Common Examples of Medical Malpractice

While medical malpractice can occur anytime a patient is treated by a health care provider for any condition, statistics show that there are some cases of medical malpractice that are more common than others. The following are the most common examples of medical malpractice, and are the types of cases that make up the largest percentage of malpractice suits that are filed.

Surgical Mistakes

One of the top types of medical malpractice lawsuits filed is for surgical mistakes. This includes mistakes made during any part of the surgical procedure, including evaluation for the surgery, surgery preparation, actions committed during the surgery and post-operative care. This can also include negligence and error when administering anesthesia for surgery.

Improper Diagnosis

Another common form of medical malpractice is the misdiagnosis of the patient's condition. One of the most popular cases of improper diagnosis is a misdiagnosis for breast cancer, which statistics show accounts for as much as 40 percent of the malpractice suits filed each year. Improper diagnosis accounts for both misdiagnosis as well as delayed diagnosis. Improper diagnosis of detectable birth defects, which could have been avoided, is also a growing trend in medical malpractice litigation, often referred to as wrongful birth or wrongful like lawsuits.

Incorrect Prescriptions

Patients that have received the incorrect medication for their condition also comprise a large percentage of malpractice suits each year. This can be from receiving an improper medication or failure to be prescribed a necessary medication for your condition. The doctor, or even the pharmacist, who gives you the medication may be held liable in this case depending on the circumstances of the case.

Pregnancy Related and Child Delivery

Negligence that occurs during pregnancy as well as errors or negligence that occurs during child birth are also common forms of medical malpractice. In cases where both the mother and child are affected due to malpractice, a legal suit for both parties is acceptable and common. There are of course many other medical malpractice issues that can arise, however these four are statistically the most common examples of medical negligence or malpractice. Many of these medical malpractice incidents result in serious personal injury or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been affected by an act of medical negligence, you should speak with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys serving Palm Springs, Indio, and Riverside.