Medical errors are more common than many people realize, and when they happen, the consequences can be devastating. If you have been injured because of a healthcare provider’s mistake in Georgia, you are not alone. Many individuals suffer harm from preventable medical errors, leading to serious health complications, financial burdens, and emotional distress. Knowing the most common medical mistakes can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and what steps you may need to take to protect your rights.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
One of the most frequent medical errors that result in personal injury claims is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. For example, if a physician fails to diagnose cancer early, the patient may lose valuable time that could have been used for life-saving treatment. Similarly, mistaking a heart attack for indigestion can have fatal consequences. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can cause patients to endure unnecessary suffering, additional medical procedures, and a worsened prognosis.
Surgical Errors
Surgical procedures require precision and care, yet mistakes during operations occur more often than they should. Some common surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, and making mistakes with anesthesia. These errors can lead to severe complications, infections, prolonged hospital stays, and even death. If you underwent surgery and suffered unexpected harm because of a preventable mistake, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. It is important to review medical records and consult with an expert to determine whether negligence played a role in your injuries.
Medication Mistakes
Prescription drug errors are another leading cause of medical malpractice claims. Medication mistakes can happen in many ways, including prescribing the wrong drug, administering the incorrect dosage, or failing to recognize dangerous drug interactions. Patients who are given the wrong medication may suffer severe allergic reactions, organ damage, or other adverse effects. Errors can occur at any stage of the medication process—whether by a doctor writing a prescription, a pharmacist filling it incorrectly, or a nurse administering the wrong dosage. If you or a loved one has been harmed because of a medication error, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Birth Injuries
Childbirth should be a joyous occasion, but medical negligence during labor and delivery can lead to serious birth injuries. Mistakes such as failing to monitor fetal distress, delaying a necessary C-section, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can result in conditions like cerebral palsy, nerve damage, or brain injuries. Birth injuries not only affect the child but also create immense emotional and financial burdens for the parents. If your child suffered an injury at birth because of medical negligence, you may have a right to pursue a claim against the responsible healthcare provider.
Hospital-Acquired Infections
Hospitals and medical facilities are expected to maintain strict hygiene and sanitation standards to prevent infections. However, patients sometimes contract serious infections because of unsterile conditions, contaminated surgical tools, or improper post-operative care. Infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and surgical site infections can be life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable patients. When hospitals fail to follow safety protocols, they put patients at unnecessary risk. If you suffered a serious infection while receiving medical treatment, it is important to investigate whether negligence contributed to your condition.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia is a critical part of many medical procedures, but errors in administering it can have catastrophic consequences. If an anesthesiologist administers too much anesthesia, the patient may suffer oxygen deprivation, brain damage, or even death. On the other hand, if too little anesthesia is given, the patient may wake up during surgery and experience pain and trauma. Failing to properly assess a patient’s medical history for allergies or pre-existing conditions can also lead to dangerous complications. Anesthesia errors are often preventable, and when they occur, they can form the basis of a personal injury claim.
Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a medical error in Georgia, you may have legal options. The personal injury attorneys at Butler Kahn are dedicated to helping victims of medical negligence seek justice and fair compensation. To discuss your case with an experienced attorney, contact Butler Kahn by calling (678) 940-1444 or contacting us online for a consultation. You deserve to understand your rights and explore your legal options after suffering from a preventable medical mistake.
