When visiting a healthcare professional, you place your trust in their expertise, expecting safe and competent care. For Florida residents, knowing that medical mistakes still occur can be unsettling. While most healthcare providers strive to deliver quality care, errors can happen, some of which may lead to devastating outcomes. Understanding common medical errors that could lead to malpractice claims can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and their legal rights.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management. Under Florida law, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim if you can prove that the provider’s negligence directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
Here, we explore some of the most common types of medical errors that have led to malpractice claims.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences for a patient. A doctor may fail to identify the symptoms of a condition, such as cancer, heart disease, or stroke, resulting in delayed treatment, disease progression, or even wrongful death. For instance:
- Identifying a benign condition instead of a life-threatening illness.
- Misinterpreting diagnostic tests, like MRIs or blood work.
Patients harmed due to these diagnostic lapses may have valid claims if the error directly resulted from negligence.
Surgical Errors
Surgical procedures carry inherent risks, but some errors stem directly from negligence. Examples include:
- Performing surgery on the wrong site or on the wrong patient.
- Leaving surgical instruments, such as sponges or clamps, inside the body.
- Errors in administering anesthesia, like incorrect dosages.
These mistakes can cause irreversible harm, leading to longer recovery times, additional surgeries, or severe complications.
Medication Errors
Medication mistakes are another common issue in healthcare. These can occur when:
- The wrong dosage is prescribed or administered.
- A prescription is written for the wrong medication.
- Side effects or adverse drug reactions are not adequately considered.
Medication errors can be especially dangerous for elderly patients or those with pre-existing conditions.
Birth-Related Injuries
Pregnancy and childbirth are sensitive medical processes that require careful attention. Errors during prenatal care or delivery can lead to significant birth injuries for both the baby and the mother. Common examples include:
- Failure to address fetal distress.
- Improper use of tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
- Delayed cesarean section despite apparent risks.
Birth injuries can have lifelong implications, requiring extensive medical care and financial support.
Failure to Obtain Consent
Healthcare providers have an ethical and legal obligation to obtain informed consent before administering treatment. Patients have the right to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with a procedure. If a provider fails to discuss these details or performs unauthorized treatments, it could result in actionable harm.
How Legal Action Can Help
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical error, pursuing a malpractice claim can secure justice and financial support for your recovery. Compensation can help cover:
- Medical expenses, including corrective treatments.
- Lost wages due to time away from work.
- Pain and suffering resulting from the incident.
Protecting Your Rights in Miami, FL
At Rossman, Baumberger, Reboso & Spier, P.A., we are dedicated to helping Floridians affected by medical negligence. With a deep understanding of Florida malpractice laws, we provide personalized and compassionate guidance while fighting for the justice you deserve.
If you believe you’ve suffered due to a medical error, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Contact us for a free consultation at (305) 900-5493 to discuss your case and options.