An alarming number of patients in the United States die each year from medical mistakes, with the most recent statistics placing the numbers in excess of 200,000. Thousands more suffer serious, even catastrophic, injuries that can cause permanent, lasting harm. While not all poor outcomes are the result of medical negligence, the number of preventable medical mistakes is cause for concern.
What are the most common types of medical mistakes?
A significant number of medical mistakes occur as the result of communication failures. This can include a wide variety of issues such as the breakdown in communication during shift changes, the failure to adequate chart the care a patient receives, and ensure proper follow-up. Communication errors may also occur when doctors/nurses fail to communicate adequately with the patient – whether in asking the right questions or listening to concerns. Poor communication can lead to the failure to diagnose a condition, or a delay in diagnosis, which can lead to a poor outcome.
Other examples of mistakes or errors include prescription errors. This may be giving the wrong medication or prescribing the wrong dose. Errors may also include wrong site surgeries, or other surgical errors such as leaving surgical objects or instruments inside a patient’s body.
If you believe you have been harmed by a medical error or mistake, it is important to speak to a skilled medical malpractice attorney to begin an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding your potential claim.
For more information, or if you have questions or concerns about your recent medical care, please contact our experienced Los Angeles medical malpractice team at Bostwick & Peterson for an immediate consultation.
