Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other medical provider is negligent, reckless, or otherwise fails in the duty of care owed to the patient. Doctors cannot guarantee results. However, they must take all reasonable steps to protect the patient and provide adequate care. If you believe your injury was the result of medical malpractice, discussing your claim with a Tennessee medical malpractice attorney can help you decide on a course of action to hold the doctor responsible for the malpractice. Consulting the right attorney makes a difference.
Doctors and medical providers must obtain informed consent before proceeding with any medical procedure. Even a “minor” procedure has risks. A doctor must explain all the risks associated with a procedure, the potential benefits of the procedure, and other alternatives. In addition, the doctor must communicate any other relevant information to the patient for the patient to provide informed consent for a procedure.
In some cases, a failure to diagnose a condition can lead to death or serious injury. Likewise, a delay in diagnosing a condition could put the patient’s life in jeopardy or result in a permanent impairment that would not have occurred had the physician rendered a timely diagnosis. Sooner is always better when it comes to making the correct diagnosis.
All medications have the potential for some side effects. If a doctor fails to warn a patient of the potential side effects, the doctor may have committed medical malpractice. A patient who is not informed of the side effects does not know to pay close attention for the appearance of side effects. Not informing the patient about their medications can be malpractice.
All members of the medical team must carefully document the patient’s condition, treatment, and medications. A patient can sustain serious injuries and life-threatening conditions from a communication error or lack of adequate communication among the medical team. Simply, poor communication can cause awful outcomes.
Prescription errors may involve prescribing the wrong medication or the incorrect dosage of a medication. However, it may also involve a doctor’s failure to review the patient’s medical history and current medications for allergies, drug interactions, or other complications.
Labor and delivery can become complicated and life-threatening for the mother and the infant without warning. The doctors and nursing staff must closely monitor the mother and the infant’s condition throughout the labor and delivery process. Common birthing errors that can result in serious harm or death. This includes failing to diagnose a mother’s health condition, failing to monitor the infant, medication errors, incorrect use of forceps, and failing to perform a timely C-section.
Mistakes and errors during surgery are common causes of medical malpractice. A doctor may operate on the wrong site or leave surgical instruments inside the patient. In some cases, a doctor may perform the wrong type of surgery. Also, anesthesia errors can occur that include failing to monitor the patient, failure to review the patient’s medical history, and medication errors.
Medical malpractice lawsuits can hold a doctor or other medical provider liable for errors and negligence that cause injury and death. If a medical provider injured you, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, losses, and damages. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law today. Our Tennessee medical malpractice attorney can assist you in filing a claim to hold the medical provider accountable for mistakes and wrongdoing.
Cummings Law Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Address: 4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN 37215
