The goal of going to the hospital is to recover, not get worse. Sometimes, you may check in to the hospital and come out with a serious illness or injury.
Medical malpractice within hospitals occurs on various levels. While some missteps may prove accidental, others may rise to negligence. Discover some of the most common examples of malpractice in hospitals.
What makes a mistake negligent?
Negligence is a precursor to a malpractice claim. It means someone did or did not perform an action within the medical standard of care. If someone knew or should have known that an existing condition may or may not lead to injury, it rises to negligence. Medical malpractice occurs at every hospital level, from janitorial to board members.
What are the top hospital errors?
With so many employees and moving parts, mistakes in a hospital happen. Preventable errors may result in malpractice claims.
Wrong medication
There are various reasons why a patient may receive the wrong medication. In some instances, it may prove deadly. Allergic reactions, interactions and overdose are some of the most dangerous complications arising out of the administration of medication.
Misdiagnosis
Failing to order the proper tests based on signs and symptoms may result in a missed or wrong diagnosis. An underlying condition may worsen when a patient does not have the appropriate treatment.
Cross-contamination
A hospital is full of viral and bacterial infections. When proper sanitation does not occur between people and rooms, it may increase patient cross-contamination. An MRSA infection may mean that someone did not follow sanitation protocols.
Should you believe that negligence led to your condition worsening in a hospital, you may want to talk to a professional who may help. Compensation and treatment may alleviate the stress the unwarranted situation caused.