Did you know medical malpractice is now considered the third leading cause of death in the United States, only beaten by heart disease and cancer? There are an average of 250,000 deaths each year. Thousands more are injured or disabled, usually in situations where this could have been preventable if your medical provider had observed the appropriate procedures. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of medical malpractice that we see as a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville.

Misdiagnosis

By far, the most common reason for someone to seek out a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville is a misdiagnosis of a severe illness. This includes not diagnosing it or giving the wrong diagnosis. Some of the commonly misdiagnosed conditions include heart attacks and cancer. When a doctor fails to diagnose a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, it can delay treatment leading to catastrophic injuries and even untimely death. Studies suggest over 100,000 Americans die or suffer permanent disability as a result of misdiagnosis.

Surgical Errors

Another common reason to file a lawsuit with the help of a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville is surgical error which happens around 4000 times each year. This is an umbrella term for several negligent situations during surgery. Some of the common mistakes we hear often include:

  • Surgical tools or sponges are left inside the patient
  • Surgery performed on the wrong side of the body, or the wrong organ
  • Surgery performed on the wrong patient
  • The incorrect procedures being performed on a patient

Failure to Treat

We already discussed the danger of misdiagnosis, but if your doctor reaches the correct diagnosis but fails to provide adequate treatment, you also have grounds for a lawsuit. You should contact a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville to discuss your case. Examples of this type of malpractice might include early discharge before the patient is well enough, a lack of follow-up care, or an unacceptable lack of care.

Birth Injuries

One of the most devastating types of medical malpractice is probably birth injury. As a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville, we see a significant number of cases filed against OBGYNs concerning medical errors during childbirth. A birth injury can affect the mother, but it affects the child more commonly. This can range from minor injuries to permanent disability. Some of the most common birth injuries include:

  • Shoulder dystocia
  • Nerve damage
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Fractures
  • Cephalohematoma

Errors With Prescription Medications

It is relatively common for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to make errors when prescribing medications. This can be administering the wrong dose, prescribing the wrong medication, mislabeling medication, or prescribing multiple medications that do not interact well together. According to the FDA, the most prevalent mistake is administering the incorrect dose of a medication, accounting for 41% of fatal medication errors. This is a common reason people consult a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville.

Anesthesia Mistakes

We have also seen many medical malpractice cases involving anesthesiologists. If a mistake is made with anesthesia, it can have catastrophic results. Too little, and the patient may wake up during surgical procedures. If too much is given, it can result in permanent injury, brain damage, and in some cases, death. Errors usually occur because the anesthesiologist has failed to review the patient’s medical history or does not adequately monitor vital signs during the procedure.

Bedsores

Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, occur when a bedridden patient is left in the same position for too long. These are more commonly seen in nursing home patients but are not unheard of in other medical facilities. These are clear signs of neglect or inadequate levels of care as staff should reposition patients approximately every 2 hours to avoid bedsores. If these are left untreated, they can become infected, resulting in more severe health issues.

Medical Product Liability

Another type of lawsuit that may involve a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville is a medical product liability case. This is when the injury is caused by a faulty or poorly designed medical device rather than a healthcare professional. Devices and products may include medical implants, joint replacement parts, stents, breast implants, IUDS, pacemakers, and dialysis filters.

These are just some errors that may be classed as medical malpractice. Any healthcare provider can be held liable for their negligence, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, etc. If you believe you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, it is best to contact a medical malpractice lawyer in Knoxville as soon as possible.

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BVB

Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice LawBirth Injury LawTrucking Accident LawPersonal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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