The Most Common Medical Malpractice Errors In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to some of the best medical facilities in the country, but even with the best of intentions, mistakes can happen. While healthcare providers are expected to provide the highest level of care to their patients, sometimes they fall short, resulting in medical errors that can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Here are some of the most common medical malpractice errors that occur in Philadelphia.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is one of the most common types of medical malpractice errors in Philadelphia. This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a medical condition in a timely manner or when they misdiagnose a condition altogether. As a result, patients may receive the wrong or no treatment at all, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. 

Medication Errors

Medication errors occur when a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication or the wrong dose of medicine to a patient. This can happen in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Many factors can contribute to medication errors, including communication breakdowns, inadequate training, and fatigue or distraction on the part of healthcare providers. These errors can result in adverse reactions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, and even death.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are another common type of medical malpractice in Philadelphia. They can occur during any stage of a surgical procedure, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative care. Some common surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, performing the incorrect surgical procedure altogether, administering too much or too little anesthesia, and post-operative care errors such as failing to properly monitor a patient. These errors can have serious and sometimes lifelong consequences for patients, including infections, permanent damage to organs or tissue, and death.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are a type of medical malpractice that can have devastating consequences for both the mother and the baby. These injuries can occur during labor and delivery. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical negligence, errors in diagnosis, improper use of medical equipment, failure to respond to complications during childbirth, or a failure to monitor the baby’s vital signs. Some common preventable birth injuries with devastating consequences are cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, facial nerves injuries, and brain injuries. 

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect is another common form of medical malpractice that can have serious consequences for elderly and vulnerable residents. Nursing home abuse can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, while neglect is the failure to provide adequate food, water, hygiene, or medical care. This occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide their residents the necessary care and attention. 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is critical to seek the advice of an experienced Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.