Some medical errors are more common than others, but errors are possible in any medical setting. However, it is not enough to prove fault simply by showing that a mistake was made.

The patient must demonstrate that the error fell below the standard of care for the doctor’s specialty and that they were harmed as a direct result. In other words, neither dissatisfaction with the outcome of a procedure nor a mistake that did not cause significant harm to the patient constitutes grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

• Medication Errors
  Even when the utmost care is taken, medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are not immune to making mistakes with patients’ prescriptions. If a medical professional makes an error while prescribing or administering medication, they could be held responsible for damages.

  A doctor may prescribe medication for a condition that has been incorrectly diagnosed, which can lead to prescription errors.

  In other instances, a doctor or nurse may prescribe or give the incorrect dosage of medication. It is also possible for a nurse to mix up their patients and give the wrong medication to one of them. Or the wrong dosage could be given due to defective medical devices.

• Misdiagnosis
  Occasionally, a physician fails to recognize and diagnose a condition that a qualified physician would have detected. This misdiagnosis may lead the ailment to evolve to a more severe state, necessitating more intensive treatment and causing the patient additional pain and suffering. In the case of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, an incorrect or delayed diagnosis may result in the patient’s demise.

  A plaintiff filing such a claim is required to present medical expert testimony explaining why a competent physician treating a similar patient would have made the correct diagnosis or diagnosed the problem sooner. In addition, an expert would have to describe the negative effects of the mistake or delay on the patient’s condition.

• Birth Injury
  By failing to meet the professional standard of care, gynecologists, obstetricians, and other medical professionals involved in the birthing process might cause permanent injury to babies.

  Cerebral palsy, paralysis, nerve damage, developmental abnormalities, and fractures are among the conditions that may result from medical negligence (but commonly have innocent origins). Inadequate prenatal therapy or care can sometimes cause harm to the mother and child.

• Anesthesia and Surgical Errors
  Several of the most severe instances of medical misconduct occur during surgical operations. Certain sorts of surgical blunders are referred to as “never events,” indicating that the medical community agrees that they should never occur.

  In many circumstances, a patient may not need expert testimony because the negligence is clear. Leaving a sponge or other surgical tool inside a patient’s body is possibly the most typical example of a “never” event.

  A doctor may potentially operate on the incorrect patient or body part, or they may inadvertently harm another area of the patient’s body during the treatment. Infections and problems following surgery can sometimes cause considerable injury if not managed correctly.

  Anesthesia is a crucial component of the surgical procedure that should not be taken for granted. An anesthesiologist’s errors can have catastrophic results, including brain injury or damage and death.

  An anesthesiologist may fail to evaluate a patient’s medical records for potential risk factors, offer an improper dose of anesthesia, or monitor the patient’s vital signs while providing anesthesia. In some instances, the equipment used to deliver anesthetic may be defective, which may allow the patient to file a claim against the equipment’s manufacturer.

If you or a family member were seriously injured due to the negligence of a physician, nurse, or hospital, you might have a medical malpractice claim. You would need to choose the best lawyer to represent you, and here are a few tips to guide you.

• Knowledge
  All medical malpractice cases require medical expert testimony to prove carelessness and causation. Often, medical malpractice cases are lost at trial because defense counsel is able to use their medical experts to confuse the jury, or because the plaintiff’s attorney is unable to effectively explain the case.
  
  

• Track Record
  For a medical malpractice victim to obtain the largest possible settlement in a medical malpractice case, the defendant’s doctor or hospital insurance carrier must respect and fear your attorney in order to pay the necessary amount to cover medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. This fear and respect are due to the attorney’s experience and track record of successfully litigating medical malpractice lawsuits.
  
  

• Experience
  Although it is simple to discover attorneys in the phone book or on the Internet who handle a range of matters, including medical malpractice, it is essential to recognize that medical malpractice cases are the most difficult to prosecute. An attorney must have extensive knowledge and experience in both medicine and medical malpractice law.
  
  

• Reviews and Feedback
  One of the best indicators of a lawyer’s success is the satisfaction of former clients who had similar medical malpractice cases to yours. Request that any attorney you meet with supply you with a list of former clients (especially with cases similar to yours). If the attorney is unable to give you a list, it is likely that he or she lacks the necessary level of experience and track record of success for your case.
  
  

• Ability to Fund the Lawsuit
  Medical malpractice claims and economic damages can easily surpass $200,000 before trial. Numerous attorneys cannot advance such a huge sum of money, and some need their clients to pay as the case develops. This can cost you a substantial amount of money, which you likely cannot afford to advance to your attorney.