When someone goes to a hospital for care, they expect to leave in better condition than when they arrived. Unfortunately, errors in hospital settings happen more often than many realize. These mistakes can result in serious injury or death, and in some cases, they may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
While some hospital errors gain national attention, many go unreported and unnoticed. Yet they carry real consequences for patients and their families. The following are four hospital errors that are commonly linked to medical malpractice.
1. Surgical errors
Surgical mistakes range from leaving sponges or instruments inside a patient to performing the wrong operation. These errors can be caused by fatigue, miscommunication or carelessness. The result may be pain, infection or the need for corrective surgery. In the most severe cases, surgical errors can lead to death.
2. Diagnostic errors
Diagnostic mistakes include failing to diagnose a condition, providing an incorrect diagnosis or delaying the diagnosis altogether. These errors may result from flawed reasoning, incomplete data or failure to follow protocols. When doctors do not consult specialists or overlook symptoms, patients may receive improper or delayed treatment, often with serious consequences.
3. Medication errors
Mistakes involving medication can occur at any stage, from prescribing to administration. These errors might involve the wrong dosage, the wrong drug or dangerous interactions that should have been caught. Poor handwriting, overlooked allergies or failing to monitor a patient for side effects can all contribute. Medication errors may lead to prolonged hospital stays, serious harm or even death.
4. Wrong-patient errors
These errors occur when a patient receives treatment meant for someone else, often due to chart mix-ups or understaffing. Administering the wrong medication or performing the wrong procedure can leave the actual condition untreated and cause additional harm. These mistakes are preventable but can have devastating outcomes.
Hospital mistakes can cause long-lasting harm and emotional distress. Seeking legal guidance may help identify whether malpractice occurred and what options are available to pursue compensation.