Patients need to be aware that several things can go wrong during a stay in the hospital. Those errors could have serious consequences for both patients and health care providers alike.
Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects many people in the United States every year. Doctors and medical professionals are held to high standards of care, and when they fail to meet their obligations, they may be liable for damages.
Things doctors do that lead to malpractice suits
One may wonder what some common medical mistakes are that lead to malpractice. Here are five common mistakes made by doctors:
- Failure to obtain informed consent: One common mistake that leads to malpractice litigation is not obtaining informed consent before carrying out treatment and procedures.
- Improper diagnosis: There is one mistake, in particular, that is seen time and time again — misdiagnosis of a condition. This can happen for many reasons, but it’s important to know how this could affect a patient’s health and future treatment plans.
- Prescribing the incorrect medication: Drugs are not always the answer to all health problems. One common issue is doctors prescribing medications that don’t work for certain conditions. This sometimes happens when doctors prescribe medication without performing any tests.
- Unnecessary procedures or surgeries: Unnecessary surgical procedures impose additional risks, discomfort and costs to the patient while having no benefits.
- Breach of confidentiality: Patients have their privacy legally protected under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Medical malpractice is a serious issue, and the consequences of being wrong can be dire. The doctors who make these mistakes should know that they are responsible for any injuries or deaths as a result of their negligence.
If you suspect medical malpractice, it may be time to learn more about the process of filing a malpractice claim in Indiana.
