Types of Medical Malpractice: Exploring Common Cases 

Patients from all walks of life have suffered the profound effects of negligent medical care. These errors and lapses in judgment can compromise lives, robbing individuals of their health. 

Determining why medical malpractice continues to occur is essential for addressing the underlying problems. There are numerous ways that doctors, surgeons, nurse practitioners, medical technicians, and hospital staff can harm their patients.  

At the law firm of Kogan & DiSalvo, we recognize the far-reaching impacts of negligent medical care, and fight diligently to recover the medical malpractice compensation that victims deserve. Our dedicated legal team advocates for patients who have suffered at the hands of those they trusted most, and is well-versed in cases arising from misdiagnosis, medication errors, and other forms of hospital negligence. 

Common Types of Medical Malpractice  

Missteps and blunders by healthcare providers often result in life-altering physical, emotional, and financial injuries. Here we explore the most common types of medical malpractice in South Florida. 

Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis 

Research indicates that strokes, heart attacks, cancers, and appendicitis are commonly misdiagnosed in healthcare settings. Improper lab work, faulty lines of communication, insufficient patient history, and gross incompetence are the root causes of diagnostic mistakes.  

A correct and timely diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. When a diagnosis of cancer is delayed for some weeks or months, this increases the risk of the disease spreading and reduces the likelihood of a successful treatment. 

Medication Errors 

As many as half a million Americans suffer the effects of medication errors every year. Medication mistakes often include errors in dosage, administering or prescribing the wrong medication, or giving a drug that interacts poorly with other medications being taken.  

Medication errors can be fatal — especially among young children and the elderly.  

The majority of medication errors stem from poor documentation of patient history, communication breakdowns, and systemic failures in tracking patient medications. Unfortunately, these tragic mistakes can also be traced to healthcare providers who are chronically overworked and exhausted. 

Surgical Errors 

Many acts of negligence can lead to preventable surgical errors. In terms of medical malpractice litigation, some of the most prevalent causes are inadequate preoperative planning, failing to follow medical protocols, lax communication, the influence of drugs or alcohol, and excessive fatigue.  

These grave mistakes take many forms, but may include:  

• Operating on the wrong body part 
• Leaving a surgical instrument inside the patient 
• Anesthesia errors during surgery  
• Performing the wrong procedure 

Birth Injuries 

When medical professionals breach the accepted standard of care before, during or just after the delivery of an infant, and this action causes harm to the baby, families may have grounds for filing a birth injury claim.  

A malpractice case may be warranted if the attending medical providers:  

• Failed to monitor fetal heart rate 
• Failed to perform a Cesarean section when medically necessary 
• Used forceps or other tools incorrectly 
• Mismanaged a difficult delivery through other acts of carelessness 

Hospital Negligence 

Typically, doctors, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, radiologists and surgeons are hospital employees. When these medical providers cause injury to a patient within the scope of their employment, the hospital may be named a defendant in a medical malpractice claim.  

A hospital or medical clinic may also be held accountable if they negligently hired a doctor or specialist without proper screening and background checks. 

Legal Help is Available 

Self-advocacy is important when seeking medical care in Florida hospitals, clinics, and urgent care settings. It’s crucial to ask questions about potential side effects or alternative procedures, voice your concerns and always follow your intuition.  

If you suspect that your healthcare provider’s actions or oversights caused your injuries and complications, you may have grounds for legal compensation. 

Don’t hesitate to call Kogan & DiSalvo for more information about the requisites for filing a medical malpractice claim in Florida. 

Explore Your Rights to Compensation 

A Florida medical malpractice attorney at Kogan & DiSalvo can help victims explore their legal rights and pursue the damages to which they are entitled. Our team applies extensive knowledge and experience to determine liable parties, preserve evidence, and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.  

For trusted legal guidance, we invite you to schedule a free case review in any of our South Florida office locations.