aren’t standard, but these should always be based on research that has been shown to work and is backed by doctors from different fields.
- When a patient is under the care of a medical professional, there is an expectation that their safety and well-being will be closely monitored. This requires medical staff to give personal attention and care during each step of treatment for maximum protection of the individual. When someone has been sedated, or ventilation equipment is needed, it can be especially scary to miss such important signs.
- If doctors and nurses don’t keep a close eye on a patient’s condition, it could lead to serious injury or death. In one sad case, a woman who had plastic surgery was hurt for life because her nurse didn’t check her oxygen levels and heart rate after the surgery. She fell into a coma due to hypoxia, resulting in irreversible brain damage. When this doctor finally took action when they noticed any changes in oxygen levels or vital signs after their procedure, he was found guilty of negligence.
- Cases like this show how important it is for healthcare workers to keep an eye on their patient’s safety and well-being at all times during treatment. Doctors, nurses, and other providers must pay close attention to any potential warning signs so that they can act promptly if any arise. By doing this, healthcare workers make sure that their patients are safe and constantly watched while they are being treated.
- Medical malpractice often stems from a lack of quality care and attention. When healthcare providers fail to give patients their full attention or provide inadequate treatment, even minimal neglect can cause life-altering harm, according to U.S. News & World Report.
What is the simple definition of malpractice?
The courts define malpractice as the failure of a professional person to act in accordance with the prevailing professional standards, or failure to foresee consequences that a professional person, having the necessary skills and education, should foresee.