Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional is negligent in their duty to care for their patient. The consequences of this negligence are often injury or even death. In Florida a person who has suffered an injury caused by medical malpractice has a two-year period from the date of discovering the injury to file a lawsuit. Currently, if the medical provider conceals evidence of malpractice, an exception to the established statute of limitations may be made. While there are several different types of malpractice, we have compiled the most common types of medical malpractice encountered.
Misdiagnosis
Failing to correctly diagnose a patient is one of the most common types of medical malpractice complaints. Patients who receive an incorrect diagnosis, or no diagnosis at all, experience significant risks to their health. An incorrect diagnosis may lead to a patient receiving unnecessary medical treatments that are harmful to them. In some cases, patients receive no diagnosis at all robbing them of an opportunity to receive life saving treatment. Patients who are misdiagnosed for diseases such as cancer often have a limited time frame to receive medical care that would provide them with the best chances at making a full recovery.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Negligence
The United States is one of the only developed countries that has tracked a rising number of maternal mortality cases. While some of these deaths are attributed to increased numbers of C-sections, medical malpractice has also been cited. Medical care providers are responsible for correctly diagnosing and treating women under their care to prevent life threatening complications. Pregnant women who are not treated for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, anemia, and other pregnancy-related illnesses are placed at extreme risk.
In addition to injury or death to the mother, medical malpractice can occur in the form of harm to the infant. Failing to complete routine screenings can lead to the baby being exposed to contagious diseases or cause delivery complications. An infant that is larger than anticipated may become tangled in their umbilical cord or be injured during a vaginal delivery. These injuries include fractured bones, paralysis, and even brain injuries that could have been prevented with proper screening and delivery preparation.
Medication Errors
Errors in administering medications, especially for hospitalized patients, is a dangerous problem. During a hospital stay busy staff may fail to deliver vital medication to patients at correct times, or may administer too much medication to a patient in a short period of time. Patients undergoing surgery are also at risk of receiving too much anesthesia resulting in permanent injury such as brain damage or even death.
Have You Been Harmed by Medical Malpractice?
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed due to health care provider negligence you may be able to recover compensation. John Piccin and Katie Glynn at Piccin & Glynn are experienced medical malpractice lawyers who have handled numerous cases and can help you navigate this difficult process. With the assistance of Piccin & Glynn you may be able to recoup lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering. Call 352-558-8480 for a free consultation at our conveniently located Ocala, Florida office.
Resources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0766/Sections/0766.203.html
nytimes.com/2016/09/22/health/maternal-mortality.html