There are different types of medical malpractice which may arise from a wrong prescription or dosage to wrong-site surgery, misdiagnosis and hospital negligence. When an individual has suffered an injury due to the lack of care that should be provided, contacting Florida medical malpractice lawyers in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale can be a good idea.
Incidence of Medical Malpractice
The National Practitioner Data Bank keeps statistics on state populations, the number of medical practitioners and adverse actions reported. From 2001 to 2014, there were 364,893 medical practitioners in the United States, with a total of 392,100 adverse actions reported. Adverse actions can mean reprimands, censure, sanctions or other actions taken against a medical practitioner. These actions can include reduced staff privileges, suspended or surrendered license, probation, termination or other punishments. Florida, with 24,077 practitioners, saw 22,533 adverse actions. The number of adverse actions against medical practitioners in Florida has been slowly going up from 1,286 in 2004 to 2,278 in 2014.
What Constitutes Medical Negligence
Medical negligence is not related to a poor result from the treatment of a condition. It occurs when a healthcare provider does not uphold the standard of care that would be expected from other healthcare providers. Medical negligence can occur among pharmacists, physicians, hospital technicians, nursing staff, or others in the chain of individuals who provide care.
What Are the Types of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence can occur among physicians who misdiagnose a condition, incorrectly treat a condition, perform wrong site surgery, use contaminated instruments resulting in an infection, or leave a surgical instrument inside the body. Failing to inform the patient adequately about a procedure, other options, and risks and get the patient’s consent for the procedure is also medical negligence.
Pharmaceutical errors may also occur, ranging from prescribing the wrong medications, medicines that interact adversely with other medications the patient is taking, and medicines to which the patient has a known allergy. Along this chain of medications, the pharmacist may issue the wrong medication or dosage and the medicine given to a hospital patient may be the wrong one or wrong dosage.
In addition, the care of a patient may be inadequate, such as not providing appropriate medical equipment if a patient has a condition that may cause a fall. Other types of medical negligence exist. To find out if you were subject to medical negligence, it is a good idea to discuss your particular situation with an experienced attorney.
Consequences of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence by a health care provider may result in a longer recuperative period, exacerbation of symptoms, delay in proper diagnosis and treatment, and a poorer prognosis. In addition, patients who are victims of medical negligence can face more expenses due to treatment, and a longer period of time away from work, and it can cause psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
When You Need Medical Negligence Lawyers
Medical negligence can have serious repercussions, and experienced lawyers can protect your rights and inform you of available options to recover the damages to which you are entitled. The law office of Kaiser Romanello can investigate your injury and assist you in every way possible to ensure that you receive the help you need. Contact us for a free consultation and to have your questions answered. If fault is found, we will fight for your rights, while you can concentrate on getting well, knowing that your case is in good hands.
