Medical errors can be alarming, especially when they happen to you or a loved one. These errors, which can occur in hospitals, clinics, or even at home, are often preventable and can lead to severe consequences. Understanding these errors and knowing what steps you can take if you encounter them is crucial. This article aims to explain some of the most common medical errors and guide you on handling them.
What Are Medical Errors?
Medical errors are mistakes made in healthcare settings that can harm a patient. According to the Journal of Patient Safety, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. These errors can range from medication mistakes to surgical mishaps. Let’s look at some of the most frequent medical errors.
Medication Errors
Medication errors involve incorrect prescriptions or administering the wrong dosage. For instance, a patient might receive a medication they’re allergic to or get the wrong dose, which can be dangerous. Medication errors harm far too many people annually in the U.S.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors can happen before, during, or after surgery. A standard surgical error is performing surgery on the wrong site or even on the wrong patient. Other surgical errors include leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body.
Diagnostic Errors
A diagnostic error occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition correctly and promptly. This can lead to unnecessary or harmful treatments, such as overlooking cancer until it has progressed.
Infections in Hospitals
Patients often contract infections while in hospitals due to unsanitary conditions or improper sterilization of medical equipment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about one in 31 hospital patients suffers from healthcare-associated infections daily.
Miscommunication among Healthcare Providers
Communication breakdowns among healthcare providers can lead to incorrect treatments and missed diagnoses. All healthcare team members must be on the same page about a patient’s care.
What to Do If You Experience a Medical Error
Suppose you or a loved one has experienced a medical error. In that case, it’s essential to remain calm and take specific steps to address the situation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety come first. If the error has caused a health issue, seek medical attention immediately. The faster you address any resulting problems, the better your chances of recovery.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of everything related to the error. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and correspondence with healthcare providers. Documentation is crucial if you need to pursue legal action.
Communicate Clearly With Healthcare Providers
Speak with your healthcare providers about the error. Ask for a complete explanation of what happened and why. Clear communication can sometimes lead to corrective actions and prevent future mistakes.
Report the Error
Report the error to the appropriate authorities within the hospital or clinic. Many institutions have patient safety offices or hotlines to handle such complaints. This can help them take corrective measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again to someone else.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help if You Were Injured by a Medical Error
Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer if the medical error has caused severe harm. Legal professionals can help you understand your rights and the compensation you might be entitled to. They can guide you through filing a medical malpractice claim if necessary.
Medical errors are a serious concern, but knowing what they are and how to respond can help protect your health and rights. If you’ve experienced a medical error, remember the above steps and consider contacting legal professionals for guidance. A skilled attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your health and safety should always come first; you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers or Visit Our Law Firm in Santa Ana for Help Today
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers
1851 E 1st St Suite 810, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 263-3700