Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions or negligence harm or injures a patient. In Augusta, GA, Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP is dedicated to advocating for victims of medical malpractice and seeking justice on their behalf. The following are eight common types of medical malpractice claims we handle at our law firm and the complexities of these legal cases.
1. Birth Injuries or Birth Trauma
Birth injuries can occur due to negligence during pregnancy, labor or delivery, leading to lifelong disabilities or developmental delays for the newborn. Common examples include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and fractures. Medical malpractice claims may arise from failures to monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery instruments, or delays in performing emergency interventions.
2. Failure to Diagnose
Failure to diagnose occurs when a healthcare provider fails to recognize or properly diagnose a medical condition, resulting in delayed treatment and worsened outcomes for the patient. Misdiagnosis or failure to order necessary tests can lead to serious complications and preventable harm.
3. Late Diagnosis
Similar to failure to diagnose, late diagnosis occurs when a medical condition is not identified in a timely manner, leading to delayed treatment and progression of the disease. Late diagnosis can significantly impact the patient’s prognosis and treatment options, potentially resulting in irreversible harm.
4. Surgical Errors
Surgical errors encompass a wide range of mistakes or negligence during surgical procedures, including wrong-site surgery, incorrect incisions, organ perforation and retained surgical instruments. Surgical errors can have devastating consequences for patients, leading to infections, complications and permanent injuries.
5. Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors involve mistakes in administering anesthesia before, during, or after surgery, leading to anesthesia awareness, overdose, or adverse reactions. Anesthesia errors can result in serious injuries, brain damage, or even death, highlighting the critical importance of proper anesthesia management.
6. Doctor Error
Doctor error refers to mistakes or negligence committed by healthcare providers, including physicians, specialists, and surgeons. Examples may include misinterpretation of test results, medication errors or failure to obtain informed consent. Doctor errors can have profound consequences for patients and may constitute grounds for medical malpractice claims.
7. Hospital Malpractice
Hospital malpractice encompasses negligence or errors committed by hospital staff, administrators or facilities. Examples include inadequate staffing, lack of proper supervision or failure to maintain sanitary conditions. Hospital malpractice can contribute to patient harm and may warrant legal action to hold responsible parties accountable.
8. Nursing Medication Error
Nursing medication errors occur when nurses administer incorrect medications, incorrect dosages, or medications to the wrong patient. Medication errors can result in adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions or medication toxicity, posing serious risks to patient safety.
Medical malpractice claims are complex and require a thorough understanding of healthcare standards, legal principles and the nuances of each case. At Plunkett, Hamilton, Manton & Graves, LLP in Augusta, GA, we have the experience and expertise to navigate these challenges and advocate for those who have suffered harm due to medical negligence. If you or a loved one has been affected by any of the common types of medical malpractice discussed above, contact us for a confidential and free legal consultation. We are here to help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.
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